CHAPTER 25 Last Day at Lyrias

Zen and Shirayuki enjoyed the next day. The best part of it was that, because of the match the night before, Obi and Ilena had told them they didn't have to have any guards with them if they didn't want them. The entire city of Family was watching over them, and the entirety of Lyrias' underworld wouldn't touch them for a long while to come. Sam complained to Zen about it as they were headed out and standing on the porch of the inn. Zen answered, loud enough to be heard by any 'gossips', "You know, Ilena's not been allowed to fight until Obi tested her. He did that last night. I suspect she'd appreciate having to set people straight that haven't figured it out yet. They've both promised, after all."

"Please," Shirayuki added, "go and have a vacation day yourself. We won't get another for who knows how many months. I do appreciate your concern, and your company yesterday."

Sam sighed, then nodded. "Thank you, Regent Zen, Princess Shirayuki." He bowed and turned to sit on one of the chairs on the porch. "I'll take a nap here, then. It's been a long time since I could just sit and watch the world go by."

Shirayuki put her hand to her mouth and giggled. "It doesn't count if you follow us clandestinely, you know Sam. What kind of a vacation day is that?"

Sam smiled wryly at her. "Well...I'll just keep myself comfortable, is all."

Zen shrugged and took Shirayuki's hand, leading her off the porch. "Where shall we go to, Shirayuki?" he asked her. She tugged his hand and told him of one of the places she hadn't taken him to yet on the several other times they had managed to meet up while she had been there for her research, and they headed off.

"Ah, Shirayuki, Julie was supposed to leave this morning. Did she answer you yesterday?" Zen asked as they walked, just remembering it.

"She asked if she could talk with her parents first and give us the answer when we get to Baron Leander's. I told her that would be fine."

"I'm not sure we'll have time to write the letters while we're there, though," Zen frowned.

Shirayuki shook her head. "I thought that if she wants to go, she could travel with us at least a little ways, since she'd have to go that way anyway. Plus," she looked a little distressed, "I'm worried we may have to help her escape the Baron, so it would be good for us to be able to say she was coming with us."

"Would that be necessary?" Zen asked.

"Well, she told us a little more yesterday, though she didn't want to bring everyone down. Apparently the only use the Baron has for women is to create heirs and see to the running of a household. She's just worried, is all, which makes me worried, I guess."

"You're kind, Shirayuki," Zen said. "I have to tread lightly, though. I need him and what he provides to the land and to the castle."

"I know, Zen," Shirayuki said calmly. Zen knew she did. She was always very good about protecting him in that way. He squeezed her hand.

This was their last day to be together in the city without requirements on their time, and he hoped it would go slowly. Shirayuki took them by the place that was manufacturing the glowing seed bearing stones first. She had talked to one of the crafters the day before at the art fair and scheduled to go by and visit today. Zen perused the newest shapes and configurations as Shirayuki and the shop owner had their discussion. When he paused with them again, he was a bit surprised to hear Shirayuki negotiating for new products...and a cut of the profits.

Zen held his tongue until they were out of the facility. "What brought that on?" he asked her.

"Well…," Shirayuki looked a little embarrassed, "Ilena actually. She has all these places she earns money from for her projects - which aren't small. It just felt like I ought to be doing my part, particularly since she has been paying for my projects, like the new Regent's wing. If it's okay, I thought we'd stop by the tea shop next. It wasn't only my idea, the healthy tea that tastes good that we all put together to pay for those stones we just looked at, but I have another idea for one I thought I'd see if they'd be willing to add and send me the profits to. ...Even if they are small, they're somewhere to start."

"I think that is admirable, really, Shirayuki," Zen praised her.

When they arrived at the tea shop, he occupied himself by listening to her talk with the owner. She made for him the tea she and Ryuu had worked out for Ilena to help her with her emotional upheaval. Zen gave his own personal testimony to the effectiveness of it, and was the guinea pig, along with the owner, to try it when it was done. Zen was surprised how tasty it was, as was the owner. An agreement was reached between the owner and Shirayuki for payment, and they left the shop.

"It's Ryuu's tea, too, isn't it?" Zen asked.

Shirayuki nodded. "I'll be splitting the profits with him. We talked about it before, when we worked together on getting it right for Ilena. He's supposed to be getting a tea shop in Wilant City to sell it there. We're hoping to figure out how to get it into a shop in Wistal as well."

Zen nodded. "I've been thinking about something also," he told her, "but it isn't to raise money. Rather I hope to save money."

"Oh, what is it?" Shirayuki looked at him expectantly.

"You need to come here twice a year, and we need a place to call a vacation home. I also need to be able to understand the entirety of Wilant, not just the castle and its city." He loved holding her warm hand whenever he wanted to now they were married, and he picked it up and held it now. "You and Ilena both love the university and they need you both when you can get here. We really shouldn't continue to pay for inns, and the garrison is far enough away, and uncomfortable enough, that it isn't a good place to stay." He looked over towards the university, the tallest spires of which could be seen from where they were - the tops of the pharmacy and the celestial room towers.

"Izana had built for himself an entire castle. I don't think that will work here, with all the scholars crowded against the mountain, but I think we could get one of the larger manor homes that already exists. It would only need minor staff when we aren't here - just enough to see that it doesn't fall apart. When we are here, it will still not need too many people, since we don't mind being informal for the most part."

