It was late afternoon when they made back to Castle Moncrovia. A’crasti rode with Trisahn, and perhaps clung too tight, thought Val’ha, for Trisahn continually fidgeted and threw frustrated glances. "Humph!" he fumed, the first word since they began their return, and nudged A’crasti again. "Thoryn, weapon-master." There was honey in Trisahn’s voice. "Upon reaching the castle, I beg you another return to the armory, as I have lost my daggers."
"They will be replaced, and more." They spoke no further of the matter.
"How did you find us beneath Terra, Porcie?" asked Val’ha.
"After you fell through the floor, we tried mightily to call you, but the great roar made our efforts useless. We decided to take each one of the pathways offered before us, but they led both to the same room and again I met Thoryn. The ceilings and walls were in such shape that the floors were strewn with their wreckage and whole walls had fallen to disrepair. The trees were above us and only the lowest wreckage of walls remained. When we reached the end of the hall, the thunder and light vanished and it took a second for our ears and eyes to recover from their effects. Dervish sensed your weapons and the bars of steel, but I did not know from where. We stood in that last room, so destroyed that Terra was its floor and I heard loud pounding, and the ground shook under me and some even gave way. We heard a voice and Thoryn called to me, for beneath branch and bramble was a stairwell going down. Thoryn held guard there. I cloaked myself with Dervish’s power in time to find you in battle."
Porcie sighed. "I regret that I must wait for another time to serve Feukpi his last meal of my Sword." He stared into the distance, then smiled at Val’ha. "Dear Elf, and you Trisahn, for your valiance you should think of joining us in King Joel’s army!" His words carried a gaiety Val’ha had not heard since the night at the Dragon Inn.
"I shall not join your army, my old friend," Trisahn laughed, "but of reward, now, there I may be persuaded."
"To each of you, I cannot express..." Acrasti’s voice cracked. "The wizard who stole me in the night, though he may have escaped, I will not forget his torment." He shuddered and gripped his arm tighter around Trisahn.
Trisahn’s shoulder shook as though from a bothersome chill. "Back there, I fell from the guard hound, next I am looking up at you, Lady Val’ha. What happened to me? And why were you holding me so?" Val’ha recounted how they had triumphed at the castle door, she lifted and moved him, and her green-light mended his wound. Trisahn whistled long and low. "Perhaps that is where your green potion went on Mount Carias – you drank it in your sleep!" Val’ha remembered the empty vials, and pondered his jest, regretting that she had muddied her journal with suspicions about him.
"Your healing, Trisahn, was like I have heard only in fable," Thoryn said. "The power you have, Val’ha, is a gift from the gods themselves. Even the High Wizarder of my homeland does not have such light in her."
"Beware the instruction of King Joel’s wizard, Val’ha," Porcie broke in. "Xorus seeks the minds of those with magickal gifts to do his bidding – including the races of Elves."
"Thank you for your warning," said Val’ha, "but I had no knowledge of this gift until such was my grief for Trisahn that it came from within me. I neither sense its extent nor how to summon it, for I tried again, nor if it will even return."
"Now tell us," Thoryn said, "how the magickal Val’ha descended from the mountain with her green magic." Val’ha spoke of her father and her life until two fortnights ago, avoiding the details of her meeting with Trisahn for him to tell his own story. When she finished, Thoryn brought his horse aside hers and clapped her back. "Friend Elf! I would someday like to visit your home and see dweemtweezles for myself!" Their merriment carried them to the outer gate of Castle Moncrovia.
"Open!" yelled a King’s woman.
**
All about the castle grounds, gentry and King’s guard alike stared at them with smiles and whispers in each other’s ears.
The High Wizarder received the four companions warmly after they had dismounted and bade farewell to A’crasti, Lady Frippe showing them in. Beyond him, as he leaned forward in his tree-chair, the cage of the great cat was empty. "Come! Word has hastened around the castle of your successful return. Tell me everything that happened to you – do not skip a word! My knowledge of Xorus comes from many places, and your tale may give me more that might aid the quest of the Sages in our search for his birthstone."
He sat back as they related their journey, answering in detail as the wizard’s interest dictated, him nodding and murmuring; when they finished, the High Wizarder scratched his beard and did not speak for some time. At last he said, to himself, Val’ha thought, more than to them, "So it is worse than I feared." He raised his brow and a twinkle stirred in his eyes. He stood. "You have done exceedingly well, the four of you, and during your journey I advised the King himself on this matter.
"Porcie, your mother is here in the castle under our safekeeping. You will wish to rejoin her and make plans for the Moncrovian Clerickal Church, where your beloved’s body now rests awaiting her funeral rites. Before then, all of you shall this evening come to the banquet hall, for as I have spoken, word of your deed has found itself on the tongue of knight and noble, though they are not aware that Feukpi’s master Xorus is once more afoot across our realm." The High Wizarder clapped his hands and smiled. ""Tonight there is celebration and feast planned in your honor! Go now. It is fast approaching moonrise and you should catch your rest before the banquet. Lady Frippe will show you to your mother, Porcie, after you have restored to my keeping your Sword. Farewell, until this evening! And all of you – until we know further, we must say nothing of Xorus or there will be pandemonium, panic and displacement across the land."
**
Thoryn removed his weapons and armor and stroked Porcie’s cat which had jumped onto his bed-coverings; he lay on his side, creaking the bed, and invited Trisahn and Val’ha to chairs. Porcie did not rejoin them and in time, Thoryn and Trisahn fell asleep while Val’ha wrote in her logs.
