Caledonia Fae 05 - Elder Druid (11 page)

“You’re not concentrating,” Eilidh said.

“My mind wanders,” Tràth told her. With her help, the focus had been easier, but after concentrating for so long, he was growing tired. They’d made some progress, isolating the place in his consciousness where his bond with Douglas lay, but he’d not been able to get near it. Any time he shifted his focus, his sense of Douglas grew stronger. In those moments, he felt as though the druid stood right beside him. “Our efforts run contrary to the desired effect.”

Eilidh touched his hand. “Don’t worry. That’s normal for someone who has not attempted these types of exercises and meditations before. Plus, you’re grappling with an added distraction.” Tràth couldn’t be certain if she meant Douglas or the time stream, but he decided not to ask. “We should take a break. Some refreshment, perhaps?” she offered.

In the next room, Maiya gurgled with delight. Eilidh looked sharply in her direction. “I do wish he’d let the nurses take care of her, at least during the day. At this rate, English will be her first language.” She sighed.

Tràth didn’t like to argue, but he had less resistance to the breaking of tradition than she. One thing he couldn’t deny: Maiya seemed blissful when she was with her father.

A servant in Caledonian livery entered. Eilidh stood, looking pleased. “Finally. He should be bringing word we’re ready to depart for home.” She smiled at Tràth. “I’m eager for things to return to normal, and I’m sure you’re impatient to be away from the Halls.”

“Indeed,” he said, rising with her. Together, they went to the day room and joined her mates.

The servant bowed deeply. “Your Majesty, an emissary from the Zalian Hall arrived a few moments ago, saying he has been charged with making an inquiry.”

Eilidh frowned, and glanced at Griogair, then back at the steward. “An inquiry?”

The steward held out a leather-bound sheaf, which Eilidh accepted. “Interesting,” she said, glancing over the papers inside. She turned to Prince Koen. “Will you see to this emissary and offer all the comforts of our Hall? I want to be sure we cause no offense and give him no reason to report anything but that we paid him the highest honour. I will respond to the princess’ inquiry within the hour.”

Tràth suspected she was using this as an excuse to be rid of Koen, but her newest mate merely nodded his agreement and followed the steward out.

“What is it?” Griogair asked. “Is she requesting to open trade negotiations?”

Eilidh glanced at Tràth. “Oh yes,” she said. “And more.” She turned to the nurses hovering nearby. “Take Princess Maiya for her morning’s rest, please.” They swept forward and retrieved the child from Munro’s arms and left quickly.

“What does Imena want?” Munro asked, his tone wary.

Eilidh frowned, reading over the papers again. Pausing a moment, she handed them to Griogair. After his eyes scanned the documents, he showed them to Munro. “The script is in the fae tongue,” he said.

Eilidh glanced at Tràth. “You spoke to Imena after dinner?” Her tone was sharp.

“Yes, briefly,” Tràth replied cautiously. “She was intrigued by our little game. Perhaps too much so. I made it clear I would not be pursuing a mating ritual with her and indicated I was leaving the Halls of Mist immediately, regardless of whether she continued talks with Caledonia. I was with her when you called. I may have exited abruptly, but she didn’t give the impression my departure upset her.”

“What does this say?” Munro asked, gesturing to the missive.

“She has invited a Caledonian trade delegation to Zalia to open formal negotiations,” Eilidh said, not taking her eyes off Tràth. “On one condition.”

“What condition?” Dread crawled up Tràth’s neck. Had he done something wrong?

“That
you
act as my delegate.”

“Me?” Tràth said.

“What did you talk with her about?” Griogair asked his son.

Tràth frowned. The conversation had been of little consequence in his mind, and he couldn’t think how his words might have spurred her to such an action. “I’m as surprised as you are,” he said. He relayed the words that had passed between them with precision. His talent with time gave him a hauntingly clear memory.

Griogair spoke to Eilidh. “Tràth’s health is not stable enough to put such a burden on him.” Despite the use of a euphemism like
health
to mean
mental state
, Tràth found his father’s concern touching.

“How did your meditation session go?” Munro asked Tràth. “Were you able to close the connection?”

Tràth shook his head. “No, but I think with practise I could. With Eilidh’s soothing, my mind is more calm and focused. The flows of time aren’t as overwhelming. I’m hopeful.”

