Court of Conspiracy (13 page)

“No, it is not dead, and you do not have to perform some horrific ritual over it. Place it on this cloth. Only you may touch it.”

She looked up at him with wide eyes and he had to gesture toward the table. Her distaste showed in the twist of her mouth, but she picked up the object and laid it on the cloth.

“It is so cold. What is it?” she asked.

He made no answer, simply added some blue powder to a bowl of water and heated it with his hands. Then he pushed the bowl over to the girl.

“Wash your hands. Good. Now scoop out the liquid and let it fall on the creature. Use all the liquid in the bowl. Excellent. Now, close your eyes and hold your hands over it. Centralize your concentration as you did before. Tell me what you see and hear.”

There was a silence for some moments. “Rocks,” Pippa said in a hesitant voice. “It is very hot. The rocks are hot. A path. There’s a gorge below me. Two men. Swords. I can’t see...helmets. Are they wearing helmets? Voices. Shouting. Ajax?” She opened her eyes and looked at Luke. “Ajax?” she questioned.

“Don’t look at me, girl. Call your dog.”

Pippa looked down at the creature on the table. “Ajax?” she said, looking up again at Luke. He nodded.

She clicked her fingers. “Ajax, come to me,” she said. In an instant, the creature grew. Legs stretched from the puny body and the body itself expanded to take in a great draught of air. Long ears flopped at either side of the head and white-and-brown fur began to cover the whole body as if someone had taken a paintbrush and applied color to it. The fur grew long and a whippy tail sprang out from between its back legs. Ajax stretched and yawned. Then he opened his eyes, looked directly at Pippa and staggered to his feet. Unsteady legs and a wagging tail propelled him across the table to her waiting hands. She looked up at Luke in delight.

“He’s beautiful.”

Luke grinned, seeing the joy in her face as she hugged her greyspring. The bond was already there and her love apparent. Ajax was probably the first creature she had ever been able to call her own and he would not only serve as her helpmeet, but put any thoughts about Geoffrey Peveril out of her head. Ajax yawned and they both laughed. Luke tickled him under his ear.

“He’s a pup as yet, but within two or three days, he will be full grown. Put on his collar. He will grow into it. That, too, is only for ceremonial days. Ajax will be with you for as long as you live, Pippa. When you die, he will revert to what he was when I brought him inside, except that he will truly be dead. Look after him. You may be sure he will look after you, guard and protect you. He will answer to none but you, although he will protect another elemancer if he or she is threatened.”

Pippa put Ajax on the floor where he was immediately greeted by Joss. Luke’s greyspring sniffed the newcomer all over, her tail wagging in a gentle arc, unlike Ajax’s, which knocked over several jars and pots standing near the fireplace. Luke had never heard Pippa laugh with joy and happiness before. He smiled. He would give her tonight to ponder on the ceremony, her new responsibilities, and play with her puppy. Tomorrow would be time enough to tell her about the move to Dufay’s house.

Chapter Fifteen

“What do you mean I have to go and keep house for him? I’m your housekeeper.”

“Master Dufay is the head of the Guild of Elemancers, Pippa. You should feel honored that he has offered to take you under his wing and teach you. He will make a far better job of it than I would.”

“But I want to stay here.”

Luke sighed. All his misgivings about troublesome women came flooding back, but it would not profit him to show the exasperation he felt.

“We are not put on this earth to do what we want. We are here to help and serve where needed. Master Dufay is the Elemagus, the highest level an elemancer can reach. I thought you would be pleased. And, what’s more,” Luke continued, talking over the girl’s protests, “his offer coming just after you saw your cousin is a clear sign from God. The house is a fair way from the palace, near Hampton, so there is no danger of Cecily seeing you.”

“I still don’t see why I can’t go to his house for lessons.” Pippa had left off preparing breakfast and was playing with Ajax. The puppy had grown considerably during the night, but it would take another day or so before he was fully mature, and until that time, he would have to be out of the public gaze. A dog that goes from small puppy to mature adult in two days cannot have that process take place in public view.

Luke glared down at her bent head. It had not taken long for the exhilaration he had seen last night to be replaced by her usual argumentative manner. He would feel sorry for anyone who took this one to wife, even Geoffrey Peveril.

“Really, girl. Last night, you promised to be obedient to your lessons and here we are, not even begun your training, and you are already caviling. Master Dufay is offering a mark of high esteem and you dismiss it out of hand. You are now an acolyte elemancer. You have sworn an oath. You will do as you are told. Now are you going to stop playing with your dog and get me food? Besides, I am sure that if you do not fit in with Master Dufay’s ways, you will be back here soon enough. You won’t find him as patient as me.”

For a few minutes her face was set into lines of sullen discontent, but before the end of breakfast, she had recovered her good humor, for which Luke sent up a prayer of thanks. “You must take your ceremonial robes with you, of course.”

“I thought I was not permitted to wear them except on certain days?”

Luke deliberately kept his voice even. “It is the rule. Do not question it.”

“If I am at Master Dufay’s house, how shall I take a message to the Princess Elizabeth?”

