“When the High Council chooses a new king, with or without the help of the Star Council, I will expect all of you to stand with me,” Roland said. “We fight for Taliesin, the Raven Mistress,” He grinned at her. “She prefers that name and title, for now.”
“I suggest you become the next grand master, then,” Sir Gavin said. “If it helps, my own grand master insists it be you, a man he can trust. You have the support of the Knights of the Blue Star. I am next in line to be grand master of my order, and I would like to know I have a friend in that same position among the White Stags.”
“All in favor of Roland Brisbane becoming the next Grand Master of the White Stags raise their hands,” Sir Bedwyn called out. The White Stags and their squires lifted their hands, and a few among the Blue Star voted as well. “All against it, keep your mouths shut, because the majority rules.” The knights laughed and moved toward Roland, nodding at Taliesin before they congratulated the new grand master.
“If you need us, Grand Master Roland, we will be in the main keep,” Sir Gavin said. “Lord Ungus and Duke Elric have charged us with guarding the Ebony Throne.” He motioned for his knights to join him, and they left the chapel.
Taliesin reached for her cloak, slid it around her shoulders to hide Ringerike, and twisted her ring to remove her armor. She felt less powerful in her gown, but no longer as odd as she did in her dragon scales, and remained close to Roland as Tamal approached.
“Why are you here and not at Raven’s Nest?” Taliesin asked. “I was told you arrived at Penkill Castle with word the king was poisoned. The map showed you at Raven’s Nest with Wren and Rook; did they come with you?”
“We never left Tantalon Castle, Mistress Taliesin,” Tamal said, confused. “I don’t know who paid a call at Penkill Castle, but it wasn’t me.”
“I don’t understand; the witch Ismeina was certain it was you. You remained and spoke with Captain Rook, who then escorted you and our healer to the ancient oak tree, Mother. If it wasn’t you, Tamal, who was it? Roland?”
The big man gave a heavy sigh. “I sent a raven with a message to Rook, and it returned with a reply you were Sertorius’ prisoner,” he said. “I did not send a second message. If someone who looked like Tamal went to Penkill, then it was obviously one of Arundel’s henchmen in disguise.”
“Not only Tamal, but the Nova brothers were with him. Rook and Wren are in danger!” Taliesin caught Roland’s arm to keep from falling. Light-headed and sick to her stomach, she was grateful when he sat her on the front pew. “Arundel must have sent five imposters to Penkill Castle. I don’t know how they tricked Ismeina, but Wren and Rook went with them. They could already be dead. I need to be certain. I need to look at my map.”
She removed the scarf from the front of her dress and smoothed it onto her lap, where it turned into a board. She gazed at the map of the realm. Hawk was with Ismeina, Zarnoc, the orphans, and the rest of her clan at Penkill Castle. But Wren and Rook were not shown.
“Map, show me Rook and Wren. Do it now,” Taliesin ordered. The board turned into a scarf and rolled into a ball. “This is not good. The map isn’t working, Roland. It has to mean Arundel is interfering with my magic; I think he has been meddling since I destroyed Eagle’s Cliff. I need Zarnoc and I need him now.”
“Perhaps we should go to Penkill Castle, Sir Tamal,” Harmattan said. He was a stocky man, shorter than his brothers, and seldom smiled. Taliesin was surprised to learn Tamal had been knighted. “We can ride past Raven’s Nest and look for our friends. If Arundel has our doppelgängers there, we can kill them and join the Raven Clan. We’ll make certain Zarnoc returns here, Mistress.”
“I’d like nothing more than to kill a few Eagles,” Tamal said. “What do you want us to do, Grand Master? I feel it is my responsibility to find Rook and Wren since it was my doppelgänger who tricked them. We should also send word to my father; the Ghajar may be needed if Almaric is not crowned king.”
“I think it’s a good idea, Roland,” Taliesin said.
Roland sat beside Taliesin, while the knights and squires gathered closer. “They will not be able to ride through enemy lines,” he said. “Almaric has delayed coming here long enough for his reinforcements to arrive. I have no doubt Arundel is backing Almaric, and if he’s using magic to control the court, it will be dangerous for anyone to ride out of Tantalon Castle. It’s a long way to Raven’s Nest, and further still to Penkill Castle.”
