The Gray Tower
© 2014 by Walter Reimer
(This is a sequel to The Black Chapel. Reading the earlier story isn’t really necessary, but you may find it useful. Just saying.)
Art by
whitearabmare
29.
The door swung open to reveal a trio of monks. These were in armor, with short stabbing swords drawn. They stood aside, but ready, as a prelate in blue and white with a stole of black velvet strode in. “Your Highness,” the stallion said evenly. The top of a steel cuirass showed above the collar of his vestments, with the crossed sword and axe that dignified him as an adherent of Luli.
“Censor,” Prince Meki said. The elk buck’s expression schooled itself into a quiet smile and he bowed as he said, “I desired some privacy. I am familiar with Priest Gond’s writings, and sought a blessing from him.”
The Censor gave a slight toss of his mane. “Priest Gond is here under arrest, while he is investigated for treason. The King – “
“My father believes he is doing the right thing, Censor. I have been trying to persuade him to grant this shepherd of Azos the right to defend himself before the Throne when the time comes. Gond is an adherent of Azos, as am I.”
The equine’s eyes narrowed slightly. “While it is true that the charges are still being investigated, the Hierarchs and myself are charged to ensuring that Priest Gond Meras makes no move to escape, and that no one aids him to do such.” The Censor stood straighter, his armor and vestments creaking. He was well-muscled and stood taller than the Prince.
Not counting his antlers.
“Of course,” Meki said, “and I would not sin against Azos in defying any law. It was a private matter, nothing more.”
“I see. Is there anything else you wished to do here, Your Highness?”
“Indeed. Priest?” He bowed deeply toward the fox.
Gond placed his paws on the younger man’s head. “Azos and the Pantheon guide and guard you, faithful son of our Lord the King.” He bowed, lips lightly touching Meki’s brow. He straightened then and backed away a pace, brush swishing lightly. “I have heard that your wife bears a fawn, Your Highness. Perin’s blessings on her and your child.”
“A Priestess of Regali has divined that the fawn’s a buck, Priest,” Meki said. “I will tell Seffa about your blessing.” He nodded to the Censor and walked out, his brace clanking and squeaking.
Sarti, Meki’s bovine valet, walked alongside his master as they met his guard escort and started walking back to the Keep. The bull asked, “Are they treating him well, Highness?”
“Yes, yes. Quite well, actually.” Meki’s tone was sullen. He muttered, “Father is a fool for not setting him at liberty until his trial.” His expression suddenly changed to a slight smile.
Sarti caught the change in his master’s face, but wisely kept silent.
***
“By the Writ,” Halvrika gasped. “Really?”
“Yes,” Trasta replied, nodding. “One punch, and down he went.” She smirked. “Like a falling tree, no less. Made quite a racket.”
“I’ll wager he made an even bigger racket when he got back up,” the raccoon giggled.
“You’re right about that.” The two women shared a laugh. “Of course, now that Gond’s here – “
Halvrika froze. “Gond.” She gave her lover a troubled look. “I had almost forgotten about him being here in Shuganath.”
“Why?”
“Trasta, he saw both of us in bed. Naked! Meki already thinks I’ve seduced you. Suppose Gond agrees to support his charges?” The elk doe looked around, and Halvrika added, “No one can hear us. I put a ward up.”
“First, my girl, you worry too much,” Trasta said firmly. “Meki’s already accused you once, and failed. The Court won’t be so quick to reconvene on the word of a disgraced heretic priest. And, might I remind you, the only thing you and I were doing in that bed was sleeping.”
“That is true . . . “ The sow’s voice trailed off. “Of course, we used the bed for – heh, other things after you threatened to kill him.”
“Yeah, we did,” Trasta said, grinning. The doe kissed the tip of the sow’s nose. “Thank you for reassuring me.”
“You’re welcome. So, this fellow Earl Chassi – are you going to bed him?”
Trasta rolled her eyes. “I suppose I will, yes, but we’ve only just now announced that I’ll be courting him. Give us a chance, all right?” They both giggled like schoolgirls. “Now, how have you been doing? Master Jesko still terrorizing you?”
“I had an – exam, of sorts, yesterday,” and she recounted the combat she’d had against the three Masters. “Master Maffa says that I use magic as sheer force, with no finesse – “
“No.”
