The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare (19 page)

“I can come as an owl and perch on a rafter, or become a cat or a mouse; no one would question such a creature in a big, drafty, stone room. I could remain quite unobtrusive, while you would always know where I was if you needed me.”

“She stirred the contents of her mug, “Can you perceive…see, hear, comprehend in the same way in those forms?”

The mage made a dismissive gesture, “Oh, yes. It is but simple illusion we clothe ourselves in, but I am always present. You can count on me to catch a great deal as it goes by, and I have a very good memory.” He took a biscuit and a sip of tea.

“Tvrdik, it will be a long day. There will be a formal welcome, followed by reports from all the Ministers and the heads of the Guilds. We try to encourage brevity, but such events do not happen very often, and some of these personages are quite in love with the sound of their own voices.”

“Xaarus trained me well for stamina and concentration, my lady; I am sure I can handle it.”

She sipped at her tea. “Mmmmm. Lunch and refreshments will be brought in to the Council Chamber so as not to disrupt the flow of things, or lose half the participants partway through. You won’t get a real break all day.”

“I understand.”

“There will be a discussion of the recent state funeral, proposals on a date for the king’s coronation, and a vote deciding that. Only then will come nominations for the post of permanent regent. Several of the lords present will likely put themselves or their friends forward for the job in long, elaborate speeches, and there will be debate. Finally, there will be a vote, and we hope, a clear decision, and then…the fireworks.”

“Are you speaking literally, as in entertainment, or figuratively, as in Drogue stirring up trouble?”

“Tvrdik, you know what I mean. We have been waiting all this time for Lord Drogue to show his hand. I don’t wish for trouble to find us, but if you are right, tomorrow will be the day it comes calling.” He could hear the agitation rising in her voice, and could feel her about to jump out of her seat and begin pacing the floor. He reached over and laid a hand on her arm.

“Jorelial Rey, you were born and raised to this. You will weather it with grace and wisdom as always, and you will know what to say and do. I will be there, watching and listening. I will make sure I am always within view, and if you have need of me for something more tangible, you have only to say the word, and I can be a wizard again in a moment.”

She shook her head, “You will have to keep a low profile and resist the temptation to reveal yourself, no matter how outrageous the things you hear. It might be difficult…” She had not yet met his gaze. Now, he squeezed her arm, so that she looked up to find his reassuring, ice-blue eyes.

“So, are you trying to persuade me to say yes, or to run away screaming? I was the one who brought you the unwelcome news of what you might be facing, and I have already promised that I will be here by your side to face whatever comes. I welcome this opportunity to actually be useful. So, tomorrow, we begin. Don’t worry, I can do this. I will not abandon or embarrass you.” She paused, held in his intense regard. Then, with a hint of a smile, and a long sigh, returned to her tea.

“I never meant to suggest that you would. I only wanted you to know what you would be in for. Last chance to escape….” He smiled and shook his head. She continued, “Tashroth will be waiting for us on the roof. Whatever happens, we can slip away when it is all over and meet him there for his input. We can compare notes up there and fill him in on everything important.”

“Sounds good. What time, and where?”

“Not the Hall of Audience, where you came to see me. This is in the Great Hall – a much larger room with pikes and banners and long tables and a platform up front for speakers. You will sleep tonight at Theriole, and in the morning, I will send you a hearty breakfast. Warlowe will come then to escort you to the hall. You can find a safe place out of sight to…to change, as soon as you know where you are going. If you miss the early speeches, it won’t matter, but remember, I shall be looking for you.”

“I shall strive to be there early. It will do me good to have a lesson or two in statecraft – a subject in which I am woefully deficient.” That should have been a cue for another laugh, but somehow, neither of them could quite muster one.

She set down her empty teacup, “Mmmm, this was good. Thank you so much.”

“The tea? I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for my house, and I hope you will be a frequent visitor here.”

“It’s getting late. I must be getting back.” She rose and started toward the doorway, then turned back, “Oh, one more thing, Tvrdik. I recall you said that you had made a friend of my sister, Delphine. I was wondering if you had seen or spoken with her in the last few days? We argued when we were together last, and I have been hoping to find her and set things right. But, she is nowhere to be found.”

