The way of courage, p.13
The Way of Courage, page 13
Tsehay stepped forward and said, “I come to honour the emperor. Lead the way.”
Bess doubted that anyone had talked like that to Nasir in a long time. Still, he didn’t explode as she expected. “Princess Tsehay, Guardian of the Crypt Keepers of the Blood of the Innocent, welcome. His Imperial Highness will welcome your honour, but it is usual to ask for an audience, not to demand it.”
Tsehay stared at him for a moment, then said, “Senior Mage Nasir Maelstrom, Mage Advisor to his Imperial Majesty, Sulien the Third, Emperor of Tarlonin, please lead the way.”
“But of course, Princess Tsehay. You and Bess may follow, but when we arrive your attendants will need to wait in an adjoining room.”
Tsehay nodded and waved him forward. As they walked, Bess looked over at Tsehay and said, “Princess?”
“Yes, truly an accident of birth. My father had three wives and eighteen children. I was the youngest and wanted more than simply living a life in the palace as a glorified ornament. It took several years, but my father, after disinheriting me, finally agreed that I could join the Crypt. That was the only way my failure would not mean the death of the royal family. Unfortunately, from my perspective, I was never chosen, nor took the opportunity, of becoming a keeper. Twice I could have been chosen, but both times the family who came clearly had no honour. When I was no longer of an age to be offered the opportunity to be a keeper, my brother, who was then king, reinstated my titles. I have lived a full life raising hundreds of young keepers and watching them from the sidelines. I am content.”
When they reached the palace, Nasir led them through the various halls to a room that Bess hadn’t been to before. He indicated several divans against one wall and said, “Guardian, please have your acolytes wait here.”
Tsehay waved her hand at the others, then followed Nasir into the room. As they entered, it became clear that this was a small, less formal throne room. Sulien was seated on a small copy of his throne. His heir, Harun, was sitting at his right hand, and Kern was sitting at his left. Nasir indicated to Bess and Tsehay that they should leave their weapons at the door on several tables placed for that purpose. While Bess was impressed with the number of weapons Tsehay was carrying, she failed to appreciate that she had even more.
When they were free of their weapons, Nasir said, “Her Majesty, Resolute, Queen of Andlat, and her Highness, Tsehay, Princess of Skaria and Tar Eylia’s Guardian of the Crypt Keepers of the Blood of the Innocent.”
He then led them toward the throne. According to protocol, they stopped five paces from it, and both women bowed politely. Prince Harun said, “Welcome, Queen Resolute, Guardian Tsehay, to what do we owe the pleasure of this unannounced visit?”
Tsehay said, “It is a matter of honour between the Crypt and the emperor.”
Harun glanced at his father then waited. Sulien said, “Guardian Tsehay, may I ask what form this matter of honour takes?”
“Your Imperial Majesty, the woman we know as Resolute brought a message from beyond the grave. It said that seekers had been chosen to hunt innocent blood and that you offered her blood refuge within your own family.”
Sulien glanced at Bess, then said, “I did; I am concerned that when she is not here that those who keep their blood might be overcome. It is not just the seekers, but she and her children are hunted by many. If she is here, she is capable of protecting them. I know this as she killed one of the way-lords.”
It was Tsehay’s turn to glance at Bess, “That explains her title as Queen. Emperor Sulien, the Crypt honours your offer. Whether or not Bess accepts it is up to her. We, those who seek to protect the innocent, would offer protection for your family until the threat is over. You have six children and grandchildren who are five years of age or less. I have brought a keeper for each of them. Because it is an offer from the Crypt, it will be subject to different conditions to those which apply to Bess.
“At the end of this current time of danger, you will be free to sever the ties with the Crypt and neither you nor we will be held to have been dishonourable. If you accept but find the keepers too intrusive, then you may send them away without dishonour. Should you decide to keep them after the time of danger, then we will renegotiate. What say you?”
