CH 15
Now that it was officially known in the underworld that Geoffry had a mage. Orders became much larger as all the bosses wanted a little bit of magic. It hardly took more time though all they wanted were witchlights she could make about twenty before she started to sweat. It was more profitable to sell to the other bosses who had no way to get magic. Previous customers who were people low on the waiting list for the Green tower's services. It was not all positive. She had essentially had complete autonomy before this coming and going as she pleased. Now Geoffry didn't expressly stop her from going places but he had very convenient excuses of why he needed her as soon as he saw her leaving. Especially if she was leaving alone. She still left to watch the towers and no one stopped her. She wondered why Geoffrey allowed her to leave then but she was feeling increasingly isolated in her room. She knew why it was called the dungeon.
She really started to look forward to her time teaching Sibahn. It was a rare time of leisure outside and her little student was always so upbeat. She hadn't learned as much as she had liked about Tiernan and his plans for Cian, but that couldn't be helped. Any disappointment she felt on that front was washed away seeing Sibahns spellcasting grow. That was not to say she learned nothing about Tiernan.
"I don't think Cian knows that much," said Sibahn after one of their lessons "Honestly I don't think Tiernan is much of a mentor. Or at least not as good of one as you."
"Why do you say that?"
"Well he rarely teaches Cian. All he did was give him a few spells when they first met, but he never helps like you help me. All Cian does is take care of a bunch of dogs for him."
"Dogs? Where is he keeping dogs?"
"Up in his office."
"Cian says it's really weird they never seem to be the same dogs. He was told it is a project where he uses magic to train them. Do you think it could be dark magic? He says the dogs act really weird."
"How many dogs does Ternan handle in a week? How long does he keep them?"
"So it is dark magic? I don't know exactly but I can ask Cian."
"No. It's ok, but find out if Cian ever takes them on walks I would like to get a look at them."
"I will see, I think Cian is a little weirded out. He must not know about the dark magic. I don't think he would go that far. Should I tell him?"
"No, even if what you say is true. You could put him in danger if he starts acting unusually around them."
"Alright.
"You should be careful too."
"I am."
"You are such a worry wart, I can hardly believe you are so young. You talk like a grandma."
"No I do not."
"You for sure do, Be careful, don't be hasty, stay safe. That is what you always say to me."
"Well it is a serious situation, you shouldn't forget its gravity."
"Haha, there you go again. I won't forget."
Even with extra enchanting for Geoffry and practicing new spells she had empty hours spent in her room. That blank time reminded her of the long years of nothing in the tower and she avoided them at all costs. Sometimes she would watch the goings on the upper floors. The bustle always gave her something to watch. But even the hardened men of the storm were uncomfortable under the gaze of the boss' mage. Geoffry kept what she did under tight wrap. As a result, strange rumors of her doings filtered back to her. Some had her as an inquisitor-like figure pulling answers out of enemies. Her favorite was a plot to assassinate the other bosses that was so outrageous only Bran could have started it.
The rumors made it where she rarely spoke to anyone outside the group that already knew her true less terrifying or impressive skills. Reah and Tam were around the most to advise and brief Geoffry, but Bran came around with less to do.
"It's been driving me crazy, I want to know if your eyes glow for every spell."
"Surely someone would notice, but guess it won't hurt," she was curious. There were plenty of other tells for casting. Other casters didn't glow but maybe it was a Fion thing
"You kind of only cast around us when there are bigger things going on."
"What should I do?"
"Your favorite."
She thought for a moment but there wasn't much of a competition. She scooped up some ash from the hearth whistled. The low call vacillated between pitches as the warmth in her chest blossomed. The embers then flames grew in her palms till a small firebird took flight. It echoed her song as it swept the room diving around us before it hovered over her hands and dissolved to ash. Relief washed over her like it always did when the spell finished. She could not count how many times she had used it after her parents died or she left the tower.
Bran stepped closer to her, "I missed it, I'm sorry that spell was … riveting. Can you do it again."
She tilted her head up at him, annoyed that he hadn't paid attention, but she had been transfixed as him. Embers lit and she rekindled the ashes with her spell. The phoenix flew up between them leaving a trail of sparks. She couldn't help but follow its path. He stopped her and turned her face back to his. His hand cupped her cheek with the lightest touch. Their eyes met. The phoenix flame danced in his eyes as the bird returned. She felt the ash sift through her fingers. She looked down and he took his hand from her face, fingers tracing her jaw as they left. She looked up as her flush crept from her cheeks down her neck.
"So?" she said, her voice suddenly quiet. He said something but she didn't understand. She looked at him confused.
"It doesn't matter anyway, your eyes were the same as always."
"That's a relief, I don't want to telegraph every time I am casting anything."
"You said that anyone could learn magic to a certain point."
