CHAPTER SIX: BEFORE THE KING

Mahado kept an even pace behind the page leading him to the throne room, ignoring the splendor of the Palace as he mentally conversed with Coeremar.

How do you believe this will go? Coeremar asked.

I am unsure. It will depend on what the Sorcerer reported to the King.

A little surprised when he felt Coeremar slipped into his Sekhem form to walk beside him, Mahado watched Coeremar simply shrugged in response to his curious look. I seem to remember a revealing spell was set into the floor of the throne room. I believe it would be best for us both if I were already out. Just in case.

They stopped at the edge of the reception room, the narrow white hall before them softened by colorful banners hanging from the crossbeams represented the territories that were currently part of the Kingdom. Light slanted down into the room, adding more spots of color as it passed through the stained glass windows set at even intervals on the upper half of the walls. The page, bowing to the approaching Master of Ceremonies, stepped to the side, allowing Mahado to watch several knots of people milling about, their conversations kept at a low murmur. The page introduced Mahado to the tall, thin Master before turning to jog back out of the room.

The Master of Ceremonies gestured to Mahado to follow but before he could a voice cut across the hall.

"Hayo, Dark Magician!"

Glancing to his left, Mahado caught sight of the Calteasartian heir moving out from the largest group in the room, a Hayabasura soldier a few steps behind him.

"I am glad to meet with you again, Master Mahado." Fanesdani said. Glancing into the hall he added, "You've caused a bit of an uproar. King Div'tyn has rearranged the petitions scheduled this afternoon so that he may meet with you first."

"I hope this has not inconvenienced you, so'ky Calteasart." Mahado said.

Fanesdani laughed lightly, "Hardly. It has been quite a learning experience watching the King's staff deal with the new schedule. I've never considered the problems such a small change makes for them."

"All actions have ripple effects, so'ky. And the greater one's power the greater the ripple ones actions will cause."

"Yes, I'm beginning to believe that is why my father sent me to Alcalsar for such an extended period of time." Fanesdani answered. "I have not had the luxury to observe my actions beyond the first circle of effect."

The Master of Ceremonies bowed and said, "My apologies so'ky but I need to escort the Dark Magician before the throne."

With a nod, Fanesdani stepped back, "Forgive me. But,' the so'ky added glancing around the room,"I would be honored to escort the Dark Magician to the King. This change has burdened you enough.' At the Master's hesitation he added, "I'm sure the King will not object."

Mahado could sense the Master's amusement at Fanesdani's statement and did not correct the so'ky, though Mahado knew he had a right to. The so'ky was about to experience first hand the impact of the ripples he had just created. Bowing, the Master moved back into the room and was quickly confronted by a representative from the group close to the door.

Crossing his arms, Mahado regarded the young man before him with a knowing look, curious to see how this was going to play out. "Have you not requested to be present for this meeting? As you said, it does impact your future as well."

"He directed his request to the King's Sorcerer but since he has not heard back from him he feels at liberty to go in the back way.", the Hayabasura guard stated with only a hint of annoyance in his voice before closing his curved beak with an audible snap. The so'ky turned, cringing slightly at the sound.

"I realize I should not abuse my position Kerarker but as you say, I have not been told that I am not welcome at this meeting." Fanesdani pointed out apologetically.

"It would not have stopped you if they had, my lord."

Smiling slightly Mahado added, "And you certainly did not ask if I welcomed your interference, so-ky." Kerarker tucked his head down, pressing his beak into pale throat feathers, as the so'ky turned toward Mahado, an embarrassed look crossing his face. Mahado had spent just enough time among the Hayabasura to recognize the move as a stifled laugh. The so'ky bowed his head and said contritely,"Forgive me, Dark Magician. Do you wish me to call back the Master of Ceremonies?"

Unwilling to allow the young man to get out from under the situation he had put himself in Mahado said in an even tone, "No, so'ky. It is a little too late for that now. You will lead me to the King and we will see if your presence would have been agreed to." Mahado gesture the so'ky past him and said softly to the so'ky's guardian as he fell in step with the Hayabasura, "I am guessing tying him up to keep him out of the way would not be an option?"

The Hayabasura shook his head and chuckled low in amusement. "Actually, I did try that once. He pushes, but he means well." Kerarker glanced at his charge and added, "Besides, this experience I'm sure will teach him better than anything I can come up with.'

As they reached the deeply carved doors that separated the reception hall from the throne room, Kerarker left Mahado's side to stand next to the door guard, turning to face back into the hall. Mahado, taking his place behind Fanesdani, quickly realized the so'ky was not familiar with the role he had appointed himself to. Leaning forward slightly he said in a voice only Fanesdani could hear, "It is expected that the Master of Ceremonies announce the presence of the requested petitioner to the High Stewart. He should be just within the door."