Sulien looked at Tsehay for a moment, then glanced briefly at Bess, who gave an imperceptible nod. It wasn’t as imperceptible as she intended, for Harun frowned, Kern chuckled, and Nasir rolled his eyes. Sulien grinned and said, “Well, Tsehay, it seems my youngest and most junior advisor supports your offer. I would be honoured to have the Crypt help protect those of my blood.”
“I have those who are chosen with me.”
Sulien looked lost until Nasir said, “Your Imperial Majesty, I suspect the Guardian wanted to assign the keepers to your children at this time.”
“I see. I will have them prepared and then bring you and the keepers to where they are. I do not wish to question your information, but I have five children and grandchildren under five.”
Tsehay smiled then said, “Princess Carmin is with child.”
“So she is. I stand corrected. Why don’t you both collect your weapons, and then Mage Advisor Nasir will lead you to where the children will be waiting.”
As Sulien left, Bess could hear Harun questioning the emperor’s decision almost as soon as they reached the exit.
CHAPTER 15
After Bess and Tsehay had reclaimed their weapons, Nasir led them back out of the small reception throne room to collect the six keepers who Tsehay had brought. As they walked, Bess said, “Tsehay, I’m a little confused. I thought the keepers chose who they would keep, but each time you seem to have made these choices.”
“It is complex. While I do choose, it is a choice based on an intimate knowledge of each of those under my care. The acolytes trust my decision as that which they would make. Sometimes, and it is rare, the acolyte will disagree with the guardian. When this happens, the acolyte is released from one temple and transferred to another. Each keeper chosen today would agree that the emperor has shown honour and will understand the change to our usual practice. This is only the eighth time in the history of the Crypt that we have so honoured someone. Sulien’s name will be repeated with those who have died to us. It is a great honour.”
They had to wait for the children to be gathered, but it was less than an hour before Bess, Tsehay, and the six keepers were shown into a large family room. Sulien was there with his youngest, who was five, and whose mother had died in childbirth. The other children were all grandchildren of his. Kern and Carmin were standing with Kerrigan, and two of the emperor’s daughters were standing with their husbands. One had two young children, a boy and a girl, the other had a young son.
Tsehay looked at the families and said, “The Crypt declares that Emperor Sulien is a man of honour who defends the blood of the innocent. Normally we would test your skills in battle, but for honour’s sake, it is not required. Each child will be appointed a keeper. They are trained to protect and require access to their charge. Should this become a burden, then send them back to the Crypt, and it will not be counted as dishonour; not everyone can live with a keeper. If, when Resolute’s children have left the care of the palace, you have no need of the keepers, then send them back to the Crypt; it will not be counted as dishonour; not everyone can live with a keeper. If you wish them to remain, then we will renegotiate. Negasi, step forward.”
One of the male keepers stepped forward. Tsehay said, “Negasi, Nelson, son of Emperor Sulien, is given into your care. You are now the Keeper of his Blood. This is not written in blood but in honour. Take up your charge. You are now answerable to Emperor Sulien for Nelson, Prince of Tarlonin.”
The young man stepped forward and, with a knife, slit the palm of his left hand. Instead of looking for Sulien to do the same, he let the blood pool on his hand, then went to one knee and said, “For a time, and for honour, I am now dead to the world. I will keep the blood of Nelson, Prince of Tarlonin and am answerable to Emperor Sulien for his life.”
Sulien had been briefed on what was expected and said, “Negasi, I give my son Nelson into your care and will value your sacrifice and your life as long as you serve.”
Tsehay then turned to Prince Kern and went through the process for Kerrigan before moving through the others by age. Carmin was noticeably pregnant, and Tsehay had arranged a female keeper for Carmin. Once the keepers had been assigned, Tsehay turned to leave, but Sulien said, “Princess Tsehay, what of the payment?”
Tsehay said, “You have paid with your honour. The Crypt will reimburse the families.”
