The Swans' War 1 - The One Kingdom (44 page)

THE NIGHT WHISPERED, FASHIONING WORDS FROM THE RIPPLING of the tent, from the hissing of the grasses. Elise woke to the sounds, disturbed, certain she had been listening to a voice. Dreams, she told herself. She lay on a cot, moonlight setting her pavilion aglow. She rolled from one side to the other, warm in the coverlets, not quite awake. If only she needn't wake at all. Any nightmare would be better than the one she lived. The night breeze rose again, the sweet scent of grasses finding its way inside. The fabric of her tent moved, and she heard words as she slipped into a dream. Moonlight cast a shadow on the wall of her tent; a woman, erect and graceful, moving as slowly as the moon in its course.” Who are you?" Elise asked.” Who was I, you might ask, for I was once like you," the breeze whispered—the shadow of a shadow's voice.” I once lived beneath the heel of Caibre." "Who?" "You call him Hafydd." The shadow raised a hand to brush back its hair.” It is time to choose, Elise. If you don't take up the quill and write the story of your life, others will write it for you. Do you want Hafydd to write your tale?" Elise did not answer.” I have come to offer you a quill that will allow you to write a story of greatness. It will allow you to break free of everyone who oppresses you and to protect those whom you love. I have come to offer you this quill, though at times it will appear to be a sword. Write the story of your life, Elise Wills, or let Hafydd fashion it for you. In Hafydd's tale he will take your children at birth and use them for his own ends. He will cast them aside when they are no longer needed—and you as well. Is that the story that you would choose to write?"Elise shook her head, tears appearing at the corners of her eyes.” No," she whispered very faintly.

The shadow nodded once.

"But what will be the price of this gift you offer?" Elise asked.

"Part of your life will be mine," the nagar said, a whisper like cold wind.

"That is too great a price."

"Then give all your life to Hafydd. And the lives of your children, as well."This stunned Elise to silence.

"Give some part of your life to me," the nagar said softly, "and I will cherish and protect you—you and your children, and their children after them.""What choice have I?" Elise said, speaking her thoughts aloud.

"None."

She hesitated, then said in the smallest voice, "Then I must give some part of my life to you."The nagar touched a hand to her heart, then to her lips as though she blew Elise a kiss.” Baore Talon will bring you a gift. Carry it into the river, and I will await you there." The shadow on the tent wall turned away.

"But I will drown!"

The shadow glanced back.” I will not let you pass the final gate. Do not fear."A breeze sighed through the compound, disturbing the sleep of the trees. The fabric of the pavilion rippled like a wave, and the shadow was gone.

Elise woke with a gasp, sitting up in the darkness. There was a sound—soft, repetitive. A summer rain fell upon her pavilion like finger-drumming, though the moonlight endured.

Outside, a guard cleared his throat.

Elise put a hand to her belly, caressing the soft curve of it, wondering if one could feel a second heart beating within.

LLYN SAT IN THE WINDOW OF HER ROOM, WORRYING AT A RING OF embroidery. No significant progress was being made, for her attention was repeatedly drawn to the window and her garden beyond. Somewhere over the wall the second day of the fair drew to a close. Men, thrown from their horses, lay within their pavilions, some with injured pride, others with worse. She could only imagine what it was like. Despite having made a life within the walls of her own rooms and her garden, there was still, somewhere buried inside, a small, almost extinguished yearning to be part of the larger world. To dine with her foolish, passionate family, to walk beneath the sun, unafraid, perhaps even to be courted before she grew old. She drew a long breath. Such desires might not have been entirely extinguished, but they had been mastered long ago. It was her great strength and solace: unlike her cousins, who were ruled by their passions, she had conquered desire. Nothing ruled Llyn Renné but the most dispassionate reason. Oh, there had been that one evening of madness: the costume ball that Dease had enticed her to. Only Dease would have thought of such a thing. Perhaps only he knew how truly lonely she was. But then, Dease had never seen her face. The sun fell behind the western towers, setting the sky aflame in a way that it did only a few times each year. She sat for a moment transfixed, her convictions wavering. It seemed even the sky must have a moment of passion, now and then.

She rose from her chair as the maid came to draw the curtains. No looking glass was allowed in her rooms, and Llyn never sat by a window when it might find her reflection. Llyn knew what she looked like; she did not need to be reminded.

