Flame of War (Binding Words Book 5), page 11
part #5 of Binding Words Series
“Probably best if I have a few changes of suits,” Sean nodded. “I’ll see about getting it done soon.”
“Mistress, the carriage is just about ready,” Pura said, landing on the table.
“If you’re both ready,” Mageeyes said, rising to her feet fluidly.
Following Mageeyes, they exited a backdoor into the stable yard where Mageeyes’ carriage was waiting for them. The footman helped the ladies in before shutting the door behind Sean. He sat beside Ryann and held her hand. Mageeyes sat across from them, and Sean wondered if the trip was going to be silent.
The silence was broken by Mageeyes shortly after they had started moving, “Lilly has become your head maid... I was surprised at that. I thought that Ryann disliked her.”
“I did,” Ryann replied. “It was a burden to Sean, though, so I changed.”
“Changing yourself for the man you love?” Mageeyes sighed. “Many claim they will. Few actually do so.”
“It wasn’t an easy step,” Ryann said stiffly.
“No, dear, no, I expect it wasn’t. I’m not mocking. If anything, I’m a little envious, is all. I knew one man whom I cared for who had sworn he was going to change so we could be together. His words were as empty as his heart ended up being. I should have known better, but alas, love can blind a person.”
“Is that why you’re here and not in Westpoint?” Sean asked.
Mageeyes’ eyebrows went up. “An indelicate question, Sean.”
“Sorry. I am who I am. I just noted that, though you seem to be shunned by some, you do still hold sway on others and are even friends with a Lady. To be here and not there means there’s a story.”
Mageeyes bowed her head slightly. “That is true. My mistakes are why I was sent to this city by my Lord. It’s why I opened an inn... to help me pass the time, since most of society has chosen to shun me.”
“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, Amedee. You’ve heard my story, and I’m unlikely to be as unfeeling as other people are. If you want to share, I am willing to listen.”
Mageeyes looked out the carriage window in silence for a few moments, making Sean wonder if he’d asked too much. Ryann gave his hand a squeeze and shook her head. He gave her an apologetic smile.
“It’s true that you are unlikely to see things the same way they do, Sean. I was young then, much younger. Barely into adulthood and so sure of myself because of my family and Talent. I thought he meant it when he told me he loved me.” She continued to look out the window, her voice soft, “And the lie continued for well over a year. It was when I pressed him for a betrothal that he finally came clean. Told me he had just been using me to make his way higher into society. Hateful words were said as he cut me down, tearing my love out of my chest and shredding it while laughing and stomping on the pieces.”
Mageeyes paused as she felt the tear escape her. With a sniff, she pulled a handkerchief free of her bag and dabbed at her eyes. Sean sat there stone-faced while he listened, but he had triggered Mage Sight and had been watching as her energy ran wild inside of her. Ryann watched in silence, surprised that a Dame could cry.
“After that day, I made it my mission to hurt him. I used every favor I could to tear him from the perch he had made. Deals, bad deals I made, came to light, and I was called before my father, Lord Mageeyes. When I explained, he scoffed and called me a fool for falling for such easily seen lies. It was then that I made my biggest blunder; I pointed out how my father had been taken in, as well.”
Snorting softly at the memory, she dabbed her eyes again. “The fight that ensued saw me banished from the Quaditals. I was seen as the ungrateful Dame who fought with her Lord. Easily tricked, stupid, and overly emotional. I was sent here by my mother to learn how to interact with society until I could show that I had learned to play the game. I have been here ever since, with few allies and even fewer friends. Only Charie and Saret are true friends. Well, and Sara, but she wasn’t here until recently. She was my one old friend who stayed true to me, which is why I wish to help her now.”
“What happened to the guy?” Sean asked.
“He works for Lord Truestrike now,” Mageeyes said. “He has started to finally repair his reputation after all this time. Damn Truestrike for taking him in, but alas, my ability to stop that was nonexistent.”
“Still hate him?”
“With every fiber of my being. Not because of where I am now, but because I have not been able to trust another with love since. I can’t risk it happening again.”
“If given the chance to strike him down again—”
“I would,” Mageeyes cut him off. “This time, I would do my best to make it final.”
“‘Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned,’” Sean quoted.
“I’ve not heard that before,” Mageeyes said. “It is true, at least for me.”
“He sounds like a dick,” Ryann said.
Mageeyes gave her a small smile. “To put it nicely and bluntly, yes. You won’t do the same to Lilly, will you, Sean?”
Sean took a deep breath. “I won’t lead her on. It has been made very clear what becoming a wife entails.”
“Yes. In that, she is lucky,” Mageeyes said. She put her handkerchief away as the carriage slowed. “We’re almost there.”
“Sara... that’s Lady Sharpeyes?” Sean asked her.
Mageeyes gave him a small nod. “It isn’t her full name. It is something only I call her, so please do not say it.”
“Very well,” Sean said as he took a deep breath. “I’m sure this will be fine.”
