The Seer (9 page)

Look it!

Mistral was
about to glare at him contemptuously but quickly rearranged her features into
what she hoped something suitably tired and emotional.

‘Of course she
is!  Finally gaining the Sight and losing the Divinus all at once! 
Such dramatic events so close together would exhaust the strongest of
us!’  Serenity’s voice throbbed with compassion and Mistral almost
expected her to recommend an overnight stay in the Infirmary to recover. 
‘I am sorry that you will be missing my recital though,’ she added in a
dismayed voice.

‘It is with
great regret that we will miss your recital Mistress Lightwater.’
 Phantasm murmured sincerely.  ‘Your poetry is quite legendary.’

Mistral shot
him an astonished look.  Was it?

‘Why, thank
you Phantasm.’  Serenity gushed, holding up a roll of parchment.  ‘I
have written a piece in honour of the Divinus.  It is rather moving, even
if I do say so myself.  Perhaps I could read it to you during your next
visit to my Infirmary?’

‘That would be
most welcome.’  Phantasm responded diplomatically.  ‘However, we must
bid you good evening for now.’

‘Of
course!  My audience is waiting!’

They moved
quickly away from the entrance to the Main Hall.

‘Wait!’ 
Phantom hissed, grabbing hold of Mistral and Phantasm’s arms.  ‘I really
need to hear some of this “legendary” poetry!’

They paused,
straining their ears to catch Serenity’s soft voice reciting lines of poetry.

‘
Let silence by your shroud,

May peace make you a shrine.

Remain in spirit unbowed,

Be in our memory, eternally divine –’

 ‘Yuk!’  Mistral
exclaimed, looking disgusted.

‘Everyone’s a
critic.’  Phantasm pulled her on again.

‘Did you see
the size of that roll of parchment?  That’s going to take all
evening!’  Mistral continued while they moved down the corridor as quickly
as her restrictive dress would allow.

‘Now, care to
tell us why we had to leave?’  Phantom demanded.  ‘Not that I’m
complaining, it was getting a bit dull – there must have been a hundred guests
in that room tonight and I swear every single one of them asked me to either
make their wife leave or have their mother in law die suddenly from natural
causes!’ 

‘Brother!’ 
Phantasm chided.  ‘Show some respect!’

‘Fine, it was
getting respectfully dull then.’  Phantom revised flippantly.  ‘So,
where are we going then Mistral?  I assume it’s on Master Sphinx’s orders
from the look on your face.’

‘We are going
to The Cloak and Dagger.’  Mistral informed them grimly. 

‘Which is
usually a prospect that fills you with ale-fuelled glee,’ frowned
Phantom.  ‘What’s with the miserable face?’ 

‘We are going
to The Cloak and Dagger to, and I quote His Holiness the Leo here, “gauge the
mood of the warriors”’.

‘Ah, now I
understand why you look so miserable.’  They paused outside Gleacher’s
office while Phantom went in to retrieve their cloaks.  ‘This could be a
trifle awkward,’ he continued, coming out with his arms full.

‘You
think?’  Mistral retorted sarcastically.  ‘I can’t even play cards
because I’m banned!  We’re going to stick out like sore thumbs, sat there
staring at everyone all night!’

‘Even more so
now everyone knows you are the Ri’s Seer.’  Phantom agreed.

Mistral made a
grumpy noise and they walked to the Entrance Hall in silence.

‘I think there
is only one answer,’ said Phantasm, automatically swinging Mistral down the
steps of the Entrance Hall and ignoring her angry shout of protest.

‘Which
is?’  Phantom enquired; running light down the steps behind them to sweep
a surprised Mistral off her feet and over his shoulder.

‘Put me
down!’  she howled in an outraged voice.

‘What? 
To walk down to the village at a pace slower than a snail on valerian?’ 
Phantom snorted.  ‘I don’t think so!  I want to get there before I die
of hypothermia!’