Zen smiled into Shirayuki's wide eyes. "Would it be alright if we spent some of today trying to find that place?"

"Ah, okay! Though I feel like it's too much, since I've already asked for a new large wing at the castle."

Zen shook his head. "This is a different thing, though similar, I suppose. That will be the main home, where all of us stay all together, while this is the place we stay, likely in smaller numbers and maybe even separately, when we come to visit this part of the region." Zen turned them towards a specific part of town, discussing with her what things they might like to see in such a place.

-o-o-o-

Zen opened the door to the building he had been directed to by Ilena's Children and ushered Shirayuki in. "Ah, Regent, Princess. What may I do for you today?" A short, friendly man bustled up to them and bowed perfunctorily, a pleasant look on his face.

"I understand you know the properties around Lyrias well and what's available?" Zen asked.

"Yes, yes, I most certainly do," the man answered. "Ah, I'm Mister Hether. What sort of property are you looking for today?"

"We would like something along the same size as a small manor home," Zen said. "Close to the university, if there is anything still available there."

"Well, here in Lyrias such things are rare, you understand, and for numbers of rooms, they are tall, rather than wide."

Zen nodded. "Of course. Lyrias is bounded by the mountains and walls. It's certainly understandable."

"Ah…," Mister Hether sounded uncertain, "but as far as your station requires...I'm afraid there isn't anything available."

Zen waved his hand. "I don't need it to be elaborate or lavish, Mister Hether. I am not in competition with Queen Haki's brother. We just need a place to stay when we come that will fit us properly. It is fitting that the Steward of the city should have a place grand enough to hold all of his household and his staff. That isn't necessary for us."

"Well...if that's the case then…," he moved to his desk and pulled out a ledger, "last I knew, there were three likely possibilities available...and a fourth…," he petered out as he flipped through the pages.

Zen moved himself and Shirayuki closer to the desk. It looked like on each page was an address and description, one page per building or house. Many seemed to have red marks on the pages. When Mister Hether stopped on one such marked page, then frowned and moved on, Zen assumed those were the ones that had sold and were occupied now.

"Well, there are two and one that is perhaps farther away than you would like, if you want to be by the university."

"We'll look at the close ones first. We don't mind being in other locations. There are several businesses in the family as well, so if they are close to them, then those are possibilities. ...As a matter of fact…," Zen looked at Shirayuki out of the corner of his eye, "I think I saw one in a part of town you might be having difficulty finding buyers for."

"And where would that be?" Mister Hether asked, curious.

Zen told him and his face fell. "Oh. Regent, I can't recommend that area, really at all."

"No, I imagine not. But is there one there?"

Mister Hether flipped through his book again. "Well...actually, yes, there are two."

"Oh? Well, add them to the list of ones to take us to, and let's be off then. We only have today to look at them after all," Zen answered him airily. "We'll start at the ones closest to the University."

At least that helped the man relax a little. Perhaps they would like one and not continue on. He asked them to wait while he gathered up the keys to the houses they had asked to see, then he led them towards the housing around the university.

The first house was grand indeed, four stories tall and two buildings wide, but Shirayuki shook her head at it. Zen agreed with her. It was far more than they needed for Lyrias, even if it would seem proper from the perspective of those with grandiose expectations of the Regent. The second house was closer to the university, but small enough they wouldn't be able to get the guards to fit with them and the few servants they would bring with them, if all four royals came together like this trip. Plus it was crammed in with its neighbors just a little too much. Zen could see Ilena and Obi going crazy just looking at it from the outside.

The third house was too far the wrong direction from the university and the other places they needed to go in town, though it would work if nothing else did. It was certainly in a nice residential part of the city and close enough to the right size.

Mister Hether's face fell when Zen asked to be taken to the last two houses, but he led them that way, getting more and more stiff from nervousness as they went. "Zen, this is where we were last night," Shirayuki commented to him as they arrived at the neighborhood.

"Hm. I thought so," Zen said musingly as he looked around at the buildings in that area. Most of them were run down and uncared for, even if they did have tenants. That was hard to discern for several buildings though.

Mister Hether led them to a three story house that was a decent width and didn't look uncomfortable from the outside, as far as spacing and size went. It was in need of external repairs, though. Once they were inside, with the door firmly closed and relocked behind them, Mister Hether relaxed just a little. "The structure is sound. I've had it inspected to make sure," he said firmly. "There are internal repairs needed, though, just like the external ones." He led them through the public sitting rooms on the main floor, and through the dining room, pantry, and kitchen with the cook's quarters off it. On the second floor were a master suite including a nicely appointed bath that needed updating, and an office. There were also three other nicely sized rooms, each with their own bath. On the third floor were five reasonably sized rooms and a double bath for them combined.

"This would fit us nicely," Shirayuki said, "though not all together, just one set of us, or a portion of us."

Zen nodded. "I agree that this is a possibility. Mister Hether, can we see the last one now?"

Mister Hether led them out the door, relocked it carefully, then led them next door and unlocked that door. Zen smiled. When it turned out to be designed and built exactly like the one they had just been in, only a mirror image, Shirayuki looked at him in surprise. He smiled the whole tour of this building.

