The Wizard's Curse (Book 2) Page 15

  Danton looked at the man sitting next to him, “You’re not guessing, are you?”

  “Me? Oh no.” Tarkyn gazed into his wine while he let his thoughts wander out into the surrounding woodlands. A gentle smile appeared on his face as he said, “We are surrounded by little creatures bustling through the undergrowth. There’s a large owl a few trees away who has just woken up and is deciding which way to go to hunt. Most of the smaller birds are feeling drowsy and have returned to their nesting places ready to sleep. That badger is still grumpy and has just given a younger one a telling off on the way past.” He pulled his mind back in. “But enough of their lives. Let’s talk about our own. How are you doing, my friend? Do you like living in the woodlands? Have you found people you can feel comfortable with among the woodfolk? Or are you missing home?”

  “Amazing.” Danton shook his head slightly, “So, to answer your question. The woodlands are cold, damp and inconvenient and there are no servants to iron our clothes and bring our wine. On the other hand, these clothes wouldn’t really profit from being ironed. The delicacies prepared by the royal chefs have been replaced by more basic but probably fresher fare. There are no women stalking around us in their brightly coloured gowns and dazzling jewellery, watching us from beneath long, carefully curled lashes and smiling at us with rubied lips. The clusters of covert gossipers are notably lacking and the level of intrigue is disappointingly low.” Danton took a sip of wine and held up his goblet, “But their wine is excellent. And they have made me welcome in a way that I doubt that we would have made them welcome if they had appeared at court.” He shrugged, “I’m getting used to it. I actually find the woodlands quite beautiful and peaceful. It’s just that I’m not really a peaceful sort of person.”

  “You could hardly call the last few days peaceful.”

  Danton gave a grunt of laughter. “No, you couldn’t. But in the forest, there is always the threat of things becoming too peaceful.” He frowned slightly, “Why do you ask? Are you thinking of sending me away?”

  “No, Danton.” Tarkyn looked at him in concern, “Have I been so remiss in my care of you that I cannot ask after your welfare without another purpose?”

  “No, my lord,” replied Danton, too quickly to be convincing.

  Tarkyn waited.

  After a moment Danton shrugged, “You have been very busy and everything you do has had a purpose. I have not spoken to you alone for days. So I assumed you had a reason for coming to see me.”

  Tarkyn considered his words carefully before replying, “You are right. I do have a purpose in coming to see you. I came to find you in search of a friend. But caring for your welfare is part of friendship, is it not?”

  “I do not wish to sound churlish, sir, but why do you suddenly seek out my friendship when you have Waterstone and all your woodfolk friends?”

  Tarkyn raised his eyebrows, “Does my friendship with others preclude me from having a friendship with you?”

  Danton raised his eyes and looked resolutely at Tarkyn, “I think you are working so hard to be a woodman that you don’t want to be identified with me, a fellow sorcerer. So, at the moment, yes, it does.”

  Tarkyn stared back at him, anger flickering in his amber eyes before his innate honesty asserted itself. He let out a long sigh. “Oh Danton, I’m sorry. And the only real contact I’ve had with you in the last few days is to pass judgement on your behaviour with Waterstone.” He spread his hands, spilling a bit of his wine as he did so, “Well, I am here now and I have come to you particularly because you are a sorcerer and can understand where I have come from, in a way that no one else can.”

  “Is that so? And when this particular issue is past…” Danton waved a hand, “No, never mind. I am happy to help when I can. I will always be here when you need me.”

  Tarkyn shook his head. “No Danton. Not ‘never mind’. It is not someone I wish to be; a person who uses their friends only when they need them.” The prince thought for a moment, “I think you too have been careful not to present us as a united front against the woodfolk. You have kept away from me and seated yourself elsewhere around the firesite. I didn’t ask you to do that.”

  “No, but equally you didn’t call me over to join you.” Danton shrugged, “Anyway, you’re right. I didn’t want an ‘us and them’ situation to develop. So I have tried to blend in and become one of the crowd.”

