The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare (40 page)

“Xaarus will find a way to let you know it is himself with whom you speak.”

Jorelial Rey jumped in, “I must inform you that we have recently discovered that Tashroth can also see and hear Xaarus when the link is forged through Tvrdik’s mind. It was a surprise to all of us, but a definite confirmation that something more is happening here than one man’s imaginings –unless any of you doubt the word of a dragon…?” There were mutterings all around at that.

Maygrew stepped forward, “We understand the limitations you outline. If you are willing, please proceed.”

Tvrdik nodded. He was beginning to close his eyes to concentrate when he heard Jorelial Rey’s voice, “Psst, Tvrdik! Don’t forget the shielding.” He nodded again to her and centered himself, right hand holding his staff firmly and fingers of the left in the pocket of his robe closed around the coin with Xaarus’ face on it. He focused his attention on all his memories of the Master Wizard. Meantime, Jorelial Rey was sending out a mental message to her dragon companion, “Alright, Tash. It’s beginning now. Lend us your help.”

There was no sound or motion from anyone present. The assembled lords and ministers stared at the young mage, barely breathing for fear of disrupting his process. Tvrdik’s sensations were beginning to be familiar. The sensory memories, then the actual feel of an additional powerful presence on the edges of his mind as Tashroth came on line, and finally the perception that Xaarus stood before him, as real as anyone in the room.

“How is it going, son?”

“About as well as could be expected. Most of them consider me a madman inventing an unbelievable tale.”

“Speak what I tell you to say, my boy, and I will do what I can to support you.”

“Go on, Master.”

During this brief interchange, what everyone in the room saw was a tall, serious young man in robes having an animated conversation with an invisible partner, or else with thin air. They could hear Tvrdik speaking just under his breath, pausing as if listening, and then speaking again. None of this did anything to dispel the notion of possible madness. But then the young wizard turned his attention outward, to them, and began to stroll around the room.

“Xaarus is here, and sends hearty greetings to all of his old friends in this room, from whom he has been parted for too long.” As Tvrdik passed Verger, he looked down and continued, “A special warm embrace to both Minister Verger and Steward Bargarelle, whose friendship and hospitality he says he always treasured.” The two men smiled at each other and at the mage. As he walked about, between statements, his eyes seemed to refocus inward, as if he were listening to some private music or instruction. Jorelial Rey considered that either he was hearing Xaarus and repeating what he was told, or he was doing a pretty remarkable job of acting the part.

“My master wishes to apologize for his untimely departure from Theriole, and his unintended long absence. He deeply regrets that haste and over-confidence caused him to make an error which has held him in exile. He takes full responsibility for leaving you all without his help and support during this most challenging of times. Such was never his intention. He says, in order to help make amends for being so far away at the crucial moment, he sends his apprentice, in whom he has absolute confidence, and bids you treat him with respect, and heed him well. He will speak to you with honesty, and serve you tirelessly…” Tvrdik’s eyes focused outward again as he turned a most interesting shade of pink, “I suppose he means me.” he interjected.

Xaarus said, “
Repeat what I tell you, boy. Please refrain from editorial com
ment
.”

“Yes, sir.” Tvrdik responded, to no one visible.

One of the lords whose name he did not know stood and gestured toward him in disgust, “Well, of course, a make-believe Xaarus would say these things, wouldn’t he now. ‘Sorry I can’t be there…please attend to my messenger.’ This proves nothing. We are wasting our time here.”

“Xaarus asks how your rashes have been, since he has not been around to treat them, Lord Leonti? As he last remembers, they had cleared up well, but he wonders if you still have any of the salve he gave you for that condition?”

The man turned white and stared at Tvrdik.“ I – I don’t believe we have been introduced, mage. How do you know my name? And how would you know about my…about
that
. That was a private matter…I told no one.”

“Well, how
are
they?”

“Excruciating, to be honest. The palace physicians do not seem to be as adept in their treatment, nor can they reproduce whatever it was he gave me that was working so well. Why am I talking to you about these personal matters? It is a trick. Xaarus must have told you these things years ago, and you recall.”