"Of course," she beamed and grabbed the book of useful spells from her pile. "Let's go up stairs, there are better tables up there."
"Sure"
She started with the mending spell. That would be useful to his mother at least. She briefly ran over Sybil pronunciations but for his purposes it would be easier just to teach him the specific passages. They huddled over the small book till she thought he was ready. Then she had him copy the line in stitches over a torn rag.
"So what does this say, death to my enemies?"
"No," she smiled " it says
I may rip I may tear
May weather and wear
Old broken be whole
And be once more fair"
"It doesn't say anything about clothes, can you use it for other things?"
"Maybe I have never tried, it used to be that a spell's only limit was your ability to connect it with something or so I've read, now we're confined to a more pedantic use of spells."
"Huh, well I doubt I will be going off book any time so let's just see if I can use this spell at all."
"First I have to teach you how to call your magic."
"Alright, how do I do that?"
"Simple, close your eyes" she put her hand over his, "and call it in your mind."
"How do I call?"
"It's your magic, it will respond to what you think is right. Just keep going till you feel it."
"How…" His hands trembled and she felt the faint fever under his skin. His breath came slow.
"You found it now you can let it go."
He opened his eyes "is that what you feel every time you cast."
"Something like it," his calm response meant the warmth was tempered to hers.
"If it's that easy to find magic, why are there so few casters?"
"It is easy to find but it is another thing to channel it. But let's try." She took off her focus and placed it over his neck.
He tried several times to no avail. She corrected his pronunciation. She smiled encouragingly and had him try. He closed his eyes. The muscles in his jaw and neck were taught as he concentrated. He said the spell correctly but nothing happened. He was sweating and painting with effort. He was drained and ready to give up. She could see he didn't think he was good enough.
"One more time," she wiped wet strands of hair from his face, "don't think about the spell or anything, just let the words come out."
He nodded, took a deep breath, and tried one more time. He looked in her eyes as he spoke the words. She smiled before the spell was even complete. She felt the spell work. They looked down as the scrap began weaving itself together. The tear was gone.
"It worked."
"I did it?"
"I knew you would."
He pulled her into an embrace. She closed her eyes and let him hold her, but his grip was a little too strong. "You're crushing me," she laughed.
"Sorry," he let her go, "But my new wizard strength is too great. Wow, I am a wizard."
"Don't get too excited."
"You're used to magic, it's old hat for you, but for me magic is well magical."
"Magic is always magical."
"Yeah and I just did magic."
"What spell do you want me to teach you next? It will be alot easier now that you have done one."
"How about that unknotting spell, that would be great for down at the docks, they are so proud of their knots."
"Keep practicing and it will be easy enough to do that."
"As you command, oh wise master." He passed back the focus and she tucked it back in her dress, and was going back down the stairs to practice her own magic.
"Wait," called Bran before she got too far down her own path, "Come over and have dinner. Rose won't shut up about you and I'm sure mom would be happy to see you. I haven't exactly got that spell down yet."
"That sounds nice, the dungeon can get dull,"
"Great."
They walked the familiar path to the butcher's shop. It was early enough that the fires weren't lit in that quarter yet. A large flow of people came and went on evening errands. The quiet mill of the crowd occasionally erupted into laughter. A donkey decided it was going home without its master cart still in tow. It bucked and jumped through the street, and brayed as if laughing as the little old man chasing it while trying to collect all of the cabbages falling out the back. A few helped collect the rolling vegetables and a few others found a free meal. As they approached caught the spastic beast buy its headcollar. May found the cause of the excitement was a burr trapped under its harness. With the irritant removed fuzzy ears drooped to their normal position and the man caned over depositing his produce in the much emptier cart. Slowly the crowd watching caught up and added more cabbage not too worse for wear. He smiled and thanked them all. He offered a muddy cabbage to Bran, but he declined.
They continued on faster in the long light. Dinner was served at the lighting of the braziers if you missed them you missed dinner. With the falling light most people had the same haste. It was a shame the tinted light washed away the dirt better than rain. The city never looked better.
"Why is that your favorite spell?"
"The call of the phoenix? You saw how pretty it is and it was the first spell I learned. But its purpose is to find danger. It always makes me feel safe."
"The first spell you learned warns of danger."
"Such is my life." She couldn't have been six when she learned it. As fate would have it the bird found a wolf just beyond the clearing. It was meant to be a happy day but it was a day of many firsts as she watched the wolf die with a spear through the heart. "What about you? The storm isn't something you just happen upon."
"No it's not. You see how we live. I needed to make money and I didn't have any other skills than getting in and out of trouble. If I was going to be chased by the law I might as well make decent money doing it."
They swung around to the back entrance with time to spare. She caught his arm. "Can I ask you a question?"
"What were you doing before?" but he stopped on the steps.
The question had been lingering in the back of her mind since she saw how the storm ran, "Have you killed before?"
