Trapped, page 35
part #3 of Treason and Truth Series
* * *
Tain collected the game with its pieces and wandered down to the snug. The cosy room’s fireplace took up a third of one wall. Its clean, swept hearth held a basket of logs, the fire irons, a small tripod for a kettle, and a toasting fork leaning against the stonework. Its twisted brass handle ended with a tiny model of Ceardlann, without the tower or the south wing, now so integral to the house no-one considered it a wing. On the mantlepiece were other small ornaments. A gilt model of the Wishing Tree in gold, its leaves delicately hung from the branches, a tiny face carved into its trunk. There was a carved model of a figure playing a small Iridian harp, a trinket box painted with a scene of the Pillars of Alcis, and three silver candlesticks. One narrow window looked out towards the forest. Carved wainscotting lined the walls, as it did for most of Ceardlann. The ceiling was lower than most in the house and the enveloping feel was why it had become known as the snug. Opposite the fire was a comfortable couch, long enough for five people. At either end were single well-padded chairs, perfect to curl up with a book, which was what Arkyn immediately did whilst his father and brother sprawled in front of the fire, laying out the game.
Tain tried to figure out the board. It had a map painted on it. Though the lands weren’t as he would recognise them on a cartographer’s map. They were twisted, distorted. Various of them were too large or too small and they curved unnaturally to fit the circular board. Around the edges of the map were small dots, alternating in purple and gold, twenty-four in total. Each had a small symbol next to it. Tain smiled. They were the same symbols as the provinces still used. A bear’s paw for Terasia, a coiled snake for Serpent Isle, scales for Gerymor, the eye for the Low Plains and so on. He carefully unpacked the pieces. Each represented one symbol. Two sets, one in amethyst and one in gold. Adeone picked up the gold arrow, designed to stand on its fletchings and represent the Skifta. The weight told him it wasn’t gilt. He glanced at Arkyn, who, sensing the look, winked.
“Where did you find this set?”
“Kensal pointed me in the direction of a trader who deals in ancient and beautiful pieces, father. He said he had it from a manor whose lord wasn’t bothered by ‘idle pursuits’. I was tempted to enquire what pursuits the lord was bothered by, but I behaved myself.”
Adeone chuckled and helped Tain set out the pieces. At the centre of the board was ‘The Tower’ and as Tain was to discover, it wasn’t easy to add his opponents’ pieces. Each token had different moves, rather like in chess. The Skifta could move wherever he wished, the Espier and Sensor could move more swiftly than the Beran and Rheol who had to move together even if they were on opposite sides of the board. So if Tain rolled a two and moved the Beran, the Rheol would also have to move, which often meant undoing a strategy. The dice – two amethyst and two gold – were dodecahedrons. One for the token, one for the spaces to move. The spaces on the board were haphazard and all different sizes; those that could be moved between were marked by a gap in their outline. Other spaces were coloured purple or gold and blocked the opposite player using them. Some pieces could only capture their opposites. A Jeci could only capture a Jeci but the Espier could capture all but the Jeci. It wove the game into a mixture of luck and chance that had Tain frustrated and laughing in equal measure to his father’s annoyance and pleasure. By the time Cal joined them, the gloves were off and Arkyn was throwing in helpful comments. Kadeem and Joe entered with refreshments, tea, biscuits and meringues. Tain and Adeone almost completely ignored them. Tain had just captured his father’s Skifta with a net of pieces including his Beran and Rheol when a black griffin appeared.
Adeone eyed it balefully. “You pick your moments, Magucan.”
“I didn’t pick it. Lord Wealsman wonders if he could have a word, Sire.”
Adeone shared a glance with Arkyn and then nodded to the messenger. Wealsman wasn’t normally one to interrupt him during the day.
Tain frowned as the link formed. “Father promised we could have today.”
Arkyn said quietly. “At least this can’t take him back to Oedran. It’s not going to be to do with any disaster there.”
Tain bit his lip, looking at the game board. “I’ll put this away.”
