Description: The Tortallans are presented to the emperor and Daine asks to visit His Majesty's birds.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. Everything belongs to Tamora Pierce.
Author's Note: With Daine having received no training from Numair when she arrived from Galla, she's only been given her first lesson from the badger: if you look long and hard, you can find us. If you listen hard and long, you can hear any of us, call any of us, that you want.
Chapter 2
Alanna teased a bedraggled Daine all the way to the women's guest baths and continued mercilessly while she cleaned herself and her new friend. He was the tiniest monkey the young woman had ever seen with beautiful, mottled fur of yellow, brown, grey and olive green that looked like he belonged in a forest.
"Do you have a name?" she addressed her new friend.
The monkey gave his name in a series of whistles and clicks which Daine could not pronounce even if she tried. "I don't think I can manage that. Would it be all right if I called you Zekoi? Or Zek for short after the river I took you from?"
Zek, I like that, the tiny monkey cheeped and clicked in an attempt to say his new name.
"Where did you come from?" the young woman asked, examining him carefully for any signs of injury.
I was taken from my home and my family to be a pet of the Monsterboy, Zek whistled sadly. He put me in a cage and put that awful collar around my neck.
"I'm sorry. I won't let anyone do that to you again," the girl promised stroking her fingers through his wet fur.
"Daine, watch yourself talking to the animals like that," the Lioness cautioned, watching the exchange closely. "People at home are used to you doing it, but here –? They might think you're mad."
The young woman winced and looked away. Only Alanna, her husband, George, and Onua, horsemistress of the Queen's Riders, knew about the madness that would take her sometimes when she wasn't careful, or her anger got the better of her.
"I've told you before, I can't find any true madness within you," the Lioness asserted. "If there were any, I would have found it. Unless you doubt my ability to heal?"
"O'course not!" Daine said defensively.
"Just have a care who you're speaking to and make sure no one's listening in," Alanna warned.
"You're worried?" the young woman looked over at the knight seeing the deep creases on her friend's forehead.
"I can't shake the feeling we've walked straight into a trap," the Lioness squeezed her eyes shut and rubbed her temples with one hand. "There's no reason for the emperor to want peace but I'll be dammed if I can figure out what his true motive is."
"You're afraid of the emperor." That thought alone terrified Daine. Anyone who could scare the king's champion was someone to stay well away from not call on for a visit at his home.
"Any man who can enslave and control one of the most powerful mages in the realm is someone to fear," Alanna opened her purple eyes and fixed the young woman with a hard stare.
"D'you think we'll see his pet mage this visit?" Daine was especially hoping to avoid him. As a rule, she wasn't fond of mages, with Alanna being the exception.
"You met him today – Arram Draper – on the boat," the Lioness gave her young friend a meaningful look.
Daine gaped. "The slave who retrieved me from the river?" He'd looked so harmless and unassuming!
Alanna nodded gravely. "That man levelled an entire country at the emperor's bidding. The heartless Black Robe Monster of Siraj. Be especially wary of him."
The young woman felt a shiver run down her spine. "A whole country? What's stopping the emperor from destroying us then?"
"On Tortallan soil we stand a chance with the king wielding the Dominion Jewel. Here?" the knight gestured at their surroundings. "His mage could snap his fingers and turn us all to dust." She demonstrated with her own finger-snap.
"I'll steer clear of him, I promise," the young woman said earnestly. "What would a mage want with the likes of me anyway?"
Alanna turned knowing purple eyes on Daine and the young woman swallowed. They were both well aware that back home the mages kept trying to study her to understand her mysterious connection with animals and coming up blank. There was no telling what the Carthaki masters would do if they saw Daine conversing with the animals.
The young woman returned to her rooms to get ready trying not to balk at how elegant they were. She could easily fit her small room in the stables into the bedroom three times. The intricately carved bed and fine cotton sheets were fit for a noble with the lovely fragrance of cedar filling the room from the window screens. The personal privy was an indulgence which had been filled with cosmetic jars Daine had only seen Thayet use. The exception to all this magnificence was the tiger skin rug which the young woman stuffed under the bed with disgust.
Daine wasn't sure if Zek had picked up on her nerves, but the tiny monkey refused to let go of her. "Why don't you hold on to Kitten while I dress," she suggested kindly.