"Yeah we have killed plenty of monsters."
"That's not what I mean."
He sat on the steps and stared at his hands. She waited resting her chin on her knees. "I have killed two people." he halted, "It was my first night working with Tam. We were pretty low on the pecking order then and were watching some crates in a warehouse. It was an important shipment that had come in that day. It was pretty normal our watch was almost over when we were hit by five men. It wasn't out of duty or loyalty I just didn't want to die. The fight was crazy and didn't stop till they were all dead. Tam got most of them, but even in the struggle you know."
"Is that when you got this scar?" she touched his collarbone
"Yes and a few others. I only survived because of Tam. I didn't quite get it then but now I think some of them were wizards. There was so much fire. I would have been burnt alive if Tam hadn't blocked it all somehow. Neither of us cared what was in that stupid crate, I still don't know what was in it. But Geoffry saw it as us staying and fighting in bad odds, and we were rewarded. That's how Tam got promoted to leading a troop. Before that I was pretty much a message boy. I only remember them by this. I got it off of one of them." he pulled out the Fion sword.
"How old were you?"
"About 16."
"You get a band for every person you kill." then cleared his throat, "So avoid those guys with their arms covered." She held his hand. "Anyways it's your turn now."
"What."
"You don't pick up and leave everything to go to a new country with a bunch of criminals for no reason, even if someone is chasing you. You still haven told me everything about why you left or even why you were watching the towers. You were going there before you knew about the dark magic."
"I don't exactly know what is chasing me. The ones with the blue sashes may not look it but they have terrible magic. The only time I got a look at anything was when my parents died. Something massive burst into our house. We tried to retreat to the castle, but it was dark and the thing was so fast. It was like stone and flesh at the same time it was too big and grotesque to be human. It was that shape just off. It wasn't a monster, it didn't bleed. I didn't know then but it was a creation of necromancy. My father fought it but it resisted the magic. My mother gave me an invisibility potion and forced me to run, before it got her too. They had known they were being hunted. It wasn't a coincidence there was a tower waiting to be magically sealed. I came to Richosia because after I left the tower they almost found me again."
"And we left you completely exposed."
"You could have never known."
"I'm sorry."
"You don't need to be. Anyways I saw another one with those sashes the first day I went to the towers. We should probably go up if we want to eat."
"Yes."
She removed her hand from his, but he stopped her and held her hand tight. They walked up the creaking steps. She hadn't told that story since the night it happened and there was an odd lightness knowing someone else knew. Bran smiled back at her and she was glad he knew her secret and he had told her his. They came in on everyone else in the middle of eating.
"How many times have you come in late," said Ulric.
"May!" called Rose.
"It's good to see you again," said Susan.
They took their seats on the bench with the others scooting down and she found herself packed between Finn and Bran. The food was nice and warm. The bread's crust splintered between her teeth. The soup, though it didn't have much meat, was rich and creamy with potatoes. The meal was silent for the most part everyone was busy shoveling food in their mouths. There was some small talk. Rose not so subtly winked at her brother and bounced her eyebrows. Bran kept eating deadfaced but she smiled.
After dinner Ulric left. She looked at Bran, "Getting ready for his fight, it's in a few weeks."
She mended the laundry as thanks for the meal. With her focus Bran managed to fix one. She stayed for a few more hours showing some of her new spells, since she hadn't practiced that day. Ulric returned and scowled not at her casting but Bran.
"We should go," he said.
They left quietly through the back onto quiet streets. "I'm sorry if he was mad at me."
"It's not you, they want me to leave the storm."
"And you don't."
"It's not that easy. Geoffry won't just let me go and if I could, I can't do anything else."
"You could learn something."
"Yeah, my dad wants me to be a fighter, but look where that has got him. I don't want to get punched that often."
"I can hardly blame you and I don't know what I would do if you left."
"You would be fine Tam and Ruth would look after you, but I am not going anywhere."
"You could be a city guard."
"Thats a good one," he laughed
"I'm serious."
"You have to have honor to be a guard."
"You have honor."
"Thanks"
"You don't sound like you believe me, but it's true."
"If you say so then I believe you," He tipped his silly hat and left her at the warehouse entrance.
CH15
May put down her book. Someone was coming down stairs, but by now the warehouse should have been sleeping. She stood as the sound was definitely coming her direction.
"Why are you still here?" she said as Reah came into view.
"There is lots to do before tomorrow, I have something to give you." She shook out a midnight blue dress with gold embroidery. The skirt was full and the front closed with a lacing.
"It's very pretty."
"You couldn't exactly wear what you own if you are to be a noble, take it."
She lifted the bulk up. All the layers in the skirt made it quite heavy.
"I'll see you tomorrow. There is much to do."
