The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare (36 page)

Warlowe cleared his throat to get her attention.

“Oh, and the tools as well,” Rel added. With that, Warlowe reached into a shadowy corner, where no one had looked, and pulled out Tvrdik’s oaken staff. He brought it forward and offered it to its rightful owner.

“I hope it was alright, me touching it and all. Stewart and I brought it out from the house. We figured if you weren’t able to go out there and be near your things, then we would bring the important ones to you.”

Delphine chimed in again, “So, now you will be Sir Tvrdik, court Wizard in residence! What do you think?”

The pale young man neither moved nor responded, probably due to the lump in his throat. But, Jorelial Rey wasn’t taking any chances, “Don’t try to argue with me either. I’ll just hide all the rest of your clothing, and you’ll have to wear these.” she nodded toward the box, standing with arms crossed over her chest and one eyebrow raised.

After an excruciating moment more, Tvrdik finally lifted his head to meet the anxious stares of all his friends. His own eyes were shining, and his voice firm as he said, “I
will
wear them, with great pride, and with gratitude for the generosity and confidence you all have shown me today. And I will spend every day of my life working to be the person you imagine me to be, worthy of these honors, and of your friendship. There are no words, except, ‘thank you,’ from my heart.” He took the staff from Warlowe, caressing its smooth, polished curves, and a cheer went up around the room. The Lady Regent strode over to the hallway and motioned to someone outside.

“What now?” exclaimed Tvrdik, “There can’t be more.”

Rel laughed, “Calm down – we have to at least finish with a little celebration.” She held the door wide, and several of the palace staff brought in trays of cold cider and sandwiches, and an entire tray piled high with the little custard pastries that Tvrdik was so fond of. Sounds of approval filled the room, and, and while Delphine moved the box of robes and the staff out of the way, Tvrdik reached for one of the little tarts, and took a generous bite.

“Ummmm!” he sighed ecstatically, “Are you all sure I didn’t die after all, and this is the afterlife of my wildest dreams?” That got the laughter going, as food and drink made the rounds.

While the festivities continued, Stewart stole a moment with Tvrdik to report that he had intercepted Ondine one day at The Cottage as she was paying a visit, and had told her all that had transpired. As could be expected, she was upset at the news, turning colors and asking questions about the state of her ‘Lovely Man.’ Stewart had assured her that the worst was past, and that her friend was well and truly on the mend, missing her company. That seemed to calm her some, and she had asked to be commended to him. Tvrdik had been feeling guilty for not being in contact with the little water sprite, and thanked Stewart for taking the initiative.

“It might be a while before I can get there myself,” he added. “If you happen to run into her again, give her my love, and tell her I am coming along well, and will try to see her as soon as I am able. And one more thing?”

“Yes, I’m listenin’.”

“Tell her it is time to contact the unicorns, and find out if they will see me. She will understand.”

Stewart’s ears stood straight up and he cocked his head to one side in curiosity, but he asked no further questions. “I’ll be sure t’ deliver those messages should I see her.” Tvrdik nodded, satisfied.

After everyone had eaten their fill, Mark and Warlowe assisted the guest of honor out of his chair, and into the adjoining room, where they helped him out of his nightshirt, and into one of his new robes – the blue one. The process was slow and tricky, as they had to guide his wounded arm into the left sleeve, and reposition the sling, sleeve and all. Then they helped him on with the boots he had worn for Delphine’s wedding, the only footwear he had at the palace, but thankfully soft and comfortable. While they were busy with that assignment, everyone else scoured the room for any personal possessions Tvrdik had accumulated during the week: books and remedies, a few items of clothing, not to mention medical supplies, bandages, salves, and herbs for his own healing – and packed them all up in portable parcels. They cleaned away any trash and most of the evidence of their little party, except the drinks they were still enjoying, and tied up the box with the remaining two robes, the title and decorations he had been awarded. As they were finishing up, the door to the other room opened, and Tvrdik emerged, leaning on the great oak staff, and partially supported by his colleagues, but looking every inch the Court Wizard in his fine new robes, which happened to be a very good fit.