After some hours there was a light knock upon the door. Not knowing what else to do, Val'ha answered it to find a wearied Lady Frippe. "Val’ha, I am glad it is you," she whispered. "If you can, please come with me – the High Wizarder wishes a private conference with you."
Val’ha slipped out with the lady, wishing all the blessings of Zeus for her new friends. As she reentered his chambers, the High Wizarder was reflecting Dervish, Porcie’s Sword, off a candleflame. The cage that had held the tiger was gone. The High Wizarder stood, strode across the room and placed Dervish in a long and dusty box, shut the lid and set atop it an old book. He bade Val’ha to join him on a pair of stools nearby.
"Val’ha, daughter of Ma’hadrin." In his face and voice was a tenderness she had not sensed since her father; she felt lifted and saddened at once, Ma’hadrin’s image inside her, then surprised at the wizard for uttering his name. The High Wizarder’s elbows rested on his knees; he bent forward, taking her hands in his. "Dear Val’ha, I knew your father and have waited many years to hear of Ma’hadrin." He paused. "The mountain, that is where he concealed himself all this time! It was no accident you grew up away from all; when first you came to me today I saw a face I had not seen since my first incarnation for over two hundred years ago, so much do you take after your father."
Val’ha pulled her hands back in grief, desperation and bewilderment. "I thank you for summoning me to share memories, but p’irth Ma’hadrin has been gone from this realm for over four years."
"That is unfortunate – he is much needed during these months. A vile storm gathers, and more grows than Xorus’ Sword-collecting. There is much that noone here can tell of the origins of what is to come but from scatterings of legend."
"What storm? What legends?" Val’ha was becoming frustrated with the High Wizarder’s word-circles.
"You see, Lady Val’ha, Ma’hadrin was a high prince among your race, the sylvan Elves who dwelt in the magickal land where is now Bylikaegra. It was prophesied that his destiny would be as grand as the gods, as sung as the most valiant heroes; but for Xorus he would have fulfilled that destiny."
"What do you mean?" Val’ha felt growing dread.
"Before Xorus’ mortal end and entry into the realm of Terr’des in the year 2856, he had accumulated much power in this world. Understand that the three races of Elves he let be, as they possessed magic enough to counter him. More importantly, however, the sylvan Elves – other than your father’s attempts to form bridges between our people – did not concern themselves with mortals or their gods, and though they dwelt within the borders of this land, none of us could ever find their cities.
"Unchecked, Xorus accumulated such skill in the dark arts before his Terran death that it is taught in the Order of the Sages that he could summon the Song of Terra itself to command tree, land, water, air and rock, the forces of weather and even time, space and tesseract – the boundary between the realms – for his purposes. Val’ha, I sense within you observance of how vital the Song is to our lives, that I claim our world and stars are built upon. By 2856, Xorus for the first time successfully harnessed the rhythm of the Song and when he did, so great was the disruption that all the houses of gods and saints heard it. The Elves felt it too, but Ma’hadrin alone came from the Grey City of Bylikos to Asch’endra to battle against the Song’s corruption by Xorus.
"I pondered in great measure what you told me today of your experience at Castle Ohrt. Let this be our secret – the second coming of Xorus amounts to more than snaring petty conjurers into Sword-ransoming. He is assuming the same command of the Song he learned while mortal as well." The High Wizarder twisted his rings. "After tonight I will need your assistance again, so with godspell I ask that after you listen to my tale, you accept a second challenge.
"When he was alive Xorus conjured many vengeful enchantments. He lived in the Darkwood of Jo’hoprinia, in a place like the Elves that could not be found on any map. He fell in love with Ursela, a Woman of twenty-nine and daughter of a slavetrader. But Xorus could not have her; the lord of the Isle of Sipsids who did trade with her father shared his heart with her, and they set their betrothal. Lord Sipsids, as fate would have it, shared with his intended a birthdate and was to be forty years in age on the same day Ursela was to turn thirty. They delighted in placing the date for their banns of troth to be this day in the year 2850 and made merry plans for many months. Xorus brooded long, in him the poisons of jealousy and impotence festering and growing, until he devised his revenge upon the Sipsids family.
"The lovers were betrothed amidst unheard celebration, and quarters had to be set in tents for their capacity of guests. It was an historic day as well, for in attendance was Asch’endra’s King Gygar, whose gift to Lord and Lady Sipsids was a decree of freedom for all the slaves of the kingdom. But in the rise of the new day the Lord and Lady were found dead, their faces bluish-white. The cause was never found by healers, wisewomen or alchemists of the time, but all knew the truth.
"The Sipsids were buried and the island fell into despair; all who lived on it fled, and to this day the family known as Sipsids dwells around Denlineil. Xorus took over the isle and lived in Castle Sipsids until his death in 2856, spending his last years raising and reanimating the bodies of the dead for his servants and guard. None have been to the Isle of Sipsids since, almost two and a half centuries.
"Tonight at the banquet you will meet Baron and Baroness Val Tress, who have commissioned the island to be charted; they seek both ship and accompaniment. King Joel conferred with me on this matter, knowing of both the Sipsids family curse and Xorus’ second return because, you see, the King’s cousin Baron Richard Sipsids III died in his sleep last week on the eve of his fortieth birthday. The journey therefore will require more than cartographers and a ship’s crew – the Sipsids curse has been restored to life by Xorus’ reentry here, and it must be ended once and for all time.
