Part 18 (2/2)
They were both in the withdrawing room after the meal, where Arabella, Queen since her marriage, re- ceived the important guests, but again they could not talk, at least not right away. Greylock and Jarrod got the first ten minutes of the Queen's conversation.
Though this was ritual, a ritual that she had repeated 99.
endlessly since she was thirteen, Arabella had the knack of making people feel that she was genuinely pleased to see them and valued the opportunity of hearing their opinion on whatever topic she chose to bring up. As a member of the High Council of Magic, she had no shortage of interests in common with the two Mages.
That she also managed to make them laugh was a trib- ute to her skill. She then pa.s.sed them smoothly on to her Consort,
Saxton Horbinger was tall for an Untalented, coming up to Jarrod's shoulder. He was broad-chested, narrow- waisted and had enviable calf muscles. Jarrod surmised that it was for that reason that long, white hose had become the fas.h.i.+on at Court. He was fair-haired like his wife, had well-set hazel eyes, a straight nose flanked by high cheekbones. The chin was firm and dimpled and the lips were a little too large for perfection, lending the face a sensual air. It was obvious to the people who saw him in person, or his likeness on broadsheets, why Ar- abella, after resisting the Council's prodding to produce an heir and secure the succession for so long, had cho- sen him. The people approved.
Saxton Horbinger was also Holdmaster of Thorp, with lands adjacent to the royal estates. He had fought in the battle against the invading Outlanders and, in the five years he had been married to Arabella, had fa- thered three sons. Jarrod had met him once before, at the wedding, and had dismissed him as an amiable lum- mox picked for his looks. He had heard since that Ar- abella discussed matters of state with him and that he had considerable influence with her. He made the re- quired bow and prepared to observe. The Consort's opening remark to Greylock surprised him.
”It is good to see you again, my Lord Mage. It has been too long, for friends.h.i.+p's sake, of course, but also
100 for you. Celador is the center of the Discipline and the next Archmage should not be such a stranger.”
”Your Royal Highness does me too much honor,”
Greylock replied, the deep voice making the intonations of the formal mode sing. ”I am but a Mage among others and Ragnor is far from ready to go.”
Prince Saxton-the t.i.tle had been conferred upon him when he married-smiled. It was an open, friendly smile. ”Were I a wagering man, I should put my money on you,” he said. ”I still think that it is an excellent thing that you have honored Celador with this demon- stration of the Discipline's prowess.” He turned to Jar- rod. ”Will you be a.s.sisting the Mage of Paladine, Excellence?”
”Indeed, Your Royal Highness,” Jarrod replied, ”though I shall be doing nothing more than coordinat- ing the efforts of the other Magicians.”
The Consort's smile grew broader, and there was a disconcerting glint in the eyes. ”Power cloaked in hu- mility is an extremely effective combination, would you not agree?” He addressed the remark to Greylock.
”Only the naked truth is stronger, sir,” Greylock re- sponded. Their eyes held for a beat, and then the Con- sort turned again to Jarrod.
”We thank you for your last naming gift. Excel- lence,” he said. ”Young Harrald played with it for nigh on a month which, for a baby, even a royal baby, is a remarkable span.”
Jarrod began to mumble something, but noticed that the Consort's eyes had slipped past him to the people in line behind. He bowed instead and Greylock and he moved on.
”What do you think of the Prince Consort?” he asked once they were clear.
”I think the Queen made a remarkably shrewd
THE UNICORN PEACE t 101
choice,” Greylock replied. ”And now that we've done our duty, I intend to retire. Are you going to stay?”
”I'd like to have a word with Marianna.” Jarrod said.
”It's been a while since I've seen her.”
”Very well, but try not to stay up too late. The dem- onstration's only two days off and I need you to be fresh. You heard what the Prince said. I'm going to have to prove myself and you and I know that I can't do it without you.” Greylock's tone was soft, but ur- gent.
”The operation's been going very smoothly for three sennights,” Jarrod said rea.s.suringly. ”They could do the whole thing without us.”
”Don't take things for granted,” Greylock retorted.
”Mind me- Don't stay up talking till all hours.”
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