The Wizard's Curse (Book 2) (19 page)

Danton thought for a moment. “Partly because, even if I fear your wrath, some things need to be said and at least the weight of the court is not standing by, ready to punish me for insolence. And I suppose partly because I have watched you accept the woodfolk speaking to you frankly.” He shrugged, “But, as you strongly pointed out over the incident with Waterstone, the rules apply differently to me since I am a sorcerer and they are woodfolk.” He drank the last of his wine. “It is as tricky a situation as any I have ever found myself in. I have no idea where the lines are drawn anymore…. Maybe that’s another reason I sit on the other side of the fire,” he laughed humourlessly, “but even that didn’t keep me safe.”

Tarkyn glanced at him, then looked away, “Do you think I was unfair?”

Danton raised his eyebrows in surprise, “No. It is the way of the world that different people are treated differently. No. I accepted your judgement without question and, to be honest, with a great deal of relief. Within the sorcerers’ framework, you were very lenient.”

“But,” supplied Tarkyn, “from the woodfolk’s point of view, the issue would never have arisen.”

“Exactly. So, you want me to behave as a woodman, yet I am still under threat of punishment for transgressing as a sorcerer.” Danton hurried on, “Don’t misunderstand me. I know I shouldn’t have hit Waterstone. But I am confused about where the expectations stop and start.”

“Danton, my friend, so am I.” Tarkyn shook his head, “But that will not do. For your sake, I must be clearer. Give me a minute to think about it. Perhaps you could pour us another wine in the meantime.”

In a silence that lengthened into minutes, Danton poured the wine then kept himself entertained by trying, without success, to spot the hidden woodfolk.

Eventually, the prince shifted position and spoke, “Danton, I have tried to consider every possibility. I realise now that my first reaction to you speaking forthrightly has been outrage and yet it is something I value in the woodfolk as long as it is phrased courteously.” He smiled and glanced at his friend, “You may be interested to know that Rainstorm was on the receiving end of my ire the other day for speaking discourteously. I do have expectations of woodfolk also. So, provided you are courteous, which I am sure you would be, you may speak as forthrightly with me as you please. You may have to endure my initial reaction but I will not continue to be angry.”

Tarkyn took a sip of wine before continuing, “Secondly, I would not brook deliberate rudeness but neither do I expect the protocols of court. You may choose how you behave in that respect. However, an excess of obeisance will not do either of us any good in the eyes of the woodfolk.” He smiled, “But I must admit, I do like the odd bow here and there. I do it myself at times.” He paused, “And I give you permission to be more familiar with me, provided you are also respectful. I know I tense up when you put your hand on my shoulder but I’m pleased that you persevere. I too have a lifetime of training to overcome. I’m afraid you will have to gauge, in each situation, the level of familiarity that is tolerable but if I think you have transgressed and become too familiar with me, I will tell you but will not punish you.”

“Thank you, my lord. That reassurance will make things easier.”

Tarkyn nodded acknowledgement before continuing, “And try to use my name at least some of the time. Despite what you may think, I do not consider us to be in a public forum among the woodfolk. So there is no need for the formality of titles. I haven’t been using yours, you may notice.”

Danton nodded but said nothing, aware that the prince had not  yet finished.

“With regard to my woodfolk family, I would suggest even less formality than with me but respect nevertheless, as I would expect you to respect all woodfolk. Has Ancient Oak also given his permission for you to lay hands on him?”

“Yes, Sire.” When Tarkyn raised his eyebrows, Danton waved a hand, “I know, but this feels official at the moment. I’ll try to use your name later.”

Tarkyn smiled, “Fair enough. And lastly, I also give you permission to lay hands on me.”

Danton boggled, “I beg your pardon?”

“I trust you, Danton. Among all these people, you are the only one who serves me willingly. I would give you some recognition of that.”

Danton bowed his head briefly, “Thank you, my lord. I am honoured by your trust.”