“Sir, I did not even know your name until this moment, and Xaarus is assuring you that, as a matter of ethics, he never divulged to his students the identities of any of his patients, even if he might have used their ailments as subjects of study. He only breaks confidentiality now to prove that it is indeed himself to whom you are speaking. And by the way, if you see me later about that…uh…
uncomfortable
condition, I believe I can help you.” Lord Leonti turned purple and sat down, his lips pressed together. There were a few muffled titters from the other Cabinet members.

Tvrdik then turned to the Minister of Justice, “
Master Alanquist, do you still keep your first wife’s jewels and dowry locked up in a special safe so that your second wife will not know of their existence
?” A communal gasp went up from the floor, as Alanquist slid a little lower in his chair. “
And, Lord Morrisey, did I not once accurately tell you where to search for a very valuable ring that had been lost since your father’s death?”
The man looked down at his jeweled hand.

At this, Lord Maygrew stood to address the mage once more. He cleared his throat, and seemed uncertain how to begin. “I-uh-if-uh-if I do indeed have the privilege of addressing my old friend, Xaarus, then I want to welcome you with all my heart. Could you, would you satisfy me with some item of personal knowledge you might have of me, as you have for these others? Be gentle. I have, up till now, enjoyed some measure of respect here.”

This elicited a few chuckles from about the room. Tvrdik smiled. “He tells the story of how the two of you and Gareth Rey once stayed up all night in a pub discussing philosophy and the meaning of existence, and how you implored him to come home with you at dawn and tell your wife that he had detained you on essential royal business.” A much larger laugh went up from the assembled lords and ladies. Corbin Maygrew looked incredulous, and then, his round face broke out in a smile, “I admit I recall the incident well, and divulged it to no one else but Gareth Rey. I doubt he would have told his daughter, though I suppose it is possible…”

“Xaarus says that your wife was pregnant at the time with your only daughter, and that in her unusual moodiness, she told you that had it not been for Xaarus’ earnest testimony, she might have had you strung up on a pole by your private parts for causing her to lose a night’s sleep with worry.” Another laugh erupted from the floor.

Maygrew winced, “Ouch! I asked you to be gentle. Well, that part I am sure would not have been relayed to young Jorelial, and is absolutely accurate. I am convinced, old friend. It is good to see you – or hear you – or at least, hear
from
you, and to know that you are indeed alive and well. Those were good times. I hope we may recapture them one day, though Gareth’s absence will be profoundly felt.”

“He says,
Truly, I pray someday we may sit together in that pub and raise a glass to his memory. I am greatly saddened by his death.”
There was a general murmur around the room at that. Tvrdik stole a glance at Jorelial Rey, who was sitting in a shadowed corner with her head lowered.

Corbin Maygrew went on, “As strange as it may seem to us, Xaarus, I am now persuaded that I speak to you through this young mage. I have seen his quality; he put his own life at risk to save the Lady Regent from harm. I acknowledge that I am impressed with his foreknowledge of her election to the regency, and of the emergence of Lord Drogue, someone whom most of us have held of little account until his recent antics turned a spotlight on him. I am inclined to trust the judgment of the Lady Rey and her dragon companion. But you cannot expect me to comprehend all of this business about time travel, and following time lines, and our changing the nature of the future. It gives me a headache merely to contemplate. I admit there may be circumstances my simple brain cannot grasp. But, when it all comes down to a directive to leave ourselves wide open and vulnerable to a dangerous foe, without the protection of warriors or weapons, cannons or ships, but only of philosophy, you cannot expect me to readily agree to such a plan. Or any of us, for that matter…”

“Oh, Corbin, but I do expect you to agree, because I have never before led you astray, never advised you unwisely, never spoken to you falsely. I should think that I have enough credit with each and every one of you here to ask your trust and support, even on this strategy, as illogical as it may seem, as terrifying and uncertain. Because you all know I have always been committed to Eneri Clare and its leadership, its peace, its safety, and its folk. You know in your heart that I would never willfully cause it to be exposed to harm. And Corbin, you should agree because, by now, in your distinguished career, you will have learned that great achievement usually comes along with great risk. Finally, I expect you to agree because I know your heart, Corbin, and the hearts of all here present. You all serve in this Cabinet because you also love this kingdom, and you would each give anything and everything you have to see it safe, peaceful, and prosperous. All I am asking you to sacrifice are your old, rigid beliefs, your doubts and fears, and to open yourselves to a new way of thinking. It is quite a gamble, yes, and the stakes are high, but the rewards are far greater than you can imagine. I leave you to ponder all of this now. I must sever the connection. This is the longest we have ever attempted to hold this link, and it does wear on both of us. My friends, I have missed you and embrace you all in imagination until our next encounter. Be good to my messe
nger…”

