Drogoya: Book 3 Circles of Light series, page 20
Babach smiled, reaching one still scarred finger to touch Elyssa’s cheek.
‘You hear it, yet you wear no pendant,’ he said happily. ‘Just as I had thought.’
Elyssa caught his hand. ‘And there is a faint scent of something in the last few days, since Thryssa left. I think it is mint.’
‘Hah!’ Babach sat up with an air of triumph. ‘You are the first to experience both sensations child. And she does not have a pendant,’ he repeated.
Chakar left Babach to explain his theory of the connection with Myata as the Dragons arrived back from their hunting flight. Kadi was trembling and reclined beside Fenj.
‘I hunted for myself Chakar.’ The midnight blue Dragon’s mind voice was low with exhaustion, but also held a note of satisfaction. ‘It will not be long before I am fully restored.’
Lorak appeared, so opportunely that Chakar knew Fenj must have summoned him. The old gardener dived into his workroom, emerged with a familiar flask and tripped over Lula. The tiny Kephi, who regarded herself as the protector of the ancient black Dragon, was in her usual paroxysm of delight at his return from hunting. Chakar swore to herself that she would prise the exact recipe from Lorak for his restorative. Sure enough, Kadi’s trembling ceased after only two small doses from Lorak’s flask, and the blue deepened in her faceted eyes.
‘Splendid fellow,’ came Fenj’s inevitable rumbling comment.
Lula had climbed onto the old Dragon’s head and from that perch she crooned contentedly.
‘Do you know when Lady Kera might be coming back ’ere then?’ Lorak asked Chakar, his tone far too casual.
The Observer grinned. ‘No I don’t, but she will be sure to find you when she does return. Where did you hide anyway – purely as a matter of academic interest you understand?’
Lorak scowled. ‘I were very busy elsewhere. I weren’t ahiding.’
‘Aah. My mistake.’ Before she could tease Lorak further, Guards began wandering into the hall for the midday meal and Lorak took the opportunity of disappearing again. He was very good at that, Chakar thought in admiration.
Kadi slept all afternoon but woke when the hall again began to buzz with people gathering for the evening meal. Babach spoke with both her and with Fenj before going to sit at the head table. Voron slid along the bench to Babach’s left.
‘Perhaps you ought to have a word with Daro Observer. He says he smells mint everywhere we go.’
Babach smiled, taking a piece of bread from the dish before him.
‘Indeed. Maybe later Voron.’
Towards the end of the meal, Babach banged a spoon against the wooden table and rose to his feet. Heads craned towards the Observer.
‘There is no call for any alarm, but there have been reports of one or two odd phenomena here of late. If anyone has smelled a particular herb – spice, or mint for example, or heard any music, no matter how far away it seemed, would they please be good enough to inform either myself or Observer Chakar? Thank you so much.’
He sat down and leaned across the table to Chakar as talk began to rise around the hall again.
‘Any who arrive, do try to keep them apart – we want genuine instances, not conspiratorial dramas.’
The servants cleared the tables and the Guards broke into their usual evening groups, but five made their hesitant way towards the top table.
‘I wish young Mim was here,’ Babach muttered to Elyssa who sat at his right side.
She smiled at him. ‘Don’t worry Observer. Both Gremara and Mim know exactly what is happening.’
‘A message scroll from the Stronghold, High Speaker.’
Pajar held out the sealed cylinder towards Thryssa. She pushed aside the papers she had been checking and took the scroll case. As Pajar turned to leave, she called him back.
‘Wait, in case Babach has come up with some more ruses to occupy students in the archives,’ she said with a wry smile.
The papers slid into her hand and she spread them on the table, reading the topmost one. Then she frowned and picked up the scroll case again, peering inside it.
‘Aah. Babach says there is other information – it was caught up – look.’
Another roll of paper slid from the case but this was sealed, unusually for a document carried within an already sealed case. She read all the first papers and passed them across to Pajar without comment. Then she broke the seal on the second scroll. When she had finished reading, she leaned back in her chair and looked across at her first councillor. He was frowning down at the papers in his hands. He glanced up.
