A/N - A little Cormyte hospitality courtesy of the Steel Princess.. Rated PG for nudity and almost-adult themes.
A Long Shot, And Maybe In The Dark
Chapter 5.2 - Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, and Maybe a Snake, or Two
Lionel and the court wizard Theratin had been apprehended on a dusty stairwell at the rear of the Palace as they desperately scrambled for a makeshift escape through the royal orchards. For all of his cunning, the hunchback's arrogance had never allowed for the possibility of failure, consequently, no contingency for an intelligent and successful retreat.
The Princess had excused herself to an adjacent alcove of the Throne Room, leaving Lewis, Aran, and Lem to marvel at the majestic hall while Dargon relayed the details of the capture and the current status of the Castle proper to her. His leg beginning to ache, the thief sat down in one of the cushy Court Councilor chairs and watched Lem as he went from artifact to artifact, carefully inspecting but never touching. He stretched his leg out straight as Lewis sat down beside him.
"What now?" the pirate sighed.
"For me, the next order of business is to find my companions and get to Eveningstar. Time runs out, and more ways than one." He looked at the faintly glowing hourglass on the back of his hand, then showed it to Lewis. "See? Almost a quarter of the time spent and I'm no closer to finding the godsdamn portal than when I started." He sighed as he felt an ache in his head begin to develop and he rubbed at his temple for a moment of welcome relief.
"I'm sure that can be remedied to suit your needs," Lewis nodded toward his hand.
"I hope you're right." The thief leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
He had almost slipped into a state of semi-sleep when he heard the Princess enter the hall. He roused himself and proceeded to stand when she waved him down.
"Sit," she commanded. "I know your leg is troubling you. No reason to aggravate it further on a pretense of formality." He wasn't going to argue with her.
"Thank you, your Highness," he said and winced.
"Now leave us," she motioned to Dargon and the guards. "We have matters to discuss." The contingent of protectors respectfully bowed and returned to the alcove to quietly leave through a side door.
Aran watched as she slowly walked about the Throne Room, going from one familiar object to another, touching, as if to reaffirm to herself she was really home.
"Theratin supposedly pissed himself when they put him in chains and threatened him with torture if he didn't talk," she gloated. "And, I regret that I didn't get to see dear cousin's face first hand when they told him what was to become of him." A triumphant grin spread over her face. "However, I take great satisfaction that he is now securely locked in the dungeon, sharing his dinner and his infested bed of hay with his true cousins, the resident Palace rats. Even that is too good for him.. " She paused as she traced her finger over the bas-relief of a large ornate vase perched on a cylindrical marble pedestal.
"I've also requested the same meals for him that I had at the camp -- day-old bread and moldy cheese. He can feast on that for a few days until we get around to formally organizing the charges against him and conduct his trial. Then I will watch with great glee as the flesh burns from his bones in the harbor.
"As for you, you will remain my guests here at the Palace for the duration, as you will give witness to the assassins' failed attempt on my life. And, Lem, I have arranged for your mother and your sister to come to the Palace as my guests. Mostly to ensure their safety until this mess is over, but please think of it as something of a holiday."
"Th..Thank you, your Highness," said the awestruck boy.
She walked to the throne and leisurely sat down on the soft velvet cushion, a tired look upon her face. "I didn't know if I would ever see this place again.. It's good to be home," she sighed then affectionately rubbed at the gilded chair arm.
Aran forced himself to stand, stepped forward and bowed. "Your Highness.. Please do not think me ungrateful for your gracious and generous hospitality, but--"
She lifted her hand to interrupt him. "Yes.. yes, I know.. Lewis told me that you have an important mission with which you have been charged -- the very reason you need your Charter.."
"Yes, your Highness," he nodded. "Time is running out, I fear, and I must find my fellow traveling companions before I can go further. Our success is jeopardized for every day we are delayed."
"Lewis has also told me of them as well," she said. "And, I am happy to say that I am fairly certain I can assist with that.." Her confidence made him slightly uneasy as she leveled an amused look at him.
"I see…" he said and glanced at an uncomfortable-looking Lewis, wondering just how much the pirate had confided to the Princess, or rather what was left that he didn't tell her.
"He told me everything," she said, again as if reading his mind.
"He did, did he…" The thief was momentarily annoyed.
"He knew I would want to know so that I could better help you," she explained, her excuse sounding shallow when compared to her demonstrated nosiness.
"Your companions are safe and sound, Aran," she began. "..They're in jail."
He blinked. "Jail!?"
"Yes, they are currently being held in the city's jail tower. They've been locked up in the dungeon for the past two days, but we needed the cells for Lionel and the wizard, so I had them moved to the more comfortable confines of the tower."
"And.. Madam, if I might ask what--" He was desperately trying to maintain his composure as a million possibilities ran through his mind and again she cut him short.
