The little b.i.t.c.h is flattering her! Derian thought in astonishment. Though why that should surprise me I don't know. Isn't all thai jaw-licking, groveling, and backside-sniffing that I've seen dogs do a form of flattery? Wolves must do it too. I've let Firekeeper know that Sapphire has the potential to harm her and she's doing the equivalent of rolling over.

Sapphire also seemed startled. Almost certainly, knowing Firekeeper possessed a fighting spirit to match her own, she had expected gibe to be answered with gibe. Faced with no return shot, the princess was forced to ask: "Why don't you want to take part in my second wedding?"

Firekeeper pulled a sad face. Again Derian was reminded, uncomfortably, of a dog.

"I have had message from home pack. I am wished there soonest, before winter closes the mountains to my feet. If I wait until after your next wedding, which is not to be until Boar Moon has nearly turned her face, then I should not be able to go as I am called."

Sapphire hadn't been raised by a domineering mother for nothing. She understood the compelling force of family summons. Nor did she wish to lessen herself in the eyes of the silently fascinated bodyguards who stood their posts-one near the door, one near the window-by asking just how Firekeeper had received this message from home.

Or maybe. Derian thought a touch grudgingly, she has somehow learned of Elation's return and put two and two together.

Mollified by Firekeeper's nearly begging her permission, Sapphire's haughty mien had softened.

"I accept that you are not afraid to attend this second wedding," she said, granting the concession graciously, "but I will be sorry not to have you present. Tales of your swift Fang will have preceded you and many will be disappointed not to see you at my side."

Though you won't mind having her out of the way, will you? Derian thought.

Derian had to swallow a grin. Firekeeper was handling this very well. It wouldn't do for him to queer her pitch.

"Then I have your permission, Crown Princess?" Firekeeper asked.

"And my wishes for a swift and safe journey," Sapphire replied. She added with the complete confidence of someone who knows she is offering a prize that cannot be claimed, "If you re-cross the mountains east before the wedding is concluded, please come to Eagle's Nest. There will be a place for you among my attendants."

Firekeeper bowed, more deeply this time, acknowledging Sapphire's kindness.

"When do you leave?" Sapphire asked, formal manner gone and only common curiosity remaining.

"Tonight, if I can speak with King Tedric and Earl Kestrel before, next night if not. It is better for Blind Seer if we go by darkness."There was nothing groveling in the wolf-woman's manner now. She stood slim and proud, her hand lightly resting on Blind Seer's back. She spoke of a journey many days' travel to the west, into mountains already feeling the first fingers of winter, as if she were going around to the corner milliner's to buy ribbons for her hat.

Sapphire studied her, a trace of her guarded att.i.tude returning.

"Good luck then. If your feet carry you into Hawk Haven again, you have my permission to call upon me."

And, Derian thought sardonically, you rather hope she doesn't take you up on that little invitation.

Right, Princess?

Firekeeper accepted this dismissal. Derian made his own parting bow suitable for the occasion and Sapphire's perception of his rank. King Tedric could afford to chat informally with carters' sons, secure in his place. Sapphire-at least as of yet-was not confident enough.

As Derian had predicted, neither Earl Kestrel nor King Tedric presented Firekeeper with any obstacle to her departure. True, the earl asked many questions, including some rather pointed ones regarding the likelihood of his adopted daughter's return.

"I cannot know," Firekeeper replied honestly, "until I know what I am wished for. But I have found friends I care about in these east-lands and if nothing prevents me, I will come back."

King Tedric offered Firekeeper a much more sincere invitation than Sapphire's to call on him upon her return.

"For I believe that you will come back, dear child. If we are still alive, either myself or Elexa would welcome you quite warmly."

Firekeeper smiled at him and dipped into her deep bow rather more quickly than might have been expected. Derian, rising from his own bow, saw the tears that brightened her dark brown eyes.

In the end, though Earl Kestrel-through Valet-tried to press soft boots, warm clothes, food supplies, and even the use of Patience the grey gelding on Firekeeper, the only things that the wolf-woman would take with her were a good whetstone for her Fang, a canteen that could be strapped to her belt, and a small container of salve that Doc a.s.sured her would hasten healing of any of the cuts and braises she was certain to receive.