"Mister Hether, how much is the asking price for the second house you showed us, near the University, the third one, and these two?"

Mister Hether listed off the prices. The asking price of the two together that they had just seen was less than either of the others individually. Zen nodded. "We'll take these two."

"...Both of them, Regent?" Mister Hether was shocked.

"Yes. I think if we renovate them, then the neighborhood will begin to revitalize. That's only good for Lyrias, isn't it? And they are perfect, if we have both of them...though for having two, it is actually a little much."

"Mmm...not if we're bringing nurses and children with us," disagreed Shirayuki. Zen's eyes danced.

Mister Hether tried one more time, "But Regent, Princess, this part of town is a known hangout for cutthroats and lowlives. Surely it will not be safe enough for you to live here, even if you only come occasionally."

"Won't that mean that we will have to clean it out first, then? Perhaps it will also be good for the neighborhood and city," Zen countered.

Mister Hether paused, then bowed. "The Regent is wise and kind to be thinking of the city of Lyrias before his own desires. If these suit you, I would be happy to negotiate with you on behalf of the current owners."

"Ah, no," Zen said. "I'll bring my negotiator to review the buildings, then let her handle that part. Can you meet her here just after the lunch hour? She is about as tall as me, though thinner, and has very long black hair. She will have a companion with her who looks like her but with short black hair."

"Of course, Regent." Mister Hether bowed them out of the house, again locking it tightly behind them.

"You know," Shirayuki leaned over to Zen and whispered as they walked away from the neighborhood, "it would be funny if Ilena already owns them."

Zen smiled at her. "I wouldn't be too surprised, actually, ...except they are very run down, and that doesn't seem like her."

"No, not really, though I think she doesn't spend money until she needs to," Shirayuki said.

Zen thought that was true as well. To the air, he said, "Where are Mother and Father?" He led them to the next corner and turned their feet sharply. He followed the directions being given to him on the wind until they arrived at another hole-in-the-wall restaurant, not even on the normal roads for an eatery. Zen opened the door for Shirayuki and they entered. It took a moment for their eyes to adjust, the day being bright.

"How may I serve you today?" a soft accented voice said a their elbows.

"We'd like to be seated with Mother and Father," Zen said casually.

"This way, please," the short, swarthy man who had greeted them turned and led them towards the back of the dining room.

Obi looked up at them and grinned. "I didn't know Master liked spicy foods so much he would come and seek it out."

Zen wrinkled his nose and Shirayuki looked slightly frightened. "We haven't come for the food. Why you can eat spicy for breakfast is beyond me."

"Ah, but I am hungry," Shirayuki said hurriedly, not wanting to offend the man who had escorted them. "Do you serve things for the Clarines palette?"

"Of course, Mistress Shirayuki," the man bowed. "For both of you?"

"Yes, please," Zen said, sitting down across from Ilena and next to Obi. Shirayuki took the last seat.

"And to drink?"

"Juice, for both of us," Zen answered. The man bowed one more time and disappeared.

"Well, to what do we owe the visit?" Ilena said pleasantly, her eyes also sparkling that they had suddenly been descended upon.

"Well, I think you already know," Zen said, putting on his mild court face.

"You wish a negotiator, and to negotiate."

"Are they already yours?" he asked.

Ilena smiled. "How much are you willing to pay?"

"How much will it cost to renovate them, update the baths and combine the kitchens and dining rooms into one, joining the two houses into one?"

Ilena fingered her lower lip, then named a price. It was still lower than the cost of the two houses, but adding it to their costs put it up closer to the third house they had looked at.

Zen considered the number. "That number minus the amount you stand to gain from the sale of the other renovated houses in the neighborhood after those are done, at ten percent."

"Eh? You'll make me give you a ten percent cut of the rest of them?"

"Yes, since I was willing to go with your scheme to begin with. I'll need a regular income to pay for the skeleton staff and upkeep, after all."

"But you're only willing to pay for the renovations," Ilena frowned. "There's annual city fees on the houses, you know."

"They've been minimal since they were empty," Zen countered.

"And the profits were going to pay for the renovation of the first one to sell outside those two." She held his eyes.

"I'll pay half that cost, you the other half."

Ilena leaned forward on her elbows, putting her chin in her hand, and considered Zen. "I'm already paying for one house of yours, you know."

"True," Zen leaned back, crossed his arms and looked at the ceiling, tapping one finger lightly on his arm. "Give me a twenty percent discount on the furnishings, bedcloths, and other interior items and we'll use Falcon Studios exclusively."

Ilena scowled. "Ten percent."

"Fifteen," Zen said calmly, looking at her.

"Fine," Ilena sighed. "Which side is yours?"

"The one on the right."

Ilena nodded. "I'll meet him there after lunch with the contractor. How fast do you want it completed?"

"Can it be done by the spring requirement?"

"Mmm, at least one can be. I'll see they work on that one first."

"Thank you," Zen said formally, completing the negotiations.

"Pleasure doing business with you," Ilena answered before taking another bite of her food as Zen and Shirayuki's lunch arrived.

Obi grinned at Shirayuki. "...To be married to Wisterias."

Shirayuki smiled back at him and nodded. "Indeed." She turned to Ilena. "Thank you, Ilena."