“What word do you have from my sister?” Tamal asked. “I apologize for interrupting to ask, but I need to know if she is safe.”
“Jaelle was injured at Eagle’s Cliff, after Arundel’s magic guild took her and Zarnoc prisoner. I rescued both, sent Zarnoc to my clan, and took Jaelle to Talbot Abbey to find my mother. She agreed to stay there to recuperate,” Taliesin said, though it was not quite the whole truth. She left out the part about Jaelle being a darkling, that the Shan had turned his back on her, and that Taliesin had killed Nash. “Don’t look so worried, Sir Tamal. Jaelle is a guest of the abbey and will not become a nun. Sister Samantha is taking care of her. Your father knows about this, but I think the Ghajar need to be told what’s going on in Padama. If I can contact Zarnoc, no one needs to leave. He can talk to Shan Octavio and locate Wren and Rook.”
“Then do what you must,” Roland said.
Taliesin placed her hand on Ringerike, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath. She attempted to contact Zarnoc, but felt nothing. Her eyes fluttered open to see Harmattan in front of her.
“You cannot contact him, Raven Mistress,” he said. “A gypsy knows when dark magic is at work; the entire palace is cloaked with dark spells. If you want to get word to Zarnoc, we have to go to Penkill Castle to tell him in person.”
“As I said, it is dangerous, and you will be captured or killed,” Roland said. “The sewers will be watched, so there is no way out of this castle. But I have an idea. I am told you turned Captain Ramla into a dragon, Taliesin. You did so when you fought the sorcerer Karnok the Magnificent. Can you turn the Nova brothers into ravens? Harmattan can visit Raven’s Nest and Khamsin and Simoon can locate the Ghajar, while Sirocco pays a call at Penkill Castle. Can you do that?”
“Harmattan and Simoon are my squires,” Landrake said, in mild protest. His blond hair appeared golden in the candlelight. Roland gave him a stern look. “I give my permission, sir—you may send my squires on an errand. Bedwyn, you should also release Sirocco and Khamsin from their duties.”
“Done,” Bedwyn said. “But how will you send them from the castle?”
“By turning them into hawks, not ravens,” she said. “Landrake and Bedwyn, you will take your squires, once turned, into the courtyard and release them. I don’t think anyone will think twice if they see you with birds, but do try to be discreet.”
“What about me? I want to go with them,” Tamal said. “I will find my father. Send two brothers to Raven’s Nest, and two to Penkill Castle. No one needs accompany me to Thule, where my father was last seen. We will then meet at Penkill Castle and return with Zarnoc. Is this acceptable, Grand Master? Raven Mistress?”
“If Taliesin can turn you into hawks, then I agree with the plan,” Roland said. “Just be careful. Almaric’s archers will be on the lookout for winged messengers, so fly high and fast. When you meet at Penkill Castle, tell Zarnoc what you have learned, and if killing is to be done, then let the Black Wings handle it.”
Taliesin hesitated. “Tamal, I didn’t want to tell you, but Hawk, Rook, and Wren paid a visit to your father a few weeks ago. Hawk is a Wolfen, and it’s my fault. He bit your father and many of your people. Your father killed those infected, but he now wears one of Zarnoc’s enchanted necklaces so he can’t transform into wolf or beast. Nash was sent to find me, but he tried to kill me, and he’s…he’s dead.”
“You killed him?” Tamal asked.
“I created a flood in the Gorge of Galamus, and he drowned in the Snake River, along with a number of men,” she said. “Jaelle was with them
, but that’s not how she was injured. I rescued her, and Zarnoc joined us at Penkill Castle. I told them to go to Shan Octavio and tell him about Nash, but they never arrived. Arundel captured them, and when I went to find them, she was hurt.”
“How was she hurt?”
“She…she drowned. But she got better.”
“Drowned,” Tamal whispered. “Like Nash. Like she was meant to die when he did, but did not, because you saved her. There is much I have learned from Grand Master Roland, mistress. I am not angry; my brother Nash was always hateful and caused more harm than good in our tribe. It is my sister whom I love. You have said she is safe, and I believe you; that is enough for me. Now, turn me into a hawk, and let us carry your messages to our friends and families.”
