I see, said Tal. You needing an edge in business seems hardly likely, but Ill grant that taking one where you can find it is logical. Now, what is it that you wish of me?
What makes you think I want something? said Quincy with a smile.
Because its not your habit to lurk in the shadows and leap out upon me in the night. This is hardly a chance meeting.
Hardly. Look, Ill get to the point. The first reason is I wish to invite you to a small gathering at Dawsons on this coming Fifthnight. I am inviting a few likeable chaps for supper, drink, and then perhaps well go on to some cards or dice.
A note to my man would have sufficed.
Theres another reason, Quincy answered as they turned a corner and started down a steeper hill towards Tals quarters. You are to hunt with Duke Kaspar tomorrow, am I right?
Bribing the waiting staff, are we?
Quincy laughed. Ive let it be known in the palace that a bit of news here or there that might prove useful would be rewarded. Now, is it true?
Yes, tomorrow at sunrise I hunt with the Duke and his party. Why?
If you are in the Dukes favour, I wish you to present me to him.
Why? asked Tal, stopping for a moment.
Because he really is the most difficult man to see. I can get an audience with the King more readily than I can with Duke Kaspar.
Only because youre selling gems to the Queen at cost.
I lose no money and it earns me a great deal of social access. But not to Kaspar.
Why are you so anxious to meet with Kaspar?
Quincy was quiet for a moment, then he resumed walking, gesturing for Tal to accompany him. As they proceeded he said, Trade with Olasko is difficult. Its as if somehow every trading concern in the duchy has decided to do business the same way.
They send their agents to Rillanon, Roldem, Bas-Tyra, Ran, down to Kesh, but if I send one of my agents to Opardum, it may as well be for a holiday. For no one will entertain an offer to trade. Its always their agents, in our cities, on their terms. Take it or leave it.
Are they bad trades?
No, otherwise I wouldnt care. Often theyre very good business. But the essence of commerce is regular trade routes, with goods being dependably provided. It keeps the market alive. This hit or miss I cant help but feel that a vast opportunity is going to waste because of these trading concerns.
I feel if I can get Duke Kaspars ear, perhaps convince him to speak to some of the wealthier trading concerns, or even to let me visit his court if I come from the Dukes court to the offices of a major trading concern, like Kasanas or Petrik Brothers, then they would have to take my offers seriously.
Tal listened and nodded, as if agreeing. To himself he thought, and if you can get your agent up into Opardum, especially if hes trading with the Dukes chancellor, then the King of the Isles has a pair of eyes and ears near a troublesome neighbour.
Ill see what I can do, said Tal. But for the moment, dont count on anything.
Why not?
Because the Duke is likely to offer me a place in his court and I will almost certainly turn him down.
Why in the world would you do that?
Because it is not in my nature to wish to serve another, Tal lied. He knew that before the supper on Fifthday at Dawsons, half of Roldem would hear about Kaspar offering a position to Tal that he refused. And, besides, I have some other prospects that may suit me better.
Well, dont offend him too deeply, said Quincy, dryly.
Ill try not to.
They reached the street upon which Tal resided and parted company. Tal went quickly to his quarters where Pasko and Amafi waited, passing the time with a game of cards.
Master, said Pasko, rising as Tal entered.
Awake me an hour before dawn, Tal instructed as he crossed to the door of his bedroom. Dress for a hunt.
A hunt?
Yes, the Duke of Olasko has invited me out to slaughter some helpless animals and I will oblige him. To Amafi he said, Tomorrow I hunt with the Duke. When I return, well visit several villas and estates nearby. It is then we introduce you to the world as my retainer and bodyguard.
Magnificence, said Amafi.
Pasko said, Unroll that bedding in the corner. Youll sleep here. He indicated to Amafi a place on the floor near Tals doorway. I sleep in the kitchen.
Then, Pasko followed Tal into the bedroom and closed the door. Helping Tal unlace the fancy jacket, he whispered, All goes well?
Well enough, Tal whispered back. Knowing Kaspars reputation, the animals wont be as helpless as I indicated. Something nasty like lion or giant boar, I expect.
He seems that sort of man, observed Pasko.
What do you think of our new friend?
Hes a bad card player.