The evening air slipped down the nearby hills, wafting over the wall like a soft, cool wave. She opened the door to her garden and stepped out onto the landing from which the stone stair descended.

"I am below," a voice said, and she almost jumped back.

"Who is that?" And then she realized.” Where is your fearsome herald?" she asked.

"That is what my brother asks, 'If your herald is the fore-cryer of death, who are you?' But Jac is off on some errand of his own this night, and I have taken the great liberty of sitting in your garden, waiting to speak with you.""It is more than a liberty. It is a terrible discourtesy.""For which I apologize humbly. It is difficult for me to arrange an audience. Have you found the trail of my Knights?"She dared to peek over the balustrade, hoping to catch a glimpse of this man, but he was seated too near, with his back to the stone. Emboldened, she wandered down two of the ten steps.

"I have found the trail but not the Knights. Not yet. I know the name of the lieutenant in the Renné army who sent men north seeking your escaped Knights. I have the names of at least three of the men-at-arms who were sent. Whether any of these men recorded the fate of your Knights, I have not yet learned.""I thank you for your efforts, but please don't give up yet. The knowledge is more valuable than you know." "I am like a hound on the scent when I begin such a quest. You don't know how dogged I can be." Alaan laughed at this poor jest.” I think I can imagine," he said. She heard him hesitate.” What else have you come to ask of me?" she said flatly.” I have come to beg your assistance." "Beg?" "I will beg if it's required, for what I must do is more important than anything I have attempted before." Llyn sat down on the step.” Both you and your bird are harbingers of woe, it seems. I cannot bear suspense. What is the nature of this assistance you require?" "Lady Elise Wills shall attend the costume ball here in Castle Renné V' "How very kind of her." "She will be accompanied by a man. ..." She heard him take a long breath.” You know the history of your family. Have you read of a man named Hafydd?" "Yes, he was an ally the Renné betrayed. He died at the Battle of Harrowdown, I believe." "Your reputation as a scholar is well earned, I see. But your knowledge isn't quite complete. Hafydd still lives. He calls himself Eremon now and is a counselor to the Prince of Innes." "But isn't this the man they say attacked a Fael encampment and broke the Peace of the Fair?" "The very one. He holds sway over the Prince. He swore he would find Elise Wills after she ran away and he did, unfortunately. But if I can steal her away again, the Prince will be angered and his counselor will lose face. Perhaps he will even lose his place in the Prince's household. Without Hafydd to goad him on, the Prince won't be quite so ready to go to war." "And what part could I possibly play in this, shut up here in my rooms as I am?""You have the same hair as Elise Wills, and are like enough to her in size and manner. Masked and wearing the same costume you could, very briefly, appear to be her.""You require someone other than me," Llyn said firmly, her mouth suddenly dry, anger dousing all amusement.

"I dare not ask anyone else. I reguire a woman of such standing and ... sympathy, that even Hafydd would not dare harm her.""What are you saying? That Hafydd will take pity on me because I am disfigured?" She was on her feet in an instant.

"Do not be insulted. It is true that you have the sympathy of all who know of you. It is not pity.""It is pity! Do you think I am unaware of it?"She could hear him breathing below—thinking of some new argument to get his way. Why did she not leave? Why did she not call for guards to carry him away?

"Two minstrels helped me whisk Elise Wills away from Braidon Castle. Hafydd had them murdered. I shall not put others at risk again, if it can be avoided. But he would not do the same to the Lady Llyn Renné . There is enough honor among the nobles he requires as allies that he would not dare alienate them by such an act. You are safe from him. I can think of no one else. No one else who might be brave enough to do it." He paused for a beat.” Tell me this, at least. Do you never wish that you might play some part in the events of the world? That you might break out of your rooms and act, as Toren does, or your fair Dease?""Leave my cousins out of this," she said.

"I have left them out. It is only your services I require. I will not say that war will be averted if we are successful. That would be a lie. But if the Prince of Innes was to cast out his counselor he would be much weaker for it. The Prince has neither intelligence nor imagination. Without Hafydd he is greatly weakened."Llyn drew a long breath and released it as a sigh.” Usually only rogues are this convincing," Llyn said.

