Bronze Magic (Book 1) Page 51

  “Have they?” Suddenly Rainstorm yawned. “Blast! I wish you hadn’t said that. Now I am tired and there’s not enough time to sleep before lunchtime. If I go to sleep now, I’ll feel awful when I wake up in an hour’s time.”

  “You’ll just have to hang on until this afternoon,” said North Wind sympathetically.

  Tarkyn frowned suddenly, “You know, North Wind, I had picked you out as a rebellious young character like our friend here but you aren’t behaving like that at all anymore.”

  “No audience,” put in Rainstorm with a cheeky grin at his friend. “I think there might be someone he is trying to impress.”

  North Wind jabbed him in the ribs and turned a dull red.

  “I see,” said Tarkyn thoughtfully. “Might I suggest that she would probably be a lot more impressed by what I’ve seen of you here, than what I saw of you previously. Though, to give you your due, at least you had the courage to speak to me which was more than anyone else did for a while.”

  “Anyway,” said North Wind, with a poisonous look at his friend, “Rainstorm has it all wrong. I was baiting you because I thought you were going to rip into us.” The young woodman shrugged and tinge of resentment underlined his next words. “Besides, I can’t be as rebellious as Rainstorm is, because I’m under oath.”

  “You see? You still don’t understand,” said the prince in some exasperation. “I hardly ever give orders. I make requests, just as you do, and I listen when there is an objection.”

  “You ordered Tree Wind to come forward last night and ordered us to see you this morning,” objected North Wind.

  “Blast! So I did.” Tarkyn ran his hand through his hair. “But if you worked with me instead of against me, I wouldn’t have to.”

  North Wind raised his eyebrows in derision. “That’s just the same as saying, ‘Either you co-operate or I’ll force you to.’”

  “No,” snapped Tarkyn, “It’s the same as saying, ‘Give me the same respect as you would give another woodman.’”

  “But you’re not just another woodman!” retaliated North Wind.

  Tarkyn’s eyes flickered and he went very still.

  North Wind smiled faintly, “You are a woodman and you deserve to be, but you’re a lot more than that. It’s no good trying to pretend it’s any different.”

  Tarkyn shook his head in confusion, “I am trying to make the oath as inconspicuous as possible.”

  North Wind’s smile broadened. “Maybe you are, but it is there, all the same. Even aside from the oath, you are the guardian of the forest with powers way beyond ours. And however people may react, it is obvious that you are, and will be, pivotal to our survival against these hunters of woodfolk.” The woodman shrugged. “So I just can’t see that you’re going to be respected only to the same extent as any other woodman. You’re bound to be respected more, if you see what I mean.”

  “Perhaps. But at the moment, the same would be a good start,” said Tarkyn dryly.

  North Wind chuckled, “Oh, I think you’ve sorted that little issue out amongst my lot. I don’t think you’ll find them going against you without good reason in the future.”

  “What’s so funny?” asked Tarkyn frowning.

  “Your masterly argument that by giving you a fair hearing we would protect our independence.”

  “Don’t you agree with it?”

  North Wind was still smiling. “Oh yes, it’s a brilliant argument. Of course, it doesn’t take into account that you’re better at getting your point across than most of us. But in essence, what you said is true.”

  Tarkyn looked at him uncertainly. “I was not trying to mislead you, you know.”

  The young woodman shook his head. “I didn’t think you were. I think you have created a level playing field and it is now up to us to resist your arguments if we want to.”

  Rainstorm huffed, “At least your opinion isn’t disregarded because of your age, prince, like mine is.”

  “I don’t think that is entirely true. Sun Shower referred to me as a young upstart, as I recall. And Raging Water treats me like a young puppy most of the time. I didn’t realise I was battling against that as well.” Tarkyn raised his eyebrows, “So all is not as equal as it seems, after all? I wondered what authority you were rebelling against, seeing there are no ranks.”

  North Wind and Rainstorm met each other’s eyes and nodded simultaneously.

  “Oh yes. Parents and older people must be given greater respect,” confirmed North Wind. “So annoying!”