“You should have been honoured by it a long time ago, my friend, but I have never really felt able to trust anybody until recently. You can thank Waterstone and the woodfolk for that.” The prince took another sip of wine, “So. Is that clear enough?”

Danton breathed a sigh of relief, “Yes. That feels much better. I know where I stand now and don’t have to guess so much.” He sipped his wine and then asked, “So why are the next few days going to be so difficult?”

“Because inadvertently, all the forestals, and possibly all woodfolk have become subject to the oath…. and sooner or later we will have to tell them.”

Danton exhaled, “Oh, I see. That’s pretty grim, isn’t it?”

Tarkyn smiled gently, “Danton, I’m so glad you didn’t say, ‘Well, so they should be.’”

Danton laughed, “Well, of course they should be, but that is another issue entirely. And I know enough about them to understand that there will be some serious animosity towards you while they come to terms with it.” He shrugged, “Almost, I don’t blame them. I wouldn’t want to be forced to swear my life away to a woodman.”

“In fairness, I think they would feel just as bad about having to swear fealty to one of their own, maybe even more so.”

Danton shook his head, “Strange bunch. So, who do you have to tell?”

“I’ve just told Falling Branch.”

“I see. No wonder you needed a drink. And what about his son? Rainstorm should be an even greater obstacle.”

Tarkyn frowned, “How did you know that Falling Branch was Rainstorm’s father?”

“I asked.” Danton watched quizzically as the prince mulled over the significance of this response. He didn’t comment but asked, “So what about Rainstorm?”

“Rainstorm has known ever since the day he attacked you.”

“Has he? I thought he’d have been upset about being subject to the oath.”

“He was,” said Tarkyn dryly. “Very. But he kept quiet about it for the good of the woodfolk until the rescue was over.”

Danton smiled broadly, “That’s absolutely brilliant. He’s a real hero to have managed that. He’s only young.”

“Yes, I have a lot of time for young Rainstorm, despite his hot head.” Tarkyn smiled slowly, “So you’ve forgiven him then, for attacking you?”

“What? Of course I have. I didn’t give it a second thought. I even forgave him for attacking you, though that was more difficult.”

Tarkyn grinned, “Well, you’ll be pleased to know he is one of the people I have given permission to attack me.”

Danton frowned, “No. I am not pleased at all. Why on earth did you do that?”

“Think, Danton, think. He’s a hothead struggling on his own to come to terms with having to serve me, and the forest pays the penalty if he becomes too distressed.”

“I see. And I hope he hasn’t taken advantage of it?”

Tarkyn laughed, “Not since I gave him permission.”

“So how much forest is going to be damaged while all these other woodfolk vent their spleen on you?”

Tarkyn shook his head. “I don’t know. That’s what I’m worried about.” He glanced at Danton then looked away. After a moment, he drew a deep breath and once more met Danton’s eyes. “Danton, the other thing I’m worried about is how I will handle it. It is very hard to stand by and watch people as they realise with horror that they are under oath of fealty to me. I feel apologetic and reviled. I try not to take it personally but at times like that I completely forget that some people actually feel honoured to serve me.” He gave a rueful smile, “I managed to remember when I was with Falling Branch but that was probably the first time I had thought of it… and it was mainly because you stated it last night.”

Danton returned his gaze steadily while he thought about it. Finally he said, “Tarkyn, I will be by your side when you need a reminder of your heritage. I would prefer not to advocate on your behalf because I think that would be inflammatory but I will be here for you. Just remember the tribute the woodfolk made to you. They value you for yourself and for your protection of them. With luck, those woodfolk who know you will advocate for you and the storm of ill feeling towards you should be short-lived.”

Tarkyn let out a breath, “Thanks Danton. That’s just what I need. I agree that you shouldn’t advocate for me. It would only widen the gap. The whole situation is vexed. The trouble is that I agree with the woodfolk that they shouldn’t have been forced into this oath, and even more so that the forest shouldn’t be forfeit for non-compliance. So when they talk about the burden of serving me, I can’t help but agree that I am an undesirable hardship they have to endure.” He gave a wry smile, “It is not very elevating for the spirit.”

