Topic: A shattered chair

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2008-01-21 15:49 EST
When Fortune means to men most good,
She looks upon them with a threatening eye.
-Shakespeare, King John III, 4

?My lady,? the First Mate called over the cold gale to reach past her hood and scarf wrapped ears, ?it may be best if you go to your cabin.?

The weather for the trip to Yransea was being contradictory to a smooth voyage. The children were unpleasant being cooped up in the cabin or under the decks. Trying to keep them out of the way but still spend their energy had transformed into hourly confrontations over what to do.

Cian had been forced into quiet while Aidan and Beata slept their afternoon nap. Sylvia had taken her turn of escape after Miriam returned, but it seemed the gale was picking up its howl and the crew worried for her safety with the visibility decreasing.

?Of course,? she acquiesced to the request. The crew had enough to worry about than adding her to their list. With care she made her way aft and into her cabin where four pairs of eyes looked up at her.

?Let me help you, m?lady,? Miriam crossed the small space and helped unwrap the layers of covering. The cabin was warmed more by the bodies than by the small brazier in the corner, but with the whipping wind gone, the effect of cold was cut three times. Miriam?s small cabin was next door, and she kept Aidan with her at night, but most of their waking hours were spent in such unseemly weather in the slightly larger accommodations of Sylvia?s cabin.

Unbundled, Sylvia sat on the end of the bed and reached again for the letters she had read over and over of the coming arrangements for the next few weeks. Prince Maelgwn, and naturally, Princess Rian would be in attendance during the assembly. The Yransea Council was still unsteady, and he had felt it best to keep all the councilors and their entourage close by, which had taken up the remaining rooms of the manor. The additional lords and merchants had been regulated to the two inns and a few of the merchant guild lodges in town.

Keefe had been thorough and kept her informed along the way. No matter how many times she read over the messages, the conclusion was the same: the next few weeks would be a taxing ordeal of debate and coercion. Geofsson was going to be there with his duel interests of politics and trade. It all had to be done, though, and the prosperity of the people of Yransea, and even Palendies as a whole, depended on the successful settlement of trade with the far country and even the lands linked through Rhydin.

Life was a far cry from what she had expected just seven months ago, and while it would have been Kieran seeing to these things had he been alive, her son was too young, Keefe was unfamiliar with Rhydin, and it rested on her shoulders.

A headache formed above one eye, small but persistent. She closed her eyes as the children began a game with the blocks on the small space on the floor. A game even Beata could join in when her brothers changed the rules for her benefit. Sylvia thought of fishing ships, kites in the moonlight, fireside stories, and recent nights gone by.

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2008-01-22 16:08 EST
Clomping hooves and clattering wheels underscored the charging murmur of the courtyard full of arriving guests to the Assembly. Sylvia watched from Miriam?s window, the only one she could enter that afforded the view. The other was kept for Master Kalensson, and she would not disturb him just so she could watch as the other counselors, merchants, and lords arrived. If she gave the moment some thought, she would have concluded he was probably doing the same as she.

Colwyn and Nyla along with their staff were organization personified. Not a single lord or lady left waiting longer than absolutely tolerable for his or her status. Merchants were mingling and sharing tales of fortune or woe, and their shrewd minds at taking part in the Assembly and not dealing with just the rulers of their particularly lands puffed up chests and swelled heads.

It was the four merchant guild leaders that Sylvia watched most closely. The three baronies that surrounded Yransea had merchant guilds just as Yransea did. With their craft at building trade empires, they held almost as much power as the nobility of the land. Gaerwyn Caisson was a step away from such power, and because he did not seek it the position, the Merchant Guild of Yransea hounded him all the more to take it along with its power, trusting he would wield it well. But he was not there yet, and with some regret Sylvia accepted his choice. She would have liked to have his input on the matters at hand, being one of the few merchants to venture trade at all with another world.

The players of this game funneled into the manor and were directed to the Great Hall where long tables layered in squares inner and outer consumed the length and breadth of the room. Sylvia could hear even from the corner room three levels up the rising volume of voices confined into closed space. It was time to join that noise, and she turned for the door, the flow of her voluminous skirt drifting a moment?s beat behind her motion.

