Chapter 17
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When the Heralds and their Companions reached the Market Square, it was, thankfully, not so crowded that it will make the Lady-Herald and the little hertasi riding pillion, uneasy in the crowd. People made way for them rather unconsciously and went about their business.
"Let's go and do the veggies first," Phoenix suggested when a vegetable stall caught her eyes.
Alberich nodded, dismounting from Kantor and helped Gesten down onto the pavement while Phoenix got down easily.
: I don't think we really need to bargain for these, : Phoenix said to Gesten, whom nodded his agreement. Alberich hanged around in the background while they were busily choosing the vegetables.
: She really looks like an expert handling those fruits. : Kantor remarked playfully at Alberich.
: You mean she looks like a peasant going about her business. : Storm corrected.
: Storm, that was cruel. : Alberich said warningly.
: But it is truth, isn't it? : Storm protested while Kantor chortled in their minds. Alberich shook his head helplessly, sides heaving with silent laughter.
: Just wait until I tell your Chosen of your astute observation. : Alberich bantered.
: You wouldn't! : Storm said, appalled.
: You could always wait and see. : Alberich smirked, looking over his shoulder at the gracefully developed Companion directly in the eyes.
: Blackmail! : Storm "screamed" in his mind. Kantor was laughing uncontrollably, and Storm tried a kick that Kantor evaded nicely.
: Kids, are you fighting? : Phoenix questioned them absently, concentrating hard in picking some sweet potatoes.
: Hey, who are you calling kids? : Kantor asked indignantly.
: What? Oh, you and Storm of course. : She stated, handing the roots to the shopkeeper.
"Is that all, ma'am?" the man asked politely. Phoenix looked at Gesten whom nodded.
"Yes, mister, that is all," she told the seller politely.
"All rightie, I'll wrap them up in separate bags, so you coulda divide them between them two," he indicated at the two Companions with a jerk of his chin.
"Thank you," Phoenix told him gratefully. Alberich came forward to help them carry the bags over to their Companions. Storm grunted a little when placed a bag of tomatoes onto one saddlebag.
: Phoenix, I'm feeling a little imbalance here. : He informed his Chosen.
: Ooops, sorry Storm. : She said apologetically. Alberich, without her request, had came over to her side, carrying a bag of onions and chili.
"Thanks," she said simply, retrieving the bag and carefully placed it inside Storm's left saddlebag.
"Now, we shall go for the spices I presume?" Alberich asked, walking closely beside her.
"Yes, we'll go down and visit Milern. The quality of his spices are much better and not so expensive," she informed him. Storm along with Gesten took the lead, walking on the pavement slowly.
"Hullo there Phoenix!" a plump man with raven black hair called out from his stall. Phoenix's face lit up with a smile and waited until she was right on the doorstep of his stall before returning his greeting.
"Hello Mil, how's business?" She asked him, as they all stood out onto the porch.
"Oh, very well I suppose. You've come for more spices?" He asked.
"Yeah, I've run out of pepper, nutmeg, saffron and cinnamon. I also need a bag of brown sugar and baking powder, and olive oil," she told the plump man.
"All right, the usual rations I suppose? Hang on and I'll get them for you," he told her, vanishing into the back of his shop. She went to Storm, then idly began to braid his tail. Alberich meanwhile, had his alerts up.
: Someone is watching. : He informed Kantor.
He felt Kantor's surprise, : I'll keep a lookout. : The Companion promised.
A strange tingling sensation began creeping up on Phoenix back, and she tried hard not to show her uneasiness. Alberich caught her eye, gazing at her solemnly.
: I know, I can feel it. : She said to Alberich.
"Here you go Phoenix," Milern came out with a fairly large brown bag.
"Thanks," she told him while Gesten took out some money and paid the man.
"Alberich can you help take out the stuff inside the left saddlebag?" she asked him, carefully staging her way so that she was able to look around the square. Two nondescript men caught her attention and she quickly tagged them. She turned carelessly back to Storm and placed the spice-bag carefully, shifting things a little so that she can put back the bag of chili.
: See those two men in brown clothing, they are the ones watching. : She told Alberich, her Mind-voice quiet. Kantor confirmed her information and Alberich grimaced.
: I've already tagged them so that we could pursue to investigate later. : She continued.
: What do you mean, you tagged them? : Alberich asked, with a puzzled note.
: Use the lifebond, and link with me. : As Alberich quickly used the method, a sudden click seemed to vibrate through their minds. He casually glanced back at the men, whom was taking a particular interest in a shop, and was surprised when he saw that they were enveloped with a peculiar bluish glow.
: Are you using the Truth-spell on them? :
: Goodness, no! I'm not using any magic that is known to them. This is very, extremely primitive magic. : She explained calmly.
