Silverthorn

  Suddenly the very walls of the chamber seemed to shake. A black presence could be felt in the room and a high-pitched keening began, as something inhuman shrieked in outrage at being robbed of its minion. All the priests, as well as Pug and Kulgan, mounted a magic defence against the invading spirit, then suddenly everything was deathly quiet.

  Tully, looking shaken, said, ‘It has fled.’

  Arutha knelt beside the bed, his face a stony mask. Anita lay with her hair falling upon the white pillow like a dark red crown. ‘She seems so tiny,’ he said softly. He looked at those in the room. Carline clung to Laurie’s arm, while Martin waited with Pug and Kulgan next to the window. In silence Arutha’s eyes beseeched them all. All looked down on the princess, except Kulgan, who seemed lost in thoughts of his own. They stood the deathwatch, for Nathan had said the young Princess wouldn’t last the hour. Lyam was in another room attempting to comfort Anita’s mother.

  Suddenly Kulgan moved around the bed and, in a voice made loud by the hushed tones of the others, asked Tully, ‘If you had a question and you could ask it only once, where would you go to ask it?’

  Tully blinked. ‘Riddles?’ Kulgan’s expression, his bushy grey eyebrows meeting over his prominent nose, showed he was not attempting some tasteless jest. ‘I’m sorry,’ said Tully. ‘Let me think …’ Tully’s aged face furrowed in concentration. Then he looked as if some obvious truth had struck. ‘Sarth!’

  Kulgan tapped the old cleric in the chest with a forefinger. ‘Right. Sarth.’

  Arutha, who had been following the conversation, said, ‘Why Sarth? It is one of the least important ports in the Principality.’

  ‘Because,’ answered Tully, ‘there is an Ishapian abbey near there that is said to house more knowledge than any other place in the Kingdom.’

  ‘And,’ added Kulgan, ‘if there was any place in this Kingdom where we could discover the nature of Silverthorn, and what would counter it, that would be the place.’

  Arutha looked helplessly down at Anita. ‘But Sarth … No rider could reach there and return in less than a week and …’

  Pug stepped forward. ‘I may be able to help.’ With sudden authority he said, ‘Leave the room. All of you, except Fathers Nathan, Tully, and Julian.’ He said to Laurie, ‘Run to my rooms. Katala will give you a large red-leather-bound book. Bring it at once.’

  Without question Laurie dashed off, while the others vacated the room. Pug spoke softly to the priests. ‘Can you slow her passage through time without harm?’

  Nathan said, ‘I can work such a spell. I did so with the wounded Dark Brother before he died. But it will gain us only a few hours.’ He looked down at Anita, whose face had already taken on a cold blue appearance. Nathan touched her forehead. ‘She grows clammy to the touch. She fails fast. We must hurry.’

  The three priests quickly fashioned the pentagram and lit the candles. Within minutes they had prepared the room and soon the rite was done. The Princess lay, apparently asleep, in a bed engulfed by a rosy glow seen when viewed askance. Pug led the priests from the room and asked for sealing wax to be brought. Martin ordered it and a page ran off. Pug took the book he had asked Laurie to fetch. He re-entered the room and paced around it, reading from his tome. When he was finished, he stepped outside and began a long string of incantations.

  He finished by placing a seal of wax upon the wall near the door. He then closed the book, ‘It is done.’

  Tully moved towards the door, and Pug’s hand restrained him. ‘Do not cross the threshold.’ The old priest looked at Pug questioningly.

  Kulgan shook his head in appreciation. ‘Don’t you see what the boy’s done, Tully?’ Pug was forced to smile, for even after he’d grown long white whiskers, he’d still be a boy to Kulgan. ‘Look at the candles!’

  The others looked in, and in a moment all could see what the stout magician meant. The candles at the corners of the pentagram were alight, although this was difficult to see in the daylight. But when they were watched closely, it was clear the flames didn’t flicker. Pug said to the others, ‘Time moves so slowly in that room it is nearly impossible to detect its passage. The wall of this palace would crumble to dust before the candles burn a tenth part of their length. Should anyone cross the threshold, he will be caught like a fly in amber. It would mean death, but Father Nathan’s spell slows time’s ravages within the pentagram and prevents harm to the Princess.’