Bad player or bad cheat?
Both.
What else? asked Tal as Pasko pulled the linen shirt over his head.
Hes a weapon. Very dangerous, despite his claim to old age. He may be useful if you dont cut yourself.
I take your meaning.
I will keep an eye on him for a while, said Pasko.
He took oath.
That is as it may be, answered the wily old servant, but he wouldnt be the first man to forswear in history.
I made him swear at the Temple of Lims-Kragma.
Pasko considered as he pulled off Tals boots. Some men are not even cowed by the Goddess of Death.
Does he strike you as such?
No, but did Nakor strike you as particularly dangerous upon meeting him for the first time?
Your point is made. Keep an eye on him for a while. Tal pulled off his leggings and small clothing and slipped under the quilted comforter on his bed. Now, get out so I can sleep.
Yes, master, said Pasko as he stepped stealthily through the door.
Tal lay quietly for a while. His mind was busy and sleep was a long time in coming. For years his purpose had been only one thing: to avenge the destruction of his people. Of all those involved, only two principals were left: the Special Captain of Kaspars household guard, Quentin Havrevulen, and the Duke himself. Tal had already killed the others.
He forced himself to calm, using one of the mind-relaxation drills taught him at Sorcerers Isle, and sleep finally came. But it wasnt a relaxing sleep. Rather, it was filled with dreams and images of other places and times, his village in the mountains and his family, his mother, father, sister, brother and grandfather. The girl he had dreamed of as a child, Eye of the Blue-Winged Teal. In his dream she sat upon a seat, one leg crossed under the other, wearing a simple buckskin summer dress, a faint smile on her lips. He awoke with a painful longing he thought he had eradicated in himself years before. He rolled over and willed himself back to sleep, and again the dreams came. It was a restless night and he felt little benefit from his slumber when Pasko came and awoke him for the dawns hunt.
Chapter Three Hunt
THE HORSE PAWED THE ground.
Chapter Three Hunt
THE HORSE PAWED THE ground.
Tal brought his geldings head around slightly, forcing him to pay attention to something besides his own boredom. The morning was crisp at first light, with a breeze coming off the ocean, but Tal knew it would be very hot by midday in the hills to the northeast of the city. Even before Duke Kaspar appeared Tal knew they were after big game, lion or bear, perhaps even one of the more exotic creatures reputed to inhabit the higher mountains, the giant boars whose tusks reputedly grew to three feet in length or the valley sloth, twice the size of a horse and despite the name fast when it needed to be, and armed with claws the size of short swords. The array of weapons in the luggage told Tal what he needed to know about the coming hunt: there were boar-spears with cross-pieces fastened above the broad blade to prevent the animal from running up the haft and goring the spearman; there were giant nets with weights at the edges, and heavy crossbows that could punch a hole the size of a mans fist through plate armour.
A dozen servants, another dozen guards, and livery boys to care for the horses also waited patiently upon the appearance of the Duke. Another six men had been leaving as Tal had arrived, trail-breakers and trackers wearing the Kings livery, who would mark the most likely game trails. Tal found it intriguing that the hunting grounds lay less than a days march away, for Roldem was an ancient land, and he would have expected wildlife to have been pushed far into the mountains by the encroachment of civilization. Having hunted for his entire boyhood, and on many occasions since, he knew that rarely was big game within a days ride of a city.
Tal let one of the servants oversee the disposition of his travel gear, which was modest compared to the rest of the baggage being stowed on the horses. Tal knew theyd be following trails that wagons couldnt negotiate, but it looked as if they could use a pair. Two animals alone were being used to carry what could only be a pavilion. Tal had no problem with sleeping on the ground, but realized the gentry of Roldem might find that objectionable.
Besides Tal, two nobles of Roldem Baron Eugivney Balakov, and Baron Mikhael Grav waited patiently. Tal knew them by reputation. They were young, ambitious, and held modest but important positions in the Kings court. Balakov was assistant to the Royal Bursar and he could expedite or slow a request for funds. He was broad-shouldered, with a brooding look, his dark hair cut close as was his beard. Grav was also associated with the Bursars office, but was seconded to the office of the Royal Household Guard, being primarily responsible for seeing that the palace troops were armed, clothed, fed and paid. He was a thin man with blond hair and a slender moustache he obviously worked hard at keeping perfectly trimmed. Both wore extravagant clothing, a long way from the modest leather tunic and trousers Tal had selected to wear.
