The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare (15 page)

Conscious that space in the palace would be at a premium as the lords began to arrive for the Council Meeting, the young mage resolved to begin in the bedroom so that he could at least sleep here as soon as possible. Moving into the adjoining library, he gasped at the vast assemblage of books, parchments and scrolls of all shapes, sizes, ages, languages and subject matters that lined the walls floor to ceiling. Scanning the titles of those nearest him, he realized the priceless treasures he had inherited, and imagined spending many happy, constructive hours here attending to his own further education. A comfortable chair and a separate hearth invited the visitor most warmly to stay and partake of the wisdom collected in that room. Tvrdik sighed and longed for leisure to enjoy such bounty. It might be some time before that dream was realized. But, meanwhile, there was sure to be some immediately helpful information among the volumes surrounding him. He would do his best to locate everything that could be useful for the current situation.

One final door led to Xaarus’ master workshop - his laboratory. It seemed a surprisingly vast room, considering how modest The Cottage appeared from the outside. Tvrdik’s eye took in the tables piled with beakers, test tubes, glass pipettes and flasks; the shelves of liquids, powders, tinctures, oils, salves, drying herbs, preserved and floating objects or bits of who knows what in jars. There were detailed anatomical and cosmological charts, drawings and maps on all the walls, and mechanical models ranged about the room. Heavens, was there no subject of inquiry in which Xaarus had not dabbled? There was one special corner piled high with parchments and scrolls, various schedules and graphs, and a host of timepieces of all sorts from all over the globe. Some sort of magnetic or generating equipment seemed to be tossed into the mix nearby, all arranged as if the master would return presently after having a sandwich. No doubt, these were the elements of Xaarus’ last great project; it was likely that he had vanished from that particular corner twelve long years ago. Tvrdik shivered to think of it, considering also that there was probably no one on earth who could begin to comprehend the neat rows of calculations and formulae laid out before him, and no hope of anyone ever reversing the process to bring Xaarus back. He sighed. It was certainly a task far beyond his own limited brain, at least for the foreseeable future.

For a moment, the glow-ball danced away from him, and in its pulsing light, his eye caught something else in another corner, something that captured his full attention. The young mage edged over to where the light pointed, and found himself standing before three tall, sturdy, beautifully crafted wizard’s staffs, each carved from a different sort of wood, and each crowned with a different color crystal. He reached out a trembling hand and ran it along the nearest, which was tall and sturdy, of knotted black walnut, and tipped with obsidian. The parchment wrapped around the center had a word scrawled across it – no, a name. He willed the glow-ball closer, and bent his head to read, “Benjin.” Startled, he pulled back, eyebrows knitted together. Xaarus must have been making these staffs of office for his students when the accident occurred. To win one was a rare and much desired accomplishment. A wizard’s staff had to be made by hand, crafted with care of specially selected materials, by one who understood such things. Properly matched with the recipient, it became like a living thing: a flexible extension of one’s powers, a partner for a lifetime or for many, and a visible sign of prestige which afforded one respect and privilege among townsfolk and cottagers alike. Tvrdik had never dreamed that they all had been so close to being thus gifted, thus honored by their teacher. What they had missed!

He barely touched the next one as it stood there, slim and supple, of pale birch topped with a clear quartz crystal. It was light and graceful like its intended owner. He did not have to read the parchment to know for whom it had been intended – Ailianne. But that meant the third staff…Tvrdik hesitated a moment, and then purposefully reached out his right hand to grasp it. Tall and strong, of solid oak, it was more gnarled than the others, and seemed to bend in odd, unexpected ways until it found its way up to the faceted violet amethyst fixed at the tip. It seemed to fit his hand, and himself, perfectly, and felt lighter than expected. In a flash he already felt as if he had carried it all of his life, and would feel naked without it. He was thinking of Xaarus at that moment with such awe and gratitude that he was almost not surprised to see the master’s image floating before him, and hear the old wizard’s voice clearly in his head.

“I was going to give it to you for your nineteenth birthday. I had completed them all and was only waiting for the right moment to present them. I am glad you have it now – it was always intended to be yours. You have certainly earned it these last few weeks. Go ahead – hold it… lift it… point it. How does it feel?”

“Oh, Master, like nothing I ever imagined! Like a part of my soul manifested – a way to reach further, faster, deeper, more powerfully – like I was born to wield it.”