She should have gone to sleep, but she held the dress up and spun around. The gold stitching on the dark field was like the night sky swirling around her legs. She felt like a character in one of Bran's stories. She would not have time to enjoy the dress's beauty at the party, so she appreciated it now. The last thing she did before sleeping was carefully make a pocket for Areon in the wide skirt.
The next morning she woke early like always, but didn't watch the green tower. She felt the anticipation and excitement for what would come today. First, she had her list of enchantments that usually took up most of the afternoon to complete. She didn't want to test Geoffry's leniency right now.
It was a normal list, mainly as many witch lights she could produce. There were also sometimes special orders. These were preferable to the monotony of shaping and putting light in little clay balls. Today's specialty was a challenge she had never attempted before. She had to make a preexisting strong box appear empty if opened any way other than a very specific pattern. Placing the basic illusion would be easy enough but having it work conditionally multiple times was the difficulty. She hadn't the skill as an enchanter to have an illusion last permanently. Eventually she settled on an illusion activated when the box was touched at all and the sequence to open it deactivated the illusion. She had Tam test it out to check for loopholes and at least for him it stood up.
Shortly after noon Reah returned, dumped some soap and Perfume and flurried off before remembering she was still holding her shoes. She needed to be ready in 3 hours. That was a generous time to be prepared. Clearly she was meant to bathe here. She couldn't pack the dress to the bath house and maybe this was special soap. She dug around the back of the dungeon. Eventually she found a tub large enough to sit in. She set up a screen since there was no door. Then filled up the tub with a weak water stone and heated it over her fire.
She settled into the warm water and let the tension leach from her muscles. She used the cake of soap generously and did the final rinse of her hair with rose water. Drying her hair by the fire she applied the perfume feeling thoroughly floral. She wiggled into the dress which had a far nicer shift of golden cream than her standard. The front closing made it feasible for her to tighten it up herself. The stockings and kidskin slippers completed the ensemble. By then her hair was dry, instead of her usual style she put it up the way she used to plait Alestra's. Many small braids formed a high bun that showed her neck. Once that was done she inspected the jewelry. It was all very fine and she wondered how much of it was stolen. A short golden chain held a diamond just above her collarbone and accompanying diamond tipped hair pins studded her hair. The enameled gold belt completed the ensemble.
She was still fidgeting with the pins as Bran stumbled in. "It smells like a garden in here."
"I know, apparently nobles really like their roses."
"Oh," he saw her outfit, "That is tonight isn't it."
"No, these are my nightclothes."
"Do you get to keep them?"
"I don't know. I don't have much use for them after this, but they were definitely made to my measurements."
"Well you look very beautiful."
"Let's hope the people tonight think so too."
"I'm sure they will."
Reah came down, scampering down in her own fine dress of rich maroon, "Plans changed, be ready In five minutes."
"That's my call." She stood wrapping a shawl around her shoulders.
"I think you forgot this." he held up the diamond necklace. She put her hand to her throat. It must have fallen off. He came up and secured it around her neck. She hoped he couldn't feel its rapid pulse.
"Thanks," she said before running up the stairs to catch up with Reah.
She was in her office smoothing out her appearance. She glanced at May, not stopping, "It's good to see you were a decent lady's maid. You look quite presentable."
"The dress has done most of the work."
"The carriage is waiting, it will be about an hour to Barron Windermere's estate. It is not too far out of the city but it will give us time to review protocols."
Standing outside a beautiful lacquered carriage and matching pair of horses waited for us. The Footman helped us in and she reclined into a cushioned seat in a springed cabin. She would be living the high life for the night. This didn't comfort her.
Reah drilled her the entire ride making sure her aristocratic facade could stand up to pressure. She just hoped the real thing was kinder than practice. Her brittle composure barely held for questioning. She was to be Anwen, fifth daughter of Lord Rheinhalt. He held the lands to the farthest south. He was a known producer of wine and more importantly had many children. Too many for anyone to reliably remember all of their names if they were even familiar enough with the Sudeland's nobility to know of Lord Rhinehalt at all.
She looked out the window in a brief pause to see us climbing out of the valley on a carefully cut road into the mountains. Surrounded by tall coniferous trees it was very similar terrain to where she fought the Griffin. They turned a bend and saw a beautiful castle. It was the same pale gray stone of most of the city, but here the fine quarrying left a smooth finish. Passing the protective wall the house was glowing with witchlights and every window shone with more inside.
Neat servants in forest green livery helped them out and she took care not to trip on the long skirt. She had to refrain from thanking the boy, instead giving a terse nood. She followed Reah up wide shallow steps to the grand dark wooden doors in wonder.
Stepping into the entry, shawls and cloaks were taken and she walked on soft carpeted floors through tapestry laden halls to a grand reception room full of mirrors and windows that couldn't have been brighter in the middle of the day than it was then. Delicate chairs, lounges, and tables artfully decorated the room which was larger than any in lord Lywellyn's castle. More liveried servants passed around sweet mead in crystal glasses.
