Louisa Shorney

The expansive conference suite is beginning to fill with the sounds of multiple, muted conversations. Arriving in dribs and drabs, groups of reporters mingle around the refreshments table that curves around the back of the room. A giant domed dodecagon, the function room lies at the heart of the “Palace de Balaris”, lavishly gilt and adorned in imperial purple damask. A four row crescent of plushly cushioned chairs form respectful lines in front of the semi-circular rostrum. Four gilded thrones await four ambassadors for peace, soon to be bombarded with query and supposition. Now that he is free of Jainus’ prying mind, Brian can catch the last few moments with his fellow brethren.

‘Brothers, it is good to see you. I have had little time and less opportunity.’

‘We understand Brian. And we will do what we can to assist you and Gwern.’

‘Thank you Morus, I fear it will be needed, although it may yet be that the snake Jainus can be used to our advantage.’

‘How so Brother? He looked to have all but drained the life from poor Gwern.’

‘Yes indeed Fraximus, hopefully I have managed to give him some restorative relief today. It is my intent to send the snake in my stead tomorrow. I have devised a verse that should suffice. They will keep him until the meet in The Woods of Brackholm.’

‘How does it work to our advantage Brian?’

‘It will seem, Daniel, that the Assini have double crossed us, taking Queen Ashima and Gwern as hostage and leaving Jainus bound in the forest with a ransom demand.’

‘So Gwern’s cover will remain intact giving us time to safely remove Ilinedd and Roshan from Lamia’s thrall. That’s inspired Brian.’

‘If the Hounds could be hunting in the woods for the day after tomorrow and were to happen upon a bound and bleeding snake, it would be very helpful Brothers.’

‘That will be our pleasure. And what of you, Brian, will this Hound not be joining the hunt?’

‘Indeed not Brothers, I must return to Central. The Grand Master must be informed of the changes, besides I have heard whispers of a more insidious nature, I have no evidence yet but I dare not risk it to a hawk.’

‘What is this Brother? Can it not be shared with your fellow Hounds?’

‘Of course Faximus, my apologies. I fear there has been a deadlier purpose for the destruction of Arboria. There are rumours that the “battles” between the Belarians and the Assini were staged. Towns and villages have been loaded onto oceans goers and taken to the expanse of the Lower Oceans, together with the hewn forests, whole trees and milled. The vessels leave full and return empty.’

‘What can they be doing in the Lower Oceans, there is no land only salt sea?’

‘This is the question Daniel. It can be nothing good if it is by Lamia’s hand. I am hoping that Ulmus can divine some meaning.’

‘We will buy you as much time as we can Brian and send eyes and ears out to gather what we can.’

‘I will set the play in motion this evening, as soon as we have finished with this conference. I will bid you farewell now Brothers as it is time for you to take the stage.’

‘The Mother be with you.’

Brian leaves the anti-chamber by the stage door, walking to the front of the podium he lifts the microphone and calls for the melee of media to come to a seated order.

‘The Lords Silvern, Juglans, Whirlwinder and Fagus are about to take their seats for your questions. There will be one question at a time and the quizzer will be chosen by myself, you may raise your hand accordingly. I will endeavour to ensure a fair cross section but it must be understood that time is limited and therefore it will not be possible for me to avail you all. Is that clear people?’

There is a general murmur of acknowledgment amongst the shuffling of papers and chairs.

‘So then, let us begin. My Lords will you please take your seats.’

The Hounds come to bay.

*

Gwern takes a seat at the bar intending to enjoy the remaining Jainus free time relaxing his mind whilst keeping it clear of any relevancies. He orders a light juniper spirit with cucumber, mint and crushed, lemoned ice. He takes a few sips of his drink and then gazes intently at the glimmering ice crystals as he absent mindedly stirs the liquid around in its glass. Gentle waves lap against the crystalline shore, bejewelled by the warm sun, coquettish giggling makes him startle and turn.

‘Sorry Sir I got carried away? That was too much wasn’t it? Benham told me not to go too far.’

‘What….?’

‘Benham, Sir, the concierge. He told me to shade you, Sir.’

‘Shade me?’

‘Give you a mind mask, Sir, to help you to charm the snake.’

‘Did he indeed? Benham?’

‘Yes Sir. I am Arash. I am….’

‘A Sudran Dream Weaver. Yes I have heard of this but never encountered anyone who still practised.’

‘Forgive me Sir but it is likely you would not know if you had.’

Arash smiles impishly at Gwern, making him feel even more unsettled.

‘My point was more that I was unaware that there were any of you left alive, boy.’

Arash drops his head to hide the measure of his grief. Gwern has no wish to press him harder he knows only too well how bitter that pain tastes.

‘And who is Benham that he believes I should be in need of such aid?’

‘Benham and Arash, we are friends of the Hounds Sir. We protect the Seven too.’

Gwern is just about to voice the flood of questions rising in his mind when they are suddenly swept away by a gently lapping sea. He looks across the bar to the restaurant entrance and meets a probing reptilian glare. Jainus strides towards him, disappointment seeping across his face.

‘Feeling more relaxed I see. Sleep well did we?’

‘Thoroughly thank you. How has your afternoon been Jainus?’

‘Passable I suppose. Quercus is a pleasant enough fellow.’