“It’s all right,” Roland said, giving Taliesin a supportive smile. “Tamal has learned honesty and compassion are qualities to possess, not scorn. He earned his spurs faster than most squires, is extremely intelligent, and has proven himself to be worthy of the title.”
“Grand Master, I am honored to hear such high praise from you,” Tamal replied. “It has been an honor to serve you, and I shall continue to do so to the best of my abilities, and you as well, Raven Mistress.” He wore his hair short like most knights, and had acquired a drooping mustache that curled at the ends. The Nova brothers had no facial hair, but kept their hair long and in braids down their back, in Ghajaran fashion. One look at the Nova brothers, and it was easy to see they were gypsies, but Tamal had turned into a knight and looked the part.
“Thank you for understanding,” she said. “Be safe.”
“Consider the message already delivered,” he replied. “Nova brothers. It is time for us to assume wings. Let the youngest step forward; I know we want to see how he looks before we transform.”
“No complaints, little brother,” Sirocco ordered, laughing. “Khamsin is next, then Simoon, me, and our brave Sir Tamal.”
Harmattan nervously stumbled forward, as his brothers pushed him from behind. Tamal remained beside Roland, who had a twinkle of amusement in his dark eyes. Taliesin waved her hand over the young man as she imagined him as a hawk, hoping only a small amount of magic was needed, despite Arundel’s interference. To her relief, Harmattan instantly turned, flew upwards and landed on Landrake’s shoulder. She did the same to Tamal and the other three Nova brothers. Landrake left the chapel with three hawks, followed by Bedwyn who carried a hawk on each shoulder. Roland stood and reached for Taliesin’s hand, while the rest of the knights and squires walked outside and waited in the corridor.
“I will escort you to your room now. Almaric won’t arrive until morning—that much is certain—and you need a good night’s sleep,” Roland said, and led her into the corridor. “Men, will you accompany us to the north wing, where I am told Taliesin has a room reserved? Duke Hercule has assigned Fregian soldiers to stand guard as well. One of you locate a Fregian officer; each end of the corridor should be secured, and two knights posted outside her door. I will make sure no one comes through the window.” He had a smile on his face as he tucked her hand under his arm and led her from the chapel. His statement meant he planned to stay the night with her.
Roland led the group up a flight of stairs. The night sky was visible outside the windows. Taliesin disliked the eerie quiet in the castle and noticed the royal guards were less numerous than she would have liked. She felt safe with Roland and the White Stags but worried about Tamal and the Nova brothers. She had not seen them leave the castle, and had to depend on Bedwyn and Landrake for reports, but they would not know if the hawks met with trouble outside the castle walls. Nor did she think the Deceiver’s Map would offer information. More than a little frustrated, and unable to suppress a yawn, she gripped Roland’s arm tighter when Duke Andre, accompanied by five men from Thule, swept around a corner and came to an abrupt halt. The young duke’s hair was in disarray, his doublet hung open, and his white shirt was damp with perspiration.
“What is going on? You should already be in your room, Princess Rosamond,” Andre said, and gave Roland a stern look. “Lord Ungus has ordered everyone into their rooms, doors locked, as of ten minutes ago. I have spent the last hour questioning witnesses and trying to gather information about the king’s murder. Too many people hated the king, and most blame him for the civil war; it is impossible for me to make heads or tails out of what happened. The servants are sympathetic, but the nobles refuse to talk to me, and that includes Lord Arundel.”
“Was my mother with him?”
“I cannot say, Princess Rosamond. And if I did know, I still would not say, because the very idea revolts me.”
“Be at ease, Andre, I am taking the princess to her room now,” Roland said. “I wanted her to meet the knights of my order and those of the Blue Star. I think it’s obvious why no one wants to talk to you; we know Arundel is behind the king’s murder. If you want a confession from loose lips, perhaps you should visit the royal physician, Dr. Flitwick. He would know what type of poison was used, though I can already tell you it leaves no trace and acts swiftly. Go see Flitwick, Andre.”
“You seem to know a lot about poison,” the duke said.