She already had her flint and steel and clearly considered herself well-even overly-equipped for her journey.

Derian walked Firekeeper to the castle gate and a few steps beyond, out of earshot of the guards.

"Please take the boots, Firekeeper," he said, holding out a pair and some thick socks. "I've seen the rocks at the lower reaches of the Barren Lands. During the war some of Bright Bay's scouts told tales about how sharp the rocks become higher up-sharp enough to cut thick leather."

Stubbornly, Firekeeper shook her head. "Boots rub my feet raw. Why not let rocks do what boots do?"

Derian gave up.

"Be careful, then," he said."Always."

Then, to Derian's astonishment, Firekeeper stood up on her toes and kissed him lightly on the cheek. It was a completely s.e.xless act-like a kiss from a sister-but it touched his soul. As far as he could remember, the only person he had ever known her to kiss was Blind Seer.

The wolf, in turn, gave Derian the deep bow that he had heretofore reserved for King Tedric.

"Thank you, Fox Hair," Firekeeper said softly. "Without you to nursemaid me, I could never have become human. If I live, I promise to visit you again. If I die, Elation-or one of her kin-will be sworn to bring you my Fang as word."

Before Derian could find a reply the wolf-woman had turned and begun running. It should have been impossible on such a well-traveled road, even on a misty night, but before Derian could dash away the tears that suddenly welled hot in his eyes, Firekeeper and Blind Seer had vanished.

Chapter VIII.

King Allister didn't know whether he was relieved or disturbed when the last of his high-ranking guests departed Revelation Point Castle.

He sincerely liked Uncle Tedric and Aunt Elexa, but he had never stopped worrying about their safety from the moment that fast-traveling post-riders had brought him the word that the king and queen had crossed the border into Bright Bay. Queen Elexa's fragile const.i.tution was a matter of record, but that would not have helped Bright Bay if her health had failed while she was within the boundaries of a kingdom that so recently had been not simply a political rival, but a bitter enemy.

Nor was King Tedric's health much stronger, and the a.s.sa.s.sination attempt-though apparently directed at members of Allister's own household-had not made for a relaxing visit.

Someday, Allister thought, I will look back upon these unsettled times and smile at my fussing.

And now that the foreigners had left, King Allister had no doubt that the internal kingdom politicking would begin in force. He'd already had numerous private requests for favors. This morning would be the first time those claims could be pressed in public.

When the Hawk Haven party had been seen off with due pomp and circ.u.mstance, Allister proceeded to the Sphere Chamber. The room was cleaned now-all but the white carpet, which had defied all attempts to remove the bloodstain.

With a glow of the same inspiration that had made her a good household manager for a duke with no duchy, Pearl had insisted that when the carpet was dry it be rolled and stored in the main treasure vault to be brought out on the anniversary of the attempt as a reminder "of the blood spilled to make this kingdom strong."

Never mind that much of the blood belonged to the a.s.sa.s.sins-the symbolism was good.

The Sphere Chamber had been remodeled into its usual business mode. Ornate carved screens divided the rounded central dais into two halves. Behind the screens, clerks and secretaries could do their tasks without impeding majesty. In front, an imposing but surprisingly comfortable throne had been placed forAllister along with several good-but definitively not throne-like-chairs for Pearl, Shad, and Sapphire should they choose to attend morning business.

Pearl would not. She had told Allister that she had her hands full doing a steward's job-in this case finding permanent replacements for the staff Valora had taken with her. Those servants hired in preparation for the wedding now wanted their positions-and wages-formalized. Those borrowed needed to be returned.

The servants from Pearl and Allister's former household could fill only so many positions at the royal castle-most were needed to maintain their former estate. Allister was not giving up the place, modest as it might seem by the family's current standard of living.

At the very least, the estate could provide an inheritance for Tavis or one of the twins. Pearl might need it as a dower house if Allister predeceased her. He had no illusions that Sapphire might prove a difficult daughter-in-law. In a worst-case scenario, he might need it as a retreat himself.

As today was the first return to business as usual since the wedding, King Allister did not expect a quiet day. Still, he was somewhat surprised at the number of people waiting in the seats fronting the dais. This would almost certainly mean his afternoon would be filled with private appointments, for not everyone would want to discuss their business in front of a crowd.

