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The Glass Horse:
The Suitor, Continued Again
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June 482
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"You need to go to the University now?" Sarralyn asked. "It's the middle of the night."
"I can't sleep. I must see Wiliem for myself," I explained. "Will you come with me?" I half-expected Sarralyn to tell me that I was crazy and try to talk me into waiting for morning, but she just stared at me for a moment, taking in my appearance.
"Of course, I'll go," she said kindly. "Just get dressed properly first. Your mother is already going to have a whole nest of spidrens when she finds out that I agreed to this scheme; I don't need a lecture about your wardrobe too."
I knew Sarralyn was right, so I quickly changed into a proper tunic and leggings and ran a comb through my hair, marveling at how much time my haircut saved. The night was chilly for July, so I fastened a short cape around my neck. By the time I was finished, Sarralyn joined me, dressed in a similar outfit.
"I called for our horses and a couple of guards to ride with us. Ready?" she asked. I nodded, deferring to her judgement even though I would have preferred to go without an escort to save time.
Even with the guards, we rode briskly, reaching the University in about an hour. Sarralyn led the way from the stables to the hospital, being familiar with the campus from visits as a child whose parents gave frequent lectures there.
A younger student attended a desk just inside the entrance. When he'd recovered from the shock of having the queen show up to his ward in the middle of the night, he introduced himself as Coll. After hearing what we were there for, he showed us to the private room where Wil was being cared for.
"How is he?" I asked as I followed Coll.
"Much the same, Your Grace. He hasn't woken since he arrived here." He stopped outside a plain wooden door. There was a slate on the outside with Wil's name on it.
"Would it be alright if I sat with him for a while?" I asked.
"Of course, Majesty," he said, opening the door. A single candle was lit on the bedside table, shining light on Wil's pale face. Coll used the candle to light a larger lantern, and my guards stepped in to inspect the small room.
"We'll be in the hall," Sarralyn told me softly when she was satisfied the room was safe. I nodded without taking my eyes off Wil. I didn't watch her leave, but I heard the door click shut and then silence. I was alone with Wil for the first time since we'd been shackled together on the pirate ship.
I surveyed the room, taking in the shuttered window on one wall and a landscape painting on another. The bedside table that held the lantern also held a stack of books and a log of what I assumed were Wil's healings and treatments. I paged through the notes, but none of the healers' jargon made much sense to me.
The only other furniture in the room was a set of chairs. I pushed one closer to the bed and sat down, taking Wil's hand in mine. I finally allowed myself to look at his face. The color was returning to his skin, though he was still paler than I liked. A cut above his eye was fading, as was a bruise on his opposite cheek.
My eyes trailed down. He was shirtless, a bandage winding around his chest and midsection. The rest of him was covered with a crisp, clean blanket. I took a deep breath, steadying myself against the memory of Alv's blade sinking into Wil's side.
"I am so sorry, Wiliem," I whispered, needing him to hear my thoughts. "This is all my fault. If only I hadn't gotten lost in that stupid labyrinth. We'd have gotten to the saferoom instead of that cursed beach, and you would be fine right now." I laced my fingers with his and continued. It felt good to let the words flood out to someone who could only listen without judgement. "Everyone keeps telling me that what happened isn't my fault, but I can't force myself to believe them. I know how lucky I am to be alive. Poor Helanni died defending me. We had her funeral a few days ago- well, it was more of a ceremony than a funeral. I presented her family with her weapons and a medal of honor. I had to look them in their eyes and thank them for their daughter's sacrifice, as if my words could possibly make everything better for them. It was the hardest thing I've ever done." I paused for a moment, wishing now that Wil would squeeze my hand or sit up- anything to let me know he was alright. "You can't die, Wil. I don't think I could bear to say those things to your family too."
Deciding that a change in subject was needed, I began to tell Wil about the trials. "There's a part of me that doesn't blame Anneta for getting involved. I can't imagine how desperate she must have been to save her daughter. Ries Rock used her desperation to fuel his greed. It makes me wonder how many of his crew were being used like that too. I only have a few hours left to decide who to execute and who to let live, and I don't know what to do. I wish you could give me advice; you're always so steady about things." I rested my head on our intertwined hands, taking a minute of quiet after all that chatter. I felt lighter, even if I was still confused.
There was a knock on the door, and I sat up. A moment later a tall, gangly redheaded man entered. I recognized the Lioness's oldest son, Master Thom. He'd been a friend to my father and a fixture at the University for many years.