She turned back to Milern, "Goodbye, now. I'll see you again when I've run out of something."
"I'm sure you will," Milern replied confidently.
"Now let's go and meet Silane," Phoenix instructed. They walked along the pavement and then she abruptly turned to her right, walked several more feet, then turned right again. A stall with brightly covered scarves almost beckoned to them.
"Silane!" Phoenix called out.
"Silv?" a middle-aged woman with kind wrinkled eyes poked her head through a doorway, then exclaimed happily.
"Hello, dearling," the woman purred, "I've heard some fairly interesting news about you," she told Phoenix, eyes twinkling slyly at Alberich. For some reason, Phoenix blushed prettily. Silane laughed heartily. How the hell did the news traveled out so fast?
"Now, what brings you here to my shop?" Silane asked.
"I dunno actually, anything new and blue?" Phoenix jested. Silane rolled her eyes in exasperation.
"You should try something else at least. Maybe white, green or red, for that matter," Silane said, selecting several different bolts for Phoenix to choose.
"I need black. And gold thread," Phoenix said, eyeing a silky maroon fabric.
"Silk or cotton for the black?" Silane asked.
"Cotton I think, but I would like about six yards of black silk," finally taking the maroon and white fabrics.
"Anything else?" Silane asked her, measuring the black silk and cut it when she had taken out six yards of it, then carefully folding it. She then went to her black drawer and took out several balls of gold thread.
"That's it I think. I'll come by again if I'm short of anything," Phoenix assured her, watching Silane carefully wrapped the folded silk along with the thread. She then placed it in a paper bag that has a hand holder then gave it to Phoenix. With Alberich's help, she strapped the three bolts of cloth onto Kantor's back. Then Gesten and Silane retreated to the shop and bargained lively. Phoenix stood back watching the little hertasi showing his mettle with wry amusement.
"He seems to really enjoy doing the bargaining," Alberich said, standing beside her as they watched the two with interest.
"Hah, he does, although he complains a lot for doing it for me," she said, frowning a little when her hair at the back of her neck starts to prickle.
: Who the hell are those two? : She said heatedly to Alberich and their Companions. : You guys hang on. I'm going to ambush those people. : In the blink of an eye, she vanished.
Only to reappear behind the two lurkers, wrapping them with entangling lines of pure magical energy. She then slapped the highest level of Truth Spell on them. The area around them was quickly emptied of customers. Alberich regained his composure and started slowly towards the immobilized men. The apprehended men looked at him with wide eyes and were trembling visibly.
"What is it that you want?" Alberich questioned them menacingly. The shorter man of the two was struggling with effort to run.
Phoenix informed them in a sweet voice, "Don't do that, it will only make your situation worse," the lines now tightened around them and the men began to pant. "Behave now, before my friend there decides to do something much more drastic." The blue fog surrounding the men began to brighten and pulsate.
"Why were you following us?" Alberich repeated, Kantor now silently standing beside him.
"We were just following orders sir!" one of the blurted, not having control of what he intended to say.
"What orders?" Phoenix asked them from behind in a firm voice.
"We were to follow you miss! The merchant wanted to know things about you. He knows you're a noble. But then you turned up with that white horse a few months back down in the market. Told him you was a Herald, but not dressed like one!" The shorter man confessed, gasping for breath.
"What else did he instruct you?" Alberich asked them.
"Well, since the lady is a Herald, he wants to find out what she's capable of!"
"Who is the merchant?" Phoenix asked, trying not to swear.
"We do not know! He always comes to us in a dark alley to give us the orders. Miss, he's planning to do some harm to you!"
"A tall, lean man? Always dressed with a flowing leather cloak? Graty sort of voice? Always wears perfume?" She rattled. Both of the men startled, wondering at her knowledge. Both of them nodded vigorously.
: Ahey'la, I'm sorry to tell you that I blundered. Someone was following these two and that person is going to tell the merchant that they had been caught. The lives of these two men are in danger. : She told Alberich worriedly.
: Why must we give them protection? : Alberich asked her carefully.
: It's a long story. Look I have to chase down that unwanted observer. The council must be informed. : She told him, releasing the Truth Spell.
: All right. :
: Guys, I'm going to make a Jump. I don't want any accidents to happen along on the way home. Alberich, you will trace down Dian and place her in Talia's care. It's important and see if can excuse Rayden from his classes to accompany her. And get Herald Jedren and Healer Rynda too. : She instructed Alberich rather hurriedly. Carefully, she linked her minds together with Alberich, Gesten, their Companions and the two men and Jumped.
***********
Chapter 18
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When Alberich came to himself, he saw that Talia and Dirk were running hurriedly towards them. He was already in the Field and the two strangers looked around belligerently.