TWENTY–FIVE
From Chaos to Compromise

J
ORELIAL REY’S EYES WERE FIXED
on Tvrdik the moment Xaarus said he would break the connection. As the Master’s last words seemed to drift away, even though they were spoken with Tvrdik’s voice, she saw the younger mage close his eyes and relax his jaw. His head fell forward, and he began to sway on his feet, still gripping his oaken staff. Sensing what was happening, she sent a quick mental message to the dragon, wherever he was, “Tash, pull out. It’s over.” The instant her thought was complete, she leapt from her seat, dashed over to the mage and shouted, “Tvrdik, let go. Come back; let Xaarus go. Someone bring a chair quickly…” There was no mistaking the urgency and command in her voice. One of the younger lords jumped up and carried his chair over to where Tvrdik still stood, just in time for the Lady Rey to grasp Tvrdik’s arm and guide him down onto it. He opened his eyes then and looked up at her, “Thank you. I thought I was well prepared, but at that moment we were so united, so intertwined, that I almost forgot. It is such a strong impulse to want to follow him.”

“Are you alright?”

“I think so. Very glad for the chair, though.” He nodded in acknowledgement to the young lord who had delivered it.

Thirteen lords and ministers were watching this brief exchange in alarm, some even standing to see if they could deduce what the problem was. Jorelial Rey paid them no heed until she was certain that Tvrdik had emerged from the link unscathed.

Finally, Corbin Maygrew cleared his throat, “My lady, is the mage well?”

She glanced back at Tvrdik, who nodded, and gave her a wave of his hand. “Yes, my lord, he is fine. Sometimes, as Xaarus mentioned, holding this connection over such great time and distance can be draining on one’s strength. He may need a moment to recover.” She stood before them now and spread her arms wide, “What say all of you now?”

There was a silence in answer so profound and tangible, it seemed to be siphoning all the air from the room. People loosened their collars, shifted in their seats, and turned their eyes to the floor. Minister Verger, glancing about the room, summoned his courage, and rose from his seat. His voice was not deep or strong, but it rang with conviction, “I know not by what miracles we are put back in touch this day with our old friend Xaarus, but I, at least, am satisfied that we have indeed been in his presence and heard his wishes for us. In the past, when I have been fool enough to act contrary to Xaarus’ good counsel, I have in all cases regretted my willfulness and error. Therefore, no matter how unusual and daring his instructions for us now seem, I am ready to throw my support behind them, and to place all the resources of the palace treasury at the disposal of those who will implement his will.” It might have been the bravest thing the man had ever done. Every eye was on him, and beads of sweat stood out on his forehead. Would he stand alone? Slowly, Bargarelle rose beside him.

“I am not a regular member of this assembly,” he stated, “but what authority and resources I have as Steward of Theriole, this seat of our government, I offer the Lady Regent.”

Jorelial Rey, moved by their nerve, walked over and stood beside the two, regarding the rest of the assembly with a look of challenge. One other lord and one lady quietly rose and crossed to join the little band. With a gusty sigh, the sour-faced old Alanquist uncoiled his lanky frame and stepped over to join the Lady Rey and her supporters, arms folded across his breast. Tvrdik took this as his cue, and, leaning on his staff a bit, he raised himself from the seat they had provided for him, and made his way over to stand beside Jorelial.

