Robert Hughes - The Wizard in Waiting

Her expression softened, then turned pensive. “Perhaps.”

“Something troubles you, though?” Pelmen asked hopefully.

“Shouldn’t it? I may have been through a lot since we met, but I don’t think anything’s prepared me to reconstruct a country.”

“Then you’ve taken the first step in being a success at it. You realize you need some help. Ligne never got that far.”

“You’ll help me, won’t you? Please, Pelmen, stay on as our Prime Minister!”

He gazed at her fondly for a moment. “Thank you, my Lady. But no.”

“Why not? You know more about this than I do, and ”

“But there’s one who knows far more about it than either of us. And today he saved our lives.”

Bronwynn wrinkled her nose. “Kherda? But he overthrew my father.”

“Which you’ve said yourself probably needed to happen. I’ll not make the decision for you. You’re the Queen.” The two of them stepped out onto the lowest terrace of the garden. With the displacement of the aviary, the sunlight burned down brilliantly on the luscious green foliage, forcing them to stop and breathe the air. It seemed fresher, somehow, and Pelmen said so.

Of course this House smells better! the castle snapped. The birds have flown.

That wasn’t wholly true, for many of the aviary’s occupants remained.

No longer caged, these stayed by choice, for this was the only home they had known in this northerly land. “Not all, evidently,” Pelmen said.

The others will leave with winter, the House said smugly.

“And so will the plants.” Pelmen nodded sadly. “But changes must come.”

“What are you two talking about?” Bronwynn asked.

“Birds and change,” Pelmen said quietly. Then he nodded over her shoulder. Kherda and Joss stood with several others, awaiting the news of their fate. Bronwynn looked at Kherda grimly, then motioned him to her. He cleared his throat nervously, then walked forward. “My Lady, I can ask for nothing save your mercy. While I know ”

“Kherda, can you give me some idea of what’s happening in the provinces?”

Kherda looked at her, puzzled, then rapidly responded, “Drought in the east, though perhaps the rising of the rivers signal some rains have finally come. Insects in the north have ravaged seed stocks, but we have enough in storage here in the city to replenish supplies, once the order is given to move them. It’s been a poor year for farmers the dragon burn of course, and the battle at Westmouth but we’re not facing a major famine, for the fields in the far south produced ”

“Can you prepare the orders to ship the necessary goods?” Bronwynn asked.

“Certainly. They’re in my office awaiting signature. Just let me—”

Kherda started out, but stopped and came back. “However it’s not my office anymore is it?”

“Who moved you?”

Kherda’s wide eyes grew wider. Then he scooped up his skirts and flapped out of the room, shouting, “I’ll be back in a moment.”

Bronwynn glanced back distastefully at the remainder of the group, then settled her gaze on Joss. He was being diligently guarded by a fierce-eyed Gerrig whom he ignored completely. The warrior met Bronwynn’s gaze passively. Bronwynn glanced back at Pelmen.

“Yes?” he asked. “What of Joss?”

“My recent experience as an almost murderess has convinced me that somehow I don’t think a Queen should be one.”

“And?” Pelmen asked.

“And I don’t want to start my reign with a full dungeon.” She gauged his reactions. “Joss has so much experience in affairs of state. Why not make him Ambassador to Lamath?”

Pelmen raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Certainly a creative idea,”

he said appreciatively.

“He’s loyal to Chaomonous, we know that. And it would keep him in a position of responsibility which might prevent him from raising an army against me. He and Kherda would be separated That’s important; those two have been fighting all my life ” She stopped when she saw Pelmen smiling at her. “Besides,” she smiled back, “if he spends time in Lamath, he might learn something. I did.”

Pelmen nodded, still smiling. “You’re the Queen.”

Gerrig led the General to them and turned Joss around to face Bronwynn.

“My Lady, would you have me dispatch him here?” Gerrig asked dramatically.

“Gerrig, this isn’t a play. You can put up your sword and leave us.

But gather the troupe and meet me at the table tonight. I think you’ll like the role I have picked out for you.”

“A new role!” Gerrig said brightly. He stalked out of the garden smiling grandly. Nothing pleased Gerrig more than a new role.

“Now, Joss,” Bronwynn began, “what shall I do with you?”

“I ask no favors, my Lady. I chose wrongly. I’ll accept my death as my due.”

“How about accepting appointment to the court of La-math instead? As my Ambassador?” The General blinked. Then his hard eyes softened. He remembered when this woman had been but a bright-eyed baby girl and she’d stolen his battle-hardened heart with a smile. “Joss,” she continued quietly, “this past year has been a nightmare for all of us.

Perhaps we could… wake up?”

“I’ll serve you faithfully,” Joss said with a solemn frown, and Bronwynn knew he meant it.

“Here’s the (puff) documents.” Kherda panted as he raced up to Bronwynn. “Ready for circulation.”

Bronwynn took the stylus he offered and quickly signed them, asking as she did, “What’s happened to Jagd?”

“I saw him leaving the castle. I can call him back if you ”

“Oh no,” Bronwynn said, shaking her head. “I’m glad he’s gone. I would, however, like to meet with the other local merchant lords tomorrow, as well as all the free traders you can assemble.”

“Freetraders?” Kherda frowned.

“I expect to be increasing our dealings with Lamath very soon. Here.”

She handed the documents back to him and the Prune Minister wandered away, shaking his head and muttering about free traders Bronwynn winked at her mentor. “I believe I’m going to like this.”

Pelmen smiled, but his eyes were serious as he replied, “I hope so. I certainly hope so.”

“The flyers are on their way,” Rosha mod Dorlyth told them as he came down the spiraled terraces.

“And the two of you have much to discuss. I’ll let you be.” Pelmen started for the doorway back into the halls.

“You have some discussing to do, too?” Bronwynn guessed.

“Perhaps.” He nodded. Then he left them alone.

He searched several floors before he finally had the presence of mind to ask the House where she was.

In your cell, waiting for you.

Pelmen raced to meet her. “Serphimera?” he asked as he opened the door.

“I’m here,” she called.

“I know. The House told me.”

The woman looked at the walls. “Is there no place private?” she whispered.

“There are some things it can’t hear,” he whispered back, and he leaned over and kissed her. She held him briefly, fiercely, then abruptly pulled herself away. He looked at her with surprise.

“I suppose your two initiates will marry,” she finally said.

“They’re planning that now. And what of us?” He asked the question tentatively.

Serphimera’s dark green eyes transfixed him. “Are you finished yet?”

“Finished?”

“With your tasks.”

Pehnen gazed at her. “I don’t know.”

“I know. And you’re not.”

“More visions?” Pelmen asked, a bit harshly.

“You’re not. Nor am I. And we both must care for those things first.”

“You’re going to keep on telling of Lord Dragon?” Pelmen didn’t mean to sound angry, but he did.