"Alas, I fear also that this means Xorus’ mortal spells, once fallen into myth and folly, have been unleashed anew upon our world." The High Wizarder let Val’ha ponder the information for some time before he went on. "The Sipsids are dying again. There is but one way to break the curse, the solution there upon the island. I can instruct you on this if you accept my recommendation of your service to the King and know, dear Val’ha, though I may not leave this castle, I will be with you." Regret weighted his last words. "Lady Val’ha, your destiny awaits you in the islands. Strong and vague, through circles of dusty wind, damned is this counsel, that I even sense your fate in my own."
"You speak in riddles and roundabouts, and what part has my father in this? I have felt his presence within me since his death, but he never told me of Sipsids or Xorus or any of this!"
"I am sorry, but my understanding is clouded," the High Wizarder said gently. "It is a fact of history, forgotten by most all, that your father brought forth to us an allegiance with the Elves that lasts to this day, but after he went into exile and until I saw him in your face this morning, none knew his whereabouts. Sadly, he is not here." He arose. "Val’ha, have you ever wondered the reason you were raised in a lost glade on Mount Carias? It was because your father was hiding from Xorus returned to our world from the House of Terr’des, in part set upon retribution against your family. The one who killed the mortal Xorus in 2856 was your father Ma’hadrin, and even if you try your hardest, it is my sense that the Dark God’s entanglement in your life is no longer a matter of time – it is arrived."
**
The summer moon glittered full through the tall windows high in the banquet hall, banners of the Blue Rose and the colors and houses of nobles displayed against the white walls. Candleflames fluttered brightly and tables were laid with all manner of meats and bread on gold and silver platters; gobbets and pitchers of crystal overflowed with white and red drink, cornucopia spilled fruit and berries from across the duchies of the commonwealth, garden harvests and cakes and sweetmeats between great displays of roses and other freshly cut flowers of every size and color.
At the head table the royal chairs were gilt and high-backed, the flowers all blue roses. Servants and pages attended the revelers, who celebrated around the tables in bright finery, pinks and orange and yellow and bright red, with knights in shirts of the Blue Rose, and pendants and necklaces and rings on the lords and ladies. Children played on the floor with dogs and ferrets and, Val’ha learned from Trisahn, who sat next to her at the head table, parrots from Azimq’haadrin, peacocks and monkeys.
The banquet hall itself was as long as it was high, with the audience’s tables forming a long crescent off King Joel’s table so that all could see him and he them. Laughter and conversation continued to fill the air as the guests gathered to their seats to await the King and Queen’s appearance. A bell rang, light and high as a bird’s song, and the gentry settled into their chairs. Many smiled, offering congratulations and gratitude to Val’ha and Trisahn, who wore fresh tunics, and Thoryn, in his Blue Rose shirt, a woolen skirt and white boots.
Porcie, also in the shirt, and his mother, bedecked in bright green, nodded to Val’ha and Trisahn and sat next to Thoryn at the Queen’s left. Last, the High Wizarder took his place by Val’ha to the King’s right in the closest of the three empty chairs. The excitement around the room lowered to murmurs as the host awaited Joel and A’gren. Val’ha bade the wizard greetings and peered down the two long tables. On the left sat Lady Frippe, next to her a brown-haired youth with high cheekbones who Val’ha guessed was very tall. An olive-skinned Man was next to him, the upper armcloth of his shiny blue and purple coat billowing like a flower and a green medallion at the end of a wide band of silver about his neck. His hair was black and pulled back from his face into a tail that fell about his left shoulder. The High Wizarder pointed out the men as the cartographers who would be going to Sipsids, Andronicus Flooher’ty IV and Lord Nopaach-to of Denlineil. Trisahn pulled Val’ha’s sleeve, his head bent over his platter toward the other side of the head table. "Bedamned, I did not even see them until now."
Val’ha followed his eyes to a couple in brown finery who held hands adorned in twin rings of gold with blazing rubies. "Do you know them?"
Before he could answer, the high pitch of the bell rang through the room again and all talk ceased, save a giggling child. The big doors opposite the head table opened. The High Wizarder and all the gentry stood; Trisahn pulled on Val’ha’s sleeve that she do so also.
Queen A’gren’s eyes were as blue as her gown, itself made of starshine brighter than any other in the room; she held a blue rose, only one ring with a sapphire around her finger, and in her silver and yellow hair she wore a small crystal crown with blue diamonds shaped into roses. Her face carried many happy years.
King Joel took his Queen’s hand, his with a sapphire ring of thicker plate that matched hers and on his grey-brown head a thin silver crown, sapphires at each tip. Val’ha guessed him handsome and mighty in his youth; his eyes, deep blue, carried wisdom and adventure. His shirt was sewn with blue gemstones and silver thread; he carried a silver scepter, upon its tip a colossal blue-rose diamond to match the Queen’s crown. His beard and hair fell to his chest, and he wore a short cape of silver.
"Welcome to you all!" called the King, hearty and lilting; he raised his scepter and led the Queen around to their places, both greeting various guests along the way. Joel embraced the High Wizarder and for a moment looked over his shoulder at Val’ha; she felt light inside from his smile.
