It isnt necessary, my Lord, Bevier replied. If I may be permitted, Ill join you and your knights in refectory for the noon meal.
Of course, Nashan replied. Youre more than welcome to join us, Bevier.
Sparhawk then introduced Bevier to Sephrenia. The young man bowed deeply to her. I have heard much of you, Lady, he said. Our instructors in the Styric secrets hold you in great esteem.
Youre kind to say so, Sir Knight. My skills are the result of age and practice, however, and do not result from any particular virtue.
Age, Lady? Surely not. You can scarce be much older than I, and I will not see my thirtieth year for some months yet. The bloom of youth has not yet left your cheeks, and your eyes quite overwhelm me.
Sephrenia smiled warmly at him, then looked critically at Kalten and Sparhawk. I hope you two are paying attention, she said. A little polish wouldnt hurt either of you.
I was never much good at formality, little mother, Kalten confessed.
Ive noticed, she said. Flute, she said a bit wearily then, please put the book down. Ive asked you again and again not to touch them.
Several days later, Sir Tynian and Sir Ulath arrived, riding together. Tynian was a good-humoured Alcione Knight from Deira, the kingdom lying to the north of Elenia. His broad, round face was open and friendly. His shoulders and chest were powerfully muscled as the result of years of bearing Deiran armour, the heaviest in the world. Over his massive armour he wore a sky-blue surcoat. Ulath was a hulking Genidian Knight, fully a head taller than Sparhawk. He did not wear armour, but rather a plain mail shirt and a simple conical helmet. Covering his shirt, he wore a green surcoat. He carried a large round shield and a heavy war axe. Ulath was a silent, withdrawn man who seldom spoke. His blond hair hung in two braids down his back.
Good morning, gentlemen, Tynian said to Sparhawk and Kalten as he dismounted in the courtyard of the chapterhouse. He looked at them closely. You would be Sir Sparhawk, he said. Our preceptor said that youd broken your nose sometime. He grinned then. Its all right, Sparhawk. It doesnt interfere with your kind of beauty.
Im going to like this man, Kalten said.
And you must be Kalten, Tynian said. He thrust out his hand, and Kalten took it before he realized that the Alcione was holding a dead mouse concealed in his palm. With a startled oath, he jerked his hand back. Tynian howled with laughter.
I think I could get to like him as well, Sparhawk noted.
My name is Tynian, the Alcione Knight introduced himself. My silent friend there is Ulath from Thalesia. He caught up with me a few days ago. Hasnt spoken ten words since then.
You talk enough for both of us, Ulath grunted, sliding out of his saddle.
Thats Gods own truth, Tynian admitted. I have this overwhelming fondness for the sound of my own voice.
Ulath thrust out his huge hand. Sparhawk, he said.
No mice? Sparhawk asked.
A faint smile touched Ulaths face as they clasped hands. Then he shook hands with Kalten, and the four of them went up the steps into the chapterhouse.
Has Bevier arrived yet? Tynian asked Kalten.
A few days back. Have you ever met him?
Once. Our preceptor and I made a formal visit to Larium, and we were introduced to the Cyrinics in their motherhouse there. I found him to be a bit stiff-necked and formal.
That hasnt changed much.
Didnt think it had. Exactly what are we going to do down in Cammoria? Preceptor Darellon can be infuriatingly close-mouthed on occasion.
Lets wait until Bevier joins us, Sparhawk suggested. I get the feeling that he might be a little touchy, so lets not offend him by talking business out of his presence.
Good thinking, Sparhawk. This show of unity could fall apart on us if Bevier starts sulking. Ill have to admit that he can be a good man in a fight, though. Is he still carrying that Lochaber?
Oh, yes, Kalten said.
Gruesome thing, isnt it? I saw him practising with it at Larium. He cut the top off a post as thick as my leg with one swipe at a full gallop. I get the feeling that he could ride through a platoon of foot-troops and leave a trail of loose heads behind him ten yards wide.
Lets hope it doesnt come to that, Sparhawk said.
If thats your attitude, Sparhawk, youre going to take all the fun out of this excursion.
I am going to like him, Kalten said.
Sir Bevier joined them in Nashans study after the completion of noon service in the chapel. As closely as Sparhawk could determine, Bevier had not missed service once since his arrival.