“You know what I think about closing the bond,” Munro said. “But I respect your decision. If you think you can handle this, maybe in a few weeks, after you’ve had some more sessions with Eilidh, you’d be up for it.”

“The princess insists he depart in no less than five nights’ time,” Eilidh said.

“So soon?” Tràth’s mind reeled. Why the hurry? What was Imena up to?

“To call this unwise would be an understatement,” Griogair said.

“Agreed,” Munro said. “Is this negotiable?” he asked Eilidh.

She shook her head. “The missive clearly states that all other points are open to discussion, but on these two, the princess stands firm.”

“Why?” Tràth asked.

Eilidh furrowed her brow. “Clearly there is something going on in Zalia of which we are unaware. Or maybe the demand is more personal.”

“What do you mean?” Tràth asked. “I told you every word that passed between us.”

“Yes,” the queen said thoughtfully, “but there is a lot more to a conversation than the words.” She paused, frowning and tapping her fingers together as she thought. None dared interrupt her. “You made no advance toward her? Did nothing she might interpret as intimate or even flirtatious?”

Tràth shrugged. “I do not always understand what a woman will consider flirtatious, but I don’t think so. I smiled at her. I tried to be pleasant but distant. I told her in no uncertain terms I had no interest in becoming her mate. As I said, I offered to host her at my palace. Even that was offered in no more than a cordial manner, as I would have done to anyone of our station I found interesting.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Griogair said, his voice firm. “We must decline the princess’ request.”

Tràth turned to Eilidh. “What if you sent a diplomat, a negotiator, and another astral faerie with me? One strong enough to guide me through the meditations and keep my mind stable?”

Eilidh hesitated. “As to the first two, we would need to be careful. She insisted only you conduct the negotiations. However, we might send some skilled younger members of our diplomatic service as part of your retinue. You would have to be cautious how you regarded them and not allow the princess to believe anyone else spoke for you.” Her eyes lit up. “We could send them as protocol officers.”

“What about his mind?” Griogair said. “Not to be indelicate, but I found him in a drugged stupor only hours ago. A misstep like that would be more disastrous than declining the invitation.”

Eilidh shook her head. “I trust Tràth,” she said. “But you’re right. Who could we send to aid him in continuing his meditations? Clearly, I can’t attend myself. I have only trained on my treatment of the bond with Elder Oron. Sadly, I doubt Imena would welcome a member of my conclave as part of this delegation, not that he would agree to our plan.” She sighed. “He believes strongly even a temporary shutting of the bond is unwise.”

“Then we shouldn’t take the risk,” Griogair said. “We will not endanger my son for trade, Eilidh.”

“No,” she said. “Of course you’re right.”

Tràth watched the exchange, thoughts racing in his mind. He’d never considered taking on the role of a delegate for Caledonia. He’d spent so much time telling everyone how unsuitable he was to be a royal that he believed it. Now, he pondered the opportunity, thinking of the chance to not only get away from Douglas and the Halls of Mist but his empty life in Caledonia. Although he’d planned to stay with Eilidh and her mates in Canton Dreich rather than returning immediately to the Gap of Bria, this would be a step forward. He thought of Imena and her offer of friendship. Somehow, he trusted her. “I want to go,” he said.

The other three stared at him.

“Are you sure?” Munro asked.

Tràth nodded. “My life, as has been pointed out more than once lately, is frivolous. This is my opportunity to do something that matters. Surely there’s another astral faerie who can cope with keeping my mind steady and teaching me meditation?”

“Too bad Flùranach’s busy,” Munro said. “She’s so strong. Rory and Flùranach told me they believe they may have found a new druid, so they need to stay nearby.”

Eilidh shook her head. “Although she is adept, she’s no longer loyal to Caledonia. Even if she were available, she’s too young and undisciplined to cope with the time stream. After what happened last time, I’m not sure she’d want to.”

Tràth agreed. Contact with the time stream had aged Flùranach from eight years old to twenty-five in a matter of weeks. Besides that, even at twenty-five, she was far too young to take on a diplomatic mission. He wanted an adult, at least, if not an elder. “There are others, though, surely?” he asked.

Eilidh’s expression brightened. “I think I know who to ask. I’m not sure if she’ll be willing to play the part of an attendant, but she certainly has the ability to cope with the demands.”

