2006-04-23
Omis gazed around the Ipty Road and the Equitant Men on patrol here and there. “Thenson, I am in your seat of power, I’m good, but not that good, right now, you would bring the Clathrate down into pieces in Gladei’s name, I am not that foolish.”
Thenson stepped back and signalled. Omis regarded him sadly. A score of Trowheald soldiery came up and surrounded the two. The captain bowed to Thenson and looked at him enquiringly. Thenson, eyes upon his uncle, said: “Go at once to the Tavern, surround it and put it under guard, take as many men as you deem fit. When the singer, Gladei Townmure has finished her performance, arrest her and bring her to the Castle. See to it no harm comes to her. This is a Trowheald command and you will ignore any militia or Geriarch orders to the contrary, you will also ignore any protestation made by Gladei. Her safety is paramount.”
The complement assembled in formation and hurried off northward, leaving Thenson alone with his uncle. “Nothing personal, Omis, remember I am Clanmaster, if there is mischief on my Island, I deal with it, the Clathrate notwithstanding. I could not possibly act in any other way, and I will not have mercenary activities occur here without my knowledge.”
Omis agreed. “I expected you to act this way, in the end it will cause Gladei more pain and it will bring the Clan into conflict with the Clathrate.”
“Well, if I knew what was going on, maybe, no, despite my rank and stature, I am being treated like an errand boy from Swott on a needs to know basis, by you, by Gladei herself. Thus, I take my own action as I see fit, Omis, I do not appreciate being kept clueless, especially when it concerns the well-being of my Clan and the governing of my Islandcity, I do not like having my authority on this Island subverted by clandestine arrangements and assassination contracts.”
Omis laughed and turned to leave. He spoke from over his shoulder. “My home at noon. I will see you then.”
Exasperated and rankling with a fury, Thenson watched his uncle saunter westward down Ipty Road. “Maybe,” he shouted at the receding figure, “maybe you would tell all if I had you arrested and the truth coerced from you.”
Omis stopped and faced Thenson. His voice, though distant, carried to Thenson clearly. “So, you are Diomedes Trowheald.” Omis continued westward. Thenson glowered at the sky above, and entered his home in a state of thorough rage and confusion. He went up to his rooms and discarded his pouch and rapier angrily, he seized a decanter of wine and proceeded to lose himself in inebriation. He sat on his balcony gazing over the lights of Gaol Island and distant Aloysius Point absently, waiting,
He was asleep when Catt prodded him. Thenson sat up in daze and blinked to clear his eyes. “Master, Pirriel has told me to tell you that your appointed task has been done.”
Thenson sucked in his breath. “Bring her here, she is no drudge to be immured in the dungeon.”
Catt bowed and left, after five long and uneasy minutes Catt escorted Gladei to his door. Thenson’s ice melted, he mutely waved Catt away and led Gladei into his room, he hugged as her if she was
the last remaining solid substance in the world. “Forgive me Gladei, I did not want to, capture you like that.”
Gladei smiled up at him. “They didn’t capture me, he was most polite and insisted it was for my protection, Thenson, my love, I would’ve come anyway.”
Thenson shook his head in denial. “Yes, and you would have not reached me, the Geriarchs seek your death now, ” Thenson looked deeply into her eyes then pulled the chain to call Catt. As Gladei watched in perplexity, Thenson spoke hurriedly to Catt. “The Island is to be sealed off now at all four bridges, we will allow no ingress or exit, no canal traffic landings, Trowheald Island is now under martial law, give Pirriel the order. Don’t stare at me, Catt, at once! Ignore Taunil’s advice or countermands, I am Clanmaster, not him or any other. Go! In addition, I do not want to be disturbed, by man, woman, god, katean or anything, no exceptions.”
Thenson faced his worried lover. “Let them kill you now, Gladei, let them make the attempt and they will know Trowheald might. I have the stronger army in this city, and it is my word and command they follow, I will not allow a woman like you to perish just because she desires love and peace, not secrets and swamp water. I do not know the full story, although one I know well claims even you are being misled, but the Geriarchs will strike near first, then they will strike far. Gladei, allow me, allow me to hold you this night and allow me to forget this danger, allow me to make love to you like we have no other time left.”
Gladei touched his forehead and massaged the furrows she found there. Wordlessly, she led him to his bed and took him down with her.