In the Shadows of Dragons, Part 5
A Rare Event of Unvarnished Truth

Layli pulled the door to the infirmary quietly closed behind her. She glanced about the hall in front of her, but saw no sign of Tepet Tulia, and was glad for it. She really didn't want anything to pass between them that could not be waved off. A few soft words to a servant insured that the men would not be disturbed. Near the door was a pair of soft-looking chairs in velvet. One was occupied with several hastily dropped books, therefore Layli lowered herself into the other with unconscious grace. Despite what she said to Bertram, the things she saw and heard tried to piece themselves together in her mind. A protective bird spirit, promises, Nishal, Timri, all part of a larger puzzle. Layli put a fingertip to her lips and softly bit the nail. The great man must have brought something back, holding this large secret probably for some greater good, if all tales of him were to be believed. A people's protector, with one of the people, on whom he fathered Nishal. Yes, that made sense with what she saw. Of course, little else did. Why would the spirit kill Timri, for Layli was now certain that was the case, for Nishal being hurt? And why the specific piercing of a shoulder? For the crippling? Was the child's death merely a message? But then why hadn't it shown itself before? From all Layli understood, Tulia had always been a horror to Nishal, and taught Timri to be so as well.

Layli lifted her finger from her lips and waved it, as if the motion would push away the questions. She probably shouldn't care, but that wasn't the reason. No, she knew she didn't have all the pieces of the puzzle, and she wouldn't ask. If Nishal wanted her thoughts, he would provide the answers anyway, and she was certain he would. Folding long fingered hands in her lap, she settled in to wait. Her eyes drifted, and found the seat of the other chair with its haphazard pile of books. The leather cover of one was etched with the name “Timri”. Perhaps there would be some answers after all.

The journal yielded little in cursory glance. The child had not been one to keep it full. Either that, or she already had understood the need to keep some things not written where prying eyes could find. Most of the other books were school tomes. Layli almost passed all of them over, but one caught her. “Herbs of the Isle and Their Uses” was not an uncommon book…for mortals. It was not normally found among the belongings of nine year old Dragon Blooded.

Layli knew a small incantation that would open a book to the last page read, but Grandmother had always said that one should use all the simple ways first. Layli simply opened the book to the first page it wanted to go to. There was a tiny piece of paper stuck in the binding on this page, marking it. After reading, she closed her eyes and schooled herself to calmness, rage and guilt warring against it.

Losing track of time, Layli didn't know how long she'd sat that way. She didn't even hear the door open. Only the slow awareness of another presence brought her to open her eyes. Looking up from her seat, she saw the form of Cathak Bertram, so like Nishal, save for the eyes. He gave her a thin-lipped smile, dark brown eyes flitting to the book still open in her lap. Slowly, she closed the book and put it back in the pile and rose, trying to give every impression that she had merely taken an idle look. “My condolences, honored one. If you'll excuse me, I would like to say my farewells to your son before you take him home.”

Bertram blinked a couple of times. “He's sleeping now, I think, but you'll have time. He wants to stay and take exams.” Layli could not hold back a smile that mirrored the unexpected touch of pride in Bertram's voice.

“Then I will let him sleep. Is there anything I might help…?”

“You saw it, didn't you?” Bertram cut in.

“I am uncertain of your meaning, honored one.”

“Bertram. And I mean what's in the book. It fell open when I picked it up. Does it mean what I think it means?” He scraped his hand through his hair and sighed when she didn't answer. “Please don't play ignorance, Layli.”

The sudden familiarity of tone took Layli aback for a moment before she nodded shortly once. “In the candy, I think. The dose was wrong.”

“She tried to kill…”

“I ate some of it too, but never noticed. I have precautions against such things.” Layli ran her tongue along her upper teeth. “She tried to kill him, yes, and did not succeed. But…I didn't know. I gave him something later. I think it might have pushed…”

Bertram waved a hand. “I don't think anyone blames you.” He put a special emphasis on the word 'anyone'. Layli knew he was speaking of the bird spirit. She bowed her head slightly and silence fell in the infirmary hallway. The utter quiet lasted long enough to start becoming uncomfortable.

“No one will hear from me.” Layli spoke at last.

Nodding, Bertram replied, eyes suddenly intent on her face, “I believe you, but why?”

Layli considered dodging for a moment, but said, smoothly, “Since the very first day of school, when I was an awkward and clumsy child, he has been my friend. Though he takes what I give him, he has never asked for anything beyond my simple presence, and given more in return. I could tell you stories, but I would rather not. Anyway, one cannot buy the kind of loyalty he has shown me in friendship, and I would be a fool to shove that away, even if I wanted to. I gladly give him my friendship in return.”