‘Erm, I do not wish to sound rude, but is Observer Babach quite sound of mind? He suffered terrible injuries I believe,’ he ventured.
Thryssa gave a grunt of amusement.
‘Observer Babach is very like to our Speaker Lashek. Both can give the appearance of seeming vague and foolish, although kindly, old men. You should have learnt by now Pajar, that Lashek is kindly but neither vague nor foolish. So with Babach.’ She tapped the second scroll. ‘You had best read this one too.’
Pajar read the paper slowly, then handed it back to Thryssa. She smiled.
‘Before you ask, no, I have heard nothing and smelt nothing.’ Her smile faded. ‘But Pachela said that she smelt mint, the night we came from Talvo Circle. I have been too busy to see her since, but will you ask her to come to see me later this morning?’ Thryssa sighed.
‘It is such a nuisance, being unable to mind speak Orsim and Lashek, but I still think it would be unwise to do so at the moment.’
Pajar nodded. ‘I have taken on twelve new runners in the past eighteen days.’
‘I lose track Pajar – when were Lashek and Orsim due back here?’
‘The day after tomorrow High Speaker. Do you wish them here sooner?’
‘No. The poor men are dashing back and forth enough. Leave it as it stands. Keep your ears open for any rumours about this.’ She placed her hand on the documents from Babach. ‘I will discuss it with the Speakers before taking any steps to enquire more generally.’
Pajar got to his feet, picking up the papers which Thryssa had approved and signed.
‘Any further developments on our three Firan – guests?’
Pajar’s worried look returned. ‘We have moved them, with Chornay, to the other guest quarters, as you suggested. Various instructors, assessors and healers are keeping them occupied under the guise of “continuing their studies”. Kralo was the first to object. He said that he knew all that the instructors could offer him on the first day. Then he calmed down and said that he was willing to “go along with our little games – for now”.’ Pajar shrugged. ‘The two girls reacted similarly the following day.’
‘They are shielded at all times, are they not Pajar?’ Thryssa asked sharply.
‘As you instructed High Speaker.’
Thryssa drummed her fingers on Babach’s papers.
‘I would speak with Chornay I think. Send him to me directly, before Pachela, if you would. And I will call you again this afternoon.’
Thryssa continued to go through the routine papers that she was still trying to catch up on after her absence from Vagrantia until Chornay was shown into her study by a scribe. She smiled and waved him to a chair.
‘How are our guests today?’ she asked blandly, noting his immediate discomfort.
He hesitated then plunged into speech. ‘High Speaker, I am not sure why they decided to cling to me as their one friend here in Parima. I am increasingly worried High Speaker. I have done as you asked and maintained my role as their friend and they do seem to believe it.’ He looked distressed.
‘Continue Chornay. I am fully aware you have been acting under my orders to befriend these three.’
‘More and more, when there are no others present, they jeer at the Corvida, at Parima, and Segra, and Kedara. They scoff at you yourself High Speaker.’ Chornay’s head had lowered, as had his voice.
‘Chornay, there is no blame attached to you at all in this. Tell me what they have said please.’
‘It is as you thought. They are devoted to Speaker Kallema, but more so it seems, to first councillor Prilla. High Speaker, are you quite sure the shield you implanted protects me still? Their powers are greater than mine, despite they are younger than me.’
‘I assure you, you have been guarded whenever you have been with or near them.’ Thryssa regarded him with sympathy. ‘You have also done more than enough. You will attend them no more.’
Seeing the relief on the young man’s face increased Thryssa’s feeling of guilt. ‘They will be told that you have been reassigned, back to Kedara. In fact, I would prefer you to remain here in the Corvida. I must be honest with you Chornay, I suspect they may try to locate your mind.’ She spread her hands, palms up. ‘Let them waste their time searching Kedara for you.’
