The (sort of) Dark Mage (Waldo Rabbit) (36 page)

When Walter had died Lilith had realized that Waldo would need a great deal of help if he were to survive as the next head of Corpselover. If any of her other children had survived she would have found a nice quiet place for him where he could be the head of his own branch family. He would visit for the festivals and weddings, but otherwise be forgotten.

When he became her last child things became much more complicated. She could not have set him aside in favor of someone else even if she had wanted to. Any relative she elevated to replace him would have had Waldo killed the moment she died. Waldo would have a stronger claim to be head of the family than anyone else. He had to become head of the family or perish.

If he were going to rule Corpselover and sit on the council he would need a great deal of help. That was why Lilith had come up with her plan. The council’s action in sending him on his fool’s quest had forced her to begin things years sooner than she’d wanted. There was no helping it, she would begin to put things in motion.

Plots within plots, wheels within wheels, I’ll tear all of it down if I have to. My son will rule after me no matter the cost.

Out in the darkness she saw a light approaching from down below.

It was bright enough to reveal several forms shuffling through the empty streets. It had to be Andris.

“Is someone coming to dinner?” A playful voice spoke.

Lilith continued to look out the window without bothering to turn around. “You do know it’s pointless to sneak up on me when I always know where you are.”

“Forgive me, you know how I am.”

“Yes. Be grateful you are so useful or I would be rid of you.”

“Such cruel words for your most devoted servant.”

Lilith laughed softly. Devoted? Except for kind or maybe merciful she couldn’t think of a word that described him less.

She didn’t hear his approach but could sense it through their bond. “The servants tell me someone is expected for dinner but they don’t know who. Found a new lover have we?”

“I am a little too busy for lovers at the moment.”

Enver stood just a few feet behind her. Their bond had grown very sensitive over the years and they could both pick up the others’ emotions easily.

“I can feel that little spark of excitement you have whenever you start a plot. What is it you are scheming?”

“You don’t actually expect me to tell you do you?”

“Of course not, but one can always hope.”

“Never mind who is coming, I expect you’ll get the information from the staff soon enough. I’ll have a task for you soon.”

Enver did not look pleased. “Is this going to be one of those pointless errands you like to annoy me with?”

She shook her head. “What I have in mind will be important.”

“Like the treasure map I provided your son?”

Lilith nodded.

Enver gave her a bloodless smile. “Will I at least get to kill someone? Slaughtering helpless slaves gets boring after a time.”

“Oh yes,” she promised.

“Well that is pleasing to hear, but it hurts that you won’t share your plans with me.”

“I will tell you your part, that is all you need know.”

“Walter has been very upset with you lately. His mood has been black as night.”

“I know.”

“He killed one of the sex slaves, pretty little thing, name of Deena or Deelia I think. He beat her to death. Probably taking out his frustration; probably imagining it was a certain other woman.”

“If he is unhappy it is because he wants more than he can have.”

“Well don’t we all?” Enver leaned a bit closer to her. “Why don’t you end him? There is no happiness for him you know. His entire existence is pathetic. Why don’t you put him out of his misery? Or were you hoping Waldo would do it? Was that your plan? Did you bring Walter back just to teach your youngest how to hate? How to kill? It would have worked if Waldo had any sort of spine. Too bad your last child is such a coward.”

No one else would ever talk to her like this. Enver loved to mock her and point out her failings.

“Kneel.”

His legs trembled as he tried to resist. They soon bent, he kneeled before her on the stone floor.

“Beg my forgiveness and ask me to punish you for your rude tongue.”

His lips twisted and she could feel his resentment through their bond.

He clasped his hands together and bent his proud neck. “I beg your forgiveness Mistress. I beg you to punish me for my insensitive remarks.”

Lilith knew he didn’t mean a word of it.

“Remain exactly as you are for the rest of the night, and thank me for my compassion.”

He clenched his teeth before speaking clearly. “I thank you for your consideration Mistress.”

She walked past, leaving him to remain there on his knees until the dawn.

XXX

Andris Corpselover was dressed in black robes and was being guided by the castle’s steward.

Within his heart a tiny portion of fear mixed with excitement and expectation. He was the head of one of the many, many branch families of Corpselover. His family lived on a small estate about twenty miles from Alter. They would visit for the Solstices and if there was a wedding in the main family. Lilith would spare him a few moments for some idle chatter and a polite question or two, before moving on to the next family and doing the same. Nothing at any of the get togethers had ever suggested she held him in any sort of special esteem. So when he’d received this invitation he’d been taken by surprise.

“Did my cousin say why she wanted me to come here?”