"It seems that Lady Drada's pet cat took an interest in the pet rodent one of your group totes about, and seeing that the cat is, or was, as spoilt and rotten as Drada, herself, the feline decided to attack your friend's pack wherein the little mouse-like creature resides. Pepsi, the cat, ambushed your friend from atop one of the marketplace stalls, and decidedly missing her mark, planted her claws in your friend's arm. He, in turn, immediately reacted and ripped the clinging mouser from his person.
"Had he left it at that, there would have been no charges, but in his outrage, he flung the feline against a nearby wall, thereby rendering Drada's most favorite -- and only -- confidante dead of a broken neck. A city guard witnessed the incident and had no choice but to charge him and your other companions at the Lady's hysterical insistence. I, personally, think your friend did a service for the community by ridding us from that monstrous furball. Unfortunately, our archaic cat laws do not."
Aran closed his eyes and groaned. He tried to remember what Dharva had told him. One ten-day, two ten-days? Was the time more for a cat from a noble house? "And, how long, madam, is their sentence?"
"Normally two ten-days. But, we're not uncivilized here, Linvail," she snorted. "I've already interceded and signed an executive order that rules it self-defense with mitigating circumstances. Drada won't like it one bit, but I'll deal with her later and also gift her with a new, and hopefully improved, incarnation of Pepsi. They'll be released in the morning in time to share morning meal with all of us, and, coincidentally, about the same time your Charter will be ready." She appeared to stifle a grin. "As for the old outstanding charges against another in your party, Riona, I have also ordered their dismissal. It seems the witnesses against her can't be immediately found after so long a time, so it would be futile to keep her incarcerated."
"Then we may depart on our mission? Free and clear -- with your blessing?" he asked, making sure he understood her.
"You may, and with my blessing. I'm confident that Lewis, Lem, and the others can provide any testimony the Crown requires to prosecute Lionel. And, before you leave, in addition to providing you the Charter, the Royal Wizard will also enchant each of your visitor's hourglasses with more than enough additional time," she said, nodding her consent. "But until the morning, you are all my guests. I've already arranged for suites here for each of you -- and Lem, your mother and sister should already be waiting for you upstairs. I've also summoned Oreman, Sangmon, and Mather to join us and I've arranged for proper attire for everyone so in two hours time we shall all join for a proper dinner, and then a well-deserved, good night's sleep."
"Your Highness.. If I may ask, how did you --" Aran began as he rubbed his chin, perplexed that she would know his companions' whereabouts.
"You don't think Dargon and I were discussing the latest knitting patterns on the way to the Palace, do you?" She grinned sheepishly, again knowing what he was going to ask before he voiced it. "And, Lewis? Lewis is a true friend to you, Aran. Don't be harsh with him just because he shared your secrets with me. He only has your best interest at heart.
"Now, I can't speak for any of you, but I desperately crave a bath with sweet scented salts. In the meanwhile, your assigned stewards will show you to your accommodations and see to your needs, and we shall meet in the dining hall in two hours time." She stood up, regally straight and tall. "And, Lem, we shall have that talk, but not until later in the ten-day when things have calmed."
The boy looked instantly worried. "Yes, your Highness."
"Don't fret, lad. I have a proposition for you, but all in due time when I can give the details proper attention," she smiled. "Now, if you all will excuse me, I have a long-overdue appointment with my bath."
~~~^~~~
Had someone told him three days prior that he would be soaking in a bathtub in the Obarskyr Castle and as an honored guest of Princess Alusair, Aran would have skeptically raised an eyebrow and speculated that the seer was, indeed, deep in his cups. Yet, here he was. Luxuriating in hot, scented water filled with fragrant lavender salts and what he assumed to be a healing balm for his troublesome leg. It hadn't felt this well since Anomen had treated it in Nashkel, and that seemed like months ago.
He looked at the hourglass on his hand. He had lost track of time, lost count of the days, but the rune had continued to dribble magical grains of sand from one end to the other. The border wizard had marked all of them for the maximum stay, and now almost a quarter of the contents lay at the bottom of the glass. Was that really five days ago? He rubbed at his temples, weary and tired from not enough sleep and the stark recognition he was no more near to completing their mission than when they started. It was little consolation they were a small step closer with the Charter almost in hand.
"Sir," his personal steward stood at the door to the bath. "I do hate to interrupt your reverie, but her Highness has scheduled evening meal in a half-hour, sir, and is expecting you to be timely present. I've laid out your attire on the bed, sir."
"Yes.. yes.. Of course. Thank you…," he mumbled. Regretting he had to leave the comfort of the water, he reluctantly pulled himself up and began to towel the clinging droplets from his skin.