Leaning up against the wall, Bertram laid his arm across him with the stump of the other on top, the closest he could accomplish to crossing his arms. He looked off. “He will get old, Layli. You can't see it now, only the difference in power. You tell yourself it doesn't matter, that it will never matter. But your image doesn't change, not quickly, while his will grow older. Then there will be gray in his hair, wrinkles at the corners of his eyes.” The more he spoke, the more Layli became convinced Bertram was no longer really talking about her. “Every day you will be confronted with the fact that no one would ever accept this, and do you fight knowing he will be gone sooner than you'd like and you'll have to answer for it for the rest of your life?” Bertram paused for a moment, then turned his face to her. “This is all assuming your heart doesn't change as your lives take you different places. Either way, you will hurt him and he you. Do you understand?”

Layli let a bit of coolness enter her voice. “I think so, honored one.”

Bertram sighed. “Only a bit of advice, Lady Layli. Forgive my candor. I will have you know he will be well cared for.”

Shaking her own head, Layli relaxed her shoulders. It would not do to put off such a person. “I…thank you for being candid.” She plucked and straightened the sleeves of her dress, smoothed the skirts, buying herself a moment. “I owe you a bit in return. I dare say I may have painted an inaccurate picture of your son, Bertram. He really cares for little beyond himself.” Nishal's laughter at the death of his sister echoed in her memory. ” Me, perhaps. You say he will be well cared for, but I'll tell you he'll not be content with what he is given. He will reach as high as he can, and use who he will to get there and perhaps not see the consequences. We have a way of disregarding mortals until it is too late, and he will gladly be the spot of rot on an apple that grows if not watched.” She closed the space between herself and Bertram with two gliding steps. “You have given him no reason to hate you, but neither have you given him a reason to love you. I want you to see it for what it is, for I do not wish to see him abandoned and I do not wish to see him fall too hard for reaching for the stars. Do you understand?”

“Perhaps I should give him a reason to love me.” Bertram stated.

“What you will.”

“Thank you.” His eyes never left hers as he moved his hand to take hers and raise it to brush it with his lips. A small corner of Layli's mind noted that in a far different world, she might have taken to this man. She shoved the thought away as irrelevant and silly.

“May we meet again under more pleasant circumstances, Bertram.” Stepping away, she bowed her head with a small measure of respect. It was certainly the oddest social encounter Layli could remember.

“I'd like that.” He sounded like he meant it.

In the Shadows of Dragons, Part 6: How Alliances are Forged

Paving stones long worn from travel gave way to hard packed dirt. A plain lacquered coach made the transition the best it could, it's driver well experienced, but wheels still met the occasional rock and the ground was not flat. Padded velvet cushions kept the sudden lurches and bumps bearable to the men who rode inside the coach where silence ruled.

The quiet suited Nishal. He expected no conversation from his father, and that was almost a relief compared to past trips. In other days, he would have to endure the long journey home with Tulia and Timri, and he wouldn't have been able to indulge himself in his dark and sad thoughts. Sitting with most of his weight on his right hip, Nishal laid his head against the frame of the coach's little window, staring out. His useless arm rested against him, hidden by the sky blue robe's sleeve, but the other played idly with the new necklace that hung from his neck. It was a chain of gold sporting a golden hand clutching a blue stone that turned white, or speckled like clouds, or gray as it was moved, a gift from Layli. Nishal swallowed a small pang. Though everything was said that could be said, it would probably be years before he saw her again, and who knew what would happen in the mean. And he had a place to find for himself. He tried to turn his thoughts to that.

Nishal was left in his silent reverie for a couple more miles before his father cleared his throat. The sound turned Nishal's head to the other man. Bertram lay a book to the side. The two looked at each other for a long moment. “So,” Bertram started, much like he was still searching for what to say, “you passed everything well.”

“Except weapons.” Nishal smirked at his father. “They couldn't find a way to pass me there.”

Bertram shrugged. “Still, well done.” He shifted a bit in his seat.

“Thank you.” Silence fell again. Nishal's eyes drifted back to watching the countryside roll by.

Bertram broke it again. “I sent word ahead to have new rooms set up for you in the south wing. I'm told you like them.”

Regarding his father with an arched brow, Nishal repressed another dry smirk. “The guest rooms catch good breezes in the Fire months.” He thought, perhaps, that Bertram wanted him away from the family, but Layli had said that Nishal might be able to put some trust in his father. His voice was flat with trying to keep suspicion and speculation from it.

