The Nature of a Curse (Volume 2 of the Year of the Red Door)

by William Timothy Murray

  "But we are determined to go, my lord," Ashlord said. "We hope only to pass the night and then be on our way."

  "Your way is as confused as ever, Collandoth, Watcher," said the red-bearded one, stepping up with a smirk. "What do you watch for that none else may see? Do the stars not shine upon us all? Be there messages upon the wind and water that none but you may read? You skulk from realm to realm, from court to court, seeking new signs in ancient scribbles. Yet, ever is your effort futile. I am surprised at the gullibility of your comrades. At least the Kingsman should know what folly it is to heed one such as you. A mystic! A dreamer of days long past, and of kingdoms fallen into dust. Tell me," he said, now addressing the group, "has he told you of his lost empire? Has Collandoth the Mighty promised you riches and glory, wealth and honor beyond imagining, as soon as he is returned to his imaginary magic throne?"

  While he spoke, the red-bearded one stepped down from the dais and walked among the group, nearly snickering at his own words.

  "Lord Tallin," Ashlord said. "Hear my words." At this, Ashlord snapped his fingers in the red-bearded one's face who then stumbled back, blinking and rubbing his eyes. "Poison has ever been the specialty of Toolant the Red! Beware who you keep in company during these days of doom, and those entrusted with your secrets! There are greater powers at work in the world than even Duinnor may imagine. In times such as these, you deserve the workings of a more subtle mind than this one will ever possess, though his words be sweet and welcome, like honey. Do you know the last House he served and what became of them? What of those he served before that?"

  Tallin managed a wry smile, but said nothing as he glanced at Toolant, whose face was now nearly as red as his hair.

  "Do you call me traitor before my own lord?"

  "Now, now!" Tallin said, holding up his hands before Ashlord could answer. Turning to Ashlord, he said softly, "My advisors are of my own choosing. Do not impugn them before me! I know the unfortunate circumstances that befell the Ruling Prince of Tracia before Toolant came here. And I hold him blameless. I also know," he said to Toolant, "that your words to Collandoth are unjust, ill-chosen, and grossly misinformed. He and his company are guests in my Hall, and I will not have them challenged or insulted while they are here."

  "Yes, Lord," Toolant said, bowing. "I beg your forgiveness. Perhaps I should now attend to our other matters?"

  "Yes. Indeed, do so. And I will see you in a fortnight."

  He watched Toolant leave. When they heard the side door slam angrily, Tallin heaved a sigh that seemed uncharacteristic to his stiff demeanor. Dargul faced the group and put his finger to his lips, as if listening. For a few moments, they stood silent. Bekund, the Captain of the Hall, entered.

  "Toolant has departed, my lord," he reported smartly.

  Dargul nodded, then, as Bekund retired, he turned to Ashlord.

  "Well do we know that Toolant is a spy. He weaseled his way into our court some years ago, and, in order to use him to spread false news to our enemies, we play along."

  "We allow the appearance that he has displaced Dargul, here, as my chief counselor," said Lord Tallin. "As I alone hold rein over the armed forces of Tallinvale, and as I still privately confide all with Dargul, Toolant does little damage and we do much. He has been useful, for he moves between our lines and the Redvest lines without challenge. He has unwittingly carried word to my agents in the southeast and to those amongst the Damar in the mountains, and he has unknowingly brought word back from them. As well, we have used him on several occasions to mask our true weakness at arms, for we can field far fewer armed men than the enemy thinks."

  "A risky course, Lord Tallin," Robby said. "If they decide to come, they will do so with overwhelming force, thinking their adversary mightier than it is." He realized immediately that he had spoken out of turn, that Ashlord was to be their spokesman. But the words were out of his mouth before he could stop them. And Robby did not notice Ashlord's subtle smile.

  "True," said Tallin, squinting in appreciation of Robby's quick assessment of the problem. "Then our walls will be our only defense, if we can gather into them quickly enough. But we seek, as we have done so far, to avoid bloodshed."