“You have not spoken to her since then? That was the last I saw of her too, soon after your encounter. She was upset…told me of the argument. I did what I could to soothe her, and pointed out that she might give you a little extra understanding just now, as you had many weighty things on your mind.”

“Thank you.”

“But when I left her, she seemed eager to find you and make up. That never happened?”

“I am sometimes impossible to access, with all that is going on. Our argument upset me so much that I escaped with Tashroth to the mountains for a day. When I returned, there was more than the usual pile-up of situations demanding my attention. As soon as I could, I sent for her, I asked after her, and went looking for her several times, but no one seems to have seen her lately, or knows where she might have gone. It weighs on me that we have not yet forgiven each other. We are very close, and I do worry about her.”

“Hmmm. It
is
odd that your paths haven’t crossed, and that she didn’t respond to your summons. Perhaps I am partly to blame, as I encouraged her to give you a little space during these stressful weeks. She is probably just staying close in her room, or off with Mark somewhere…”

“Well,
that
doesn’t make me feel less anxious…”

“Working on music together, is all I meant…”

“I hope you are right, then. I would dearly have liked some time with her, but it’s not something I can do much about now for at least another day.” She sighed, “I will try to think good thoughts, and make a renewed effort to speak with her after the Council is over.”

“I am certain she is fine, and harbors you no ill will. But, if I see her before you do, I will speak with her, alright?”

Rel glanced out the window. “It’s awfully dark now – too dark to walk back on your own. Come on, I’ll give you a lift back to Theriole.”

“What? On a dragon?” Tvrdik’s stomach jumped into his mouth in a wave of panic, “Oh, I don’t know…”

“Don’t be afraid – he won’t bite, and there’s plenty of room.”

“I – I’ve never – well –
flown
before. I might fall off. Don’t worry about me. I am happy to walk…”

“Nonsense. You’ll be back in a flash. It’s very safe…he’s quite careful. You’ll see.” Tvrdik’s face turned a shade closer to Tashroth’s color even just thinking about the offer, but it seemed the Lady Regent would not take no for an answer. So he reluctantly brought the tea things into the kitchen, cleaned up and put them away, then stepped outside to speak with Stewart.

“Stewart, my friend, I thank you for your assistance and your good company all week. I am called back to the palace tonight…most likely will be back the day after tomorrow. Would you like to come along?”

Stewart shook his head, “Thank you, no. I’m rather beginning to feel at home here, if ye don’t mind. I’ll be fine.”

“Would you like me to leave the place open so you can come and go as you please?”

“I’m happy enough on the grounds, sir. I don’t think I’ll be needin’ to go inside.”

Tvrdik leaned close and whispered, “Well, if you
should
need to go in, just say, ‘bless this house’ out loud, and the door will spring open,” and he winked at the dog. Stewart fairly beamed. “Thank ye very much, sir. I’ll take good care of it, sir, ye’ll see.”

“I have no doubts, friend. Be well.” Stepping inside again for a moment, Tvrdik put out the fire with a wave of his hand, banked the embers, doused the torches, and glanced about for anything left untidy. He reluctantly leaned his beloved staff against the wall of the foyer once again, and stepped out of The Cottage. “Bless this house,” he murmured as he passed over the threshold, and never looked back as the door clicked shut. With a wave to Stewart in the dusky shadows, he followed Jorelial Rey around back to where Tashroth stood poised by the river’s edge, reading his rider’s thoughts, and eager to be away. Climbing up on a bent front leg, and grasping a leathery neck ridge, Rel sprang lightly into her accustomed seat just in front of the great beast’s shoulders. Then she turned back and offered a hand to Tvrdik, intending to pull him up behind. Tashroth turned his head and regarded them, never complaining at the prospect of carrying a second passenger. But the mage hesitated, paler than usual, if that were even possible.

“Come on – I’ll give you a boost.” Jorelial Rey shouted down. Tvrdik swallowed hard, clambered ungracefully up onto Tashroth’s forearm, and reached up. Almost before he could blink, he felt his own forearm being gripped, and he was sailing up to a perch between vertebrae just behind the Lady Regent. Breathless and terrified, he clung to the neck ridge in front of him with white knuckles as the great wings rose and beat the air. In a heartbeat, they were up and away, rising far over the treetops and leaning precariously, as the dragon banked to turn back toward Theriole’s shadowy bulk on the horizon. When he could bring himself to open his eyes and draw breath, the trembling Tvrdik had to admit that the view from up there was indeed rare.