There was a hush for a moment as everyone stopped whatever they were doing and stared in admiration. Then the assembled company burst into applause, cheers, and whistles. Tvrdik, a trifle unsteady on his feet, nevertheless smiled, and did a slow turn to give them the total picture.

Tvrdik grinned, “Look! They even have pockets.”

“I thought you might need a place to store a certain coin…” Jorelial Rey answered with a wink, handing him the precious coin bearing Xaarus’ image, having salvaged it from his tattered wedding garb. Then she lifted high her glass of cider, “After twelve long years we have a wizard at Theriole once again! Things are looking up. Does anyone feel the same surge of hope and excitement that I do?” There were murmurs and nods of agreement.

“Hang on a moment – I wouldn’t expect the moon just yet.” Tvrdik remarked, feeling just a little pressured.

“It’s not that, dear Tvrdik,” Delphine explained, “We don’t expect you to do everything by yourself. It’s what you represent; just knowing there is someone out there facing the darkness, looking all tall and strong and wise and magical inspires the rest of us. It makes us want to stand up and face it too, and maybe even find what’s tall or strong or wise or magical about ourselves.”

It was beautifully expressed, and the young mage found himself reflecting on how right Xaarus had been to send him here – how starved everyone was for a bit of wonder. He glanced over at Rel, caught her eye, and whispered, “…the beginnings of our army.” She nodded, needing no other clarification.

And so, spirits high and fellowship abounding, they half-escorted and half-carried the new Court Wizard through the winding corridors and into his temporary quarters, installing him and his few possessions, laying out medical supplies, along with a few leftover sandwiches and custard pastries over some ice in case he should feel peckish in the middle of the night. The whole event had been such an island of delight in a trying week that no one really wanted to leave. However, it soon became obvious that even the minor exertions of the last few hours had sapped the strength of the guest of honor, who was beginning to look even paler than usual, and to respond to people’s questions with a vacant, confused look. Assessing the situation, Delphine organized everyone to help change the patient’s clothes again, get him into bed, prop him up comfortably on a heap of pillows, and swaddle him in warm blankets and coverlets. By the time they were all satisfied that everything was accomplished, Tvrdik had already drifted off without saying his farewells.

Delphine took her sister aside, “Does he always fade so quickly? Should we be concerned?”

Rel shrugged, “I think the wound is healing, but after you left the other night the fever almost killed him, and he had lost so much blood. He is a little stronger each day, but his body went through a great deal, and is making a slow comeback. It is a delicate balance: we need him whole as soon as possible, but I don’t want to push too hard and risk a setback. Besides, he already pushes himself harder than anyone.”

“I didn’t know. Now that I am here, maybe I can help out some. I’ll keep an eye on him for you. You have so many other duties to attend to.”

“Would you, Sweet Pea? That would be a great help. And welcome home. I really missed you.”

“You were so right about the lake. It’s the most gorgeous place on earth, and we promise to keep it a total secret. The time we had there was a memory we’ll always cherish.” Rel smiled. Delphine added, “And, Rel?”

“Hmmm?”

“This was all so wonderful tonight. You did a good thing for all of us. And especially for Tvrdik.”

“No more than he deserved. It could have been me lying there in that bed, or worse. Do you think he was happy with everything?”

“I think you bowled him over. He’s not used to anyone making a fuss over him. Give him time to take it all in. You’ll see him bloom right before your eyes. I’m certain of it.”

“How did you get so wise, little sister?” Rel grinned, and gave Delphine a hug. “Come on. We should all get some rest. You must both be exhausted.”

And with warm farewells all around, the little band tiptoed out of Tvrdik’s new apartments and retired, each to their own chambers, leaving the young mage to his dreams.

