Treachery of Kings

TWENTY-SIX

The storm, despite all its fury, moved swiftly past Heldessia and on to northern climes. The people of the steppes, fierce Jihaulers and apathetic Roons, would get a soaking soon. Weary, then, the tempest would rend itself on the ragged peaks of Krak-Balu.

Perhaps, Finn thought, the mighty Grizz, the largest, and most elusive of all the Newlie kind, would look up from their fires and listen to the thunder roll by.

“I should like to see a Grizz sometime,” Finn said. “Sit down with some burly fellow, have a cup of ale, and learn what they're all about.”

“I don't think a Grizz likes to sit and talk with strangers,” Letitia said. “I think they like to keep to themselves.”

“I know that, but they could if they wanted to. They have, sometimes. Lord Gherick talked to one.”

“Gherick did?”

“Oh, yes. On a mission for his brother, Prince Aghen Aghenfleck. A Grizz came out of the woods at Port Agony and looked up at Gherick, who was leaning on the rail of his ship. The Grizz said he wanted to trade. He had some nice carvings done in wood. He wanted to trade for hats.”

“Hats?”

“He said they needed hats. Gherick told him they didn't have any to spare. Apparently, the Grizz looked quite dismayed, then turned and walked away.”

“I would have found a hat. It would be quite nice to have one of those carvings.”

“I think I would have, too. Gherick said they smelled awfully strong. The wind was from the shore, and Gherick said it was rather bad.”

“Well, it might have been,” Letitia said, running her fingers through her hair, wishing she had a brush. “I expect if that Grizz had smelled a bunch of royals, he'd take offense, too.”

Finn didn't doubt that. For some peculiar reason, those of noble birth thought silk, satin, ruffles and lace served as well as a tub of hot suds. Court, on a very warm day, could take your breath away.

Finn felt that the rescue teams, the Badgies, the black-clad crew of the Gracious Dead, and servants in the livery of the King, were moving at quite a swift, efficient pace, cleaning up the mess the battle had left behind.

He and Letitia were not the only diners marooned on their pads. Many of the swinging bridges that had linked the massive structures together had been destroyed by entrees, servants and soldiers falling from above.

Below, there were bodies and debris to cart away. Above, beneath a clean, azure sky, craftsmen were already replacing the leading and broken glass destroyed in the Bowser attack.

Finally, a team extended a makeshift bridge from a dining pad nearby, and Finn and Letitia were led safely to the broad walkway that spiraled the inner dome.

“I am most pleased that you have survived,” Dostagio said, as they arrived. “You have had so little time to see the marvels of the King's palace. I would regret it if you had perished before you had the chance to leave.”

“I may be wrong,” Finn said, “but it did occur to me that since the King was-awakened unexpectedly, as it were, there might be some chance he'd change his mind… “

“None, Master Finn. I had hoped Colonel/Sergeant Koodigern had properly relayed that to you.” “Yes, as a fact, he did, I just-”

“Excellent, then. Although he is no longer among the fully aware, he was able to complete the task he was given. And that is our purpose on this plane, is it not? Are you quite well, sir?”

“No, no I'm not. Are you telling me something has happened to Koodigern? I pray that's not what you said.”

“I thought I made it quite clear, sir.”

“He didn't, Finn,” Letitia said, gripping his hand in hers. “He can't speak without sticking some frill on the end, but that's what he means.”

“Sticks and Bricks. I admired that fellow. He was very polite, even when he told us we were not welcome here. He gave me his very own-”

Finn felt his stomach curl into a knot.

“-his own excellent Eastern dagger with the nicely curved blade. Damn me, if he'd had a weapon, he might have survived!”

“Those who serve in the King's guards expect this sort of thing, sir. Even if you were wholly responsible for his demise, there is so much more to be said for the deader side of life.”

“I feel awful about this. Julia, if you dig any deeper, I'm going to bleed to death. What's the matter with you?”

“A minor malfunction of the rotator gears. Moisture was absorbed in the storm. Both my inner and outer workings are somewhat damp. I was splattered, not drenched. Sprayed, but soaked-”

“You're wet.”

“The very word. Thank you, Finn.”

“If you will come with me, sir and Miss, and lizard as well, I will take you to quarters where you may rest and change-I fear we will have to find you proper clothing again. You have soiled yourselves with food. Luncheon will be served in Mortuary Memorial Hall, at precisely two. Obviously, it will take some time before repairs are completed here”

“Dostagio, wait. A moment, if you will.” Finn felt as if he'd missed a vital instant somewhere. As if the world had inched ahead and left him standing there.

“We're leaving, at once. The storm has passed. You're booting us out of here, but first we have to change for lunch. Help me out, if you will.”

“I see no confusion, sir. You are leaving, there is no question of that. Your departure will be only slightly delayed. It is possible some of the Bowser intruders have eluded our troops. Until they are routed out, no one may leave the grounds.”

“Why not?”

“A Bowser might manage to sneak through as well, sir.”

Disguised as what? Finn thought. A yapper's going to look like a Bowser, there's nothing he can do about that…

“What's for lunch?” Letitia asked. “I don't suppose you have a menu anywhere… “