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Chapter Ten

Part Five

“What’s this Waldhafen place like?” Lydia asked Karen the next day. Korrig’s daughter was escorting the three of them from their chambers to the throne room.

“I don’t know,” Karen said. “I’ve never been there, but it has a good reputation.”

“Elapyron City had a good reputation as well,” Korrig’s daughter said sourly. “It doesn’t seem to have been well deserved.”

“I don’t know why it became what it became,” Karen said softly. “But when I visited Elapyron City two years ago, it did deserve its reputation. Just because things went to hell doesn’t mean they always were.”

“I know.” The dwarf woman sighed. “But what they did, that didn’t come out of nowhere.”

“No,” Karen agreed. “It didn’t. Fear and desperation both make people do stupid and terrible things.” She looked back at Lydia. “Waldhafen is in a life affinity zone. Unless my bearings were out, we skirted the edge of their territory when we passed through the forest. It’s one of the foremost centers of healing in this part of this world. It’s supposed to be a beautiful place.”

“It is. My father took me there on a trading mission when I was a child.” Korrig’s daughter smiled reminisently. “He was trading with the dryads for amber for his jewellery.” She paused as they reached the throneroom doors and knocked. “Oh, his majesty said your friend Eyvindr had arrived earlier, while you were all sleeping. They didn’t want to disturb you, so he’s been staying with Hreid’s family.”

“We’ve had a reply from Waldhafen,” Dariad said without preamble as the entered. “They’ve said yes to hosting our war council, though they are a little concerned about security, given their unusual visitors. It’s a legitimate concern, but I’m sure we can ward wherever we meet. Now we just have to decide how we’re getting there. I don’t think I have enough flying subjects large enough to carry us all.”

“And it would attract an awful amount of attention,” Karen agreed. She frowned for a moment. “We could go via Earth, but we’d need someone else to open the gate to Waldhafen. I’ve never been there. Dad or Doctor Tyler could do it.”

“It’s a thought. It’s worth suggesting,” he said. “Don’t you agree, Val?”

“What?” Valeria looked up. “Oh… yeah it’s worth a try.”

“Mother? Are you okay?” Alban walked over and knelt beside her.

“Yes… no… I don’t know. I’m worried, Alban.”

“Salia will be okay, mother. We’ll find a way to rescue her.”

Valeria gave him a long look. “I believe you, but I’m still worried. And I’m worried about Lorelei too. I did leave her in charge in a rather volatile situation, and I’ve sent her two imps and she hasn’t sent a reply to either.”

Dariad looked at her sharply. “Would you usually expect her to reply?”

“Well, I’ve never left her in charge before, but Lorelei is dependable. Yes, I’d expect her to reply. Damn! I knew there was a plot against me. I shouldn’t have…”

“You didn’t really have a choice, mother,” Alban said. “Lorelei knew the situation as well as you did.” He paused. “And we don’t even know for sure that that’s why she hasn’t had chance to reply.”

“Would you like me to send someone to scout out the situation?” Dariad asked. “I’m sure I have someone close by who can handle it.”

“Close by is it?” Valeria said dryly. “Are you intimating that you have a spy in my palace, Dariad?”

“Several actually,” he replied equally dryly. “Are you implying you don’t have any in mine?”

“Er… well…”

They looked at each other and laughed.

“We have rather been at each other’s throats, haven’t we,” she said. “I’d be grateful if you would, but if  things have turned bad at home…”

“I know.” He smiled at her. “My imps are virtually impossible to spot and once I’ve made contact, she can be here with a report very quickly.”

“Xania?” Valeria exclaimed. “Your spy is Xania?” She shook her head. “Damn! I would never… Just how did you subvert one of my guard captains?”

“No subversion was needed. She was worried about you and very anxious about what Maran was up to. She did try and talk to you about it.”

Valeria stared at him for a long moment then nodded. “She did. I should have listened.” She sighed again. “Send her a message, Dar. We need to know what’s happening.”

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