Firekeeper Saga - Wolf's Head, Wolf's Heart Part 22

Along with the last Waln had contracted for a driver, the promise being that the man would be paid for a round trip in advance and if he proved satisfactory he'd be given the wagon in the bargain.

Smart, Derian thought admiringly, for he's buying the man's loyalty as well as his services and since Baron Endbrook doubtless plans to return to the Isles, he won't care to ship the sleigh home.

To each of these businesses-whether the owners expressed indignation or the sly satisfaction of those who felt they had a good deal done and to perdition with anyone else-Derian suggested that they keep their part of the bargain and let the unnamed foreigner break the deal. Then the guild could step in and take punitive action.

The various guilds spread their influence throughout both Hawk Haven and Bright Bay. Since the Isles had been until recently a part of Bright Bay, they also fell under standard guild rules and regulations. At times of all but full-fledged war, the guilds had actually served as a form of international government, maintaining standards between the two nations.

No one expected them to do otherwise now that the labeling on the map had changed. A carter, therefore, could expect that a broken contract would be avenged.

Derian finished his rounds with a firm sense of pleasure at a job well done.

The information he had gathered confirmed Elise's guess that Baron Endbrook-and quite possibly Lady Melina-planned a journey somewhere other than back home to the Isles. The question remained-where?

Derian studied a mental map of the region, working out possibilities.

At this time of year, the southern reaches of Hawk Haven-in which Port Haven itself lay-might or might not see snow. A wagon capable of sleigh conversion would be overkill-especially since the post road between the capital and the port boasted several establishments where a wagon could be traded for a sleigh if the weather turned ugly.

In any case, Derian had already learned from his father that the diplomatic contingent from the Isles had arranged to hire riding horses and a baggage wagon all the way to Port Haven. Therefore, Waln wasn't making those arrangements-not that Derian had really thought he was.

In the northern sections of Hawk Haven, however, as the post-riders already reported, snowfall was becoming regular. A sleigh-convertible wagon would be a good idea, since it would be difficult to say in what condition the roads might be.

Derian reported his findings to Elise and Dog during a quiet moment at the Kestrel ball, the only one ofthe numerous post-wedding festivities to which he had been invited. The trio had retired to a private room that Doc, as a resident guest of the household, secured for them.

As Derian talked, he noticed that Elise seemed tense and unnaturally stiff, especially when she greeted Doc. Inwardly he sighed, sensing yet another development in that undeclared romantic drama.

Derian finished his report by saying, "I plan to find that wagon driver if I can. His name is Orin Driver, called Fox since his father has the same name but belongs to the Hummingbird Society. Fox is a bit of a scoundrel-as might be expected of someone who'd take a job which anyone could guess must be a bit shady. Still, I may be able to get him a touch drunk and learn the route they're taking."

Doc nodded his approval.

"Good. Now, I think you're right in guessing that Waln is planning on taking a trip north. If we rule out a meeting with someone in Hawk Haven, he's going either into New Kelvin or Waterland. Waterland is a possibility, but not my favorite."

"Why rule out Hawk Haven?" Derian asked.

"Because he could meet almost anyone in Hawk Haven more easily and with less fuss here in Eagle's Nest. The royal wedding itself is excuse enough for a journey here."

"I'll buy that," Derian said, "so you prefer New Kelvin."

"I do, but let's rule out Waterland first." Doc gestured as if he was writing. "Rather like diagnosis of an illness, don't you see? We rule out the less likely and then we have a better idea what is likely. Then we can find a way to treat the illness."

The knight glanced at Elise and the young woman managed a tepid smile.

"Right," Doc continued. "Now, Waterland certainly seems a possibility. One, the a.s.sa.s.sins who attacked at the first wedding were from Waterland. Two, Waterland has been-until recent events-an enemy of Bright Bay and an ally of Hawk Haven. It is still unclear what new alliances they might find profitable. It could be that Baron Endbrook is going there to plead his country's case."

Elise stopped looking wan and tense long enough to protest, "But the Isles have long sheltered pirates and privateers! Waterland wouldn't make an alliance with them!"

Doc grinned. "They would if those same pirates and privateers could be turned against Bright Bay's shipping rather than Waterland's. Remember, Waterland traditionally chooses the course that leads to the greatest financial profit."

"That is true," she admitted, relaxing now that they were discussing international relations-one of her favorite subjects.

Doc continued his diagnosis.

"Both of these reasons can explain why Waln might go to Waterland, but we are left with several reasons to discount them. One, as an Islander, he would probably choose to go by sea."

"Even at this time of year?" Derian asked, with a landsman's distrust of ocean tempers.

"I think so, but," Doc said, showing a trace uncertainty, "I could be wrong. My second reason is stronger. What advantage would he gain in taking Lady Melina to Waterland?""None that I can see," Elise said, "but there would be a possible advantage in 'taking her to New Kelvin.

She is known to have great interest in things sorcerous and they nearly worship the old ways."