Chapter Thirteen
Sean walked between Mageeyes and Ryann as they were escorted down the long, marbled halls. The stonework was broken up by the occasional painting, tapestry, or weapon. The occasional small table and chairs were positioned in ways to encourage people to sit and talk, but none of them were in use.
Reaching a set of double doors, the servant who was guiding them knocked and waited. One of the doors opened to reveal a lesser-Naga balanced on her tail. “Thessse are the Lady’sss guessstsss?” the Naga asked, giving them all a long look.
“Dame Mageeyes, Sean MacDougal, and his wife, Ryann,” the servant said. “I leave them with you, Nola.”
“Yesss. Pleassse enter,” Nola said, motioning them inside.
Sean saw the thin bands on Nola’s wrists and neck and the memory of Misa hit him in the gut. His steps faltered as he met Nola’s eyes. “Thank you for letting us in, Nola.”
Nola’s tongue flickered repeatedly before she bowed her head. “It isn’t often that one not of my race knows our tongue.”
Sean gave her a sad smile. “I knew another. She was a good person and taught me much.”
Ryann and Mageeyes watched the two of them with interest, as neither understood the language.
“The Lady will be with you all ssshortly,” Nola said, speaking normally again. “Pleassse follow. The table isss thisss way.”
“Sean, I didn’t expect you to know the language of the Naga,” Mageeyes said as they followed Nola.
“I know a number of languages because of my gifts,” Sean replied.
They fell silent when they were led to a balcony and seated at a table that overlooked the garden below. The table itself was a single piece of wood, and had obviously been Shaped. The legs were of Moonbound holding the surface aloft, and the tabletop was another piece of art. Sean was sure the depicted image was an actual map of the known world.
Nola waited for them to be seated before she asked them to wait and slithered away. Left alone, the three looked out at the flowers. Ryann asked about a couple of the flowers and Mageeyes was able to answer them, as Sean had no idea.
A polite cough brought all their eyes to the doorway where Nola swayed. “The Lady Sssharpeyesss wishesss her guessstsss welcome.” Having said that, Nola slithered out of the way and Lady Sharpeyes came out of the manor.
“Dame Mageeyes, MacDougal, and Mrs. MacDougal, thank you for coming to tea,” Lady Sharpeyes greeted them as she approached the table.
Having at least a vague idea about social etiquette, Sean stood and bowed to her. “Thank you for having us, Lady Sharpeyes.”
A smile graced her face as she reached the table. “It is a pleasure.” Her smile widened a little more when Sean helped seat her. “A gentleman? From all the stories I’ve heard about you, I wasn’t expecting you to be so gallant.”
“I can only imagine the stories that have been told about me,” Sean replied as he took his seat again.
“I don’t give them any credence myself,” Lady Sharpeyes said. “Nola, please serve.”
Nola bowed to her. “Yesss, Lady.” Clapping her hands sharply, Nola watched closely as a dozen Moonbound brought out a tea setting and got the table ready for them. Once the table was set, the Moonbound retreated back inside. Nola came forward and poured tea for each of them, making it to each person’s preference. When she finished, she shifted back to wait by the door.
“Do try the scones,” Lady Sharpeyes suggested, Nola having already set a small plate of them near her cup. “The cheese is quite good, but if you prefer sweeter, the honeyed one is delicious.”
Sean and Ryann thanked her, both picking up one of the scones that had been plated next to their saucer. After sampling them, Sean set his back down. “I was surprised that you wanted me to come to tea, Lady Sharpeyes.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
“I’m just a Shaper. I shouldn’t rank high enough for your august personage to take interest in.”
Mageeyes blinked and gave Sean a surprised look, but Sharpeyes just laughed lightly. “Oh, so you can use flowery words when you wish. Just a Shaper, you say? Yet everything seems to indicate that as a lie, or at least the most understated thing I’ve heard in many years. As I’m sure you wouldn’t intentionally lie to me, MacDougal, I have to assume that you are unaware of just how interesting you are.”
Sean grimaced but didn’t speak. Instead, he sipped at his black tea.
“You have, since your arrival to the city, brought smiths and Shapers into a cohesive group that has entered into what is surely going to be one of the most profitable associations that has ever been seen. It has been your inventiveness leading this association, even if Fredrick Gertihs is the public face of the group. You’ve also managed to acquire the backing of Dames Mageeyes and Flamehair, and one Saret Somnia. Your second bathhouse, which has taken the city by storm, is about to open, and the third should be following soon. MacLenn Merchants is the sole distributor of your new ideas and they are growing more powerful because they stuck by you even when they were being squeezed to back away. Is any of this wrong?”
“Lady, I daresay very little you say is ever wrong,” Sean said with a touch of sourness.
“That is true, even if you are being a bit petulant about it.”
“He’s still done better than I had hoped,” Mageeyes said simply, sipping her tea.