“No, you don’t. Wait and see what’s happened first!”
* * *
In the messenger link, Adeone exclaimed, “You look like death warmed up!”
“Ah, that would be the King’s compliments! I’m fine, Adeone, it’s just been a long day, night, whatever it was. Kristina’s been delivered of the child. I’ve… We’ve a daughter.”
Adeone smiled warmly. “Congratulations to you both. I’m pleased. I really am. They’re both well?”
“Yes. Thank you. I wanted to ask you something, well, two things actually. I… We, definitely we, would like to name her Adeona… Would you…? Do you mind?”
“Why on Erinna would I mind? I’m quite honoured, but I guess you’ll tell me it’s nothing to do with me.”
Wealsman sighed. “Sometimes, I despair of you. It’s everything to do with you. You’re the best friend I’ve ever had and both I and Kristina owe our happiness to you. The other thing I wanted to ask you is slightly more awkward… Kristina and I were talking before Adeona was born. We were trying to decide on the babe’s nearparents. We’d like to ask Prince Arkyn to stand as her nearfather, but I’m aware that—”
“You think that I’d assume you’d ask me? Percival, I know Arkyn has a far better likelihood of being here in future years. If I were to be totally selfish, I might point out that I already have far too many young people on my conscience either as wards or nearchildren. So, without feeling it is a betrayal of our friendship, because it isn’t, just ask him. Then I’ll pick him up when he gets over the shock.”
Wealsman ran his hand tiredly through his hair. “Thank you. I did feel it was a kind of betrayal. How is he? I hear he did good work in Paras.”
“Did you ever truly think that he wouldn’t?”
“No, but I think others suspected it.”
“Probably.” Adeone studied Wealsman’s face. “Is Kristina asleep?”
“She was.”
“Then go to bed yourself. Go on. I’ll contact your Deputy Governor and tell him you’re taking a few days for yourself and he’s to tell me if you appear at your desk. Talk to Arkyn later. I’ll let him know that Adeona’s been born. The rest can wait until you look like you’re once more in the land of the living.”
Wealsman yawned. “Thank you. Do I have a choice on the days off?”
“No. Sleep, Percival. I’ll speak to you soon.”
The link broke and Adeone shook his head at the fact Percival had been too tired to even register any serious protest at being forced to rest.
* * *
As the snug reappeared, Adeone ruffled Tain’s hair. “I’ll be back with you momentarily, and no cheating.”
“I don’t cheat!” protested Tain.
Adeone winked, called his own messenger, and obtained a link with the Deputy Governor of Terasia.
Arkyn watched Tain’s morose face. “Who’s winning?”
“No-one. We’re all losing. Why can’t we have just one day, Arkyn?”
“The empire is too large to let us. Anyway, this might be good news.”
“Not if he’s talking to the Deputy Governor as well.”
“I’m not so sure. Let’s see what happens.”
When Adeone came out of the link, he ruffled Tain’s hair, re-rolled his move and captured his son’s Meithrin.
“That’s not fair. You had time to think about that!”
Adeone chuckled. “It was luck. I didn’t have any time to think about it. Kristina’s just been delivered of a baby daughter.”
“How is she? How are they?” asked Arkyn, concerned.
“All doing well. I’ve sent Percival to bed. He looks atrocious. Ernst’s taking over for a few days.”
“Good. Do you know what they’ve named the babe?” (Blushing, Adeone told him.) “I’m pleased, father. Tain, what are you—?”
Adeone looked at his younger son, who was beginning to put the pieces away.
“Ah. No, you don’t, son. Put them back. I’ve got to catch your Skifta.”
Tain bit his lip and caught his father’s eye, a tear in his own.
Adeone squeezed his shoulder. “I can’t help it if one of our closest friends just became a father for the first time. You have my undivided attention.”
Still sprawled in front of the fire, they continued their match. Even when Elantha joined them, Adeone did little but wink at her. By the time the Comptroller appeared to ask them if they wanted lunch, Tain had regained lost ground and Adeone was assessing his possibilities.