With Keefe?s requirements met, that she wear her formal attire the first day including the coronet, she had to take longer getting down the stairs, but it did help to present the image he and she had agreed upon: Baroness of Yransea. Cian and Keefe joined her at the bottom of the stairs just outside the small door at the back of the hall but closest to the stairs that led up to their rooms. Her son looked solemn, but not cross. It was a resigned little face that looked up at her, and she reached for his hand to give him the support and encouragement he needed. A twist of his mouth into a smile reminiscent of his Uncle Lucky when he was presenting a good face in spite of his thoughts, nearly undid Sylvia. Keefe crouched down before Cian and said, ?Not long, my lord, then you and I will look over maps afterward.? It suited Cian well and he found a truer smile.

It was fortunate that the first day was given over to just two hours of ceremonial, sharing, getting to know their purpose and their hopes of success for the Assembly. Cian could last through that length of time, and most would stop watching him after the first few minutes anyway, with their own minds starting to process what they wanted to accomplish.

Colwyn?s face appeared at the opening of the door. Seeing they were there, and the nod from Sylvia, he opened the door wider. Sylvia walked in first, and Cian tried to start after, but Keefe held him back a step and then walked in by his side. Sylvia made it all the way to the table where she would be sitting much of the coming weeks before the roar of voices dwindled into a murmur and finally to silence at Keefe and Cian?s positioning behind their own chairs. Because of his rank, Prince Maelgwn, entered after and took his seat in center, placing Keefe on his left and Cian on his right. Eyes were on them, voices silent, and Sylvia could imagine the distant thunder of heartbeats quickened waiting for Maelgwn to speak.

The prince lifted a hand, though it was not necessary, for not a pair of eyes was anywhere but the four that stood at the long table on the far end of the room. ?Well come to Seansloe, the seat of Yransea?.?

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2008-01-24 12:07 EST
?Two days complete,? Keefe tried to sound optimistic, providing a strained smile across the distance between their chairs.

Sylvia rolled her eyes and light laughter escaped, ?Come now, we knew this would take some time. We cannot expect the merchants and the land holders to come to agreement so quickly, not when both have good arguments against each other.? The comment near lost as she reached down to gather up Aidan who had finally closed his eyes.

Some time earlier he had fought the entire idea of going to bed, though Cian had eagerly sought the refuge of sleep. It was not worth her aggravation and his hurt feelings to fight about it. She had enough of squabbling with grown up men that day. ?I will be right back,? she mouthed over her sleeping son?s head to Keefe, Master Kalensson, and Lord Cravensson. The Yransea council, without their additional retainers, had gathered to review the progress and problems of the day once again.

When Aidan had been settled in bed, she returned to find the men in an uneasy silence. ?You need not cut the conversation short upon my entry, sirs,? she remarked in returning to her seat.

?Not at all, Sylvia,? Cravensson smiled, ?only we were speaking of matters less than seemly to say in front of a lady.?

Her mouth opened in a silent ?ah?. A suspicious grin turned on each in turn only brought color rising in Kalensson?s cheeks. Keefe and the elder Cravensson merely returned that grin in their own secret measure. ?Well, then, I hope you will allow me to turn the subject back to today. We have to find a way to meet both the concerns of the merchants and their lords. I cannot deny the merchants point that they give taxes to the lords every year, and if their landholders are also competition in trade, it does seem the lords have the advantage.?

Cravensson grumbled about a bit until he landed on what he wanted to say. ?But the lords also provide the protection of those lands they hold, the taxes are to support the warbands, the patrols, and all manner of care to those lands. When they make an unsound trade and lose their profit, it is us they look to for help and safety. Sometimes we can offer it, and sometimes we cannot, but it is still the lords they look to first.?

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2008-01-24 12:12 EST
They all sat in silence for a time. ?Should His Highness be here?? Kalensson broke into the silence with a hesitant voice.