THIRTEEN
The Grand Council

M
ORNING ARRIVED ALL TOO QUICKLY
at the bustling palace; kitchen folk and chambermaids were at their chores before dawn, stable hands scurried to find room for the crowd of horses arriving. Neither Tvrdik nor Jorelial Rey believed they had slept a wink (save for the occasional brief, fitful nightmare), before the sun’s first rays called them from their beds. Rel raced down from her rooftop perch at Tashroth’s side and entered her rooms. She bathed, picked half-heartedly at some fruit and warm pastries, combed and braided her long, dark hair, and dressed. Despite the fact that this was a State occasion, or perhaps because of it, she refused to wear the flowing elegant gown expected of a court lady. This was one moment where she did not wish to feel sabotaged by her clothing. Instead, she chose straight black britches and a tailored, high-collared jacket of fine raw silk, in a rich purple color, ornamented with appliqué of gold braid and amethyst. Though she was slight, the effect of such an outfit was striking. Belted with the ceremonial sword of her office, she looked and moved like a young prince, secure in his authority. It was a look she cultivated on purpose, which served her to great advantage.

Tvrdik rose, washed himself of all the grime from the past few days’ labor, and put on the original blue outfit he had first been gifted with at the palace, freshly laundered. This was in case he was seen in the halls before or after his transformation, so that he would be taken for a courtier from some entourage or another, and left alone to go about his business. He shaved and neatly combed his hair, and sat down with a hearty appetite to the hot, delicious breakfast sent up to him. Then he sat on the edge of his bed in silence, closed his eyes, and focused, gathering all his strength, power, and skill, centering and calming himself, and setting clear intentions for the day. He fingered the coin in his pocket for a moment and debated summoning Xaarus for some words of advice before the big event, but decided it would be wasteful to squander that privilege until a more desperate time – or at least until after they saw what the Council Meeting would bring. At last, feeling prepared and connected, he rose just in time to meet Warlowe in the hallway and be conducted to the Great Hall.

When Jorelial Rey entered the vast, ancient room, she paused just inside the doorway and cast an eye over the noisy gathering already in progress. There were lords greeting one another with hearty claps on the back, family pictures, and jokes; delegates and guild leaders arguing vigorously, hands gesticulating to punctuate their assertions; ministers chasing after the trays of morning refreshments, carried about the room by attractive young men and women. There were lords and ministers poring over maps and documents unrolled at corners of the grand table, and those who were bunching closely together to discuss secret strategies, or the latest gossip at court. And, there was Lord Drogue himself, perfectly groomed and impeccably dressed in his accustomed black silk, standing apart from the crowd in a shadowy corner. He was surrounded by several lesser lords she imagined might be supporters. But she noticed that he was not so much conversing with them as watching the activities in the rest of the room with an intent expression. There was a small consort of musicians in one alcove – a tabor, harp, and flute – her idea, to begin the day with a pleasant, upbeat atmosphere. She peered at them, noticing Mark was not among them. They were playing their hearts out, but were barely audible as anything other than background against the dull roar of so much conversation. For a moment, her senses assaulted by the chaos all around her, it was all she could do to force herself not to turn on her heel from such a scene and run in the other direction as far as her legs would take her. And then, somehow, miraculously, above all that great din, she heard a sound that caught her attention – one that anyone else might have missed – like a soft cooing, or a gentle
hoot
. Without moving, she lifted her eyes to the ceiling, and there, perched on a cross rafter not so very high above them all was a white owl, peering down at her, from eyes that appeared oddly rimmed, as if with spectacles. It looked straight at her, cooing once more, and fluttered its wings once, edging back and forth along the rafter perch. Jorelial Rey’s face broke into a smile then, and lowering her gaze to the tall chair at the very head of the table, she squared her shoulders and strode into the room to take her place there.