  ‘How long will it last?’ said Kulgan, obviously in awe of his former student.

  ‘Until the seal is broken.’

  Arutha’s face betrayed the first flickerings of hope. ‘She will live?’

  ‘She lives now,’ said Pug. ‘Arutha, she exists between moments, and will stay that way, forever young, until the spell is removed. But then time will once again flow for her and she will need a cure, if one exists.’

  Kulgan gave out with an audible sigh. ‘Then we have gained that which we needed most. Time.’

  ‘Yes, but how much?’ asked Tully.

  Arutha’s voice was firm. ‘Enough. I shall find a cure.’

  Martin said, ‘What do you intend?’

  Arutha looked at his brother, and for the first time that day was free of the crippling grief, the madness of despair. Coldly, evenly he said, ‘I will go to Sarth.’

  • Chapter Eight •

  Vow

  Lyam sat unmoving.

  He studied Arutha for a long moment and shook his head. ‘No. I forbid it.’

  Arutha registered no reaction as he said, ‘Why?’

  Lyam sighed. ‘Because it’s too dangerous, and you’ve other responsibilities here.’ Lyam rose from behind the table in Arutha’s private quarters and crossed over to his brother. Gently placing his hand on Arutha’s arm, he said, ‘I know your nature, Arutha. You hate sitting idly by while matters are moving to conclusion without you. I know you cannot abide the thought of Anita’s fate resting in hands other than your own, but in good conscience I cannot allow you to travel to Sarth.’

  Arutha’s expression remained clouded, as it had been since the assassination attempt the day before. But with the death of Laughing Jack, Arutha’s rage had fled, seeming to turn inwards, becoming cold detachment. Kulgan and Tully’s revelation of a possible source of knowledge existing in Sarth had cleansed his mind of the initial madness. Now he had something to do, something that required clarity of judgement, the ability to think rationally, coolly, dispassionately. Fixing his brother with a penetrating look, he said, ‘I’ve been away for months, travelling abroad with you, so the business of the Western Realm can endure my absence for another few weeks. As for my safety,’ he added, his voice rising in inflection, ‘we’ve all seen just how safe I am in my own palace!’ He fell into silence for a moment, then said, ‘I will go to Sarth.’

  Martin had been quietly sitting in the corner, observing the debate, listening closely to both his half brothers. He leaned forward in his chair. ‘Arutha, I’ve known you since you were a babe and I know your moods as well as my own. You think it impossible to leave vital matters to the care of others. You have a certain arrogance to your nature, little brother. It is a trait, a flaw of character if you will, we all share.’

  Lyam blinked as if surprised to be included in the indictment. ‘All …?’

  The corner of Arutha’s mouth turned up in a half-smile as he let out a deep sigh. ‘All, Lyam,’ Martin said. ‘We’re all three Borric’s sons, and for his good qualities, Father could be arrogant. Arutha, in temper you and I are as one; I simply mask myself better. I can think of little to make me chafe more than sitting while others are about tasks I feel better able to accomplish, but at the last, there is no reason for you to go. There are others better suited. Tully, Kulgan, and Pug can set pen to parchment with all the questions required for the Abbot at Sarth. And there are those better suited to carry such messages quickly and without notice through the woods between here and Sarth.’

  Lyam scowled. ‘Such as a certain duke from the West, I expect.
’

  Martin smiled his crooked smile, a reflection of Arutha’s. ‘Not even Arutha’s Pathfinders are as adept at travelling through the woods as one elven-taught. If this Murmandamus has agents along the woodland trails, there is no one south of Elvandar more likely to win past them than I.’

  Lyam cast his eyes heavenward in disgust. ‘You are no better than he.’ He crossed to the doors and pulled them open. Arutha and Martin followed behind. Gardan waited without, and his company of guards snapped to attention as their monarch left the chamber. To Gardan, Lyam said, ‘Captain, should either of our half-witted brothers attempt to leave the palace, arrest him and lock him up. That is our royal will. Understood?’

  Gardan saluted. ‘Yes, Your Majesty.’