?No,? all three of the others said at once. Shared grins all and Keefe explained to the young councilor, ?These are the early stages. The small trusts brokered and managed. Tomorrow we should see some progress and Prince Maelgwn will then conference with us.?

?Progress,? Cravensson snickered, ?Goefsson seems to be his usual state of heel digging.?

Sylvia quirked a brow, ?Did you anticipate a change in him? He may not be a councilor of Yransea at this time, but he still has the power of privilege of his estates and his own vast trade routes.?

Keefe shifted, his frown deepening. ?Captain Caisson arrived late this evening. I would like to have him here on the morrow to counter some of Geofsson?s more particular objections. You and he have found common ground.?

?We have the good fortune of other connects that help us in this endeavor.? Sylvia did not answer the concealed question if she would ask Caisson to join them. She would not, though seeking his counsel on her own was a high priority.

A hearty roar of a laugh that Cravensson belatedly dampened to a chuckle, ?Aye, Caisson steps out of line, and his cousin will come into view.?

Sylvia laughed in a more removed manner. ?Not precisely what I meant, my lord. More that the advantage of my history allows for a more amicable arrangement suitable to both his profit and Yransea?s needs.?

?Geofsson is not to be coerced by comparison, though,? Kalensson pointed out.

?Too true,? Keefe sighed, ?but tomorrow should direct more to mutual interests now that they have all aired their differences.?

?Agreed,? Sylvia nodded. ?A sterner hand at the wheel the next day, gentlemen.? She directed and they all nodded. Each stood in their turn to make their goodnights, and Sylvia was so worn from the day that instead of visiting Kieran?s tomb as she had the nights past, she sent a thought to him that she would visit him the next day and went on to bed.

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2008-01-26 10:55 EST
Last rays of the setting sun fell short of the high east side windows and set the sky beyond them golden. The west walls lacked any windows for the height of the keep created its portion of the room. In graceful symmetry, the west wall had matching arches of stone set back with viewless windows mocking their eastern twins. Sconces on the lower walls had been lit to keep back shadow from the proceedings, pressing those darkness up into the recesses of the high arches.

The conference that day had continued so long and without break, that twice Cian had left and returned. None dare break the progress being made towards the agreements of that day. Though they were just mild stepping stones in the greater matters ahead, each would bring them closer. It was there at the table men ate, no breaks made, and if one needed to take care of other matters, he had to risk missing a point, for none bid break or solace for limbs or bladders.

Sylvia glanced to her son who kept his quiet vigil in his chair. It had been Keefe?s doing to find that ancient little chair that suited the four year old better and did not swallow him in its depth and width. Though it creaked with tired joints protesting Cian?s every movement, he looked more comfortable in its embrace. Small fingers traced over tired carvings of the arm rests as Cian?s forest eyes watched each man speak in turn.

A small yawn he tried to swallow, but Sylvia knew his limit was long passed. It was time for him to return to his rooms and the ease of his boyishness there could be reclaimed. She stood and turned to make her excuses to Maelgwn, who looked no better in his weariness but only had the good grace to hide it. She smiled, ?Pardon, Your Highness, but-? flame bright pain bloomed like a whip lash across her back and thigh. In the rush of her released breath, the room hesitated as if a great hand had reached down to stop the motion of time.

?Seal the Keep!? Keefe cried out. The Great Hall sped through reality and Keefe struggled with the fast turnings. Roaring voices in the temper of uncertainty resounded as thunder off the hall walls. The Prince?s guards obstructed his reach in their own duty to the safety of the Prince. Shouts of alarm, pointed hands, and distrust bloomed as all concerned themselves with their own safety and the harboring threat of enemies new and old.

Maelgwn?s mind was keen upon seeing his young nephew not witness more of his mother. The boy?s face had gone deathly pale at seeing the arrow head appear out of his mother?s shoulder and how still she had gone. His own eyes wide as his mother?s as he stared back in the direction of her. His guards were cursing and knocking aside others freeing them of the Great Hall and down the corridors of confused and wailing servants to the family rooms.