"Sit and feast!" Queen A’gren invited, and everyone did so, heaping on their plates the midsummer banquet before them and insipirility and lively talk once more filling the hall. Players holding wooden and copper stringed instruments, and some with books from which they sang, came into the room and added their music to the festivity.
After a fashion the King leaned over and smiled. "You are two of those who saved A’crasti today?"
For a moment Val’ha could not speak, so strange was this day that now kings spoke to her. Trisahn answered, "Yes, Your Highness, I am Trisahn, this is Val’ha."
"Oho! The cats have stolen away with your tongue I see, my dear Elf." Val’ha tried to sink into her chair, so embarrassed was she.
"These are the trusted friends of Porcie," the High Wizarder said, "who I recommended to you."
"Pardon me?" asked Trisahn.
King Joel waved his hand. "Good mercies, High Wizarder, can today’s business not wait until tomorrow?" He resumed his attentions on Val’ha. "I think I should be the one in your seat and you in mine, so great was your father, Crown Prince Ma’hadrin of Bylikros."
"My lord, I..."
"Hoy, do not protest! I have called this banquet in your honor to express my deepest thanks for saving A’crasti, heir of Flooher’ty and greatest performer in all our lands." The King returned to his merriment and drink, and Val’ha relaxed; she did not speak too much more with either the High Wizarder or Trisahn, instead listening to the new entertainments of Human song and instrument. She smiled at Trisahn and he at her, and they plundered the bounty of the table, since they had not eaten since morning. The berry-juice that Val’ha sipped from her gobbet, sparkling and white, tickled her nose and spirit, and she found its taste pleasantly warming.
The songbearers folded their books and exited when a Man with a long thin moustache, big brown cushion of a hat and peacock feathers on his boot-tops entered the hall and began reading from his tatted book, an epic telling of the Great Battle of 3040, accompanied by the musicians, his words cadenced and rhyming. The High Wizarder leaned near Val’ha’s ear: "He is Dolliwid the Bard, most – famous – of poets." After Dolliwid left, the musicians continued to play melodies of enchanting beauty. When most of the revelers had finished their courses of meal, King Joel stood and all were silent. He raised his scepter.
The banquet doors opened and the musicians started playing gay tunes; in came all manner of motley-colored performers, on wheels and tumbling, juggling plates and gobbets, showing string and card tricks to children whose wonderment flitted through the air like butterflies. Humans and Dwarves in rainbow-striped dress and many colors on their faces danced jigs and played games with the ladies, and magicians produced bouquets of flowers and coins from behind Men’s ears. A bear in diamond-cloth pajamas danced, and monkeys did acrobatics.
Servants filled gobbet and platter as soon as they were emptied; Val’ha felt giddy the more she drank, and folly wet her spirit. "Go slower on the drink," Trisahn warned, "for the best part of the evening is yet before us."
At the end of an hour King Joel arose; the performers and musicians retreated. Joel clapped his hands. "As all know – for I have heard little else today but of his rescue – there is one who has not performed for us." Hush filled the room. The King cleared his throat several times. "Tonight we honor those who in turn have brought honor to the Dynasty of the Blue Rose. All rise." The guests stood while the King turned to his left. "Men of my army, Porcie and Thoryn, you have dedicated your liege to me and to the ideals of insipirility and the Blue Rose. For that alone you reward our kingdom. Yet in the face of bewitchment and peril, on this very morning you saved A’crasti, heir of Flooher’ty!" A page brought forth from behind the King a sword of such watery crystal, Val’ha could see through it. King Joel took his sword and approached Porcie and Thoryn.
"With this sword called Den-mahr of the Blue Rose kings, I ask you to kneel before me." They did so with reverence. "Do you declare anew your fealty to your King and Queen, the Army of the Blue Rose and the cause of insipirility?"
"By my promise, by my name," they responded.
King Joel touched upon each of their shoulders the crystal sword, bowing twice. "Arise then and present yourselves." He swung his arms out to the entire room: "Arise you both, lord knights of the Blue Rose!"
Porcie and Thoryn stood and a huge cheer swept through the room; all the royals, servants and guards clapped their hands. "Hail, Sir Porcie! Hail, Sir Thoryn!" they called.
"All hail the King and Queen!" Porcie and Thoryn said.
"Hail the King and Queen!" the whole room shouted, and the minted knights took their seats, Porcie’s mother embracing him.
King Joel returned to his place and said to the gathering, "Two others came this day to our castle, and in the quest to save our cherished performer they joined our knights. Though not of my army, Val’ha and Trisahn were chosen for posse alongside Sir Thoryn and Sir Porcie in the Valley of Castle Ohrt and together, they brought back to us great treasure, and for this they shall have as much! Hail, Val’ha! Hail, Trisahn!"
"Hail, Val’ha! Hail, Trisahn!" The banquet hall filled with applause and calls of joy and celebration; Val’ha felt surging warmth, whether from the berry she could not tell. Trisahn moved uncomfortably in his chair.
"And now, dear and honored guests, our great treasure," said the King, "A’crasti!" The room went silent as the wooden doors opened one last time. There was a long pause; someone coughed.
Finally, in strode A’crasti in silver mask and short-cape. Once at the center of the room, he bowed to the King and Queen, then to Trisahn, Val’ha, Sir Thoryn and Sir Porcie, the King and Queen again, and then to each he gave, plucked from the air, a long-stemmed blue rose, finding even a seventh for Porcie’s mother.