“Cook’s done you a chicken pie, Sire, with roast potatoes and batter puddings…”
Adeone looked at Tain, who grinned.
“I’ll eat them if you won’t, father.”
Laughing, Adeone looked at the Comptroller. “Can we be indulgent and picnic in here?”
“We’ll bring the trays through, Sire.”
* * *
Three hours later, Magucan appeared and asked for a link with Arkyn. Adeone was intrigued. He’d expected it to be evening before Percival woke. The link closed on Arkyn’s astounded face.
“Father, you might have warned me!”
“Why? Your emotions are revealing. Are you pleased?”
“I’m stunned. I’m seventeen. What kind of nearfather will I make?”
Adeone’s lips twitched. “Arkyn, I was eighteen when you were born and I’d hope I haven’t been a bad father…”
“Of course you haven’t but there’s still a year’s difference.”
“Maybe in numeracy, but not in mental age. Arkyn, you’ll be fine. I take it you have accepted?”
“Yes. I don’t think I could ever have refused. I think Percival wanted to see my face; he was certainly smiling at the effect. He also said something about having been bullied whilst the balance of his mind was disturbed and he hoped you’d excuse him not obeying you. I think he was registering his protest that you had caught him at his weakest moment.”
“Damn right. Only chance I ever get. If he tries to wriggle out of it, I’ll think of a just reward,” growled Adeone, “and he’ll need more than a few days off at the end of it. So, what are you sending as a blessing gift?”
“I have absolutely no idea. I’d welcome any suggestion.”
Adeone nodded. “As it’s a girl, maybe some small piece of jewellery that can be adapted as she gets older.”
Arkyn paused. “I like that idea, father. It’s certainly got a practicality about it, which appeals to me. I shall have a good think.”
“So will I; I want to send them something.” Seeing Tain’s face, he chuckled. “Your brother has accepted a lifetime of responsibility.”
“Another?” asked Tain blithely. “Father, I don’t think we’re going to finish this game today.”
Adeone looked at him. He had lost the competitive joy from earlier, and it wasn’t due to Magucan’s second interruption.
“Well, we can create a plan of where the pieces are and continue it another day, or we can start again then.”
Tain bit his lip. “Let’s start again and consider this a draw.”
Adeone ruffled his hair. “Sounds perfect.”
He pushed himself up, and groaned. Sprawling on the floor was all very well but it didn’t help his back. He looked at the two individual chairs. Elantha giggled as he tickled her feet. She wriggled round and, recognising defeat, got up. Adeone took her place and sat her on his lap. Tain glanced up, appeared perplexed before continuing to clear the game away.
“I’m ready for a drink,” said Adeone with a sigh.
Arkyn leaned over and rang the bell. “Well, you’ve been doing a lot of talking, father.”
“Very amusing. What are you reading?”
“Inventories. I’ve started on the research we talked about. There’s a lot hidden in these cabinets. Though a few items have been moved around.”
“Your brother destroyed one cabinet.”
“I didn’t mean to, father,” grumbled Tain.
Adeone’s eyes twinkled. “No, but it’s why a few things found new homes.”
A few moments later, Kadeem entered and left with a request for tea and cake. Arkyn rolled up the scroll he was perusing, Tain finished putting the game away. Cal, who’d been intermittently reading and listening, closed his book, putting it on the occasional table. Tain scrambled inelegantly to his feet and curled up at the other end of the couch.
“We could go for that ride now.”
Adeone shook his head. “Save it for tomorrow. My back is aching.”
“But you won’t be here.”
“No.” He saw Tain’s face. “It doesn’t mean I don’t wish I could be.”
Tain nodded. “Could I go for a ride, father?”
“Of course. Just return for dinner.”
Tain looked at Cal and Arkyn. “Coming?”
Arkyn shook his head, Cal accepted and the boys left.
When Kadeem re-entered with the tea and cake, Adeone persuaded El to sit on the couch and eased himself in the chair in such a way that, when he had served refreshments, Kadeem moved a footstool close to the King and enquired if there was anything else he needed.