  Tarkyn thought back to a conversation he had had with Waterstone. “But does the respect for your opinion not depend on the experience you can bring to the discussion? In which case, isn’t there a greater likelihood that an older person will have relevant experience to back their opinion?”

  Rainstorm looked disgusted. “You sound just like my parents.”

  Tarkyn laughed. “Sorry about that. I am just trying to understand woodfolk society. In my society, rank comes before age. So courtiers deferred to me from a very young age. As far back as I can remember, even adults would bow when I entered a room.”

  Rainstorm eyes grew round. “What a wonderful concept. I would have loved that.”

  “Oh, I don’t know. It’s not as great as it sounds. Don’t forget, both my parents and my brothers outranked me. If I threw my weight around too much, my nanny would get one of them and I would have to submit anyway and apologise for being uncivil.”

  Rainstorm crowed, “That would be embarrassing!”

  The prince gave a wry smile. “It was. I didn’t let it happen more often than I had to, I can tell you.”

  Tarkyn became aware that North Wind was studying him with a slight frown on his face. The prince raised his eyebrows slightly in query.

  “I am beginning to realise how big the concessions are that you are making,” said North Wind slowly. “That oath was designed to ensure that you would be deferred to as Danton defers to you, wasn’t it?”

  Tarkyn nodded shortly and transferred his gaze to look out into the waters of the stream. “Yes. It was.”

  “You don’t have to negotiate with us at all. Far from fighting to have your opinions considered, you could just dictate your wishes, couldn’t you?” pressed North Wind.

  Again Tarkyn nodded. “Yes. I could.”

  “Not to me, he couldn’t,” said Rainstorm.

  Now the prince did look around. He grimaced. “I’m afraid I have bad news for you on that front. Unless I am much mistaken, you are now also under the bounds of the oath.” Seeing the look of horror on Rainstorm’s face, Tarkyn continued quickly, “I don’t know how or why, but when you threatened to attack me, there was a warning rush of wind just as there was when Tree Wind attacked me.”

  Rainstorm’s face was white. “You bastard. You have tricked us all!”

  Tarkyn lifted his hands, palms outwards. “No, Rainstorm. I promise you. I haven’t. Anyway, it may not be true. It has only happened once. It may be coincidence.”

  Far from being mollified, Rainstorm sneered, “Let’s test it then, shall we?”

  So saying, Rainstorm drew his legs up under himself and launched himself at the prince. Tarkyn rolled quickly out of the way and came up into a crouch. The wind came roaring through the trees. Ignoring it, Tarkyn swivelled to face the woodman just as he threw himself towards the prince. Tarkyn raised an arm across his body and thrust outwards to deflect Rainstorm’s impetus sideways, sending him sprawling on the edge of the stream. The trees around them were thrashing under the onslaught of the wind. Leaves scattered around them and whirls of dust were thrown up from the banks of the stream.

  Rainstorm lifted himself onto one elbow, took in the mayhem around him and bowed his head in despair. As the air around him quietened, he rolled onto his stomach and buried his face in his arms. For several minutes, his shoulders shook silently.

  Tarkyn turned a stricken face to North Wind. Once again, Tarkyn gestured at himself and pointed away to suggest he should leave. This
time, North Wind shrugged uncertainly in response. The prince considered the barrier that would exist between Rainstorm and himself if he left now and decided to stay.

  After a while, when Rainstorm’s shoulders had stilled, Tarkyn said quietly, “Rainstorm, first and foremost, I am your friend. I promise you, I did not contrive this. It must have happened when your people said that all woodfolk were one and that you must uphold the honour of those who had sworn the oath. Either then or when I was accepted as a woodman. I don’t know. I didn’t design the oath and I have no power over it, just as I told you.”

  Silence greeted this sally.

  Tarkyn continued, “I am truly sorry this has happened. I hate the destruction that is built into the oath. I can only say that I don’t want anything to change between us. You and I have already worked out rules of engagement. There is no need for them to change.”

  “That’s easy for you to say,” came a muffled voice, “You haven’t just lost your freedom and your autonomy and your independence.” Another sob issued forth.

  “Actually, I have. In the society I come from, I have.” After that, Tarkyn gave up on words and sent forth waves of fellow feeling. North Wind’s eyes widened and he smiled.