As the sun lit the sky behind those distant peaks, Duke Kaspar and a young woman emerged from the palace, quickly making their way to a pair of waiting horses. Tal glanced at the young woman, wondering absently if it might be the Lady Rowena of Talsin, who in reality was another of the Conclaves agents, Alysandra.
Tal had been frustrated during the time he had spent on Sorcerers Isle in determining just what she had been doing in the Dukes company, for either people didnt know or they werent telling. All he could discover was that it had been Miranda, Pugs wife, who had dispatched the girl to Olasko at about the same time Tal had been training in Salador.
This woman was unlike Rowena, but she had one trait in common: she was equally beautiful. But while Rowena had been fair with eyes the colour of cornflowers, this lady was dark, her skin touched by the sun to a warm tan, her eyes almost as dark as her black hair. The Duke said something and she smiled, and instantly Tal knew who she was, for there was a hint of resemblance to the Duke.
As if sensing Tals thoughts, Duke Kaspar said, Ah, young Hawkins, may I have the pleasure of presenting you to my sister, the Lady Natalia.
Tal bowed in his saddle. My honour, mlady.
It was obvious that the other two nobles were already acquainted with the Dukes younger sister, who appeared to be in her late twenties or early thirties. Both fell in behind the Duke and Natalia, leaving Tal either to follow or ride on the flank.
Duke Kaspar said, We have a half-days ride before us to get near our quarry. He looked again at Tal. Thats a serviceable-looking bow, Talwin. Do you know how to use it? His voice was light and playfully mocking.
Sensing the mood, Tal smiled. Im a better archer than I am a swordsman, Your Grace.
That brought a laugh from everyone, for Tal, as Champion of the Masters Court, was accounted the greatest swordsman in the world. Lady Natalia looked over her shoulder at him, giving him an excuse to ride forward a little. Are you making a jest, sir? she asked.
Tal smiled. In truth, no, mlady. I have hunted since I was a child, while I only took up the sword after my fourteenth birthday.
Then you must be the worlds greatest archer, sir, said Baron Eugivney wryly.
Keeping his smile in place, Tal replied, Hardly, sir. Elven archers cannot be matched by any man.
Elves! said Baron Mikhael. Legends. My father used to tell me stories about a great war in my grandfathers time, against invaders from another world. Elves and dwarves figured in it quite prominently.
Well talk as we ride, said the Duke, urging his horse forward.
Tal found himself beside Baron Mikhael, as Baron Eugivney rode forward to flank Lady Natalia. Not legends, my good sir, said Tal. My home is near Ylith, and not too far to the west live those elves of legend. And to the north, in the city of LaMut, many descendants from that other world now live.
Mikhael looked at Tal as if deciding whether or not the young man was jesting with him. Youre serious?
Yes, Baron, said Tal. And those elves boast archers unmatched by any man living. Tal didnt know this from his childhood, but rather from long conversations with Caleb, one of his teachers on Sorcerers Isle; Caleb had lived with the elves in Elvandar, their home, for a time. He spoke their language and claimed only one or two men had come close to matching their skill with a bow.
Well, then, if you say so, conceded Mikhael as if that put a close to the matter. To the Duke he said, Your Grace, what are we hunting today?
Over his shoulder the Duke said, Something special if luck holds. A report has reached the King that a wyvern has flown up from Kesh and is nesting in the mountains. If thats true, we have a rare opportunity before us.
Baron Eugivney blinked in confusion. A wyvern?
Mikhaels expression also revealed uncertainty. Im not sure
Tal said, Small dragon. Very fast, very mean, and very dangerous but small for a dragon.
Lady Natalia glanced from face to face, then smiled with Tal at the obvious discomfort exhibited by the other two men. Youve seen one, Squire?
Once, said Tal. In the mountains when I was a boy. He neglected to mention those mountains were close to Olasko.
The Duke looked over his shoulder as they rode out of the palace gate and turned up the high street that would lead them northward out of the city. How would you go about hunting one, Squire?