Part 82 (1/2)

”Why not! Kylas will surely not come to seek me among the 'Dead G.o.ds'.”

The under-chamberlain took Madouc into the Court of Dead G.o.ds. ”See yonder! There stands Cron the Unknowable, across from his terrible spouse Hec, the G.o.ddess of Fate. For a game they created the difference between 'yes' and 'no'; then, once again becoming bored, they ordained the distinction between 'something' and 'nothing'. When these diversions palled, they opened their hands and through their fingers let trickle matter, time, s.p.a.ce and light, and at last they had created enough to hold their interest.”

”All very well,” said Madouc. ”But where did they learn this intricate lore?”

”Aha!” said the under-chamberlain wisely. ”That is where the mystery begins! When theologians are asked as to the source of Cron and Hec, they pull at their beards and change the subject. It is certainly beyond my understanding. We know for a fact that only Cron and Hec are father and mother to all the rest. There you see Atlante, there Gaea; there is Fantares, there Aeris. These are the divinities of water, earth, fire and air. Apollo the Glorious is G.o.d of the Sun; Drethre the Beautiful is G.o.ddess of the Moon. There you see Fluns, Lord of Battles; facing him is Palas, G.o.ddess of the Harvest. Finally: Adace and Aronice stand in opposition, as well they might! For six months of each year Adace is the G.o.d of Pain, Cruelty and Evil, while Aronice is the G.o.ddess of Love and Kindness. At the time of the equinoxes they change roles and for the next six months, Adace is the G.o.d of Bravery, Virtue and Clemency, while Aronice is the G.o.ddess of Spite, Hatred and Treachery. For this reason they are known as 'The Fickle Pair'.”

”Ordinary folk change by the hour, or even by the minute,” said Madouc. ”By comparison, Adace and Aronice would seem to be steadfast. Still, I would not care to be a member of their household.”

”That is an astute observation,” said the under-chamberlain. He inspected her once again. ”Am I mistaken, or might you be the distinguished Princess Madouc of Lyonesse?”

”So I am known, at least for the moment.”

The under-chamberlain bowed. ”You may know me as Tibalt, with the rank of esquire. I am happy to a.s.sist Your Highness! Please advise me if I may continue to be of service!”

Madouc asked: ”From sheer curiosity, where is the table Cairbra an Meadhan?”

Tibalt, with a brave flourish, pointed his finger. ”The portal yonder leads into the Hall of Heroes.”

Madouc said: ”You may conduct me to this hail, if you will.”

”With pleasure.”

A pair of men-at-arms, halberds at vertical rest, stood immobile by the portal; their eyes moved by not so much as a flicker at the approach of Madouc and Tibalt; the two pa.s.sed unchallenged into the Hall of Heroes.

Tibalt said: ”This is the oldest part of Falu Ffail. No one knows who laid these great stones! You will have noticed that the chamber is circular and commands a diameter of thirty-three yards. And there is the Round Table: Cairbra an Meadhan!”

”So I see.”

The total diameter is fourteen yards and eleven ells. The outer ring is five feet across, and is constructed of rock elm laid on oak timbers, leaving a central opening about eleven yards in diameter.”

Tibalt conducted Madouc around the table. ”Notice the bronze plaques: they name paladins of long past ages, and indicate their places at the table.”

Madouc bent to study one of the plaques. ”The characters are of archaic style, but legible. This one reads: 'Here sits Sir Gahun of Hack, fierce as the north wind and relentless in battle.'

Tibalt was impressed. ”You are adept in the skill of reading! But then, that is the prerogative of a princess!”

”True enough,” said Madouc. ”Still, many common folk can do as well, if they apply themselves. I recommend the sleight to you; it is not so hard after the many peculiar shapes become familiar.”

”Your Highness has inspired me!” declared Tibalt. ”I will begin to master this skill at once. Now then!” Tibalt pointed across the chamber. ”There you see Evandig, the Throne of the Elder Kings. We stand in the presence of the mighty! It is said that once each year their ghosts gather in this hall to renew old friends.h.i.+ps. And now what? Will you see more of this hall? It is a trifle gloomy, and used only at state occasions.”

”Will it be used during the present colloquy?”

”Definitely so!”

”Where will King Casmir sit, and where King Aillas and Prince Dhrun?”

”As to this, I am ignorant; it is in the province of the seneschal and the heralds. Will you see any more?”

”No, thank you.”