The dragonet held out a paw and after a moment's hesitation Zek took it, continuing to watch the young woman's every move. Tonight, the queen had given Daine a twilight-blue silk gown to wear with silver embroidery. She'd never owned such a beautiful dress in her life and enjoyed how it clung to and emphasized her modest curves. At least the young woman didn't feel quite so out of place in all this opulence dressed as she was.
It was difficult not to gaze at every wall, door and piece of furniture while Daine made her way around the antechamber. Carthak dripped with wealth, and they weren't afraid to show it. Evidence of the university mage's work was everywhere from the steady illumination to the running water.
A page ushered the Tortallans into the throne room where Duke Gareth read his opening speech to the emperor, emphasising their desire for peaceful relations. Ozorne was God-like sat upon his tall throne atop a dais flanked by ministers. He glittered with gold from the gold beads in his gold frosted braids to the gold rings on his fingers and toes, and gold bracelets on his wrists and ankles. Even his lips, eyelashes and eyebrows were dusted with gold. The six rows of black opals around the emperor's neck made Daine seethe with rage. If even one of those had come out of the Dunlath mines she would somehow make him pay dearly for the lives it cost.
In stark contrast, at the base of the dais knelt the emperor's pet mage in nothing but a black loincloth with long flaps. He had a well-toned body for a slave with swarthy skin covered in fine scars and a slave brand on his left shoulder marking him as property of the Carthaki Empire. With his shaved head lowered in submission it was difficult to believe this man had eradicated an entire country or was in any way dangerous.
Duke Gareth finished his speech and presented their gift before a herald announced each of the Tortallans in turn to approach the dais. When Daine's name was finally called, she took a deep breath and walked to the first step to spread her skirts wide. The queen had made her practice her curtsey until the young woman had perfected it. The emperor seemed to pay the girl no attention until Kitten, who wasn't content to remain on the bottom step, paused to sniff at the black robe mage before she trotted up the dais until she stood at Ozorne's feet.
The emperor smiled broadly and reached out a hand for the dragonet to examine. "Greetings dragon-child."
Kitten sneezed but took a great interest in the gems on the emperor's fingers.
"Are you her keeper?" Ozorne spared a glance in Daine's direction.
The young woman bit her tongue at his choice of words but forced herself to answer politely. "I take care of her, Your Imperial Majesty."
"How was she taken? A trap, or a pit? A net perhaps?" the emperor inquired.
Daine swallowed an angry retort with difficulty. "I don't think you understand our relationship, Your Imperial Majesty. I'm not her keeper. Kit's – Kitten's – ma died to protect me and my friends. She left Kitten to my care."
"Indeed?" Amber eyes studied her with interest and Daine fought against a tremor before Ozorne nodded to dismiss the pair.
She retreated back towards Alanna gratefully while Kitten slowly made her way back down the steps. Stopping beside the mage, the dragonet approached him sniffing curiously until she placed her forepaws delicately on his knee and looked into his face. The briefest of smiles flickered over the slave's features before he smothered it and nodded in Daine's direction, his dark eyes continuing to follow the dragonet until she stood at the young woman's feet with a look of almost yearning. Noticing her eyes on him, the mage quickly lowered his head, a blush staining his cheeks.
With the introductions finished the emperor gave his own welcome speech also professing his desire for peace before the Tortallans were dismissed back to the antechamber. A gong rang several times before the walls separating the two rooms sank into the floor creating one large space. Everyone bowed to the emperor until, with a wave of his hand, the festivities were allowed to commence. Daine quickly retreated to a niche in the wall and breathed a sigh of relief. Zek, who had been hiding in her curls the entire time, squeaked and crawled onto her lap as Alanna and Duke Gareth joined her.
"It went well, I think," His Grace commented sliding into the seat beside the girl. "You performed beautifully, Daine."
"Thank you, Your Grace," the young woman blushed, pleased that she'd done him proud. Duke Gareth had spent several long hours tutoring her on proper behaviour and how to address the emperor during their voyage.
"Fruit juices," Harailt of Aili appeared with Gareth the Younger followed by servers bearing trays while cups were handed out to everyone.
"What about His Majesty's birds?" Daine asked, accepting her own cup. "I came all this way to see 'em, but he never mentioned 'em at all."
"Rulers don't act as other men," Gareth the Younger said kindly. "All requirements of protocol must be met before personal considerations may intrude. You must be patient until he sends for you."
"But more of 'em might get sick," the young woman fretted.
"Hush child," Lord Martin scolded. "Birds are the least of our concern."
