The Worlds of Katherine Kurtz

Quote from: Evie on December 06, 2024, 12:57:57 PM

Quote from: Evie on December 06, 2024, 12:52:38 PM

Quote from: Nezz on December 06, 2024, 12:50:19 PM

Quote from: Evie on December 06, 2024, 12:45:32 PMAww! What air ye doin' wi' me puir wee laddie?

Don't worry, he's still pure as the driven snow.   

We were hoping that you'd come save him from this fate, but no, you wanted to go play with Col and Camber and all the rest...

 

I figure he's still pure as the driven snow; it's those three puppetmasters I'm worried about!

Agreed on both counts. As you well know, Jerusha can be a real fiend, and I just don't know what she's got planned for our darling boys.

Quote from: Evie on December 06, 2024, 12:52:38 PM

Quote from: Nezz on December 06, 2024, 12:50:19 PM

Quote from: Evie on December 06, 2024, 12:45:32 PMAww! What air ye doin' wi' me puir wee laddie?

Don't worry, he's still pure as the driven snow.   

We were hoping that you'd come save him from this fate, but no, you wanted to go play with Col and Camber and all the rest...

 

I figure he's still pure as the driven snow; it's those three puppetmasters I'm worried about!

Quote from: Nezz on December 06, 2024, 12:50:19 PM

Quote from: Evie on December 06, 2024, 12:45:32 PMAww! What air ye doin' wi' me puir wee laddie?

Don't worry, he's still pure as the driven snow.   

We were hoping that you'd come save him from this fate, but no, you wanted to go play with Col and Camber and all the rest...

 

Quote from: Evie on December 06, 2024, 12:45:32 PMAww! What air ye doin' wi' me puir wee laddie?

Don't worry, he's still pure as the driven snow.   

We were hoping that you'd come save him from this fate, but no, you wanted to go play with Col and Camber and all the rest...

Aww! What air ye doin' wi' me puir wee laddie?

Aidan waited a full count of fifty before opening the infirmary office door wider so he could slip out. He wasn't entirely sure why he had left the door ajar so he could listen to the conversation between Sir Airich and Mistress Amy, but he had been unable to resist. Surely as a novice he should have been able to resist such temptation?

He left the infirmary and walked purposefully to one of the boarding houses often used by the foreign students at the university. Aidan avoided the few students that had begun to move in for the fall term and made his way to a storage shed behind the building. He hadn't been here since the previous term ended; in fact, he wasn't sure why he was here now, but it never occurred to him to question the need to be here.

Aidan opened the door without knocking and closed it behind him. The only light was from a window with the shutters partly opened, and he stood quietly while his eyes adjusted to the gloom. 

"What do you have to tell us?" asked a man in heavily accented Gwyneddan.

The young novice faced the three senior students ranged before him in the shed. He felt no concern as the one who had spoken came nearer to him, looking directly into his eyes. Aidan felt a sense of being captured by those eyes, but he did not question it. He knew all three of the students, yet he could not identify any of them by face or name.

Emotionlessly, he related all he had observed and heard in the infirmary and what he knew of the people involved. He named and described Edwin Scrivener of the Scrivener House of Culdi; Sir Airich O'Flynn of Derry; Mistress Elspeth Rowan, physicker of Carbury; Mistress Amy; Guardian Bede and Mistress Muirea. Not really understanding what Sir Airich was attempting to do, he described the calling up of clouds and the need for heavy rain to put out the fires that would consume Grecotha.

"Trained enough to attempt weather-working," interrupted the second student, listening to the novice closely. "Interesting. Perhaps useful."

"Continue," commanded the first student.

The young novice resumed his narrative, repeating the description of Sir Airich's affliction. He was oblivious to the sharp intake of breath from the third student as he repeated what the knight had said about needing a healer he trusted implicitly due to his knowledge of over forty years worth of sensitive information from the King's privy councils. Information the King would not want his enemies to discover.