  A few minutes later, Rainstorm sat up and vigorously rubbed the palms of his hands over his eyes. He dropped his hands and presented red eyes to his companions. He sniffed and managed a shaky smile, “So. That’s the worst news I’ve had all week. Actually, it’s the worst news I’ve had in all my life.” He sniffed again. “No offence meant, prince.”

  Tarkyn gave a short, bitter laugh. “None taken. I will try to remember it’s the concept and not the person you object to.” Something in his tone of voice turned his sentence into a query.

  Rainstorm nodded firmly. “Yes, prince. It’s not you. I suppose if this had to happen, it’s better that it’s you than some power-mongering sorcerer.”

  “I would think so. I think that my brothers would be a poor substitute, for instance, if you were hoping to maintain your independence.”

  “So, welcome to the club, Rainstorm,” said North Wind, trying to conceal a smirk and failing signally.

  “It is you who are not in the club,” retorted Rainstorm, making a swift recovery. “You are not a member of the home guard, as I am, regardless of the oath.”

  Tarkyn regarded him quizzically. “Are you? Last thing I remember, you and I were arguing about whether you wanted to join and whether I wanted you to.”

  Rainstorm waved a dismissive hand, “You know I did and you did.” He smiled sweetly at the prince. “So, do you think we should let North Wind join?”

  Realising that Rainstorm needed a way to regain an equal footing, Tarkyn raised his eyebrows and said thoughtfully, “Well, he did not stay with me when I was injured as the main force of the home guard did and he did not defy his elders by untying me, as you did.” He smiled gently, “However, he did defend me against you when you were angry earlier on. Do you think that justifies membership?”

  “Do I get a say in this?” demanded North Wind.

  Tarkyn shrugged, his eyes smiling wickedly, “Well, there is really no point in asking you until we’ve decided whether you’re eligible. Is there, Rainstorm?”

  Rainstorm shook his head, laughing, “Absolutely no point at all.”

  North Wind crossed his arms and looked from one to the other. “So? Am I eligible?”

  “Do you want to join? Do you realise what it entails?” asked Tarkyn. “Do you think we should let him?” he added, addressing Rainstorm.

  Rainstorm nodded, smiling.

  North Wind frowned suspiciously. “What does it entail?”

  “You become one of my cronies, as I believe you phrased it earlier today.” Tarkyn grinned. “And the other factions ignore or devalue everything you say. You may or may not consider that an attraction to the post.”

  Seeing North Wind looking uncertain, Rainstorm butted in, “It means you support Tarkyn. That’s all. You don’t have to agree with everything he says or even do what he wants. You’re just basically on his side.”

  “It’s not really anything.” Tarkyn gave an embarrassed smile. “Home guard is just a collective nickname I made up for the people who have stood by me.”

  North Wind gave a casual nod and said, “Fine. I’ll join. After this last hour I’ve spent with you, I wouldn’t hear a word against you.”

  “Wouldn’t you?” The prince looked startled. “You’re not worried I engineered the oath on Rainstorm’s people?”

  The young woodman shook his head, glancing at Rainstorm. “No. I saw your reaction to Rainstorm’s distress. I’ve learnt a lot about you in the last hour; some of it unnerving but none of it bad.”

  “Thanks. You turn out to be a pretty worthwhile character yourself.” After a few moments, Tarkyn sighed. “Now, what are we going to do about this catastrophe with the oath? The last thing I need at the moment is another group of resentful woodfolk to win over.” The prince ran his hand across his forehead. “I’m tired of being everyone’s nightmare.”

  “Don’t tell them,” said North Wind baldly.

  “Why shouldn’t they suffer too, if I have to?” demanded Rainstorm peevishly.

  North Wind frowned at him. “I thought you were in the home guard? Then grow up and stop thinking of yourself and start thinking about how to help Tarkyn - and all of us, for that matter. We need to be focused on rescuing the woodfolk from the encampment, not on dealing with a new lot of unrest.”

  “All right. All right.So we won’t tell them. What if they jeopardise the forest by mistake?”