‘Drink?’

‘I’ll have a caramel spirit with firebush juice I think.’

Jainus looks at Arash with expectancy but not courtesy.

‘Ice Sir?’

‘I am not but I will.’

‘Sir?’

‘I AM NOT A SIR! Peasant! Why do you people insist upon calling me such?’

‘Calm yourself man, it is only a mark of respect. Where have you left yours?’

Jainus bites his flicking tongue aware of the eyes that have turned and the voices that have hushed due to his out burst. But finding Carpinus so refreshed with no crack to prise is more than his arrogance can stand. He takes a sip of his drink and darts his tongue over his lips, swallowing his folly.

‘Quercus said he’d booked us a table.’

Gwern can not help but stare at Jainus with disbelief and more intently with disgust, no unctuous feign in sight.

‘Arash would you please ask if our table is ready? It will be booked under the name of Lord Carpinus.’

‘Of course Sir just one moment.’

Arash raises his arm and signals to the Master of Service, who is eagley surveying his clientele for sign of need. The Master of Service signals to his waiters, two of whom glide to an elegantly laid table by the window pull back the chairs and wait patiently. Silently appearing by Gwern’s side the Master doffs his head and proffers his arm for him to follow to the awaiting table.

‘My Lord. If you please.’

Gwern slips off of his bar stool and follows the Master’s lead, leaving Jainus to tag insignificantly behind. Gwern aims for the chair nearest the window so that he can have an escape view and a clear eye to the door, uncertain of how well a Sudran mind mask can work across a crowded room, he will need to tend to his own steel, until Brian arrives. Having respite makes the resurrection all the more gruelling, an entire dinner may be more than he can stomach.

Luckily for Gwern, Jainus’ sulking keeps his tongue inside his head for the entirety of their meal, except for the occasional flick to cleanse his lips. With no viper to rial him his thoughts require no screen, although from time to time he notices a gentle sea wash upon a glistening shore. Brian arrives in time to join them for a quince and cocoa berry roulade, with a pear and port sorbet, followed by a thick, strong arabica shot. Stirring the sugar crystals around his cup, contemplatively, Brian speaks in muted tones to his two companions.

‘My Lord Carpinus, I can trust this man Jainus completely? To share in our plans?’

Gwern is uncertain of where Brian is taking their conversation but trusts that it will be some kind of ruse to their advantage.

‘Yes, Quercus, of course. He is Lamia’s man. Why, what is it? Is there some problem with the plan? Are the Assini in accord?’

‘Yes, yes Sir. All is in accord, except that I can not make the meet tomorrow. I have been called back to Central, if I were to refuse or delay it would raise suspicion Sir.’

‘Yes of course Quercus. So what is it that you are suggesting? Jainus go in your stead?’

‘Yes indeed Sir.’

‘Jainus would you be agreeable to this? The plan will surely fail if you can not.’

Triggering his pompous, vanity, Jainus throws off his sulking cape of self-pity, straightens himself in the chair, looks sideways and slightly down his boney nose as he speaks.

‘You need my assistance Carpinus, or you will fail?’

‘I’m sure that her Lordship will be delighted to know that her instincts were correct in sending you to my aid.’

Jainus’ countenance all but melts into a simpering pool at the mention of Lamia’s potential delight.

‘I will of course do what I may to aid the course.’

‘Excellent, Jainus, thank you.’

Brian drains his cup and moves as if he is about to leave.

‘Exactly what is it that you require me to do Quercus?’

‘Ah yes, of course, I almost forgot that bit in my excitement. It will be your job Jainus to meet with the Assini at dawn tomorrow. There will be a man named Paiman waiting to convey you to the meet at seven before noon. I have prepared a written message for you to give to them so you will not need a translator. You must ensure that they are ready to make their ambush at sun down.’

‘And where, Quercus, is this ambush intended to take place?’

‘Oh yes, again my apologies. I seem to have a bit of a bumbling brain this evening. The Woods of Brackholm Sir.’

‘I am not SIR.’

‘Indeed no. My apologies S…..sorry.’

Brian keeps his head down and looks sideways at Gwern, who can not help but crease a smile in response.

‘It would seem, Jainus, that I am lucky to have you.’

He raises his eyebrows towards Brian with mock disconcertion.

‘In deed I believe you are Carpinus.’

With his ego well and truly massaged he is no longer on the look out for cracks and fissures, merely basking in his on conceit. With more grace than Gwern thought him capable of, Jainus takes his leave of the dinner party.

‘Well gentlemen I will wish you a good night as I have an early rise before me.’

With out waiting for a response Jainus bows lightly and walks purposefully from the restaurant. They wait a few moments in silence before Gwern can contain his mirth no more and has to relax his guard.

‘That was artfully done Brother and that fatuous moron is none the wiser.’

‘I did not spend an entire afternoon with him and gain nothing Brother. But we should not let our guard slip so soon Gwern. We’d do better to wait until the snake has finally left the pit.’

‘Wise as ever Brian.’

‘Let us break fast together before I leave, Gwern. Your herb garden? Let’s say five before noon?’

‘Perfect I will order room service before I retire. Night cap?’

‘Why not. Shall we take it at the bar?’

More of a statement than a question, Brian rises from the table and crosses to the bar without requiring a response.