He pulled a silver scepter from his pied stocking and a scroll from his sleeve, and that night and for years after, Val'ha knew why many spoke of A’crasti’s performance as the most heralded and rapturous ever seen by any throughout the land.
**
When A’crasti finished, his audience was at first completely silent. At last the King arose, then the Queen, then all to thunder A’crasti with applause that rang throughout the palace even after the jester bowed and genuflected to seemingly everyone as he backed out through the main doors. With that King Joel and Queen A’gren, along with many of the gentry and all of the children, made for their rooms. Sir Porcie and his mother wished Thoryn, Trisahn, Val’ha and the High Wizarder goodnight. To Val’ha’s pleasure, the musicians returned to play their melodies. The mood of the evening grew more ribald. "Let us have a toast!" one of the ladies called out.
"Who shall we toast?" someone asked.
"Me!" claimed another, and everyone laughed.
Lady Frippe stood and lifted her gobbet. "I propose a toast to our King and Queen, their children and our knights, and to A’crasti, for the finest performance ever witnessed by mortal or god!"
"Hail!" and "Hail!" were proclaimed to drinks held high.
Lady Frippe turned to the two Men who sat next to her: "And hail, Lord Nopaach-to and his apprentice, Andronicus, younger brother to A’crasti, for their safe journey to bring us maps and stories from the Isle of Sipsids!"
Hails and murmurs shared the air as the revelers lifted their gobbets. "Hail, Mayor Altomaine of Denlineil," one of them called, "come all this way across the mountain! And hail his troth, Guinivere from the house of Sipsids, who a small bird told me has another year to add to her number!" Birthday wishes, hails and gobbets raised to the couple in brown who had caused uneasiness for Trisahn. The couple did not raise their drink; instead, to astonished protests, they stood and left.
The mood dropped in considerable measure, and no more cheer was made. Those who remained fell into smaller groups, some leaving, and the High Wizarder brought Val’ha, Trisahn and Sir Thoryn together and said, "Please allow a moment for me to introduce you to the Baron and Baroness Val Tress."
Thoryn bowed before them. "Lady Baroness," he said to a Woman of some three-score years, her grey hair piled upon her head in ringlets, her face well-weathered, the medallion of a red cross hanging over the shirt of the Blue Rose she wore. She was a tall Woman, her arms and hands mighty still, and her eyes metal-grey. Her pants were of fine silk, a sword sheathed at her side, and her boots of brown hide. "May I be worthy of service to you in our King’s name and in the shadow of your much-sung legend.
"Lord Baron," he said to a Man of less height, white hair, short moustache and blue satin garb, who impressed Val’ha as a merry, fatherly spirit. "In our years of instruction, we learned many of your teachings in the applications and modifications of weaponry."
"Stand and face us as befits a King’s knight," the Baroness Val Tress retorted, "for I am of no greater stature save my years in this world."
The High Wizarder took the slightest step away from the Baroness when he introduced the Val Tresses to Trisahn and Val’ha. "Much was told today of your story," beamed the Baron, "though I fear Feukpi is yet to be reckoned with properly."
"Had I gone with the posse, my beloved, I fear your statement would not be so." The Baroness studied Val’ha and Trisahn, not acknowledging the High Wizarder. "A she-Elf and this puny Man – pah! You are the mercenaries who are to accompany our mappers? And you, Sir Thoryn, we shall see if what you call worthiness flitting on the lazy tongues of this courtiers today is merited.
"It is my petition to the King that has brought us here; I spin the fortune-wheel and win but a small ragtag," she said with disdain. "You three, and from the looks on some of your faces you have not all been told here of our island," here the Baroness glared at the High Wizarder, "shall come to our barony in the Carian foothills by afternoon tomorrow, for the wine and lateness of this day make so that neither I nor the Baron are fit for further discussion. I leave at first light, and it is a good guess that you will not have arisen from your beds; when you do, make haste so that we may discuss your commission!" The Baroness turned abruptly and, without waiting for the Baron, left the banquet hall. The Baron stumbled backwards with apologies on his face.
"Sir Thoryn and Val’ha," the High Wizarder said, "you each have some instruction from the King and I who have told you most of what you need to know for the Isle of Sipsids voyage, and I beg from you, Trisahn, your forgiveness for the shortness of time that did not allow your education. Tomorrow after breakfast, join me for your final instructions. Until then, I am a weary old Man and bid you goodnight."
**
After a night spent with Trisahn in a room of their own, Val’ha and he traveled to Moncrovia with Sir Thoryn; Sir Porcie and his mother joined the company to attend to matters in the Royal City before Kayleen's burial. As reward for their deeds, Val’ha was given Dragonslayer and Trisahn his horse, both laden with provisions and silver coinage enough to satisfy Trisahn well. Accommodations were made in Moncrovia with the innkeeper Hevoran, known to Porcie’s mother through their guild, for Trisahn and Val’ha to take up their lodging in the city.
After a private meeting with Trisahn and upon receiving their directions for destroying the Sipsids curs that morning, the High Wizarder had smiled and said: Farewell, and though I cannot journey with you, I have something for each of you.
To you, Sir Thoryn of the Blue Rose, I give in this waterskin a potion of speed. Drink it completely and you shall travel faster than wind.
To Trisahn I give a set of silver tools to replace your twigs – though you helped to unlock A’crasti’s prison, you may find greater challenges – and a blasting-horn, its sound enough to shatter rock and bone.