All right then, Sparhawk said, rising to his feet when they were all assembled, this is sort of where we stand. Annias, the Primate of Cimmura, has his eyes on the Archprelates throne here in Chyrellos. He controls the Elenian Royal Council, and theyre giving him money out of the royal treasury. Hes trying to use that money to buy enough votes in the Hierocracy to win election after Cluvonus dies. The preceptors of the four orders want to block him.
No decent churchman would accept money for his vote, Bevier said, his voice verging on outrage.
Ill grant that, Sparhawk agreed. Unfortunately, many churchmen are far from decent. Lets be honest about it, gentlemen. Theres a wide streak of corruption in the Elene Church. We might wish it were different, but we have to face the facts. Many of those votes are for sale. Now and this is important Queen Ehlana is unwell; otherwise, she wouldnt allow Annias to have access to the treasury. The preceptors agree that the best way to stop Annias is to find some way to cure the Queen and put her back in power. Thats why were going to Borrata. There are physicians at the university there who might be able to determine the nature of her illness and find a cure for it.
Are we taking your Queen with us? Tynian asked.
No. Thats quite impossible.
Its going to be a little hard for the physicians to find out much then, isnt it?
Sparhawk shook his head. Sephrenia, the Pandion instructor in the secrets, will be going with us. She can describe Queen Ehlanas symptoms in great detail and she can raise an image of the Queen if the physicians need a closer look.
Seems a bit roundabout, Tynian noted, but if thats the way we have to do it, then thats the way well do it.
Theres a great deal of unrest in Cammoria right now, Sparhawk went on. The central kingdoms are all infested with Zemoch agents, and theyre trying to stir up as much trouble as they can. Not only that, Annias is fairly certain to guess at what were trying to do, so hell try to interfere.
Borratas a long way from Cimmura, isnt it? Tynian asked. Does Primate Annias have so long an arm?
Yes, Sparhawk said, he does. Theres a renegade Pandion in Cammoria who sometimes works for Annias. His name is Martel, and hes likely to try to stop us.
Only once, Ulath grunted.
Lets not go out of our way looking for a fight, though, Sparhawk cautioned. Our main task is to get Sephrenia safely to Borrata and back. Theres been at least one attempt on her life already.
Well want to discourage that, Tynian said. Are we taking anybody else with us?
My squire, Kurik, Sparhawk replied, and probably a young Pandion novice named Berit. He shows some promise, and Kuriks going to need somebody along to help him care for the horses. He thought a moment. I think well take a boy along as well, he said.
Talen? Kalten sounded surprised at that. Is that really a good idea, Sparhawk?
Chyrellos is corrupt enough already. I dont think its a good idea to turn that little thief loose in the streets. Besides, I think we may find use for his specialized talents. The only other person going with us will be a little girl named Flute.
Kalten stared at him in astonishment.
Sephrenia wont leave her behind, Sparhawk explained, and Im not sure she can be left behind. You remember how easily she got out of that nunnery in Arcium.
Youve got a point there, I guess, Kalten conceded.
A very straightforward presentation, Sir Sparhawk, Bevier said approvingly. When will we leave?
First thing in the morning, Sparhawk replied. Its a long way to Borrata, and the Archprelate isnt getting younger. Patriarch Dolmant says that he could die at any time, and thats when Annias will start to move.
We must make our preparations then, Bevier said, rising to his feet. Will you gentlemen be joining me in the chapel for evening service? he asked.
Kalten sighed. I suppose we should, he said. We are Church Knights, after all.
And a bit of Gods help wouldnt hurt, would it? Tynian added.
Late that afternoon, however, a company of church soldiers arrived at the gates of the chapterhouse. I have a summons from the Patriarch Makova for you and your companions, Sir Sparhawk, the captain in charge of the soldiers said when Sparhawk and the others came down into the courtyard. He would speak with you in the Basilica at once.
Well get our horses, Sparhawk said. He led the rest of the knights into the stables. Once inside, he swore irritably.
Trouble? Tynian asked him.
Makovas a supporter of Primate Annias, Sparhawk replied, leading Faran out of his stall. Ive got a strong suspicion that hes going to try to hinder us.