“But we love him anyway,” said Waterstone cheerfully, appearing out of nowhere and patting him on the back.

Tarkyn looked up at him to find himself surrounded by a small group of woodfolk. He regarded Waterstone quizzically, “And how long have you been eavesdropping this time?”

The woodman laughed, “Tarkyn, how could you say that? No. We’ve just arrived. We knew you needed a private chat so we announced our presence from the start.” He brought Falling Branch to the fore and said, “Falling Branch has almost recovered from the shock although it has taken nearly a full bottle of wine to reconcile him.”

“And not only that,” continued Ancient Oak, “Falling Branch now has a whole new area of mutual interest to discuss with his son.”

“Wonderful,” replied Tarkyn, “Glad to be of service. Are you lot going to sit down? Otherwise I’ll have to stand up. I’m developing a stiff neck looking up at you all.”

As one, they sank down to sit cross-legged in a semi-circle around Tarkyn and Danton.

“So, Danton,” said Waterstone spuriously, “here comes your big chance to protect your liege’s consequence. What are you proposing?”

Danton eyed him askance, “I have no intention of advocating on Tarkyn’s behalf, if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Disappointing.” It was becoming increasingly clear that Waterstone had been drinking too. “I was looking forward to a feisty display of fireworks between sorcerers and woodfolk.”

Danton stared coldly at the woodman, “Do not confuse a passionate devotion to service with stupidity. They are not at all the same thing. You, after all, are passionately devoted to the woodfolk and I would never make the mistake of thinking you stupid. I am well aware of the futility of, in fact th
e
har
m
I would cause by advocating for Tarkyn.”

“So what will you do to support him?” persistedWaterstone.

Danton considered carefully before replying, “I will be there as a reminder to Tarkyn that not everyone resents serving him.” He spread his hands disarmingly. “Beyond that, I will do whatever you think will be most helpful.”

Suddenly Waterstone’s belligerence disappeared and he beamed at the sorcerer, “Danton, I always knew you were a fine fellow. I doubted Falling Branch’s wisdom in suggesting that Tarkyn should come to see you but obviously some of Rainstorm’s acuity comes from his father.”

There was an uncomfortable pause.

Danton looked at Tarkyn, “So, it wasn’t your idea to come and talk to me?”

Tarkyn sent Waterstone a poisonous glance before replying with incurable honesty, “No. But I didn’t have to follow Falling Branch’s suggestion.”

Everyone held their breath as chagrin warred with amusement on Danton’s face. Finally amusement won and he shook his head smiling, “Tarkyn is right. You really are kind people. For Falling Branch to have even considered what either of us might need at a time like that was quite remarkable.” He took a long draught of wine, then pointed his goblet at Rainstorm, “And you, young Rainstorm: You kept all of us in the dark when you must have been distressed, to protect the welfare of your people – well, as I’ve already said to Tarkyn, I think you’re bloody heroic!” At this point it was borne upon the others that Danton, too, had imbibed a substantial amount of wine.

Rainstorm blushed while Ancient Oak looked from Waterstone to Danton and said firmly, “We had better get this announcement out of the way before these two become paralytic. Either that or wait another day. We can’t arrive at the mountainfolk’s firesite with this issue unresolved.”

“For the safety of the children, I would rather we were as far away from the encampment as possible,” said Tarkyn. “So I would prefer to press on,” Then, seeing himself surrounded by quizzical faces, he threw his hands up in surrender. “Right. Fine. You’re used to hiding from soldiers and marauders. Well, as long as you’re sure you can keep Danton and me safe, I will go with your decision.

In the way of woodfolk, the most competent at the time took over the organisation. So Ancient Oak replied, “I think we should make the announcement tonight and see what everyone thinks. My feeling is that the more time that the mountainfolk have to think about it before we arrive, the less angry they’ll be. So maybe we should mindtell them tonight but leave crossing the grasslands until tomorrow evening. Then they’ll have two full days to think about it.”