The Woven End Read online

  Persenimos was known as a man of great passion, wisdom, and excellent judgment, yet Nat’s apar never once bore a kind face in Nat's sight. Nat was no fool. He saw other apars with their sons, and the distinction between his apar and others was painfully obvious. Apars don't treat their sons this way without reason. What reason could there be but the ridiculous idea that another son existed somewhere, or that he was illegitimately born, or that, even worse, Persenimos didn't want the son he had?

  Perhaps he hopes your illness will kill you soon so he might remarry and have another heir who does not cough incessantly.

  The gloomy thought shot through his mind, wringing tears from his eyes. He put his face down into his knees.

  "Who is there?" A voice demanded from the other side of the dolobor's branches.

  Nat crawled through the branches and looked out between the thick gold leaves. The king stood, his hand on the dagger he kept tucked in his belt at his back.

  "Nat," he answered as he parted the branches and emerged. He stood upright, chin up and shoulders back. He faced the king.

  Persenimos loosed his grip on the dagger.

  "Why are you not with your tutor?”

  "I asked permission to be released early and he granted it."

  "Are you…ill beyond what is usual?"

  "No, sir." He coughed.

  "Something is not right with you. Your eyes are pink. There is a crease on your forehead. What have you been doing in there?"

  Nat would not answer. He scrambled through his thoughts for a way to answer without dishonesty. He could not tell the king he cried because that would, naturally, lead to the question, ‘why?’”

  "Well?" The king insisted.

  Rather than be weak and truthful, he choose to be strong and, for the first time, somewhat disrespectful. "Does it matter to you, or may I be dismissed?"

  Eyes open wide, the king stared dumbly at the young man. The king’s face began first with outrage, moved on to confusion, and then left off at revelation.

  "Walk with me," the king said.

  Nat complied. They walked in the garden, side by side.

  "You are sixteen, are you not?" The king asked.

  "I am."

  "Your tutor tells you are an excellent student. Your nurse tells me you are well behaved and respectful. Your organiom tutor has told me you are a prodigy. What do you say to these…accusations?" A faint smile crept up on the king's face.

  "I say that I do what I am capable of. How they judge my capabilities is their decision." Silence fell between them. Nat added, "But, I will also say that it is very kind of them to praise me so highly."

  "Indeed, I agree," the king agreed. "Your trotter tutor has told me you no longer need lessons from him. You are a capable trotsman."

  Nat nodded.

  "I've been meaning to meet with you, Nat. I have an offer. You have heard of the Alchemine art, have you not?"

  Nat nodded.

  "It was…it was your amar's dying wish that you become learned in this art. She was an Alchemine, as were many of her family."

  Nat planted his feet and looked on at his apar who continued walking a few paces before jhe stopped to look back at his son.

  "My amar was an Alchemine? Why did no one tell me? No one tells me anything. Why? What color were her eyes?"

  "What does it matter? It's not as though it makes her a star or beast of another breed. She was simply a human trained in an art that is no different from…from playing the organiom… Her eyes were blue. Icy, pale blue."

  "I've read stories about Alchemines. They turn themselves into animals and control the wind and the rain and…"

  "Whoever is permitting you to get your hands on snub swill like that—"

  "No one. I get them without anyone's knowledge. Can Alchemines do those things?" Nat asked.

  "Some."

  "Could amar?"

  "I don't know. I was not that interested in her spirituality." He smiled, glancing in the direction of the Queen's Garden. "Your Uncle is an Alchemine. I have thought that, perhaps, if he will allow it, you might go to him for a star or two for training in the art."

  "But, now is the time when I am to be trained for the throne, is it not?”

  "I intend to give you a star’s worth of that, then I will send you. After that, you will return to resume your training."

  "Why?"

  The king stopped walking and heaved a sharp sigh. He looked on his son, “Because I should have begun this long ago.” He smiled. “Cova can teach you much about leadership while you are there. It will not be time wasted."

  "As you wish, apar.”

  "What I wish is that someone would give you a haircut, straightway!"