For a tense moment, the groups on either side of the room glared at one another, and then Corbin Maygrew, always one to speak his mind, broke the stalemate. “Now, wait just a minute, here. I, too, am a loyal supporter of the king and of his regent. Dragonsbreath! I am the one who put her up for the job, you’ll recall. But you’ve given us an awful lot to digest this afternoon. I am a simple man. Alright, I’ll stretch a bit and admit I might have spoken to Xaarus today. I like the young mage. Personally, I don’t think there’s a malicious or deceitful impulse in him, nor do I think he is mad. Something
is
going on here that is beyond the limits of our everyday experience, though I’m a flying pig if I know exactly what it is. I am convinced that Drogue is a dangerous adversary, and that we may be on the verge of a war. If so, I will be very glad indeed to have a real wizard at court again to help us. But I have been around a little longer than some of you, and have seen many things. And this notion that, if it comes down to it and we are threatened, we may not even defend ourselves in any way that is familiar to us –
that
makes me very uncomfortable. Xaarus or no, I am not certain that I can commit to it as our only course of action. There may be good reasons for it, and what you are talking about doing might indeed work. I just can’t put all my faith in it right now without a backup plan.”

At this, Minister Boone rose as well. He looked positively agonized, and were there tears in his eyes? “Gods forgive me, I have sworn an oath to serve King Darian and the Lady Regent faithfully, and to obey her commands. But I have also sworn an oath to protect and secure our kingdom and its citizenry in peace and in war. And I only know how to do that the way I was trained, as our forefathers have always protected us. How do I reconcile these sacred oaths? How do I tell my warriors that the day they have worked and prepared for all of their lives has finally come, but that their services will not be required? How can I stand idly by and just allow some bloody usurper to march in unchallenged and take the throne?”

His impassioned cry seemed to stir something in the entire assembly, and everyone began to talk at once. In the blink of an eye, order dissolved, hands were gesticulating wildly, fingers pointing, voices rising. In the midst of this descent into chaos, Jorelial Rey saw everything with a new clarity. Stepping to the center of the room, in her most commanding and compelling voice of authority, she shouted, “Stop! All of you, now! Just stop!” The noise ceased as all attention turned to her. “Lord Maygrew, as usual, you are right. We are going about this all wrong, and it is my fault. I apologize. We are not enemies here. There are no enemies in this room. For the first time in memory, a real enemy is barking at our door, and look at us, tearing each other apart. Xaarus said it; every one of us is here because we love this kingdom, we are loyal subjects of our king, and we all want the same outcome for the future. We are only in disagreement about how best to achieve it. Now, if everyone could go back and find his or her seat, and we could restore some order, perhaps we might all take a deep breath and start over.”

At first, no one moved a muscle. But then, without a word, people began shuffling back to their seats. Someone brought in an extra chair for Tvrdik, and smiled at him as he gratefully accepted the seat and the gesture. In a few moments, the Cabinet members were all in their places, expectant faces turned to their leader, Jorelial Rey, who stood in an impatient posture before them.

“Now, I want to thank Lord Maygrew for reminding me that information I have been wrestling with in my own mind for over a month is new to all of you. As difficult a time as I have had believing and comprehending it, I can hardly expect your struggle to be easier. My goals for today were to acquaint you with the intelligence that has come to me thus far, the counsel I have received on it, and in what direction I am leaning in terms of action. I appreciate the support of those who already see things as I do. I had hoped to persuade some of you to go home and consider my arguments as you come to your own conclusions. I wished to introduce you in person to some of the figures who play an important role in the drama unfolding before us. But, I am bound to listen to those of you who still have reservations. That is why I am blessed to have a Cabinet to turn to, a collection of the wisest, most experienced, and knowledgeable minds in Eneri Clare, established to help guide me to the best decisions of which I am capable. It was my dearest hope today to convince you, but never my purpose to ignore your objections. It was certainly not my intention to alienate and torment a man of as much integrity and loyalty as General Boone. My apologies, sir. Your remarks are appropriate, your questions fair, and I have heard them. Lord Maygrew, you have been most generous in allowing that what I have brought you this day is at least plausible, and I do understand your reservations. Is there anyone else at this time who feels they have not been well-represented in this room? Who still needs to be heard?” No one twitched. No one spoke out.

“Right, then. Having heard reasonable debate on the subject, and having shared all that I know, and considered all of my options, I am prepared to offer a compromise position.”

Tvrdik’s eyebrows shot up, and he leaned forward, whispering, “Jorelial Rey, what are you doing?”

“Trust me,” she shot back, and he held his tongue.

