Chapter 2 - Alliances

As the delegates headed to the castle, Daine felt a hand on her shoulder. A young clerk with dark brown hair and big brown eyes held out a piece of parchment. He was not much older than Daine -- maybe 17 or 18. The ink on the paper was still wet. "I – I thought this might be he – helpful," he stuttered nervously.

Scanning the document, Daine realized that the clerk had provided her with a list of names of the Copper Isles' Delegation, along with a brief description of each. She smiled broadly. "Thank you so much. I'll look fair brilliant when I can call 'em by name." She looked toward Numair, thinking she would be able to impress even her teacher. "You are really thoughtful. What's your name?"

"Perin, Perin Porter."

"You weren't with us in Carthak and I don't think I've seen you before. Are you new?"

"I studied here, but this is my first important assignment," he answered. He seemed more comfortable in her presence as he spoke about himself.

As if they had been talking a little too loud, Lord Martin shot them an angry look. Lord Martin was not fond of Daine under any circumstances, but it had worsened after their trip to Carthak. Daine whispered, "I should let you get back to your duties so you can impress them as much as me."

The boy smiled and hurried forward to hear the conversation.

Daine looked over the list and tried to match the names to faces. The first was Sir Myren of Naabek. Next to his name Perin had written the description, "copper breastplate with cat". This was close enough to be helpful. The man was wearing a fine copper breastplate with a jaguar leaping from a wave. He was fair-haired, like many of his countryman, with narrow blue eyes and a yellowed beard. He also had leathery skin as if he spent a lot of time outdoors in harsh weather. Like Duke Gareth he was a former prime minister and well respected among his people.

The next name on the list was Sir Thomas of Shiry. Perin had noted that he had a "large scar" on his cheek. This man was the equivalent of the King's Champion and was rumored to have once killed twelve attackers single-handedly. He had a copper breast plate too, but it was bare, gleaming metal.

Next on the list was Lord Rohen of Naabek. He was younger than Myren (about 35) and blond. The two were probably cousins, but it was hard to tell. Perin had noted him as "tall one", although Daine observed that he wasn't as tall as Numair, not that anyone ever was. Like his fellows he wore soft boots, flowing breeches and long over-tunics of the Copper Isle Navy. He did not have a breast plate though and seemed to be more of a diplomat than the others. He was leading the negotiations. Perin had indicated this by placing a small star next to his name.

After Lord Rohen, was Elyra Kelton. Daine observed unhappily that Perin had placed "beautiful" by her name. Daine was certain that all the men in the group would be fawning over her all week.

Duke Naason of Htau followed. Perin's note said "gray beard" which was fitting. This man had a thick gray beard and little hair. His wide gray eyes and heavily wrinkled skin gave the impression he was not long for this world. He wore a grey tunic and breeches as if he were in mourning.

Master Phelan Copal was a mage and head of the Copper Isle's Royal University. Perin called him "the robed one" as he wore a gold mage's robe similar to Numair's black one. He was olive skinned with dark brown hair. He had large nose and very heavy eyebrows.

Master Tyrus Sorel was also introduced as a mage in the Copper Isle's Royal Court, though he wore the same navy uniform as the nobles. Perin had noted that he was the "plump one". This almost made Daine giggle. Sorel was more than plump; he was nearly round. Daine wasn't sure if he decided not to wear a robe to hide the weight of his power, or simply because he didn't have one that fit.

And finally Baron Demetrus of Lascal was noted as the"happy one". He had a bright, open face that made him seem extremely friendly. He was probably in his fifties, though very fit. His graying hair stood up despite obvious efforts to tame it and he was dressed in wool breeches and a cotton tunic which looked more comfortable than fancy. He had been the only delegate that smiled at Daine.

The delegation also included four clerks, five assistants (Daine assumed these were personal assistants to the nobles), a lady in waiting, and a small girl with brown hair and brilliant green eyes. Daine wondered if her mother was Lady Elyra. If so, perhaps she was married and would be advised by her fellows not to spend time going over spells with Numair. She could only hope that were the case. She sighed heavily.

They led the delegates to guest quarters where they could rest from their journey and bathe. A banquet was planned for their welcome in the evening. As soon as she could, Daine slipped off to visit the horses and see what Kitten and Tkaa were doing. She had hoped that she wouldn't be forced to endure hours of negotiations, but realized her chances of escaping were pretty slim

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"I thought that went better than we were expecting," Jon said. He had been joined in his study by Thayet, Alanna, Duke Baird, Duke Gareth, Gareth the younger, and Numair. "We brought out a strong welcoming committee to show them why they should want peace."

"I just cannot feel comfortable with this. The royals from the Copper Isles have never forgiven us for the death of their daughter Josiane and I don't believe for a minute that all this could come over Ozorne's demise," Alanna voiced. Several heads nodded in agreement.

"It behooves us to try to build alliances wherever they are offered. We are not going into this with our eyes closed. And I want to know if anything suspicious turns up," Jon said. "In the meantime, let's give them the benefit of a doubt and see if something good can arise."

"You just never know where close friendships can be built if you try," agreed Thayet.

"I wanted this group to meet briefly to give me your first impressions."

"Well, it seemed a straight-forward enough meeting," Duke Gareth said. "Baron Demetrus was friendly. Lord Rohen also seemed open enough. And Lady Elyra seemed impressed by Numair." Several of the group chuckled.

"It always impresses a girl when a man catches her when she falls," Thayet teased.

Numair shrugged. "If you are all through having laughs at my expense…"

"She is a beautiful woman, Numair, and she seems very interested." Thayet said softly. "You seem to be our most eligible bachelor and you should.." whatever she was going to say was cut off abruptly when Alanna shook her head warningly.

In a businesslike tone, Numair said, "I don't think we will really know what their intentions are until we spend a little more time in their company. I brought over some jars of eyebright for anyone who wants it during these negotiations. It can be fooled, but it can also be used without notice by most everyone in this group. I also think Daine can ask a few birds and mice to listen in if you like. It isn't perhaps the most hospitable choice but might very well be the safest."

Jon nodded. He studied his friend closely for a moment. Numair had seemed distant since his return from Carthak. Of course, he had been in the middle of the fiasco that nearly destroyed their peace accord, and he had watched his own execution (although it was a copy of himself which was put to death). Still, it might be a sobering experience.

In the meantime, Jon had been married to Thayet long enough to recognize the gleam of matchmaking when he saw it. He didn't think it would hurt for Numair to get to know Lady Elyra better. Perhaps a bond of friendship could make these talks go smoother.

His beautiful wife smiled at him. He could guess that dining arrangements would have Numair next to the lady mage before the hour was up.

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"I'm nervous, Myren. He didn't seem very receptive."

"Just do your job. We'll get what we want and you'll get what you want. But let us down and .." The tall Islander stroked his yellow beard and smiled viciously.

Elyra shifted uncomfortably. "You know I will do whatever you ask. But we should make a back up plan in case he's not interested in me. I can seduce most men. But even I run into a wall if another woman is in the way."

He cupped her chin and pulled her to him harshly. "Ahh, but what woman could measure up to you?"

"Don't bruise her face!" Master Tyrus Sorel ordered. His pearly blue gift curled around his hand and shot at Myren, scorching the knight's wrists. "She has a job to do."

Sir Myren cursed under his breath and released the woman. She cast her eyes down and returned to her own room to get ready.