The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare (29 page)

Meanwhile, on the steps, barely a moment after the fateful arrow struck, the great white owl had vanished. Crumpled on the ground where it had been a moment earlier was a pale young man in a cobalt blue jacket, one arm of which was pierced through by a wicked shaft. Jorelial Rey first looked to assure herself that the king was safe, then rolled over and was just getting to her knees when she saw him.

“Tvrdik? Tvrdik!” she screamed, but there was no answer. Crawling to his side, she struggled to turn him over, and lifted his head and shoulders onto her lap. Her left hand came away covered in bright blood as she tried to cushion his head while avoiding jostling the awful dart. “Tvrdik, can you speak?” she asked him, then shouted, “Someone send for a healer.”

Tvrdik raised his head to survey the damage to his arm, and seeing the arrow sticking out at a rakish angle and a bloody stain spreading, he winced and fell back with a groan of pain. Jorelial shook him a little, “Tvrdik, hang on. They are going for a healer now. Say something!”

He winced again, then croaked, “Delphine will never forgive me.”

Jorelial started, “What are you talking about?”

“The jacket. It isn’t even paid for yet, and I’m afraid I’ve gone and spoiled it already.” He tried to smile, but it came out more of a twisted grimace.

“Oh, you ridiculous man,” the Lady Regent scolded. “Forget the jacket – and what did I tell you about swooping in to rescue me?”

“Sorry,” he groaned, “It seemed a good idea at the time…”

“Just rest here, don’t move,” she soothed.

“Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere. Awwwwfff…” Tvrdik couldn’t help moaning as his shock gave way to searing pain.

“Where is that healer?” Rel shouted impatiently to no one in particular, but as she looked up, she saw the faces of Lord Corbin Maygrew, General Boone, and Bargarelle, their eyes wide, staring at her and her limp charge. She realized that, despite all the confusion on the stoop, they must have seen the mage’s precipitous transformation. She swallowed, and met Maygrew’s eyes. One brow raised, he broke the silence,

“Jorelial Rey, do you know something about this…this remarkable occurrence?”

She sighed, “I was going to introduce you as soon as the moment was right, but it seems the moment has been thrust upon us. Gentlemen, I would like you all to meet Tvrdik, apprentice to Master Wizard Xaarus. He has returned here after years abroad in order to offer his service. Friends, you may be looking at the last true wizard in the world, and I believe he has just saved my life.” Nobody said a word for what seemed an eternity.

The first to venture into that uncomfortable pause this time was Tvrdik, who, with his signature crooked smile, managed to rasp, “Very pleased to make all of your acquaintances, I’m sure.”

Maygrew blinked, then seemed to visibly pull himself together, “Guards, come and take this man within. Gently, now – watch that arm.” As soon as they shifted him, pain shot through the downed mage, and he cried out.

“Careful.” the Lady Regent commanded, “Take him to my own chambers; they are the nearest. Someone tell the healer to meet me there.” They were already angling him through the great doors when he cried out again.

“What is it?” she asked.

“My spectacles. Do you see them?” he was quite agitated.

She felt around on the ground and found them, unharmed. She rose to her feet and placed them in his good hand, curling his fingers around the wire frames, “Here they are, just fine. Rest easy…”

“I…I’m lost without them…” he mumbled, but let himself be carried without protest, pain and loss of blood beginning to crowd out all other sensations. At that moment, Delphine tumbled through the crowded doorway, closely followed by Mark. She grasped her sister’s arm, “Gods, Rel, what has happened? I just passed Tvrdik and he was bleeding and grey as ash! I couldn’t even get close enough to speak with him.”

In a low voice, but with barely contained rage, the Lady Regent filled her sister in, “Someone tried to kill me just now – no doubt a message from Lord Drogue. Tvrdik put himself in the line of fire.” At Delphine’s expression, she hastened to add, “He was injured, but I think he will be alright. They apprehended the man; we will question him later and get to the bottom of this. The king is safe. I am fine, don’t worry. Delphine, could I impose on you to follow Darian and his nanny back to the nursery, and try to take his mind off all of this unpleasantness? Take Mark with you – you two are so good with him. I think we are all safe for now, but I don’t want to take any chances. Once he is calm, he needs to at least put in an appearance at the royal banquet. I may be delayed myself; can I trust you to get him there if I can’t?”