Sylvia blinked and tried to breathe in, the breath knocked from her. Her mouth sucked in a ragged, painful dose of air, but her eyes were on the empty chair of her son?s. Legs gave up their duty, one thigh screaming its agony, or maybe that was a person. She could not turn to see. The world was unruly in its choice of time, fast and slow, and she fluttered on its whim unable to rid herself of the fiery pain. Eyes closed into grey of growing darkness.

Keefe pushed the Prince?s chair out of the way to try and reach Sylvia, but it was too late. Her body could not sustain her and gave her up to the ground. She tilted, turned, and crashed down upon the small antiquated seat absent of her son. It shattered beneath her.

Wood lay splintered and broken beneath her body. Small slivers punctured through one limp arm. Like standards on a field of battle out of her back and one leg rose three fletched arrows trembling with the echo of her fall.

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2008-01-26 17:38 EST
Men that make
Envy and crooked malice nourishment
Dare bite the best.
- Shakespeare, Henry VIII, V. 3

?Keefe,? Lyana came rushing up to him, her blade drawn and glimmering red of blood recently shed, ?they came for the children.? Her breath was drawn deep but she pressed herself to speak on. ?Two came for the younger children, but they have been slain.?

Keefe cursed in a low breath, hand gripped tighter and then relaxed upon the hilt of his own blade. ?Keep moving,? he growled to the men who bore the burden of carrying the moaning, unconscious Sylvia face down so as not to disturb the wicked woodshot protruding from her back.

He was escorting the party to the family rooms and Lyana joined his stride. ?The children are safe, then? The rooms are secure??

?Yes,? she nodded. ?Maelgwn is there and his guards cover each entrance. The children are in the nursery with Miriam and two of my own band. Cian,? she went on before Keefe could ask, ?is there. His nurse knows best how to comfort him. Poor lad,? she breathed out.

?She is not dead,? he snapped and not dare add the word that was in both of their minds ? yet.

Two guards at the entry of the family rooms eyed him with no uncertain suspicion. Blame upon him, with the latest rumors, would rise up again. He had not time to set them straight and burst in upon the chattering room of people. ?Take her to her bed. Where is the damnable chirurgeon??

He felt Lyana?s hand on his arm, and she nodded to a man who already moved to the Baroness?s side examining the wounds as she was carried to her bed.

Keefe gave his belated bow to the Maelgwn who did not look to caring about propriety at the moment. ?Get Corinsson back here, now,? ordered the Prince.

?My lord,? Keefe began to interrupt.

?No, Keefe, it is not doubt in you or your abilities. It is the knowledge of his. It will take time for him to arrive if one of the Yransea vessels is not in port. A day and half at the least if one is. You and I will be hunting the meaning of this in our fashion, but he has his own ways, and I, and my father,? the words were as pointed as the look, ?rely on him in such matters.? The Prince was as a rock resisting movement in the winter melt flooded stream. Lyana stood near him, the guards in their watchfulness looked often to him. Keefe could see the resolve and promise in his eyes to see this cruel matter dealt with in swift, but precise retribution.

The room was silent except for the heavy breathes of people dropped again into the agony of danger to ones loved. Lyana broke into the silence with a half choked sob, ?Why the children? Why now??

?Because they can,? Keefe snarled and drove his way around furniture and people to a small side desk of Sylvia?s in search of parchment and pen. Finding both, he wrote a note as concise but informative as he could manage while his mind ran swift in thought as a bird in flight. ?Your seal or mine, my lord?? he asked of Maelgwn.

?Mine,? the Prince answered and strode over as Keefe melted the wax upon the folded letter. In a swift motion, the signet ring on the Prince?s hand pressed into the wax and gave it the power unmistakable to Ewan. The men shared a look which held its own seal and pact.

Keefe turned to give the note to a guard. ?See this to our swiftest rider on our fastest horse. It must reach Corinsson. Yearling Brook and then on?the rider is not to wait for Corinsson, but to hunt him down wherever he may be at whatever hour. Use all methods at our disposal. Find him and get him here.? The guard nodded, took the note in hand and did not set it in pouch or vest. Sword still in his other hand, he ran down the hall dodging all manner of obstacle, human and other, to see his duty served.