"Just my thought, Lady," Doc said enthusiastically. "Moreover, the waistcoat Baron Endbrook wore to the wedding was made of intricately figured New Kelvinese silk-a kind they do not usually export but that is sold in markets in Dragon's Breath. I have seen the like on traders coming from New Kelvin to wine-fests."

"That's a slim thing on which to base a judgment," Derian protested.

"True," Doc said, "but I do find it interesting that-as far as I can tell-Baron Endbrook is pretending relative ignorance of New Kelvin."

"That is interesting," Elise mused, "and combined with his interest in Lady Melina..."

"It may just mark his destination," Derian interrupted, forgetting protocol in his eagerness. "It fits nicely in with the convertible wagon I mentioned earlier. New Kelvin is north and west of here. The likelihood of snow will be greater."

"Crossing the White Water River from Hawk Haven is one way into New Kelvin," Doc added. "It still isn't precisely simple, but there are recognized crossings."

"I hadn't realized," Derian said uneasily, "that we were so vulnerable on that border."

"Oh, we're not," Elise said distractedly, speaking like one whose thoughts are mostly elsewhere. "The White Water has cut deep canyons and the ice is broken by rocks that make for treacherous spots that freeze and thaw unpredictably. Still, as Sir Jared says, there are ferry points and much of our trade with New Kelvin crosses during the winter months."

"Thank you, m'lady," Derian said.

He tried to sound flippant-afraid her serious mood would return-but genuine respect crept into his voice. After all, Elise's own lands were all the way across Hawk Haven from the White Water. Who would ever have guessed she'd know so much about distant lands?

Elise smiled and seemed to come back to the present moment.

"I enjoy such things, Derian. Now, I rather agree with Sir Jared that New Kelvin seems more likely than Waterland-especially if Lady Melina is involved. I seem to recall my mother saying that she-Lady Melina-went there when she was about my age and talked about the journey for a long time after."

"A return trip in itself, then," Derian said excitedly, "might be reason enough for her to link up with the baron."

"True," Elise said slowly. "Lady Melina and Lord Rolfston's family has never had as much money as the gems and fancy horses might seem to indicate. I heard rumor that the estate Jet is taking over carries a good deal of debt.

"But," Elise continued after a moment, "a pleasure trip would not be reason for the baron being so secretive-unless he fears his wife learning and social scandal. I'm afraid I will continue to think the worst of Lady Melina."Doc nodded gravely. "A wise thing to do. However, the fact that we can all think of reasons why Lady Melina might legitimately travel with Baron Endbrook, and the fact that neither New Kelvin nor the Isles are our declared enemies..."

"Remember, the New Kelvinese got plenty p.i.s.sy when we went to Bright Bay's aid against Stonehold,"

Derian reminded him.

"But they never declared war nor sent aid to our enemies," .Doc said.

"At least," he added, "that I know."

He glanced at Elise as he said this and the young woman shook her head.

"No, not that I have heard either. Am I correct in thinking that you feel, Sir Jared, that the evidence we have to support our suspicions is, as of yet, fairly flimsy?"

She didn't sound affronted-as she would have had the right to do, given that she was the one who had started suspecting Baron Endbrook-merely interested.

"Not at all, Lady Elise," Doc replied levelly, "simply that we have knowledge of Lady Melina's character that most do not and since we are sworn not to share that knowledge we are in something of a bind."

"I agree with you," Elise said. "That's why I spoke with the two of you rather than my parents. My mother may not particularly like Lady Melina, but she thinks of her as a charlatan. As far as I know, my father doesn't consider Lady Melina much at all-except as sister to a traitor and another failed compet.i.tor for the throne."

. "Faint praise," Derian said, needling her deliberately, "for your confidants, eh?"

Elise colored and seemed for a moment the same lovely and uncomplicated girl he had mooned over for a time the previous summer. Then a certain gravity settled on her features once more.

"I trust you," she said firmly, "both of you, like the brothers I never had. Is that praise enough?"

Derian grinned. "Better."

"We can't stay closeted here much longer without causing comment," Elise said. "What do we do to get more evidence?"

"I'll do what I can to make acquaintances among the New Kelvinese diplomats," Doc offered. "It isn't easy. I know because I've already tried-I'm honestly interested in their herb lore. Still, since some of their trade is medically related, I have an excuse to keep pressing. I won't ask anything direct about this matter, but I hope to learn a thing or two that will make it easier for us if-Eagle spread her wings against it-we need to cross the border after Baron Endbrook."

Casting a glance toward where Ninette-now fully and somewhat unhappily in her mistress's confidence-was keeping an eye out for anyone who might chance upon them, Elise spoke: "I've had little chance to speak with Citrine as of yet. Her mother is keeping her away from even her usual playmates like little Kenre Trueheart. Tomorrow night, however, there is a dinner and small dance at the Shield/Redbriar home. I'm certain I'll be able to talk with her there. Now, I must go."