Ilena rolled her eyes at Shirayuki, then nodded, giving in. "He figured it out very fast, as usual."

"When were you expecting?" Zen asked.

"Next year," she answered, "Spring at the earliest."

Zen shrugged. "I think it was that it was already on my mind because of the Regent's wing at the castle."

"Mmm," Ilena nodded. "That makes sense."

Shirayuki had tucked into her meal. The walking through the city had made her hunger peak. "What kind of place is this, Ilena?" she asked.

"The owner, who seated you, is from Tarc. The chefs are from Tarc, Selicia, and Clarines. He wanted to give the transplants a taste of home here in Lyrias, but also be able to feed the locals. They've come up with some interesting blends of the three flavors. You can get everything from bland to very spicy hot for all of the dishes. The one he gave you two is the same one we are eating - the curry we like - but flavored for Clarines palates."

"It's very good," Shirayuki said. "I like not having my mouth hurt after eating it."

"It is actually good," admitted Zen, "now that I can taste its flavor."

Obi sighed. "I kept telling you...you really should try mine next time."

"No," they both said, quite firmly.

Obi sighed again, but Ilena grinned at him. "All the more for you and me, and Petroi." Obi grinned back and nodded.

"Ah!" Zen said looking up, remembering a question he wanted to ask. "Who will move in next, after us?"

Ilena blinked at him. "Really, Master Zen? Surely it isn't that hard to figure out?"

Zen shrugged, "Humor me."

Ilena sighed. "The Lieutenants. They have already ordered their upgrades."

"You've made them wait?"

"They only just made up enough money to pay their portion with yesterday's take. Plus if I'd done their houses first, yours and mine would have been more expensive, no?"

"True," Zen smiled slightly, nodding in gratitude. "Who else?"

"The arena staff." Zen raised an eyebrow, and Ilena sighed. "Enough of the people I trust with the knowledge of the arenas, and to keep a low profile. Once we've surrounded the arenas, then I'll open up the rest to the general public. It will be looking respectable and interesting by then. ...Though I expect they will sell first to the long-term regulars who already know about it and are ready to settle down."

"Will they all settle down and drop the crime rate in the area on their own?"

Ilena laughed. "You think they'll test me in my own territory?" She looked at Obi with a sparkle in her eye. "We get to go hunting everyone who tries to steal stuff from the house. Won't that be fun?"

"Mouse in a barrel once everyone moves in," said Obi dryly.

"They won't think of it as a gauntlet to challenge?" Zen asked.

Obi coughed. "We ran into one who didn't even steal it himself. Just bought it off a fence. He still remembered six years later that he didn't want to face her. I don't think anyone thinks it's worth testing their skills against her."

Ilena put her hand on the table reassuringly. "Even when I'm old and can't chase them, I don't think we will need to worry. By then, no one will remember why we are supposed to be left alone. They will just do it naturally. That is the nature of humans and their inability to remember details, but believe the lore and rumors."

Zen sighed. "Alright, then. Mister Hether is sure we are insane, though altruistic."

"You are, and so am I. He'll be okay," she gave them a small smile, "and so will you."

Zen nodded and focused on finishing his meal.

"Master Zen, when do you want to meet the P'rathna who will be coming with us?" Ilena asked.

Zen looked up, surprised. He'd almost forgotten they were going to pick up two men of Tarc here in Lyrias for Obi's sake. "Is now possible, or will tomorrow morning as we leave be sufficient?"

Ilena tipped her head at him. "Now is possible."

Zen nodded and went back to his eating. He had just finished when the door opened and quiet voices spoke. Obi stood and motioned for Zen to take his seat, moving it to be next to Ilena's chair. Zen moved, not liking that his back was to the door right at that moment either. Ilena stood and traded chairs with Shirayuki. Obi stood behind and to the side of Zen while Ilena took a similar position behind Shirayuki. When they were arranged properly, the owner of the restaurant brought the two other men of Tarc to their table and left quietly. Zen noted that they had taken the time to braid their hair properly, though he could only guess at a few of them. He glanced at Obi who was looking at the braids carefully. When he was done, he nodded faintly. Zen looked to Ilena.

"Master Zen, this is Uzziat and Banak'. They are P'rathna, teachers and judges of the Law of Tarc."

Zen looked at the two men. They reminded him faintly of Ryuu - short and stocky with round faces. Otherwise they were very different. Hair to just past their shoulders, thick and dark brown, naturally curly where it wasn't braided. Shaggy beards, though they were kept trimmed to three finger widths. Mud brown eyes that had a ferocity to them. Strong, set stances that bowed to no one. Even their clothing was heavy. Thick woven shirts and jackets, the pants of the same material as the shirts. Thick leather boots with an odd heel, engraven with swirls. He had the sense that if it was colder, they would have had matching hats and mittens. Banak' was older, perhaps in his forties to early fifties. Uzziat was likely in his early to mid thirties, surely in the prime of his life. He had one extra braid that Banak' didn't have, with a larger marker. Zen remembered it was the same one that Ilena had told Obi to make two of for her...so was probably a Second's braid. He crooked a finger at Uzziat while looking at it and he obliged by turning his head so Zen could read it. It was a songbird sitting on a blade of grass. "What is it called?" he asked.