"Rogues and men who speak the truth," the stranger answered. She sat down on the step again.” What do you require of me, other than I dress in a costume identical to Lady Elise's?" "You will wear your costume concealed beneath a robe. Attend the ball, dance if you wish. When the moment comes I will switch you with Elise Wills." Very softly she said, "But how long am I expected to maintain this charade? They will unmask me." "They will not. Trust me in this." "Are you certain?" The smallest hesitation.” Nothing is utterly certain in this life." She closed her eyes.” Many lives might be spared if I am successful," the stranger said quickly.” Perhaps those of your own cousins. What would you not do to save Dease or Arden?" "You are an awful man!" she said.” You know I would do anything to save them. I would show my disfigured face to everyone in the land if it would save a single life, though I fear that is an ordeal I would not survive." "I would not insult you with a lie." "No, you would insult me with the truth. I am an object of pity to all who know of me." "There is a way to escape that," he said.” And that would be?" "To live among your fellow men and women." She almost choked.” Better unwanted pity than undisguised horror. But then, you have asked me to wear a disguise, haven't you?" "Will you help me?" "I don't even know your name." "Alaan." "Alaan. What a cruel and hateful man you are." She stood.” One of my maids is just my size. She takes all of my fittings. Now may I have my garden back?""I am gone," he said.

For a moment she stood listening. She heard nothing but the soft sounds of the breeze.

"Alaan ... ?"

She descended a few steps and peeked quickly around the corner. He was not there. She went seeking through the garden, but he was gone. Utterly and mysteriously gone.

THE VALEMEN TOOK SERIOUSLY THE WARNING ELISE HAD SENT TO the Fael. They'd left the wanderers immediately, and planned to move their camp at least every day, much as they had for the long journey down the River Wynnd. Cynddl had chosen to stay with them, perhaps concerned for their safety, and Tarn thought that, to the eye, things appeared much as they had for the past weeks. They made their camp beside the river, though the Westbrook was not so broad and flowed lazily by as though it knew the sea was near. There was no need to hurry.

The thought of the Westbrook Fair unfolding only a short distance away frustrated them a little. It seemed a cruel joke that they had traveled so far and would not see the famous fair.

Cynddl bent over the bed of coals, tending his cooking, while Tarn fletched an arrow. Baore was nodding, near to sleep, against the bole of a birch; and Fynnol sat off by himself keeping watch on the quiet river. Small gulls and terns went winging by, aloft on the day's last light; and flights of ducks slid, then settled, on the darkening waters.

The camp was far enough down the Westbrook that they were away from the masses who attended the fair. They had also taken some pains to hide themselves, though the fire was hardly secret. It would be put out completely after Cynddl had produced their meal.” I wish I'd been present when you spoke with Rath," Tarn said. He and Cynddl had been discussing, yet again, the story finder's meeting with his former teacher.” I wish you had been, too. I was telling parts of your story secondhand. I'd rather he'd heard about Alaan from you." Cynddl turned the fish on a thin slab of stone set on the coals.” Baore seems very tired these days, Tam. One would think he didn't sleep at night." "I'm afraid he doesn't," Tam said quietly, "not well, anyway. It's been a disturbing trip, all in all. And it doesn't seem to be turning out any better." Cynddl nodded.” What will you do now, Tam?" The question Tam had been asking himself. Get off the river: that was all they'd thought about. There was no more talk of finding Alaan now.” I'm not sure. Buy horses and make a dash for home, though I'm not certain this is the wisest course. Perhaps it would be better to stay here in the south till spring." Tam sighted along the arrow and spun it slowly.” No doubt we'd find some work to tide us over. Baore has his skills, and Fynnol and I can do an honest day's labor. Many's the time we worked in the fields of the Vale. There will be a harvest soon hereabouts." "Yes," a voice behind Tam said, "you could spend your days scything grain with noble peasants or plucking rosy apples, but it doesn't seem like much of an adventure, does it?" Tam was on his feet. The man who stood at the edge of their encampment was only a silhouette, but Tam would have known that voice anywhere.” Alaan!" The man made a tossing motion, and a small leather purse landed at Tarn's feet.” That's part of what is owed you. The rest I'll pay when the fair is over."Tarn made no effort to retrieve the purse. Baore had wakened and rose, rubbing his eyes. All but Cynddl looked as though a ghost had drifted into their camp.