: I've got to go. I haven't release the bonds restraining them yet. Take care of things while I hunt. Tell Jedren that the incest and grabbing are up again. : Phoenix said, tugging him down to give him a kiss.
: Be careful ahey'la. : He Sent as she mounted Storm, getting rid of all the packages from his saddlebags. Frowning in concentration, she Pulled at the image of her sword resting inside her cupboard. In her outstretched hand, her sword in its sheath appeared along with a couple of knives. As an afterthought, she Fetched a coil of good strong rope. Alberich raised his eyebrow at the equipment but said nothing.
: I love you ashke. : Phoenix said as she Jumped out of sight. Alberich was filled with an uneasy sensation as she vanished. Don't dwell on it; handle the now first, he said to himself. Several hertasi that were serving in the Palace came boiling out and rushed to where Gesten was standing, who was looking very worried. They began picking up the packages that were dumped unceremoniously to the ground and headed off to the ekele. One female hertasi was talking to Gesten, one hand around his shoulders in a comforting gesture. Tail drooping close to the ground he followed the female, walking off to the ekele.
"Alberich, what happened?" Dirk asked, trying to catch his breath, hands clutching at his side.
"I am not sure exactly," Alberich admitted.
"Well, Ahrodie told me that Storm told her that something had cropped up. Selenay is waiting in the Royal Suite," Dirk continued, eyeing the two men warily.
A couple of hertasi approached Alberich and asked timidly if they could take the remaining packages that were still on Kantor. Alberich untied the strap holding the bolts of cloth and handed them carefully to a waiting hertasi, while Dirk helped to empty both of Kantor's saddlebags of the shopping materials. The hertasi quickly followed their predecessors to the ekele.
"The Council is waiting then?" Alberich asked, as they walked slowly to the stable.
"Yes, they are. But Rolan Sent me an image of Jedren, Phoenix's mentor, and a Healer that I don't really recognize," Talia said worriedly.
Alberich gave Talia a penetrating glance then turned to Kantor, removing his tack.
: Can you help and summon Jedren to the Suite and ask him if he can bring Healer Rynda? : Alberich requested, rubbing Kantor down.
: Yes, : as Kantor raised his head, his eyes glazed a little. : Done, Selenay is getting impatient, you'd better go. : Kantor pushed against his chest. Alberich nodded, and led the company to the Heralds' Wing.
"What are your names?" he asked the two strangers quietly. Talia and Dirk exchanged a glance and examined them cautiously, moving so that they were taking the rear.
"My name is Josh," the shorter of them said.
"Radev," the other one mumbled.
"All right, we are going to meet the Queen. Bear in mind that the lady in the square had slapped several coercions on you. It is up to you if you want to cooperate," Alberich warned them in a quiet voice.
"Or you are going to find yourself in a situation that is more than you can handle," somebody said ahead of them, in a peculiar accented Valdemaran. Alberich was a little surprised as Keenath came into view, stalking the corridor. And the expression that the gryphon was bearing was very grim. Josh and Radev gulped at the huge raptor looming ahead of them, and were terrified when the gryphon stared penetratingly at the two men. The gryphon cocked his head to one side and examined the two men, whom were quaking with fear.
"Phoenix, did a good job on these two. I've never seen anyone using the coercions in such a combination. Don't think of doing anything that will jeopardize both your lives," the gryphon glanced at Josh and Radev, then gave them a very wicked grin and clenched his front talons suggestively.
"Lead the way Keenath," Alberich said to the warrior-like gryphon. Keenath gave a brief nod and walked gracefully towards the Queen's suite.
Alberich walked along the corridor and turned his thoughts inward. The uneasiness that had welled up inside him increased terrifyingly as they neared the Queen's suite. He paused a while along the corridor, trying to fight down a surge of panic. He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths when he felt a light touch on his elbow. He looked down to see Talia's brown eyes gazing sympathetically back at him.
"Don't worry so much, Alberich. She is a capable lady," she said quietly to the Weaponmaster.
"I know. I just wished," he halted, as he Saw the Phoenix diving down and caught her prey triumphantly in her talons.
"That you could hunt with her?" Dirk hazarded, whispering. Alberich came back to himself and nodded tightly.
: Chosen, you worry too much. Maybe, you'll have the opportunity to work with her in the future. She wants that as much as you do. : Kantor said comfortingly in his mind. Alberich sighed pensively, taking the stairs up. The gryphon had already disappeared into the room, with the door held open by a guard.
"What is going on?" the Seneschal's Herald asked him just as soon he became visible to the occupants of the room. Alberich scanned the room quickly and met the middle-aged Herald sitting uncomfortably on a chair. Alberich stalked towards Jedren who stood up. A lady wearing a Healer's Green crossed the room to stand beside Herald Jedren. The others wisely kept silent.