“Of course, Rel. Whatever we can do to help,” Mark nodded, as his new bride went on, “Thank the gods you are alright.” Delphine gave her sister a quick, but firm hug to punctuate the sentiment, and turned back toward little Darian, who was looking confused in his nanny’s skirts.

“Wait a moment,” the Lady Regent gestured for her sister to wait, and cast an eye over the milling crowd still scattered across the forecourt and lawns. Some had dispersed, some had run for home already, but the majority was still there, disoriented and uncertain in the deepening twilight. Not the best way to end this momentous day.

“Lord Maygrew, would you boost him to your shoulder again, do you mind?”

Taking her meaning, the big man approached and lifted the little golden boy high once more – a gesture that made the little boy laugh with delight. Jorelial Rey turned to face her audience, and projected her voice with as much authority as she could muster, “Citizens, subjects, and friends, I beg you raise your eyes and see truly that your King and his appointed regent are unharmed. While we are most grateful for your concern on our behalf, we wish for you to go on and enjoy the festivities prepared for your pleasure. Spread the word – the crisis is averted, all is well. We must not let the actions of one traitor spoil the joy we all feel today. Our thanks to you all for your support.” She smiled widely and waved again at the masses, standing tall and feigning more confidence than she felt. It helped that the little boy was also smiling, enjoying his human ‘horsey ride’ on Lord Maygrew’s shoulder, the traumas of just a few moments ago completely forgotten. One could feel a collective sigh of relief pass through the entire assemblage, and gradually, arms around one another’s shoulders, in groups of two or three or ten, the citizenry began to disperse, headed for the places where food and fireworks had been promised.

“Well done,” Lord Maygrew commended, handing off a sleepy young king to Delphine, who immediately disappeared into the palace with the boy, his nanny, and Mark. “So, that owl was no owl from the beginning, eh? I might have known. We owe him a great deal, that young man. You were right. I should have taken Drogue far more seriously.”

“This must have been his doing. I have information I have been keeping to myself thus far. It is time I included all of you and explained everything.”

“About the wizard?”

“Yes, the wizard and Drogue and a great deal more. But I think we all have enough on our plates for tonight. Will you all come to the Hall of Audience tomorrow at, say, two o’clock, and meet with me concerning these matters?”

“With a willing heart, Lady,” Lord Maygrew replied, and there were nods and general agreement all around. Boone stepped up to her side, “My lady, we will want to question the man who committed this treachery right away. We’ll need some confirmation of who is truly behind this cowardly act of aggression.”

“See what you can do. No torture. I must go now and attend to my wounded champion…I will come to you presently myself and hear the man’s story, if he is talking. Lord Maygrew, it appears I may be detained once again getting to the official banquet. I will try to make a belated entrance, but can I rely on you meanwhile to greet the guests, see that everyone feels recognized and entertained? I’ve already recruited Delphine to escort little Darian around the room. I would be so grateful if you could consent to handle the dignitaries…”

“Consider it done,” he replied, with a steadying hand on her shoulder. And with that, the lords and ministers all retreated into the palace, and hurried off to their various tasks. Jorelial Rey, however, stood still on the stairs, as a giant darkness fell over the palace lawns, and a hair-raising sound scattered what remained of the public in every direction. Tashroth had smelled trouble, and was trumpeting to her. A powerful rushing wind lifted her clothing and blew loose strands of her hair about her face as the dragon pumped its great green wings in preparation for landing. Most of the populace knew well the stories of Jorelial Rey, dragon rider, or had seen the odd pair wheeling overhead at some unexpected moment. The locals knew well not to fear Tashroth or doubt his intentions. Still, most of them had never been this close to a full-grown dragon, nor did they wish to be, especially one in such an agitated state. Tashroth set down with precision on the already trampled sod just in front of the palace steps, and his eyes were glowing with an unearthly fire. Rel ran out to meet him.

“It’s alright,” she cried, “I’m fine.” He swung his great head back and forth several times and bellowed once again. Rel sped straight to his heart and placed her warm hands on his chest where he could feel her presence. Gradually, the dragon calmed himself, subdued by her purring reassurances, and swung his head down beside her to hear what had happened.