Unfazed, the so'ky nodded and stepped a moment into the throne room. Mahado could barely hear the commotion the so'ky's sudden presence caused but it swiftly settled into the more normal sounds Mahado associated with the approach of the Master of Ceremonies. Fanesdani soon returned to the hall and nodded to Mahado, his eyes a little wider than they were before.

"The King will welcome you now." he stated in a carefully formal voice.

Following the traditional five paces behind Fanesdani, Mahado entered the throne room. It had been several centuries since Mahado has seen the throne of Alcalsar but overall very little had changed. The rows of seating that marched down both sides of the central aisle were now angled slightly, allowing one to see those who entered from the reception hall without having to turn completely around. Between the first row of seats and the raised dais the throne was set upon was a depiction of the Seal of Alcalsar set in brillant colors in the floor. It depicted two dragons- one blue and one green- forever following one other as they circled around a golden crown above two crossed swords overlapping a map depicting the ancient borders of the Kingdom.

The royal family sat upon chairs of a simpler design than he remembered from his last visit. The chairs of the King and Queen, carved mahogany with high backs laced with gold highlights, were set forward of the children's chairs that arced out on both sides. There were five children in all, three sons and two girls, the so'ky sitting closest to the King and his two younger brothers on his right, and Tai'ree sitting next to the Queen with the marda, her younger sister to her left.

Mahado was a little surprised to see the entire family seated before him though he could certainly understand the reason behind it. It had been almost a year since all members of the Royal family had been gathered within the castle walls and it was not surprising that the King and Queen would spend what time they could with their children, even if it was only within such formal settings as this. He did feel a touch of sympathy for the two youngest children though; they were just young enough that they had already begun to fidget in their seats.

The King's Sorcerer and the Queen's Valkyria had taken up positions one-step back from their royal within the gap between the chairs of the parents and the children. Mahado could not read anything from their expressions, only the traditional focused and intense look most guardians carried when facing a stranger.

Stepping onto the outer edge of the Royal Seal, Mahado felt the vibrations of the revealing spell race through him and made no effort to stop it. A slight wrenching sensation informing him the spell had latched on to Coeremar and gasps of astonishment whispered throughout the room as Coeremar was brought into view of those within. Coeremar stopped with a quick shake of the head before glancing down in surprise.

"Are you all right?" Mahado asked.

"Yes." Coeremar answered. "Though that was stronger than I thought it would be." he added, a touch of amazement in his voice. Fanesdani turned at the sound of the unfamiliar voice behind him and, catching sight of the guards moving towards them, snapped out, "Hold back!"

Mahado could hear Coeremar comment lightly, "I believe that is for the King to decide so-ky." while he causally raised a magical barrier around Fanesdani to keep him from accidentally being injured by the guards. The sudden presence of the barrier brought the armed men to a halt, and a surprised look to the so-ky's face, as the captain of the guards glanced quickly at the Royal dais.

Neither one of the royal magicians moved though Mahado could tell the Valkyria was more than ready to react by her stance. Instead, the King was the only one to move.

Rising from his chair, King Div'tyn glanced a moment to Tai'ree to ask calmly, "Why did you not mention this to Tayr or Mayen, daughter?"

Tai'ree did not appear surprised by her father's question as she admitted, "The Door Warden was not able to see Coeremar, I just assumed no one else would either and I was not sure anyone would believe me if I did say anything." She dropped her gaze to the floor and blushed as she added, "I had forgotten about the seal's spell."

Div'tyn sighed. "Nevertheless, you still should have attempted to informed them for their own protection, Tai'ree, whether you were believed or not."

"Yes, father."

Stepping down from the dais, his Sorcerer a few steps behind him, the King gestured the guards back to their position before stopping before the barrier to regard the so'ky held within. Mahado dropped the barrier as Fanesdani knelt before the King.

Glancing a moment at Coeremar, the King said, "He was correct, so-ky Calteasart. Though your intentions were well placed, it is not for you to command my guards. They know their duties and you place yourself in danger if you believe they will answer your command."

Fanesdani took a deep breath before answering. "Forgive me, lord. It was not my place to act. I will accept any punishment you deem appropriate for such a breach in your hospitality."

Mahado watched the King smile slightly as he shook his head. "I believe you have already chosen your punishment. Since you have decided to replace my Master of Ceremonies then I think I will allow him to enjoy the rest of this day free of his duties to me."

"Please inform him of my decision and request that he inform you of your duties."

"You are dismissed, so-ky Calteasart."

"Yes, lord."

Rising to his feet, the so-ky turned away, but not before Mahado caught sight of the relieved look on his face as he returned to the doors. Mahado turned, facing the King as he came to a stop before him.

For a moment, there was silence in the room as they regarded one another. The King of Alcalsar was slightly taller than his Sorcerer, and of a more solid build, his hair and neatly trimmed beard the familiar blond of the Royal family of Alcalsar. Blue eyes narrowed slightly as he said, "It is customary to kneel when requesting a boon of us."