“I will find a way.” Luke smacked his brow with the flat of his hand. “I’d forgotten the perception charm. I shall need some of your nail clippings and one hair from your head.”

Pippa looked up. “What for?”

“Use your wits. When you go to the Princess, you may wear the green gown Mistress Paige left for you, but you must not look like you. The spell will change your facial appearance as far as others are concerned. If you look into a glass, you will see the face you have always seen, but nobody who has seen you as you are now will know you. Have a care and be aware that the spell is only effective for three hours. After that anyone familiar will identify you. If Mistress Garrod, housekeeper to the local apothecary is where she should not be, dressed above her station, it will be fatal to us both. I must bottle the spell for you to take with you to Hampton.”

“You mean I will be able to go into the heart of the palace and nobody will know that it is me?”

“Have I not said so? You could meet your cousin and she would not recognize you. I will formulate the spell this morning, and you must memorize the instructions for its use. I do not know when Master Dufay will come for you, but you must be ready.”

Pippa wrapped her few belongings into a bundle, which she carried on one arm. Luke was glad to see that she had her face under control. He was sure that Dufay would be able to control her volatile temper better than he could. Even Pippa should feel some awe in the presence of the Elemagus. Ajax sat quietly at her side as she stood in the kitchen waiting to be summoned.

Luke was surprised to find his relief at her imminent departure was tinged with sadness. He knew that without her in his house, his life would be much calmer, and he hankered after that lost tranquility, but he had to admit he would miss her domestic skills. And perhaps her lively temperament, his inner voice added. However, much better that she should go. He had made up a goodly amount of the perception spell oils, knowing that Robin would need some, too. As soon as Dufay and Pippa had left, Luke determined he would go and fetch the boy. He must be very hungry by now.

Luke poured the last of the spell into a small phial and gave it to Pippa. “Master Dufay will know you have this, but not why. If he asks, say that I have instructed you to keep silent on the matter and he must come to me for an explanation. Do you understand?”

She nodded but still looked confused.

“Will I be taking a letter in for the Princess or do I have to memorize the report?”

“It will become clear—do not fret. Hush, here is Master Dufay. I will speak to him. Now, remember your promises. Work hard, be obedient and use your powers only on the side of light.”

She nodded, her eyes huge in her face. She looked so anxious that, despite his irritation, his heart twisted in sympathy, but there was no time for reassurance. As Roland Dufay walked into the shop, Pippa kept her eyes lowered. A sprig of laughter flared in Luke, but he quashed it. If she really thought she could deceive the Elemagus as to her true character by this show of obedience, she would soon learn the truth.

Today, Dufay, who usually left Hera outside on guard, allowed her inside the shop. Luke smiled as the three greysprings circled and sniffed each other, tails gently wafting from side to side.

“Is she ready?” Dufay’s voice was crisp.

“Aye, Master Dufay. Philippa has been initiated.”

“Good. I will take over from here. I must shield the new dog from public view.” He turned to Pippa. “Whilst I perform the spell, Mistress Garrod, perhaps you might bring some ale?”

Pippa curtsied and vanished into the kitchen. Luke, anxious to speak to the Elemagus, cloaked his inner thoughts and burst into speech.

“Sir, for reasons I may not explain, I will need Pippa from time to time to run errands for me. May I have your permission to send for her?”

“What errands?”

“I most humbly beg your pardon, sir. I may tell you that it is nothing dishonorable or unworthy of an elemancer, but that is all. I have given my word.”

“And who swore you to this secrecy?”

“That, also, I am not permitted to say, sir. I have instructions to send Mistress Garrod alone when these errands are required.”

Dufay gave him a long, considering stare. Luke could not read his thoughts and hoped that the hasty mind-cloaking spell he had invoked had concealed his own sufficiently well. However, he was not so foolish as to think the Elemagus would not perceive his action. He deliberately maintained eye contact, and it was Dufay who looked away first.

“Very well, Master Ballard.” He paused, “Tell me, how long have you now been a journeyman?”

“Four years, sir.”

“You are more than ready to progress to Dominus.” Luke’s surprise at the abrupt change of subject disturbed his concentration, and he knew that Dufay read his confusion easily. “I think you are somewhat past the journeyman stage,” Dufay added with raised eyebrows. So, he had seen the mind-cloak and, judging by his reference to a Dominus, had been unable to penetrate Luke’s thoughts.

Luke couched his answer with care. “It is a matter of confidence rather than a lack of intent, sir. As you know, since I became a journeyman, my duties as an apothecary have increased greatly. It is time and diffidence that prevents me from taking the next step.”

Dufay’s stern expression never altered. “Come, Master Ballard, it is the duty of all elemancers to progress to the level of their competence.” His eyebrows lifted, but his eyes never left Luke’s face. “Is it a question of money?”

“No, sir. I have a little put aside. My wants are few.”

“Then I suggest you stop prevaricating. Come to see me and we will put the next part of your training into effect.” He turned away and proceeded to work the shielding spell on Ajax.