  Without another word, Lyam strode down the hall towards his own quarters, his face a mask of worry and preoccupation. Behind him Gardan’s guards exchanged astonished glances, then watched Arutha and Martin leave in another direction. Arutha’s face was flushed, his anger only partially hidden, while Martin’s expression revealed nothing of his feelings. When the two brothers were out of sight, questioning glances passed from soldier to soldier, for they had heard every word exchanged between the King and his brothers, until Gardan spoke in soft but commanding tones. ‘Steady on. You’re at post.’

  ‘Arutha!’

  Arutha and Martin, who had been speaking softly as they walked, halted as the Keshian Ambassador hurried to overtake them, his retinue following behind. He reached them, bowed slightly, and said, ‘Your Highness, Your Grace.’

  ‘Good day, Your Excellency,’ Arutha responded somewhat curtly. The presence of Lord Hazara-Khan reminded him there were obligations of office going unmet. Sooner or later, Arutha knew, he would have to return his attention to the mundane concerns of governance. That thought rankled him.

  The Ambassador said, ‘I have been informed, Your Highness, that I and my party will require permission to quit the palace. Is this so?’

  Arutha’s irritation intensified, though now it was directed at himself. He had secured the palace as a matter of course, but had done so without considering the often sticky question of diplomatic immunity, that necessary oil in the usually squeaky machinery of international relations. With a note of apology he said, ‘My lord Hazara-Khan, I am sorry. In the heat of the moment …’

  ‘I fully understand, Highness.’ Looking quickly about, he said, ‘May I also have a brief moment? We could speak as we walk.’ Arutha indicated he might, and Martin dropped back to walk with Hazara-Khan’s sons and bodyguard. The Ambassador said, ‘It would be a poor time to pester the King over treaties. I think it a proper time to visit my people in the Jal-Pur. I will stay there awhile. I’ll return to your city, or to Rillanon, as needed, to discuss treaties, after … things have settled.’

  Arutha studied the Ambassador. Volney’s intelligence on him had revealed that the Empress had dispatched one of her finest minds to negotiate with the Kingdom. ‘My lord Hazara-Khan, I thank you for considering my own feelings and those of my family at this time.’

  The Ambassador waved away the remark. ‘There is no honour in besting those afflicted by sorrow and woe. When this evil business is over, I desire you and your brother to come to the negotiating table with clear minds, when we discuss the Vale of Dreams. I wish to win concessions from the best you have to offer, Highness. Now it would be too simple to gain advantage. You need Kesh’s approbation in the matter of the King’s forthcoming wedding to the Princess Magda of Roldem. As she is the only daughter of King Carole, and if anything happens to her brother, Crown Prince Dravos, any child of hers would sit the thrones of both the Isles and Roldem, and as Roldem has long been seen as lying within Kesh’s traditional sphere of influence … well, you can see how we are concerned.’

  ‘My compliments to the Imperial Intelligence Corps, Excellency,’ said Arutha in rueful appreciation. Only he and Martin had known.

  ‘Officially, no such group exists, though we do have certain sources – those wishing to maintain the status quo.’

  ‘I appreciate your candour, Excellency. We also must concern our discussions with the question of a new Keshian war fleet being constructed in Durbin in violation of the Treaty of Shamata.’

  Lord Hazara-Khan shook his head and said with affection, ‘Oh, Arutha, I look forward to bargaining with you.’

  ‘And I with you. I’ll order the guards to allow your party to leave at will. I only ask that you ensure that no one not of your retinue slips out in disguise.’

  ‘I shall stand at the gate and name every soldier and servant as they pass, Highness.’

  Arutha had no doubts he would be able to do just that. ‘No matter what fate brings, Abdur Rachman Memo Hazara-Khan, even should we someday face each other across a battlefield, I will count you a generous, honourable friend.’ He extended his hand.

  Abdur took it. ‘You do me honour, Highness. As long as I speak with Kesh’s voice, she will negotiate only in good faith, towards honourable ends.’

  The Ambassador signalled for his companions to join him, and after asking Arutha’s leave they departed. Martin came to Arutha’s side and said, ‘At least we now have one fewer problem for the moment.’

  Arutha nodded in agreement. ‘For the moment. That wily old fox will probably end up with this palace for his embassy and I’ll be left with some flophouse near the docks to hold court in.’