  Tarkyn smiled his appreciation. “You are a strategic courtier, aren’t you, attuned to the requirements of diplomacy?”

  “Yes and no. I don’t seem to be very good at matching my expectations to those of the woodfolk. Waterstone informed me that my behaviour towards you is sometimes a source of amusement among woodfolk.”

  “I did warn you. That’s why I suggested you leave behind the protocols of court.”

  “That’s easy for you to say. You haven’t had a lifetime of being under threat of punishment for any step out of line. It doesn’t feel right… and anyway, unlike this ungrateful lot, I do wish to honour you as you deserve.” Danton glanced around the surrounding trees and frowned, “You realise someone is probably listening to all of this?”

  “Hmm. Just a minute.” Tarkyn’s mind scanned the area and tuned into two hidden woodfolk, nearby but at a discreet distance. “No, it’s safe to talk openly. Creaking Bough and Rustling Leaves are close but not too close.” The prince picked up the thread of their conversation, “The woodfolk are not ungrateful but equally they do not accept differences in rank. So my presence among them is uncomfortable for them.”

  Danton glanced at the prince, “They’re a bloody arrogant lot, you know. When I asked Waterstone what gave him the right to warn me about my behaviour around you, he said it was because he was a woodman, when all along he should have told me that he’s a prince by right of being your blood brother. He thinks being a woodman matters more than being a prince.”

  Tarkyn laughed, “Of course he does. He doesn’t believe in princes. None of them does. And he carefully didn’t use your values instead of his own, just to gain the upper hand.”

  “Hmph. And I’ve never met a bunch of commoners before who were so confident and blasé about speaking to members of the nobility.”

  “Oh my stars!” Tarkyn shook his head. “Danton, get it out of your head that they are commoners. It doesn’t work like that here. All of them consider themelves to be equally at the top of their social hierarchy. You heard what Waterstone said. They only acknowledge me as their prince because of the oath. They wouldn’t otherwise. They all consider themselves to be my equal….and your equal.”

  Danton was so agitated that he shot to his feet, slopping his wine, and began to pace back and forth. “I can’t help it. I find that absolutely outrageous. How dare they?”

  “They dare because they respect people only on merit not on the basis of protocol. They couldn’t care less about your title. And they wouldn’t want it even if you gave it to them.”

  Danton stood over Tarkyn staring down at him. Suddenly he realised what he was doing and hastily moved back with a muttered apology.

  Tarkyn waved his hand, “Think nothing of it. The woodfolk do it all the time. Come on. Sit down again and calm down.”

  Danton reluctantly lowered himself down next to the prince and took a long breath.

  “Now Danton, if you are to give me any support over the next few difficult days, you will have to accept, as I do, woodfolk as they are, not as you would like them to be.”

  Danton turned his head to look at Tarkyn, “What will be difficult about the new few days?”

  Tarkyn ignored his question and persisted, “Danton, can you do that?”

  Danton shook his head slowly, “To be honest, I will struggle. I have spent my life protecting your consequence. But if you wish it, I will try.”

  “Perhaps if you think of them all as nobility, that may make it easier.”

  “Without the graces, you mean?” said Danton acerbically.

  “Do graces create the rank?”
<
br />   “No, but they usually come with it.”

  Tarkyn shrugged, “Woodfolk have their own graces. They are kind, honest and perceptive. They accept who you are and if you earn it, they will respect you. They have as strong a sense of their own consequence as any noble in the land. They just don’t express it in the same way.”

  “You really like them, don’t you?”

  “Oh yes, I most certainly do. They look me in the eye and see who I, the man, am. And they tell me hard truths when they need to be said.” Tarkyn paused and looked at Danton, “You’ve been doing a bit of that yourself lately. You are more forthright in your comments to me than you ever were in the past. Why is that, do you suppose?”

