The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare (53 page)

“I was young, and overwhelmed, and you had many other things filling your days. I knew you would grow to be someone of importance. You were remarkable, even as a child: smart, fearless, independent, curious, riding around on that dragon that scared everyone else off. You even introduced me once, do you remember? I was petrified, but I tried to be gracious for your sake. Tashroth tolerated me, I think. Anyway, you were such a different sort of girl than I had been, and when I was back home, reviewing my life, I vowed that if I was to continue living at all, I was going to be more like you. I was never again going to let men, or expediency, or politics, push me into things I did not wish to do. You were my inspiration. I began to re-invent myself around what I remembered of you. I put aside my flowing dresses, and took to wearing leggings and tunics. I walked and exercised to gain strength. I stole down to the stables, and bribed the hands there to teach me to ride, and when I was expert at that, I batted my eyes at some young courtier and got him to teach me archery and fencing, and a host of other skills. When my father found out, he was horrified, but he threw up his hands in despair and gave up. I refused the matches he tried to arrange for me, and instead rode, and walked, and read, and studied.

Though I was still young and attractive, most of the men at court gave me a wide berth, seeing me as odd, headstrong, unmanageable. But I was healthier and happier than I had ever been in my life – independent, strong, informed, in charge of my own destiny. Quite the change from the pale and cowering Brendelle you must remember, no? There is not so much more to tell. Five years later, I caught the eye of our king’s most valued advisor, a lord of considerable wealth, with land, men, and resources at his command. He was ten years my senior, but had never had leisure to marry. He is a good man, intelligent, funny, and something of a maverick himself. He liked me exactly as I was, and cared nothing for my history or damaged reputation. We walked and talked together, came to know and respect, and yes, love one another, and we were married the following spring. My lord has never denied me anything I asked, and even took it in stride when we found out that I could no longer conceive. It was a great sorrow to us at first, but he has adopted his sister’s son, a worthy lad, as heir, and we enjoy our lives together. I owe much of my happiness to you, Jorelial Rey, and I have always wanted to embrace you and thank you for showing me a different path.”

“I – I did nothing. I was only being myself growing up, very unlike the other children, I grant. But that was just who I am. I cannot take credit. I am glad for you that you found some peace and joy in your life, truly. I am sorry that it was not here, with us. I know my father missed you in his way. Perhaps, if you had been older at the time...?”

“Perhaps. Even so, I grieved bitterly to hear of his death. It was such an untimely and unfair blow to the both of you, and to the entire kingdom.”

“Thank you for that.”

“And, when I heard war was coming, and my child was in danger, and Gareth gone, I could no longer resist trying to do what I could to help. My husband could not be spared from Euligia’s court, but willingly granted me ships and men to come support you. King Polis also adds his blessing to the venture, ever an ally to the rightful heir on the throne of Clare. I have in my wallet letters from him to that effect, which I will deliver to you later.”

“I must remember to thank him. How did you hear of our predicament? From Bargarelle?”

“In part, but also seasoned with word on the street from dragons, heralds, bards, and Drogue’s own messages attempting to seduce us to his side – messages we of course disdained. It was not difficult to piece things together. I acted as quickly as I could.”

“And we are grateful for your generosity and support. In truth, we could use all the help we can muster against this stubborn, evil man. But, there are some wrinkles on this side of which you are not yet aware. In good time, we will fill you in on what has been occurring here, and you may judge for yourself whether you and your company are still willing to join our cause.”

“Oh? I can’t imagine anything so shocking that it could deter me from my intention…”

“Make no promises until you hear all…” Rel raised a hand to defer further conversation on the subject, and exchanged a look with Tvrdik. At that moment, there was a knock on the great door, and Warlowe poked his head in.

“My lady, Mark is here, awaiting your pleasure.”

Jorelial Rey rose from her chair, “Please send him right in.”