A scream lanced their thoughts flung from Sylvia?s room. Eyes wide or rimmed with tears looked from one to another and Maelgwn spoke soft and sure. ?She is still alive.?

Ewan Corinsson

Date: 2008-01-27 02:00 EST
The messenger had a rough road of it. In his favor was a swift horse and knowledge of the area he must search. Countless prior trips in seeking people of Yransea in the troubling pandemonium that was Rhydin had prepared him. However, Master Corinsson was not to be found, nor had he stopped by that day at Yearling Brook. It was suggested he make way for town and the Red Dragon Inn where, if Corinsson was not to be found, he at least made one or two stops there each day and evening to hear news.

After the long road into Rhydin from Yransea, and then another to town, the horse was lathered and the Messenger leg weary. Upon entering the inn, he could not spy the Master of Arms, but he left nothing by way of chance. Gulping air he went deeper into the room, searching. Still not to be sighted, the messenger turned to go on to the family house, but paused first in the asking if Ewan had been spotted. If not, maybe the man was on his way and he should take the route slow. If yes and long time past, then he was as good as moving on to the house as swift as he could.

The lady behind the bar, alarming and alluring all in one, gave warning and word of Corinsson?s whereabouts, and with hope that his duty was soon at an end, followed the trail of the man. It was a slow walk on route to the family house, as the messenger looked down cross roads to catch sight. All in vain, for the lad did not meet with Ewan face to face until the man opened the door of his home at the exchange of pass phrases.

Duty discharged, the lad walked with his horse, slow and satisfied at heart that he had done his part, back to Yearling Brook.

Ewan, though, was just looking over the seal and the lad?s last words, ?Urgent, sir? took on a new meaning when he saw the seal of Palendies in the wax. Storm had taken a bad turn after her ceremony, and keeping her awake and walking towards wellness had been priority in his mind. After reading the letter, it was no mistake that the awful truth, choice between his wife and his duty rose like a wall before him. He knew all too well what he would choose. The problem was, would Storm understand.

To the best of his ability he would see her cared for, but it would not be by his hands this time. His hands were called to a darker purpose. The Lark lay in harbor. It would take time and doing to rouse the crew. Against the time and tide, he would press them into service within the bleak hours back to Yransea.

Hudson Fraiser

Date: 2008-01-27 06:27 EST
?Dhe, eisd ri m? urnuigh. God, listen to my prayer.?

The usual stillness of the harbor was greatly disrupted by the time Hudson made it to the Yransea ship. It should have been dark, only a watch-lantern or two, awaiting loading in the morning. It wasn?t due to depart for another two days ? instead, there were lights and shouts as sailors swarmed about making it ready to sail.

?Lub rium do chluas. Bend to me Thine ear.?

Sid?s words hung in Hudson?s mind with ominous weight. ?He be... Somethin' be happenin' with Sylvia. I... I dun think it be good.? Fortunate chance that Sid had recognized Hudson as a friend of Sylvia and passed the word, or Hudson would have been left even more concerned in the morning when word of the sudden departure of the Lark came in.

?Leig m? achan agus m? urnuigh t' ionnsuidh a suas. Let my supplications and my prayers ascend to Thee upwards.?

The rusty-blonde hair of the Master at Arms shone like a beacon in the night, and when Hudson called a query to what was going on, Ewan gave him a succinct summary. There was no time to waste and none taken when the Lark unshipped its moorings. Ewan ran up the gangplank and it was pulled up while the ship was in motion. The crew had a hard bit of sailing, against the tides in the harbor.

?Thig, a Righ na glorach, da a chomhnadh a nuas. Come, Thou King of Glory, to protect her down.?

Prayer was not often Hudson?s way. Religion did not come easily to him. He preferred to take action rather than to ask for help. In this situation, there was no action he could take. Ewan had promised to send word, but it would be days until more detail was known here in RhyDin. For once the sight of the ocean did not bring peace to Hudson. It was a source of further worry, for the distance that kept him from doing anything but praying.