"Hello, Your Highness. I apologize for not coming sooner," he said, checking Wil's records before taking a seat in the other chair.
"Nonsense," I countered. "It's late and I arrived unannounced. I didn't expect any special treatment. I hope I didn't wake you, Master Thom."
He made a face. "Just Thom is fine. You didn't wake me. I was attending to an experiment, which Coll was reluctant to interrupt, but once he told me that Barrister Wiliem had a very special visitor, I thought I should check in and see if you had any questions."
"I do, actually," I said. I had about a thousand questions. "Is it true that he hasn't woken up at all since Port Caynn?"
"I'm afraid it is," Thom said, taking a seat in the other chair in the room.
"Will you be frank with me, Master Thom?"
"Just Thom," he said again. "Of course, if that is what you wish."
"Is Wiliem going to live?" I asked, holding his gaze. He sighed.
"It's hard to say. I've seen my share of comatose patients come through our ward. Some awaken and go on to live normal lives, and others never recover. In Barrister Wiliem's case, I think we are past the point of his life being endangered from his injuries. Sir Nealan did a fine job on his initial healing. He doesn't require any spells to sustain his breathing or stop him from bleeding internally anymore. In fact, his knife wound is almost completely healed."
"That all sounds promising," I said.
"Yes- he's doing so much better than when he got here. What worries me that he hasn't been conscious yet. In a general manner, the longer these cases go without the patient waking up, the less the chance there is that they will wake up."
"Ever?" I asked, my voice just a breath. Master Thom nodded. "Is there anything we can do? He was injured in service of the crown, so we need not worry about any expenses."
"Unfortunately, Wiliem's state isn't a question of cost, but of luck. Our best course of action is to stimulate his brain. We have healers on rotation to keep him nourished and move his limbs about- all the regular things you'd expect. We also have people in here reading to him- poetry, history- whatever we can get our hands on. Master Gavvin from his firm even brought in a few books from his office, boring dry things about law."
"Wiliem talked of studying for his Mastery," I said. "He'd be thrilled to know that someone is reading those to him, keeping him sharp."
Master Thom smiled. "I know that you work with him quite often, so if Your Majesty has any other ideas of things we could read, please send them our way. We never know what might engage his brain and trigger him to wake up."
"I am sure I could find a few things from projects we have going on," I offered. "How long will it be before we know if the stimulation is working?"
"I really can't say. I think the best plan would be to try it for a couple of weeks, then let the healing team back at him. We told his father that will be the point where we will start talking about the hard decisions if we need to." Master Thom adjusted his spectacles.
"Duke Cailan has been informed, then?" I asked.
"Yes. We sent a mage message as soon as we knew what we were dealing with. He seemed concerned but said that he is unfortunately unable to travel from Masbolle at this time. His brother lives in the city, so the duke appointed him to make decisions."
I felt sad for Wil, hearing that his own father wasn't coming, but I also knew they weren't terribly close. His Uncle Dom, Lady Kel's husband, was a good man. He would make wise decisions if he needed to.
"Thank you for explaining everything Thom," I said. "Will you keep us updated at the palace- especially if there are any changes?"
"Of course, Madam."
Master Thom took his leave soon after, but I decided to stay and read to Wil for a while. I picked up the first book on the stack, glancing at the title.A Catalogue of the History of Common and Statute Law of This Realm."You have limited interests, don't you?" I asked Wil. There was a slip of paper tucked into the spot where the last person who had read to him left off. I turned to this page and began at the top.
"King Jonathan IV's coronation day was darkened by a coup, and his resurrected uncle, Duke Roger of Conté, made a bid for the throne. The duke was unsuccessful, perishing in his efforts. Afterwards leaders of the rebellion were sentenced to lifetime imprisonments, marking a difference in his reign and that of his grandfather, King Jasson III, who favored beheading as punishments for even lesser crimes."
I paused, running my finger over my grandfather's name, blinking back sudden tears. I knew the story of his coronation day, but it had been some time since I'd thought about it. I had long past lost count of how many times I wished he and my father were still alive, and I wished it again now. Then I looked at the book again and nearly laughed, realizing that they were still with me. It was no coincidence that I'd opened the book to that particular passage.