Gifting each with a small smile and a gracious curtsy, Elise left them with such promptness that her departure could have seemed flight.After watching her out of sight Doc turned to Derian.

"My cousin asked me to speak with you informally about the post he offered you for this winter. He'll be heading to Kestrel lands in a few days and hopes that you'll accept and travel with us."

Derian nodded. "I've been considering it seriously. It's certainly an attractive offer and one that would permit me to see Firekeeper again-if she ever comes back."

"When she does," Doc said firmly. "You say she promised you that she would visit you again. Surely she would be more comfortable on the Kestrel Grant. Part of the North Woods are still wild and there would be good hunting for Blind Seer."

"She might not come back at all this winter," Derian said.

"But the earl has offered you a post as riding instructor to his children and as advisor on his stable," Doc reminded him. "It's not makework. d.u.c.h.ess Kestrel let the stable slide for a time and Norvin had other projects with which to occupy himself."

"That's true," Derian admitted. "Otherwise he wouldn't have needed to hire mounts from my parents when he set out west."

"Exactly," Doc said. "Do come out. You'll have friends there, which is more than you can say in any of the other places you've been offered posts."

Derian nodded. "And I'd see another part of the kingdom. I've only been out that way once or twice and then usually in the summer. We have one stable-an affiliate with a relative of my mother's-and they don't need much managing."

"Did you know," Doc asked with an abruptness that Derian realized was part shyness, "that the earl has also asked Elise to spend some time this winter with his household? He has two sons, both of whom are within a few years of Elise's age. The elder-Edlin-will be heir."

"Matchmaking?"

"I expect so," Doc said. For the first time in their acquaintance, Derian saw the desperate sorrow that underlay Doc's undeclared devotion to Elise. "It would be a good match. Their holdings are on opposite sides of the kingdom, true, but that could be seen as spreading influence, rather than concentrating it in the north."

"Has Elise accepted?" Derian asked.

"Not yet. Nor has she declined."

Doc's expression became wry.

"As with you, Derian, the earl has hinted to Elise that her presence would be a comfort to Lady Blysse should she return from the wilds."

Derian couldn't help but chuckle. "He plays people as Race plays the flute-knowing just the right stops."

"Why then," Jared said abruptly, "would he then also ask me to make myself free of his home this winter?

He's no fool-he must know that I... care for the young woman. Nor is he cruel. Do you think he might..."

"Hope you could win her?" Derian shrugged. "Now, that's an interesting thought.""Maybe," Doc added bitterly, as if the thought had just come to him, "he uses me as bait to get her there."

"Right now," Derian said bluntly, "your presence might not be an advantage. She seems uncertain of herself."

Doc hit the table with his fist.

"If only I had something to offer her!"

Derian thought he had nothing to say, but found his tongue working anyhow.

"I'll come out this winter," he promised. "Even if Elise does not, you'll be glad for a friend and so," he added, knowing it was true, "will I."

Jared reached out and gripped Derian's hand in wordless thanks.

"In any case," Doc added, "other interests seem to be pressing north. Perhaps it is just as well that we have an excuse to head that way, with or without the lady."

Derian thought from the touch of desperate hope in his friend's eyes that Jared Surcliffe would much prefer "with" to "without."

When the convocation of the royal beasts reformed in the middle of the next morning, early comments from bear and boar to the general company caused Firekeeper to think that some negotiating among various groups had been going on.

She was certain of this when the puma-who had been fervent in his avocation of her acting as the Beasts' agent-rose languid and golden in the morning sunlight, stretched, and addressed the convocation in general.

"The wolf pup with human form has asked most reasonably why we ourselves did not go after these enchanted objects. I here request that honorable battle-bird, the raven, to speak for his kind."

The raven flapped his wings once, setting up a miniature storm of leaf mold and dust, then croaked: "I speak for all my kin on this matter-the ravens, crows, and jays. Simply put, we are clever of beak and talon, sharp of eye, and swift of flight, but never have we possessed the means for opening locks or of gaining access to rooms closed and barred against even human access."

"And," squawked a jay, lest any miss the point, "it is supremely unlikely that Queen Valora keeps her treasures on display on her dressing table-or that many windows would be conveniently open in wintertime."

Then the puma said, "But you agree that this stealing is essential-that it must be done?"

The raven spoke, "Again, for all my kin, I say yes."

Next the puma put the same questions to the hawks and eagles and received a similar reply. Then he turned his inquiry to the racc.o.o.ns and foxes. Their reply was as the winged folks' had been-that against human buildings, locks and keys, even their nimble paws and legendary slyness could not avail.

The puma licked one of his forepaws in a thoughtful manner and continued-and there was such predatory power about him that even the largest and fiercest of the Beasts did not question his suddendomination of the discussion.

"So we admit we have a need and a desire, but not the means to gain what we want. The human-shaped wolfling, though, she would not be baffled by doors and locks. Her hands are made for the undoing of these."

Firekeeper, who had kept silent to this point as if mesmerized, now gave tongue.