Enchanter (40 page)

Belial surmised. "He is weak on his north-eastern front, and hopes we'll keep the Skraelings back in the WildDog Plains."

Axis grimaced. "As do I, my friend. As do I. Daily those wraiths increase their nibbles at our patrols." The "fear that the Skraelings might cut off HoldHard Pass and his supply routes south gave Axis nightmares.

Forcing the problem of the WildDog Plains from his mind, Axis turned to Magariz. "You know Borneheld better than any of us. What do you think?"

"That he is doing the sensible thing," Magariz said without hesitation. "I would do the same in his position. Neither of you can afford to fight on two fronts, Axis. Better that we effect a truce this winter than fight each other and let Gorgrael slip south through our ranks."

"I had wanted to move south this winter," Axis muttered, though he had always known a move south into Achar before next spring would be all but impossible. "And I do not want to speak to Borneheld without having the opportunity of running him through with my sword." He glanced at the snow eagle on the windowsill. How long would he have to wait? How long? The days were turning and fading, and the GateKeeper was counting.

Axis strode to the window and stared out. A thin layer of grey clouds skimmed across Sigholt despite the Lake of Life's warmth. Axis chewed his lip, thinking, thankful that none in the map-room could see his worried face. Could he avoid a lengthy and damaging civil war by defeating Borneheld in single combat when he met him at the Nordra? But Axis could not challenge Borneheld without Faraday present. Borneheld could not die without Faraday there as witness.

"Arne? Did Nevelon say anything about Faraday? Do you know if she is still in Jervois Landing?"

There was a stunned silence in the room and Azhure turned away, her eyes downcast. Did Faraday fill his thoughts? When they lay curled together at night, edging towards sleep, did he imagine that it was Faraday his arms encircled?

When he caressed her, did his hands feel another woman's body?

Her baby, Caelum, shifted in sympathy as he caught some of his mother's misery.

Arne frowned. "Nevelon said nothing, but she is Queen, my Lord Axis. She would hardly be in Jervois Landing."

"Yes, you are right. Well, never mind." Axis looked at Far-Sight, Belial and Magariz. "So, my friends. Borneheld wants to meet with us at the border of the Urqhart Hills and the Nordra, a halfway point between Sigholt and Jervois Landing. Should we go? Should we parley? Should-I smell a trap?"

Magariz shrugged. "We have the advantage, Axis, with the Strike Force. We will be able to scout for a trap long before he could spring it. And we also have the advantage of
approaching through the hills. He must approach through flat plains. What trap could he spring?"

"While Borneheld engages Axis in parley far south of Sigholt, Magariz, a force from Jervois Landing could swing north and attack the Keep." Azhure's voice was flat, and MorningStar eyed her speculatively. She still deeply distrusted Azhure — what better disguise could WolfStar adopt than one who would ensnare every male SunSoar Enchanter within lusting distance?

Axis ignored Azhure s tone. "No. I don't think Borneheld would be able to get a large force close to Sigholt. There are so many Skraelings packed into the ruins of Hsingard now that any force riding by would be eaten before they had time to spur their horses into a gallop. All other approaches to Sigholt through the Urqhart Hills are commanded by my men, and patrolled by both air and ground forces. Sigholt will remain safe for the time being, I think. No," he said slowly, "I think I will attend this little parley my brother asks for. As he undoubtedly wants to survey my forces, so I wish to survey his."

He smiled suddenly, illuminating the entire room. "Somehow, my friends, do not think that Borneheld's commanders will stand as strong behind his back as I know mine will behind me. Azhure?"

She looked up. "Yes?"

"I will leave you in charge of Sigholt and the main part of my army. I —" He halted at the flare of anger across her face.

"Axis! I do not want to stay here!" Azhure began, but then stopped equally abruptly. Her pregnancy was too far advanced for her to ride south...and she knew if she protested against Axis' orders he would reprimand her without hesitation and as severely as any other commander who dared argue with him —

even if he did share his bed with this one. Anyway, Azhure thought bitterly, all he can think about is Faraday.

"Yes, my Lord Axis," she replied very formally. "As you wish." She relaxed slightly. "But I will cede you my pack of Alaunt for the venture. Take them...please."

Axis smiled. "I will take four couples, Azhure. The others I will leave for your own company."