Accepting this direct instruction, Luke dared do nothing but bow his compliance. Pippa returned with two jacks of ale. Dufay waved a hand to indicate that he was not thirsty. Had there been something else that he had wanted to say before Luke aired his request for Pippa’s assistance? Or mayhap he had decided before today that Luke must begin his training as a Dominus. If that were the case, why was he so unwilling for Pippa to hear it, too? Why send her into the kitchen for ale he did not want? Surely Dufay must know that it would settle the girl down if she thought that someone who had already reached a level of skill she could only dream of still needed to study? If truth be told, Luke was more than willing to become a Dominus. It was that deadly sin, sloth, tinged with diffidence, rather than lack of time or money that had thus far stopped him.

He became aware of Dufay watching him and knew by the other’s raised eyebrows that the Elemagus was reading him again. Dufay turned to Pippa.

“I have just been explaining to Master Ballard that it is high time he progressed to Dominus level. In fact, we will begin his training soon. It will be good to have students again. Come, Mistress Garrod. Time marches on. Good day, Master Ballard.”

Pippa smiled her farewells and she and Dufay walked out of the shop, their dogs at their heels, leaving Luke to wonder what the Elemagus was up to.

His own farewell smile suffered a setback as he realized that, at the moment, he had little time to devote to studying whilst investigating the attempts on the King’s life. Cursing under his breath, he pulled the shutter down and went through to the kitchen. First things first. He must proceed with care if he was going to bring Robin back in broad daylight. Although there had been no overt signs of a search for the boy, that did not mean Creswell had given up.

Thinking quickly, he went back into the shop and took down the prepared perception spell. He would just have to perform it in the apple store and trust that they would not be disturbed. He changed into a clean tunic and tucked another in his scrip.

The journey he made openly, gathering a few herbs and plants on the way, sniffing what he gathered for the benefit of any surveillance. He took the riverbank path past the south front of the palace and into the park. When he considered he was far enough away for any watching eyes to have lost interest, he curved round to the north and came eventually to the orchard. Approaching the apple store, he bent down, ostensibly to check a patch of dock leaves, but in reality, to cast furtive glances in every direction. Despite his concentration, he could sense no surveillance, but he knew Gwenette would not have warned him unless the danger existed.

Luke closed his eyes and let his inner senses cast out lines in all directions. Aye, there was someone under the cover of the nearby apple trees. Luke stood up and walked toward them. He almost burst into laughter when he saw two urchins playing at building a platform in the trees. With a lighter heart, he pretended he had not seen them and turned back toward the apple store.

Slipping inside, he allowed his eyes a few seconds to grow accustomed to the darkness. All was still and silent, and he wondered if Robin had remained in his hiding place. Again, he closed his eyes and sent out mental feelers. Aye, there at the back. His mind traveled along the line of contact and he could see that the boy was curled up asleep in a niche, hidden from view. Luke called his name and knew the instant the boy came awake. Moments later he emerged from his den.

Within moments, Luke had scanned the surroundings and knew that there would be no interruptions. “We need to change your appearance a little,” he said. “Enough to get you back to the house without being recognized.”

Robin looked at him with wide eyes. “But how are you going to do that?”

“I have some special oil,” Luke answered, thinking quickly. Time, or rather lack of it, was the guiding factor here and he knew that if he attempted to explain elemental magic, the boy was more than likely to run screaming out of the store regardless of the danger to himself. “There’s dirt in your hair. Just hold still.” He pulled one hair from Robin’s head. As the boy put his hand up to rub it, Luke grabbed the hand. “And a torn nail, too. Here.”

Quickly, he palmed the nail paring and the hair and, turning his back on Robin, took out the flask with the oil and dropped them in it. The mixture began to swirl and changed from dull gold to bright green before settling for dark walnut brown. He handed the flask to Robin.

“Tip some into my hands. I use it to clean them when I am out harvesting plants. We must make you more presentable to the world, and for that you must appear clean.”

He began wiping the boy’s face. Within seconds, Robin’s bushy eyebrows became thin and arched, almost like a girl’s. His thin lips became full, with a prominent bottom lip. Luke picked up the tunic, making sure that he wiped the residue of oil on his hands onto the garment’s shoulders. Robin put the tunic on, unaware that he had grown a couple of inches. Luke nodded, satisfied.

In the dim light, Luke could see the boy swallow, and understood the courage needed for Robin to leave his refuge and venture out into the unknown again. He put a calming hand on the boy’s arm. “Do not worry. All will be well. I’ve altered the fall of your hair, and you look clean enough to be unrecognizable from a distance. Just stand tall and follow me.”

Luke straightened his shoulders and opened the door. Home was only a ten-minute walk away, but he would be mightily glad when those minutes were up and he and the boy were in the safety of the house.

“If we meet anyone, who am I supposed to be if not Robin Flete?”

“That is not likely, but if we do, I will think of something. Do not go so readily to meet trouble,” Luke replied looking down at the boy. “Let us walk out and round to the main gate so that it will appear we have not come from inside the estate.”