“Someone in the crowd fired off an arrow in my direction this afternoon. Somehow the guards missed it, and I was inches away from being a corpse this evening. No doubt Lord Drogue’s work; with me out of the way, he may have thought to try again for the regent’s spot. Not that he could ever again be seriously considered for any position except mayor of the lunatic asylum, after this. Next time he will probably go straight for the king, or for the both of us.”

“It is a great torment to me that I cannot be everywhere you are to protect you, especially now.”

“Tash, I’m a big girl – you
do
protect me on so many levels, but the facts are, there are many places you cannot go. I have to learn to look out for myself a little better, that’s all. This one caught me off guard, but that won’t happen again.”

“How did you escape harm, dear one?”

“Remember, there was someone else whom you commissioned to be your eyes and ears wherever you could not be, Tash. Tvrdik took the arrow for me.”

A deep rumble emerged from Tashroth’s throat followed by a hiss. The dragon was clearly disturbed by this news.

Rel stroked his scales, “It’s OK, Tash. It hit him in the shoulder. It’s bad, but he’ll recover. I know, I know, we owe him a great debt. He pushed me out of the way. He might have been killed, and then where would we be? He must have taken what you said very seriously.”

“We are fortunate that he did. He has earned my heart’s gratitude, and I shall send him what healing energy I can.”

“It’s become more complicated, though, Tash. Tvrdik took the arrow as an owl, his disguise while he spies for me. But the shock changed him back to a wizard right there in full view. The lords and ministers saw it all, and I had to tell them our secret. Now, tomorrow, I must fill them in on the whole story and plead Tvrdik’s case. I was hoping for a little more time; I’m not ready for this.”

“We do not always get to choose our moments, little one. Circumstances have propelled all of us into the very center of the storm. It would seem that now is the time to act. Lord Drogue has made that abundantly clear. Do not fear, dearest, your passion will persuade them all, and I will support you in whatever you decide to do. The opinion of a dragon may count for something still.”

“I should think so!” she lingered for a moment, her cheek nestled against his warm scales, drawing in comfort and strength. Then she sighed, “Tash, I must go and check on Tvrdik. I don’t know if Mark and Delphine will still want your services tonight, but I would encourage them to go and enjoy the time they have together. Would you still be willing to go with them? It would be an enormous favor to me…”

“You are sure you are safe? I am reluctant to leave you…”

“The danger is past for now. I am fine. There’s really nothing else you could do tonight anyway. If they will go, please, will you do this for me?”

“I am yours to command dear one, as you see fit. Only take good care, and if you need me for any reason, summon me, and I will return in a heartbeat.”

“I know Tash, I know. I am sorry to have given you such a fright. Wait for me on the roof. It might be hours yet before we know what else this night may bring.”

“I await your pleasure.” He touched her gently with his dragon’s snout, and as she backed up and signaled to him, he lifted his great wings, rose from the muddy lawns, and circled once overhead before flying out of sight. She stood, staring after him, and then, remembering somewhere else she needed to be, she turned and strode back to the big oak doors, taking the stairs in twos. On the landing, servants were already scrubbing the bloodstains from the slate where Tvrdik had fallen.

EIGHTEEN
The Vigil

J
ORELIAL REY’S SUITE OF ROOMS
atTheriole was conveniently near, though she seldom used them, preferring to spend her few leisure moments on the north tower with Tashroth. Those rooms that were often empty were now bustling with activity. The Palace Physician had arrived, along with several assistants, and house servants were dashing back and forth for hot water, cloths, blankets, and various other items. Warlowe had personally stepped in to direct traffic as soon as he had heard what happened. His face was white and pinched as he met her in the anteroom, and related to her what had transpired in the last half hour. They had laid Tvrdik in her own bed and covered him with warm blankets. But when the physician had arrived to assess the situation, the initial shock was beginning to wear off, and the patient had squirmed and cried out in pain, unable to hold still for the examination. As a student of Xaarus, it was probable that the young mage knew more about tending to a wound like this than all the palace doctors wrapped up in one, but he was in no shape at the moment to be making suggestions or arguing.