?Bi Bride bhithe bhana, leinn, bi Moire mhine mhathar, leinn. Bi Micheal mil nan lanna liobh, ?s bi Righ nan righ, ?s bi Iosa Criosd ?a bith Spiorad sith nan grasa leinn. The calm fair Bride be with her, the gentle Mary mother be with her. Michael the chief of glancing glaives, and the King of kings and Jesus Christ, and the Spirit of peace and of grace be with her.?

SylviaNightshade

Date: 2008-01-28 16:02 EST
?We have sent for him, Sylvia,? Keefe confirmed.

If he had said it before, she had not heard him or did not recall. It irked how clearly now she remembered two days ago in the Great Hall. How precise her mind could draw up the vision of her son, pale and wide eyed with fear. She did not need a reminder of the pain, though, for the repetitive changing of the dressings to her wounds kept that more than fresh in her mind.

?I?m sorry, Keefe,? she blinked back into awareness of those gathered about her bed informing her of the state of things while she had slept. ?Ewan is on his way then,? she had no doubt of that, ?and talks have resumed I hope??

Keefe looked uncomfortable, but nodded. ?Cian is not in attendance.?

?Good.? A tickle of her throat brought up a cough, and she groaned against the echoing pains of the harsh movement.

?I think your children would very much like to see you,? he said, though his eyes were on the door.

A slow release of breath she nodded her agreement. Knowing the worst was never as bad as not knowing at all. ?Yes, when we are done here I will see them. Tell me more of what you have learned.?

Master Kalensson spoke up, stepping closer to her bed so she need not sit up more to see him properly. ?My lady, we have spoken to all the attendees of what they witnessed. We lack information to the cause or culprit, with the only ones knowing that information dead.?

?If it were just me they wanted, I would be more amused by the attempt. I am not.? Her body screamed against the energy she used to make that point very clear. ?Do what you can. I do not care where the path leads or where we must go in following it. Find out who did this. Find out and bring them to me.?

?I will find them,? the voice came just moments before the man. Ewan was swift, direct, and dark as he slipped between other men unflinching at their looks to her side.

Hope rose up as well as dread. The tone in Ewan?s eyes familiar and frightening, but she needed him. Sylvia?s voice hushed as he kneeled beside her bed, ?My children, Ewan. They wanted to kill them.?

?I know,? he spoke just as softly. ?It was a foul, stupid misjudgment on their part. They roused your anger and mine.? He searched her eyes and touched her forehead. ?Are you well??

She nodded but one of her tending apothecaries seemed to realize what Ewan was doing and came forward to add, ?We are battling the poison found on the arrows, Master. It weakens her, and she rests often.?

Ewan turned sharp eyed that made the old man shuffle back. ?Is it remedied or is she still in danger??

?Remedied as well as we can. It will take time.?

A knock at the door, all heads turned that way. Miriam stood there with Beata in her arms and the boys standing next to her. Keefe ushered the council out and others followed. With their nanny?s help, they climbed up on the bed and snuggled in at their mother?s side. ?Are you well, mum?? Cian asked.

?I am getting better, Cian. How are you?? She searched for that fear in his eyes. All she saw there was worry and love.

He gave her a brave smile, ?I am well. We are all well.? He nodded to include his siblings, which brought a beam from Aidan on his part of proof. Beata was much more interested in reaching for her mother?s black hair fanned out on the pillow.

?It makes me all the better to hear that, my little man. I know you are such a big boy not to need naps, but I think mum needs one. Is it okay if I go to sleep now for a bit??

Cian looked skeptical, ?Just a bit, right, not for keeps??

?Not for keeps,? she gave the solemn vow.

?That is all right, but we will stay here,? he announced. In his resolve, he encouraged Aidan to lie down as well, but Miriam took Beata from the room. Cian?s little hand rested just beneath his mother?s throat. He could feel the rise and fall as she took slower, deeper breaths. Breath was life. He would be sure his mother?s chest continued to rise and fall.