  Chapter Fourteen

  The king sent Nat on charitable work missions to all three of the islands. Small matters of the Triland were often sent to Nat under the care of a counselor. He did well, his confidence increased, and in many ways, his affection for the king grew.

  The king spent time with his son. He praised Nat's progress, chastised his failures, and, more importantly, took the time to do both. Whatever came out of the king's mouth pleased Nat because it took time and effort to say it. He never shied away from criticism and rarely found the pride in him to bask in the praise.

  Nat often stood in the presence of the King to learn by observation. Even when they made no personal contact, the young man's emotions and mind were healthier for seeing his apar in action and learning of his true character. Until now, the king stood in shadows, while everyone claimed he was Nat’s apar. Now, he had a personality, idiosyncracies, wisdom, and the famous compassion and fervent heart that made the king so well loved. Now, Nat could see that Persenimos was his apar. No one had to tell him.

  Affection grew, but no one could say that they were close. The relationship of apar and son was so long neglected that it would take a lifetime to fully dust the cobwebs away. All they needed was a functional relationship. Nat felt he could trust his apar, and his apar felt that the Triland would be secure in his son's hands.

  #

  The king sat in his library perusing a dusty, old book thick with illuminated parchments. He often referred to this tome of an ancient philosopher's writings on the star water, but it remained a secret of his. His interest in spiritual things grew steadily, but his reputation as an unbeliever was valuable to him.

  A bell rang.

  "Enter," he said, not looking up.

  The door opened and Cova closed it behind him. He bowed, stepped in closer, and bowed once more. Persenimos removed his tiny spectacles and set them on his desk.

  "I must apologize for sending for you at this hour. I realize it is not the average hour of waking, but I could not sleep. Something is pressing on me, and I have a favor to ask. However, I wanted to discuss it with you in person. I've found you are less inclined to reject me in person than in letters."

  Cova delivered a thin smile. "I came with the utmost of haste and willingness to obey, sire.”

  "First, I wish to discuss my son."

  "Yes?"

  "I've long been quite angry with you, Cova. Can you imagine why?"

  "Yes, sire."

  "You have not ever said a word to me about it before. Why?"

  "Your Majesty is tempting me to something that might easily, by a powerful man who is angry with me, be misconstrued into treason."

  Persenimos laughed. "Speak to me as a friend. I wear no crown now. I even allowed you to see me in spectacles with a spiritual book. Sit down, please."

  Cova cleared his throat, uneasy. He didn't want to sit down. He deliberated over whether or not he ought to. Finally, he did.

  After clearing his throat once more, Cova said, "It is because I do not feel I have anything to say on the subject. I would break the rules to save her life, but I retain my sentiments from all those stars ago. I would not take such a risk with your life and my life, and I do not believe Sidita would have permitted it."

  The king huffed. "Stars upon th
at! I would have permitted it."

  Softening, he continued, "Nevertheless, it's been seventeen stars since that incident, and there is nothing we can do to change it, even were your thoughts on the matter altered.”

  Persenimos leaned back in his chair.

  "Regardless of my personal grudge against you, you are a capable governor and the only Alchemine I know. Sidita's dying wish was that the prince would be trained in the art. I've held off on this endeavor for too long, but my conscience will not permit further delay. I must do what she required, and I am, apparently, obliged to seek you out for the task."

  Cova began firmly, "Sire, I simply haven't the energy or the ti—"

  “Everything he has is your possession, Persenimos. He ought to be inconvenienced once in awhile.”

  His indignation, much aroused by the forthcoming excuse, brought Persenimos to his feet.

  He pointed at the governor and bellowed, "You dare to deny me again? Then we make it an order. I will have no more of this. You will tutor the prince in the Alchemine art for as long as I require you to. Should Sakat crumble to dust and sink back into the star water because you ‘haven't the time’ to properly tend to it, I would not change my mind. Do you understand?"

  "Yes, sire." Cova nodded.