We must respond to his summons, however, Bevier said, swinging his saddle up onto his horses back. We are Church Knights and must obey the commands of a member of the Hierocracy, no matter what his affiliation.
And theres that company of soldiers out there, too, Kalten added. Id say that Makova doesnt take too many chances.
Surely he doesnt think wed refuse? Bevier said.
You dont know Sparhawk that well yet, Kalten told him. He can be contrary at times.
Well, we dont have any choice in the matter, Sparhawk said. Lets go to the Basilica and see what the Patriarch has to say to us.
They led their horses out into the courtyard and mounted. At a crisp command from the captain, the soldiers formed up around them.
The square in front of the Basilica was strangely deserted as Sparhawk and his friends dismounted.
Looks to me as if theyre expecting trouble, Kalten noted as they started up the broad marble stairs.
When they entered the vast nave of the church, Bevier went down on his knees and clasped his hands in front of him.
The captain and a squad of his soldiers entered behind him. We must not keep the Patriarch waiting, he said. There was a certain arrogant tone in his voice that irritated Sparhawk for some reason. He muffled that feeling, however, and piously dropped to his knees beside Bevier. Kalten grinned and also knelt. Tynian nudged Ulath, and they, too, went down on their knees.
I said the captain began, his voice rising slightly.
We heard you, neighbour, Sparhawk said to him. Well be with you presently.
But
You can wait over there. We wont be too long.
The captain turned and stalked off.
Nice touch, Sparhawk, Tynian murmured.
We are Church Knights, after all, Sparhawk replied. It wont hurt Makova to wait awhile. Im sure hell enjoy the anticipation.
Im sure, Tynian agreed.
The five knights remained kneeling for perhaps ten minutes while the captain stalked about impatiently.
Have you finished, Bevier? Sparhawk asked politely when the Cyrinic unclasped his hands.
Yes, Bevier answered, his face alight with devotion. I feel cleansed now and at peace with the world.
Try to hang onto that feeling. The Patriarch of Coombe is likely to irritate us all. Sparhawk rose to his feet. Shall we go then?
Well, finally, the captain snapped as they joined him and his men.
Bevier looked at him coldly. Have you any rank, Captain? he asked. Aside from your military one, I mean?
I am a marquis, Sir Bevier.
Excellent. If our devotions offend you, I will be more than happy to give you satisfaction. You may have your seconds call upon me at any time. I will be at your complete disposal.
The captain paled visibly and shrank back. I am merely following my orders, my Lord. I would not dream of giving offence to a Knight of the Church.
Ah, Bevier said distantly. Let us proceed then. As you stated so excellently earlier, we must not keep the Patriarch of Coombe waiting.
The captain led them to a hallway branching out from the nave.
Nicely done, Bevier, Tynian whispered.
The Cyrinic smiled briefly.
Theres nothing like the offer of a yard or so of steel in his belly to remind a man of his manners, Kalten added.
The chamber to which the captain led them was grandiose with deep maroon carpeting and drapes and polished marble walls. The lean-faced Patriarch of Coombe sat at a long table reading a parchment. He looked up as they were admitted, his face angry. What took so long? he snapped at the captain.
The Knights of the Church felt obliged to spend a few moments in devotions before the main altar, your Grace.
Oh. Of course.
May I withdraw, your Grace?
No. Stay. It shall fall to you to enforce the dictates I will issue here.
As it please your Grace.
Makova then looked sternly at the knights. I am told that you gentlemen are planning a foray into Cammoria, he said.
We havent made any secret of it, your Grace, Sparhawk replied.
I forbid it.
Might one ask why, your Grace? Tynian asked mildly.
No. One may not. The Church Knights are subject to the authority of the Hierocracy. Explanations are not required. You are all to return to the Pandion chapterhouse and you will remain there until it pleases me to send you further instructions. He smiled a chill smile. I believe you will all be returning home very shortly. Then he drew himself up. That will be all. You have my permission to withdraw. Captain, you will see to it that these knights do not leave the Pandion chapterhouse.
Yes, your Grace.
They all bowed and silently filed out of the door.
That was short, wasnt it? Kalten said as they went back down the corridor with the captain some distance in the lead.