“The Mistress did not share her reasons, nor did I inquire.” Hollister replied stiffly.

Andris nodded and continued to follow in silence.

Any unexpected summons by the main family was always cause for some trepidation. It was not unheard of for visiting family members to simply disappear. Usually though, that only happened in response to some sort of significant blunder. Since he’d not committed any he felt reasonably sure he would survive this. Andris suspected the reason he’d been called to dinner, his suspicions filled him with eagerness.

The branch families held a unique status within Alteroth. Being members of the ruling houses they were all citizens. Most of them could practice magic and they were not required to go on First Quests. They had the freedom to travel and could go to foreign countries without asking for permission. They had the freedom to marry whoever they chose and to choose their own profession and make their own money. (They were permitted to be married to only one spouse at a time though. Only members of main family were entitled to multiple wives.) Many of them were merchants or overseers or officers within each family’s military. Some travelled far and wide offering their magical services to the highest bidder. Each branch family was provided their own home, normally outside of Alter. They also had the right to demand a meeting with the head of the main family. (A right seldom used.)

Compared to most of the people who lived as slaves or serfs they were very well off.

However they had no political power, and remained at the mercy of the main family. They could earn money and have personal property and livestock; but they could not own land. Their homes were gifts from the main family and could be taken from them on a whim. If the family’s troops were assembled they were expected to serve and fight. They were citizens, but unless they left Alteroth permanently, they remained pawns of the main family and could be killed at a single word.

The family gives and the family takes.
Was a saying Andris knew well.

When he was at last brought to the dining hall Lilith was there waiting for him. Rather than the usual black robes she was dressed in a simple red dress that covered her from neck to ankles. There were settings at the head of the table and to the immediate left. She was making a special effort to honor him.

“Cousin, it is good to see you again.” Lilith greeted. “I’ve missed your company.”

That was a lie, but it was a welcomed lie.

Andris bent his head slightly as a sign of respect. Dark Mages rarely bowed, even to each other. “It also pleases me to be in your company again cousin.”

Lilith motioned to the table and nodded graciously. “Let us catch up over dinner.”

As soon as they were both seated the servants appeared with the appetizer; freshly baked bread with honey and butter. For the main course there were a variety of dishes placed before them. Succulent roast pig, baked chicken, slices of beef, baked potatoes, stewed vegetable, and loaves of white bread. For dessert there were cakes and pies and sweet puddings. To wash it all down was strong red wine. It was a sumptuous meal that would do any kitchen proud.

As they ate Andris was careful not to do more than sip at his cup. He wanted to keep all of his wits about him. They talked of family and of magic and of things unimportant and harmless. She asked him about his travels as one of her merchants. He shared a few stories and won some amused smiles and even got a few laughs from her.

It was all meaningless.

She wanted something and was simply trying to soften him a bit. He was flattered to have the head of the family go to so much trouble. Darius Heartless, for example, was known to simply give his extended family orders when he wanted something from them. Lilith had the good graces to at least frame her wishes in the form of requests.

When the meal ended and they had both had their fill the servants took away all the dishes and plates. Leaving them only their goblets and the wine. Andris observed all the servants withdraw from the dining hall to leave them alone.

Lilith leaned back casually in her seat and balanced her goblet at the end of her fingers, carefully swirling the wine about. “Cousin, I need a favor.”

Here it comes.
Andris thought, the moment he’d been waiting for since receiving her invitation. “How can I be of service to you?”

She looked at him over the lip of her goblet. “By now I am sure you have heard about my son being off on an… unusual First Quest.”

The dictates of the council were supposed to remain secret, but they never were, not for trivial matters like this.

Andris cautiously nodded, her words stoking his hopes. “I have.”

“As you know, Waldo is my last living child. The council’s actions have made the situation more difficult than it needs to be, and I am forced to take certain precautions.”

“I understand.” He was very careful not to let his eagerness show. Lilith knew that her son was doomed. Ever since the news of his First Quest and its impossible requirements had gotten out, every one of the branch families had started to guess at whom she might choose to be her new heir. Rumors had been flying that this candidate or that one was about to be selected.

“If you would agree to send me one of your children I would be deeply grateful to you.”

It had actually happened. He let out a breath of relief and allowed himself a wide smile. “My son Erebos would be more than honored to be adopted into your family, and to act as heir should anything occur to dear Waldo.”

The edges of Lilith’s mouth turned down. “No.”

Andris was caught off guard. “I beg pardon cousin, what do you mean no?”

“I mean no, I am not asking to adopt your son as my heir. Waldo will succeed me, no one else.”

“I don’t understand. You just told me that you needed my son.”