I looked at Wil's face, brushing his hair away from his eyes. "Even comatose you are helping me. I'll add this time to your firm's fee," I said, knowing the advocate in him would appreciate the joke. I stayed a bit longer, reading a few more pages. When I started to get so sleepy that the words blurred on the page, I said goodbye to Wil and promised to return soon.
Sarralyn and the guards were waiting outside still, looking weary. I felt bad for making them wait so long, especially when we got outside and I saw dawn brushing the sky. Our ride back to the palace was quiet.
"You seem in better spirits," Sarralyn said. She'd waited until we were alone in my rooms before she asked me about the visit. "Did Master Thom have encouraging news?"
"Not particularly. All we can really do is wait and hope," I said. "I did figure out what I'm going to do about the warrants of execution though. After breakfast I will need to meet with Lord Edmin."
"I'll set it up, and then I'm having a nap," Sarralyn told me. "A nice, long one, in the sun, as a lizard."
"You've earned it," I told her with a chuckle.
…..
The sentencing began after lunch. I put on a dress and my crown again, but this time I tucked my father's glass horse into my pocket for luck. I felt much more settled than I had the day before. Now the decision was made and the paperwork was signed. I just had to see it announced, and then I could move forward.
The courtroom was even more packed with people than it had been the day before. This time I arrived after the prisoners had been brought in. The crowd stood to bow as I made my way to the throne.
When I reached Lord Edmin, I returned his bow with a shallow curtsy. "Before you begin, I'd like to address the room," I told him.
"Of course, my queen," he said, organizing his papers and taking a seat at his desk. The crowd hushed as I rose to the front of the dais.
"Good morning," I said. Looking out over the absolute ocean of faces, I suddenly remembered how much I hated speaking to crowds. Just before my panic symptoms could kick in, I caught my grandmother's eyes. She inclined her head in the tiniest of nods and gave me a smile that reminded me of my father. My mother was at her side with a similar expression. Master Gavvin sat a few rows behind her. Seeing him made me think of Wil, and words that he had spoken to me the day before Midsummer popped into my head."Forgive me if I'm being too forward, but I know you doubt if you are making a difference. You truly are. Keep following your heart, Your Highness."
Bolstered, I went on. "I would like to say a few words about justice. Last night I had an unexpected opportunity to review a book calledA Catalogue of the History of Common and Statute Law of This Realm. Quite a mouthful, isn't it?" I heard a few chuckles and went on. "The section that I read dealt with the history of rebellions. It was completely accidental that I picked this up, but it is poetic, as the author cited the events of the Rebellion of 439. While it was a very different situation that what I've recently experienced, there were similar decisions that had to be made in the aftermath. The gist of things was that while most people wouldn't have batted an eye if the masterminds of that rebellion had been executed, King Jonathan IV refused to start his reign with more bloodshed than there had already been.
"While I was reading about this time in Tortallan history, there was a stack of warrants of execution sitting on my own desk, waiting for my seal. I have agonized over this decision, weighing the events of Midsummer. The whole experience was terrifying, and I wouldn't wish it upon my greatest enemy, but it has forced me to inspect who I am in a way that I never have had to do before. Growing up as the crown princess, I always knew I was destined to be the queen, but I see now that it is a very great honor and privilege to lead our realm. I understand how my grandfather must have felt all those years ago, knowing that his decisions would set the tone for his entire reign.
"My decision now will set the tone for my own time as your monarch. With that in mind, I have decided to follow my grandfather's example and show mercy." I heard mumbling through the audience. To put a stop to it, I concluded, "As mercy and leniency are not the same thing, I now turn the floor back over to Lord Edmin for the sentencing."
"Well done," Sarralyn whispered as I went to my seat. I squeezed her hand and settled myself on the throne.
Lord Edmin addressed the pirates first, waiting for them to get to their feet. "As you know, all seventeen of you were found guilty. You are hereby sentenced to twenty years of hard labor," he announced, looking at the pirates with determination. "You will be assigned to convict squads across the kingdom so there is no chance of rebellion amongst you. Furthermore, you will each be branded upon your right hand. Any further acts of piracy will not be tolerated. You will not escape a death sentence a second time." In our meeting that morning, Lord Edmin had insisted on adding that last part before he would approve the hard labor sentence, and I had agreed readily. Merciful, but not lenient.
"Anneta Beck, please rise." Anneta stood shakily. "Mistress Beck, you have been found guilty of conspiring with this band of miscreants and aiding in the kidnap of our queen. If it were up to me, you would not be spared the noose. However, Queen Lianokami has also granted you mercy- far more than you deserve. You are sentenced to imprisonment, also for twenty years."