‘They have begun to frighten me badly High Speaker,’ Chornay said in a rush. ‘There are times when I know they are mind speaking but I do not know to whom. I feel strongly it is the first councillor of Fira and at such times I can barely contain my terror.’ He raised his eyes to Thryssa. ‘I am sorry to be such a coward High Speaker, but will I be safe here?’
Thryssa sat back in silent thought. The boy was right of course. Sooner or later, and Thryssa feared it was likely to be sooner, his mind signature would be discovered. She made her decision.
‘I do not believe you are any more cowardly than the rest of us Chornay. Would you go through the circle – to Gaharn, or to the Stronghold?’
Chornay’s face revealed complete astonishment. ‘Daro is at the Stronghold High Speaker. We have never been apart since our first days at school. I would go to him.’
Thryssa nodded briskly. ‘Then it shall be arranged later this very day.’ She pulled the bell rope behind her chair in three sharp tugs and Kwanzi appeared almost at once.
‘Would you keep Chornay with you in our apartments until I can come to you please Kwanzi? We must get him away from the Firans, with all haste I fear.’
Kwanzi asked no questions, merely smiling at Chornay and inviting him back through the door with him. Thryssa sat still for a while then reached for pen, ink and paper. She wrote rapidly for several moments, reread what she had written and then rolled the paper, slipping it inside the scroll case that still lay on her table. She sealed the catch, impressing the symbols of Vagrantia on the wax and went to the outer door of her study.
Pajar was in the workroom beyond and she gave him the case, instructing him to send it through the circle immediately. Thryssa had just resumed her seat when there was the lightest of knocks on the door. Pachela came in at the High Speaker’s call and sat quietly where Chornay had sat but moments earlier. Thryssa gave her a warm smile. She waved her hands over her paper strewn table.
‘I have not had an instant to speak to you child. I apologise but this is one of the worst aspects of life as High Speaker.’
Pachela returned her smile. ‘I am sure I can guess how busy you must be High Speaker. I have been busy too.’ Her smile became wider. ‘I have been working with Healer Chalo and Temno.’
Thryssa’s own smile faded. ‘I had forgotten Temno is still here. He was summoned back to Fira was he not?’
Pachela frowned. ‘Yes High Speaker, he was. But he forswore Fira while you were away and he bound himself to Parima, the Corvida and to Healer Chalo himself. Chalo stood surety for Temno’s honest intent High Speaker.’
Thryssa shook her head. ‘No doubt someone would have told me eventually, or perhaps there is a note of it amongst this lot.’ She pushed at the clutter of papers in disgust. ‘Thank you for telling me at least, but what are you doing with Chalo and Temno?’
‘Well of course Chalo is the greatest healer in all the Circles, but Temno is considered second only to Chalo now. I was specialising in botany before my eyes changed, but I have become particularly interested in medicinal herbs now. And I thought – who better to learn from?’
‘Would this new interest have anything to do with your smelling the aroma of mint?’ Thryssa’s voice was calm, but Pachela looked first startled, then embarrassed.
‘I have spoken of it to no one High Speaker, but yes. It seems to happen much more often, although it must surely be my imagination.’
Thryssa studied the girl, then sighed. ‘Read these while I find us some tea child. Then tell me what you make of it all.’
Pachela was standing by the window when Thryssa brought in a tray of tea, the papers she had been given to read stacked neatly on the edge of the table. Thryssa poured two mugfuls and sat looking at the girl’s slender immature figure.
‘Your tea grows cold,’ she said finally.
Pachela stirred and turned slowly from the window. She picked up her mug of spice tea, the grey of her eyes suddenly dark against the silver.
‘I do not understand very much of what the Observer writes – the Order of Myata?’ She faltered over the unfamiliar name. ‘But it seems right to me High Speaker. I know nothing of this woman he talks of, yet it feels as if I do.’
‘You could go through the circle and speak of it with Observer Babach if you wish?’ Thryssa suggested.
‘No!’ The negative was immediate and decisive. ‘I cannot leave here now.’
Pachela looked at the High Speaker as though surprised by her own vehemence.