TWENTY-TWO
The Praegers

O
VER THE COURSE OF THE
next few days, Mark wanted to spend a little time with his family before they headed back to their mountain estate. Delphine was included in some of their activities, but others she was happy to let him enjoy alone with his parents and sister. After they had left, he had work to return to as well. All of this left the young bride with free time to visit little Darian, and Tvrdik, both of whom were glad of her company. She spent a fair amount of time playing with and reading to the young king, who now thought of her as a surrogate mother.

“When I am king, Delphy,” he informed her one day, while not even lifting his eyes from the castle he was building of colored blocks, “I am going to make a decree that no one should ever have to go to bed before they are sleepy. And everyone shall be allowed to trade their vegetables for two desserts, if they so wish.”

“You do that, Darian,” Delphine giggled, “and you will be the most popular king that Eneri Clare has ever known.”

Daily, she paid visits to Tvrdik, where she took it upon herself to escort him on therapeutic walks all around the palace halls, extending the distance they covered a little every day. She also helped him to begin exercising his wounded arm, at the recommendation of the Palace Physician, who suggested it might be time for the damaged muscles to work again. At first it seemed hopeless, the arm unwilling even to straighten or lift once the sling was removed. But Delphine was nothing if not determined, and she had her patient on a regimen of stretching, bending and squeezing exercises twice a day. It was slow and painful work, but after only a few days, they were fairly certain all function would return, with diligent practice. Each day brought improvements in strength and range of motion. Tvrdik truly appreciated Delphine’s patient assistance and sunny disposition, even on days he felt frustrated or failed to make much progress.

If she had extra time to spend, he would sit and share ideas with her that he had been culling from Xaarus’ books and manuscripts, or concepts he’d been toying with. He found her an apt and intelligent pupil. Somehow, in sharing, he found his own creativity stimulated as well, and their brainstorming was often quite productive. Sometimes, after work, Mark would join them for particularly fertile discussions, which fast became Tvrdik’s favorite part of the day.

He was up and about and feeling much stronger the day a soft knock on his door interrupted his efforts to straighten the room. It was Praeger, this time his wife beside him. The woman immediately seized Tvrdik’s good hand, and pressed it to her lips.

“Gods bless ye, Master Wizard, sir! Gods bless ye for yer kind and brilliant help fer our daughter. We will never be able t’ repay ye for givin’ her back t’ us. Thank ye. Thank, ye, sir.” She was pumping his hand up and down and kissing it fervently. He could barely persuade her to stop blessing and thanking and kissing him long enough to handle introductions and inquire about the little girl.

“Madame Praeger, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Tvrdik. Is Lynette improved, then?”

Praeger, looking quite a different man now, washed and shaven and in clean clothes, jumped in, “Well, come and see for yerself, sir. Ye’ll be right amazed, ye will.” He was motioning into the hallway. Tvrdik took a step outside his suite, and saw a little girl in the hall, playing at some game involving a throwing stone, skipping, and happily running about. She appeared to be less emaciated than she had been the week before, and pinker, and more energetic. Laughter had nearly erased the drawn, pinched look of her face, and the hollowness of her eyes. She already looked like a normal child, impossible to keep up with.

Tvrdik smiled with genuine enthusiasm to see such a remarkable change, and squeezed Madame Praeger’s plump hand, “Oh, my! Look at her. I am delighted to see how well she is doing.”

The mother elaborated, “Not even a week, sir, and it was just as ye said. She takes yer ‘erbs, and stays away from the cow’s milk and bread, and almost right away the pain stops. She’s hungry all the time now, and runnin’ about with t’ other young’ns. I could hardly believe my eyes.”

“And are you having any trouble with the diet I gave you, Mrs. Praeger?” Tvrdik asked.

“Oh, it takes a little extra effort, sir, but I’m pretty handy in the kitchen, I am, and she likes it just fine. A few small changes are a small price t’ pay t’ see her like this at last, and that’s fer certain. Lynette, come here and see the healer, child,” her mother called her over. Lynette stopped hopping and looked up. Seeing Tvrdik at the door, she flashed him a cherubic grin, came skipping over, and gave him a pretty curtsey.