“Well, that’s not exactly how she put it, but that’s the gist. She wants me to get weapons training.”
Trasta grinned widely. “Excellent! I know just the thing – “
“Master Maffa wants me to go home and learn from my father.”
Whatever Trasta was going to suggest died in her throat at the raccoon’s statement. “She wants you to go home?”
Halvrika nodded. “She says it’ll be good for me. ‘Renewing family ties.’” Her ringed tail swished.
“And how does your father feel about that?”
The sow shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. Master Maffa said she was going to write him – oh! That reminds me,” she said. “Duke Evoli was here at the Cloister.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. He’s interested in having the Order look around for likely students in Lem, and he asked that I accompany him. The Masters denied his request, as I’m still in training.”
Trasta placed a paw on her thigh. “And afterward? Will you go?”
“If the Masters wish it,” Halvrika said after thinking the question over for a moment, “and I’d like to see a bit more of the world. Adepts are supposed to do that.” Her gray-green eyes looked down at her lover’s paw, and she placed her own paw on top of it and squeezed gently. “You know I’ll always love you, Trasta. No matter what happens or where I go.”
The elk doe smiled, and she kissed Halvrika again. “I know, and I love you, ‘Rika.”
“Even if you get married and have a whole herd of fawns?” The raccoon’s voice and expression told Trasta that she was being teased.
“I’ll hire you as their fawnsitter, see if I don’t,” Trasta laughed. “And who knows? Maybe Chassi likes two girls in the bed with him.”
“Ooh,” and Halvrika blushed.
“Oh ho, I think I just found something you like thinking about, haven’t I?”
“Well . . . “ The sow gave the doe a wink. “Care to find out? We could go up to my room.”
“Will we be seen?”
Halvrika shrugged. “I could ward us so that we’d be invisible, but to people with the Sight, the absence of a thing is just as obvious as its presence.” She stood up and reached out a paw to Trasta as she collapsed the ward around them. “Come on.” When the Princess stood, she hugged the doe tightly before taking her paw and the pair walked out of the garden.
She paused, one foot on the first step. “What’s wrong?” Trasta asked.
Halvrika looked back at her. “Orn Jaas’ funeral is later this afternoon,” she said. “If we’re going to do this, we’ll need to be fast.” She started to resume her ascent, but paused as Trasta tugged at her paw. “What, love?”
Trasta shook her head. “I wouldn’t want to sully his memory – or distract you at such a solemn time. I’ll come back later.”
“’Sully his memory?’ You never met him, did you?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“If it had breasts, that horny stallion would chase it,” Halvrika said tartly. “I call Master Marok a lecher to tease him, but Orn really deserved the title.” She chuckled. “Don’t get me wrong, he was a good friend, and he was always willing to learn. I suppose it was only fitting that the mob in Engery caught him in bed.”
Trasta’s ears perked, followed an instant later by Halvrika’s. “You hear that?” the sow asked.
“War-beasts.” The pair started running to the main gate.
At the gate they saw two thegns talking with Master Ast. A pair of Acolytes held the reins of the war-beasts, who shifted their feet and twitched their tails irritably. The Healing Master had a satchel of medicines slung over one shoulder.
Halvrika stepped forward. “What is the matter, Master Jerofer?”
“Nothing to concern yourself with, Ade – oh! Your Highness,” and the wolf bowed slightly. “I am called to the Keep, Princess. You should come with us.”
The doe’s ears drooped. “Is it – is it Seffa?” she asked.
“I’ll know when I get there. Meanwhile, my Lord,” and he turned his attention to one of the thegns, “help me up and we’ll be on our way.”
“Right away, Arch-Adept,” and the canine helped the wolf up before getting into the war-beast’s saddle and goading the reptile into motion.
Trasta turned to Halvrika. “I need to go.”
“I know. Go.”
The elk doe started to lean toward the raccoon sow to kiss her, then recalled where she was. “Where’s your war-beast?” Halvrika asked to cover up the awkward moment.
“I didn’t ride here. I ran.”
“You’d best run back, then.”
Trasta laughed at that, and set off at a trot that gradually accelerated until she rounded a corner and disappeared.
