Castle Perilous

Family Residence

There was nothing left to do but rest.

He lay abed and pondered what might have caused the spasm of a short while ago. The castle periodically underwent minor convulsions, but that one had been different. He had never experienced its like. Try as he might, he could not convince himself that Melydia had been responsible, although her spell-casting might commence at any moment.

He was loath to contact the voice, but decided it would have to be done.

“Attend me,” he spoke.

He was surprised when the voice did not respond within a reasonable time.

“Attend me,” he commanded.

I hear.

“You did not come when summoned.”

I was otherwise engaged.

“How can this be possible?”

Another speaks to me.

“Indeed? This is unusual.”

You are no longer the only one, son of Ervoldt.

He laughed. “I see you are being well tutored.”

I have forgotten many things. I must learn.

“Why?”

In order to regain my former existence.

“Yes, of course. Enough of this. I wish to know the nature of the paroxysm you experienced a short while ago.”

I do not know what it was. The other has also asked.

His eyebrows rose. “I see. And what did you tell her?”

What I told you.

He nodded.

Also …

He waited. “Yes?”

That it was a loss. I can characterize it better now. It was insignificant, but it was a loss nonetheless.

He sat up. “Can you tell me what was lost?”

A long pause. Then, Part of what constitutes me. I am no longer the sum of my parts. I am less.

“Indeed? This is news. Can you elaborate further?”

No.

“Do you know your name?”

A single bead of sweat formed on his forehead as he waited.

Finally, No. Still am I nameless, still am I in thrall. But the time will come when I will once more beat the air with my wings.

“Before that time comes, tell me this. Could the loss have been the result of a taking away of something?”

Yes! That was it. What I have lost was taken from me.

Breath slowly went out of him. “Good,” he said. “Perhaps. Perhaps not.”

He rose and left the room. In the next he turned to the right and exited through an arch, coming into a third room with a few tables and benches, a large fireplace at its farther end. He stopped and faced an area of wall demarcated by two stone pilasters.

He extended his arms and touched both index fingers together. Then he drew his arms apart.

The portion of wall described by the pilasters disappeared, revealing the interior of a charmingly furnished apartment. The two Guardsmen on the other side of the portal came to attention. They saluted as he walked through. He nodded.

“How goes it?” he asked one.

“All’s well, sire.”

“Is my family up and about yet?”

“It is still early morning here, sire.”

“Pity to wake them, but I must. I’m running out of time.”

“You will prevail, sire.”

He smiled. “I believe you.”

He moved through a large sitting room that opened onto a veranda and bright blue morning. Next were several utility rooms, and then a long hallway, at the end of which two more Guardsmen stood flanking an intricately carved wooden door. They saluted, then one man carefully opened the door for him. He stepped through, and the door closed quietly behind him.

He checked the children’s suite first. His son had thrown off the bed covers. He spread a blanket over the sleeping boy, then went into his daughter’s room. She lay on her back, sunlight making her small, oval face glow with radiant innocence. He touched his lips to her forehead, then smoothed her long dark hair. He moved to the window and adjusted the blind so that the light wouldn’t wake her.

He walked quietly into the master bedroom. His wife was sitting up in bed, smiling at him.

“I heard you.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, I was awake.” She held out her arms. “Come.”

They lay together quietly for a moment.

At length she said, “It’s over?”

“Not quite.”

“Then there is no change? We’ll lose the castle?”

“That may be.”

She rolled to her side and faced him. “I don’t care. We have a good life here.”

“We do. But that is not the issue.”

“What is, then? You are vice-regent here. Is that not enough power, enough wealth?”

“Dearest, it’s hardly a question of lust for riches or power.”

She frowned. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”

“Don’t be.”

“I never wanted to be queen. I care nothing for that wasteland and its drafty old castle. I’m sorry. I don’t.”

“I know. It doesn’t matter.”

“You love it so. It’s such a pity. I cry for you.”

“Do not. I have not lost it yet.”

“Oh, she is evil beyond measure, beyond understanding.”

“She is mad, poor woman.”

“Poor woman?How can you think her deserving of pity when —”

He covered her mouth and made a shushing sound.

She was silent.

He removed his hand, kissed her cheek and said, “I must go.”

“So soon?”

“Something has come up. A matter that needs my closest attention. Actually, it is a bit of hope.”

“Truly?”

“Yes. But I will know more after some investigation.”

He got up and went to the open window, looked out. A bright low sun threw spider webs of light across the sea, and the breakers churned and foamed in sparkling silver and blue-green. Nearby a tall palm swayed in the salt breeze.

He turned toward the bed. She knelt with her thighs wide, a stripe of morning light across her high breasts, her dark eyes sad and pleading. He held out his arms and she sprang from the bed and came to him. They embraced in sunlight.

“Stay,” she said. “Let that world end, if it must.”

“You don’t mean it,” he said, caressing her soft skin.

“Of course not. But may I not have my secret wishes?”

“I have mine,” he said. “In my arms now.”

“My belovèd!”

They moved to the bed. Because he thought it might be the last time, he cherished every touch, every throb of fire, every thrust of her hips against his, every sound she made, and all the love she had to give him.

Afterward she lay with eyes closed. He got up and dressed, making few sounds. For a few moments he regarded her lithe sun-browned body stretched out across the sheets. Then he turned to go.

“Incarnadine.”

He stopped. “Yes, my love?”

She was sitting up. “How many worlds do you inhabit? How many lives do you lead?”

He grinned. “If I had more than one life, my dearest bride, I would give them all to you.”

Her smile faded as he left.