Val’ha, to you, papyrus from Azimq’haadrin and this writing-quill with which to write your journal, and in this box the Key of Didapruvnefe, a dimension-key; it may be used once, by you and no other. Use it wisely; if you are in peril it will transport you to wherever in this world you wish. Do not remove the key otherwise, even to hold it, for if you do its magic will be lost.
I have commissioned the Bugbear, a ship that awaits you at the Moncrovian docks whose captain will steer you to the island. May the blessings of the gods and saints be with you.
Val’ha thought again of the small brown box wrapped inside her scrolls that contained the dimension-key, about their meeting with the wizard, and of the revelations concerning Ma’hadrin and Xorus. She rode up to Porcie. "I wonder about the Swords – does the High Wizarder have the skill to protect Dervish against the power of Xorus? We wounded Feukpi but I fear that in a short time they will have regained their focus."
Porcie sighed. "I share this concern. Such treasure the Swords of Ariadne, but what peril, and with Ariadne’s charm lifted and the Swords unprotected, Xorus on his second attempt at them..." he let the words hang in the air. "I entrust the High Wizarder with my Sword even now, but I do not know the answer to your question. Magickal mortals and Elves are not known to have powers exceeding the gods, but the High Wizarder promised me that if ever Xorus came for Dervish, or the castle imperiled, he would take it to a place where Xorus would not find it."
"Why does he not do this straightaway?" asked Val’ha, surprised. "For all its merit, which I have witnessed, your Sword brings the danger of Xorus’ concentration."
Porcie did not answer for some moments. "I forget that you are new to our traditions. The place he would take Dervish is not within castle grounds, nor do I think it even of this realm, though the High Wizarder did not tell me so. No, Val’ha, to protect the Sword, he would need to leave Castle Moncrovia."
"But what danger is there in that?"
"Each of the Ten Kingdoms is governed by rule of the Hafer’ty accords written by Flooher’ty in the second millennium, and by an amendment to this agreement, each ruler must have for wisdom and guidance a communing High Wizarder, trained and approved without exception by the Order of the Sages. To ensure that the wizards would use their high magic to protect their assigned court and castle – and that they would remain loyal to their kings, under their Oath of Service provision each had to promise they would never abandon the castle grounds, for by so doing, they would within one day perish." Val’ha was startled by this news until she remembered the wizard’s words, I may not leave this castle. "It is this that makes me believe if he were to hide Dervish, it would be gone from this world." Porcie sighed. "Through me and my father it has done service, I daresay. It has slain three Dragons, Porcie the Elder wielded it in the Great Battle, and if I did not end Feukpi’s life yesterday, then at least I know Dervish caused him harm enough to set back their plan!"
"Since Xorus’ presence cannot manifest within protected grounds as Castle Moncrovia, is there not a chance he could use Feukpi to enter the grounds for Dervish’s theft?" Thoryn asked, pulling his horse alongside theirs.
"I cannot say except that I do not think a Human agent would be but child’s play for the High Wizarder, who now watches Dervish with obsession. More chance, I have thought, that an army might come to claim it – or a wizard of greater power." Val’ha considered Porcie’s comments and, in the light of their encounter with both Feukpi and the Song of Terra at Castle Ohrt, wondered if Xorus would (or could) use the elements to capture the magickal Sword, or even strike at of the High Wizarder himself. "The Moncrovian sheriffs guarding Feukpi’s family reported back to the Captain of the Army that Carla his troth and their daughter Inez vanished from their lodging above Carla’s Shoppe. If a single agent comes to the castle for Dervish, it might not be Feukpi who enters the grounds." The riders kept to themselves for the remainder of their journey back to Moncrovia and to Hevoran’s Place.
**
Val’ha remembered Hevoran’s Place from her first night in Moncrovia, of the same two-level architecture as the other buildings on the main street. It was mid-morning, the city alive with shops opened and all manner of trade and activity.
They took care of their mounts and entered a yellow-colored room filled with shelves of figurines of creatures common and magickal; tables with books lined the walls and small rugs scattered about the darkwood floor. Across from the entryway a counter ran, behind it small boxes filled the wall and keys on pegs. Porcie’s mother peered around. "Hevoran? Hevoran, are you here?"
"Yes, yes, one moment, please!" called a voice from atop the stairwell to the right; small footpads down and from around the corner brought Hevoran. No higher than a child, he wore a light open vest that went the length of his body over a green shirt and dark trousers. The hair on his head and chin came to a point as sharp as his ears and his eyes were slanted, large and almost black. Upon sight of his visitors they widened further and he opened his arms. "Ah, friends!" He hugged Porcie and his mother at the waist and stepped back. "It is too long since we have seen you at the guild. I trust you are so busy with your guests that you have no time to sit in our dull meetings!"
"That is true," laughed Porcie’s mother. "Soon, when I am returned from the Clerickal Church, I must attend. It is still on Romodays?"
"Yes, and has not changed in years. By the way, I offer my sympathies, for I have heard, Porcie, of your loss." With this Hevoran became solemn.
"Thank you, Master Hevoran," Porcie said. Hevoran looked expectantly at the others. "Let me introduce to you those Lady Frippe told you about – Sir Thoryn, my childhood friend Trisahn, and Val’ha from Carias."
Hevoran bowed to each of them. "Welcome, good companions of Porcie! I have your rooms arranged by the Lady herself, some blocks from here." He turned to Porcie’s mother.