Halvrika watched her go, then shook herself and turned to go back to the garden. She wanted to meditate further before Orn’s funeral.
***
“Of all the Dator-damned things – “
“Hush.”
“Well? What – “
“Please, Majesty. I’m trying to auscultate. Now, shut up a moment,” and Ast bent over the elk buck’s chest, pressing his left ear to the King’s flesh as his eyes glowed silver. “Hmm.” He straightened up, a negligent paw twitching Aroki IV’s nightshirt closed as he gazed off into space for a moment. The wolf blinked and looked across the bed at a gray-muzzled wolf clad in the vestments of a Priest of Rarmyni, the God of Healing as well as of Wisdom. An unspoken question was met with a solemn nod from the Priest.
Nearby, Queen Falra sat, twisting a kerchief in her paws and looking on with a worried expression.
“Well?” Aroki demanded.
Ast nodded, and the Priest said, “Majesty, Master Jerofer has confirmed my diagnosis. The pain you felt was your heart.”
The buck snorted and sat up in bed. “My heart? Nonsense! My – “
“You drink far too much,” the Priest said reprovingly.
“I – “
“And you eat too much,” Ast added. “It’s not healthy.”
“And you lose your temper too easily,” the Priset concluded.
“I – I do not lose my temper!” Aroki shouted, and winced as he grabbed at his left arm. “Damned arm. What I need is to have a sword in my paw. Some good honest campaigning somewhere.”
Ast nodded judiciously. “Exercise would be good for you, Majesty, as well as a simpler diet – “
“And less of it,” the clergyman interjected.
“Oh yes, that too. Thank you, Arkoni.”
“Very welcome, Ast.”
“You two should do an act in the marketplace,” the buck growled. “The simpletons in the crowd would love you.” His scowl softened a bit when Falra moved to sit on the bed beside him. She kissed him on the cheek and he said, “So? What are you going to suggest? I’m a busy buck.”
“Tea of foxglove,” Priest Arkoni said, “diluted with water. I shall give written instructions to Her Majesty.”
Ast nodded. “I agree, Arkoni. That should ease the heart. I would also suggest willow salic, as it thins the blood.”
Queen Falra looked up at the pair. “Foxglove tea and willow salic? I think we have both already on paw.” She bent slightly and kissed her mate’s paw as the King kissed her. “Will that cure him?”
“It will treat his condition. Time will heal it, if he will cut back on his meals, his drinking, and begins taking exercise,” Ast replied. “He also needs to reduce the amount of stress.”
“Well said, Master Jerofer.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Out,” the King said. “Write down your instructions and give them to the seneschal.”
The two physicians bowed to the King and Queen and left the room. Princess Trasta was waiting in the hallway, and she asked, “Is there anything wrong? Is Father sick? Is – is he – “
“Now, none of that,” Arkoni said, “or you’ll work yourself into a state and make yourself sick.” The wolf wagged a finger at her. “And you’re not too old that I won’t prescribe warm milk to put you to bed either, Your Highness.”
Trasta immediately looked contrite. “That’s better. Master Ast and I were called to the Keep by the Queen. It appears that the King woke up with a pain in his chest.”
“His heart?”
Ast nodded. “Your father is getting older, Princess, and after a while the excesses of youth pile up and hit the old all at once. Priest Arkoni and I have given him instructions that should, given time, alleviate the problem.” He glanced at Arkoni, who nodded. “For the time being, I am not going to use my abilities to directly intervene.”
“You’re not? Why?”
“At this stage, it may do more harm than good, daughter,” the Priest said. “We shall let his body have the time to correct itself on its own, before we call upon Master Jerofer to use his not inconsiderable skills.”
Trasta looked troubled, but nodded. “Very well. Could you please let me know if there’s any change in his condition? I’m his Heir – “
“I’d heard that Princess Seffa bears a buck-fawn,” Arkoni said.
“According to a Priestess of Regali,” Trasta said, “and there’s always the possibility that she was mistaken.” She moved past the two healers and slipped into the room, closing the door behind her.
“I shall pray for the King’s health,” Arkoni said.
Ast nodded. “I’ll go with you.”
“You’re not a devotee.”
“No, but no matter what the source, healing and wisdom are necessary.”
“Hmm, quite.”