There was a calm air of dignity and self assurance given off by the guest that May tried to mimic as Reah introduced her to many many people. She tried to remember what she could. Lord Hargis was a hunter and wore a feathered cap that only second Bran's in number of feathers. Lady Tiga was sweet but apparently a social pariah. No more than a cursory welcome could be said to her. Then there were the hosts. Lord and Lady Windermere; the former a portly man with thinning gray hair, a red nose, and a hearty laugh; the latter quick to smile but forgetful wispy woman. She was one of the few as slight as may. They went around for the next half hour or so giving introductions.
When she thought she was finally done and could settle somewhere to ask some questions she wanted, Dinner was called. She followed the flow to the dinner hall frustrated. She would have to wait till after to find anything out. One of the cardinal rules was that nothing serious or controversial was to be spoken of at dinner where seats were assigned.
She was apprehensive when her seat was so far away from Reah's. On the very long table she could barely see her. Reah assured her this was a good thing being so close to the head of the table was a sign of honor. She took her seat six from lord windrose. On either side of her sat a lady dripping in jewels and a man a few years older than Reah in shades of plum. Looking at her place setting there was already a cold soup waiting for her as well as cheese and fruit and crackers dotted between silver table adornments. They all waited for the lord of the house to give his speech and commence the feast.
"Friends welcome, I'll try to keep this short as you know my long winded tendencies." he chuckled, "So thank you all for coming to my home, no small feet in light of the Griffin attacks, But so you brave people soldiered on. I should hope your bravery is well rewarded and your expectations not disappointed. For I always aim to please and as your gracious host nothing but your satisfaction will bring me joy."
"Ahumm, dear," said Lady Windrose.
"Right, why I have invited you here dear friends, other than to see your beautiful faces and hear your melodious voices, is to commemorate the end of another prosperous collection season and transition back to society. So may your profits be large, your debts small and the favor of Gofannon be with you always. Now let's eat." he sat down and took the first mouthful of the feast.
They all followed suit. It was a delicious meal of many courses most items May had never heard of, let alone tasted. The courses were one extravagance after another. There was a large staff keeping goblets topped off and clearing and replacing plates.
"Tell me Lady Anwen, where in Sudeland are you from?" asked lady Esterbarry, the woman with jewels cascading from her neck, ears, wrists. She looked like a gemstone waterfall.
"From the Elevary coast."
"Pray tell where is that?"
"It is the southernmost coast."
"Do you produce wine?" inquired Lord Averell, her other seat neighbor, the man dressed in shades of plum.
"Yes grapes are our main crop."
"I hope you brought a sample, it has been a long time since I have had a glass," said Lady Esterbarry.
"I did give lord Windermere a case, perhaps he will pull it out after dinner." Reah had pulled several strings with Geoffry to get the case from his stores, she insisted it was imperative to my cover. Naturally he had been reluctant to release any of his limited stores, but she brought up the valid point that I had been producing enchantments for essentially room and board. I was embarrassed that I hadn't thought to ask for a wage even after months had passed. I saw now why she insisted.
"Then I will wait with great anticipation," said Lady Esteberry.
"It's good to know it is so valued here."
"Valued indeed most people here would give a tooth for a bottle," chuckled Lord Averell
She smiled "Well hopefully after I report back to my father you won't have too."
"That would be a treat." said lady Esterberry
"Well if you enjoy the sample tonight thanks Lady Reah Wulfstan. She helped me pick the vintage most to the court's taste."
"Really?" Inquired Lord Averell.
A small cheer rose as the next course came out giving May a reprive from answering and saying something wrong. A full roast pig lay suckling on a platter between. Haunches of venison studded with cloves arrived on silver platters the size of shields. Pies and peculiar jellies studded with eggs followed the heroes of the course. The conversation lulled as rich food was served still steaming as she and those around her sat at the head of the banquet. Everything was given in abundance and May was a little fazed by the thought of the many following courses as delicious as it all was.
Her group continued on with conversation. For the most part it was questions about Sudeland. She could answer those easily enough. It was obvious they knew little to nothing about there so even if her information was a little outdated it would serve them fine. She was able to ask some questions for comparison about Richosian governance but she learned little that Reah hadn't already briefed her. The Green tower though formally under the high nobility's leadership was not beholden to it other than a few weather spells and a supply of witch lights.
It surprised her that they knew so little of what went on in the tower even though it was almost exclusively nobility that trained there. One of Lady Estuberry's granddaughters had been an initiate for almost four seasons, yet she had little care for her grandchild's activities. The most she got from her was that she was distant at family gatherings, but that could just as easily be explained by the long periods apart. It was news that they still had contact with their families. Once they became a full member of the towers, wizards left society so only small nonpublic gatherings could be attended. It shouldn't surprise her that they weren't forced to cut all ties with the outside world. From Lady Esturberry's accounts it seemed to happen naturally anyways.