"We want to thank you, dear half-Dwarf, for attending to our three companions, but my son and I must now depart for the Red Buck to prepare for our two-day journey down Magickal Road." She stooped to hug Hevoran and nearly lifted him off his feet.
"Whoa, sweet lady! To the legend of your two Porcies’ strength I should add yours." Porcie bowed again to Hevoran and they returned to their horses.
With many embraces and goodbyes completed, Porcie and his mother took to their mounts. Porcie said, "Remember, dear Trisahn, you shall buy me a drink at the Dragon Inn and tell me about the years we lost!"
"Farewell and be safe!" Trisahn called; the riders left.
Without pause, Hevoran rubbed his hands together. "Come, you! Allow me a second to get your keys and I will show you to your lodging."
**
"Now, it will be just the two of you, Trisahn is it? and Val’ha, right?" Hevoran rode on Dragonslayer behind Val’ha. "The King is paying your fee, and three brings more silver than two!"
Val’ha smiled. "Yes, Master Hevoran, it will be for us only." Hevoran’s directions led them around a bend in Moncrovia’s main street, left at the block of the Old Silk Shop and down eight blocks past the Gold Dragon Inn to the very end-block of the city, the buildings a mix of levels and bordered by trees.
Hevoran jumped off lightly; they dismounted and tied their horses to a nearby sycamore. "A nice ride, I say. Here it is!" He took a key from his vest pocket and handed another to her, making up the stoop for one of many doors of a one-level building that went the entire block north and east. Just beyond the trees Val’ha heard the vast, shimmering sound of water. "This is for visitors to our fine city who stay longer than a few days," Their host unlocked the door and waved them in. "This should set you about right, I think."
There were two rooms; the closest held two beds ready with cushions and linens, a small table near each with candles and tinderlight, and over the beds painted images on wood of a Man in a silver crown and a half-Dwarf resembling Hevoran; a window facing the stoop brought in the morning light. The other room contained a table and chairs, shelves with plates and other items for meals. "If you will," said Hevoran, "this is among the finest in Moncrovian lodgings, with the sound and fresh water from Flooher’ty Sea just through the trees for you and your animals, and grass enough for them too, I think. You can get your supplies and food from the nearby merchants – oh! and please let me know if you would like me to make any suggestions on that front. No such worry today, however, your larder is stocked – Lady Frippe took care of that."
Val’ha was very pleased with the lodging, a thought reflected on Trisahn’s face as well. "Now with that," Hevoran said, "I must thank you for hastening our pace by letting me ride with you, but I have affairs to take care of on my way back to Hevoran’s Place. Please come and visit when you have settled in and I hope you find insipirility during your stay." He handed his key to Trisahn and said goodbyes, leaving the companions alone to unload their belongings. Thoryn refreshed the horses, Val’ha explored their lodging further and Trisahn took a short rest before making for the Val Tress estate.
**
They rode east out of Moncrovia, first past small dwellings and farms. Mount Carias covered the sky to their north, but also now a ridge of the mountain descended ahead of them; after a mile the land became hilly, with larger farmlands on their left, animals grazing on Carias itself and grassy foothills with twisted oaktrees bounding down the road and on toward the shore of Flooher’ty Sea, its blue shimmering out to a horizon dotted with islands. The breeze and sounds from the sea filled Val’ha’s heart with delight; white and black birds darted above the water, and light cloud filled the air. It was to her the perfect day. Along the coastal highway, trails left and right led to various homesteads; wagons and horses with Dwarves, Humans and Short Elves traveled the route both ways. "This is the road to Denlineil," Sir Thoryn said after a league to Val’ha, riding adjacent as it was wide enough to accommodate.
"It is indeed beautiful." The mention of Denlineil made Val’ha recall its mayor the evening prior; she held Dragonslayer back enough for Trisahn to catch up. He was lost in his thoughts, gazing out to the islands and unaware she rode next to him. "Trisahn."
He shook himself. "Ah, Val’ha, it is a beautiful day, yes."
She balanced her curiosity; even now the Denlineilian silver hung from her neck. "Last night, that couple you wished to avoid – the mayor of Denlineil and his betrothed from the Sipsids family – it was his treasury you carried when you met me on Mount Carias."
"Yes." Trisahn surprised her with his relief. "Last night he did not recognize me – with a new name, a shorn chin and Elf-wear, I was like a stranger to him. I know this because before our last meeting this morning with the High Wizarder, I had a private audience with him and he told me this." He gazed out over the sea.
"What did you have a private audience for?"
"The wizard knew who I was despite my appearance. As I had feared, someone at the castle recognized me and reported to the King, who told his wizard and, well...You see, for one thing, at the end of each month, each mayor as Chief Sheriff of his or her town is required to send to the King a reporting of crimes and misdeeds. The King consults with the captain of his army to see if he they can assist in any posses or ventures – like we have been retained for Ohrt and Sipsids. And so..."
"And so?"
"And so, dearest Elf," Trisahn said, stroking the mane of his mare, "allow me to say that before I met you on Mount Carias, well... well, before I met you, I had to my name, if you will, quite a, what shall I say, quite a report." Trisahn looked at her and protested, "Oh, friend! No! Please do not think me a murderer or even a kidnapper. Nor did I destroy any property! My crimes were not so grand."
Trisahn fell again to silence, as if Val’ha were satisfied with this, but she pressed him further: "It was my impression that Tropruscht and you knew each other from both testimonies, and I am not of such guile as to consider you a newborn, yet you sat in the wizard’s chamber when Thoryn and I entered – not at peace, but you did not seem greatly disturbed."