Ewan Corinsson

Date: 2008-01-28 20:57 EST
?Can she be moved?? Ewan asked walking the apothecary out of the room.

Appalled by the suggestion, the apothecary stammered, ?Certainly not, Master.?

Keefe turned with a frown, ?What is your thinking, Ewan??

Arms folded, his head bowed in contemplation, Ewan lifted his eyes only to look at Lord Protectorate, a man of his stature. ?Send her and the children to Rhydin. Recovery will go more quickly and there are,? he paused to reflect upon the word choice, ?other means to assist in that healing.?

The apothecary looked near to apoplexy. He turned pleading words to Keefe. ?I assure you, my lord, that we have given her the best care and will continue to do so without her most dangerous removal to that Rhydin.?

Keefe played the politician, smoothing the ruffled feathers of the healer, ?I am certain, Tolin, that you have done your very best. I find no fault with your methods or the results. We must recall though that Her Excellency and her children are still in danger here, and I am sure Master Corinsson is thinking of that possibility.?

Keeping his face passive, Ewan did not make any indication to refute what his true intention was. True, he needed Sylvia and the children safely away, but more so the otherwordly care found there as well as to ease the mind of her friends. ?I would see her sent away as soon as possible. The trip is not long.?

A sharp look from Keefe, ?You think the path is safe to her? It is not the smoothest transition.?

?To the woman that has traveled it more than any? I doubt she will think greatly on the queasy stomach when the carriage ride will awake the wounds.?

?See, even you know it will harm her injuries,? burst in Tolin.

Keefe gave a glance to Kalensson, who came over with a smile for Tolin. ?Master Tolin, you have toiled long in Her Excellencies care. These men will talk of other matters, and should the Baroness need you, then you will be called. For now, let me join you in an early dinner and tell me the herbs you are using for the poultices. I find herbs fascinating.? Kalensson kept chattering at the befuddled, honored, and properly soothed healer who walked out with him.

Not a moment to waste upon the irritating man?s removal, Ewan started afresh. ?I want her sent on, my lord, and in that way we will have our first test of those that planned this.?

?Think you they will try to follow and finish it?? Keefe motioned for Ewan to sit as he and Lord Cravensson did so.

It was a faint refusal to sit, the slightest shake of his head. Ewan kept his stance, fingers drumming on elbows as arms remained locked folded across his chest. ?It is a thought, but unlikely. No, I think they will be hiding low for a time. They risked too much on this throw of the dice.?

?Dice?? Cravensson sputtered. ?Gaming with children?s lives, are they??

?Most certainly. Dice for the luck. Chess for the strategy. It is all a game and the purpose is to win. Now it is time for the consequences of failure.? The pitch of his voice dropped like stone in water.

Keefe shifted at the uneasy feeling being in the room with Master Corinsson like this. The man had been quiet, the knowledge of him more than others, but not fully. Even Maelgwn had not told more than he had known already, that Corinsson had an uncanny knack for arms proficiency and able to hide himself anywhere. With flame hair such as his, Keefe had doubted it. Not now. There was not a man in front of him. He was a weapon. He was Sylvia, Maelgwn, and Rhodri?s weapon.

Maelgwn entered and Ewan turned to bow to him. ?Ewan, good to see you.? The prince did not wait long for pleasantries. ?I want this resolved, Ewan, as I am sure you do as well. To whatever lengths, Ewan, no matter to whom it leads. We will not have the start of a civil war again like those of our ancient forefathers. Whoever this was attacked my father as clearly as they attacked the family entrusted with the keeping of lands in Yransea.? Maelgwn clenched his jaw. ?Take them to task.?

Ewan knew that code. It had been given to him upon his first assignment from King Rhodri. Then it had been an unruly priest of The Twelve. A simple matter of spiritual voices driving the priest into spasms of terror that eventually drove him to throw himself from the top of the bell tower solved it to alls satisfaction.

This was a harder matter. Ewan had not been there at the start. It still chewed at his insides that if he had perhaps caught before the terrible act came to pass, but he was here now. ?I will, Your Highness.?