~~~^~~~
The Royal Dining Hall was just as Aran had expected. From the high arched windows showcasing the rising splendor of the full moon, to the elegant tapestries draping the marble walls, to the delicately ornate gold chargers that rimmed the Obarskyr-crested fine china laid upon the table, no detail was left unattended. A small chamber orchestra softly played from a nearby corner of the room, the combined strings providing classical melody to the feast at hand. The smells and aromas wafted from the serving buffets as waiters carefully carried plates, platters, and bowls filled with succulent foods from the kitchen, signaling the feast almost at hand.
The small troupe of familiar faces milled about, aperitif in hand and all elegantly outfitted for the occasion. Lem was politely introducing his mother and sister to everyone. Sangmon hung back and Aran could see Mather gently pulling at the shy cook's sleeve, encouraging the big man to join in the lively chatter. Oreman was barely recognizable in his short breeches, brocaded doublet and stockings as he repeatedly pulled at the high collar while he chatted with Lewis. Aran surmised the neck of the garment just a bit too tight for the dwarf.
The Princess saw the thief standing alone at the door and hastily made her way toward him. He was struck by her transformation from the earlier conquering warrior Princess to the perfectly-coiffed royal Princess now... She was truly beautiful, he concluded as she approached. Maybe not in the generally-accepted, traditional pretty way, but in her carriage and obvious noblesse, she was a magnificent woman of great presence.
"Don't look so surprised," she whispered after coming up beside him. "I dust off fairly well with the help of a little face paint, a comb or two, and a frilly dress."
He chuckled and bowed, taking her hand and gently placing a kiss on the back of it. "Your Highness.. You do look radiantly beautiful this evening."
"If I could only be sure you truly meant that," she feigned a sigh then grinned at the thief. "Or is that more of your well-heeled, rogue's charming hyperbole?"
"Madam, after these days past, I have no doubt that you possess the rare ability to read my mind at will, so I will humbly submit to your prowess in doing so that you may determine the extent of my humble sincerity." He was equally amused with the exchange.
She raised an eyebrow and paused before she spoke. "Be careful, Aran. I might take your banter as intended flirtation, instead of the unconscious compulsive creation of your beguiling nature. We both know that the consequences of any misinterpretation could be disastrous for both of us at present."
He bowed again, mostly to shield the grin from her view. "Madam again reminds me that she is as wise as she is beautiful," he said.
"Don't kid a kidder, my sweet rogue," she mused. "And, enough of this futile dance. I haven't had a decent meal in six months and I shall no longer be tortured by having to watch the food being delivered from the kitchen. Food first, flirt later -- if you've still a mind to, that is." She locked her arm in his and began to escort him to the group.
"I totally concur with your sense of priorities, madam," he chuckled as they walked up behind Lewis.
She hooked her free arm through his then pulled them both close to her, the deep affection reflected in her face. "Both of you -- come sit next to me. You on my left, Aran, and, Lewis, you on my right." She pulled them toward the banquet table.
"Everyone, if you would please take your seats," she called, not waiting for her maître d' to ceremoniously usher the guests to their respective chairs. Everyone quickly obliged and she motioned for everyone to sit down.
"I want to thank you all for being here," she began as she stood at the head of the table, holding her goblet in hand.
"You are all, in some manner, responsible for my safe return to my home, my life, and my duty -- and you have all selflessly endured much in your efforts. It is with the greatest of affection, gratitude, and humility that I toast each and every one of you for your heroic valor." She paused and Aran wondered if she hesitated for dramatic effect, or if she was so genuinely moved that she feared her voice would waver if she continued.
She cleared her throat. " I fully believe that I wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you all.." She raised her goblet. "Therefore, I pledge that from this day forward, I, the Regent of Cormyr, recognize each of you as a Special Friend of the Crown, and aver that you will each have both my ear and my patronage." She lifted her goblet. "Let this day and these Friends of Cormyr be always remembered."
A rousing cheer arose from the table as each lifted their glass in tribute to the Princess. Aran thought he glimpsed the mere glisten of a tear in the corner of her eye as she took her seat and signaled the servers to begin. He smiled to himself. The warrior princess with the steel balls, and sometimes ribald mouth, had a heart of sweet pudding.
~~~^~~~
He had almost forgotten how wonderful it was to sleep in a real bed, and he resented the sharp knock on his door that drew him from the delicious half-sleep of dreams this early morning.
"Come in," he half-heartedly called with his face half-buried in the pillow, his eyes refusing to open, and his naked body not budging from his sprawled, prone position amid the disheveled linens. It had to be Lewis coming to pester him about something. He heard the door latch click, the door open, and then close again. Lewis was being very quiet, for Lewis.
"My, oh, my.." He heard the Princess say and then chuckle. "If that gorgeous ass isn't a sight for royal eyes.."
"Your Highness!" he raised his head and gasped in surprise. Instantly, he began to awkwardly grapple with a tangled sheet to cover himself.