"But my daughter-" Anneta wailed.
Lord Edmin cut her off. "If she is agreeable, your sister will continue to care for the lass. If not, she will be placed with a family of good reputation in the city. Furthermore, the Crown wishes to sponsor the full healing of your child."
Anneta's head whipped up and her eyes quickly found mine. "Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you!" she sobbed before her guard quieted her.
Lord Edmin addressed the room. "This is the will of Queen Lianokami I. So mote it be."
"So mote it be," the crowd repeated.
"We are adjourned for the day." Lord Edmin nodded to me, a satisfied smile on his face.
I felt the gaze of the crowd grow heavy, and suddenly needed to be off the dais. Sarralyn seemed to sense this, as she ushered me down the steps and over to my family.
Right away, Grandmother Thayet pulled me into her arms and squeezed me. It felt just like it had in my childhood, and I wished the hug could last forever. It didn't of course, and a few moments later my grandmother pulled away to look me in the eyes. "He would be so very proud of you today." She didn't have to say any names for me to know she spoke of my grandfather.
"He helped me make the decision," I said, fingers grasping the glass horse in my pocket. I took it out, holding it on my open palm so that the family could see. "So did my Da. Today I truly feel like I understand everything they tried to teach me."
My mother put her arm around my shoulders. "You are magnificent," she said. "I was very impressed when-"
Mother didn't finish her thought, as just then the door crashed open. I felt Sarralyn stiffen at my side and reach for the sword that was strapped to her side, but she relaxed a bit when a boy ran in, darting between nobles who were attempting to exit the courtroom.
"Your Majesty," the lad said, stopping before me and dropping into a bow. Now that he was still, I recognized Coll from the University hospital. "Master Thom sent me to fetch you. He said I was to use as much haste as I could muster."
My stomach dropped, wrapped in fear for Wil. "Why? What's happened?"
"It's Barrister Wiliem, mum. He's awakened."
"I'll send for the horses," Sarralyn told me, but I almost didn't hear her over the shock and relief that was roaring through my ears.
Somehow I thanked Coll and turned to my mother and grandmother. "I have to go," I told them, pressing the glass horse into my mother's hands. "Will you please take care of the boy and see that he gets a few coins for delivering the message."
I barely waited for one of them to answer before I dashed from the room as quickly as decorum would allow. I didn't stop to change but went straight to the courtyard where Marigold was ready and waiting. Sarralyn and I were mounting our horses when Master Gavvin caught up with us.
"Would you mind terribly if an old man rode along?" he asked.
"Of course you're welcome," I said, even though I didn't want to be slowed down. A groom quickly saddled an extra horse, and we soon rode out of the palace gate. It turned out that I needn't have worried about being slowed down; Master Gavvin was a good rider for a man of his age who spent most of his days behind a desk.
We soon arrived at the University and left our horses with attendants at the gate for the second time in the space of a day. I must have looked crazed, crashing up the stairs and into the hospital, my court clothes mussed and covered with horsehair.
Wil's door was open this time, surrounded by a small crowd of students and masters. They parted when they saw me, bowing as I passed. I stopped in the threshold, as the small room was full. Master Thom attended Wil, and his aunt and uncle watched from nearby. Auntie Kel was the first to greet me with a warm smile. She took her husband's hand to pull him out of the way. Thom, who had been standing over Wil and casting a spell, finished his magic backed away. Then I got my first look at my love.
Wil was sitting up in bed, clean and dressed in a new nightshirt. He looked up at the crowd with a tight smile. Then his blue eyes settled on mine, and his smiled widened. "Hello there," he said. I couldn't stop myself. I strode across the room and kissed him soundly.
Master Gavvin clapped Sarralyn on the shoulder. "All's well that ends well, eh?" he said.
…..
After the events of that summer, it was refreshing to fall into my daily routine. When Wil was fully recovered, he joined me and we fell into an easy partnership, which I took as a sign that I was making the right choice with him.
We were to be married on the last day of Midwinter that year. I let my mother and grandmother plan the grand royal wedding that they each missed out on because the realm was unstable or at war when they married.
As usual, Midwinter was a week of parties, knighting ceremonies, and balls. By the time the sixth night of Midwinter rolled around, I was more than ready for the festivities to be over. The party that night was for the most recent Yamani delegation, visitors and relatives of my mother who had arrived to witness my wedding.
