Elder Isles - Madouc Part 78

"My mother has taught me a few trifles of fairy magic."

"Tell me about this magic!"

"She does not like me to discuss such things. Still, some time I will tell you of our adventures. I am not in the mood to do so now."

Ca.s.sander spoke austerely: "You are a strange little creature! I wonder what will become of you!"

"Often I wonder the same."

"Ha bah!" declared Ca.s.sander in his most positive manner. "One thing is certain, if nothing else! Destiny frowns on unruly little itlings who expect everyone to dance whenever they play their tunes!"

"It is not quite so simple," said Madouc, without any great interest.

Ca.s.sander fell silent, and so the party rode on toward Lyonesse Town. After a mile or two, Ca.s.sander spoke again. "Do not expect a gala reception-if only because we depart for Avallon on the day after tomorrow."

"I have been wondering about this journey. What is the occasion?"

"It is a grand colloquy called by King Audry at King Casmir's suggestion, and all the kings of the Elder Isles will be on hand."

Madouc said: "I return at a lucky time! If I had delayed two days longer, I would have been too late for the journey."

After a thoughtful pause she said: "And the history of the Elder Isles might have veered in sudden new directions."

"Eh? What is that you say?"

"It concerns a concept which you mentioned only moments ago."

"I recall no such concept."

"You mentioned 'Destiny'."

"Oh, ah! So I did! I am still perplexed. What is the connection?"

"No matter. I spoke at random."

Ca.s.sander said, with pointed politeness: "I am obliged to mention once more that you are not in good odour at Haidion, and no one will be anxious to gratify your desires."

"To what effect?"

"It may be that you will not be asked to join the royal party."

"We shall see."

The group rode down the Sfer Arct, rounded the tree-covered bluff known as Skansea Vantage, and all of Lyonesse Town was spread wide before their eyes, with Castle Haidion bulking large in the foreground. Ten minutes later the troop turned into the King's Parade and halted in front of the castle. Ca.s.sander jumped to the ground and with a courtly flourish a.s.sisted Madouc to alight. "Now we shall see," said Ca.s.sander. "Do not expect a warm reception and you will not be disappointed. The most charitable term I have heard applied to you is 'recklessly insubordinate.'"

"Those ideas are not correct, as I have already explained to you!"

Ca.s.sander gave a sardonic laugh. "You must prepare to explain again, and with considerably more humility, or so I would suggest."

Madouc made no comment. In a not unkindly voice Ca.s.sander said: "Come! I will take you into the presence of the king and queen, and perhaps in some degree soften their shock."

Madouc signalled to Sir Pom-Pom. "You must come too. We shall go in together."

Ca.s.sander looked from one to the other. "That is surely unnecessary!" He gestured toward Sir Pom-Pom. "Be off with you, boy; we need you no more. Get back to your duties as quickly and furtively as possible and make what peace you can with the stableemaster."

"Not so!" said Madouc. "Sir Pom-Pom must remain in our company, for a most important reason, as you will presently discover."

Ca.s.sander shrugged. "Just as you like; let us go do what must be done."

The three entered the castle. In the great gallery they came upon Sir Mungo the High Seneschal. Ca.s.sander asked: "Where are the king and queen to be found?"

"You will find them in the Green Parlour, Your Highness. They have just finished their repast, and now sit over cheese and wine."

"Thank you, good Sir Mungo." Ca.s.sander led the way to the Green Parlour, only to discover that King Casmir's place was empty. Queen Sollace sat with three of her favorites, all nibbling grapes from a wide wicker basket. Ca.s.sander stepped forward, and bowed politely: first to the queen, then to the other ladies, and the conversation stopped short. Ca.s.sander asked: "Where, may I ask, is His Highness the King?"

Queen Sollace, still unaware of Madouc's presence, said: "He has gone early to his Seat of Judgment, that he may perform his necessary acts of justice before we leave for Avallon."

Ca.s.sander brought Madouc forward, and announced with rather forced facetiousness: "I have here a pleasant surprise! Look who we found along the way!"

Queen Sollace stared at Madouc with mouth agape. The ladies-in-waiting made small hissing noises and t.i.tters of wonder and surprise. Queen Sollace closed her mouth with a snap. "So the little miscrecreant has decided to show herself again!"

Ca.s.sander said in a courtly voice: "Your Highness, I suggest that for the purpose of your consultation with the princess, privacy is appropriate."

"Quite so," said Sollace. "Ladies, be good enough to leave us now."

The ladies, with covert glances of curiosity toward Madouc and veiled annoyance for Ca.s.sander, departed the chamber. Queen Sollace again turned her gaze upon Madouc. "Now then, perhaps you will explain your truancy! It has been the source of our great concern. Tell us: where have you been hiding?"

"With all respect, Your Highness, I must state that you have been misinformed. I have not been hiding, nor have I performed any mischiefs. Indeed, I set forth on a quest which was sanctioned by His Majesty, the King, and I was expelled from your presence and from Haidion by your own words."

Queen Sollace blinked. "I remember none of this! You are formulating spiteful tales! The king was as nonplussed as I!"

"Surely he will remember the circ.u.mstances! At his behest I went to learn the ident.i.ty of my father and the condition of my pedigree. I have acted only within the scope allowed me by Your Majesties!"

Sollace's face became mulish. "It is possible that one or the other made an absent-minded remark which you chose to twist to fit your own wishes. I deplore such tactics!"

"I am sorry to hear this, Your Majesty, especially since these tactics have worked to your great benefit!"

Once again Queen Sollace stared in wonder. "Do I hear you aright?"

"Indeed you do, Your Highness! Prepare yourself for an announcement which will stupefy you with joy!"

"Ha!" said Sollace sourly. "I cannot say that I am hopeful on this account."

Prince Ca.s.sander, standing to the side and smiling in lofty amus.e.m.e.nt, said: "We are listening with keen attention! Announce away!"

Madouc brought Sir Pom-Pom forward. "Your Highness, allow me to introduce Pymfyd, whom I have dubbed 'Sir Pom-Pom', by reason of his bravery in my service. Sir Pom-Pom served as my loyal escort, and also went questing on your behalf. At Thripsey Shee we heard mention of the Holy Grail, and immediately became attentive."

Queen Sollace jerked herself erect. "What? Can it be so? Say on and quickly! You speak the dearest words my ear could hear! Was the information at all circ.u.mstantial? Tell me in exact terms what you learned!"