‘We have to
persuade Xerxes to let us join their card game so that Mistral can read the
warriors without appearing to … you can do that can’t you Mistral?’ 

Mistral paused
in the stream of abuse she was directing at Phantom, ‘Of course I can!’ 
she bridled.  ‘And I also possess the ability to walk!’

‘Very slowly.’
 Phantom amended. 

‘And that’s
entirely your brother’s fault!’  Mistral snarled, struggling in his iron
grip.  ‘If he let me wear trousers like I wanted to then there would be no
problem with me walking slowly!’

‘Hush!’ 
Phantasm said.  ‘We’re nearly there … put her down brother.’

‘Thank
goodness!  You’re not getting any lighter Mistral!’  Phantom released
her with a grunt.  ‘I think it’s all that honey you’ve suddenly developed
a taste for –’

‘What’re you
saying?’  Mistral demanded, looking down at her stomach. 

‘Oh!  Not
now you two.’  Phantasm muttered wearily.  ‘We need to agree a
strategy ... actually,’ he quickly amended, throwing his brother a meaningful
glance unnoticed by Mistral who was too busy trying to see some of the extra
weight Phantom had complained about.  ‘Perhaps we just need to shift
someone’s mind-set a little –’

‘What? 
Make Xerxes want me to join in a card game?  Good idea!’  Mistral
said, finishing her examination of her figure, oblivious to the twins shared
look of concentration.  ‘Make him buy the first round while you’re at it,
he’s become so tight since his legion of sweethearts started hitting his
pocket!’  Feeling suddenly confident, Mistral pushed open the door and
stepped into the tavern’s noisy smoky warmth.

‘And here she
is!’  Xerxes called out loudly.  ‘The Seer to the Ri!’

Not at all
daunted by the silence that fell or the multitude of heads that swung around to
stare at her; Mistral paused in the doorway and slowly drew back her
hood.  The Cloak was packed to the rafters with warriors who had returned
for the Divinus’ funeral.  Every table, stool and inch of floor space was
taken up by warriors engaged in a variety of drunken pursuits, reminiscing
loudly, gambling, arguing or just drinking heavily.  Warriors were stood
three deep at the bar, all clamouring for the attention of a harassed looking
Floris, struggling to serve the huge influx of customers. 

‘Ah, a
game!’  Mistral smiled and made her way towards Xerxes’ table, ignoring
the curious looks she was attracting.  ‘May I join you?’

‘No
chance!’  Xerxes scoffed, eliciting a loud bout of laughter from everyone
within earshot.

‘And why
not?’  Mistral enquired in a hurt voice.

‘Like I need to
remind you!  Thought spy!  You’d cheat like a hob on manticore
potion!’

‘Hmm …
cheating … an interesting subject.’  Mistral mused, drumming her fingers
on the battered pack of cards stacked on the table.  ‘You and your brother
have been using Elven Song for the last two years and Cain has a second pack up
his sleeves –’

‘What?’ 
Cain and Brutus exclaimed, staring accusingly at each other.

‘How about we
all agree not to use our respective talents and just play cards?’  Mistral
suggested reasonably.

Xerxes shook
his head, ‘Not a chance in hell Mistral.  I can take Cain’s extra pack off
him and I can gag my brother so he can’t sing but I wouldn’t know if you were
reading our minds or not … and I can’t afford to lose any more money right
now.  I’ve got some serious demands on my pocket –’

‘Xerxes, we
really need to be in this game.’  Phantasm interjected in a low
voice.  ‘It’s an order from Master Sphinx.’

Xerxes snorted
disdainfully, ‘Like I believe that!  His Loveliness the Leo order you to
play cards?  No chance!  You’ve snuck out of that boring banquet
because you can’t resist the opportunity to have a go at using your gifts on
some unsuspecting victims!  I don’t care if you tell me it’s an order from
Mage Grapple himself!  I’m not letting two mind controllers and a Seer
play at my table and that’s final!  Now, if you don’t mind, I’ve got a
game to play.’