"Sir Airich O'Flynn could indeed be useful to us," the third student said.   

"A discussion for later," the first student said curtly. "Continue," he said again to Aidan.

"Sir Airich and Mistress Amy sat close together for a long time after that. It almost seemed as if they were speaking to someone else, but I heard no words.  At times they seemed quite disconcerted; sometimes she gripped his arm. But they were laughing when they left, walking arm in arm." 

The student standing before Aidan finally turned his gaze from the young novice. "You may go now."

Aidan nodded and turned to go without a further word. He would return to Canon Damian's office to report that all was in readiness in the infirmary for the return of Master Bonhom and Master Steadman. Novice Aidan McLain would have no memory of his journey to the shed or his conversation with the men inside it.

He never did.

Quote from: Demercia on December 06, 2024, 01:52:00 AMIt's lovely to be introduced to Soraya at her best as Queen of Gwynedd.

Yes, and in addition to being a good hostess and caring role model for Alixa, she can play the "We are not amused" card brilliantly when she needs to. 

"Waiting to take what They think is rightfully theirs." We know power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The custodes did much damage in the past and now want to do even more. They want to destroy a whole city , killing many. Extremists are incapable of building, they can only tear down. I don't know who is responsible for their resurgence but I hope they can be stopped before they start another harrowing.

It's lovely to be introduced to Soraya at her best as Queen of Gwynedd.

((Dear readers here is a continuation of Nezz and I working together to make a scene happen))

Trevor wasn't alone, either.

Hello Airich, how are you today?

I'm well enough. Airich sensed another person with Trevor, someone he should know well. Who's with you?

A cheery mental voice entered the link in full. Hullo Baby Brother, I'm quite miffed you didn't come to see me when you came through Rhemuth this summer.

Charity!

Amy felt the honest delight emanating from Airich at the presence of this woman, obviously his sister. And she herself felt drawn to this woman and her joyous nature that came through the Rapport.

Trevor's not the only one who brought a visitor, Charity said.

Yes, this is Amy. She is a very dear friend of mine. It pleased Amy that Airich didn't hide the emotion behind his words, and let his siblings know exactly what he meant by a "dear friend."

Uncertain if her words would pass through the rapport or only her emotions, Amy tried both; I am pleased to make the acquaintance of Sir Airich's siblings. And then sent a warm emotion of greeting. Then it occurred to her that these people were nobility, and she was wondering how in her little minnow form she could curtsey.

Charity, like a songbird, trilled; No need of that among family and friends. And with that, Amy felt a welcoming that was instantly as warm as one Elspeth would give her. Amy's nerves eased, and she nestled in to this Rapport.

Trevor, I need to let you know what we've learned about some of the Willimite leaders here, but first, do you know if the king has sent any backup to Grecotha yet?

The King says he is making plans, and that Grecotha should no longer be your concern. His Majesty is recalling you, he wants to see you in Rhemuth as soon as we can arrange it.

Amy involuntarily gasped and Airich said, What?

We're working on getting you out of Grecotha. We know of the existence of a portal, and we'll have directions to it by morning and can send them to you. Can you get yourself ready by then? Arrange care for your horse until we can come back for him?

Amy could feel Airich floundering for words, thoroughly taken aback by this news. Amy herself was more than a little stunned to realize that King Kelson actually knew this man, her own handsome Deryni knight, well enough to summon him directly.

The King knows what's going on here in Grecotha, doesn't he? He is aware that the Willimites are planning to torch the place soon?

Yes, he knows, I told him myself. It's no longer your burden.

But it has become my burden, very deeply so.... Who... who is he sending to replace me? Does he know that Bishop Bernard doesn't have any other Deryni working for him? I would have to show this replacement the depths to which the Willimites have entrenched themselves here and the danger that weighs heavily over the whole city. Airich mentally paused then added, And my friends... I can not leave...

Brother, you are in danger, and you must get out of there. This was Charity pleading for the safety of the family, Mother and father have been so worried about you.