Xaarus’ image was grinning with delight, “I thought I had done a rather good job on that one. But, then, the raw materials presented themselves somewhat magically as well. That entire branch was torn by lightning from its mother oak deep in the wood not so far from that waterfall of yours. Legend had it that the old tree sheltered a fairy ring. And the amethyst was given to me in trade by a miner in exchange for an elixir that cured his little boy of a rather severe croup. He was most grateful and a bit mystified, as he said a strange feeling came over him when he first pulled it from the earth, and he knew it to be the proper payment. But you and I do not raise an eyebrow at such omens, do we boy. I knew it was meant for you – you are twice the healer I will ever be.

“Master, you do me far too much honor. My skills have barely been tried.”

“Nonsense, each of us has our peculiar strengths. And besides, I have knowledge of your future, remember?”

“Then tell me, Master, so far you have been right about everything, but despite my faith in you, and in our cause, at times I feel terribly inadequate to the tasks laid out for me. Are we destined to succeed in this venture then?”

“I cannot tell you that, my friend, for you stand in a place in history where every road you choose at every crossing changes the outcome. I can only say that I am very proud and gratified by what you have accomplished thus far. And I mean everything. Tvrdik the man is, as I had hoped, every bit of what Tvrdik the boy promised, and more. You will see.”

Tvrdik bowed his head, inwardly grateful for, but uncomfortable with, such praise, even if no one else could hear it. But as Xaarus’ image began to fade, he came to attention.

“Master – the house?”

“Take it! Use it. Everything you find here is yours to assist you. I will always be very close to you here. I will do what I can to help and guide you. Keep all your senses tuned, boy, and your eyes open…” This last was like an echo from a great distance, and he was gone again, leaving Tvrdik to question if the encounter had been real at all.

But, in his right hand was something extremely real, and very substantial. Once again he bowed his head, leaning the top of the staff against his forehead, while he gripped it with both hands. For a long moment he stood there like that, silent and still, the glow-ball hovering over him like a blessing, energy surging up from the earth through the oaken branch and through the man, mingling where they touched and binding them powerfully together. When he finally stood erect and walked out of the room, staff in hand, he felt for the first time in every fiber of his being that he was indeed a wizard.

ELEVEN
Delphine Again

A
S HE STEPPED BACK INTO
the gardens, Tvrdik realized by the sun’s position and his awakening hunger that the best of the day was behind him. Having assessed the entire project, he felt he would be better off beginning the real work in the morning, after a night’s rest. He was reluctant to relinquish his newly discovered staff, since it already felt like a part of his anatomy. But he could not risk it being seen at Theriole. So, leaning it just inside the front door, he conjured a little assistance arranging and putting away all the items which had been delivered to the grounds from the market. Then he physically locked the front door and reset its magical password, adding a bit of his own sorcery to hide the tools and building materials, neatly stacked in the yard, from any would-be pilferer. Heading back up the riverwalk to Theriole, he turned back once, reflecting on all he had seen and experienced in the house that afternoon, and on the memories beginning to surface as a result. He would have to keep these thoughts to himself, closely guarding his true identity for the moment. Soon enough, he mused, soon enough it would all be a matter of public knowledge; he had best enjoy his anonymity while he could. Meanwhile, tomorrow promised to be a very full day.

The sun dipped lower as he approached the palace. He was considering the possibility of trying to wheedle some dinner out of the kitchen staff, when he noticed, on the same bench as the day before, a lone figure with auburn hair. It was most certainly Delphine, in her accustomed spot, but as he drew nearer, he noticed her swollen eyes and red nose.

“My lady!” he called out, and waved, giving her a chance to arrange herself. Tvrdik frowned, wondering whatever could have brought such an effervescent soul to tears. He took his time on the path, discreetly watching as she wiped her eyes and nose with a delicate handkerchief, smoothed back her hair, and arranged her skirts in an attempt to look nonchalant.

“Well met once again, Lady Delphine. I was out for an afternoon stroll and lost track of the time. Do you suppose I am still in time to scare up a bite to eat?” And now he was by her side and she was smiling up at him.

“Why, Tvrdik! What a pleasant surprise to see you. I was just about to go in to supper myself. You must come along and tell me all about what you’ve been up to today.” Her broad smile looked so out of place on that swollen, blotchy face that it broke his heart. Tvrdik was aware that to a girl of seventeen, he might appear positively ancient, a member of another generation who could not possibly understand the way things were. And yet, she had been so open and warm yesterday, and in a way, they were both misfits. He could well imagine how a girl of her high position might find herself without many
true
friends in whom to confide. He made a sudden decision, sat down on the bench beside her, and leaned in close.