"It is the Clan of the Meadowlark," Uzziat said. It was a voice with much gravel in it, as well as being thick with the accent of the Tarcs.

Zen nodded. He looked at Banak'. "You are of the same clan?"

Banak' bowed his head. "Yes," he answered shortly. His voice was also deep, but smoother and calm, even with just the one word.

Zen considered the two of them, putting his questions in order. "Who are you loyal to?"

They paused and seemed a little surprised by the question, or unsure how to answer. Finally Uzziat answered, "The Law of Tarc." Banak' nodded agreement.

That was interesting. "Who are you obedient to?" Ilena had taught him many things, just by observation, though also in their meetings.

Uzziat blinked. "The Clan Lord."

"Of?" Zen raised an eyebrow.

Uzziat seemed to be just a little embarrassed to be called out on his vague answer. "The head of the Meadowlark Clan," he specified.

Zen turned and looked at Banak'. He paused, then answered, "The same."

Zen continued to look at him. It wasn't a complete answer. "And?"

Now Banak' looked embarrassed to be called out. "The head of the Grasshopper Clan."

"The Grasshopper Clan subdued the Meadowlark Clan?" Zen asked. Banak' shook his head, his face going impassive. "The other way, then?" Banak' nodded.

Zen looked back at Uzziat. "After or before you received your orders?"

Uzziat figuratively stepped back, surprised. "A-after."

Zen raised an eyebrow. "Does Banak' serve you, then, Uzziat?"

Uzziat paused, cautious. "Banak' serves the Meadowlark Clan," he finally said.

"It is sufficient," Zen declared. "He follows the clan head's orders, but he must also follow yours. If he betrays us you will pay the penalty." Zen watched the reaction closely. Uzziat settled, accepting the statement. There were several meanings to that. He paused thinking it through before asking his next question. "What were all of your orders, Uzziat?" He looked at Uzziat, who had gone into the 'what can I get away with' thinking mode. "All of them, Uzziat." Zen was firm.

Uzziat blinked and an interesting expression came on his face, rather like a cross between admiration and irritation. "To come into Wilant to learn what I could of the claimed Naluk'. To learn what I could of the people of Wilant and its High Lord. To help in bringing about the restoration of proper balance to Tarc."

"Is bringing the Lord of Tarc to pay for his sins against the people and laws of Tarc part of that?" Zen asked.

Uzziat and Banak' both looked astonished and it took a moment before he answered. Cautiously he answered. "I cannot say if that is so or not."

Zen tipped his head slightly. "Does the clan head of your clan believe it to be so, or wish it to be so?"

Uzziat grinned a small predatory grin. "Yes."

"Does Uzziat also?" Zen narrowed his eyes at him.

The grin got just a little wider. "Yes."

Zen nodded his head sharply. "Do any of your orders, or the Law, require you to betray us to the Lord of Tarc?"

Uzziat shook his head. "I have received no orders that such is required. ...The Law only requires right thinking and encouragement to the restoration of the proper balance."

"So if we misstep in understanding the Law, yes, but otherwise, no."

Uzziat bowed his head slightly. "It is as you say."

Zen nodded, satisfied. He looked to Banak'. "What were all of your orders, leaving none out?"

Banak' answered, "The same, and to see that vengeance was brought upon the High Lord of Tarc for the necessity that required the Grasshopper clan to bow its head to the Meadowlark Clan."

"Is this also the will of Banak'?" Zen asked.

"Yes." But that could be just because he had been ordered it. He was calm enough it was hard to tell.

"Do any orders you have received until this time require you to betray us to the Lord of Tarc?"

"No."

"If the Lord of Tarc were to order it from you, would you be obedient to him?" Again Zen narrowed his eyes.

"The High Lord of Tarc is not here to give any orders."

"And if he sent them by messenger?"

Banak' paused, then bowed his head. "It has been said that even though the Grasshopper clan hid in the Meadowlark clan, the High Lord of Tarc still subdued the Meadowlark clan after we left. If the message and messenger were confirmed, his orders would be required."

"Thank you," Zen said. "We will protect you both."

They both stared at him, open mouthed. Zen looked at Ilena and she nodded at him, a gleam of humor in her eyes. He looked at Obi, and Obi's face was hard. He nodded also. Zen looked back at the two men of Tarc in front of him and they were looking very closely at the four people sitting in front of them.

Zen looked back at them calmly until they were ready to hear him again. "You will travel with us and teach Obi and the Seconds the Law so that they may enter the Marluk'nak' with wisdom and understanding. In doing this, you will be fulfilling your orders, for you will be with the Naluk', the High Lord of Wilant as they visit his people, and will be doing what is needful to restore the balance to Tarc and supporting the overthrow of the Lord of Tarc. We will leave in the morning from the Lyrias Garrison gate. Please meet us there with your belongings and your horses ready."

They bowed their heads to him, slightly, to acknowledge his orders. Banak' shifted slightly and looked at Ilena with a questioning look. She glanced at Zen and he nodded slightly. Looking back at Uzziat she nodded, allowing him to ask the question.

"This other is 'Obi'?"

"Yes."

"Is he...the Marluk'?"

Ilena paused. "We are as you see us."

Banak' raked the four of them with his eyes again. "Are you the Right Second?"

"I am a Second."

"Is Obi the Left Second?"