Daine scowled and drank her juice in silence while Carthaki ministers introduced themselves and slowly led members of the delegation away one by one. Even Alanna, who hated these functions, was called away by a general of the Red Legion dressed in a crimson kilt and gold washed armour. Another server approached bearing a selection of fruit which Daine accepted watching while Zek helped himself to grapes. Kitten trilled mournfully until the tiny monkey handed her a prune which she devoured quickly.
The young woman's mind returned to this morning and wondered whether she should have mentioned Badger's visit to Alanna. It wasn't as if seers hadn't been predicting doom to befall Carthak for ages, but it was the first time one of the gods had confirmed it, although Daine doubted the Lioness would have any interest in helping her search for a black hawk. She watched all the adults in deep discussion feeling completely lost and out of place surrounded by all this extravagance. Daine missed Cloud and Onua, wondering what they were doing and wishing she was with them instead. Maybe someone in the garden might like to speak to me if I'm lucky, she thought.
"Come on you two," the young woman huffed, slipping out of her alcove and smoothing her skirts. "Let's get some fresh air."
After two hours of kneeling on a hard floor, Arram rose on stiff legs when the emperor finally snuck off his dais leaving his simulacrum in place. The mage doubted His Majesty knew that his pet could sense the invisibility spells he used to cloak himself, trusting implicitly in his illusion. Arram had never had a talent for creating illusions, but sensing magic was something he excelled at even with his Gift severely diminished. The mage had been distracted half the evening subtly observing the young woman with the copper aura. Ten minutes ago, she'd left the room and headed towards the gardens, and he couldn't deny his curiosity any longer.
Arram slowly made his way through the crowds, completely unnoticed despite his height. Being a slave meant that most people paid you no attention unless they needed someone to order around. Slipping out onto the terrace, the mage immediately spotted the young woman standing beneath a tree. For a full minute he stood transfixed, unable to breathe or even dare move lest he destroy the scene before him. It wasn't just the gorgeous dress that that clung to her lithe body sparkling in the moonlight, it was the bats that clung to her arms, bodice and hair. Veralidaine Sarrasri looked like a myth come to life.
In the quiet of the evening, Arram could hear her soft voice talking to the tiny Microchiroptera until, as one, they detached from her and flew away into the night sky. She waved farewell before heaving a sigh and leaned against the tree.
Approaching cautiously, the mage kept his head down. "Is something the matter, Nobility?"
Veralidaine startled to attention. "No, nothing's wrong."
"How is your friend from the river?" Arram made a fumbled attempt at small talk knowing he may never get the opportunity to speak with her again.
A small chirp had the mage raising his head without thinking to see a pygmy marmoset emerge from underneath the young woman's curls. Arram grinned before he remembered himself and dropped his head quickly which only served to put the young dragon in his sights. There were so many questions he desperately wanted to ask and wasn't technically allowed to.
"He's fine, though I'm not sure what he is exactly," Veralidaine answered hesitantly.
"A pygmy marmoset," the mage supplied. "They are typically found in the forests of the Copper Isles, Nobility." He smiled sheepishly as the dragonet walked closer and went to her haunches to peer up at him. "You prefer the company out here to inside?"
"I'm not here for the talks so no one needs bother with the likes of me." There was a slight bitterness to her words that spoke of someone who was often overlooked.
"In the emperor's words: if you desire anything it shall be granted to you. How may this one serve you, Nobility?" Arram prayed fervently that she wouldn't send him away although he wouldn't blame her for wanting the solitude.
"Would it be –" she stammered before starting again. "Could I see the emperor's birds if it's not too much trouble? It's why I'm here, after all."
The mage looked up sharply to be met with the most beautiful earnest blue-grey eyes. A man could drown in those pools. "You aren't tired from your long journey?"
The young woman smiled as if inviting him to share in some sort of private joke. "I'll never sleep tonight if I know there's sick birds I might help."
"Wait one moment, Nobility," Arram bowed and headed back inside.
The large room was filled with dignitaries, but it didn't take the mage long to spot who he was looking for: Lindhall Reed, a tall northern mage with heavily silvered blonde hair was in deep discussion with several foreign mages. Arram kept his head down as he wove effortlessly through the crowd until he stood at his former mentor's side.
"Master Lindhall, may this unworthy one take a moment of your time?" he requested in a soft voice.
The older man glanced at him briefly before excusing himself politely and followed Arram out to the balcony.