"You were more welcoming when last we met," Alaan said.

"You hadn't robbed us then," Fynnol answered, stepping forward and scooping up the purse.

"Robbed you?" Alaan took two steps out of shadow and into the faint light of dusk.” I held Telanon Bridge so that you might escape, and then I went into the river. Having lost my horse, belongings, and blade, my only hope of escape was your boat. Once I'd set off in that there was no turning back. The river flows only one way—especially in the far north. But even so, I would have brought you your silver one day. I always discharge my debts.""Or partially discharge them, as in this case," Fynnol said. He had opened the purse strings and counted the coins.

"Rest assured, good Fynnol, I got a better price for your goods than you would ever have managed yourself.""But will we see it all?" Fynnol said, not caring much if he insulted their visitor.

"Every eagle, Fynnol Loell. You can be certain of it." Alaan sat down on a rock and bent forward, elbows on his knees. Tarn thought he looked a little leaner since they'd last met, not quite so well groomed.” But I have yet another reason to seek you out.""Someone else you need robbed?" Fynnol said quickly.

"Have a care, Fynnol," Tarn said.” He has come with our silver, and his accounting is sound enough. Alaan held the bridge so that we might escape. I've not forgotten that."Fynnol held his peace, though not happily.

Alaan looked up at the Fael.” I'm Alaan."The story finder nodded.” And I am Cynddl.""It is a pleasure to meet you. Pwyll told me of you. He said you are all archers of the first rank, though poor Gartnn was lost even so.""You knew Gartnn?" Fynnol said. Alaan clasped his hands together and looked down at the ground.” He was my friend. Gartnn and Elffen helped me spirit Elise Wills away." "Then she really was Elise Wills?" Fynnol said.” The Fael were not mistaken?" "They were not mistaken in the least," Alaan said sadly.” But I was mistaken. Many people died. At least Gartnn and Elffen knew what the dangers were and accepted them. The others..." The fire popped and sent a spray of sparks arcing into the air.” What is it you've come to ask of us?" Baore said softly. Alaan took a long breath and looked up at the big Vale-man.” The men at arms who attacked us at Telanon Bridge served a man named Hafydd— "And they chased us down through the wildlands, almost killing Baore!" Fynnol said, unable to contain himself. Alaan looked directly at Fynnol, and there was compassion there, even regret.” Yes, Hafydd is vengeful," he said evenly.” He killed Elffen for no other reason than that she aided me, and he will do the same to you, if ever he finds you." "But we did not aid you!" Fynnol protested.” We merely let you share our fire." "That is the truth, Fynnol, but Hafydd thinks otherwise. You were seen to defend Elise from Hafydd's men, aiding her escape. He is sure you are allies of mine now, and I will tell you: this places you in grave danger." He drew another breath, as though what he had to say was difficult.” You might manage to return to the Vale and you might even live in peace there, but I think it unlikely. Hafydd's desire to eliminate all who oppose him is inhuman in its depth and passion. I think he will eventually find you, and perhaps you will not be the only victims." The Valemen said nothing, and then looked from one to the other, their faces shadowed in the failing light.” Then what are we to do?" Baore said, almost a whisper.

"I will steal Elise Wills back from Hafydd." Alaan hesitated.” And if I can I will put an end to Hafydd's desire for vengeance.""You will kill him, then?" Tarn said. Alaan nodded.

"Why should we be party to murder?" Cynddl asked. Alaan looked up at the story finder.” To save your own lives and because Hafydd has killed many, or had them killed. You saw what was done in the Fael encampment. How many innocent people died that night? Many thousands more will die if Hafydd is not stopped." He looked from one man to the next.” What say you?""I say we are not murderers," Tam answered slowly.” Then you will be the victims of a murderer," Alaan said, "you and whoever else might be nearby when Hafydd's minions find you." He sat up, scuffing his feet and lifting his hands as though agitated.” I know it's a terrible choice I've come to offer you, but you have a right to defend yourselves and your families. You can do that at a time and place of your choosing or a time and place of Hafydd's choosing. I don't think I need to tell you in which situation you will have the advantage.""It will be a time and place of your choosing, I think," Fynnol said.