Azhure felt the gossamer touch of his power. And to keep you and our son safe and warm at night, Azhure, while I am away.

"Magariz, Belial," Axis' tone was now brisk as he spoke to his two most senior commanders. "We need to discuss who we will take with us, which route to take and, most important, what terms we will demand. Perhaps we can yet twist this to our advantage.

"MorningStar, StarDrifter? You may be interested to know," he said off-handedly, "that my messengers have come back from Smyrton. Their report has confirmed what I already knew. Do you understand?"

Both MorningStar and StarDrifter knew exactly to what Axis referred. Axis had sent to Smyrton for confirmation that Azhure had indeed been born and spent her childhood in the northern Skarabost village.

StarDrifter smiled at his son, relieved, but MorningStar's expression did not change, and Axis knew that the news had done nothing to ease her suspicions.

If I come home from meeting with Borneheld and find Azhure dead at the foot ofSigholt's main staircase, MorningStar, I swear that you, too, will die.

MorningStar's face blanched. No-one threatened her like that! But Axis held her eyes with his, and kept her wrapped in his power, and eventually MorningStar was forced to concede with a curt nod.

Axis looked at Sicarius, sitting attentively at Azhure s side. Make sure that no harm comes to her while I am gone. Sicarius whined, and shifted slightly. Azhure looked about the room, bemused. Why was Axis interested in Smyrton?

Carlon and BeyondFaraday opened her eyes to the

early morning light. Since Borneheld had returned to Jervois Landing she had recovered much of her zest for life. "Pleasant dreams, dear one?"

Faraday rolled over and smiled atYr, sitting scrubbed and dressed for the day on the silken edge of the Queen's mammoth bed. "I dreamed of Axis, Yr. I dreamed he was here with me...loving me."

Yr pretended genteel distaste. "Does the Queen dream of a lover?"

"Every night, Yr, every night." Faraday propped herself up on an elbow.

"Does he lie in his bed and dream of me? Does he hunger for me as much as I for him?"

She laughed shortly and sat up, trying to dismiss Axis from her mind. "So tell me, Principal Maid, what duties do I have to look forward to today?"

Faraday's life as Queen was not one of idle indolence. Most days she had to receive guests, flatter diplomats, listen to endless trade missions, attend lengthy and stupefyingly boring ceremonies celebrating obscure alliances and treaties, and listen to either Jayme or Moryson as they detailed their future plans for the Seneschal and the Way of the Plough. The last she hated especially, and she would sit, her face expressionless and her eyes veiled, thinking of the Mother and of the beauty and serenity of the Sacred Grove. Occasionally she amused herself by wondering what Jayme would look like with a pair of antlers sprouting from his forehead.

And Faraday had to sit through all these onerous duties and obligations swathed in jewel-encrusted gowns, scarves, bracelets, crowns, necklets and shoes that together weighed as much as she did and that made sweat trickle down her back. Yr grinned. She knew how much Faraday hated her duties, and yet she also knew that Faraday carried them out scrupulously. As Queen, Faraday had a job to do, and regardless of what eventually happened, she was determined to serve the people of Achar properly. The entire part of northern Achar might be a battle zone, but here in Carlon ritual and tradition went on as if nothing had changed.

"You have a remarkably free morning, my sweet. The Ambassador for the Barrow Islands has come down with stomach cramps and cannot leave his privy closet. He sends his apologies. At least that is what I think he mumbled through the door."

Faraday laughed, and inched her way towards the far sideof the bed.

"The Baroness of Tarantaise, Fleurian, has a pimple on her chin and is so embarrassed she has declined your kind invitation to share breakfast. Finally, to conclude this list of woes, the Master of the Butcher's Guild, who had an appointment to meet with you in the hour before lunch, last night sliced off his thumb into the lamb chop casserole he was preparing for his wife's dinner." Yr grinned. "The apprentice who brought me his Master's apologies assured me the casserole was served regardless."

Faraday could not believe it. Ever since she had becomeQueen it felt as if each moment of each day was accountedfor. Now, finally, she had a free morning.

"What would your majesty like to do with her sparehours? Read? Sleep?

Chew sweetmeats? Have one of the
lesser nobles demonstrate that the touch of a man's hand can be a wondrous thing?"

"Do not even jest about it. You know I hate sweetmeats." Yr laughed delightedly. Faraday had not joked in months. "The morning is yours, pretty woman. Use it as you wish."