© 2014 by Walter Reimer
(This is a sequel to The Black Chapel. Reading the earlier story isn’t really necessary, but you may find it useful. Just saying.)
Art by
whitearabmare29.
The door swung open to reveal a trio of monks. These were in armor, with short stabbing swords drawn. They stood aside, but ready, as a prelate in blue and white with a stole of black velvet strode in. “Your Highness,” the stallion said evenly. The top of a steel cuirass showed above the collar of his vestments, with the crossed sword and axe that dignified him as an adherent of Luli.
“Censor,” Prince Meki said. The elk buck’s expression schooled itself into a quiet smile and he bowed as he said, “I desired some privacy. I am familiar with Priest Gond’s writings, and sought a blessing from him.”
The Censor gave a slight toss of his mane. “Priest Gond is here under arrest, while he is investigated for treason. The King – “
“My father believes he is doing the right thing, Censor. I have been trying to persuade him to grant this shepherd of Azos the right to defend himself before the Throne when the time comes. Gond is an adherent of Azos, as am I.”
The equine’s eyes narrowed slightly. “While it is true that the charges are still being investigated, the Hierarchs and myself are charged to ensuring that Priest Gond Meras makes no move to escape, and that no one aids him to do such.” The Censor stood straighter, his armor and vestments creaking. He was well-muscled and stood taller than the Prince.
Not counting his antlers.
“Of course,” Meki said, “and I would not sin against Azos in defying any law. It was a private matter, nothing more.”
“I see. Is there anything else you wished to do here, Your Highness?”
“Indeed. Priest?” He bowed deeply toward the fox.
Gond placed his paws on the younger man’s head. “Azos and the Pantheon guide and guard you, faithful son of our Lord the King.” He bowed, lips lightly touching Meki’s brow. He straightened then and backed away a pace, brush swishing lightly. “I have heard that your wife bears a fawn, Your Highness. Perin’s blessings on her and your child.”
“A Priestess of Regali has divined that the fawn’s a buck, Priest,” Meki said. “I will tell Seffa about your blessing.” He nodded to the Censor and walked out, his brace clanking and squeaking.
Sarti, Meki’s bovine valet, walked alongside his master as they met his guard escort and started walking back to the Keep. The bull asked, “Are they treating him well, Highness?”
“Yes, yes. Quite well, actually.” Meki’s tone was sullen. He muttered, “Father is a fool for not setting him at liberty until his trial.” His expression suddenly changed to a slight smile.
Sarti caught the change in his master’s face, but wisely kept silent.
***
“By the Writ,” Halvrika gasped. “Really?”
“Yes,” Trasta replied, nodding. “One punch, and down he went.” She smirked. “Like a falling tree, no less. Made quite a racket.”
“I’ll wager he made an even bigger racket when he got back up,” the raccoon giggled.
“You’re right about that.” The two women shared a laugh. “Of course, now that Gond’s here – “
Halvrika froze. “Gond.” She gave her lover a troubled look. “I had almost forgotten about him being here in Shuganath.”
“Why?”
“Trasta, he saw both of us in bed. Naked! Meki already thinks I’ve seduced you. Suppose Gond agrees to support his charges?” The elk doe looked around, and Halvrika added, “No one can hear us. I put a ward up.”
“First, my girl, you worry too much,” Trasta said firmly. “Meki’s already accused you once, and failed. The Court won’t be so quick to reconvene on the word of a disgraced heretic priest. And, might I remind you, the only thing you and I were doing in that bed was sleeping.”
“That is true . . . “ The sow’s voice trailed off. “Of course, we used the bed for – heh, other things after you threatened to kill him.”
“Yeah, we did,” Trasta said, grinning. The doe kissed the tip of the sow’s nose. “Thank you for reassuring me.”
“You’re welcome. So, this fellow Earl Chassi – are you going to bed him?”
Trasta rolled her eyes. “I suppose I will, yes, but we’ve only just now announced that I’ll be courting him. Give us a chance, all right?” They both giggled like schoolgirls. “Now, how have you been doing? Master Jesko still terrorizing you?”
“I had an – exam, of sorts, yesterday,” and she recounted the combat she’d had against the three Masters. “Master Maffa says that I use magic as sheer force, with no finesse – “
“No.”