Alaan nodded.” That is true, but I know Hafydd better than you. Would you rather choose the time and place? Would you even know how to begin?"Fynnol shook his head.

Tam glanced at the others, who all were grim and stone-faced.” We need time to consider," he answered.

"There is no time to consider. You are either Hafydd's enemies or his victims. Which will it be?"The silence stretched like a strand of web, and finally it was Baore who broke it.

"I will help you," the big man said.” Perhaps you don't need the others." "Noble of you to hold such hopes, Baore, but I need bowmen." He looked from Tam to Cynddl.” Enemies or victims? Which do I see?" "Enemies," Tam heard himself say, and Cynddl nodded his agreement. Alaan bowed his head in acknowledgment.” But don't show your face again without the rest of our silver," Fynnol said angrily.” When we told Eber son of Eire-sit that you were dead he gave us your flute to deliver to a man named A'brgail. We have it yet and will trade it for the rest of our silver." Alaan's gaze flicked to Fynnol like the point of a sword.” You found Eber's house?" he said incredulously. They all nodded.” He didn't give you my flute!" "Oh, but he did!" Fynnol said, and not without a certain glee.” Show him, Cynddl." Cynddl reached inside his vest and removed the wooden box polished by age. Alaan looked as though he would lunge forward and grab it, but Baore stepped nearer, catching Alaan's eye. The traveler stayed where he was.” We know about your flute and the nagar," Fynnol said.” If you want it back, deliver our silver." Tam thought Alaan looked unsure for the first time since they'd met.” Keep it safe," he said, "and whatever you do, don't let it fall into Hafydd's hands! I will bring your silver, do not fear." Alaan stepped carefully out into the dark wood. For a long time no one spoke, then Fynnol said, "Is this where our journey from the Vale has led us? To committing murder?" "The Vale is a long way away," Baore said.” A long way on a strange river. We are caught in the middle of some other men's war. We do what we must to survive." Saying this, he took his whetstone from his bag and began honing their weapons.

Tam woke to the sounds of whispering, and found the moon had lit in a nest of cloud.

"Tam?" Cynddl stood a few feet away. "Yes?" "Baore is gone." Tam was up at once, pulling on his boots. His sword slid silently from its scabbard, and he and Cynddl went to the edge of the running water. The moon fledged from a nest of cloud and its pale light swept over the river. "The boat is still here," Cynddl said.” I would guess he's either up the bank or down.""Up," Tam said, and they set off along the narrow beach, Cynddl in the lead. They'd not gone fifty paces when Cynddl suddenly crouched. Over the story finder's head Tam could see a shirtless Baore, kneeling on a rock. Before him in the water was the nagar, ashen and ghostly. She reached out her hands to him, and reluctantly Baore reached out to her.

"Baore!" Tam shouted without thinking. The nagar spun toward them, baring its teeth in a hiss. And then it was gone, the waters closing over it with barely a ripple. For a moment Baore stayed as he was, and Cynddl and Tam scrambled along the bank to him, though they kept an eye on the river. Tam noticed that Cynddl seemed to shy back from the water a little. Baore still crouched by the river, gazing at the moonlight playing over its surface.

"Baore?" Tam said softly. Baore nodded, but it seemed difficult for him. He shook his head a little and tried to rise, but lost his balance. Tam and Cynddl supported him. "Did you see the nagar?" the big man rasped. "It was here in the water before you," Tam said, trying not to let his fear sound in his voice. Baore nodded.” It seems so much like a dream." "Baore, tell me you didn't make a bargain with the nagar," Cynddl said. Baore turned toward the story finder, his eyes focusing finally. He looked so different from the young man who'd left the Vale: wan and gaunt and haunted, Tam thought.

"I made no bargains, but it was she who carried me back to life. I owe her that, even though I refused her. One small task is all she asks." "And what might that be?" Tam said, the entire idea leaving him cold. Baore shook his head.” Don't meddle in the affairs of the nagar, Tam. I don't say this lightly."

Baore brushed past them and set off back toward the camp. Tam and Cynddl stood and watched him go, a massive, dark silhouette passing quietly along the riverbank. A night animal, Tam thought, silent and secretive.