The Last Wizard of Eneri Clare (37 page)

TWENTY–THREE
Back to the Master

A
S OFTEN AS POSSIBLE, DURING
those days of Tvrdik’s recovery, Jorelial Rey stole time to visit with the patient. Sometimes they would have tea, or a bite, served in this case by palace staff without any magic. Tvrdik would share some of his ideas for countering Lord Drogue, both the sophisticated and the simple. Some were new concepts he was studying in Xaarus’ dusty volumes, difficult to explain. At times she lost patience – and faith – trying to wrap her mind around the things he was suggesting. She would pace the room, chewing at her fingers, and sometimes would lose her temper in frustration. But Tvrdik was always steady and calm, patient and soft-spoken, unshakeable in his convictions. He was beginning to understand and anticipate her moods, what to ignore and what to seize upon. Sometimes, he would draw diagrams for her to take back to Tashroth, and the dragon would pore over them with her late into the night, finding new ways to explain things, and adding his own ancient and magical perspectives. In their time together, Tvrdik and Rel would also discuss individuals and groups they thought they could approach for support, and planned how, and through whom, they could reach out. Little by little, a skeletal sort of framework emerged – mere possibilities, but enough to give them heart.

At last, a full two weeks after the first disastrous presentation to the Cabinet, they agreed it was time for Tvrdik to introduce himself formally, and address that august body himself. The passing weeks had turned the days warm and longer, and the rhododendron were in full bloom in Theriole’s gardens. The flowers of early spring had withered and been replaced by fragrant honeysuckle and roses. Stewart had been by often to visit, relaying wistful messages from Ondine, as well as the news that Praeger had made the cottage gardens a personal mission, working with fervor for hours on end in the various patches, and even straying into a few outdoor repairs on the house, which he judged were needed. Praeger himself had come by every few days for detailed instructions on what to do with the medicinal herbs and flowers ready for harvesting. He seemed energized with his new purpose, and, all in all, happy. Only once had he pulled out a few handfuls of medicinal plants, thinking them weeds, and on discovering his error, was on the way back to deep despair when he saw the mage laughing, and realized the offense was nothing serious.

Tvrdik was feeling much better, his energy and stamina greatly improved. His wound was healing well, and he no longer needed bandages, though the palace healer encouraged him to continue using the sling whenever possible. Delphine had taken him out for walks on the grounds nearby, where he could at least enjoy fresh air and sunshine, and he was progressing in his exercise regimens, achieving more strength and flexibility each day. He was already straining at the bit to move back to Xaarus’ Cottage, and was told that as soon as he could easily make the journey, on foot, on his own, he would be allowed to go. Jorelial Rey did not want him to be even that far away while they were working out stratagems, if he were going to be confined there in isolation. There might, however, be some advantage to having a place to meet and discuss things, away from prying palace ears. As the mage got closer to being cleared to move, they had to agree that there was no longer any real reason to delay addressing the Cabinet.

Tvrdik was eager to try his hand at swaying the most powerful figures in the kingdom to his cause, but decided it might be helpful to have a conversation with Xaarus before going into the lions’ den. He was a little uncertain of the energy it would take to summon his old teacher, but it seemed as good a time as any to give it a try. Jorelial Rey wanted to be present for the communication, and Tvrdik agreed it would be wise for someone he trusted to be around anyway, in case…well, in case the effort proved too much for him. But then they decided it might be a good idea for Tashroth to be present as well, and so needed to find a big enough, out of the way space. The tower roof was still out of the question for the recovering mage, and nothing inside the palace would accommodate even a dragon’s head comfortably. At last, Tvrdik suggested that he was certain he could walk as far as the garden alcove where Mark and Delphine had been married. There were benches to sit on, and it was quite private. If they went early, they would avoid discovery, and still have a little of the warm, early summer sun. So, Jorelial Rey sent out a message to all of the Cabinet that on Monday afternoon they should assemble to meet and question the new Court Wizard. And on Sunday morning, before almost anyone was up, she arrived at the door of Tvrdik’s room to help escort him into the garden.