"He is a Second." Ilena paused now. "Which are you, Uzziat?"

He paused, then smiled slightly. "Left."

Ilena nodded. "You have spoken rightly. A Right Second would have been sent to kill, rather than to understand wisdom. Is the Right Second of the clan in Wilant?"

Uzziat paused, then looked a little sad. "The Right Second stayed to help protect the clan."

"It is good," Ilena said soothingly.

Uzziat nodded briefly, then looked back to Zen. He dismissed them and they left the restaurant to prepare for leaving the next day.

"The Marluk'?" Zen raised an eyebrow at Ilena.

"The partner of the Naluk' in their folklore. While it is technically true, since they call me the Naluk' and Obi is my Consort, I do not like being considered part of their folklore. The Lord of Tarc uses the words and the stories to his advantage against the people of Tarc. I gave him an answer that meets the requirement of his order to understand who and what I am for himself. ...And what you are."

"And, what am I to them?"

"I am not qualified to answer that, Master Zen," Ilena said straightfaced.

"And will you dodge questions with obfuscation as well, Ilena?" Zen raised an eyebrow at her.

"When appropriate, Master Zen." Ilena said and closed her face to him, completely unwilling to discuss the matter with him.

Zen sighed to himself. Even Petroi and Leah had been unwilling to travel that path. He would have to see if either of the P'rathna would tell him. He pulled out the amount to pay for their lunch, rose and set it on the table. He turned to Shirayuki and took her hand. "We'll see you tonight at the inn," he told Obi and Ilena. They bowed to the two of them and Zen took Shirayuki out of the restaurant, pondering the Tarc. Having two come with them now made it seem all the more real and present - the plan they were putting together to undo the Lord of Tarc.

"Why did you test them that way?" Shirayuki asked as they walked.

Zen appreciated that she studied what he did to better prepare herself for what she might face in her position. "Ilena has taught me that the Tarc will obey every order given until it is fulfilled. It is part of the Law, that they be obedient. They also do everything they can to not lie. However, that doesn't mean they will tell the truth either. They will evade, hide behind vague answers, or do whatever it takes to not tell the full truth unless required to. It is necessary to be very careful what question is asked and how it is worded. An answer can be not an answer at all. I needed to know if they would betray us, or kill us along the way, so I asked it that way: to understand if they had orders that were against us, and to understand if they had personal feelings that would do the same."

"Ah," Shirayuki said, then was thoughtful for a time.

They spent the afternoon wandering the city, occasionally sitting quietly together on a bench when they wanted to rest. At dinner time, Zen took Shirayuki to a quiet place to eat that had delicious food and they ate, just the two of them for once. They were glad for it and sat closely and enjoyed one another's company. By the time they made their way to the inn, night was falling. Obi and Ilena were sitting on the porch of the inn, relaxing together much as Zen and Shirayuki had already been doing, though they had just come from the baths.

"Mmm...this is our last night with the inn baths," Shirayuki said to Zen. "Do you mind if we visit them one last time and meet back here?"

"That would be fine with me," Zen said, kissing her lightly. They nodded to Obi and Ilena, who nodded back pleasantly, and headed to their room to collect what they needed, though Zen found it difficult to restrain himself, just for a moment wishing they were back at home with their own large bath they could share. He shook himself. He could order one of the baths be guarded for the two of them to share here, but that would not really be proper. Besides, he couldn't believe he wanted to be back in that building for any reason right at the moment.

-o-o-o-

"Do you think he'll make it to the castle?" Obi had his feet up on the railing of the inn and was leaning back on the rear two legs of the chair he was in, perfectly balanced.

"Mmm...he may. He isn't too far off already," Ilena answered. She was perched on the railing, leaning against one of the pillars holding up the roof over the porch. One leg was bent up in front of her and her arms were wrapped around it, her head resting on her knee. Her long black hair was falling down past the leg, loose from her bath. Obi was drinking in the sight of her pensive beauty. She frowned in a pout. "I was rather disappointed to learn it was Prince Airn, actually. I was hoping to send them on a mission for me. I can't do that with him, though."

"Why not?" he raised an eyebrow at her. "It would be a job."

She wrinkled her nose at him. "Because it's an Agent's job, and too dangerous for a foreign prince who still has strength to earn."

"Oh." Obi could see that.

"If it was just his retainers, I'd do it," she said and sighed. "I'll send someone else, of course. It would have been a good reward for coming out on top, though, since it's a double payment for my Children. ...Oh, well." She let it go.

"Miss Ilena?"

Ilena looked up in surprise. "Eh?" It wasn't that she hadn't heard people passing, it was that they had stopped to talk to her.

"Ah, I'd hoped to see you again before you left Lyrias." It was the Dean of the university with a companion. "We've just come from the pub and were headed back to the university. Would it be alright if I stopped to talk for a bit?"

"I guess. We're not going anywhere at the moment," she answered, still surprised the Dean would actually want to visit casually.

The Dean excused himself from his companion who went on. Ilena waved him up to the porch where he sat down next to Obi, sighing as he settled his bulk. "So you are Professor Ilena's husband?" he asked Obi genially.

Obi nodded, not really sure how to address the Dean either. "Happily," he said, though it hadn't been asked for.