  "Let us just hope our ruse holds," Dargul said. "Perhaps they will not turn their armies this way."

  "Why are you telling us this?" Ashlord said. "How do you know you can trust us any more than Toolant?"

  "Because I know the reason you have come here. That is, I know who it is that you shall meet," said Tallin. "Toolant must never find out lest all of the enemy is poured out against you."

  "It was a surprise and shock to us when Tyrillick came before us, in secret, and told us of his master's desire to meet young Robby," Dargul said.

  "We still do not know who that is," Robby said.

  "You know enough to keep you until this evening," Tallin said. "And by then Toolant will be far away to the west, carrying our latest wishes of goodwill to the Damar. I do not know what business you have with our coming guest, but I could not refuse the liaison, and I would not even if I could. And I am deeply disturbed by this turn. I believe you, Collandoth, when you say that these are days of doom. I do not trust in hope, and I have not these many long years. But if you have any word that may bring encouragement, I beseech it of you."

  "I have none, Lord. Yet there is ever hope. If you haven't any, perhaps you may look to that of others, for none may weaken it by the sharing."

  "I see. Then I wish to speak privately with the Kingsman and with my other grandson, Robby Ribbon. Windard, will you see to the others?"

  "Yes, my lord."

  None of the group had noticed Windard's entrance, but there he stood behind them, and he motioned for them to follow. He ushered the others out, with Ullin and Robby remaining, and Robby caught a look of warning from Ashlord as he turned away.

  "This way, if you please," Dargul said, motioning Robby and Ullin to follow Lord Tallin. They were led through a side doorway, followed by Dargul, along a narrow hall, and then up a winding staircase to a broad landing. Tallin opened a door and motioned them into a small room, no larger than a closet, lit by small elegant oil lamps overhead. It was a snug fit for the four of them, then Dargul closed the door and pulled on a gold braided cord that dropped through a hole in the ceiling. The floor shook slightly, and to Robby's amazement the walls, including the door they had just stepped through, began to slide away downward. Somewhere below was the sound of gurgling of water. The platform on which they stood, more like a cage, literally floated upwards inside a shaft within one of the great spires of Tallin Hall. Tallin stood beside Dargul, arms crossed, and said not a word. Ullin, seeing Robby's surprise, could not help smiling, and chuckled silently to himself. The noise stopped, as did the cage, and Dargul opened a door for them. They stepped out into a short hallway and then through another door into a spacious room very much like a large parlor. It was lined with shelves of books, tables with charts and instruments of mapping, stands with swords, and from its ceilings hung marvelous tapestries. Here and there on the walls, in spaces between the shelves, were framed canvas paintings. Some of these were of landscapes, one depicted ships of the sea, sails billowing, and several were portraits. Robby saw one of a little girl that very much resembled his mother. There was a fireplace and several nearby chairs, and, on the adjoining wall were glass-paned doors, outside of which was a balcony. The doors were open wide, and Robby saw the blue ridges of the Thunder Mountains.

  "Please sit," Tallin said, gesturing at two wing-back chairs upholstered in dark blue paisley linen. "Dargul will you pour for us?"

  When all had glasses of pale wine in their hands, Tallin sat, too.

  "Ullin, do you still ride the King's Post? It appears you are now involved with the Barleyfolk and their troubles."

  "I am commissioned to carry special dispatches from Duinnor and Vanara to Glareth and back. Collandoth is my liaison in the Eastlands. However, I was asked by the mayor of Passdale to help train a militia there. I had c
ompleted my deliveries, so I agreed to assist them."

  "Yes. I see. We heard there was a new militia in County Barley. How did they fare against the invaders?"

  "Barleyfolk, for all their quiet ways, are natural fighters when they are put to it, Lord. They fought for their homes with honor and spirit, though hopelessly outnumbered and outclassed by the disciplined Redvests. The fight was brief but decisive, and Tracia holds all of Barley, including the fortress of Tulith Attis and the remains of the bridge in Passdale, which we set afire to hinder them. Many escaped to Janhaven. Our forces hold the roads and passes to Janhaven, and the Redvests have been denied that place. So far."