“Well, that’s not exactly how she put it, but that’s the gist. She wants me to get weapons training.”
Trasta grinned widely. “Excellent! I know just the thing – “
“Master Maffa wants me to go home and learn from my father.”
Whatever Trasta was going to suggest died in her throat at the raccoon’s statement. “She wants you to go home?”
Halvrika nodded. “She says it’ll be good for me. ‘Renewing family ties.’” Her ringed tail swished.
“And how does your father feel about that?”
The sow shrugged. “I’m not sure yet. Master Maffa said she was going to write him – oh! That reminds me,” she said. “Duke Evoli was here at the Cloister.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. He’s interested in having the Order look around for likely students in Lem, and he asked that I accompany him. The Masters denied his request, as I’m still in training.”
Trasta placed a paw on her thigh. “And afterward? Will you go?”
“If the Masters wish it,” Halvrika said after thinking the question over for a moment, “and I’d like to see a bit more of the world. Adepts are supposed to do that.” Her gray-green eyes looked down at her lover’s paw, and she placed her own paw on top of it and squeezed gently. “You know I’ll always love you, Trasta. No matter what happens or where I go.”
The elk doe smiled, and she kissed Halvrika again. “I know, and I love you, ‘Rika.”
“Even if you get married and have a whole herd of fawns?” The raccoon’s voice and expression told Trasta that she was being teased.
“I’ll hire you as their fawnsitter, see if I don’t,” Trasta laughed. “And who knows? Maybe Chassi likes two girls in the bed with him.”
“Ooh,” and Halvrika blushed.
“Oh ho, I think I just found something you like thinking about, haven’t I?”
“Well . . . “ The sow gave the doe a wink. “Care to find out? We could go up to my room.”
“Will we be seen?”
Halvrika shrugged. “I could ward us so that we’d be invisible, but to people with the Sight, the absence of a thing is just as obvious as its presence.” She stood up and reached out a paw to Trasta as she collapsed the ward around them. “Come on.” When the Princess stood, she hugged the doe tightly before taking her paw and the pair walked out of the garden.
She paused, one foot on the first step. “What’s wrong?” Trasta asked.
Halvrika looked back at her. “Orn Jaas’ funeral is later this afternoon,” she said. “If we’re going to do this, we’ll need to be fast.” She started to resume her ascent, but paused as Trasta tugged at her paw. “What, love?”
Trasta shook her head. “I wouldn’t want to sully his memory – or distract you at such a solemn time. I’ll come back later.”
“’Sully his memory?’ You never met him, did you?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“If it had breasts, that horny stallion would chase it,” Halvrika said tartly. “I call Master Marok a lecher to tease him, but Orn really deserved the title.” She chuckled. “Don’t get me wrong, he was a good friend, and he was always willing to learn. I suppose it was only fitting that the mob in Engery caught him in bed.”
Trasta’s ears perked, followed an instant later by Halvrika’s. “You hear that?” the sow asked.
“War-beasts.” The pair started running to the main gate.
At the gate they saw two thegns talking with Master Ast. A pair of Acolytes held the reins of the war-beasts, who shifted their feet and twitched their tails irritably. The Healing Master had a satchel of medicines slung over one shoulder.
Halvrika stepped forward. “What is the matter, Master Jerofer?”
“Nothing to concern yourself with, Ade – oh! Your Highness,” and the wolf bowed slightly. “I am called to the Keep, Princess. You should come with us.”
The doe’s ears drooped. “Is it – is it Seffa?” she asked.
“I’ll know when I get there. Meanwhile, my Lord,” and he turned his attention to one of the thegns, “help me up and we’ll be on our way.”
“Right away, Arch-Adept,” and the canine helped the wolf up before getting into the war-beast’s saddle and goading the reptile into motion.
Trasta turned to Halvrika. “I need to go.”
“I know. Go.”
The elk doe started to lean toward the raccoon sow to kiss her, then recalled where she was. “Where’s your war-beast?” Halvrika asked to cover up the awkward moment.
“I didn’t ride here. I ran.”
“You’d best run back, then.”
Trasta laughed at that, and set off at a trot that gradually accelerated until she rounded a corner and disappeared.