Mistral
remained uncharacteristically calm throughout Xerxes’ tirade and didn’t even
react when he snatched the pack of cards from beneath her hand and began to
deal.  She gazed at him for a moment before speaking softly, ‘I swear to
you on the life of our fallen brother that we will not use our gifts at your
table.’

Cain, Brutus,
Xerxes and Grendel all turned to stare at her. 

‘Don’t take
Saul’s name lightly Mistral!’  Xerxes growled warningly.

‘I don’t.’

Xerxes
continued to hold her gaze for a long moment before drawing in a deep breath
and turning to the others, ‘It’s your call,’ he said flatly.

‘Fine by me.’
 Cain shrugged and looked down at the cards in his hand.

Grendel
grunted and chucked a bronze coin on the table to start the game.

Brutus
remained silent, studying her through narrowed eyes before replying, ‘Well,
she’s not lying.  We all know Mistral can’t lie to save her life, so I’m
happy enough for her and the twins to join us.’

Xerxes nodded
unhappily.  Keeping his eyes averted he gestured towards the empty chairs
and began to deal cards out for her and the twins. 

I think
it’s high time that you finally embraced all of your gifts now Mistral …

Smiling
wickedly in response to his thought, Mistral turned to face Phantasm, ‘Is it me
or is it warm in here?’  She asked, fanning her hand in front of her face
theatrically.

‘Please, allow
me,’ he murmured, reaching to slip the velvet cloak from her shoulders.

Xerxes’ cards
fell from his hand and scattered across the table while he gaped unashamedly at
Mistral’s dress, in particular, the low cut neckline.

‘Are we
playing for bronze or silver then Xerxes?’  Mistral enquired lightly,
slipping into her seat and sweeping up her hand of cards.

A long silence
met her question.  The twins smirked and slid into chairs on either side
of her.

‘What?’ 
Xerxes muttered distractedly, his gaze not managing to meet her eyes but
remaining trapped at the plunging neckline of her dress. 

‘My face is up
here Xerxes.’  Mistral heaved a deep sigh, causing Xerxes’ eyes to bulge
comically.

Cain sniggered
and even Grendel let out a low rumble of laughter.

‘Nicely played
sister.’  Brutus laughed and shoved a full tankard of ale towards
her.  ‘I told you that you should wear a dress more often.’

‘So you did
brother, so you did.’  Mistral replied, heaving another sigh.  ‘So …
bronze or silver Xerxes?’

‘Huh?’ 
Xerxes finally dragged his eyes up to meet her amused look.

‘Or are we
playing for dresses and ribbons?’

Xerxes
immediately scowled and collected his scattered hand of cards.  

‘Now that was
a game of cards!’  Phantom laughed.  ‘Xerxes lost every hand!’

‘I know! 
He was playing terribly.’  Mistral tugged her hood up against the bitter
wind.  ‘It must be all the stress his sweethearts are giving him!’

The twins
shared a smug look.  ‘I’m sure it was just that.’  Phantasm agreed
quietly. 

‘Oh, you
weren’t using your gift on him all night were you?’  Mistral cried,
looking horrified.  ‘I swore on Saul’s memory that we wouldn’t!’

‘No Mistral.’
Phantasm murmured quietly.  ‘I promise you that my brother and I were not
using our gift on Xerxes.’

‘Good, because
if you were, you completely overdid it!’

‘Actually, I
think we got it just right.’  Phantom muttered so quietly that Mistral
didn’t hear him.

Snow had
started to fall again.  They hurried through the flurries of cold flakes
into the village, letting themselves into the warmth of the twins’ house to be
greeted by Prospero’s happy bark.

‘Hello boy! 
You missed out on a load of roasted venison tonight –’

‘Oh no he
didn’t!’  Phantom called angrily from the kitchen.  ‘He’s finished
off the venison casserole from last night!’