"Aw, look.. The Shadowmaster is blushing," she teased him as she watched him struggle. "Bright pink cheeks.. Yes, count them.. All four of them.. Tsk.. tsk.." She didn't attempt to hide her enjoyment of totally embarrassing him, of catching him totally unaware.
He scrambled to quickly straighten the coverlet over himself then carefully rolled over to sit up and address her. "Madam, I sincerely apologize.. I.. I didn't know --" he began, feeling the uneasy red in his face deepen. He rubbed at his eyes.
She dismissed his comment with a wave of her hand. "Yes, I know you didn't know it was me -- how could you?" She crossed her arms over her chest. "And, to put your mind at ease, no, I am not here to seduce you, although after such a revealing glimpse of the, shall we say, man behind the Guild, I'll admit that you are a temptation, but not one either of us has time for."
He wasn't really awake enough to speculate about the motives behind her unannounced visit.
"No.. no, madam. Your Highness is most flattering, but not what I was thinking at all," he replied as he looked about the room, trying to remember where he had left his robe.
"If I had to guess, on the hook at the back of the door to the bath," she offered.
"Madam?"
"Your robe.. you're looking for your robe?" She walked to the door and retrieved it for him.
He hung his head and flashed an involuntary smile. "Yes, your Highness. You would be correct."
"Here, if it makes you more comfortable while we talk," she tossed it to him then turned her back to him that he could slip it on.
"Much better," he sighed with relief and bowed as she turned to face him. "Now, your Highness. What is so important that you would grace me with a visit before the sun is even up."
"I wanted to speak with you in private before your friends arrive and especially before you depart," she explained. "I.. I wanted to thank you, personally, and to also.. well.." She hesitated. "Most of all, I need to apologize."
He was surprised hearing this from her.
"Madam, you owe me nothing but the Royal Charter as agreed upon."
"I was an ungrateful, petulant shrew when you first found me in that warehouse basement… I despise myself when I'm like that.. Truth is, I was scared and when the opportunity presented itself, I took it out on you, and you didn't deserve the wrath of my fear. I had been locked in that cage for so long and didn't know why, or by whom -- or if I would ever escape it. I was.. afraid I would die there.. I know that isn't any excuse for the unconscionable way I treated you -- why.. I almost killed you!"
He couldn't help but laugh as he sat back down on the edge of the bed and motioned for her to come sit beside him.
"I will agree that you were almost the most annoying woman I have ever met -- in the beginning, but, no madam, you didn't 'almost kill me.' That's just a dramatic product of your guilty conscience." Now he was teasing her. "And, as our short time together progressed, I confess that I developed a certain fondness for her Highness. You've .. grown on me."
Without thinking, he put his arm around her shoulders and gently pulled her close. "You see, once the fear subsided, the real Princess emerged. A tenacious, warm, and fiercely dedicated woman who just happens to also be the leader of a very proud country. And I feel a friend.. a true friend, regardless of her station."
She sniffled and nodded then rested her head on his shoulder. "A friend I will always be, Aran," and she paused. "Lewis tells me you go to rescue the husband and children of someone whom you hold very dear in your heart. He also said this is not like the Aran he knew many years ago."
"Yes," he sighed. "That is the plan. Assuming they still survive at the hands of the Demon Lord Graz'zt. And, yes, Lewis is correct. This is something the younger Aran Linvail would not have undertaken."
"You, a master thief, and you would risk sacrificing your very life, even though there are no spoils or honors awaiting you at the end of the quest if you succeed, and unspeakable horrors if you fail?"
"No doubt foolish, I can't argue that.. But, yes, it appears to be that way," he sighed. "Although Waukeen asked me to accompany the group for a special purpose and between you and me, I use that as my excuse to why I couldn't refuse."
"I understand.. If.. If I didn't have so many things to set to right here at home, I would go with you," she said. "The demons of the Abyss can't be any worse than the hoard of Grodd Goblins we fought when Father and my sister were killed."
He looked down in her face and smiled. "You have far too much on your plate to go dashing off with us, Princess. The very survival of your kingdom depends upon you being here and repairing the damage that Lionel has perpetuated upon you and your country. Your blood and duty demand it, and your Crown Prince is depending upon you."
She sniffled again and sighed. "I know he is. He's the last of the direct line. It's up to me to preserve the kingdom for him until he is ready to take the Throne. I promised Father."
They sat in quiet for a few minutes until the Princess broke the silence. "You'd make a lousy royal, Linvail."
"I'm sure," he chuckled. "And you would make an equally lousy Shadowmaster, your Highness."
They both knew they were lying to each other.
To Be Continued……
A/N - Next up, the group reunited and on to Eveningstar to find Istona and then off to the portal!
The Princess is hardcore! I bet she's seen much better than Linvail in her time. This character is so vivid and forceful that I'm thinking that Aran's short brush with royalty will loom much larger in his life than his meeting with her.