Why? Did you tell them where I was? It is for the future of our family and families like ours that I can not leave, what we need is more help.

Father Trevor's regained control of the Rapport. It is the King's will that you report the events you know directly to him. We just have to get you out of Grecotha; if it makes you feel better, we can get Mistress Amy and your friends out with you, too.

There was an intake of breath from Amy that only Airich heard, she would not interrupt a noble priest's words, but her thoughts ran parallel to his own: Elspeth wouldn't leave Grecotha; she had a patient here and was already invested in the welfare of the city. Therefore, Bede would stay, although Airich thought perhaps he might send Muirea away. Edwin loved the city too well. And Amy... Amy was loyal. She would never leave Elspeth. He would be the only one running to safety, confirming Edwin's low opinion of him.

Airich stammered a little, trying to find a delay, any delay, yet knowing one could not refuse the King's command. Even with a good portal– I found an old disused one–I can not portal from Grecotha. Rhemuth is the closest portal that I know of, and that's too far away for a single jump. I have never been to Caerrorrie, to your See, or Arx Fidei or even Valoret. The Derry portals are too distant for me to make in a single jump, and no one bothered to show me the Lendour portal the few times I have been there. I recall Seamus said I was too young. Baring the use of Portals, I could attempt to ride through the Willimites' blockades, but I suspect they're watching for that. They know my name, Trevor, and I fear one or two of them may have connected my face to my name. 

Do not risk the blockade. On that, we all agree. If they know your face, you are not safe there, you must get free of that place. Trevor's brotherly concern was potent through the link. Both brothers paused, absorbing the emotion, and then concentrated on solving the dilemma. It seemed Trevor was as blind about getting to Grecotha as Airich was about getting out. Airich, we are in Arx Fidei right now, just south of Valoret. I can search for someone who might know a portal in Grecotha. We think we do know someone already, but using him as a go between might be a bit tricky. Damn it, Portals are supposed to make travel easier, yet I see no way to pass on the knowledge of their signatures safely without actually learning their signatures in person.

One of the brothers here must know a Grecotha portal, Charity chimed in.

I'll have Wash talk to them to see what he can find out. Trevor answered his sister. But the name of Wash startled both persons sitting in Grecotha.

Wait, Wash is there too? Why? Airich physically blinked and looked at Amy, hoping the mention of that name didn't cause her pain.

She sat very still, hardly daring to breath and Airich feared she might pass out from lack of air. Women were known to pass out from shocking information, but surely Amy was not one of them. He, too, was holding his breath, he discovered, then forced himself to breathe, hoping that Amy too would take the hint. Apparently she did, but her hand on his wrist had grown quite tight.

Trevor continued, not knowing the consternation he was causing on the far side of his Rapport. Washburn Morgan was already involved when I reported to the King this morning. He has the contact who knows many of the portals in the Eastern part of the kingdom. If we can get that man to help us, then you will have your out. But as yet that is not a certainty. So it seems you will have to wait just a little longer there. I hope you have a place of safety?

Nowhere is safe in Grecotha. Airich frowned. Did you... tell him anything? About me? He was horrified by the idea that Trevor might have broken confidence and brought Wash in to help Airich.

He is a Healer, Airich. I told him that his presence would be welcome. And not much more.

Not much? How much is "not much?"

I told him that you were having trouble from a Death Reading of a burned victim. You didn't tell me that in confidence.

No, he hadn't mentioned that under the Seal of the Confessional. And Airich couldn't deny that he was still always unseasonably warm, and the smell of burnt flesh frequently seemed to assailed his nostrils. He wondered if Wash could help with that without discovering... No, of course Wash would figure out the rest of it. Airich wouldn't be able to hide it from a trained healer. And, well, he'd planned to go see Wash anyway. Perhaps he could be healed from his years-long malady and return to Grecotha as a whole man instead of a man lamed by old mistakes.

Will I be allowed to return after I've reported to His Majesty?