“First,” she continued, “I still hold out hope that Drogue will reconsider his treasonous plans, and that what we fear is coming will never happen. However, judging from Xaarus’ record thus far, we may not be so lucky. If he is planning an attack, I hope and believe I am correct that time is on our side. We know much more than he thinks we do, and it should take him several months at least to levy, equip, and train enough forces for a credible offensive. During this interval, what is key to our own preparations will be intelligence. We must know what he is doing, and how far along he is at any given moment. I can ask Tashroth to speak with the other dragons regularly for news of what they see and hear. But most of what we know will be coming from your organization, Minister Boone. As I know you have already begun to set up a network, I willingly leave that arm of our defense in your capable hands. I will expect regular reports, yes?”

“Yes, my lady.” Boone seemed heartened by this public vote of confidence.

“As to further preparations, here is my proposal. Tvrdik and I have already been discussing the necessity of raising a force against Lord Drogue. But, we admit that the sort of resistance we are proposing would require a very different sort of force from any that, say, you would be training, General Boone. What I would suggest is that we each take six weeks to raise and train an army to do battle with the usurper as if ours were the only defense assigned to meet him. I would authorize, within reason, the resources of the palace treasury to supply and equip both groups during that time. My thought is that you, General Boone, would be able to begin immediate training for possible attack, as you would normally do, and the kingdom would have a safety net of our finest warriors, ready to meet the enemy in the traditional way. That should also satisfy those of you who at present only feel safe protected by sword and bow. Meanwhile, Tvrdik and Xaarus and I, and our adherents, get to experiment in recruiting, equipping, and training a force prepared to repel the enemy without bloodshed. If, in six weeks, we cannot prove to you that ours is the superior and more viable way to preserve Eneri Clare, or is at least as effective as yours, then I will turn the matter of defense entirely over to General Boone, to handle as he sees fit. If we manage to impress all of you with our competence, then I have the right to stand down or absorb all our traditional forces, and face Drogue with mine. I am counting on you all to be fair and even-minded in your judgment, and to spend that time contemplating the possible consequences that Xaarus has laid out for us today.”

Noticing the horrified expression frozen on Minister Verger’s face, she went on, “I realize this will be an expensive way to move forward, but I can see no other road which is fair to everyone present, and guaranteed to give us
two
layers of defense against our common enemy. Minister Boone, will you take my challenge?” She stood looking straight at the man, hands on hips.

After a moment’s consideration he nodded slowly, “Aye. We will.”

“Minister Verger, will you agree to my terms, and make appropriate allocations available?”

Verger swallowed hard, “Yes, my lady.”

“Good. Lord Maygrew, will you consent to head a committee to evaluate the results of our little experiment?”

He was still standing, and was presently shaking his head slowly back and forth in amusement, a spark in his eyes, “Willingly, my lady. I can see my confidence in you as a fair, if somewhat
creative
leader was well placed. It is a good solution.”

“In that case, can we take a formal vote here and now to accept or reject my proposal?”’

Bargarelle stood, “All in favor, signify by saying ‘aye.’” The room rang with voices assenting.

“All opposed, say, ‘nay.’”

There was no sound.

“The ‘ayes’ carry the day. Lady Jorelial Rey’s compromise proposal is unanimously passed.” Bargarelle resumed his seat.

Jorelial Rey smiled and let her gaze travel the room, meeting as many eyes as she could. “Right, then. Six weeks from tomorrow we will assemble for demonstrations of our accomplishments, and judgment of how we proceed from there. The gods grant that we are not called to battle before that time.”

Tvrdik’s eyes were as round as saucers. He had tried to get her attention in vain. Too late. It was already done. “Are you insane?” he whispered loudly, but she made a gesture with her hand to hush him, and went on.

“There may well be cause for us all to meet sooner and often, if Boone’s intelligence provides us with matters of importance to discuss. For now, I am indebted to all of you for your time, talent, patience, and commitment to the greater good. Together, one way or another, we will preserve Eneri Clare, and see it happy, prosperous, and safe from alarms once again.”

So swiftly had the last few decisions been made that there was a pause, as Cabinet members glanced around the room at one another, wondering if their business had indeed been concluded so neatly. After a moment, there were a few shouts of, “Hear, hear!” from the floor, and the general mood seemed much improved over what it had been only a few moments before.