"Phoenix sent me a message to you," Alberich said pointedly to Jedren. "She said that the incest and grabbing are up again."
Jedren paled and muttered a few choice oaths. Queen Selenay narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"This can't be about that Lord Nolvine right? The one where you and Phoenix judged during her intern?" Selenay asked nervously. Jedren however gave her a look that confirmed that it is about Lord Nolvine. Queen Selenay sighed and rubbed her temple tiredly.
"Maybe I should have listened to Phoenix those years ago to do something much more permanent to him," Jedren said wearily, sitting back on the chair.
"Yes, I'd told you, you should but you wouldn't care much for my assessment of the man," the Healer told him sourly.
"Where's Phoenix?" Prince Daren asked.
"She'd gone to catch the person following those," Alberich said with a jerk of his chin pointing to Josh and Radev, and continued. "Whom were following us in the Square."
"Well, I guess we ought to wait for her to return first. That way we won't have to speculate and repeat ourselves," the Queen decided, standing up and raising a bell. A page diffidently knocked on the door and popped his head for his summons.
"We would like some tea, and snacks if you could carry them," she told the boy, and the page whisked out of sight. She sat down, looking at each person in the room, finally meeting Alberich's eyes. At some unspoken signal, he sat down near the gryphon, whom was watching Josh and Radev carefully. They were sitting very quietly in a corner and looking around at each person in the room with wide eyes. Alberich stared blankly at them and brooded, while Kantor soothed him at the back of his mind.
********
Phoenix and her Companion reappeared along a nearly empty street where the nobles were housed.
: Might as well do it here. : Storm said resignedly, looking around and shook his mane vigorously.
: All right then. : She agreed.
She carefully cast a shield around them, protecting them from any kind of interference, then carefully linked her mind with him. As often as it had occurred, during occasions like this, Storm's horse-like figure was overlaid with a tall, dark-haired man of her age with silver-blue eyes. She smiled at him, and he winked back. Combining their awareness, she began the Transformation. Their bodies began to melt away, very much like discarding a set of clothes after being worn. Her soul soared as she took in her real form, stretching out her wings, and Storm exhilarated along with her.
Passer-bys looked curiously at the brightly glowing shield and blinked when the glow vanished, leaving only a street where people were making their way about. Muttering to themselves, the passer-bys were convinced that they were imagining things and reasoned that the Sun, which was shining brightly and hotly on them, caused the glow by reflecting solidly on the pavement.
Phoenix did not care what they thought, as her invisible wings touched the warmth of the Sun and her entire form caressed by the ever-present wind. Soaring up above the buildings, they searched the streets below them until Storm sent his thought out to her.
: There, he's running towards the Grapevine. : He said.
She saw a man leaping fast towards the building that was a well-known tavern. Something else caught her attention as the Phoenix dived towards the hunted. A web of sticky magical energy was cast at the entrance of the inn. Someone evidently was prepared that something might be following him, she thought murderously.
: Think you can handle that? : Storm asked, as they came nearer to their prey.
: Don't be insulting. :
Transmuting her Fire to Ice, she released her power, and directed it at the pulsing web. As soon as the Ice touched it, the web began to harden, and she hurled her Fire towards it. The web crumbled, energy rapidly dissipating to the ground. She Felt pain radiating out from one of the rooms at the upper story of the inn, as the spell rebounded back to its creator, backlashing.
: All right, here he comes. : Storm shouted. Someone had been watching the running man and was shocked horrendously when the man was swept off his feet and disappeared instantly.
She quickly overwhelmed the man's mind, and broke off every coercions that were placed on him, with mentally audible snaps. Rendering the man unconscious, she hovered near one of the many windows of the inn. An ear-shattering scream rang out from the window she was looking into. Someone collapsed in a heap, as it gave him more backlashes when she broke off the mage's coercions.
: I wonder where he's getting the funds to sponsor the mages. I sense three of them. All Masters. : She mused, sending her thought to Storm.
: I don't have any idea. You want to eavesdrop? : He queried.
: Might as well. Let's see if it is our dreaded friend Lord Hanren Nolvine. : She said, floating closer to the window and scanned the room cautiously. Two men in plain clothing were trying to get their friend into a sitting position and were passing a bottle under his nose simultaneously. A series of curses interrupted the invisible company's attention to a dark-clothed man, whom was staring at the unconscious mage with hatred.
"You fools," he grated menacingly. "Incompetent bastards! You made me lose an important informant! You messed things up! The girl had probably alerted every talented Herald-Mage! God knows if she's one herself!" With a single swipe of his cane, he bloodied the faces of the mages, and stomped out of the room. Phoenix tagged him with the same way she had tagged the two stalkers from the Square before he left her sight.