“They also have attached rooms for personal servants. You should have a selection to choose from once we get home.” Bertram seemed to be a bit stiff. “I…could also write some letters, get you on where ever you want.”

“I'll think about it.” Nishal could not deny that his father seemed to be making a true effort. Cocking his head to one side, Nishal regarded Bertram with open speculation. The son had a card to play yet, and though he was holding it for now, it might be that he'd play it early if he could keep this up. “What will Tulia say?” He'd resolved never to call that woman 'mother' again unless in public.

Bertram scowled softly. “She won't say anything.”

“I doubt that, highly, despite my new…ally.” Nishal had not actually seen the spirit since it attacked Tulia, but there were times he swore he was being watched, even when he was alone. He had no illusions that the spirit was gone.

“She's with child again, Nishal. Tulia may play loose with herself, but it's desperately important to her and her family that she produce a Dragon Blooded child, and she won't risk that.” Bertram seemed to be studying Nishal right back.

Nishal snorted. “Splendid. The last one turned out so well.”

Bertram scraped his hand through his hair, sighing. “About that…”

“I have Timri to thank for my current state, I know. Layli told me, thinking I would eventually discover the truth.” Nishal paused briefly, enough to cleanse the bitterness from his voice. “I appreciate, though, that you too would tell me the truth.” Next move to Bertram.

“I've decided that my wife needs more work to do, enough that she has no time to raise the child herself.” One corner of Bertram's mouth curled up ruefully. “I learn from my mistakes.”

“Careful, Father. That sounded dangerously close to an apology.” Nishal couldn't resist a bit of needling.

“Take it how you want. I don't see any monks around to lecture.” Before Nishal could press the advantage, Bertram continued. “How would you like to be the main tutor? Would that suit you?”

Both of Nishal's eyebrows shot up in real surprise. “Me? Oh, I doubt Tulia would allow you to go that far. Besides the fact that I just left school, she hates me.”

Shrugging, Bertram replied, “Perhaps, perhaps not. But I'll put it out there, and if she refuses, she'll be more amenable to future tutors I might select. It's really too bad that Helidah died. Timri might have been better.” Nishal heard an implication that caused him to physically start. Helidah had been his own tutor. Forcing himself to settle back, he let it pass without comment, in case he read too much. What game was his father playing?

Nishal searched for his own next move, deciding it was not yet time to show all of his cards. Instead, he found himself smirking at the odd question that came to mind. “I wonder…how is it that you can possibly stand to bed that woman?”

“A soldier does what he has to in the name of duty to the Empire.” The tone of Bertram's voice made Nishal start laughing, and it wasn't long before his father joined him.

As the laughing softened to a chuckle, Nishal made his decision. No, he wouldn't wait until later. He had to play it now. Killing the last of his humor, Nishal dropped his voice, not having to feign hesitancy. “Father, I have something to tell you. I have a very good memory for just about everything, and I was there the day Lada gave birth to her child. I may have been very young, but there is no doubt that I saw her and the child both very much alive, and have my suspicions one or both might still be. Tulia and Helidah lied to you.”

For the first time in Nishal's life, he suddenly had the full and completely undivided attention of his father.

In the Shadows of Dragons, Part 7: To Put Away Childish Things

Most of Layli's things were already in trunks, the school's servants making quick work of it all once the word was given. One girl attended the budding sorcerer herself, carefully pulling Layli's long, straight, blue-white hair into an intricate plait that would hang down her back to the waist. It was more than Layli had asked for, but the servants seemed to think that she needed to be sent off in grand style. So she was in a traveling coat of the softest lambskin dyed midnight, wide legged pants of gray silk, and wholly impractical midnight suede boots and a hairstyle fit for a minor gathering. Layli resolved to change the shoes at the very least as soon as the over enthusiastic servants were gone.

While the servant was hard at her work, Layli let her mind and eyes drift. Turning her head slightly, she caught the sight of Nishal being helped into a carriage, a fleeting moment. Layli's hand strayed to the bracelet he'd given her. The poor servant nearly had an apoplexy when Layli had insisted on wearing the piece ornamented with red jade and rubies with her traveling clothes, but on that point, she had taken no argument or compromise. The rational side of her brain noted Nishal's chosen colors were Cathak, not Tepet. Things had certainly changed in the last weeks. She hoped he would heed her advice. She was beginning to realize exactly how saddened she'd be if anything happened to him.