She still had hope that she could find people who had closer relations with family that left for the tower she doubted she would get much more than a feel from the Ambassador. Unwitting nobles would be much more forthcoming. She had gleaned all she could from her table mates. She kept up pleasantries as the courses continued on. The next course was fish and Lord Averell showed himself to be an avid fisherman, and they spoke of nothing but that for some time.
And so continued the small talk for the next three courses. Pheasant, cheese, bread, it was all a wash to her. Her full stomach groaned as it pressed against her now tight dress. The food Geoffry provided was by no means poor. She hadn't eaten that well that consistently since before the tower. Still she could already feel her stomach not accepting the overly rich food. She still found room for the last course.
It was not just the end of dinner in sight that made her smile. The dessert course brought many sweets she had never seen before, even with taking many trips to sweetshops with Bran. Many tiered cakes, jellies that glistened and edible sculptures that sparkled like jewels. After the last course was cleared the partygoers lingered at the table picking at remnants on their plates till Lady Windermere stood. Finally the group migrated to the ballroom. A dazzling room awash in witchlights with crystal chandeliers and many mirrors all amplifying that light. The interrogation could start soon
Lord Averell requested the first dance. Despite her stiff belly that begged for a lie down, she accepted. They lined up for one of the more simple style "country" dances. She didn't embarrass herself if she felt she lacked the grace of the other ladies. After the dance ended she escaped the floor before the full orchestra could strike the next tune and searched for Reah. She found her Quickly departing her own dance.
She walked confidently towards May. "Thank goodness for Lord Averell." she said in the relative privacy brought by a group of marble pillars.
"Why?"
"When entering society men are always reluctant to be the first to dance with you, don't ask me why, but that hurdle is gone so you should have no problem finding partners now."
"I don't see why that is important. I don't intend to dance much anyway."
"Did you learn nothing from my lessons, you need to establish your standing before anything will happen. Speaking of which," she raised her voice slightly and brought us out of the corner near an approaching man, "Lord Geralt, have you met Lady Anwen?"
"No, I haven yet had the pleasure," He bowed low to May, or lower than her fake status required. And as if he had overheard their previous conversation he asked her to dance.
For the next six songs she had a steady flow of partners. She wanted to find a cluster of gossipers and ingratiate herself or at least meet the wizards attending. First she had to dance with enough high ranking men to not snub anyone and prove her clout. So she danced till she started to sweat and the giant meal was all but forgotten. Gratefully, one of her partners she couldn't even remember their name recognized her fatigue and offered a seat and to fetch something to drink. She happily took both.
She rested near a cluster of women around Lady Esturburries age but of lower rank. Cautiously glass in hand she joined the group. With the distinction on her dinner place and first dance with one of the highlords they accepted her readily if her foreignness hadn't been enough. They continued their conversation on Lord Mccaffrey and who his mistress was, common or noble and so on. The woman next to her was kind enough to point out the lord. He didn't seem like much but a gold vein the best found in centuries was just discovered on his lands.
"I think it is Lady Nore, that is why she was sent to the green tower despite her good dowry."
"I heard that the family is broke and her inheritance is a sham."
The conversation continued quickly but it was her chance, "What is with the green tower, I can't seem to place who governs the magic use here."
"How is it like in Sudeland?"
The more information she shared the more likely they would share too, "It's not nearly as centralized. The craft is taught through apprenticeship under the wizard or wizards sponsored by a lord but the king can summon any of them if he wishes. But I think our magical populace is not nearly as large as yours."
"Really, I wish we could take a page from your book. The tower acts on its own far too often but it's so unclear which houses are above and below it. it's near impossible to put them back in their place."
"At this point it almost takes a decree from the king and he has little time for what doesn't interest him."
"What kind of thing have they done?"
"Oh they haven't done anything, But when you order rain or even a fire clearing you can only hope it will be answered in time."
"A few years back my lands nearly lost their crops because the tower decided to take over a month to send anyone."
"If you need magic you are on their schedule?"
She let the conversation go where it may and it. It ruminated on small grievances from the Green tower. It gave an accurate depiction of the mistrust and overall lack of understanding of magic, but there were no epiphanies. All the tower's abuses were no more than slights. Though the lack of a formal timeline on requests was unusual, May had the impression that most of this was caused by status putting these families low on the list more than anything else. Even without knowing the exact count of wizards in the tower there must have been more nobles at this party alone than fully trained wizards and when one province needed assistance others would too.