Thryssa raised a brow and waited, a tactic that had rarely failed her in a multitude of situations. It did not fail her now. Pachela leaned forward earnestly, clutching her mug to her chest.
‘I can give you no sensible reasons High Speaker, but I have to remain here.’
‘Is this to do with Gremara – can you at least tell me that much?’
Pachela sat back in her chair and sipped her cold tea. She grimaced and set the mug down on the table.
‘It has something to do with Gremara. It also has to do with my sense that I must learn from Healer Chalo, as much, and as fast, as I can. I sense too that I must be here when the trouble finally erupts within Fira.’ Grey silvered eyes met Thryssa’s steadily. ‘And that will be all too soon High Speaker.’
Chapter Eighteen
After only a few days of her mind being unshielded and the intensive instruction from her strange guests, Lallia was amazed at feeling so bereft once Tika’s party were beyond mind speaking her. The Lady of Far was no fool, and she took heed of the repeated warnings they had given her regarding using the power. Especially with Hargon of Return in such a bellicose mood. It was only two days since the Vagrantian Maressa had bid her farewell with the news that Navan was close to their company after his escape from Return.
Now Lallia paced a high balcony, anxiously watching for the arrival of her husband, Lord Seboth. She had dismissed her maids: she hoped that there were none who might be disloyal, but she preferred them not to see how worried she was. At last! Lallia stood on tiptoe, pressed against the lattice work screen to peer down into the stable yard as the sound of hooves clattered on stone.
She hurried down the winding stairs until she arrived at the side entrance as Seboth strode in with two officers beside him. He glanced at his wife and she bowed low in greeting. Seboth crossed to where she stood and put his hands lightly on her shoulders. Bending to kiss her cheek, he listened to her rapid murmur. He stepped back.
‘I shall join you later.’
Lallia bent her head again. ‘I have moved into the sun tower in your absence my Lord. If it displeases you, I will return to our old apartments.’
Seboth paused then nodded. ‘No doubt those rooms could do with a good cleaning and repainting.’
‘My thought exactly, my Lord.’
He nodded again and headed for his work room, his officers at his heels. The house steward approached.
‘Will my Lord need a proper meal, Lady?’
Lallia shook her head. ‘Bread and meat will do Meran. But plenty of it. And a dish of pastries in the tower rooms later, if you please.’
Drawing her shawl closer around her head and shoulders, Lallia climbed back to the balcony. Stars glimmered through the lacy metal grill and she watched them for a moment, before entering the apartments she now used. This whole section of the huge, sprawling house of Far was the oldest part. It had once stood as a solitary tower until buildings grew round it like chicks clustered about a hen. Another lower tower stood squarely at a distance from this round sun tower, but was used mainly for storing things – old furniture in its upper floors, weapons below.
The top two of the sun tower’s five floors, were hers alone. A later building adjoined the tower’s middle floor and her maids had the use of that floor. Lallia had remembered hearing Seboth and Olam joking about being able to bar the access doors and make the sun tower impregnable. The two lowest floors had no windows and for ages past, had been used, like the square tower, as a repository for unwanted furniture. But there was a well in the basement: Lallia had made an opportunity to investigate and discovered the water was still there, still sweet.
Now Lallia settled herself on a heap of great cushions and waited for Seboth. She had braziers heating the room, she had not bothered to have the small fire lit as the weather was warming unusually quickly. Meran entered and put a wide platter of pastries on the low table near Lallia.
‘Thank you Meran.’
The man hovered and Lallia raised her brow at him.
‘Some of the armsmen have spoken of Lord Hargon’s madness Lady. They disapprove quite strongly of some proposals he has ordered that all the towns carry out.’
‘Proposals such as?’
Meran shook his head. ‘I did not hear. Shall I enquire further Lady?’
‘No Meran. Lord Seboth will tell me, I am sure. But thank you as usual.’ She smiled up at the elderly steward.
He allowed himself the faintest of smiles in return and retreated to the door.
‘I have ordered extra armsmen to watch your doors Lady.’
‘Do you think that necessary Meran?’ Lallia felt the stirring of alarm within her.