Swallowing a nostalgic sigh for those days when he could count on hours to himself for reading or riding about his lands-or even playing with the children-King Allister mounted to his throne. As he had expected, both Shad and Sapphire joined him. He was pleased they were looking so well. When he had seen them first placed in the makeshift infirmary, pale from pain and loss of blood, he had dreaded that neither would survive.

A former undersecretary of Queen Gustin IV, promoted to Chief Court Clerk because of his familiarity with Bright Bay's royal rituals, made the usual announcements and then came to the king's side.

Although Allister had no plans to dispense with the services of the woman who had been his personal secretary for many years, he thought he could have done worse than this young man. A junior scion of House Seal-something like the second son of the current d.u.c.h.ess's youngest sister-he did not even bear a t.i.tle.

His given name was Bevan, a frequent appellation in that particular house; however, he had asked the king to call him "Calico," a nickname he had been given because of several large brown birthmarks that spread unattractively over his face and hands-and for all the king knew, over other parts of his body as well. Allister admired Calico's courage in embracing his deformity rather than attempting to deny it. It spoke well for his ability to see things as they were.

Bowing to the king and his heirs with just the right degree of deference, Calico said, his tone pitched for their ears alone: "Grand d.u.c.h.ess Seastar Seagleam has requested the first audience. She is not here yet, so should I move to the next order of business?"

Allister thought for a moment. He knew his aunt. She would take offense at being skipped, even if the fault was her own. Gustin III's younger sister was rather sensitive about being pa.s.sed over. She might even have timed her arrival specifically in order to create a scene.

"Let us give the grand d.u.c.h.ess a moment more. Hand me a stack of papers and send a runner you can trust to be discreet to learn if she is on her way."They had barely begun this subterfuge when the grand d.u.c.h.ess, accompanied by her son, Dillon, swept into the Sphere Chamber.

So she did hope to cause a scene, Allister thought. A point to the navy, rather than the pirates.

He perused the doc.u.ments and then gestured Calico to him.

"I believe you may begin the regular order of business now," the king said, permitting his clerk to see just a hint of a smile.

Calico remained the soul of perfect decorum as he moved to the desk set to one side of the dais.

"King Allister of the Pledge," he announced in a booming voice that hinted at herald's training in his past, "is pleased to recognize the Grand d.u.c.h.ess Seastar Seagleam."

Seastar Seagleam was about the same age as King Tedric and, like him, she showed her years. Those years had marked her in a different fashion. Where Tedric was a bent old eagle, she possessed an upright, if stiff, posture. The grand d.u.c.h.ess's wrinkled skin was powdered, giving it a translucent glow.

Like many of her age and generation, she wore a wig, but it was not tinted to make her appear younger.

She wore the white of age with a dignity that made it seem a crown.

She rose with grace rather than speed and swept up to the dais, eschewing her usual cane of carved rosewood for her son's arm.

A good move that, the king thought. It permits her to bring Dillon to the fore without my express permission.

Lord Dillon Pelican-unlike Allister himself before his coronation, he bore his father's name rather than his royal-born mother's-handed his mother onto the dais and took one of the seats left empty in the front row of pet.i.tioners.

Grand d.u.c.h.ess Seastar had remained at Revelation Point Castle when most of the guests departed.

Allister had no illusions that she had done so out of loyalty to himself or belief in his dreams. Indeed, for many years, while Gustin III had remained childless, the grand d.u.c.h.ess had imagined that she herself or one of her sons would ascend to the throne of Bright Bay.

Valora's birth comparatively late in her father's reign had not immediately dashed Seastar's hopes.

Children do die, or are awarded regents if they take the throne at too young an age.

Only when Valora had a.s.sumed the throne did Seastar swallow her dreams, and by all reports that had been a bitter draught. Now, with the restructuring of Bright Bay, her ambitions had awakened again. Her son Culver had borne the t.i.tle Crown Prince-though no one but his mother had expected he had a chance for the throne. Valora was young and healthy and would certainly bear an heir. Indeed, Culver himself had done little agitating for power. He was a strong sailor and had gone from a respectable career in the navy to captaining a merchant vessel.