She left the group for another dance. Gossip from a higher status was required to find out if the tower was as blasé to authority as she was told. Perhaps she could talk to Lord Averell or Lady Esturberry about it, but she knew better than to approach. She needed a pretense other than an interrogation of the tower. Instead she found something interesting from the fifth son of another highlord. As one of many children he was an ideal candidate for becoming an initiate, but he nor any of his seven siblings would take the order of the green robe. None of his family would, he said with a note of pride. Only a small amount of prodding gave an answer.
"They are in charge of holding all magical items."
"What do you mean by all? There are witchlights here." she asked.
"Exactly, the point. They can take whatever they want. We lost our families magic bow that had been with us since the house was formed. That was over 250 years ago. The only magical artifact they haven't taken is the king's own spear, and even that was not without New Ambassador is still politicking for the tower to take custody of it."
So they had a monopoly on artifacts, "I can see how concerning that is, do they atleast disclose their magical practices?"
"What do you mean?"
"In Sudeland there are a set of codes for magic like forbidding necromancy. I assume since the Green Tower controls the teachings they would say what classes of magic were taught and which weren't and have some sort of way to prove such dangerous magic objects were being responsibly used."
"No they don't, but we should ask. There is nothing stopping them from doing dark magic in that blasted building. I shall get my father to bring this up at the next assembly."
"Surely there are records of these things."
"Oh I'm sure there are."
The song ended when they bowed and parted ways. The next round of partners were not near as interesting. For the most part it was the same line of questions, same answers from her, same from them and no gossip about the Tower. One lord did have a brother that was an initiate. He had been there six months and hadn't done a proper illusion yet and the lord knew even less than him. Then it was more partners with nothing remarkable learned.
She danced so much she actually improved from the practice then regressed from leaden feet. Still a line of eager men waited to dance. She was too much of a curiosity to do the quiet sleuthing she imagined. Dancing was the polite excuse to inspect her southern ways. She would have to make do with dancing. At least she met lots of people this way and none of them minded that she couldn't remember their names.
Blissfully she took a rest in the powder room and overheard the towers' ambassador had arrived. Him arriving late was not uncommon and he was particularly dashing tonight was all she heard before passing out of earshot. Curious, she searched for the emerald green of the towers. She hadn't seen them before but there were several rooms adjoining the ballroom that hosted other activities. The first was cards but she didn't know the game. She dared not cross the floor to the other one and be caught back in the dancing.
She didn't find the Ambassador. She did however find lord Averell or more he found her.
"How are you holding up?"
"To be honest I don't know how much more I can dance."
He chuckled, "You have held out better than some, an ambassador's daughter from Arg passed out on the floor once. You can't blame us though, you foreign girls are the only ones where a dance isn't misconstrued as halfway to a proposal."
"Surely not."
"You and those destined for the green tower."
"So wizards don't get married?"
"No, it's a respectable place to send your excess children that's not as restrictive as the hearth of Brigid. Candidates rarely have the finances to get married well and even then it's frowned upon no one wants wizard families around."
"Initiates aren't chosen for aptitude?"
"No, not that there isn't a test to prove some ability but rejection would be the exception."
"Someone said a green tower representative is here, do you know where they are?"
"Yes I believe over by Lord Windermere enjoying some of your gifts."
"I am curious about your magic organization. I think I will go over and speak with them." even as she said it, she felt the awkwardness of her words and hurried off to where she thought lord windrose was. She found him on a table surrounded by a small crowd beaming as he poured glasses for his guests. She hovered at the edge of the group. She wanted to elbow her way through but this wasn't a street market. She looked for green but she was just too low to see properly.
"Ah, toast to Lady Anwen, woman of the hour." shouted Lord Windermeree as he finally saw her and she was shuffled to the front of the group away from Lady Sarah. She wanted to know what her sister thought was being hidden but she quickly forgot it when she stood before a green clad figure. He was dressed more fashionable than I expected. He wore a cape in the same green as the towers' wizards but cut to match current trends with gold piping on it. Underneath he wore a black of the suit with gold piping and detailed embroidery. He must have been the ambassador.
Lord Windermere must have caught her staring "Have you met the ambassador to the Green Tower yet."
"I haven't yet had the pleasure," she said as the wizard turned around.
"Well allow me to introduce the esteemed Tiernan elder of the tower, Ambassador this is Lady Anwen of Sudeland, but I am sure you knew that already."
She stifled a gasp as she saw the face of Tiernan. She had never imagined it would be such a high official. He took her hand and leaned over for a kiss. It took all of the composure she had left not to pull back in disgust. His smile was saccharin as he said, "the pleasure is all mine."
"You are too kind." she said calmly.
"It is not everyday you get to meet someone who has traveled so far. Would you care for a dance?"
He was already leading her to the floor before she said, "but of course."
She cursed silently as she stood waiting for the music to start. She had been taken off guard and it was too late to refuse now. She avoided eye contact. there was something in his gaze that made her feel like he knew everything. She told herself it was her own fears putting it on him.