“Supper will wait a little longer if there is something on your mind that needs airing. In my own country I have some reputation as a good listener, and look...broad shoulders as well…hmmm?” The smile faded from her face as she stared at him, speechless, and then, in a heartbeat, she had collapsed in sobs on his breast. A little surprised, he made an awkward attempt to fold his arms around her, comforting. “There, there, what’s this?” he cooed, “You are a beautiful, intelligent, noble young woman who is very much in love with a wonderful young man who adores her. It is springtime and the gardens are lovely. What could be so terrible that will not pass?”

She tried to collect herself, and straightened up on the bench, “Oh, Tvrdik, I am so sorry. Here we have only just met one another, and what a foolish goose you must think me. I – I don’t know what came over me. But somehow, I do feel you are someone to be trusted.”

He made a sign at his mouth, “Not a word to anyone. And no judgment here. Trust me when I say I have had my share of moments like this.” The girl smiled despite herself, even laughed a bit, and her face lit up beneath her tears like sunshine vying with a passing shower. Tvrdik continued, “There. That’s more like the Delphine I remember from yesterday. Now, is there anything I can do to fix whatever it is that has upset you so?” he queried, gently taking her handkerchief and dabbing at her cheeks.

“I doubt it. It’s my
sister
(the word was spoken as if it tasted awful in her pretty mouth). Sometimes she just
infuriates
me. Ugghhh!” This last was a visceral explosion of pent-up frustration that went beyond language. “I can’t stay mad at her…she’s my best friend, and I
adore
her. I know how difficult things are for her right now, but why must she torment me so?”

“What happened?”

“She invited me to lunch with her today, and I was overjoyed, partly at the prospect of spending some real time with her at last, and partly as I was expecting some further news about the wedding…”

“Did she bring it up?”

“Did she bring it up? I’ll say. She told me it was out of the question. I was stunned. I thought Mark had impressed her – that she even
liked
him. I mean, who could not like Mark, I ask you? I thought that we had made a good case for our plans…our hopes and dreams…I thought that she cared about my happiness. But all she said was, ‘Delphine, it’s just out of the question right now; you will have to put it out of your mind for the moment.’ Out of my mind? She’s
driving
me out of my mind.” Delphine was becoming increasingly agitated as she relived the unfortunate encounter, and hot tears were beginning to appear again.

Tvrdik interjected, “Did she say why?”

“When I asked her for a reason, she couldn’t give me one, exactly. She kept saying that she had new information about things coming up that she couldn’t speak of, but that starting anything new right now, like a life together, was a bad idea, and I should just trust her on this and obey. I asked her if she had a problem with Mark, or with me, and she kept saying, no, she liked Mark well enough, but that I was just going to have to believe her that she was making this decision for my own good. Can you imagine?”

Tvrdik straightened – he knew what all this was about. “And what did you say to her?”

“I told her she didn’t know anything about what was for my good anymore, that I was no longer a child she could control. She told me I was acting childishly and should therefore be treated as a child, and that she had far more serious matters to deal with than her sister’s hurt feelings at not getting her own way. And then we had a horrible fight, and I’m sure both of us said things we didn’t mean. I stormed out of there and have been sitting here ever since trying to figure out what to do. Oh, Tvrdik, why doesn’t she understand how important this is to me? Why does she insist on hurting me like this? Why can’t she be happy for me? Am I really asking so very much?” Tvrdik’s mouth moved but nothing came out. The girl’s voice drooped, “Do you think it could be that she is jealous of me? That she doesn’t want me to marry first? I would never have believed something so vile about my own sister. And besides, all of her life she has had Tashroth – she’s never been alone, and now she would begrudge me the companion I so long for?”

Tvrdik, blushing, shook his head, “I – I don’t think that’s it at all,” he stammered.

Delphine’s face snapped back toward him, and her eyes met his square on, “What then? Why is she doing this to me?”

Tvrdik paused a long moment. He knew exactly what was going through Jorelial Rey’s mind, as it had already gone through his own. But he felt for this young woman, so earnest, so hurt that the one person she relied upon had seemed to dismiss her. How much could he say? How could he help without going too far? He grasped the distraught, disheveled girl by her shoulders, and looked her straight in the eye.

“Delphine, listen to me. I am truly sorry that you are feeling ill-used right now, but you do not know all the facts.”

“What do you mean? Tell me.”

Tvrdik sighed, “Well, as I am here on something of a diplomatic mission, I actually know something of the circumstances to which the Lady Rey is referring. I am not at liberty to divulge the details, but I can tell you that your sister is afraid that this kingdom might be going to war soon, and the world will become a very dangerous place.”

Delphine’s face clouded, “A war? That’s ridiculous. There has not been any such thing as a war here in living memory. We have no enemies.”