“No, thank you, Kadeem.” Half an hour later, he was napping.
Watching him, Arkyn whispered. “Let’s leave him be, El.”
They crept out of the room.
Chapter 55
TANCRED’S MORNING
Alunadai, Week 23 – 15th Seral, 8th Seris 1212
Courthouse
FOR TANCRED, watching the Prince go from indifference to engagement had been gratifying but watching him overwork was quite the opposite. Tain had to learn the fundamentals, but Tancred blamed himself for Tain’s burgeoning preoccupation. Relieved the King had taken action, he readied himself for his day with practicality. There was no need to contact Spellen, no need to prepare a lesson for Imperadai, no need to be anything other than a judge. After a modest breakfast of porridge and fruit, he walked to the Courthouse. The air was chilly but the light city frost had already dispersed by the time he reached his destination. The Keeper’s office was its normal cluttered self with its owner apparently as scatterbrained as the paper dust dancing in the air.
“James, you’re looking well! Can you see the latest list of trials?”
Tancred chuckled and started looking through the piles. “Where is your scribe?”
“Somewhere hunting out the list of jurors. I’m sure there’s several people hanging around outside the Courthouse being picked far too regularly. Ah, thank you,” he took the list Tancred passed him and brushed it off automatically. “I ought to get a system sorted.”
Tancred crooked an eyebrow. “I hesitate to mention this, but you have been saying the same for years.”
“Yes, yes, I know. Problem is the job gets in the way. Judges keep disturbing me.”
Tancred chuckled, moved a box of scrolls off a chair and sat down with deliberation. “I am sure you would not have it any other way. I came to see if you have anything for me this week.”
“I’m sure there’s something.” He rifled through the list in his hand. “Ah yes, we’ve a young lad up for pick-pocketing. The yeomen caught him. He’s about twelve from what we can work out and probably needs someone to be understanding. The yeoman who brought us his case was rather sorry to do so, from what I can gather. He’s been here before, but I’m not sure that means much given his circumstances.”
“Right, I shall see what I can do with it. I cannot blame some of these boys. They have a hard life. I was fortunate my parents were alive and my father worked hard for us…” He paused. “I will take the case, Keeper, and leave the past where it is. I shall be free all this week – His Highness will not require my services – so, if there is anything else, do ask.”
The Keeper smiled. “Thank you. How is Prince Tain?”
“Very well. The King thought His Highness would like a week without lessons whilst the weather is still pleasant. Have you heard from Lord Scanlon recently?”
“I don’t expect to, Judge. He’s in Lufia, I believe. Long may he stay there.”
Tancred gave a non-committal nod. He pushed himself to his feet and replaced the box of scrolls. “Let us hope the Deemster thinks the same. I shall leave you to continue. I will be in my office here all day.”
“Right you are, James. Oh, it’s none of my business, but Selth hasn’t been looking too good recently.”
Tancred made his way through the Courthouse feeling scrutinised more than normal. He tried to ignore it, but someone was definitely watching him. Reaching his office, he closed the door on the corridor. He glanced at his scribe, who’d risen, intrigued.
“Morning, Judge.”
“Morning, Selth. Any messages for me?”
“There are a couple on your desk, sir—”
Tancred whipped open the door and grabbed the tunic of the young runner who was listening at it. He pulled the boy into the office and shut the door with his foot.
“Well?” he asked with an authoritative lilt he normally saved for courts.
The lad swallowed. “I was just to follow you, sir.”
“On whose instructions?”
“I don’t know, sir. I was given a darl and told to keep watch on Your Honour. Sorry, sir.”
“Who gave you the darl?”
“I don’t know his name—”
“When were you to report to him?”
“He said… he said he’d find me, sir. I’m sorry, sir.”
The judge eyed him. “The time for apologies is past. Do you know how much trouble you could be in for following a member of the King’s staff?”
The lad blanched, shuffling his feet. “I’m really sorry, sir…”
“Yes, well, you will not be following me again, I expect.”