"I told you it was a bad idea working for him, Lenfrey," a sprawling mage moaned, clutching his bleeding eye. The unconscious mage was stirring up, shaking his befuddled head.
"It was the girl," he croaked hoarsely.
"What?" his cohorts helped him sit up, wincing a little at their injuries.
"The girl was the one who broke off the coercions of the informants. She's much more powerful than I care to guess. Is he gone?" the mage named Lenfrey asked.
"I doubt he wished to stick around. The Heralds could be coming after all." One of them snorted disgustedly.
: Should I show them mercy and offer them protection? : She asked Storm.
"Someone's at the window!" One of the whispered urgently. All three mages looked at the window but saw nothing, although the sensation of being watched was still upon them.
: Hmmm, maybe you should. They can give us plenty of information if nothing else. : Storm said.
: I'm glad you agreed. I find it despicable to punish them, they are still good men to the core, but just a little desperate I suppose. : She sighed, her heart lifting a little.
The air in the room of the inn crackled with energy, as the Phoenix shimmered and solidified in the room.
"Dear God!" they exclaimed, as the Phoenix regarded them solemnly with her raptorial eyes, blue fire radiating in its depths. Her pose was much like a gryphon sitting on his or her haunches.
: Is it your intent to do the Lady Herald harm? : The voice of the Phoenix echoed eerily in their minds.
"No." they whispered almost in awe as they gazed at the fiery bird.
: Then what is it that was required of you? : The Phoenix questioned them.
"Just to catch her for himself. But it does not sit well with us. We merely thought he wanted us to scry on the girl to watch her every move. We didn't know he was planning something much serious to her," Lenfrey told the Phoenix in a hushed voice. "But we can't back out from the deal. We were paid in advance and we took it." The mage admitted.
: What was he planning to do to the Lady Herald? :
"He wants the girl kidnapped so he could reclaim what should be his, and uh…" the mage halted, his face turning red.
: I see. I've read your souls, mages. : The Phoenix voiced solemnly, and the mages started to shake.
: I know you do not mean any murderous harm, you're just…doing your jobs. I am glad that I do not have to sentence any kind of punishments to you. : The Phoenix told them, oddly sounding like a human mother who was just rewarded with a child that regrets his mistakes.
"Thank you." Lenfrey said, standing up and bowing an obeisance to the Phoenix unsteadily.
: Don't do that. However, I must ask you to come with me to the Palace. : She said, and the mages began quaking.
"What for?" one of them asked in a strangled voice.
: We need information. : The Phoenix replied simply.
The mages looked back at each other and nodded self-consciously.
"We have to. It's only right that we do so." Lenfrey sighed, rubbing his aching head.
: Ashke? : Phoenix called out to Alberich.
: Ahey'la? : Alberich Sent back, sounding very much surprised.
: I'll be bringing some mages with me along with the other spy. Is Keenath there with you? : She asked.
: Mages, ahey'la? Yes, Keenath is with me now, so is Sejanes, and he had came back with Keenath's mate, Leitha. : Sending his thought back to her, accompanying sensations of concern and relief.
: That's good! That way, I can make sure these mages won't go into mischief. I'll be coming home soon. Well, as soon as I've cleaned the mages up a bit. : She Sent her thought back, tentatively showing him her love and warmth at his presence. She released the link regretfully and turned her attention back to the mages.
The Phoenix looked at them gratefully and extended a fiery wingtip to Lenfrey. The mage flinched a little but relaxed when only basking warmth touch his face. Strangely, he felt a tingling sensation.
"Lenfrey, don't move or tense. I think She's Healing you," one of them mentioned, then continued looking at the Phoenix with adoration masking his face.
: That is giving me the shivers Chosen. : Storm said, shuddering as she turned her attention to the other mages with bleeding eyes and broken noses.
: This is going to hurt a little. : She warned the one that has a broken nose. The mage braced himself and gave a soundless scream and blacked out for a moment. Then she extended green Healing energy to the one with the bleeding eye, carefully fighting off infection and blood clots.
: I'm afraid your faces would remain bruised for the time being. : She told them, with apology in her Mind-voice.
"This is more than we can handle. We did not expect that you would be kind to us," Lenfrey told her in a quiet voice. The Phoenix turned to look at him sadly.
: We ought to be going to the Palace now. They're waiting. : She told them. The mages rounded up their things and approached the Phoenix. Automatically, they reached out their hands and the wingtip of the Phoenix met theirs.
Blue fire surrounded them, but they did not panic. Looking around in wonderment, they realized that only their awareness is with them. A deep blue glow at the center of the Phoenix beckoned towards them, and their minds joined to that of Phoenix and Storm.
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Chapter 19
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Alberich still brooded when the page arrived with a couple of other pages, holding out trays of muffins and other delicacies. The Queen waved them off, as Healer Rynda began automatically poured tea for everyone. Everyone jerked off from their seats in surprise when a female voice with a clear Valdemaran accent rang out from the door.