It was a dull evening, with much bowing and stoic conversation. I found myself listening to Sir Nealan as he bored an entire group of delegates with a story- if you could call it that- about a yam field in Queenscove. Every one of the Yamanis was too polite to betray their boredom, and it was hardly appropriate for me to interrupt, so we all suffered.
It was Sarralyn who came to my rescue. I was nodding along to the story when she came to my side. "A message for you, My Queen," she said, handing me a folded bit of parchment. I unfolded it to find a brief note:time for a break.
Keeping my face Yamani-blank, I excused myself from the conversation and followed Sarralyn away. She led me outside to a courtyard garden full of trees and hardy plants.
"How did you know I needed this?" I asked, filling my lungs with the crisp, fresh, winter air.
"I can read you well," Sarralyn said, passing me a warm wrap. I noticed with suspicion that she had not brought one for herself. "Besides, you're not the only one who could use some space." Sarralyn nodded towards a figure seated on one of the courtyard benches, then turned into an owl, flapping into the night sky and leaving her mossy green dress behind on the moss-covered ground.
The figure chuckled, and I recognized the voice of my finance. "Hello, my love," Wil said as I took a seat beside him.
"What brings you to this lovely miniature forest in the dead of winter?" I asked, snuggling up to his side for warmth.
"Oh, I just needed a minute to catch my breath," Wil said. "I'm not accustomed to this much socializing at Midwinter. I suppose I will have to get used to it."
"It's not too late to back out. You could go back to your office and finish your mastery," I told him, lacing our fingers together as I said it.
I felt his smile. "Not a chance," Wil said, pulling me closer. "That would mean life without you.
"But your plans-"
"I have new plans- we do, I mean. Think how many people we will be able to help," Wil said dreamily. I didn't have the heart to remind him how hard we would have to work to balance all the different needs and wants of the people in our realm. Wil knew, and he was willing to face those challenges together with me.
"I am excited for the days and years ahead," I told him, and I meant it. Snow started falling lightly around us, dusting our hair with flakes that sparkled in the torchlight.
"What about you?" Wil asked, brushing my hair out of my eyes. "Any regrets?"
"Just one. I wish my father was here."
"I understand. I wish my mother was here as well," Wil said, looking out at the city. "It's been good to have her side of the family around." I agreed. Wil's grandfather from Trebond had spent the previous evening regaling anyone who would listen with stories about the Lioness as a page, squire, and then young knight. Lady Alanna's purple-eyed cat perched upon his shoulder, looking regal and nodding along as though he understood the story- which of course he did.
"I hope they'll visit often," I said. "I'd like for our children to grow up hearing all their stories."
Wil blushed, as he always did when babies were mentioned. "I'd like that," he said. "Any children we have will know all about the grandparents they've lost. We'll make sure of it."
I leaned up for a kiss. Before things between us could get too heated, an owl swooped out of nowhere, so close that I could feel the breeze from its wings. It let out a series of hoots that sounded suspiciously like "there'll be plenty of time to canoodle later".
Wil stood, dusting the snow off his tunic, then offering me his arm with the same silly, over-flourished bow that he'd used when we danced together at the Midsummer Ball. "Shall we march forward bravely into the future?"
"Do we have to go back?" I asked as I stood, dreading the tedious room I had only recently escaped from. If Sir Nealan was still telling the Yam story, I might scream.
"You know we do," Sarralyn said, emerging from the trees beside us. She was in human form and fully dressed again. To minimize rumors, she and I would return to the party together a few minutes before Wil.
I glanced back at Wil, squeezing his arm pleadingly. He kissed my cheek as he handed me over to Sarralyn. "Don't look so glum, my love," he said. "No matter how dull this party is, it's still better than being chained together in a pirate ship."
Those words would go on to become a staple in our marriage when we were facing temporary inconveniences. Having to choose sides between two bickering nobles, sitting through particularly boring meetings or parties, laboring through the births of our children- one of us would always remind the other that at least we hadn't been captured by pirates and it would ease the tension.
That's not to say every day was a ride in the park. We'd faced hardships, and there were sure to be more in our path, but my love was at my side to help me face the future. Through it all, my father's little glass horse was in its place on my desk, watching over us as a reminder to honor the past.
And so, with love, laughter, and a lot of hard work, I led my realm for all of my days.