She stood beside the chair for a moment, and, as various groups in the room began to notice her presence there, the noise began to die down. The serving personnel retreated, and someone motioned for the musicians to cease playing. They wrapped up a sprightly little jig they had just begun, packed up their instruments, and disappeared out a side door. The ministers with documents rolled them up and stood quietly waiting. Guests began to sort themselves out and find their assigned places. Finally the palace steward crossed to the front of the room, resplendent in colorful attire and a feathered hat, and carrying a huge, official baton almost the size of a wizard’s staff. He positioned himself just beside the still figure of Jorelial Rey, rapped the baton three times loudly on the wooden floor, and called out in a formal, cultivated voice, “Hear ye, hear ye, one and all! The Grand Council Meeting of Eneri Clare, in the spring of the sixteenth year of the reign of our beloved late King Darian the second is now called to order. Presiding is Lady Jorelial Rey, eldest surviving member of the distinguished family Rey, and acting regent for His Young Majesty, Darian the third. If my lords and ladies will please take your seats, the Lady Rey will open with a formal welcome.”

Tvrdik, as an owl, was taking mental notes on everyone and everything he saw, as promised. Bargarelle, the palace steward, a short, rather pudgy man with a perpetually harried look, and a sheaf of papers clutched under one arm, was nevertheless reputed to be a genius at running the massive machine that was Theriole. He had assembled a crackerjack staff to which he delegated the execution of his orders, in every department. But, without his skill, his incredible memory for detail, impeccable sense of order, and tireless effort, the very center of government would grind to a halt. In addition, he was absolutely devoted to the Rey family, was very protective of Jorelial (despite his frequent overt frustrations at her sometimes unorthodox and disorganized behavior), and insisted on acting as her personal secretary as well – a task which had put a tremendous extra strain on his time of late. Just now, however, he appeared to be enjoying the honor and attention of acting as Master of Ceremonies.

Tvrdik watched as the company took their seats and a hush descended on the room. Jorelial Rey stood very still – straight-backed, chin lifted, eyes roaming over the assembled faces and meeting the gazes of friend and skeptic alike.
How magnificent she looks,
he thought.
How confident and beautiful and strong
. And, having been privy to her private moments of doubt, he felt a rush of pride at being so soon a confidante of someone he now could see was a major player on the stage of his world. After that came a wave of humility at how unworthy he felt of such an honor. For a moment he was the gangly, awkward teenager once again watching the privileged girl take off on her dragon – watching, it seemed, from a great distance. But then she was opening her arms in a gesture of inclusion, and he was back in the present, admiring her skill and aplomb.

Her trained, rich voice rang through the chamber, “Esteemed guests: my lords and ladies, ministers, delegates, guild leaders, Master Mayor – friends all – a most hearty welcome to Theriole. I pray your journeys have been easy and our hospitality sufficient (someone called out, ‘Hear, hear!’). You are assembled in this place today because you are all leaders in your respective arenas. You are the heart and soul of our beloved kingdom of Eneri Clare, the engine that keeps it moving into the future.
Oh, she is good,
thought Tvrdik.
Begin with a bit of flat
tery.

The Lady Regent went on, “We are met here today so that together we might address matters of great import; matters the like of which this kingdom has never seen, and on which the future turns. I look around, and I see new faces to welcome, and familiar faces of good old friends, almost family. Many of you knew my beloved father – a truly great man taken from our midst well before his time… (she paused for effect, and many more voices shouted out words of affirmation. Tvrdik cooed and ruffled his wings). But all of you, all of
us
here now will be making history. I thank each of you for putting aside his own business, and making it a priority to be part of this day.

“The last time many of us embraced one another was not so long ago, at the funeral of our dear monarch and his bride, silenced in their prime by a cruel twist of fate. We face the possibility that their passing could bring to a close the reign of a dynasty that has served Eneri Clare well for generations. This royal family has kept us in peace and prosperity, rendered justice with fairness to citizens of every station, and made our kingdom a model of good government for so long that most of us do not remember war, poverty, or discontent except as the stuff of legends and history books. (Another pause…some shifting in seats). With one stroke of bad fortune they are gone, and we are cast adrift on a sea of fear and uncertainty. (
A bit dramatic, perhaps, but effective,
Tvrdik thought). But need we be thus alarmed and confused as to what the future holds?” She was pacing back and forth now, a habit of hers that Tvrdik knew well by now. “I say, no! No, brothers, we are still whole, for our royal tree has left us a sapling, healthy and straight, true son and heir of Darian and Marisa. Young he may be, and unseasoned, but already he favors his father, and in every aspect shines forth the promise of becoming a worthy successor to his forbears. I promise when you know this boy, you will love him as I do. And you will rest confident that he will grow, given time and good guidance, to rule, as his forbears did, with honor and wisdom.