Mark swept in with great excitement, still radiant from the rally at the gaming fields. Without stopping to take in the whole picture before him, he began to address them, “Tvrdik, Lady Rey, you won’t believe the lists we have gathered. There are almost eight hundred names we have taken down for the Legions, beasts and sprites included. Oh, and Tvrdik, I have brought your prototype back to the palace for you. You left it unattended on the dais. Why did you both disappear in your moment of triumph?...Oh!” He stopped in his tracks as the Lady Brendelle rose from the table. “Oh, I am so sorry! I had no idea you were entertaining visitors. Please, pardon, my lady.” He bowed courteously to the stranger, and as he straightened, his eyes suddenly grew very wide, then narrowed as his eyebrows furrowed in concentration, regarding the face before him. He turned to the Lady Regent as if to ask a question, but no words formed. Jorelial Rey, a reluctant smile pulling at the corner of her mouth at his confusion, moved quickly to his side, took his arm and escorted him up to the stranger.

Softly, she said, “Mark, it is wonderful news indeed about the Legions, but we have summoned you here on an entirely different matter. I would like to present to you the Lady Brendelle of Euligia. She has just arrived here with three ships, and two full regiments come to our aid.” Mark looked confounded, turning from face to face, and searching for a clue as to why this required his presence.

“Why, that’s wonderful. A generous show of support indeed, and much appreciated, I am sure…”

It was all Rel could do to keep from giggling at Mark’s obvious plight, but she could not bear to torture him any longer. Softly, in his ear, she continued, still holding his arm, “Mark. The Lady Brendelle is also Delphine’s natural mother.”

Mark seemed at first not to process the news. “Ah....Oh! Delphine’s…? Oh! You mean…? Goodness – this is a surprise.” Tvrdik had to put his hand over his mouth to keep from laughing aloud, as Mark, in an attempt to collect himself, dropped the parchment he was holding with the legion’s registry, bent to retrieve it, missed, went for it again and tried to replace it under his arm, apologizing the entire time. The Lady Brendelle stood by, graciously waiting, sizing him up, and likely deciding, as all of them had, that he was most disarming. Finally, Mark cleared his throat, “I am Mark, Lady Brendelle, a bard here – in the palace – and also Delphine’s … um … husband.” He glanced about, possibly looking for support from the others. They nodded. “I am pleased and honored to meet you, my lady. If there is anything I may do to make your stay more comfortable, I hope you will call on me.” He took her hand and pressed it to his lips with a little bow. Tvrdik stifled another giggle. It was a very gallant gesture.

The Lady Brendelle, retrieving her hand, seemed pleased, “Mark, it is I who am fortunate to meet you at last. By all accounts, you are the man who makes my daughter’s heart sing, and I am grateful for her good fortune.”

Mark, usually so composed, stammered, “I-I…you…m-m-my lady, you have no worries on that account, as I cherish Delphine with my life, and will always strive with every fiber of my being to take care of her, and make her happy.”

“I can well believe it, sir.” She turned away and sat again at the table, smiling.

Jorelial Rey pulled Mark to one side, “Mark, I called you here to help us. Delphine has neither seen nor heard from this Lady her entire life. We did not even know if she lived until today. Meeting her in the flesh might be something of a shock. There might be all sorts of deep feelings that she isn’t even in touch with. She might be angry or upset, or she might even refuse to come…”

“Delphine? Our Delphine? But you know she has the biggest heart in the world.”

“I know, but, even so, she WAS abandoned. It’s hard to tell what her heart will do. Somehow, I thought you might be the man to break it to her gently, prepare her a little, feel her out…”

Mark nodded, “I understand. I will go right away.”

“If she will come, bring her here, while we are all present to support her. If she would rather not, send me word, yes?”

“Yes, my lady. I will do my best.” He bowed to her, then to the others, and hurried out the door. Rel turned to Brendelle. “I thought it best to let Mark tell her first. I’m sure you’d like to see her, but it’s hard to guess what her initial reaction will be to your sudden re-appearance. I’ve never heard her say a harsh or judgmental word about anyone in all of our years together, but I wouldn’t want to vouch for her feelings in this matter. I told him to sound her out, and bring her here straightaway if she were willing. We should know soon.”

“Thank you. You have been, again, most kind. Jorelial Rey, do you think, at least, that it is possible we might be friends? One day…?”