It was evident that the arrow would have to be removed, and there was no way anyone could endure that process while awake and alert. So they made him swallow a draught of some foul-tasting herbal tincture to calm him and dull the pain. Weak and miserable, he had gone right to sleep. The arrow had gone in just under the collarbone, beside his left shoulder, fortunately just missing his heart, lungs, and the bones in the area. But it was a thick shaft, and had pierced muscle and tendons, and possibly nicked a fairly significant blood vessel, as evidenced by the copious bleeding that seemed to be impossible to staunch. The assistants had cut away his clothing, including the beautiful blue wedding jacket, now hopelessly stained anyway. They cleaned the site as best as they could, and then used heavy shears to cut the arrow just at the spot where it protruded from his shoulder. The feathered tail fell away, and they were able to pull the shaft out through the rear wound, continuing in the direction it had entered, but taking care not to dislodge splinters in his arm. Once the arrow was out, there was a fresh eruption of bleeding, which the healers had a devil of a time stopping. They applied poultice after poultice, infused with herbs designed to thicken the blood and ward off festering at the site, but for a while, the cloths soaked through in only a few moments. Just as the Lady Regent arrived, they were taking a chance that things had slowed sufficiently so that they could properly bandage the shoulder and immobilize it. Beyond that, there was not much more they could do besides controlling the pain, nourishing the body, and allowing the patient’s natural healing abilities to take over. Then it would just be a waiting game to see if there would be any infection, or permanent impairment.

Jorelial Rey took all of this in with growing apprehension, but as Warlowe finished his update and led her into the bedchamber, nothing could have prepared her for the sight of the gentle, likable young man she had recently come to know, lying so drawn and still in her bed. Her attention was so focused on his grey face that she almost tripped over a large, furry shape at the foot of the bed. She looked down to see Stewart, distressed and panting. Warlowe remarked, “He followed us in here and won’t leave. We tried to shoo him off, but he would not be lured or chased.”

Her eyes met the great dog’s in a knowing exchange, and she replied, “I have seen them together and believe they are acquainted. It is obvious the dog is concerned. Let him stay.” The wolfhound looked up at her in gratitude, acknowledging her kindness and respect for his secret, then sighed, closed his eyes and laid his big head down on his paws. Warlowe went on, “My lady, perhaps you do not know that this is the same courageous beast who routed out and tackled your assailant before the guards had even gotten near.”

The Lady Regent’s eyebrows lifted, “Really? I had not heard of it. We must see him rewarded for his loyalty and bravery.” Stewart raised his head again and seemed to angle it toward her in a sort of nod, then gathered himself up and trotted around to the side of the bed where the physicians were not working, and where Tvrdik’s good hand hung down. There, he set about licking the young man’s fingers – a poignant gesture, unaware as the patient was of these ministrations.

The Palace Physician addressed them now in a low voice, “This young man was in some ways very lucky, but we are not out of the woods yet. We think we got the arrow out clean, but he has lost a great deal of blood, and there is always the chance of fever and infection. He will need rest, and fluids – as much as you can get him to swallow – and someone should keep an eye on that bandage; change it every few hours. I will come around in the morning to check on him again. There’s not much else we can do but wait and see. Keep him warm. If he wakes, he will be in pain. I have left more of that sleeping draught…he really should not be moved again if possible. Do you have any objection to his staying here a while longer, my lady?”

“No, no. He can remain right here, and I will make sure he is looked after as you say. It is small payment for saving my life. Thank you for your efforts, sir…you may take your leave.”

The healer made a peremptory bow, gathered his equipment, signaled his assistants, and retreated through the outer door. Rel, Warlowe, Stewart, and one of the serving women who had been assigned as a sort of nurse, were left alone with the patient. While Warlowe and the nurse busied themselves straightening up, removing trash, soiled clothing, and towels, and stocking in supplies for the vigil ahead, Jorelial took the opportunity to approach the bed. She sat down in a big, comfortable easy chair that had been moved near to the patient’s head. An end table stood beside her, holding a basin of cool water and a clean cloth. She dunked the cloth in the basin, wrung it out and gently wiped his brow with it, as she had done years ago when little Delphine had taken a fever. She smoothed the pale golden hair away from his even paler face, feeling a confused mix of emotions, a jumble of thoughts crowding in on her weary mind.