  Danton thought for a moment. “Partly because, even if I fear your wrath, some things need to be said and at least the weight of the court is not standing by, ready to punish me for insolence. And I suppose partly because I have watched you accept the woodfolk speaking to you frankly.” He shrugged, “But, as you strongly pointed out over the incident with Waterstone, the rules apply differently to me since I am a sorcerer and they are woodfolk.” He drank the last of his wine. “It is as tricky a situation as any I have ever found myself in. I have no idea where the lines are drawn anymore…. Maybe that’s another reason I sit on the other side of the fire,” he laughed humourlessly, “but even that didn’t keep me safe.”

  Tarkyn glanced at him, then looked away, “Do you think I was unfair?”

  Danton raised his eyebrows in surprise, “No. It is the way of the world that different people are treated differently. No. I accepted your judgement without question and, to be honest, with a great deal of relief. Within the sorcerers’ framework, you were very lenient.”

  “But,” supplied Tarkyn, “from the woodfolk’s point of view, the issue would never have arisen.”

  “Exactly. So, you want me to behave as a woodman, yet I am still under threat of punishment for transgressing as a sorcerer.” Danton hurried on, “Don’t misunderstand me. I know I shouldn’t have hit Waterstone. But I am confused about where the expectations stop and start.”

  “Danton, my friend, so am I.” Tarkyn shook his head, “But that will not do. For your sake, I must be clearer. Give me a minute to think about it. Perhaps you could pour us another wine in the meantime.”

  In a silence that lengthened into minutes, Danton poured the wine then kept himself entertained by trying, without success, to spot the hidden woodfolk.

  Eventually, the prince shifted position and spoke, “Danton, I have tried to consider every possibility. I realise now that my first reaction to you speaking forthrightly has been outrage and yet it is something I value in the woodfolk as long as it is phrased courteously.” He smiled and glanced at his friend, “You may be interested to know that Rainstorm was on the receiving end of my ire the other day for speaking discourteously. I do have expectations of woodfolk also. So, provided you are courteous, which I am sure you would be, you may speak as forthrightly with me as you please. You may have to endure my initial reaction but I will not continue to be angry.”

  Tarkyn took a sip of wine before continuing, “Secondly, I would not brook deliberate rudeness but neither do I expect the protocols of court. You may choose how you behave in that respect. However, an excess of obeisance will not do either of us any good in the eyes of the woodfolk.” He smiled, “But I must admit, I do like the odd bow here and there. I do it myself at times.” He paused, “And I give you permission to be more familiar with me, provided you are also respectful. I know I tense up when you put your hand on my shoulder but I’m pleased that you persevere. I too have a lifetime of training to overcome. I’m afraid you will have to gauge, in each situation, the level of familiarity that is tolerable but if I think you have transgressed and become too familiar with me, I will tell you but will not punish you.”

  “Thank you, my lord. That reassurance will make things easier.”

  Tarkyn nodded acknowledgement before continuing, “And try to use my name at least some of the time. Despite what you may think, I do not consider us to be in a public forum among the woodfolk. So there is no need for the formality of titles. I haven’t been using yours, you may notice.”

  Danton nodded but said nothing, aware that the prince had not yet finished.

  “With regard to my woodfolk family, I would suggest even less formality than with me but respect nevertheless, as I would expect you to respect all woodfolk. Has Ancient Oak also given his permission for you to lay hands on him?”

  “Yes, Sire.” When Tarkyn raised his eyebrows, Danton waved a hand, “I know, but this feels official at the moment. I’ll try to use your name later.”

  Tarkyn smiled, “Fair enough. And lastly, I also give you permission to lay hands on me.”

  Danton boggled, “I beg your pardon?”

  “I trust you, Danton. Among all these people, you are the only one who serves me willingly. I would give you some recognition of that.”

  Danton bowed his head briefly, “Thank you, my lord. I am honoured by your trust.”

  “You should have been honoured by it a long time ago, my friend, but I have never really felt able to trust anybody until recently. You can thank Waterstone and the woodfolk for that.” The prince took another sip of wine, “So. Is that clear enough?”

  Danton breathed a sigh of relief, “Yes. That feels much better. I know where I stand now and don’t have to guess so much.” He sipped his wine and then asked, “So why are the next few days going to be so difficult?”