"Keenath aryl Daernash," the doors were opened rather quickly as a female gryphon efficiently stalked towards her mate, her eyes flashing dangerously. Sejanes walked casually behind the female gryphon, and seated himself calmly at an empty chair.
: Why did you not tell me the problems she had been facing? : She lashed out angrily at Keenath.
: You were enjoying your brother's company, I see no reason why you should be bothered. : He said rather mildly.
: And about time that she has taken a lover. I was wondering if she decided to switch and become a Sword-sworn. : She said to Alberich with a kinder tone. She turned back facing Keenath, whom was squirming under her gaze.
"She's out hunting isn't she?" she asked, in a voice that did not betray the anger she felt.
"Yes, she is." Alberich said quietly.
Stalking around Keenath, she finally curled beside him and started to preen his feathers. Keenath knew his mate too well not to sigh his relief but surrendered to her. Alberich munched down on a muffin, trying to swallow the lump down.
: I don't like waiting. I feel damn uneasy. : Alberich sighed.
: She'll come back soon. : Kantor replied confidently. Alberich was about to go again to brooding when he Felt a light Mind-touch.
: Ashke? : Phoenix's musical Mind-voice called out to him.
: Ahey'la? : He Sent back the thought to her, posture alert and he caught the attention of the occupants in the room.
: I'll be bringing some mages with me along with the other spy. Is Keenath there with you? : She asked, her Mind-voice strong, sending him her Feelings. She was happy, at the situation, and that she was able to Mind-speak to him at a far distance.
: Mages, ahey'la? Yes, Keenath is with me now, so is Sejanes, and he had came back with Keenath's mate, Leitha. : His brows furrowing in concern, but let out an explosive sigh.
: That's good! That way, I can make sure these mages won't go into mischief. I'll be coming home soon. As soon as I've cleaned the mages up a bit. : She said, a little amused, and he Sent her a wave of love through the lifebond and Felt her releasing the link.
"Well?" Queen Selenay asked impatiently.
"She's all right. She had caught the other one and is bringing back mages as perhaps, witnesses. But she's okay," Alberich told her, filled with relief. Keenath held out a foreclaw to squeeze his shoulder lightly with comfort. Alberich nodded briefly at the gryphon. They waited for half a candlemark when the door reopened admitting Phoenix, with Lenfrey carrying the other stalker who was pretty much unconscious at the moment. He carefully laid the man down at the feet of Josh and Radev who watched the man with curiosity.
"What happened, Madrin?" Josh asked, peering at the nose of the mage. "And who is he?" he continued questioning, pointing at the unconscious man.
"That is, well was, the merchant's spare spy I suppose," Madrin shrugged, reaching for a cushion and sat down with a sigh. Healer Rynda approached the three newcomers cautiously, and examined their bruises.
"You Healed them well, Phoenix. Treatment with a poultice should be fine for the bruises," she observed, carefully prodding the eye of Jadez, the mage whom had a bleeding eye. He winced when the Healer poked at him a little to hard, but returned a smile when Rynda smiled warmly at him.
Meanwhile, Phoenix stepped across the room towards Alberich and she felt a little pain when she Felt and Saw the anguish in the depth of his eyes. Wordlessly, they embraced and held tightly to each other.
: How embarrassing. : Kantor murmured.
: Shut up. : Alberich Sent back, absently.
: Ashke? : Phoenix asked him tentatively. Alberich did not answer her but gave waist a light squeeze, and pulled her down to sit beside him.
"All right then," Prince Daren announced, "Where do we begin?" he asked, looking questioningly at Phoenix. She glanced at Jedren but he gave her a shrug.
"Might as well start at the very beginning I guess. As most of you know, I was assigned to Jedren for the internship," pausing for a moment as Rynda handed her a cup of tea that she accepted gratefully. "We were making our rounds starting at the village near Kettlesmith. There were no serious cases coming from them except when we made our way down, and nearly got waylaid by bandits whom were charged with kidnapping. Other than that, we handled basic cases of mischief, but the arsons were a bit more serious though," halting to sip at her tea.
The peoples in the room were listening attentively to her, especially the three mages whom nodded knowingly when she stated the case of the arsonist. The unconscious stalker named Gren was slowly beginning to stir, and Jadez helped him to sit up. Lenfrey passed the man a cup of tea and he drank it down in a single gulp. He shook his head a little and started as he saw two pairs of yellow eyes staring darkly at him. He looked at the mages wildly, and Madrin laid a hand on his shoulder to calm the terrified man. If it was possible, he grew even more terrified when he saw the Queen and her Consort. Kyril carefully hid his smile at the man's petrified look. Fortunately, Gren just sat rigidly, not even attempting to bolt.