Rel considered a moment, and offered a sort of half-smile, “It is an old and deep wound, Brendelle. But hearing your story now makes it very difficult to keep harboring the old grudges. We have both aired our grievances, and they are in the past now. I have no real issue with you, and I am grateful for your offer to help. I suppose, then, the answer is, given a little time for us to come to know one another, yes, it is possible.’” She offered her hand across the table, and Lady Brendelle looked up with a new expression on her face, as if years of care had just fallen away, and the light of hope, or gratitude, or healing, could shine through. She reached up, smiled a wide and generous smile, and grasped Rel’s proffered hand, as their eyes met, for the first time as peers.

Tvrdik, looking on, found himself confronting many emotions; he felt proud of Jorelial Rey for letting go of her old anger and hurt, and finding compassion in her heart for the lonely, confused young woman who had done a desperate thing many years ago. He felt incredible respect for the Lady Brendelle, in how she had evolved, and he hoped that Delphine could also find it in her heart to forgive and welcome her estranged mother. He saw many parallels in Brendelle’s story with his own journey, and wished to get to know her better. There was much they had in common.

The three of them sat silently for a few moments, picking at the food that had been brought to them, and sipping the wine. Brendelle ventured, “So, what are these so-called ‘wrinkles’ in your defense plan? If you have an unconventional strategy, I am sure I would be excited to hear it.”

Tvrdik laughed, “Oh, it’s unconventional, alright, but you need to hear the whole story in order to understand at all, and we are all tired now. I promise to find time to bring you up to date sometime tomorrow. Will that serve? I assure you, you will not find my tale dull.”

“You have intrigued me. I will look forward to learning more with eager anticipation.” And she flashed him an almost flirtatious smile, quite reminiscent of Delphine’s, causing him to turn pinker than usual.

Even though they were all awaiting a knock on the great wooden door, they all jumped when it came, and then exchanged anxious glances. Warlowe took a step in, cleared his throat and announced formally in his best baritone, “The Lady Delphine…” But he had gotten only halfway through the pronouncement when the Lady herself pushed past him and into the room.

“Rel, is it true?” she called, breathless.

Mark entered right behind her, “She ran all the way here, my lady. I didn’t even have a chance to get her to talk to me.” The Lady Brendelle rose, and stepped away from the table. Delphine, still running toward them, stopped in midstride when she saw the woman with the cascading torrent of auburn hair. Absolutely still, the two women stood and stared at each other across the room, open-mouthed. Equally disconcerting was this moment for everyone else present, as they shifted their gaze back and forth between the two women, so remarkably alike, and yet so different. No one dared speak, or even breathe. Time seemed to grind to a halt, waiting for Delphine to reveal her heart. And then, she ventured into the void. Delphine took a single step toward the strange foreign woman who looked so much like her, she tilted her head slightly to one side, an expression of wonder on her lovely face, and murmured, “Mother?”

Brendelle, living the moment she had dreamed of for so many years, could not speak. Tears welling up in her large, green eyes, she tried to smile at her beautiful daughter, nodded several times, and with amazing courage, held her arms out wide. Rel, Tvrdik, Mark, and Warlowe stood frozen for one eternal second, wondering what Delphine would do. What she did, of course, was to run across the floor, sobbing, “Mother, mother.” She threw herself unreservedly into the waiting arms of Brendelle. The embrace that followed brought a lump to everyone’s throat. Time resumed its accustomed motion, and those in the room found themselves breathing again. Rel reached for Tvrdik’s hand and took hold of it, as he had done hers on the field earlier that same day. Could it possibly be the same day? Both were speechless. Warlowe, a wide grin replacing his usually controlled features, faded back to his post on the other side of the grand doors, which he carefully shut behind him. Mark kept shaking his head, muttering, “That’s my Delphine. I knew it. I told you. She only knows how to love.” He was watching the miraculous reunion with a broad smile, letting the stray tears that escaped his brown eyes fall where they may.

Delphine, of course, being Delphine, with all her usual natural exuberance, wanted to know everything and hear everything and tell and share everything all at once. But, having assured her sister that there would be time in the coming days for getting acquainted, Jorelial Rey insisted they go and find Bargarelle, and have him assign suitable quarters to the Lady Brendelle. So, stopping to ask Warlowe to arrange for the lady’s armor to be collected and delivered to her rooms later, Rel led the little procession through Theriole’s courtyards and halls to the Steward’s offices – the hub and heart of the palace. She knocked on the door, which was, at the moment, closed. An exasperated voice called out, “Yes, what is it?”