"What do you think of our little kingdom?"
"It is beautiful."
"You flatter us, you are staying in the city, are you not? A dirty place like that is not beautiful."
"It is a different kind of beauty." he scoffed, a faint mark showed on his wrist as his sleeve rode up. The dim circle of an imprint. It was him that made the city ugly. "Tell me about the green tower."
"What about it?"
"Surely as the ambassador you have some spiel for the unfamiliar."
He laughed, "unfortunately no, ambassador or not, all these people care about is when the rain maker is coming or the next shipment of enchanted arrows is due not how it happens. Let's just say the green tower is a beacon of knowledge. Unlike all those personal libraries you see that are never read, ours is. When you are admitted to the tower you are on a path of enlightenment."
"Really?"
"We have the largest book collection in all the kingdom and have some ancient texts going back to the three kingdoms period."
"Impressive, are they all magical?"
"No, most are but we also curate important writing of all kinds."
"Is it possible for people other than the wizards to read anything?"
"Unfortunately you would have to read sibyl."
"That is not a problem."
"Really?"
"You don't think I would be sent by myself all the way here without a proper education." She hoped Sibyl was considered part of a proper education but by Tiernan's reaction it was not.
"Impressive."
"I would be quite interested in those histories you mentioned." she smiled. "It is true the tower is old enough to be considered an artifact itself."
"Haha yes it is quite a privilege. To work there every day. The only place older in the whole kingdom is the king's castle. There are many similarities between the two."
"I would imagine they need too. Only magic could support their sheer size."
"You seem to have some knowledge of magic."
"Only a minimal amount. The south is not as rich in magic as here, and I am very interested to see what is possible while I am here."
"Really?"
"I have heard of the power of the green towers' wizards, you must be amongst them to be their ambassador."
"Perhapsyou would like a demonstration."
"Very much."
"In a few days I am having a little get together at my home. You should come. You will definitely see the power of magic."
"I would be honored."
"The honor is all mine, where should I send the card?"
"I am staying with Lady Reah."
"Very well I look forward to seeing you again," he kissed her hand again as he took his leave. As he raised his hand to her she saw another faint mark of an imprint on the inside of his wrist. She shivered and wanted to leave the party immediately, but she continued dancing with more curious strangers. When she at last took a rest on an empty couch she soon was swarmed by jewel tones.
"I can't believe the ambassador finally danced with someone."
"Is that uncommon?" she already had a feeling it was unusual before she asked.
"Yes," "he rarely dances with anyone below a duchess." "It's kind of stuck up, but …"
The leader hissed behind her fan to silence the group, "The ambassador isn't much of a dancer."
"I'm sure he was like everyone else curious about a newcomer."
"You do yourself a disservice, he had never paid any attention to foreign envoys before. In fact you are the first I've seen to be asked by him first, let alone look at the likes of us."
"I don't think it is anything as exciting as you think. He merely was interested when I said I knew Sybil and inquired after the green towers' library."
"Sybil you say?" her eyes glittered.
"I guess he is a wizard through and through, though it sounded like he is the one in charge of tours of the Green Tower if you are interested."
An inhuman scream rang through the hall. A simultaneously deep but shrill screech she had heard before. The call of a Griffin. The party goers cowered as the monster burst through one of the oversized windows. The griffin didn't look right; not mangy or rabid but very confused and disoriented. She prepared to cast without thinking. She didn't have time to expose herself as Tiernan moved first. He looked completely calm, almost as if he expected this.
In a loud voice everyone could hear he called "Back you beast, back." He sent out a gust of wind knocking the desperate creature out of the air. Faster than casting was possible he sent out two jets of flames to remove the griffin's wings. While the beast reeled from the pain he threw another spell he could have the time to cast. The bird froze. He must be using a stored imprinted spell to achieve this pace. Lastly he called a spell she didn't even know existed. A conjured spear of metal jutted through the griffin. It writhed on its pike, blood pouring onto the floor till it died. Despite putting out a barrage of high level spells he had no more than a flush on his face. She curled inward. This was the power of dark magic.
After recovering from shock, the people in the room slowly worked up an applause. He smiled and bowed with a flourish. She could not clapp. She wanted to slap his face. How many had he sacrificed for his little show here, she bet he was even the one responsible for the gryphin showing up here. That would explain the lures in the forest. At least she had a better idea of his power. At least while he was prepared with imprinted spells she would be no match for him.
The altercation signaled the end of the party. She and Reah took the long carriage ride back.
"I hope the night was fruitful."Reah said
"I learned a lot but none of it was what I wanted to hear."
"Oh, on the bright side I got quite a few nice jobs because of you."
"He was so powerful."
"You have killed a griffin too."
"Barley, he wasn't even tired. I nearly fainted taking one down even with help."