Layli pulled her eyes away from the window with some effort as the servant finished the braid with a bit of leather and blue beads. Turning to rise from her chair, Layli found a man standing at the foot of a bed two down from hers and staring straight at her from hooded eyes. Before she could stop herself, Layli flinched with a hard startle. She reprimanded herself and looked at him again.

The man only raised one brow. Otherwise, he didn't move at all. The flickering light in the room reflected off his bald head, but his plain charcoal buff coat and pants seemed to suck it all in. Layli knew him, suddenly remembered all the years of her childhood being annoyed with him. She found it a bit curious that Nuwar Piodyan seemed to slip from her mind once she had been away from him. Perhaps it was an indication of how little she regarded him. “What are you doing here?” she asked, a bit more sharply than she wanted.

Piodyan raised both brows, revealing his intense green eyes. “My greetings to you as well, my lady Layli.” He gave her a bow that was just shy of being mocking. “I thought I was standing here politely silent and unseen until you finished your ablutions. Is that not acceptable?” His voice was both dancing and crisp at the same time.

Layli answered him with a faint scowl. “My greetings, Master Nuwar.” She intentionally put a bit of chill in her voice and turned away from him to look back out the window, trying to dismiss his presence for a moment.

“The coach is gone, by the way. Someone important to you, perhaps? I've heard some remarkable things since arriving.” The voice was closer to her than before. Layli turned her head and found herself face to face with Piodyan.

“I suppose you disapprove.” Layli grimaced inwardly at herself.

Shrugging widely, Piodyan gave her one of his little bows again. “I neither approve nor disapprove, merely see and search.”

“Talking in circles and riddles doesn't make you a wise man, Master Nuwar.”

He gave her a very slight smile. “I certainly have Ledaal Seshel fooled then.” It was something that Layli had pondered on once. Yes, she remembered doing so, wondering who this man was. Grandmother valued his counsel to the point he had a permanent place in the household, but she was never very forthcoming about where he'd come from. As far as Layli could figure, he was some sort of Outcaste laying low.

“Speaking of Grandmother, you haven't answered my first question.” She slipped away from him and busied herself with checking her trunks.

“I answered your question truthfully. It simply wasn't the answer you wished. Perhaps it was the question itself that was wanting.” She heard him sigh. “Another way to answer would be to say that I am charged with bringing your lovely person whole and unharmed back to the home of your grandparents.”

“And where are they?” Layli straightened and turned to him again, crossing her arms.

“Cynis Adel has thrown himself with great glee into planning a party to both celebrate your welcome home and your acceptance into the Heptagram. The word came shortly before I left.” He cocked his head and blinked at her, seemingly waiting for something. She blinked right back at him. “What, no response?”

She shrugged. “I had always thought to go there. I'm already a sorcerer.”

Piodyan surprised her with a very deep frown. “It was never a given. A handful of tricks does not make you a sorcerer. I think you will find yourself disabused of a great many things in the next few years.”

“What would you know of it?”

Giving her an enigmatic little smile again, Piodyan replied, “More than is wise, and less than I should, I think.”

Rolling her eyes, Layli let out a huff. “And what does that mean?”

“Questions, questions. Dear girl, you throw them around like grass, never thinking how each answer leads to a dozen more questions, on into the infinite.” He took a few steps and leaned toward her, uncomfortably close. “Knowledge is a burden, and your slim young shoulders still stand straight, not stooped for the carrying of it. Enjoy it while you can.”

Swallowing softly, Layli broke away from the odd little man, opening her trunk to find some better shoes. She wasn't sure why Piodyan suddenly made her so uncomfortable or why she let him bother her so. She let what he had said slide by and used the time it took to change her shoes to find her voice again. “You never said anything about Grandmother.”

“Oh, well, if Lord Adel is planning a party, then Lady Seshel is busy trying to keep him from excess.”

Layli thought about that for a moment. “I suppose that would take a great deal of her time.”

“Quite.” Layli found herself actually sharing a smile with Piodyan, and quickly erased it from her face.

Layli was content to let all conversation drop after that. She opened and closed her trunks several times, looked over the bed and dresser that had been hers to make sure nothing was missing. Finally she stood straight and ran her eyes over the dormitory. Without the students, it seemed empty and austere, as if it had already forgotten all their presences.

“Come then,” Layli heard from right behind her left shoulder. “It's time to put away childish things and find your place in the world.” Though she had never thought herself given to fancy, she shuddered at the tone of his voice and despite the smile Piodyan wore when she faced him. “Starting with your grandmother's house.” She swore she could see stars in his eyes.