“Good day, Master Tvrdik,” she looked him over appreciatively, “I am happy to see you looking so well.”

“And I, you, my dear.” Tvrdik responded, “You see – I told you if we both put our minds to it, we would both be strong in no time.”

The little girl laughed brightly, and made a beckoning motion with her index finger. Tvrdik squatted down to her level and the little girl promptly threw her arms around his neck and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you, Master Wizard, for making me better so I can play with my friends.”

Taken a little by surprise, but delighted, Tvrdik gave her a little squeeze with his good arm, and replied, “You’re welcome, sweetie, but you really did most of it yourself, you know. Come and see me anytime, alright? Now, off you go – have fun.” Lynette skipped away down the hall, and Tvrdik stood up again, “I would advise continuing those herbs a bit longer, and of course the diet will be important for life,” he advised. Praeger seemed to be having a whispered conversation with his wife, who then grasped the mage’s hand again, invoked another blessing on his head, and scurried off down the hall after her daughter. Praeger himself was left standing alone, hat in hand, staring at Tvrdik and blinking, a sort of apprehensive, lost expression on his face. Tvrdik cocked his head to one side and took the man’s measure. “Would you like to come in, sir?” he invited, “You’ll forgive me, but I think I will need to sit down again.” He turned back into the room, Praeger on his heels, and settled himself in his big, comfortable chair. But before he could offer a second chair to his guest, the man was on the floor before him, down on one knee. Head hung low, and hat in hand, his nervous fingers continually worrying and fraying the brim, Mr. Praeger addressed the mage in a low voice hoarse with emotion.

“Ye’re a good soul, sir, a good man. You and the Lady Regent have done so much for our little family. Ye have given me back my life, my livelihood, and above all, my beloved child, whole and happy and like to grow up and have babies of her own. All this, and here am I, deserving of none of it – deserving of naught but yer scorn and hatred, and yer curses for the grave wrong I have done ye. I tell ye now, I was not in my right mind, and I have never regretted anything so much in my life. I have never before knowingly harmed a soul, sir, you must believe me. I will carry to my grave the burden of what I did to ye, who had given me no cause, and who now returns so much good for evil. I canna ask yer forgiveness, but I ask you to believe me that I will do no harm ever again. And, I ask you to accept my service now as payment for the troubles I have caused ye. Use me as you will, sir, in whatever way and for whatever time you deem fit.”

Tvrdik was taken aback at the man’s heartfelt speech, and moved at his obvious distress. “Praeger, I beg you, get up off of your knees. There is a chair here – sit down and we will talk…”

But the man would not get up. Instead, he groveled lower still, and grabbed hold of Tvrdik’s boot, beginning to weep, “No, sir, I dare not look ye in the eye. I am not worthy even to wipe yer boots…”

“Praeger, please! I want nothing of you. This is entirely unnecessary. I am happy to see your daughter thriving, and glad to be of some help. She is a charming, delightful little imp, and deserves a happy life.”

“Aye, and her father deserves torture and death for his treachery. When I came with her a week ago and saw ye so pale and pained, and yet so kind, it cut me to the quick to see what I had done, and for what? And still, you struggle, yer shoulder…”

Tvrdik willed all of his strength into his sound right arm, which he used to firmly lift the limp figure from the ground and install him in the chair facing his. “Master Praeger, I beg you to calm yourself and let us speak man to man…there, that’s better.” Praeger pulled out a large handkerchief and blew his nose with a resonant blast. Tvrdik continued, “Sir, I know your story, and I assure you I bear you no ill will. We were all fortunate that no real lasting harm was done to anyone, so there is room for second chances. See, I am mending, every day a little stronger. And King Darian and the Lady Regent are well, as is Lynette now, so some good came of the whole episode. All of us make bad decisions – errors in judgment – sometime in our lives. The important thing is to recognize the errors, learn from them, and make repairs where we can. I appreciate your apology, but just looking at you, I can see you have suffered enough, and I am content.” As he spoke, Tvrdik thought fleetingly of Benjin and Ailianne, wishing there had been a second chance for them.