‘Did you get
hungry boy?’  Mistral asked, rubbing her dog’s huge head affectionately. 
‘Would you like me to make you your own casserole and we won’t let Phantom have
any of it?’

Prospero beat
the floor with his tail, panting happily.

‘You spoil
that dog!’  Phantom grumbled, walking back in from the kitchen and
throwing himself bad-temperedly into one of the armchairs.

‘I have to say
I agree.’  Fabian stepped quietly in through the door.  Mistral
immediately turned and ran towards him, instantly tripping on the restricting
hem of her dress but managing to fall quite elegantly into his open arms.

‘Back to
trousers tomorrow,’ she vowed, gazing adoringly up at him.

He smiled and
carried her to the sofa, sitting down and resting her lightly on his lap. 
She curled up contentedly against him and immediately closed her eyes.

‘I don’t think
so!’  Phantasm exclaimed.  ‘We need to know what you heard tonight
Mistral!’

‘Can’t it
wait?’  Mistral complained with a yawn. 

‘No!’ 
the twins chorused loudly.

Mistral sighed
wearily and sat up slightly, resting against Fabian, ‘Where would you like me
to begin?’

‘Mage Grapple
– ’

‘Master Nox– ’

The twins
demanded at the same time.

‘Start with
Malachi and Bellicose, Mistral.  They are the key components here.’
 Fabian said firmly.

Mistral sighed
heavily, ‘Right, Malachi and his charming father it is then.  Malachi
knows that Leo would seek to tie us more closely to the Council and thinks
he’ll gain the warriors’ support by proposing to lead the Ri away from Council
rule.  I hate to say it, but I think he’s right.  It was blatantly
obvious to me in The Cloak tonight that warriors resent being controlled by the
Mage Council,’ she paused and gave Fabian an apologetic look.  ‘Sorry.’

‘Warriors have
good reason to feel resentful towards the Council.’  Fabian agreed
evenly.  ‘Most risk their lives daily on Contracts bought by
over-privileged Councillors too lazy to do the work themselves.’

‘Er, I think
Mistral was trying to be polite, considering that you are both a Mage and a
member of the Council.’

‘I am Ri too
Phantasm.’  Fabian reminded him quietly.

‘Of course.’
 Phantasm demurred quickly.  ‘Forgive me, I meant no offense.’

‘So –’ Mistral
continued quickly.  ‘Malachi and Bellicose were being quite careful not to
think about their precise plans, but they are definitely going to launch some
sort of anti-Council campaign … slur Leo’s reputation, that sort of thing,’ she
glanced meaningfully at Fabian.  He frowned, instantly grasping her
meaning.  If the warriors discovered that Leo was Mage Grapple’s son he
would never gain their approval as the next Divinus.  No Ri warrior would
trust him not to be a puppet of the Council ... Mage Grapple’s spy in the
Valley ... ‘After that they talked a lot about Bellicose’s tribe.’ 
Mistral went on.  ‘There’s a lot of unrest.  He wasn’t specific but
there was mention of an uprising of some sort.’

Fabian nodded,
‘The vampire tribe on the Isle have been unhappy for some time with the
restrictions Mage Grapple has placed upon them.  I’m sure they see Malachi
as their opportunity to live a freer life.’

‘Can I clarify
something?’  Mistral asked with a frown.

Fabian smiled
at her, inviting her question. 

‘How does a
new Divinus get elected … exactly I mean, I know the Council have to approve
the choice, but what’s the process?’

‘After the
last Divinus’ funeral has been held, candidates have one month in which to
declare their intention to the Council.  At this stage the Council’s
involvement is a mere formality, the real decision is made by the warriors and
the Magnate.  A six week campaign is run in the Valley culminating in a
vote.  The successful candidate must then be approved by another vote held
at the Council.  If the outcome is decisive, the new Divinus takes up the
post with immediate effect.  However, if the Council vote is not decisive,
the whole process begins again.’