  "Eight hundred trilas will be added to your stars' end stipend, as well as whatever you require for the boy's maintenance while he is under your care in Sakat."

  "Under—under my care, Your Majesty?"

  "Under your care, Governor," Persenimos said, emphatically. "If he is not returned to me, alive and well, healthy and fit, when I ask for his return, I will see to it that justice is well fed and pleased. He is not to be hassled, rushed, or stressed, as his heart struggles with these things. Keep him in perfect peace, or vengeance will be preferred over justice. He will be prepared to depart with you the following Star rise. You are dismissed."

  Appearing flustered and red faced, Cova stood and delivered a customary bow before leaving the room. The door closed, his ruddiness failed, and he smiled.

  #

  Cova met his great nephew at dinner that Star fall. He was much pleased with his pupil's mind and attitude. Cova wrote his household to begin preparation for the prince's arrival and indefinite stay. Arrangements were to be made for the prince's personal servants and guard, as well. He sealed up the letter, passed it along to a messenger and, in good spirits, retired to bed.

  #

  The governor's home was fully prepared with a sumptuous supper and guests of Sakatian nobility. Considering the little time the household had available to them for preparation, they created a spectacular illusion of glory and grandeur. The right people, the right place, and just the right table setting made it seem a pleasant Star fall for most. There were a few hiccups, but those weren’t the problem for Nat. Prince Nat was not pleased to be handed over to an uncle he knew nothing of and bombarded with show and pomp. However, he played the part well. He always did.

  Regardless of his nuisance-of-a-cough and colorless skin, he was a stately figure, admired by all as tall, strong, and well chiseled from the same rock as his apar. He knew how to behave as a prince, that is, how to charm and please, but he had nothing in him that desired it. He felt ill and wanted to retire to his room, but he remained a dutiful guest of honor until most of the other guests departed.

  "What a pleasant boy, governor. I've only seen the prince from a distance, but he is ever so pleasing in person," a lady of Sakat remarked to Cova.

  The governor nodded, glancing askance. "Yes, yes, a charming boy, to be sure."

  "And so much like his apar except for the tone of his skin."

  "He has his amar's nose," replied Cova. "I can't have it that he has nothing of my side of the family, can I?" His eyes could not keep away from the staircase Nat escaped on after bidding all a pleasant Star fall.

  "Oh, right, governor. I suppose not. You're so very right."

  "Am I? That's good news."

  He had to get to Nat to speak with him. The customary welcome for someone such as the prince had not pleased the young man. If the damage done to his great nephew's opinion of his uncle was to be repaired, he must not delay. If Nat slept on a disgruntled attitude, it would not be long before a note would reach the king of Nat's unhappiness.

  "If you'll excuse me good woman, I must tend to our guest of honor," Cova smiled.

  "Oh, certainly, governor. It's late. I suppose we should be off. Yes, my good man?" She said turning to her silent husband.

  "Indeed." The husband nodded.

  Cova graciously begged pardon through the remaining guests as he passed by them, hurrying to the stairs. Near the foot of the stairs stood Tapa, the only of Melee's children yet in the household. She greeted her uncle with a soft smile. He kissed her cheek.

  "Play the hostess all the more for me, will you? I need to speak with your nephew before he retires."

  She nodded, her single dark curl bouncing along the side of her face as she did so. She stepped forward into the crowd of remaining guests. Her low, velvet voice breathed soul into the dwindling crowd. Before long, the organiom struck up with a lively melody.

  Through several corridors and up a staircase, Cova arrived at the room prepared for Nat. Candlelight flickered under the door. Cova knocked.

  "Thank you, but I haven't need of anything," came the prince's muffled voice.

  "Are you terribly indisposed, Your Majesty? It is your great uncle, I would desire to speak with you."

  "Oh, uncle!" He flung the door open. "I'm very sorry. The servants have been offering everything from extra candles to candies."

  "It's too much for you, isn't it?”

  The prince sighed with relief. Understood, at last.

  "Yes. I have difficulty with excessive attention. I'm left to myself a good portion of time…"

  "And your apar doesn't have much time for you, I suspect?"