"Things were more or less manageable until we came to my county. I'm beginning to wish that I had not accepted to resume those powers when I came here," she sighed remorsefully.
Jedren stepped in, "As we were in the vicinity, it's only logical for us to go to her House. Things went around smoothly until both of us started Seeing things," he told them shuddering.
"What we Saw, were so damned unpleasant so I'm not going to give a detailed recount. I happened to know the junior Lord Nolvine barely, when I made a mistake of accepting an invitation to a ball. I think it was my second year in training, during the summer holidays," she said, holding on to Alberich's hand.
"My first impression of him then was an impressive liar, and I don't really like the looks he gave me while we're dancing, but I digress. What I Saw didn't much make sense, although it showed raping a girl," she continued, with the six men whom were working for Lord Hanren Nolvine listening raptly.
"It was only until the girl's younger sister surmounted enough courage to approach us and to tell us that her sister was raped continuously for the past several months," Jedren continued.
"She appeared very normal when I'd invited the women to the House for a reception, and as a precaution I invited Rynda, taking up as a disguise of being very close to the Queen, which Your Majesty had consented," Phoenix elaborated when Alberich raised an eyebrow in inquiry.
"We waited until we could have the girl alone, her younger sister pleaded with their mother to go out into the gardens to pick some flowers," Rynda added, describing of how they got the young girl to confess. Phoenix went on a greater detail of the after-effects of the rape, how the girl was close to infection that could cause her to being barren. With the girl's permission, she asked for Jedren, to ask his opinions.
"You should have seen her face when she found out that the girl's brother was the one who committed the unpleasantness," Jedren told the crowd, gesturing at Phoenix.
Then he related what happened when a secret trial was held in the reception chamber the next night. The girl's family was asked to attend along with the miscreant brother. Rynda had openly worn her Healer's Green while Jedren changed into his formal Whites. Phoenix then had dressed herself up in dark blue clothing, nearly identical to what the Scroll Sworn wears. Apocalypse erupted in the room, the mother nearly slapping the girl, but Phoenix managed to catch her hand and stared down at the genteel lady. Ladies in the room gathered far in the room away from the girl while the mother stared disgustedly at her daughter. Only the younger sister defied them by placing her arm around her sister, glaring at her brother with pure hatred in her eyes. He had remained quiet but only the flaring of his nose and the snarling at the two girls betrayed his composure.
"Phoenix was thinking ahead of everyone else. She had begun laying the Truth Spell on him quicker than I can imagine, and she told me to act as if I'm the one responsible for it," Jedren said.
Phoenix had positioned herself at Jedren's side while Rynda hovered protectively near the two sisters. Herald Jedren then interrogated the man excruciatingly and the man unwillingly confessed his crime. The father was staring at his son numbly, while the mother had dissolved into helpless tears and rushed up to her daughters, holding them close. Herald Jedren, had effectively denounced Lord Nolvine from the gentry stripping him away all of his duties, and powers.
"Now, I personally still think that what Jedren had sentenced him was way too damn light for my taste. There was a twist when Jedren denounced him however," Phoenix mentioned, "Being the eldest, Lord Nolvine was my heir, should anything happen. After a brief consultation with the father, I decided to appoint Dian as my Heir. Rynda, as far as I know the girl is married and is lifebonded to someone. Where are they now?" She asked the Healer.
"Her husband's a noble from Rethwellen, they are in residence there as far as I know," Rynda told her. Phoenix turned to look at Prince Daren who nodded and he asked her the name of the husband.
" His name's Verame of the Holbert House," Rynda replied shortly. Prince Daren got up and beckoned Sejanes and they headed out of the room.
"That was quick," Rynda murmured to the Queen.
"He's witty," was all she said.
"As far as I know from these fellows had told me, that I'm the target. I guess he just wants to get a little vengeance when I stripped him from the succession list." Phoenix informed the peoples and then, tugging Alberich along, stood up and called Talia and they headed off to one corner and began a serious discussion about Lady Dian.
"She might be another target, and she needs protection. She will listen to you," Phoenix was telling her.
"Perhaps it might be good if you were to tell Rayden this matter," He told Phoenix but she wasn't listening to him. Alberich looked at her, frowning for a moment, then waited silently.
"He's feeling very pissed off right now, ahey'la, and," she halted and continued, her face growing more serious. "It is a good thing that he does not have any more female relatives near him right now, he's taken a wench which looks similar to her sister." She said mildly. "Where in hell is he getting his funds?" and she frowned even more. Prince Daren came back, smiling with relief and informed them that the lady in question is safe from any kind of reach.
"It's a good place as any; she's residing over in Bolthaven," he announced, and Phoenix sighed with relief.