  "That agrees with what has been reported to me. Furaman's stockade would be a plum worth picking, if the Redvests could manage it. But I have had other reports, too, of strange goings on at the fortress, where Collandoth had taken up. And then there's the Bell."

  "Did you hear it, sir?" Robby asked cautiously.

  "As I sat in this chair, it shook this tower and every wall and every stone of this hall," Tallin said. "Three times it tolled, each toll mightier than the last. See that portrait over there, on the floor, leaning against the wall?"

  It was a large portrait of a robed Elifaen standing behind a table spread with scrolls and drawings. In one hand he held a divider and the other rested upon the table, holding down a large sheet that was spread out among inkwells, straight edges, other compasses and dividers. The other curled end of the sheet was held down by a sword.

  "It is a portrait of Heneil. It still rests where it fell from its hook on the wall above, brought down by the third mighty toll. Do you know the story of Tulith Attis?"

  "Somewhat."

  Tallin eyed Robby closely, but Robby said no more, unwilling to let the wine loosen his tongue.

  "I see you wear the ring of the Queen and Lady of Vanara," Tallin abruptly turned to Ullin. "Is she now in Glareth?"

  "Yes, Lord. It was my honor to prepare the way for her," Ullin stated simply.

  Tallin nodded.

  "And you now act as guide for this journey westward?"

  "Yes."

  "How do you mean to go from here?"

  "We have not decided on a path as yet. Either back through Hill Town or else straight on west through the territories of the Damar."

  Tallin rose and walked onto the balcony. Ullin and Robby immediately stood, too. They watched Tallin gaze out from the balcony for a moment, the wind tossing his light hair and tugging his caped cloak.

  "My words were true," he said. "You cannot obtain help from the west."

  "Yet we are determined to try," Robby said. Tallin turned and looked at Robby.

  "I know something of the determination of Barleymen," he said, and Robby saw the painful turn of a smile on his lips. "And if you take after your father, beware the man who tries to stop you! He may lose more than he bargained for."

  "Sir. I do take after my father, but equally after my mother, in what ways a man might. I mean to do what I can for my people, even if the obstacles are many and great. If there is help to be brought back from the west, I shall do so. If there is none ready, I shall try to build some. If I come back, I will not be alone."

  "Hm. And do you stand by your cousin?" Tallin asked Ullin.

  "In all that he says, with my heart and with my sword," returned Ullin.

  "Yet your sword and your allegiance belong to another."

  "I believe they serve one and the same. And, anyway, the hand that wields the sword and the heart that holds faith are both my own."

  "I see."

  Tallin's expression softened as a deep weariness passed over his demeanor. Some of the haughtiness left his stance.

  "I believe what you say, young Robby. When your father came to me for Mirabella's hand, I tested him severely. And I was made the fool! I will not be the fool again and test you likewise, yet I perceive that if you fail, much more may be lost than one man's daughter. Look yonder! Thereby is your path westward, between yon two mountains. The way takes you through Damar lands, but it is not so often patrolled. Dargul here will give you a pass to travel in case you are stopped. We cannot vouch for the safety it might bring. Lang Cartu is the current warlord holding sway over the Damar, but he is capricious and prone to bribery. So you must be wary. Some of the Damar are undisciplined, no more than mercenaries, and they often disobey their masters. Others are professional and well-trained, zealous in their loyalty to Cartu. Avoid crossing them if you encounter them. But if you must, show no mercy and hide the bodies. Once you make it through the passes, and cross the bridge at Redwater Gorge, you can turn northwest through the last of the mountains and then be out of Damar territories once you cross the Missenflo River."

  "We have not decided a route," Robby said. "But we will consider that one. We may go back the way of Hill Town, if the west road from there seems better to us."

  "So be it. Whichever way you deem best. I would like to ask that you carry a letter to the King. It is already prepared," Tallin said as Dargul got up and retrieved a packet from the desk. The letter was not yet folded and Dargul held it out for Robby to see. "This is asking much of you, and so you should know its contents."