"Yr," Faraday said. "I think I feel stomach cramps approaching. I think it would be best if you told the court that I am indisposed this morning and will not make an appearance before lunch." Her face darkened. "And tell Timozel as well."

When Borneheld had told Timozel that, as Faraday's Champion, he must remain in Carlon with her, Timozel had lost his temper and shouted at Borneheld.

"I care not what your visions show you!" Borneheld's eyes were bright with anger. "Your place is with Faraday."

Despite his obvious frustration at being left in Carlon, Timozel had taken note of Borneheld's orders and guarded Faraday every waking moment. In fact, it was as much as she could do to keep him from standing guard by her pillow as she slept. Faraday knew Borneheld had left orders that her every movement was to be watched and reported on. No doubt he had his own fears about the ambitious intentions of some of the more handsome courtiers. Whatever his motive, Borneheld's orders or the twisted devotion of his Championship, Timozel's dark and brooding presence shadowed her shoulder virtually every hour of the day. "The Sacred Grove?" Yr whispered. "Yes," Faraday said. "The Sacred Grove. I need to be renewed, infused once more with peace and joy."

The emerald light bathed her and power pulsed through her body. Faraday tipped her head back and shook her long hair loose, skipping through the light towards the Sacred Grove. It had been months, many months, since she had managed to find her way here, and she had forgotten how good it felt to
let the power flood through her, let the love and the peace and the serenity wash away her doubts and fears. The light changed about her, resolving into shapes and shadows, and she stepped onto the grassy paths that led to the Sacred Grove.

The trees formed about her and above her head the stars whirled in their god-driven interstellar dance. Faraday never wanted to leave this place. Exultation filled her.

She stepped into the Sacred Grove. Whispers of wind cradled her body as she walked. Shapes shifted and slipped through the deep shadows behind the trees. She felt no fear at the power of the Grove or the eyes that watched her from the shadows. They did not mean harm, but only wished her strength so that she could find harmony in her troubled life.

Five Sacred Horned Ones stepped forth. The silver pelt who had greeted Faraday on her previous journeys to the Sacred Grove rested his hands gently on her shoulders, and he leaned his stag's head forward to nuzzle her cheek lovingly.

"Faraday, Tree Friend. We have been so worried. We have seen the pain you suffer, and we suffer with you."

Emotion almost overwhelmed Faraday. Simply to know that someone besides Yr watched over her filled her with comfort. "Thank you," she said, and stepped forward to greet the other Horned Ones.

She turned back to the silver pelt. "Have you seen Axis in your visions, Sacred One?"

The silver pelt threw back his head and shook his antlers slightly, his stance noticeably stiffening. Faraday was afraid she had offended him. The other four Horned Ones muttered quickly, then fell silent.

"I have seen him only as he has touched the Avarinheim," the Horned One said eventually, "for I have not sought him out deliberately."

"He is well?" Faraday asked.

"He is well," the Horned One confirmed. "He celebrated Beltide in the Earth Tree Grove with the Icarii and the Avar."

He hesitated. "He has come into his powers as an Icarii Enchanter, Tree Friend. He asked the Avar to pledge to his cause, as the Icarii already have, but the Avar refused him." "Oh!" Faraday cried, her eyes wide with shock. "They wait for you," the Horned One said softly. "They will not move without you, Faraday Tree Friend. You will be the only one who can lead them to Axis SunSoar's cause. If you wish to."

What a silly thing to say, Faraday thought, of course she wished to lead the Avar to Axis' cause. "Does he think of me?" she asked, hating to ask, but desperate to know.."He thinks of you daily, and speaks of you to his friends."

And betrays you with his body, and perhaps even with his heart, the fairy creature thought. Should I tell you that he has given another woman the heir which should have been yours by right, Faraday Tree Friend? No, how can I?

"Thank you. Sacred One ..." Faraday hesitated, and the creature stepped forward and rested his hand on her shoulder. "Never hesitate to ask for anything from me, Tree Friend. If I can grant it, I will."

"Sacred One, you exist in a magical and enchanted world. Does it extend beyond this Grove and these trees here?"

One of the younger Horned Ones stepped forward. "It extends as far as your world does, Faraday Tree Friend, and contains as many, if not more, wonders."