"Getting back to the topic, I can protect Dian if she's kept strictly to the Palace," Phoenix continued, her mind already reaching for the presence of Dian, checking her carefully and began shielding her.
: I've already passed on the news to Rain and she's telling Rayden about it. He's got a good grip on his nerves it seems. : Storm informed her.
: That's good, then. Since he's a Herald-Mage, he could spare some energy to shield her in turn. : She Sent her thought back to her Companion, relishing in the warmth of his presence in her mind, and of Alberich's body holding her.
: Phoenix? : Rayden Sent a thought timidly.
: Rayden! : She greeted him warmly.
: Thank you for still thinking of her. You're the one shielding her now aren't you? : He asked, and was relieved when she confirmed that it was her work.
: Do you think this will dampen your mood for celebration? : She asked him.
: Hah! It won't. But I hope if you would understand if I bring her along. Don't worry, I'll make sure she behaves. By the way, she's really surprised when Ilsena told her about your togetherness with Alberich. I think that kinda gave her a little security. You two should have done that earlier, you know and spared us the heartaches for you, and the constant whining for me. : He complained futilely.
: Not my fault! How in God's name was I suppose to know he felt that way for me too? My so-called infatuation with him had gone for years without notice you know. : She defended herself. Rayden just "snorted" back at her, and Sent her a warm goodbye which she returned.
Alberich was looking down at her mysteriously and that gave her a funny feeling at the pit of her stomach.
: What was that all about ahey'la? : He murmured gently in her mind.
: I was just afraid that this will discourage Rayden from partying tomorrow. : She said, turning her head slightly to kiss him on his arm. Then aloud, she addressed the people in the room.
"So is the party still on tomorrow or what?" she asked archly. She was a little surprised when the Queen answered her.
"You wish! Of course it's still on. You are not going to deny us the entertainment that you'll be giving us tomorrow," Selenay said slyly, with a twinkle in her eyes.
Leitha looked bewilderedly at her mate, but he shook his head and motioned her to be silent. "You did tag the no-gooder, didn't you?" the gryphon asked, and at Phoenix's nod, he suggested that she could check on him every mark or so to set everyone's mind at ease.
Storm had other suggestions however, and broadcasted his opinion to everyone in the room.
: Hell, you can send him to slumbers if you want too, if you're not lazy that is. : He said scathingly at his Chosen. Phoenix managed to look a little sheepish and gave an embarrassed laugh. They looked at her inquiringly.
"Yeah, ah…. I could well, immobilize him I guess. Just that he'd better prepare spending the night off somewhere in a room or without company." She told them demurely.
Selenay got up and taking her husband's hand told her, "Just do whatever you think is effective." The Royals left the room, leaving the rest to deal with the six men.
"What are we going to do with them?" Dirk asked.
"They're staying. Gentlemen, if you'll allow me, I'll protect you," Phoenix said, walking towards them. She was clever enough not to say to how she was going to protect them. The six nodded timidly, and she set several coercion spells on them, and blessing them in turn.
"Good, now you will not leave the Palace no matter what." She warned the company.
"If it is all right with you Phoenix, I have several tasks for them to help me with," Jedren said to her, getting up from his chair slowly.
"That is not fair Jedren. You can't really need all six of them," Rynda argued.
Jedren looked askance at her. "We'll split them up I guess. What do you want them to do?"
"What else other than helping me in Healing?"
"Any volunteers?" Jedren called out to the six of the company. Jadez was the first to raise up his hands followed by Josh and Radev. The rest of the three just shrugged and followed Jedren out of the room.
: Why am I not surprised? : Phoenix thought hard at Alberich, Sending him images of the sole Mage and the Healer. He gave her a light chuckle. She remembered something and blurted out to Talia.
"Talia, Selenay said something about us entertaining. What does she mean?" Phoenix asked her, perplexed.
Keenath answered mildly, "You two are going to dance for us."
"What?!?!" Both Alberich and Phoenix exclaimed at once. The gryphons, Talia and Dirk left the room rather abruptly. Phoenix looked at her departing friends with astonishment then sighed heavily.
"Do you think it's possible if we just run away tonight?" Alberich gulped. His expression was totally out of place on his solemn face, that she had to stifle a grin. Rynda led the three men out and Alberich and Phoenix followed them casually.
"I don't think so ahey'la," she said with mock regret, "I still have to protect Dian after all." Alberich looked down suspiciously at her, then he gave her a brief smile, but his eyes continued to twinkle back at her.
"Let's go back to the ekele. Your hertasi friend was much worried about the incident," he told her quietly. Phoenix gave him a quick glance, feeling a little guilty.
"Gods! I'm a hazard to everyone," she mumbled to herself, as they headed
out into the soft grass of the Palace grounds, and made their way out to
the Field.