Halvrika watched her go, then shook herself and turned to go back to the garden. She wanted to meditate further before Orn’s funeral.
***
“Of all the Dator-damned things – “
“Hush.”
“Well? What – “
“Please, Majesty. I’m trying to auscultate. Now, shut up a moment,” and Ast bent over the elk buck’s chest, pressing his left ear to the King’s flesh as his eyes glowed silver. “Hmm.” He straightened up, a negligent paw twitching Aroki IV’s nightshirt closed as he gazed off into space for a moment. The wolf blinked and looked across the bed at a gray-muzzled wolf clad in the vestments of a Priest of Rarmyni, the God of Healing as well as of Wisdom. An unspoken question was met with a solemn nod from the Priest.
Nearby, Queen Falra sat, twisting a kerchief in her paws and looking on with a worried expression.
“Well?” Aroki demanded.
Ast nodded, and the Priest said, “Majesty, Master Jerofer has confirmed my diagnosis. The pain you felt was your heart.”
The buck snorted and sat up in bed. “My heart? Nonsense! My – “
“You drink far too much,” the Priest said reprovingly.
“I – “
“And you eat too much,” Ast added. “It’s not healthy.”
“And you lose your temper too easily,” the Priset concluded.
“I – I do not lose my temper!” Aroki shouted, and winced as he grabbed at his left arm. “Damned arm. What I need is to have a sword in my paw. Some good honest campaigning somewhere.”
Ast nodded judiciously. “Exercise would be good for you, Majesty, as well as a simpler diet – “
“And less of it,” the clergyman interjected.
“Oh yes, that too. Thank you, Arkoni.”
“Very welcome, Ast.”
“You two should do an act in the marketplace,” the buck growled. “The simpletons in the crowd would love you.” His scowl softened a bit when Falra moved to sit on the bed beside him. She kissed him on the cheek and he said, “So? What are you going to suggest? I’m a busy buck.”
“Tea of foxglove,” Priest Arkoni said, “diluted with water. I shall give written instructions to Her Majesty.”
Ast nodded. “I agree, Arkoni. That should ease the heart. I would also suggest willow salic, as it thins the blood.”
Queen Falra looked up at the pair. “Foxglove tea and willow salic? I think we have both already on paw.” She bent slightly and kissed her mate’s paw as the King kissed her. “Will that cure him?”
“It will treat his condition. Time will heal it, if he will cut back on his meals, his drinking, and begins taking exercise,” Ast replied. “He also needs to reduce the amount of stress.”
“Well said, Master Jerofer.”
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Out,” the King said. “Write down your instructions and give them to the seneschal.”
The two physicians bowed to the King and Queen and left the room. Princess Trasta was waiting in the hallway, and she asked, “Is there anything wrong? Is Father sick? Is – is he – “
“Now, none of that,” Arkoni said, “or you’ll work yourself into a state and make yourself sick.” The wolf wagged a finger at her. “And you’re not too old that I won’t prescribe warm milk to put you to bed either, Your Highness.”
Trasta immediately looked contrite. “That’s better. Master Ast and I were called to the Keep by the Queen. It appears that the King woke up with a pain in his chest.”
“His heart?”
Ast nodded. “Your father is getting older, Princess, and after a while the excesses of youth pile up and hit the old all at once. Priest Arkoni and I have given him instructions that should, given time, alleviate the problem.” He glanced at Arkoni, who nodded. “For the time being, I am not going to use my abilities to directly intervene.”
“You’re not? Why?”
“At this stage, it may do more harm than good, daughter,” the Priest said. “We shall let his body have the time to correct itself on its own, before we call upon Master Jerofer to use his not inconsiderable skills.”
Trasta looked troubled, but nodded. “Very well. Could you please let me know if there’s any change in his condition? I’m his Heir – “
“I’d heard that Princess Seffa bears a buck-fawn,” Arkoni said.
“According to a Priestess of Regali,” Trasta said, “and there’s always the possibility that she was mistaken.” She moved past the two healers and slipped into the room, closing the door behind her.
“I shall pray for the King’s health,” Arkoni said.
Ast nodded. “I’ll go with you.”
“You’re not a devotee.”
“No, but no matter what the source, healing and wisdom are necessary.”
“Hmm, quite.”
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