  “Because inadvertently, all the forestals, and possibly all woodfolk have become subject to the oath…. and sooner or later we will have to tell them.”

  Danton exhaled, “Oh, I see. That’s pretty grim, isn’t it?”

  Tarkyn smiled gently, “Danton, I’m so glad you didn’t say, ‘Well, so they should be.’”

  Danton laughed, “Well, of course they should be, but that is another issue entirely. And I know enough about them to understand that there will be some serious animosity towards you while they come to terms with it.” He shrugged, “Almost, I don’t blame them. I wouldn’t want to be forced to swear my life away to a woodman.”

  “In fairness, I think they would feel just as bad about having to swear fealty to one of their own, maybe even more so.”

  Danton shook his head, “Strange bunch. So, who do you have to tell?”

  “I’ve just told Falling Branch.”

  “I see. No wonder you needed a drink. And what about his son? Rainstorm should be an even greater obstacle.”

  Tarkyn frowned, “How did you know that Falling Branch was Rainstorm’s father?”

  “I asked.” Danton watched quizzically as the prince mulled over the significance of this response. He didn’t comment but asked, “So what about Rainstorm?”

  “Rainstorm has known ever since the day he attacked you.”

  “Has he? I thought he’d have been upset about being subject to the oath.”

  “He was,” said Tarkyn dryly. “Very. But he kept quiet about it for the good of the woodfolk until the rescue was over.”

  Danton smiled broadly, “That’s absolutely brilliant. He’s a real hero to have managed that. He’s only young.”

  “Yes, I have a lot of time for young Rainstorm, despite his hot head.” Tarkyn smiled slowly, “So you’ve forgiven him then, for attacking you?”

  “What? Of course I have. I didn’t give it a second thought. I even forgave him for attacking you, though that was more difficult.”

  Tarkyn grinned, “Well, you’ll be pleased to know he is one of the people I have given permission to attack me.”

  Danton frowned, “No. I am not pleased at all. Why on earth did you do that?”

  “Think, Danton, think. He’s a hothead struggling on his own to come to terms with having to serve me, and the forest pays the penalty if he becomes too distressed.”

  “I see. And I hope he hasn’t taken advantage of it?”

  Tarkyn laughed, “Not
since I gave him permission.”

  “So how much forest is going to be damaged while all these other woodfolk vent their spleen on you?”

  Tarkyn shook his head. “I don’t know. That’s what I’m worried about.” He glanced at Danton then looked away. After a moment, he drew a deep breath and once more met Danton’s eyes. “Danton, the other thing I’m worried about is how I will handle it. It is very hard to stand by and watch people as they realise with horror that they are under oath of fealty to me. I feel apologetic and reviled. I try not to take it personally but at times like that I completely forget that some people actually feel honoured to serve me.” He gave a rueful smile, “I managed to remember when I was with Falling Branch but that was probably the first time I had thought of it… and it was mainly because you stated it last night.”

  Danton returned his gaze steadily while he thought about it. Finally he said, “Tarkyn, I will be by your side when you need a reminder of your heritage. I would prefer not to advocate on your behalf because I think that would be inflammatory but I will be here for you. Just remember the tribute the woodfolk made to you. They value you for yourself and for your protection of them. With luck, those woodfolk who know you will advocate for you and the storm of ill feeling towards you should be short-lived.”

  Tarkyn let out a breath, “Thanks Danton. That’s just what I need. I agree that you shouldn’t advocate for me. It would only widen the gap. The whole situation is vexed. The trouble is that I agree with the woodfolk that they shouldn’t have been forced into this oath, and even more so that the forest shouldn’t be forfeit for non-compliance. So when they talk about the burden of serving me, I can’t help but agree that I am an undesirable hardship they have to endure.” He gave a wry smile, “It is not very elevating for the spirit.”

  “But we love him anyway,” said Waterstone cheerfully, appearing out of nowhere and patting him on the back.

  Tarkyn looked up at him to find himself surrounded by a small group of woodfolk. He regarded Waterstone quizzically, “And how long have you been eavesdropping this time?”