“That is a good point, Amedee,” Lady Sharpeyes agreed. “You’ve also managed to infuriate Otis Denmur, his son, my son, and my husband, plus a group of lesser smiths and Shapers. One would think the city revolves around you, MacDougal.”
“Lady, please call me Sean. As is doubtlessly known to you, I’m not used to the formalities, even if I do try to keep up with them. As for those upset by me, I never intended for them to be, but I don’t control others.”
“Indeed... you seem to hate the idea of it,” Lady Sharpeyes smiled. “Your Bonded are given the most generous terms I’ve ever heard of, and you treat them like family instead of mere servants. Very unusual for any, much less someone who glows with power like the sun itself.”
Sean felt his anger starting to rise. “I’m just not the kind to plot, plan, and backstab others. I don’t try to sabotage and ambush people, unlike some of those in favor within these walls.”
Mageeyes smile went wooden, and Lady Sharpeyes’ eyes narrowed for a moment. “There is the bite I’ve been told of,” Lady Sharpeyes said evenly. “The walls you are near are mine and not my husband’s, nor my son’s. Keep this in mind.”
Sean inhaled deeply before setting his cup aside and bowing his head. “I apologize. I should have directed my comment better. You showed interest in stopping the duel and Aria’s death. For that, I should thank you, so... thank you.”
“Amedee, you were right. He can direct his anger when needed.”
“Yes, but I’m honestly surprised he hasn’t provoked you more, Sara.”
Sean sighed, “Look, can we cut some of this shit, please? You obviously wanted me here for a reason.”
Mageeyes looked up at the sky and sighed dramatically. “Sean… why?”
“Because it’s who I am,” Sean said bluntly. “I’ll leave the bullshit to Denmur. Gods know he loves to wallow in it.”
Lady Sharpeyes stifled a small laugh. “Goodness, that was vulgar, Sean. Not inaccurate, but vulgar, nonetheless. Please keep in mind that you are at tea with a Lady and Dame.”
“Doing my best,” Sean said, taking a bite from a cheese scone.
“Since you asked, I will move things along. I want to know what you are going to do about my husband’s toady. Denmur is trying to stonewall and stymie you, or back you into a situation where you are gravely injured.”
“If he does it openly, I’ll bleed him,” Sean said simply. “Until then, since I don’t want to end up in front of a magistrate again, I’ll just do what I can.”
“You do know my husband will call you to appear at the next party,” Lady Sharpeyes said matter-of-factly.
“Figured he would,” Sean nodded. “Not bringing a gift is an insult?”
“Most don’t bring gifts. Bringing one requires the Lord or Lady to view you with more favor. If you don’t bring one, it will make things easier for my husband. As it was, he pushed the very edge of what he could last time after the exquisite gift you gave him.”
“Did anyone find out what happened?” Sean asked.
“A minor servant was blamed and killed,” Lady Sharpeyes said flatly. “A waste, but you did force them to blame someone, so the man who accepted the gift from your footman was the one held accountable.”
“I see. Except it would have taken a metal Shaper to change my gift.”
“Indeed, and once he was dead, they claimed he did have a small Talent for such, but it couldn’t be proven with a dead man.”
“I am really starting to dislike them. I’m still waiting to hear from the guard on my ambush, too.”
“I do believe that Commander Babbitt is still having it looked into. Sadly, the one lead they have hasn’t been found yet.”
“No doubt he’s dead or out of the city by now,” Sean exhaled. “If I ever see him, he’ll die, but not before he tells me who attacked my wives.”
Sharpeyes’ eyes glimmered. “That is the fight you’ll need for the coming conflict.”
“We’ll see,” Sean said, finishing his cup.
“Nola, refill the guest’s cup. We aren’t done yet,” Lady Sharpeyes said.
“Yesss, Lady.”
“We’re not?” Sean asked.
“I thought you might like to hear about a recent event.”
Sean waited for Nola to refill his cup before he thanked her in her own tongue. Nola’s tongue flickered slightly before she bowed her head and retreated. “I would, Lady Sharpeyes.”
Lady Sharpeyes glanced from him to Nola and back. “Interesting. Not many outside of their race know their language.” A sharp smile grew on her lips. “As I had been saying, an interesting development: my husband’s favorite merchant has returned to the city and came bearing news.”
“Cedran,” Sean said flatly.
“Yes. You did meet him during a layover because of that blizzard. He was forced to part with some of the family coinage to cover a private debt. Normally, this would have had him flogged, but it was forgiven.”
“Because of the information that was given,” Sean said.
“It seems that a man with companions similar to your wives came traveling this way, and in their wake, they left a number of strange events.”
“Strange?”
“A deadly fight in a town square. Brigands found murdered. The mysterious disappearance of a squad of guards and the fire mage of a small town. All after having appeared out of the wilds, floating down the river in a Shaped boat.”
“Interesting stories,” Sean said flatly.
“My husband and son thought so. Fairies have been sent out to gather more information. I’m sure that by the next party, things will be moving.”
Sean nodded. “I see.”