Before Sulien could reply, Bess said, “Guardian, I too would honour the emperor. I will provide for the keepers and their families as I would for those who have already died.”
Nodding, Tsehay said, “It will be as you say, for that is the price of honour.”
Bess bowed to the emperor and his children then turned to leave with Tsehay, but Prince Kern said, “Bess, can you stay for a moment?”
Bess looked to Tsehay, who said she would find her own way back to the temple. Once she’d gone, Bess went to talk with Kern. He said, “Not all of Father’s children will be happy your children will be in the palace with us. There’s nothing they can do as his word is law, but I thought you might warn your keepers.”
“They understand, but they consider it would be dishonourable not to accept the offer freely given. From what I’ve heard of the seekers, I think it’s a good idea. From my experience, you are getting a boon. If you can accept it, then Kerrigan now has a guardian who will protect her before anything else in life. Each of these keepers is capable of defeating a hand of Eighth Way assassins on their own. They can and will fight against mages and win. They evaluate what is needed in any situation almost without thought.
“Once, I just entered my room when an assassin threw a poisoned knife which hit me in the shoulder. Even as I fell, the keepers had disappeared with my children. They didn’t know how many assailants there were, so they did the smartest thing to ensure the children were safe. At the same time, they know they are not parents and will not take away any prerogative that is yours. I discussed expectations with them, and at every stage, they’ve worked to help me care for and protect my children.”
“I’ve talked with Father, and he has agreed to give you a suite near ours.”
Just then, Sulien approached and said, “I take it that you agree to bring the children when you leave.”
“Yes, your Imperial Majesty, those who keep my children said it would be a dishonour not to accept.”
“There is also a rumour that the Spider met her end last night.”
“Both she and Sabrina Goldbroker perished last night.”
“What of her network?”
“It will be absorbed.”
“On another note, my guards are going to be a little hostile with these keepers. Have you any suggestions?”
“Let them spar together and highlight that the keepers respect the guards and will actually stay out of a fight and flee with the child if it is the best option for the child to live. This leaves the guards free to worry about the assassins. I suggest letting parents know that they come a distant second to their children. The keepers will protect the parents but not if it puts the child in danger of being seriously harmed.”
When Sulien had finished discussing things, Bess turned as Kerrigan approached, her keeper watching. Kerrigan said, “Mother said you might live near us in the palace.”
“Well, my children will. I’ve got to travel for a while. I need to find something for your grandfather.”
“Is Mother better now?”
Carmin had heard the last question and stepped closer and said, “Mother is fine.”
Bess let her focus move over Carmin and then over the baby. Nothing showed on Bess’ face, but she knelt to talk with Kerrigan and said, “I do think your mother is well. Maybe it would be better to check when she and I are alone. That way, I can tell her things without everyone listening in. Especially young girls with big ears.”
“I don’t have big ears.”
“No, they are the normal size, but I imagine you like sneaking places and listening to things you know are supposed to be secrets.”
“Sometimes I do that.”
Carmin, though, had picked up that Bess had found something and said, “What a good idea. I think it is time for a late afternoon refreshment. Please, Bess, will you join Kern and me?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
Kern was looking between the two and said, “OK, once again I’m not sure what’s happening, but there’s no reason for us to stay, so let’s go.”
Both Kern and Carmin felt the presence of the two keepers, who took up a position behind the family as they walked. When they arrived at their family apartments, Kerrigan rushed toward her rooms, followed by her new keeper. The keeper for the unborn child took up a position between Carmin and the balcony.
Kern said, “This will take some getting used to.”
Bess shook her head and said, “The relationship doesn’t have to be like you envisage. The keepers of my children have become my close confidants. They eat at the table with me, and we laugh at all the things that happen during the day. I’ve given them the freedom to discipline the children when they are willfully disobedient. Not once have they taken a liberty, and they are not servants in the classic sense. When I am there and one of the children misbehaves, then dealing with it is my responsibility. If they need to be changed, then that is my job. Even so, if the keepers see I’m too tired or that something is bothering me, then they offer to help and step up willingly. Not once have they made me feel that my place as a mother has been supplanted. Instead, they are constantly finding ways for the children to connect with me.”