Only weeks earlier she had not even met this man, or known of his existence. A part of her wished things might return to what seemed like a simpler time before his arrival. He had so quickly turned her world upside down, and things were likely to get much worse before they got better. And yet, it wasn’t fair to blame Tvrdik for their current circumstances, which would have played themselves out in any case. Tvrdik had only been the unwelcome messenger. He had come to offer knowledge, to offer solutions – to offer himself. Her eyes traced the still features, seeing them animated, in her mind’s eye, as she remembered them at various moments in their time together. In truth, she reflected, this young man had been nothing but kind, warm, funny, honest, and reliable. Ultimately, he had been willing to sacrifice his own safety, even his life, for her. How many people in her world – friends, peers, courtiers, ministers – how many could she truly say that about? Even her beloved sister had sneaked off behind her back, in an appalling lapse of judgment. If she was truthful with herself, her father and Tashroth had been the only beings in the world in whom she put her absolute trust. She had no other real friends. In the brief time since he had come into her life, Tvrdik had treated her like a friend, and she had been grateful for it, had even begun to take it for granted.

Replacing the cloth in its basin, Jorelial Rey rose, leaned close to the still face on her pillow, and whispered, “I have been telling everyone you will recover. You had
better
recover, you foolish, brave, ridiculous, dear man. Because, I will tell you one thing: I am
not
going forward with any of these insane plans on my own. And besides, I have grown rather used to you being around. So don’t even
think
of bailing out on me now, because it is simply out of the question. Do you hear me?
Out
of the question.” Tvrdik moved fitfully for a moment, but did not wake. When he settled back again, she could almost swear there was a hint of a crooked smile on the dry lips. A sound in the doorway caught her attention. Delphine had come to find her.

“Come in, Sweetpea. What’s the news out there?”

Delphine approached and her brow wrinkled at the sight of Tvrdik in the big bed. “Umm…Lord Maygrew is doing a wonderful job circulating with the king among the banquet guests. Everyone was buzzing about the excitement on the steps, but Maygrew is brilliant at diffusing people’s fears and speculations. He had them all redirected to the food, the fireworks, the ceremony, and the latest gossip and politics. Before long they had forgotten anything disturbing had happened at all. I wasn’t needed any longer. The guests seem well satisfied, and Darian will be trundled off to bed soon. There are guards assigned to his person at all times now – General Boone’s doing. They will stand outside his room all night. I think you can rest easy that all is under control. How is he doing?” She nodded toward the patient.

“He’s sleeping now. They’ve done all they can for tonight. Time will tell. Delphy? I still have to go and confront the man who attacked us, and I probably should make some kind of appearance at the festivities, even briefly, just to reassure everyone. Could you…would you be willing to stay here with him – sit with him while I go and take care of those things? I hate to take you away from Mark on your wedding night, but Tvrdik really shouldn’t be left alone, and I don’t think I will be too long…”

It’s fine, Rel. Mark is busy playing at the banquet anyway, and won’t be free for hours. I’m all yours.”

Jorelial arched her eyebrows, and let out a single laugh, “Well! Welcome to life as a musician’s wife. Still, I do appreciate your help. I’ll be as quick as I can.”

Delphine put a hand on her sister’s shoulder, “Take your time. Tvrdik is my friend, and besides, he saved my sister’s life. Happy to take my turn here.” Rel watched as Delphine took her place in the chair, leaned in, and affectionately stroked Tvrdik’s hair with her delicate hand.
Nurturing seems so easy and natural for
Delphine,
the Lady Regent reflected. Stewart chose that moment to spring onto the bed and curl up in a vacant corner, lending his own energy and body warmth to the mage’s thin frame.

Knowing she was leaving her rescuer in good hands – and paws – Jorelial Rey hurried out of the room, out of her apartments, and through the maze of hallways that led to General Boone’s offices. Presuming that the suspect would have been taken there, she swept up to the Defense Minister’s door, and was gratified to hear voices on the other side. She knocked to get the attention of those within, and called out, “General, it’s Jorelial Rey. May I come in?”