"The lady wishes to visit and examine His Majesty's birds," the younger mage explained when they joined Veralidaine in the garden.
"You aren't too tired?" Lindhall asked in concern.
"No," she said firmly. "Please, I'd like to see the birds as soon as possible, if I'm allowed."
"A young woman after my own heart," the northern mage smiled warmly. "Follow me."
Arram knew he shouldn't follow but he couldn't resist. To see this young woman use her wild magic was something he wouldn't have missed no matter the punishments it may incur.
"D'you know what's wrong with the emperor's birds? What they've been suffering from?" Veralidaine asked as the three of them walked along the winding paths through the gardens with the dragonet trotting at their feet.
"It's not an ailment I am familiar with," Lindhall sighed. "They start to suffer with palsy in their heads then shortly after they refuse to eat. The victims die within two weeks of showing signs."
"Has anything changed in their diet?" the young woman frowned thoughtfully.
"Nothing," Lindhall shook his head. "The birds were moved to their new enclosure in the spring, but the sickness didn't appear immediately, so I don't believe it's connected. They all seemed to adjust to their new surroundings well enough. Some began nesting immediately which would suggest they were settled in their new environment. Here we are." The older mage entered the building and opened a pair of white doors painted with green vines, clapping twice to activate the lights.
"Oh, glory!" Veralidaine gasped and jerked to a halt, staring in wonder at their surroundings.
The mages exchanged indulgent smiles while the young woman tried to take it all in. Even the dragonet made a whistle of appreciation. The emperor had spared no expense in the renovations: reproductions of birds crafted from gold strips decorated the walls with gems for eyes and colourful stones to depict their plumage. It was an impressive display if you could forget how the money could have been better spent to care for the people starving and dying on the streets.
Lindhall led them down the hall to another pair of frosted glass doors on an emerald-green metal framework and drew a rune in the air to open them. Arram wasn't technically allowed beyond these doors, but he'd worry about that later. The two mages created light-globes and Veralidaine inhaled sharply as she admired the large dome filled with trees and vibrant greenery. The babble of brooks and trickle of fountains could be heard as fresh water constantly provided the birds places to drink and bathe in as if Carthak hadn't been suffering from draught for the last five years.
"Do you require anything to do your work?" Lindhall asked.
"Oh no," Veralidaine asked looking a little flustered. "Is it all right if I go speak with them? I mean – look at them?" she amended quickly.
"Of course," the elderly mage waved her forward with a kind smile.
The young woman took two paces forward before turning to face the men. "Would one of you hold Zek for me?" She retrieved the monkey and held him on her outstretched hand. "I imagine the birds will want that shoulder and you didn't like sharing with the bats," Veralidaine explained to the marmoset as if he understood every word she spoke.
The way the copper fire expanded out of her to encompass the creature it was quite possible the monkey did understand. Arram stepped forward and held out his hand for the young woman to gently place Zek onto his palm. The pygmy marmoset looked dwarfed by his large hand as the mage drew the creature to his chest and stroked him gently with one finger.
"Do you know what she intends?" Lindhall whispered while the two mages stood watching the young woman head towards the foliage.
"No," Arram shook his head unable to take his eyes off her. "Lindhall, she has wild magic!"
"You're certain?" The elderly mage snapped to attention.
Arram nodded emphatically. "I've never seen a single person hold so much."
"Is that why you came with us?" his former teacher scolded.
The mage blushed nodding sheepishly while Veralidaine held out her arms for the birds to fly to her. She had no food in her hands that he could see, only her power slowly expanding like a mass of twisted vines. The mages stood in complete silence watching the young woman hold whispered conversations with the birds letting them come and go freely.
"I should return," Lindhall murmured regretfully. "If the emperor finds you in here, even with the girl, he will be angry. I'll make sure His Majesty is distracted and inform the head of the Tortallan delegation that the young lady is here, so they don't worry."
Arram tore his gaze away to look into his former master's bright blue eyes. "Be cautious. He's using his simulacra."
The elderly mage grimaced and nodded before raising his voice to address Veralidaine. "I will leave you now to your work. If you need anything, Arram will get it for you." Lindhall placed a hand on his friend's shoulder, squeezing lightly. "Be careful! Don't take any more unnecessary risks. Kaddar informed me about the incident on the boat."
The mage smiled and nodded gravely before returning his attention back to the young woman missing his former master shake his head in resignation as he left the pair alone.