The Dean chuckled. "That's good, then. Miss Ilena, I thought I'd like to explain to you about how I know about your language studies."

Ilena's eyes lit up. She was indeed curious about that bit of information. Obi wondered how much she would be willing to pay for it. He might have to restrain her a bit so she didn't sell too much away, as information was her coin, both directions. "I would like to hear it," she said to him graciously.

The Dean sat forward in his chair just a bit. "Your professor during that time was a colleague of mine, indeed a mentor." Ilena's eyes went wide. "He was quite excited by what you brought to him. I was on sabbatical at the time to the desert people north of Selicia, studying their language, but when I returned, after you'd left, he showed it to me."

Ilena sucked in a breath. "You've seen it?" He nodded. "Can you read it?"

The Dean shook his head. "He didn't have the translation at the time he showed it to me, and it was stolen off the shelf before I thought to go looking for it, I was so busy compiling my own research." Obi and Ilena both nodded, understanding. The focus of all researchers when it was time to compile their data for publishing was lost in only that activity and time passed without them noticing. "He was old when you worked with him, and shortly after I published that paper he passed away. Since I had worked with him closely, I was given his office to clean out." He sighed and ran his hand over the bald top of his head, remembering.

"It was the usual mess of papers and books that needed to be returned to the library, but I found in his desk his copy of your paper in the other language that he had shown me before. I've kept that for myself and pull it out occasionally. The hand is very neat and looking at it delights me, to know that we can still create entirely new written and spoken languages." His eyes were lit up already thinking about it again. "I don't show it to many others since they can't believe it really is a language in its own right since there is no translation, but I know how excited my colleague was and believed his word."

The Dean looked kindly at Ilena. "He was always extremely disappointed that he hadn't been able to get the school to award you recognition for it, and the spoken one as well, as both together were certainly worth a diploma, though he, and I, believed just one or the other was well worth it. He spoke on it often enough that when he was nearing death's door, he made me promise that if I should ever be in the position to see you were properly recognized that I would do it."

Ilena's eyes became misty. "He was as much a father to me as anyone I've had to be one," she said softly. "It was kind of him to think of me that way. It was enough that he believed in me until I had fully completed the work. I was very grateful."

"Why was he willing to believe a twelve year old, Dean?" Obi asked curiously.

"Oh ho, you know her age at the time?" the Dean looked at him speculatively. Obi nodded. "Well, when he told me about the language and I had studied the paper enough to agree with him that it looked extremely well thought out and legitimate, such that he believed that I would also pass the creator, he told me why it hadn't gone any further." The Dean's face darkened. "I was as angry as he was that a genius had been allowed to slip through our fingers all for the cause of old heads who couldn't let the light through the cracks any more. We both looked for you after that, hoping you would come back, but he finally decided you had been harmed enough by their prejudice that you wouldn't."

He turned to answering the original question. "Genius isn't unknown or unheard of, and when an adult will have the patience to work with the child who is the bearer of it, great light and delight enters the world. It's when there are people who will not accept that there can be a young mind better than their own that darkness wins out and light becomes snuffed out. At the time there were minds that were so closed in such a way. It's why Pharmacist Garak took Ryuu to Wistal with her first, so he wouldn't be crushed here before he even began. By the time she allowed him to come, those minds had moved on or passed away. When I was called up to be Dean, I determined it wouldn't happen under me, and I've been sure to set the tone for it. Garak was more willing to send Ryuu back, then." The Dean looked at Ilena. "I had hoped to see you also for the same reason."

"When I began pushing all the faculty to look for young genius and cultivate it, Shidan came to me and told me he'd already been working with such a youngster, though it hadn't gone any better that time than with the one who'd done the language studies. I was frustrated we had let two slip away until he finally was willing to tell me your name." He was quiet for a moment, looking into space. "When he told me your name, I couldn't quite believe it. After all pharmacy and linguistic skills are completely unrelated. Not to mention we really believed you wouldn't have the desire to come back again." He looked down at his clasped hands. "I dug out your paper and looked at the cover again. The only thing readable on it is the title and your name in the language we are all used to. To be sure, I took it down to him and showed it to him and asked for confirmation if it was the same. He assured me it was, though he was as surprised as I that you had come back for more of the same punishment and in a different field, until I said that the other one who had worked on it was Ryuu. He understood then. You had worked on the language with him first, then had followed after him in the study of pharmacy as well."

The Dean was looking at Ilena again, his eyes bright as if with unshed tears. "He came to me again shortly after that conversation and said you had come again, a third time and I nearly wept. I was in a position to protect you finally, but I couldn't understand how you could come one more time when you had already been betrayed twice. I wanted to meet you, but whenever he would send for me you would disappear." Ilena turned pink. "I couldn't blame you," he shook his head, not scolding her for it. "You'd already been hurt enough, so I asked him to look after you and if possible watch where you went this time so I might be able to persuade you another way to come and speak with me. But, this time you didn't do any research at all. I worried you'd been hurt enough the second time that you had chosen to give it up altogether."

The dean sighed. "I had to admit to Shidan that if we could get you to sit still and listen, I was going to make you my assistant immediately to keep you here and right the wrongs that had been done to you. When I learned, as I said the other day, that you were now an acting faculty member instead of an acting researcher, I was absolutely astounded and couldn't contain my delight. Even against all the walls you were up against in that place time and again, you still moved forward as if you were a consummate researcher and professor. I wanted you even more." He trembled and sat back, drawing a breath to regain composure.