“Snake venom, in particular a desert cobra, acts in that manner. There are also several toxic flowers that grow in Scrydon. Wren would know exactly what was used, but she is not here,” Taliesin said. A push from Ringerike dragged her from Roland’s side and propelled her forward, and the men hurried after her. “I think my sword may be able to help you, but do try to keep up! He wants to show us something.”
“He? Your sword is a he?” Duke Andre called out.
The sword pushed her toward a door that Taliesin was quick to open, and she stumbled into a small library, lit by candles. Logs burned in the fireplace, and a glass of wine, half-empty, sat on a table. Roland, Duke Andre, and two knights entered the library behind her, and watched as she came to a halt. The duke ran to the table, cluttered with documents, and nervously gathered the items.
“I was in here reading,” Duke Andre said.
Taliesin waved Andre silent and continued to scrutinize the room. She sensed not a trace of dark magic and relied on the sword for direction. The sword pushed her toward a tapestry and wiggled in its scabbard. She let the cloak drop from her shoulders, drew the sword, and pointed it toward the tapestry. Ringerike emitted a blue light, and with a sudden shudder, the tapestry turned into a young man with a pimpled complexion. The front of his pants were damp, and he reeked of urine.
“Don’t kill me,” the young man whimpered.
“Who are you?” Taliesin asked. The sword wanted to stab him and quivered in her hand. “Ringerike seems to think you are a spy. Do you know this man, my Lord? My sword is eager to make his acquaintance. Whatever you were reading, this man has certainly read it as well.”
“He is Arundel’s scribe,” Duke Andre said, aghast. “He should not be in this room. That is my glass of wine, and these documents are meant for my eyes only. Take this Eagle spy into custody, Sir Jordan, and send Royal Guards to bring Lord Arundel here for questioning. If he refuses, arrest him.”
Roland gave a nod to Sir Jordan, a White Stag in his twenties, who grabbed the scribe by the arm. A second knight drew his sword and pointed it at the terrified man. The scribe whimpered when Roland lifted the wine glass, took a sniff, and set it down.
“I would not drink from this glass,” Roland said. “It is likely laced with the same poison that killed the king. Have the court physician examine the contents, Duke Andre. Now, what are we going to do with this little worm?”
“I didn’t do anything,” the scribe sobbed. “I only came here looking for a book to read, that’s all, and I swear it on my life.”
Five more knights entered the room and took charge of the Eagle. They forced the pimpled young man to his knees, tied his hands behind his back, and dragged him to a chair. Sir Jordan stood nearby to offer assistance, and his eyes flickered to Roland as he waited for an order to be given.
“I’ll question this scribe, but I dare not arrest him,” Duke Andre said. “I will keep Sir Jordan, if you do not mind. Best you leave, Sir Roland, before Arundel arrives. I suggest you take the princess directly to her room and stand guard within her chamber, for there are many secret passages in this castle; if Arundel is involved in this intrigue, his next target may very well be Princess Rosamond.”
“It might have been you, Andre, if you had returned to finish your wine,” Roland said, a muscle twitching in his jaw. He was furious when he drew the young duke aside to speak to him in private. Taliesin joined them. “I have an idea that may help you in your investigation, my Lord. If, and when, Prince Almaric arrives, ask to see Doomsayer, which he now possesses, then send for Princess Rosamond. The Fregian ancestral sword will allow her to speak to King Frederick’s ghost, whereby the king can tell us who killed him, if he knows.”
Duke Andre turned ashen. “Then it is true what they say about the Volgan family sword. If I had the power, I would return it to Hercule, for it is his family’s sword and does not belong to Almaric,” he said. “I will keep this in mind, Roland, but I don’t want to think we are desperate enough to involve magical swords, although it’s a shame Ringerike can’t tell us what this scribe was doing. But in any case, it’s time for you both to leave. Now, go. Please.”
Roland nodded and led Taliesin from the room. Ten more knights and two squires from Thule arrived in the corridor, and twenty Fregian soldiers rushed down the hallway, their armor clanking, and gathered outside the door. Taliesin slipped her arm through Roland’s, not expecting the Fregian detachment to join them, but they fell into step behind the couple. They arrived at another staircase at the end of the corridor, narrower than the last, and took it to the north section of the castle.
Queen of Magic Page 17