Allister rather liked his cousin Culver, but he was less certain about Dillon. Dillon had all his mother's ambition and little of his brother's drive. He also possessed good political sense-a potentially dangerous trait, for it meant he could see his own advantage and would be willing to be used by others.

All of this sped through Allister's thoughts in the time it took for Grand d.u.c.h.ess Seastar to progress to the dais and make her deep curtsy to the throne.

"Nephew," she began, and Allister knew she used the t.i.tle to remind any who might forget her relation tothe throne, "in a few days' time you will be departing Bright Bay to attend Crown Prince Shad's second wedding in Hawk Haven."

She managed to say "second wedding" with an intonation that made the affair seem vaguely scandalous.

From the corner of his eye, Allister saw Sapphire bristle slightly-perhaps believing herself safe since the grand d.u.c.h.ess was turned in such a way that she could not see how her barb had hit home. Dillon was watching, though, and he would report.

I must find a tactful way to speak to Sapphire about hiding her reactions. They run too close to the surface and, whether likes or dislikes, they can be used against her-and against my son.

"That is so," Allister replied mildly.

"And when you depart, your heir apparent will depart with you."

"He must," Allister said, managing to time his words so they were not quite an interruption, "as it is his wedding."

There was a light flutter of laughter at this, enough to discommode the grand d.u.c.h.ess for a breath's pause.

The king reflected, Doubtless she was about to say something such as "and the Princess Sapphire will also be gone," underlining the absence of those in immediate line for the throne. I think I see where she is heading. Unhappily, she is in for a shock.

Old hand at politics that she was, Grand d.u.c.h.ess Seastar regained her poise without much difficulty. She had grown accustomed to Allister's self-effacing manner when he was merely Allister Seagleam. The twenty-some days that had pa.s.sed since his formal coronation had not been enough to reeducate her, but the king had no doubt she would not forget again.

"With you and your heirs away not only from the capitol but from the kingdom," the old lady continued, "the question has arisen as to who will hold the reins in your absence."

"I thank you, Grand d.u.c.h.ess Seastar," Allister replied, carefully not omitting her t.i.tle, "for raising a matter that I had planned on addressing myself. In my absence, I have appointed two of Bright Bay's n.o.bles to act as joint regents."

Seastar frowned slightly. She had heard nothing of this, but then Allister had sworn the parties concerned to absolute silence-a thing they were more than willing to do given the favor he was showing them.

"Duke Dolphin and Earle Oyster will act as regents in my place. I had thought to ask my father-in-law, Duke Oyster, to act as regent, but he begged for permission to travel to his grandson's wedding-a return of the courtesy that so many of Hawk Haven's n.o.ble houses accorded us by sending their representatives here."

That stung! Allister thought, smothering a certain boyish glee. Aunt Seastar never offered to make the journey to Hawk Haven herself, nor even to send either Dillon or Culver. She was too eager to have them here to profit from my absence to realize that she was acting less than the great lady she wishes to be thought.

"Duke Dolphin has graciously agreed to send his wife and heir to the festivities in his stead. Although he is not a young man, his health is unquestioned and with Earle Oyster as his deputy, he will have someone on hand should pirate trouble arise."By common euphemism any naval trouble was a.s.signed to pirates, though many times it had its inception in Waterland or other, more distant, sea powers. It beat declaring war.

And I expect that when good sailing weather comes again, Allister thought, Valora's fleet will add to the number of "pirates" combing the waters.

Grand d.u.c.h.ess Seastar, who had clearly meant to gracefully offer herself or her son as regent, recovered with a swiftness that did her credit.

"Your thoughtfulness in this important matter," she said with a somewhat forced smile, "is appreciated.

Having heard no announcement of the regency, I had mistakenly supposed that the excitement of Crown Prince Shad's wedding had driven such relatively distant matters from your mind."

Allister gave her a gracious nod, resisting the automatic impulse to bow to her as he had all his life.

"I had intended to make the announcement tomorrow. Today was filled enough with the departure of our fellow monarchs. Still, I thank you from the depths of my heart for your concern for the safety and stability of our realm."