That will be for the King to decide. Since we can not get you to him tonight, it seems, can you tell me what is happening in Grecotha? And tell me how you are holding up.

I know the identities of the four remaining Willimite leaders. At least, I think these four are all of them, now that Eddard de Nore is dead. Pietre de Guerra is the son of the local magistrate; he's the University's swordmaster. I've avoided crossing paths with him, although I wear the shirt I embroidered myself. It's not as good as one of Madre's, but it serves.

What happened to the one that Madre made you?

I loaned it to a friend who can't wear armor. Other than de Guerra, there's Philip, a member of the Bishop's Purple Guard; Father Jacob, a professor here at the university; and an older man named Marcus, who has been seen around the city, but we don't know any more about him than that.

As for how I am, I am doing well enough—

"Tell him about your headaches and nightmares," Amy whispered into Airich's ear, afraid to announce such a thing in rapport with those who, to her, were yet strangers.

I've been instructed that I must tell you that I still have the headaches and nightmares, Airich said, smiling fondly at Amy. And the fatigue. Presumably you don't need to worry Madre and Da with that news. But I have been working quite a lot since you told me to abandon my plan for... Charity, I hope you'll be pleased to hear that Trevor has talked me out of my former plans for no longer being Deryni.

He didn't say anything at all about that, only that you'd called him and performed a Death Reading. He didn't say anything about headaches or nightmares. But I am pleased to hear about your other news.

"Could, do you think, the healer..." Amy was terrified to say his name aloud. "Do you think he would come here? I mean, he could help you, couldn't he?" The thought sent her nerves to shaking. What would she do if she met him again?  Better to not meet him at all, but if he could help Airich than she would not hide herself away. But...  Later, if it happened, she would face it, later. So many other immediate concerns first.

Airich formed Amy's question to Trevor hiding the concern she held. Would Wash come to Grecotha? It would be very dangerous here for any Deryni...

Too dangerous, indeed, Trevor replied. No, Wash is under king's orders, more so than most of us. He will not go to Grecotha. The king ordered me to get you out of Grecotha. Airich, this is my responsibility and I will not fail in my duty. Know that I will find you a way out of that city.

He truly didn't want to leave, not without finishing his work here, but it was so good to know that his brother had his back. He blinked back sudden tears. I'm pleased that you are here for me. Do you, perchance, have any words of wisdom for me? Some inspired knowledge of how I am to continue working for Grecotha and my king without endangering my health?

Mistress Amy, Charity, addressed her directly. I perceive that you have no small Deryni talent, if yet untrained. I would ask you to help my brother find deep sleep. I will pass you a spell, Airich knows it and can teach it to you, but it is impossible to use on one's self, so he may not have thought of it. It is one that partners often use, rather the reverse of a fatigue-banishing spell: it enhances sleep and helps regain a proper center, especially after a serious working. I wish you had a shiral crystal there, but you can do the spell without one. Charity recited a poem and had Amy repeat it. Use that and my brother should sleep easier through the night. And he will feel far better balanced in the morning. But it also means that someone would have to stand guard over the sleeper, for it is not a sleep that is easily awoken from if something were to happen in the night. So do be wary of that.

Amy repeated the spell and felt grateful that there was more that she could do for Airich than just hold him through his malady. At least this was something tangible.

Trevor added a blessing to those in Grecotha and then made an appointment for their next contact at the hour after dawn tomorrow. I hope to have more information on portals by then. He ended the Rapport.

The presence of brother and sister faded away, and both Grecotha Deryni found themselves sitting on the cot, very close to one another. Neither wanted to move, but both knew they had been in the infirmary for far too long already.

"You know Elspeth is going to break my nose when we get back," Airich said.

"After all her warnings and advice to me, she's likely to break my nose as well," Amy laughed.

"I have one more task to do after we return. I'd like to spy on our friend Pietre one more time, to make sure he's not preparing to set his bonfire tonight. Would you like to help?"

"Of course."

The two left the infirmary, arm-in-arm.