‘Sounds a bit
long winded!’  Mistral exclaimed.  ‘Has anyone actually died before
the process has been completed?’ 

‘Not in the
way you are thinking, but yes, a few candidates have mysteriously vanished
during the campaign.’

‘Don’t suppose
Leo will though.’  Mistral muttered.

‘Mistral!’ 
Phantasm reproved her sharply.  ‘You must set aside your personal
feelings!  Master Sphinx would make a strong Divinus.’ 

‘He’s
ambitious and cold!’

‘And Master
Nox is warm and cuddly is he?’  Phantom asked sarcastically.

‘Is that our
choice then?  Leo or Malachi?’  Mistral pulled a face.  ‘Oh,
wait a minute!  I almost forgot!  Mycroft is going to declare himself
as a candidate too.’

‘Mycroft is of
no consequence.  This is an act of vanity and will come to nothing.’
 Fabian said dismissively.  ‘The right to be the next Divinus it a
contest between Leo and Malachi.  You must decide where your loyalties lie
Mistral.’

Mistral
shrugged, ‘With Leo, I suppose.’ 

Fabian gazed
at her, ‘You suppose?’

‘Yes.’ 
Mistral glowered back.  ‘I suppose.  That’s my opinion and I’m
entitled to express it how the hell I like!’

Fabian exhaled
sharply, ‘You must show a stronger commitment than that!  You are the Ri’s
Seer.  Warriors will be more inclined to support whoever you favour. 
I can’t help but fear that this year is going to be dangerously
turbulent.  Until a new Divinus is elected, this contest is going to
effectively divide the Valley.’

‘Oh, a
turbulent year, what a change!’  Mistral quipped with a smile.

‘Please, don’t
be so flippant.’  Fabian frowned, but the hardness had gone from his
eyes. 

‘I’ll
try.’  Mistral promised.  ‘Sorry?’  She offered another smile
and was rewarded with the glimmer of one in return.  It was all the invitation
she needed.  

‘Er, can we
keep to the matter in hand please?’  Phantom asked after a long pause.

‘Which is what
exactly?’  Mistral sighed, unwinding herself from Fabian reluctantly.

‘The future
Divinus!  And more importantly, what was so fascinating in Mage Grapple’s
thoughts tonight?  You were reading him for ages, an entire course in
fact!’

‘Haven’t you
eaten again?’  Fabian asked sharply.

‘Yes, I had
some of those honey cakes!’ 

‘Half a
one!’  Phantasm corrected. 

‘Oh please
leave it brother!  You sure you’re not related to Serenity?’  Mistral
snapped then looked up at Fabian with a suddenly amused expression. 
‘Which reminds me, how was her poem?’

‘Long.’

Mistral smiled
and curled up closer to his warmth, feeling exhaustion wash over her again, ‘So
… what do you want to know again?’  she asked with a yawn.  ‘Oh, I
know … Mage Grapple.  Well, he’s got a fascinating mind … and there was
something I wanted to tell you … but I can’t remember … something about a
Contract … a big one –’

A long silence
fell.

‘Is she really
asleep?’  Phantom demanded incredulously.

Fabian nodded,
frowning down at her, fast asleep in his arms.

‘I think she
needs a trip to the Infirmary.  I’m sure that using the Sight so much so
soon after mastering it is affecting her health.’  Phantasm said with a
worried look.  ‘We don’t want her to be ill again right now.’

‘But what
about Vilius and Mage Grapple and this mystery Contract?’  Phantom
demanded peevishly. 

‘Tomorrow.’
 Fabian said quietly and lifted Mistral up, carrying her up the stairs.

‘Mage De
Winter?’  Phantasm called quietly.

Fabian paused
and looked over his shoulder at Phantasm.

‘Please, try
to be more gentle with these buttons.’