“Good friends, it is my contention that, in gratitude for the peace and prosperity we have all enjoyed these long years, it is now our sacred duty as loyal subjects of this young king, and good stewards of his kingdom, to care for it, protect it, improve it where we can, grow and nurture it and return it to him at his majority in the condition his father left it, or better.” Her eyes were now fastened on Drogue, who darkly returned her gaze across the table, a frozen smile on his handsome face. She went on, “It is our responsibility as well to raise and educate, to guard and guide this young man, and to draw out of the raw materials of his nature the true portrait of the monarch he will no doubt become. It behooves us here and now to show patience, faith, good judgment, and loyalty in supporting his true claim, thereby insuring the uninterrupted continuity of Eneri Clare’s royal line.

“This day, we will each have opportunity to speak our minds and hearts. We will share with one another our reports on how the kingdom fares on all fronts. We will offer creative ideas on how to correct its flaws and celebrate its triumphs. We will decide whether and when to crown a king, and then we will put our heads together to choose someone who will stand at the helm of this ship until the day our king can steer on his own… (
And here comes the big finish,
Tvrdik observed, fascinated)... someone you deem wise enough, fair enough, firm enough, seasoned enough, and humble enough to sail boldly, but stay clear of storms; to rely on the counsel and expertise of all those who keep the vessel afloat, and to step aside willingly when the true captain comes on board. Whoever will inherit the job will find that it is a daunting, challenging, overwhelming, exhilarating, and ultimately rewarding task, not to be entered into lightly. But they will not have to undertake this burden alone, being buoyed up by the magnificent expertise of a brilliant Finance Minister (Tvrdik noted which attendees gave nods of acknowledgement as they were recognized), a veteran Commander in Chief, and an incomparable Minister of Justice. You have already met our remarkable Palace Steward, and there are a host of other players behind the scenes whose excellence and competence keep everything running smoothly. Whoever you choose will have the great blessing of this fine team to assist, guide, counsel, and on occasion, correct. I, personally, am ever in their debt and hope that together we have been able to deliver to you a State well-preserved during these last months.

“Today, I am here presiding on behalf of my dear father, a man whose quality most of you know, and of my family Rey. For centuries, the Reys have been first and foremost protectors, counselors and friends to the Crown. In my father’s absence, you can count on me to diligently discharge those duties as far as I am humanly able. I thank you for the confidence you have thus far showed in me in these trying times, and pray that I have earned it. My final obligation as interim regent is to insure that this Council does its job well, and that we all go home feeling we have worked together to insure the future for ourselves, our neighbors, our children, and for all of Eneri Clare. I begin by exhorting each one of you to leave petty differences, self-interest, greed, and intolerance outside of those doors there, and to reach deep inside yourselves for the very best of who you are, and what you believe to be for the highest good of all concerned. In that way, you show yourselves the great men and women that you are all reputed to be, and you do honor to your own family names and to the memory of our late, beloved king. Thank You.”

It was a fine speech, touching on all key points and stirring emotions, and quite masterfully delivered. Tvrdik screwed his owl head almost clear around in awe of Jorelial Rey’s persuasive powers. If the ovation she received was any indication of her success, he was not alone in his opinion. There were cheers and clapping as she came to her rousing finish, and many present sprang to their feet with a new respect on their faces. Lord Drogue did not. He sat in silence, reclined in his seat, smiling and tapping his applause lightly on the table top. Was the Lady Rey angling for the job of regent? Tvrdik knew that she would rather it go to almost anyone else. But there was no denying the strong impression she had made, and the mage/owl could almost feel the seed of an idea sprouting in many of the minds of those present. He could almost hear the gears and wheels turning in their heads. And it was yet early. She would be chosen, he was certain, and a good thing too. She had already proved herself capable, and he couldn’t imagine anyone doing a better job.