Tash had already planted himself on a stretch of lawn nearby, from whence he could arch his long neck and lower his head into the little guarded corner, as he did at the wedding. The dragon was just as curious as the Lady Regent about what this link over time and space would look like, and was delighted to be included in the proceedings. Tvrdik took his oaken staff along for both physical and magical support, and Rel insisted he take her arm as well. But she was pleasantly surprised that he seemed to stride along without any need of external props, and he only winced once when she accidentally tugged on his arm from an unfortunate angle. Within minutes, they were sitting on stone benches in the quiet, lovely alcove, no one else in sight. The sounds of water burbled in rhythm from the swan fountain, and a windchime leftover from the wedding surrounded them with melody. They both felt that with their first deep breath in that place, the doubts and tensions they carried all melted away. It was a magical spot, and a good choice for the morning’s endeavor.

Tvrdik sat square on the bench, spine erect, and feet planted solidly apart, holding his staff upright before him with both hands. One end rested firmly on the cobblestones, and he leaned into it, lightly touching its polished gnarls to his forehead. Breathing deeply, eyes closed, he concentrated on all of his memories of Xaarus: the old man’s kind, lined face, the roughness of his homespun robes, the scent of sage and lavender. Almost like waking gently from a dream, Tvrdik realized that the image he was looking at had already passed from the remembered to the real, and he felt embraced by a wave of love and deep concern.

“Oh, my dear boy,” the image said, “I have taken from your mind the history of the last few weeks and I am so sorry for all that you have endured. This was something I could not have foreseen, and when I think of how close we came to losing you…”

Tvrdik smiled his crooked smile, “You could not have foreseen my foolish, gallant impulse, is that it, Master?”

“I didn’t mean it quite like that, boy. You did a brave and wonderful thing, but I am glad that you are still here to tell the tale. My compliments on your skilled use of my healing potions, and also on the compassionate treatment of your attacker – a most creative way to cultivate the new attitude we have talked about so much.”

“Well,
that
, Master, was all the Lady Regent. It was she who was wise enough to see his true nature, and treat him kindly. I daresay the man is firmly in our camp, now, forever.”

“Well done. You see, there is very little that cannot be healed with enough love and understanding.”

“Yes, Master.”

“What is he saying, Tvrdik? What about me?” Hearing her name, Jorelial Rey had jumped up from her bench, excited and frustrated to be privy to only half of a conversation.

“He commends you on how you handled Praeger; it impressed him.” That brought a proud grin to her face. Imagine, a personal nod from Xaarus himself!

“Jorelial Rey.” It was Tashroth’s low, musical voice over her shoulder.

“Shhh. Not now, Tash. He has to concentrate.”

“No, Jorelial Rey. Listen to me. I can see Xaarus. I can hear him.”

“What?” She hadn’t meant to shout as she turned abruptly to face the green dragon. This was all too much for Tvrdik, who also started, straightened, and turned to stare at Tashroth in disbelief. The connection was broken.

“I said, I could see and hear the Master as plainly as I see the two of you.”

“But, how is that possible?” Tvrdik was incredulous, “The link is only in my mind.”

“I am not entirely certain, but as you recall, I have been inside your mind, which is, if I may say so, unusually open. It is not difficult for me to find the frequency again. It is also rumored that dragons have some ancient facility with time and dimensional travel. Our consciousness is not as locked into this plane of existence as yours…”

Rel frowned. “Well, I’m not sure I grasp any of that, but it certainly makes me feel a bit left out here.”

“On the other hand,” Tvrdik reminded her, “here, at last, is your validation of the reality of my claims: independent confirmation from the most trustworthy source on earth. We should have thought of trying this long ago.”

“I admit I am somewhat surprised myself,” Tash answered, “but it is very good to see Master Xaarus alive and well, wherever he may be.”

“I told you,” Tvrdik said.

Rel interrupted them, “But now, what do we do? There was still so much we had to ask him, and we have lost him.”

“I will have to try and re-establish the link. I’m not sure I can, but I can try.”

“Now that I am aware of what it feels like, I think I can help you to hold it steady, mage. Go ahead when you are ready.”

