Chapter 19
Alliance plus one
Nevin woke to the sound of an animated discussion in the outer sitting room. Anson and Orris were arguing over their audience with King Lucan. Orris thought it went well, but Anson was distraught because Lucan did not allow them to discuss a plan to meet with King Meire of Gilsum. Anson pressed the need for them to act, but Orris resisted.
“Anson, you are normally the most patient man I know. But in this matter you are not willing to let things take their course.” Nevin entered the room, distracting them. “Ah! Sir Nevin rises at last. I was telling Anson I knew why you made the lights go out in the reception room. I think you were embarrassed about your black eye and did not want anyone to see it. Especially the ladies of the court?”
Nevin feigned a laugh and Anson even managed a slight grin, momentarily diverted by the good-natured jibe. The jest seemed to put them all at ease. A servant brought breakfast. As they ate, they talked of their plans, finally agreeing that they should try to meet with the King again, though in more private chambers if possible. Orris would see if he could arrange it. Anson was going to visit the market and see if any villagers from Huxley were around with news from the town. He asked if Nevin wanted to join him.
“No, I think I’ll just sit around here for a while. Maybe I’ll go out later.”
“Would you be waiting for a caller, Sir Nevin? Perhaps one of the ladies I just referred to?” Orris kidded, obviously aware of the sage’s company the previous night. “If you try to gain favor with that one, my friend, she will be more than a match for you.”
“What are you talking about? Why do people here jump to conclusions so easily?I don’t have any dishonorable intentions. I only wish to learn more about your ways.” Nevin was still sensitive about Corissa’s misunderstanding of his interest in her company.
Orris shrugged and said, “Aye, I have tried to learn the ways of highborn women in this court. I must say that is no easy feat.”
Nevin refused to reinforce Orris’ inferences, but Corissa remained the subject of their discussion. He asked Orris what he knew about her, since “some personal information might be helpful in setting her at ease.” Orris said she was born in Gilsum, which explained her greater height and coloration. As a very young woman, she married an Antrim man who became a high-ranking officer in King Lucan’s army. He died in battle some time ago and she has remained steadfast in her loyalty to Lucan, though she never remarried. She has become a highly trusted advisor to the King because of her knowledge of Gilsum and unwavering allegiance to Antrim. The men and women of Lucan’s court are not fond of her, some because she is Gilsum-born and others because they are jealous of her relationship with Lucan. As long as the King favored her, no one would publicly speak against her but she knows that she is not well-liked.
“That tells me a lot. Thanks, Orris. I think I’ll try to put her at ease.”
Orris sniffed, “You may need to call on high magery again to achieve that.”