Praeger squirmed, “But what may I
do
for ye, sir?”

Tvrdik shrugged, “You don’t need to do anything, Praeger. I forgive you. I trust your promise that you will never intentionally hurt another soul. That’s enough for me. Go. Be happy.”

Praeger’s face took on a panic-stricken look. “No, no, sir! You
must
let me serve you. It were part o’ my agreement with the Lady Regent. This will never do. She has been most generous t’ us, and I swore I would do penance for your losses. You
must
employ me in some way, sir. Please, please do not send me away. I dare not break my word t’ the Lady, and truth be told, I would rest much easier in myself if I could find some way to repay you. I am strong and able, and will not shy from any task…”

The man was so pitiful and insistent that it took Tvrdik off guard. Perhaps he had underestimated the importance of giving this haunted man a chance to make amends. Jorelial Rey was truly a wise leader to have understood that instinctively. He paused a moment to think.

“Praeger, have you any skill with gardens?”

The little man blinked, then lit up, “Why, I have worked in small fields and kitchen gardens since I was but a lad. My wife and I always grew a good portion of our own food, and enough to sell a bit on the side. This time of year, I do miss having my hands in the dirt. You know we had to flee our old homestead for fear of that wicked Lord Drogue…”

Tvrdik’s eyebrows knitted at that. Another wise move he would not have thought of, but then the man must be bored and restless to boot. “I’ll tell you what I was thinking. Do you know where old Master Xaarus used to live, on the riverwalk?”

“Aye, or some idea thereabouts…”

“Well, the Lady Rey had only recently given me permission to stay there, and I had only just fixed up the house, and gotten the garden back in shape when all of this foolery happened. It’s a rather large garden: some edibles, but also many medicinal herbs and flowers, important to any healing work I might do. One of my chief regrets is that all this time that I am stuck here at Theriole – on doctor’s orders, mind you – the days go by and no one is tending to the garden there. Watering, weeding, harvesting, and the like. Before long, it will be back to wild again, and we will have lost this year’s yield. And, of course, even when they do let me out of here, I won’t be much use for awhile one-handed…” he made a feeble sort of gesture with his bandaged arm in its sling.

“A terrible shame that would be, sir, with so much important growin’ there, and the rain being as sparse as it has been this year…” Praeger was sounding positively enthusiastic.

“Yes, I’ve been thinking that as well…” Tvrdik sighed.

“Oh, sir, say the word, and I will be down there first thing in the morning with spade and hoe. Give me leave to put the land back to rights.”

“It would be a tremendous favor to me, Praeger, an important work indeed. You could check in here as often as you wish, so that I could guide you on which of the less familiar plants are
not
weeds, and on what flowers and leaves should be preserved, dried, etcetera. Could you handle that for me too?”

“I daresay my wife would be right smart at helping with those things, sir. She has a way with preserves…”

“Right, then. It’s settled. If you see a big dog hanging around down there, his name is Stewart, and he is a good friend minding the house for me. I am most grateful for your assistance.”

At the mention of the dog, Praeger’s mouth tightened a bit, remembering their first encounter, but he swallowed and said, “Master Wizard, I am well pleased to have a service to do for ye, and again, for the pain and suffering I have caused ye…”

“Let’s hear no more of that. In a while all of that will be a distant memory, but at least my garden will be intact.”

“Oh, ye’ll be well pleased with it, that ye will, sir. Ye’ll see.” And, fairly beaming, tattered hat still in hand, he made his way out of the room backward, bobbing up and down all the way. Left alone with his thoughts once more, Tvrdik marveled at how little it sometimes took to make people bloom. Not so long ago, he himself had appeared to be a wild man that folk might have shied away from on the road. And now…well, things were different now, was all. And with that, confident that he had put Xaarus’ rich treasure-trove of a garden into capable hands, the young mage decided to take a nap.