Tvrdik glanced at both of them and then repositioned himself on the bench, eyes closed, head touching the upright staff. He began to recreate his sensory memories. In a moment, his old teacher stood before him once more. A slight rumble issued from the dragon’s throat in acknowledgement. Xaarus spoke first, “What happened, son? I lost you for a few moments.”

“Apologies, Master. I am here with the Lady Jorelial Rey, and the dragon Tashroth, who says he can plainly see and hear you through this link. Hearing this news startled me, and I could not hold my focus.”

Xaarus’ eyebrows lifted, but he was nodding in a very familiar gesture. “Interesting. Dragons
are
rumored to have some ability in transcending time…”

“Tashroth pointed that out as well, and also reminded me that he is familiar with my mind, having earlier searched it for deception.”

“Ah. Also interesting.”

“Can you see him as well, Master?” There was a pause, during which everyone held their breath and concentrated.

“No. I’m afraid I am only tuned into you, my dear boy, but it is a comfort to know that your claims can be backed up by another source. Greetings to you, mighty Tashroth. What a pleasure to be in your distinguished presence once again!”

“And to you, Master Wizard. Your long absence is much lamented among my people as well as among humans.”

“He returns your greetings,” Tvrdik relayed.

“Well, this may be useful information later, but I fear our time may be limited. How can I help you, boy?”

“Master, while I was still compromised by my injury, the Lady Rey went before her Council of Ministers and closest advisors, and attempted to explain my true identity, your predicament, and the plan we hope to implement against Lord Drogue. She was met with doubt, resistance, and even the accusation that she might be unstable.”

“Tell him about Verger.” Rel whispered, tugging at his sleeve.

“Oh, yes. The Lady Rey wishes me to tell you that our only firm support from that body came from Minister Verger, who recognized your hand in it right away.”

“My dear friend Verger. I could always count on him.” Xaarus smiled reflectively, “Do give him my warmest regards…”

“I will do that, sir, but the issue at hand is that I am now recovered sufficiently to address the Cabinet myself. This is scheduled for tomorrow, and I do not know how I might succeed in convincing them to adopt our strategy any better than Lady Rey did. We were hoping you might have some suggestions. You have been most helpful on such matters before.” Tvrdik was referencing his first encounter with the Regent. Xaarus appeared to be thinking. When he finally spoke, he seemed to be continuing the process out loud.

“I know most of these men. They are good men, and generally wise. But they are cautious and aging, very attached to traditions and methods that are tried and true. They need to be unstuck, even shaken up. Nothing as simple as a coin will help you this time, Tvrdik. As I counseled you before, be yourself. Be honest and open. Let your passion and enthusiasm shine through – it can be infectious. Be patient with them. Answer their questions – give them the proof they want. And, if they are still resistant, summon me again in their presence.”

“But they will not be able to see or hear you…”

“We may still be able to conjure a few surprises that will turn heads. I will be ready. Seek me when you need me, and go with confidence.”

“Master, I have been studying your books and parchments, and have begun to assemble many ideas for our defense. But your input is vital to our success. I am so new at all of this.”

“One thing at a time, son. Let us approach the hurdle of the Cabinet first. There will be time for all the rest, and I will most certainly be with you many times as you craft your plans. I can already feel you on all the right roads, though, boy. Hold fast. I am proud of you….” The image was fading again.

“Master, must you go so soon?”

“Tomorrow…” and the word echoed into oblivion, as Tvrdik felt himself falling, falling into a blackness, a void with no end, no beginning. Cold, silent, dizzying. He thought he heard someone shouting, calling his name, but the sound was so very far away, and he could see no-one. He was drowning in darkness, and it seemed of no use to struggle any longer, so he just allowed the current to take him, deeper, deeper, nowhere, nothing…

He opened his eyes to see the face of Jorelial Rey, puckered with concern, just beneath his. She was down on one knee on the hard cobblestones, and her hands were holding him upright on the bench where he still sat, gripping his oaken staff but slumped over limply.

“Tvrdik! Tvrdik, come back to us. Come on – wake up.” She was trying to support and shake him at the same time, without much success. As she jostled his left arm, a twinge of pain brought him fully back to his senses, and he sat upright. “Ow!” He yelped.