The door swung open to reveal a weary, grizzled face, “Of course, my lady. We have been expecting your arrival.” He motioned her to a chair near his own. Seated across the room on a hard wooden stool, flanked by armed guards and quivering miserably, sat a slight, dirty man, poorly dressed in worn and shredded clothing. He did not raise his eyes from the floor. Somehow, Jorelial Rey did not think he looked so much dangerous as pitiful. But Boone was taking no chances, and had him restrained.

“Have you discovered anything so far?” Rel asked the General.

“Only that he is indeed guilty of this reprehensible act, but was put up to it and paid by someone else.”

“May I question him, or am I interrupting something in progress?”

“Be my guest, my lady; perhaps you will get more out of him than sniveling and whimpering.” Boone gestured with his big hand that she should approach the suspect and proceed. She paused a moment with brows knitted, looked the man over, and decided on a straightforward approach.

“What is your name, sir?” The man remained silent and motionless for a beat, and the General barked out, “The Lady Regent is addressing you, man! You
will
answer.” The man jumped as if he had been physically struck, and mumbled a barely audible, “Praeger, my lady.”

“Praeger, then,” she continued “do you know why you are being held here?” The man nodded slowly up and down. “Praeger, there are eye-witnesses who claim to have seen you with a bow. They say it was, without doubt, you who released that arrow which came so near to striking my person. Do you deny that this is so?”

Without raising his gaze from the floor, the man shook his head from side to side. No denial, then.

“Praeger, do you have any reason to want me dead?” Praeger looked up and met her eyes. His own were tortured.

“I – no, my lady – not for myself, anyway, only
he
says it must be done…”

“Who said? Did someone recruit you to try and kill me? Who was it, Praeger?”

“I – I don’t know his name, Lady. A highborn lord, he was. Expensive clothes; black hair and brows. He says the young king’d fallen under the influence of an evil witch, and that with her sorcery, she’d charmed all the palace folk into settin’ her up as regent for keeps. He says it were a dark day for every good citizen, and that the king must be saved from her wicked control, or terrible things’d happen. He tells me he’s lookin’ for a brave soul to rid the land of this canker once and fer all.”

Lady Rey, while taken aback by the horribly false characterization Drogue’s twisted mind had invented, wanted to understand more.

“And, how came you to this highborn man you did not know, Praeger?” Somehow she sensed that her repeated use of his given name was cutting him to the quick, wearing him down, as if she was seeing into his soul. He was trembling uncontrollably again.

“Two men. They come to my door and they shove their way in. They was ugly, ma’am – sinister, if ye know what I mean. My wife, she were terrible afeared o’ them. But they smiled and spake as they were there to do us a great favor. Says they’d heard we’d fallen on hard times, and asks if I might be willin’ to do their master a service for a price. I didna like their looks, ma’am, I swear it, but we needed money so badly, and they didna seem the sort to take kindly to not getting’ their way, if ye take my meanin’, ma’am. So I – I says I might be interested. They blindfold me right there, and push me out o’ the house. We was on horseback, seemed a fair many hours, and then, I were standin’ in this big room, all fashioned o’ raw timbers, an’ I am starin’ right at this highborn lord, sittin’ in a big chair, som’at like a throne it were. He smiles at me, and speaks o’ how he has to stay hid because o’ politics an’ bad forces in the palace and some such, but he swears he just wants to save our little king from the Shadow. I tell you truly, ma’am, I didna have a good feeling about him from the start. All that secrecy, and the thugs that do his biddin’, and the smilin’…. He never stopped smilin’, but it just didna seem true, you understand, my lady? I was dead afraid of him an’ his men, knowin’ they knew where my family was….” Praeger coughed. Jorelial Rey could see that his lips were dry and cracked, and motioned for the guards to bring him water. The man gulped down a healthy swallow, water pouring down from the corners of his mouth onto his shirt and the floor. He looked up at her with a flicker of gratitude in his eyes, and went on, “They offered me silver. So much silver, I could hardly believe my eyes, an’ I couldna turn ‘em down. For all I knew, he might’ve been right about those at the palace; how could I know such things?” He hung his head, “Once they had my word on’t, I were bound to go through with the act, terrible as that seems, my lady.”