"No, the High Wizarder and I ended our audience on the best of possible terms... oh, Val’ha, you pester me so, I shall just tell you so that I may return to my thoughts, and you, Sir Thoryn, you have been hearing this, so do not hide your ears that we may confer on this matter before we reach the Val Tress barony!"
Thoryn turned: "I do not judge you, Trisahn; we have fought together and will fight, and in conference with the wizard I make my own secret public here – it was I who recognized you from the reports of the Denlineilian envoys. Though the King and his captain, Siress Cyr, discuss the reporting of criminals who roam the cities, part of my duties include assisting my captain to compile the lists of crimes into archive, and I know fully those that are associated with you."
This news startled Trisahn, who searched for words and found none. Thoryn laughed heartily. "Trisahn of many names, do not fear; the King’s recordkeeper hides the knowledge of your doings from everyone, and only he – and Captain Cyr, King Joel and I – know besides the wizard of Dyphrasian, Catalon and the many names you have gone by.
"I have held my tongue on this matter and have not even told my roommate Sir Porcie, so bold was your entry into the very heart of the kingdom, Castle Moncrovia itself, that I was at first greatly interested in your motivations; then, at Castle Ohrt, your bravery impressed me and I conferred with the King, who told me to keep my silence so that a deal could be brought about in regards to balancing your past activities against your current acclaim. It is true that Mayor Altomaine of Denlineil and his troth Guinivere returned home today without knowing they dined at the King’s table with you last night, so complete was newest disguise." Thoryn laughed again. "Dear Trisahn, your errant valor is exceeding that you sit with the King just hours after he hears from Altomaine the tale of the death of Dyphrasian and the return of his treasury!"
Trisahn gathered his wits. "I am elated beyond the sky, Thoryn, that the highest amusement of last night came not from A’crasti, but from me! You must have all struggled to keep the mirth from your faces!"
"Master Trisahn! Please do not think I hold you in any judgment; it is clear to me after this time that you seek to begin a new life filled with honest intentions, and so you are given this chance. Trisahn, I told you this because I consider you an ally and equal in our task ahead. Val’ha, now you too know this part of the story, that on the completion of our task on the Isle of Sipsids – assuming we break the spell before the Mayor of Denlineil’s troth turns thirty – Trisahn will be issued a decree of pardon from all past crimes so that he can truly hold up his head, if not keep his name!" Thoryn’s head rolled back in merriment at this last. He caught himself in time enough to spot a road north to the Carian foothills, and led them up it.
"Secrets and secrets, both of you," Val’ha said, concentrating herself. "In regard to Guinivere of Sipsids, how long do we have before her thirtieth birthday."
"By the calendar," Trisahn said, "A bit over a fortnight before she dies in her sleep from Xorus’ curse."
**
Baron Val Tress ran his fingers over an owl, as real as Val’ha knew from the glade, frozen in movement and mounted on a wood pedestal. Other creatures cluttered the lone tower of Val Tress Hall, overlooking the well-scythed hills of the estate. Myriad books nestled in shelves lining what walls were not covered by weapons and mounted heads of birds and beasts; in one corner a set of silver and crystal rested. Other tables contained more books, maps and rolled parchments; overstuffed and fine-looking chairs cluttered the room.
Val Tress, disheveled and waxen-eyed, scanned the panorama through the vast window – below his servants and sentries, a pond where swam several large swans, his stables, the hills many shades of grasses and far off the sea and skyline. "Thank you," he said finally. He invited them to sit, but continued himself to stand. "It is good that you have come."
"The High Wizarder told us of the two outcomes desired from the trip," Sir Thoryn began. "Our accompaniment regards the matter of the Sipsids family curse."
"Yes, that." Baron Val Tress ran his hand through his hair. "You know, it is through the Baroness that the Val Tress name runs. The Val Tress Women are warriors; my beloved, you know, was first among female Knights." There was sadness in his voice. "Long ago in the second millennium, when the republics were unjoined, the Queens of the Val Tress Dynasty reigned for nearly a hundred years, but since...
"Our fate has not been so aggrieved as other families. I mourn the second coming of the curse upon the Sipsids family, but our purchase of their island two-score years ago was not from pity. More, I bought the land to restore some of the glory to our family name; deep in both the Baroness and I runs the desire that the banner of Val Tress becomes a beacon to all of the other houses once more. See here." The Baron indicated an island far asea with a mountain rising through it, but no other island near it. "That is the Isle of Sipsids, covered by fog for two hundred and fifty years. Now it awaits our rediscovery. Tomorrow I urge you to meet Eedebee, captain of the Bugbear who will take you there; I know from the High Wizarder’s guarantee you will care equally for my interests as your own. The Sipsids Manor is a mystery to me; whether the body of Xorus remains there I do not know." He handed Thoryn a scroll. "You will find this, though three centuries old, of some use in locating the manor. I recommend you leave by first daylight two days herefrom; my cartographer Nopaach-to has estimated his task will take nearly ten days to complete."
"Will there be others on the journey?" Val’ha asked.
"The High Wizarder did not give me the details of how many hands are aboard the Bugbear – Nopaach-to’s apprentice Andronicus, great-grandson of Flooher’ty, will join you. And the Baroness Val Tress has also decided to go with you."