“A child holds the throne and there are those who might see that as an opportunity to take what is not theirs. It would be wonderful if I am proven wrong, but if I am not, your sister cannot let that happen. Much chaos and unhappiness may lie ahead for everyone. I can only guess that she feels it is unwise for you to begin your new life now, when so much is uncertain.”

Delphine’s face changed as her perspective shifted, “Why, if all that is true, then why won’t she be honest with me? Poor Rel. What a horrible burden to be carrying and the silly goose won’t even talk to me about her fears and suspicions…”

“I’m sure she doesn’t want to spoil these days of your youth with so much heaviness…”

Delphine jumped up off the bench, “Well, if that was her aim, she’s done a fair job of missing the target, hasn’t she? My days are spoiled already as long as she denies me happiness, and then lets me think she is just being a witch about it for no good reason…she’s wrong, you know.”

“Pardon?”

“She’s looking at this all wrong. If the future looks so grim, all the more reason for us all to chase the sparks of happiness and love as we find them, to value the connections that make us whole, to focus on the truest parts of life that will always endure. She never did get that, about people and relationships.” Delphine threw up her hands in a gesture of dismissal, and began to pace, mostly talking to herself now. Tvrdik sat on the bench alone, his mouth fallen open in wonder at the wisdom that was pouring out from this almost-child, who moments before had been sobbing, inconsolable, into his vest. The girl went on, a tone of confidence entering her voice, “Someone is going to have to sit her down and make her see how she is looking at this all wrong. And that it isn’t healthy for her to keep trying to carry all of these burdens and responsibilities alone….”

Tvrdik cleared his throat loudly. The maiden stopped in her tracks and turned to him, looking surprised to find him still sitting there on the bench.

“Um, Delphine? If you go and tell the Lady Rey – your sister – that you know all about the war, and that you want to make some suggestions – and mind you, I quite agree that they might be good ones – but, you see, she is going to want to know exactly where you got that information. And it might not go so well for
me
if she finds out that it was
I
who told you.”

Delphine cocked her head at him for a moment while a range of expressions played across her face. For a heartbeat, she resembled Ondine so much it was almost eerie. Then, without warning, she flew to the bench and threw her arms around him in a spontaneous and rather thorough embrace.

“Oh, Tvrdik, you dear, dear man! You have been such an angel. I really do understand everything so much better now. Thank you, thank you, thank you. And don’t worry at all. Rel will never know what we spoke of here; I would never get you into trouble. I just knew when I first met you that you would be lucky for us all. Come on. Let’s go and see if we can find something good to eat. I’m famished.” She took him by the hand and pulled him to his feet, then off down the road toward the giant front doors of Theriole. Tvrdik couldn’t think of a thing to say. Perhaps it was hunger, or weariness, but his brain seemed to be spinning, and the only distinct impression he could pin down was that life with this woman would be, most definitely, an adventure.

Had Delphine even attempted at that moment to find her sister and set things to right, she would not have found her in the palace. Jorelial Rey had finally snapped, and was even then clinging to Tashroth’s broad shoulders, en route to a favorite retreat of theirs in the mountains. The pristine lake that filled an old crater was only accessible by air, and was the perfect regenerative spot to hide from anyone and everyone who might be searching for the Lady Regent, wanting a ‘moment of her time.’ Jorelial knew she would not be disturbed here. She also knew she could not justify disappearing for long at such a critical moment. But the endless parade of petitioners, the weight of the knowledge she carried, and the unpleasant episode with her beloved sister had combined to fray her last nerve, and she wisely realized she would be of no use to anyone without a brief period of solitude and regeneration.

The air was bracing in this mountain retreat. The sharp scent of evergreens purged every muddled thought and untangled all the knots of confusion. A profound silence that seemed almost primordial wrapped itself around the crater, but on deeper examination revealed a tapestry of natural music pieced together from birdsong, the creak of swaying trees, the distinctive calls of frogs and locusts searching for companionship. While Tashroth hunted for his supper, Jorelial swam in the icy waters, then dried herself on the stony shore, under a low, but still warm sun. As dusk fell, they sat in easy silence for awhile by the lake’s edge, a roaring campfire that Tashroth had breathed into existence upon kindling Jorelial had gathered, taking the chill out of the air. She had brought along bread and cheese and dried fruit, and sat idly chewing and staring off at the distant fading sunset. Finally, as if the conversation had already been flowing for ages, “Tash, I hated to leave Delphine in such a state. I know I lost my temper, but did I make the wrong decision? Was I too hard on her?”