  Nat formed a rueful smile. "He has increased the amount of time spent with me over this last star but… nay, he doesn't. He's the king after all."

  "Yes, yes. You bear your title well, Your Majesty. Tact," Cova said. "And I beg your pardon for wearying you with the customs of this Star fall. I pray you, forgive me. I should have had sense enough to forsake customs for the comfort of my guest. That is all I've come to say.”

  "Uncle, you needn't apologize for that. I have had an enjoyable time."

  "Above all, Your Majesty, while you are here in my home, I expect you to be completely honest with me about how you feel. Hold nothing back in the name of propriety. I want you to feel that you can trust and confide in me, if you so choose. I am whatever you want or need while you reside here. My comfort does not matter if you are not comfortable. I hope you will believe me when I say that it is a pleasure to be of service to such a fine young man."

  Nat's face flushed with genuine pleasure."Thank you, uncle."

  Cova smiled. "Ah, sleep well," he said, nodding.

  Nat smiled and closed the door. Cova smiled and returned to the party.

  Chapter Fifteen

  18th Star rise, Image of Esar,

  26th Star of His Majesty, King Persenimos, son of Trimos

  To: Y'Armos son of Etetuol, my esteemed tutor and friend:

  I have arrived at the governor’s home on Sakat. I received a grand welcome with much pomp. Their manner of entertaining and pleasing here might be mistaken for a royal feast! What they were able to do in one day is beyond my comprehension, considering the limited staff of, as my uncle told me upon my inquiry, only one hundred servants.

  I’ve met my aunt Tapa. Uncle Cova introduced me to this fair, dark haired star lighting up the room and uttered the word "aunt" as he did so. I was astounded, for a lovelier creature I've not seen. She possesses deep brown eyes, pale skin, and sleek auburn hair. I am ashamed that I have never met her. After all, she is my amar's own sister and yet a complete stranger to me.

  Many noble guests were in attendance. Some I’ve met before, but a good number I
did not know. I wondered at this, considering my repeated visits to Sakat and my dealings with the council here. I was certain I had met all the Sakatian nobles. I must confess that those new to me did not behave as nobles. That, however, is between you and me.

  One good woman asked me a series of questions concerning the Sálverøld. My uncle stood by and did nothing to intervene. He looked on, almost as though he were eager to hear my answers. When I finally told her I that I had no answers for her, as I was not informed on the subject of the Sálverøld, she said that my amar was an Alchemine of high rank, and she assumed some basic knowledge of her art would have been taught in honor of the unraveled.

  Just as I opened my mouth to tell her that I was with my uncle for training in the art, some good man—I can hardly call him a good man— broad, tall, leather skinned, and rather uncouth, hurried into our circle and spoke loudly of the Sakatian Kookaroos and their most recent delwig game. He must have been drunken. My uncle slipped away and asked a guard to escort the man out. The man winked at the woman, laughed in my uncle’s face, and continued laughing until he was removed from the room.

  I had a considerable pain in my ears for several hours. I suspect that my infection has returned. My heart pounded some, but I'm sure all will be well, as it always is. I still have the liquid iso to drop into my ear, so I needn't send for a physician.

  Well, the Star fall wears on, and I'm certain that tomorrow will be a full day as well.

  I must rest. May the Star shine well on you, my friend. Please tell me of your new situation and your life there.

  Stars' Blessing,

  Nat

  #

  To: His Royal Highness, the Crowned Prince, Nat, son of Persenemos

  From: Y’Armos son of Etetuol

  My dear prince, the urgency of your letter may not be known to you, but I must forego the pleasantries and discussion of the contents of your letter until I have said this and sent it off with haste.

  Your heart must not be taken lightly. If you have any fondness for me— which I know you do—I ask that you send for a physician. You have not had a heart palpitation since the road of Bailan. I say this in an effort to impress upon you the importance of a physician's aid, at once. A sudden recurrence of these palpitations cannot bode well for you.