  ‘Then we shall need to have Jimmy recommend one of the better ones to us.’ Suddenly struck by a thought, Martin said, ‘Where is he? I’ve not seen him since we questioned Laughing Jack.’

  ‘Out and about. I had a few things for him to do.’ Martin indicated understanding and the two brothers continued down the hall.

  Laurie spun at the sound of someone entering his room. Carline closed the door behind her, then stopped as she observed the singer’s travel bundle resting next to his lute upon his bed. He had just finished tying it and he wore his old travel clothing. Her eyes narrowed and she nodded once, knowingly. ‘Going somewhere?’ Carline’s tone was icy. ‘Just thought you’d take a quick run up to Sarth and ask a few questions, right?’

  Laurie raised his hands in supplication. ‘Just for a while, beloved. I’ll be quickly back.’

  Sitting down on the bed, she said, ‘Oh! You’re as bad as Arutha or Martin. You’d think everyone in the palace didn’t possess the brains to blow their noses without one of you telling them how. So you’ll get your head lopped off by some bandit, or … something. Laurie, I get so angry sometimes.’ He sat next to her and placed his arm around her shoulders. She leaned her head against his shoulder. ‘We’ve had so little time together since we arrived, and everything is so … terrible.’ Her voice broke as she began to cry. ‘Poor Anita,’ she said after a while. Defiantly wiping away her tears, she went on, ‘I hate it when I cry.

  ‘And I’m still angry with you. You were going to run off and leave without a goodbye. I knew it. Well, if you go, don’t come back. Just send a message about what you find out – if you live that long – but don’t set foot in this palace. I don’t ever want to see you again.’ She rose to her feet and made for the door.

  Laurie was after her in an instant. He took her by the arm and turned her to face him. ‘Beloved, please … don’t …’

  With tears in her eyes she said, ‘If you loved me, you’d ask Lyam for my hand. I’m done with sweet words, Laurie. I’m done with vague unease. I’m done with you.’

  Laurie felt panic overtake him. He had been ignoring Carline’s earlier threat to be through with him or married to him by the time she returned to Rillanon, as much from choice as from the pressure of events. ‘I wasn’t going to say anything until this business with Anita was resolved, but – I’ve decided. I can’t let you leave me out of your life. I do want to marry you.’

  Suddenly her eyes were wide. ‘What?’

  ‘I said I want to marry –’

  She covered his mouth with her hand. Then she kissed him. For a long silent moment
no words were necessary. She pushed away, a dangerous half-smile on her face. Shaking her head in the negative, she spoke softly. ‘No. Say nothing more. I’ll not have you fog my mind again with honeyed words.’ She slowly walked to the door and opened it. ‘Guards!’ she called and in an instant a pair appeared. Pointing at an astonished Laurie, she said, ‘Don’t let him move! If he tries to leave, sit on him!’

  Carline vanished from sight down the hall, and the guards turned amused expressions on Laurie. He sighed and sat down quietly upon his bed.

  A few minutes later the Princess was back, an irritated Father Tully in tow. The old prelate had his night robe hastily gathered about him, as he had been almost ready for sleep. Lyam, looking equally inconvenienced, followed his sister. Laurie fell backwards onto the bed with an audible groan as Carline marched into the room and pointed at him. ‘He told me he wants to marry me!’

  Laurie sat up. Lyam regarded his sister with an astonished expression. ‘Should I congratulate him or have him hung? From your tone it’s difficult to tell.’

  Laurie bolted upright as if stuck by a needle and moved towards the King. ‘Your Majesty –’

  ‘Don’t let him say anything,’ interrupted Carline, pointing an accusatory finger at Laurie. In a menacing whisper, she said, ‘He is the king of all liars and a seducer of the innocent. He’ll talk his way out of it.’

  Lyam shook his head as he muttered, ‘Innocent?’ Suddenly his face clouded. ‘Seducer?’ He fixed his gaze upon Laurie.

  ‘Your Majesty, please,’ began Laurie.

  Carline crossed her arms and impatiently tapped her foot on the floor. ‘He’s doing it,’ she muttered. ‘He’s talking his way out of marrying me.’

  Tully interposed himself between Carline and Laurie. ‘Majesty, if I may?’

  Looking confused, Lyam said, ‘I wish you would.’