Inclining his head slightly without breaking eye contact, Mahado answered, "Forgive me if my actions offend but my oaths belong to another King- to him alone will I kneel."

"And what is the name of this King that you risk your life to honor so?"

A shadow of sadness flashed a moment through Mahado. "I am unable to answer your question. He gave up his name long ago. He has none now."

"You speak of the Summoner King." Div'tyn said without hesitation.

"Yes," Mahado answered, a little surprised by the statement.

The King studied him for a moment longer before saying evenly, "Come with me, Dark Magician." Looking over his shoulder at his Sorcerer, he added firmly, "I will speak with them alone, Tayr."

The Sorcerer nodded and stepped back. "As you wish."

Following the King, Mahado glanced at the dazed look on Tayr's face as they passed the Royal Dais while he said to Coeremar over the link, It appears Div'tyn knows considerably more than his Sorcerer.

I noticed that. Coeremar answered. I wonder where he gained such knowledge. As far as I know there are no records in the Library connecting us to the records that survive regarding the Shadow Games.

No, Mahado said, but there are within the old bardic tales.

Yes, but it is still a leap to go from those to the creator of the Library. Coeremar pointed out. That is a two thousand year gap; and it is not as if you are the only Dark Magician to have existed.

Mahado could not argue with that.

Stepping out of the throne room through a small door at the back of the dais, Mahado found himself in an enclosed courtyard, the size difficult to discern through the lush plant life contained within it. Birdsongs and the hum of insects filled the air, and Mahado could sense the thrum of a spell rippling through the courtyard. Glancing up, Mahado could just make out a screening spell arcing above the trees within the walls. It would allow moisture through but would keep the temperature of the room constant, allowing the plants to exist year round.

They walked some distance into the courtyard before stopping beside a raised, reflecting pool surrounded by overhanging tree branches and long vines full of early red buds. Turning to Coeremar, the King asked, "For my curiosity, may I ask why the Seal brought you here?" He smiled slightly as he added "And who exactly you are as well."

Coeremar bowed and said, "As to the why, the body Mahado is using is mine. I remain attached to it but I no longer control it. As to who, I am Coeremar, the Magus of Illusion."

The King shook his head, looking slightly bemused. "That was probably the most complex, simple answer I have ever been given."

"I can give you a more detailed answer if you wish, my lord."

""No, that will not be necessary." He shook his head, "I've learned enough to satisfy my curiosity." Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Though I would like to know why it is you are still visible. My understanding of the seal's spell is that the effect would not last beyond the seal itself."

"It does not." Mahado answered before giving Coeremar a look. "He's doing that on his own right now."

"It seemed the polite thing to do now that you knew I was here." Coeremar responded with a smile. Turning to the King, he added, "And I will also tell you this, though you have not asked. Mahado is using my body with my permission. It is not a possession, it is a sharing."

Silence fell as the King considered Coeremar's words. Mahado inclined his head slightly, drawing the King's focus to him and asked, "May I ask how you knew of my connection to the Summoner King?"

"The young bard entertained us a few nights ago with sections from several of the ancient bardic Cycles. Though my elvish is not as good as I would wish, I knew enough to hear a reference to the one named Coeremar who was connected to the King's Magician. It seemed too much of a coincidence when my daughter identified you by that name."

Coeremar gave Mahado a surprised and embarrassed smile. "Oh, he recited that one."

Mahado shook his head in amusement even as he sighed.

The King nodded to himself then sat down on the rim of the pool to ask quietly, "Will it matter what answer I give you, Dark Magician?"

"Only to your daughter." Mahado said. "I understand your concern regarding the marriage contract but I believe it necessary that she be trained."

"She may be more dangerous knowing only a little of the ways of magic that being trained."

Div'tyn grimaced slightly as he answered, "Unfortunately I must agree." A sigh slipped out before he said, "May I ask what you will need to train Tai'ree?"

Mahado shrugged. "Only a ship to Port Latay if possible. I am expected to meet with the High Guardian by mid spring at Alenfeer to discuss the situation Bard Mathod informed you about."

"He said we should expect a ship from their kin within the month." The King said dubiously.

"I would say that is correct. Alcalsar would be the easiest port for them to reach, and the most direct route north. If I am not mistaken the captain of the ship will be Manannán Mac Lir."

Raising an eyebrow in curiosity, Div'tyn said, "You speak as if you know him."

Mahado nodded. "Yes. We met long ago." He smiled at the King as he added, "I did a little traveling in my younger days."

Div'tyn smiled in return. "I'm sure you did, Dark Magician." Shaking his head, the King asked, "May I at least ask of you that my daughter remain on this continent?"

Mahado sighed before answering honestly, "Forgive me, my lord, but I am unable to make such a promise." At Div'tyn's surprised look Mahado admitted, "I will do my best to protect her but because of the type of magic she wields I may not even be able to keep her on this world."