  "I would be happy to carry it," Robby said.

  Tallin looked hard at Robby. Dargul glanced at Tallin as Robby read the letter, but Robby's expression did not change when he handed it to Ullin to read. The letter put forth the situation in the Eastlands most frankly, giving estimates of the Redvest forces, the areas it had invaded and captured, and assessments of the movements of its armies. Tallin pleaded with Duinnor for assistance and promised dire consequences if an army was not raised and put into position by springtime to face the enemy.

  "I'm not sure you realize, young sir," said Dargul, "that if you are caught with this letter, by the Damar or others, it would be your death warrant."

  "I do understand," Robby replied. "If we are captured or if capture is threatened, it will be destroyed. I will carry your news with me and will impart your message myself if no better courier can be found."

  "Pardon me for saying so," Tallin said with a slight smile, "but I do not think you have the credentials to beg an audience with the King himself."

  "I assure you, sir," Robby stated, "that, if I enter Duinnor, the King will not only hear your cry, but will heed your words. You may presume that, should I reach Duinnor, the King has received your message."

  "You speak as if you held the authority to..."

  He stopped, his amused smile completely vanished, and his eyes narrowed. Then he looked at Ullin who gave a slow silent nod.

  "I sense that you go west with another burden, or secret, that is of far greater urgency than my letter could ever have," Tallin said slowly, speaking carefully. "And I believe I now am gaining an inkling of what is truly afoot."

  Tallin turned away and went slowly back to the balcony doorway and gazed to the northwest. When he spoke, he did not turn around.

  "You hide your true reasons for going west, Robby Ribbon. You have spoken little of other events, and you have not offered your version of the night the Great Bell of Tulith Attis rang. Your companion, the Kingsman, wears upon his finger the ring of the Lady of Vanara. And you yourself have a token of the most ancient days wrapped about your waist. You were born in secret of me and raised apart from this house, one long watched by Duinnor. And by others, I am sure. And tonight you are to meet with one whose name I dare not even breathe, for fear of upsetting the world."

  Now he turned around to face them. A breeze puffed in behind him, pushing his long cape around him, and his face was dark against the bright blue sky behind him. In the contrast, Robby could see no expression, but he felt his grandfather's eyes upon him.

  "These things are not without meaning to me. Indeed, my fear only grows with the realizing of them. Do not think because I am an old man, removed from what little family he has left, and do not travel from this valley, that I do not have it in my power to know the happenings of the world. Long
have I puzzled over them, just as I have gathered ancient books and writings to chew upon, compelled by the sense that the fate of my House is tangled deep within the strands of too many powers, like so many strands of a net. Dreams, strange and without interpretation, have come to me these last years. Signs, I am told, are being seen in the world, in the heavens, and upon the waters of the sea."

  Tallin spoke slowly, deliberately, almost as if speaking to himself.

  "Yet only now, only at this very moment, as I stand here, do I put together the puzzle of the years," he said. "Of unspoken words, unfulfilled promise, and unseen actions. Of unnamed children."

  Robby's heart thudded at this last statement.

  "Yes," Tallin went on, "the evidence is all around for those with eyes, if we only look. Even though many pieces may be hidden from me, there is enough for me to see what form the days to come will take. The Hidden One will soon come to power. This age will end, and soon the world will be broken and remade. If these times are upon us, and the prophecies of our forebears are come into life at last, then dark days indeed are upon us. Yes. I see," he nodded, bowing his head. "I see what my children knew, and what my sons carried with them to the next world. My house of Men is thrown down, and there is arisen from it, as the fabled bird from ashes, a new House, to be blessed among both Men and Elifaen. For the blood of your mother and your mother's mother is true within you. Yes," he sighed, still nodding his head. "I know my way, now, and the way of my people. No help will come. And these walls will not stand if weakened by my continued doubt and indecision. Too long have I renounced any action in the world beyond this valley. But if I cannot put off the ending of this age, I may at least shape the making of the next. If only I may bring myself to do it, and lead my people into doom."