Carmin looked over at the keeper chosen for her. She said, “Mazaa, I suspect that Bess has news of the child. Please sit and listen with us.”
Mazaa smiled then said, “Thank you, Princess Carmin.”
Once Mazaa was seated, Kern said, “So, what is the news?”
Bess said, “I’m not sure who’s been the healer or midwife, but some things with children are hard to detect early in a pregnancy.”
Carmin said, “I have the palace midwife checking on me and Mage Candice has seen me as well. So far, everything seems to be going well, so I haven’t seen a healer in the last month. Why?”
“I did as Kerrigan asked and checked your health. Your heart is fine and looks to be fully healed. I only did a rough look, but I can’t see any other problems with you or with the pregnancy. I checked the baby, and it is healthy. However, I think it is one which we call ‘blessed with happiness’.”
Carmin, who had been leaning forward, sat upright with shock. Kern leaned over to hold her as Bess continued, “I’m not a healer, and I freely admit my observation is based on almost no experience. I’m basing this on things I’ve read. All I suggest is you call a healer and ask them to give a second opinion.”
Kern said, “Can you heal it?”
Bess shook her head and said, “I can’t. It is a result of what the ancients called our DNA. These children have DNA that is different to others. It is in every cell of their body.”
“Is it a boy or a girl?”
Bess said nothing for a moment, then said, “The baby is a little girl.”
The silence after her statement was interrupted by a knock on the door, and then Sulien walked in. He saw Kern holding Carmin, then looked at Bess and said, “What’s happening?”
Bess waited as Kern explained what she’d said. Sulien went to sit beside Carmin. Finally, he looked up at Bess and said, “What do we do?”
Bess sighed and said, “I’m not the one to ask. Talk with some healers and have what I think confirmed or not. They will give you options.”
“I will do that. You, however, are as good a healer as I’ve seen. What should we do?”
Bess leant forward and said, “Emperor Sulien, ‘should’ is not something I’m comfortable saying. I can share what I would do and explain what others might do, but the decision is yours. I could use magic to try and change every cell in her body, but I’d be a fool to attempt it as I’m too ignorant about what the result would be. I doubt anyone could offer anything. The choices are to end the pregnancy, to find a couple with hearts full of love to adopt the child when she is born or choose to have your own hearts be those filled with love.
“Even from the way I word that, you can tell what my conclusion is. The child is healthy and, with constant attention, will not have any of the internal problems common among such children. Even so, she will require additional care. What you do need to do is to know that this is not someone’s fault. There is no one to blame. No one did something wrong, and this is not a punishment by some higher power. It is just something that happens.”
Sulien looked up, nodding slowly. Seeing this, Bess took a deeper than usual breath before saying, “Sulien, I apologise for the familiarity, but this statement is not to an emperor, but to a grandfather. The decision belongs to Kern and Carmin; they are the ones who will need to commit their lives to this child. Respectfully, it is not your decision to make.”
Both Kern and Carmen’s eyes went wide as Sulien stared at Bess. Finally, though, he smiled and said, “Duchess Fielding, you are forgiven for that breach of protocol. Kern, Carmin, Resolute is correct; the decision is not mine to make. I will support whatever you decide.”
Kern nodded and said, “Thank you, Father. Bess, if the healer cannot see as you see, could you teach her?”
“I could try, as it would make her more effective as a healer. My only concern is that what can be used to heal can also be used to kill. Would she keep the skill to herself? I think Mage Nasir can do as I did, but he, like other senior mages who know, keeps it a secret. Also, I have taught Mage Megan Windstorm as she had problems early in her pregnancy. She watches over her own child.”