"Then the rough draft of Doctor Elliot's paper on the Little Death came over Shidan's desk, sent by Ryuu." The Dean ran his hand over his balding head again and it trembled slightly. "Shidan ran to my office. I looked up the records for Doctor Elliot and saw he'd left in the middle of his research to go work for a patron. Together we ran to the library. We found that paper in the library, already published, also with your name on it. It was unbelievable. Three dissimilar topics all with your name on them...four papers...and now we knew where you were, finally. Shidan sent a letter immediately to Ryuu. We were anxiously counting days until his reply came."

The Dean looked up into Ilena's eyes, pleading. Her eyes were wide at this stunning revelation of what had been happening for her on the other side. "When he wrote that you had been claimed by the Regent, I admit it, I cried. I had missed my opportunity to put you where we thought you could do the most good. When I recovered myself, I realized I could at least still give you what my colleague had asked me to give you, and that was the proper recognition for your work and your efforts, even if it was late. I sent a letter to Regent Zen asking if he would allow you to come and receive that recognition. He sent back a refusal saying you had been severely injured and were in recovery and not able to leave the castle."

The Dean wrung his hands a few times, showing the distress he had been under when he read that news. "I was faced with yet another dismaying thought that if you couldn't recover I might never be able to fulfill my promise, but I sent a reply asking that if you recovered, then could he allow you to come, even if for only one day." He looked at Ilena again. "When he walked in the door to my office and asked for the reason why you hadn't received any recognition for your works I almost couldn't answer for the words tying my tongue into knots wanting to fall out faster than my language could speak them." He shook his head. "I was glad he was patient enough to wait for my tears to pass, at least." Ilena and Obi both smiled gently. Zen had already had that experience with Ilena - that she made people cry.

The Dean passed his hand across his eyes before continuing, beginning with a deep breath. "I explained it to him from the beginning, showing him the paper I had. I asked then if I might be allowed to test you properly, at least for the pharmacy one since Shidan was still here and available, where the linguistics professor wasn't, nor was Doctor Elliot - and he isn't a qualified professor anyway - the next time you were here." His hands trembled again, and he whispered, "Then he said you were here already and he would provide you to me immediately if I would provide the examiners." Now his tears did fall again and they waited patiently for him. Obi pulled out a handkerchief. He shook his head and pulled out his own, wiping his face and blowing his nose, apologizing. They waved it away kindly.

Ilena moved off the banister and into Obi's lap, facing the Dean. Obi lightly wrapped his arms around her waist as she reached over and took the Dean's hand in hers. "Thank you for continuing to believe in me," she said, "and for doing your best to rectify the errors of others, even until you were able to keep your promise to your friend and my mentor. I'm very grateful." She pressed his hand lightly. It took some time for him to release her hand as it was the touch of the reality of having finally caught up to her after many years of chasing only a whisper and a name. When he was finally able to release her hand and sit up to look her in the eyes again, she smiled at him. "Shidan has made me promise that when I am released from Regent Zen's service I will come back to the university to stay." The Dean looked at her with large eyes of disbelief. "I would like that very much, I think," she said to him. "Also, I won't stay away. I'll come when I can. I very much like to keep tabs on my students, after all." She smiled.

The Dean smiled back, understanding that sentiment altogether. "I should like that very much, also," he whispered, his eyes bright again. Then he caught himself, and shook his head in embarrassment. "Well, I should be going." He stood bruskly, then stopped, having remembered a thing. "Ah, I forgot, I was…," he stopped, then looked down shyly, his hand on the column that ended the patio railing at the stairs down to the road. "My friend, your professor, also explained to me your spoken language and how to listen for it. I would occasionally sit and practice what he taught me. The first day I heard it whispered here in Lyrias, I nearly fell out of my chair. I wasn't sure I'd heard it right, but over the months, and then years it became more frequent and even louder, if you will, as more voices were added." He looked at her. "I think I've found out which voice is yours, but I was wondering if you would let me hear it directly, so I may know?"

Ilena tipped her head at him. "Have you translated it yet?"

The Dean shook his head. "That part isn't important to me, the same as reading the language. I am simply enamored with listening to it."

Ilena smiled, then she whispered to him in the coded language, Thank you, Dean, for your support and strength. I, Mother, name you Child of mine. We will watch over you.

The Dean had closed his eyes and was listening with a rapt expression on his face as the words wrapped around him and held him, then dissipated into the air. Obi felt it was a very appropriate payment for the information she'd been given.

The Dean bowed and silently left the porch, keeping the sound of Mother in his ears and her light in his heart. They silently watched him go, respecting it. Two shadows revealed themselves from the other side of the porch and walked over to Obi and Ilena.

Ilena looked up into the faces of Zen and Shirayuki, her eyes bright, her expression tender. Shirayuki had her hand curled at her heart and tears in her eyes also. Zen reached out his hand to Ilena and as she took his hand, tears dripped from her eyes. Obi continued to hold her gently, giving her comfort with his presence. Shirayuki took Zen's other hand and he squeezed it. They stood silently for a while, the story resonating healing back through the years.