Mike Shevdon: Strangeness and Charm

"It is," Blackbird said.

"Bring me a knife," said Yonna.

Mullbrook appeared with an ancient wooden handled knife, crudely made, but with a keen edge that glinted.

Blackbird offered her hand and Yonna drew the knife across her palm without hesitation.

"By your blood you are released," said Yonna.

"I am released," said Blackbird.

"By your heart, you will serve none but your own, and owe allegiance to none."

"I will owe no one allegiance," said Blackbird.

"By your mind, you will abide by your own consideration, saving the advice of those you trust."

"I will," said Blackbird.

"Your power is your own," Yonna said. "None may bind you, none may hold you, and may none stand against you."

She stepped forward and kissed Blackbird on both cheeks again. "You are free, sister."

Blackbird looked pale, and for a moment I thought she might faint. I moved quietly round behind her to catch her if she fell, but she rallied as the cheers rang up around her from the assembly.

"Is there a vow to swear me into the High Court?" she asked Yonna.

Yonna shook her head. "No my child. We are owed allegiance, but we offer none." She turned to face the assembly. "Your Lady has sacrificed much, this night. More than many of you know. Vows will be made later, oaths that bind and promises that hold. That is for tomorrow. Who will come forward this night, and offer allegiance to the Eighth Court?"

There was a muttering among the assembly. I saw Garvin glance across at me as if I might lead, but as a Warder my allegiance was to all the courts, not a single court.

After a moment, Andy stepped forward. "I would offer my allegiance," he said. "How do I do it?"

"A simple bow will suffice," said Yonna.

He came and stood before Blackbird, who turned to face him.

"I would offer my allegiance, Lady." He knelt on one knee and bowed his head.

"Accepted," said Blackbird. "We will engage in formalities in due course, Andy, but for now be welcome to the Eighth Court."

There was a round of applause, then a shuffling as others came forward.

As they did, Garvin made his way around the group to stand next to me. Others copied Andy, descending to one knee before Blackbird.

"You must be very pleased for her," he said.

I glanced at him, then back at Blackbird. "Maybe when I find out what she's volunteered for," I said.

"You will have plenty of time to think about it. You went against my wishes, this night," said Garvin. "You put the High Court in danger and you prejudiced a decision that will affect the balance and harmony of the High Court for years to come. You're suspended."

"I'm what?"

"From this night, you are suspended from duty pending consideration of your conduct."

"Garvin?" said Kimlesh. "Is there a problem?" She appeared at Garvin's shoulder in the middle of his last statement.

"Warder business, Lady. No cause for concern," he said, making sure he had eye contact with me.

"Did I hear that you were suspending Warder Dogstar?" said Kimlesh.

"My Lady, as always, your hearing misses nothing."

"On what basis, may I ask?" she said, lightly.

"On the basis that he went expressly against my wishes, and brought a group of people of unknown disposition and unqualified power into the High Court, placing the High Court in danger," said Garvin.

"You believe I and my colleagues are endangered by a beekeeper and his friends?" said Kimlesh.

"Any one of them could have been an assassin," pointed out Garvin.

"Sent by whom?" said Kimlesh.

"That doesn't matter."

"I believe, that you expressly asked Warder Dogstar to bring the escapees from Porton Down before the Court as soon as possible," she said.

"As ever, Lady, you are well informed. I asked for that, yes," he said.

"Did you specify that they were to be brought individually?" she asked.

"No, not exactly," he said, "but common sense dictates that…"

"So he was following your orders," said Kimlesh, "which were unfortunately phrased."

"I suppose," said Garvin, "but…"

"And do you serve all of the courts of the Feyre," Kimlesh asked.

"Indeed, Lady, but…"

"I think you may reconsider the suspension, in the light of the decision of the High Court to recognise Blackbird as the Lady of the Eighth Court, which was undoubtably facilitated by Warder Dogstar. We are grateful for his unorthodox approach, and there was no actual danger, was there Garvin?"

"The bees, Madam…"

"…were an irritation at worst, and an excellent demonstration of how things are developing," she said. "Of course, the disposition of the Warders and the duties assigned remain entirely a matter for you, Garvin."

"Of course, my Lady."

"Good. Then we understand each other." She moved away to join the group that had already pledged their allegiance to Blackbird.

I was tempted to speak, but held my tongue.

"Warder Dogstar," said Garvin.

"Yes?" I placed my closed fist over my heart.

"The Eighth Court will be needing close attention in the months to come. Do you feel able to provide that protection."

"I do," I said, making sure I didn't leak the least trace of a smile.

"Then get to it," said Garvin. "I hold you responsible."

"Indeed," I said, repeating the gesture.

"And Dogstar?"

"Yes, Garvin?"

"I want you to remember that this was your choice. This isn't the end of it, not by any means, and I want you to remember that I tried to keep you out of it."

"I don't want to be kept out of it," I told him.

"As long as you understand," he said, turned and walked to the double doors. Fionh fell in beside him.

As they left, I saw Yonna talking quietly with Mellion. Yonna shook her head and Mellion made a complex hand gesture ending with an opening hand stretched wide, palm down.

They spoke for a moment more and then separated to speak with others. I was pulled away into a collection of people with questions for which I had few answers. More champagne was poured and Mullbrook and the stewards appeared with trays of snacks to keep the party going. It was a celebration to remember, and Blackbird was at the centre of it. I think she spoke with everyone there — fey, mongrel fey, warder and steward alike.

Lesley appeared with our son, bathed and fed, and Blackbird held him for a while and then tried to gently pass him to me, but he clung to Blackbird and would not be parted, so she had to carry him around a while longer. He earned much comment and gazed at everyone intently as if he must remember them all.

Finally people dispersed, with Tate and Amber shepherding people out and back to their lives after promises to return and swear allegiance to the new court, and Mullbrook finding rooms for those who said they had nowhere to return to and would stay. I was surprised when Angela said she would remain at the courts, though she did check first to establish that she wasn't going to be locked up again before she let one of the stewards guide her to a bed.

"I'm exhausted," said Blackbird as the last of the visitors left, "but you're still ready to play aren't you?" she said to our son. She handed him to me, and he finally allowed himself to be passed across. He must have been a little tired because he rested his head against my shoulder, watching the stewards move around the room.

"I think we could go to bed," said Blackbird, "before it's morning and this one wants feeding again."

"Where's Alex?" I said.

Blackbird smiled. "Still fretting after all she's done? It's OK, she hasn't disappeared again. She just said she needed some air and said would take a walk around the gardens."

"But it's raining," I said.

"Then she is in her element. Come Warder Dogstar, take me to my bed before I fall asleep standing up. It's tomorrow already, and it's going to be a long day."