  “I don’t think they will,” said Tarkyn thoughtfully. “Since I have no intention of imposing my will on them or demanding their obedience, the issue of service won’t arise. They have already had their chance to attack me and haven’t. They will protect me to uphold everyone else’s oath and because I’m the forest guardian.” He smiled, “So you see, Rainstorm, I don’t think the oath will make any difference if we don’t let it.”

  After they had considered all the angles, Tarkyn said, “So, are we all agreed? We don’t tell anyone?”

  The other two nodded.

  Tarkyn gave a quirky smile. “And one last thing: I had better give you both permission to attack me, if you want to. You, Rainstorm, so that if your hotheadedness leads you into another fight with me, the forest won’t give away that you’re under oath. And you, North Wind, because if Rainstorm has permission, then it wouldn’t be fair to leave you out.”

  Rainstorm shook his head. “You’re mad, prince.”

  Tarkyn laughed. “I didn’t say I wouldn’t fight back. I might even use magic if you’re too aggressive.” He stood up. “I’d better get back. Oh, by the way, I might tell Waterstone. Then we’ll have one person from each of the three factions here knowing. Anyway, I like to be able to discuss things with him. Agreed?”

  They nodded and Tarkyn strode off through the trees leaving behind two bemused young woodmen.

  anton tried to sleep but found he was too wound up. He lay on his back, with hands behind his head, studying the structure of Tarkyn’s shelter. The woven and mud daubed accommodation did not compare favourably with the stone, gilded rooms of the palace. He was deeply distressed at finding the prince in a situation where he seemed to have lost all status and authority. These woodfolk seemed friendly enough but that was the trouble, really. They were overly familiar with the prince and didn’t honour his exalted lineage, as they should. Danton, being of a generous turn of mind, put it down to poor education and ignorance rather than ill intent, and resolved to gently instil a more proper sense of decorum in them over time.

  Danton had been shocked by what he had been told about the oath. Many things concerned him about it. Most importantly, it was clear from what Waterstone had said, that King Markazon had foreseen his elder sons’ capacity for treachery and had made provision to safeguard Tarkyn. Danton pondered this, knowing that Tarkyn had not only refused to bend to the present kin
g’s ruling but had also defied his father on at least one occasion.

  Danton was quite happy about the commitment the woodfolk had been forced to make to Prince Tarkyn. That was just as it should be, as far as he was concerned, and if there were consequences built into the oath, so much the better. It was unfortunate, though, that not all the woodfolk had taken it. Then there was the level of commitment demanded from Tarkyn by the oath. Danton wondered what effect Tarkyn’s forced identification with the woodfolk’s cause might have on the prince’s birth commitment to all people of Eskuzor. He would have been even more concerned had he realised that Tarkyn had now been formally adopted into the woodfolk nation, but that was a shock yet to come.

  After an hour or so of tossing and turning, Danton decided to give up on trying to sleep. He pulled aside the bramble screening and stepped outside to go for a walk instead. He nearly tripped over a little girl who was playing quietly on the path outside the door.

  “Whoops, sorry,” said Danton, as he stepped sideways to avoid standing on her. “Ow. That bush is prickly.”

  The little girl stood up swiftly and pushed back her light brown hair. “Hello. You must be Danton, Tarkyn’s friend. I am Sparrow.”

  Danton frowned as he rubbed his scratched arm. Even children were overly familiar. However, he realised that a rebuke was not the best way to start a new relationship. So he merely said, “Hello. What are you doing playing here?” His eyes narrowed. “You’re not keeping an eye on me, are you?”

  Sparrow nodded quite unselfconsciously. “Dad thought you might need some help, since you’re new here. So I thought I’d just play here while I waited for you to wake up.” She grimaced a little. “I probably should have set up a bit further from the door. Is your arm all right?”

  Danton gave a small smile, “I’ll live.” He abandoned his plans to go for a walk and sat down on the ground. “Do you want to show me what you were doing?”

  Sparrow eyed him uncertainly for a moment, then sat down next to him and showed him a map she had drawn of the local area with all the hidden shelters drawn in. “I haven’t finished it yet. I was getting it ready to show you when you got up.”