“What about this?” Griogair asked Eilidh, tapping a particular section of the document.

“Out of the question,” Eilidh said.

“Don’t you think we should at least put it to Munro? The Druid Hall is his province, and we should not presume to speak for them.”

“What is it?” Munro asked.

“The request is out of the question,” Eilidh repeated firmly, then sighed at Griogair’s expression. “Princess Imena has invited Tràth to bring his bonded druid. She expresses interest and curiosity, saying she would also be willing to negotiate use of the Zalian gates with him.”

Tràth paled, at a loss for words. This changed everything.

“Definitely not,” Munro agreed. “It’s a shame, really. Still, I’m hopeful we can build a relationship over time. This wasn’t one of the
demands
, I hope.”

“No,” Eilidh said.

“What if she would accept an alternate druid in the retinue?” Griogair asked. “Why not Huck? Demi? Aaron? Even Munro would likely be welcomed. She invited Douglas out of politeness, but also expressed her curiosity and openness. This might be a good opportunity for the Druid Hall. There’s no reason she wouldn’t welcome another.”

“Quinton?” Eilidh raised an eyebrow in his direction.

“Huck and Demi aren’t available. They’ve gone to visit his family. I’m too closely allied with Caledonia to go myself. As Eilidh’s mate, there may be confusion as to whether I spoke for Caledonia or the Druid Hall. Lisle won’t leave Jago while Demi is gone. That only leaves Aaron. I don’t think he would be a good choice either, if I’m honest. Not with all things considered.”

“What
things
?” Griogair asked.

“He means my personal…situation,” Tràth said.

His father looked at him sharply. “Have you had some disagreement with the Druid Hall of which I’m unaware?”

“No,” he said. “If Aaron wishes to represent the Druid Hall to Zalia, I would be happy to work with him in whatever way necessary.”

“Are you certain you’re up to this?” Eilidh asked Tràth. “Although I’m grateful that you’re willing to try, I’m placing a great deal of trust in you. If you are experiencing even a hint of doubt, tell me now.”

Of course he had doubts. A million things might go wrong, resulting in disaster for the diplomatic relationship between the two kingdoms. He was shocked Eilidh was considering sending him. “I have none,” he said.

“What if she offers you the opportunity to become her mate? Despite her protestations of friendship, I suspect there is more to this. You have caught her eye, and I wonder if this is more about getting close to you than opening a dialogue with Caledonia. You may be under intense pressure and scrutiny.”

“I understand. I agree she was taken aback at my lack of interest, but I honestly think the princess wants both my friendship and to build a relationship with Caledonia.” Tràth shrugged. “I may be naïve, but I looked into her eyes when we spoke, and I believed her.”

“Very well,” Eilidh said. “It may take at least a day to get the astral faerie I have in mind. She lives in Canerecht and was someone I knew from Skye. I will suggest she pose as a secondary personal attendant. The Zalians won’t think anything of you bringing a large company of servants with you.”

Munro spoke up. “I’ll talk to Aaron. I’m sure he’ll be interested. He’d be thrilled to get away from the constant bond-testing he’s routinely subjected to.”

Eilidh handed the missive to Griogair. “Will you handle the final negotiations?” she asked. “The details should be handled by someone other than me. This way, if they baulk at our terms, you can tell them we must confer before making a decision.”

“Of course,” he said with an almost imperceptible bow. He turned to Tràth. “I don’t need to emphasise how much is riding on this, do I?”

“No, Father,” Tràth replied.

“Don’t worry,” Eilidh said to her step-son. “I’ll send good people with you who understand trade and Caledonia’s interests. They will guide you through every stage. It works to our advantage that you have a reputation for being unconventional. Any missteps can be explained away as part of your normal manner.” She smiled.

“Thank you,” Tràth said. “I won’t let you down.”

Griogair nodded. “Then you’d best go direct your servants to prepare.” He held up the missive. “And I will begin negotiating some of the finer points.”

“I’ll go talk to Aaron and arrange for an honour guard of Mistwatchers for him,” Munro said. “I’m certain he’ll be happy to go with you.” The druid’s expression was meaningful, and Tràth nodded.

“Thank you,” he said. Everything seemed to be happening quickly, and the doubts began to compound in his mind.