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"The carpet. Dust."
"I have a most sensitive nose. I detect a fragrance, an herbal essence."
Standing stiff and white-faced in the gloom, the two men seemed a pair of antique ma
Lorcas spoke again. "The same essence hangs in the air after Singhalissa has passed."
"You believe then that she was here?"
"Very recently - watching us and listening as we worked. Notice, the iron door is ajar."
"We will close it; and now I will sleep. Later we will lock off the other doors and there will be no more prowling and spying."
"Leave this in my hands! I am fascinated by such matters and I am not at all tired."
"As you like. Remember, the Kraike may have set out alarms of her own."
"I will be careful."
1. The term tsernifer, here translated as 'Force', refers to that pervasion of psychological power surrounding the person of a kaiark. The word is more accurately rendered as irresistible compulsion, elemental wisdom, depersonalized force. The appellative 'Force' is an insipid dilution.
2. Rhune warfare is controlled by rigid convention. Several types of engagement are recognized. In formal combat, fighting occurs between persons of equal rank.
If a person of high caste attacks one of low caste, the low-caste person may protect, retreat, or retaliate. If a low-caste person attacks a person of high caste, he is reprimanded by everyone. The weapons employed are swords, used only for thrusting, and lances.
On occasion the raiders come masked; they are then known as "mirk-men" and treated as bandits. All weapons may be legitimately used against mirk-men, including the so-called "bore," which propels a short arrow or bolt by means of an explosive charge.
Occasionally large-scale battles occur, when the total manpower of one Realm is mobilized against that of another.
Warriors trained to the use of sky-sails command special prestige. The rules of sky-fighting are even more complex than those governing warfare afoot.
3. The word cogence is used to express that fervent erudition and virtuosity of the Rhunes.
4. The dialect of the Rhunes is rife with delicate ambiguities. The term 'to refresh oneself' is susceptible to several interpretations. In this case it may be supposed that the Kraike indulges herself in a nap.
5. Rhune lineage is reckoned through the mother owing to the unregulated circumstances of procreation, although in many cases father and son are mutually aware of their relationship.
6. Inexact translation. More accurately: place of spiritual regeneration, stage of pilgrimage, phase of the life-road.
Chapter 7
In the Kaiark's sleeping chamber, Efraim awoke and lay in the dimness.
On the mantlepiece a clock showed the mode to be aud, with Furad and Maddar about to set and abandon the sky to chill isp. A second dial reported Port Mar Local Time, and Efraim saw that he had slept seven hours - rather longer than he had intended.
He looked up toward the high ceiling, contemplating the condition in which he found himself. His advantages were easily enumerated. He ruled a beautiful mountain realm from a castle of archaic glamour. He had at least partially thwarted his enemy, or enemies; at this moment he, or she, or they, would be brooding long slow thoughts. Benbuphar Strang harbored antagonists, but to what purpose? These persons were at hand when his memory was smothered... The thought caused Efraim to shiver with rage and raise up from his couch.
He bathed and took a dismal breakfast of cold meat, bread, and fruit in the refectory. Had he not known the quality of Rhune custom he might have regarded the food as a purposeful affront... He speculated as to the advisability of i
On the racks and shelves of his dressing room he discovered what he took to be his wardrobe of six months before - a somewhat scanty wardrobe, he reflected. He pulled out a mustard-colored tunic with black frogging and dark red lining, and looked it over: a jaunty garment which no doubt on some informal occasion had set off young Kang Efraim to advantage.
Efraim made a soft sound and examined the other garments. He tried to remember the Kaiark Jochaim's wardrobe, at which he had barely glanced, and could only summon an impression of understated elegance, kaiarkal restraint.
Efraim went thoughtfully into the Grand Parlor and summoned Agnois, who seemed uneasy. He shifted his pale blue gaze aside, and as he bowed the fingers of his big white hands kneaded and twisted.
Before Efraim could speak, Agnois said: "Your Force, the Eiodarks of Scharrode wish an audience, as soon as convenient. They will meet you in two hours if that suits Your Force."
"The audience can wait," growled Efraim. "Come along with me." He led Agnois to the dressing room, where he paused and turned a cold stare upon Agnois, causing the chamberlain to blink. "As you know, I have been away from Scharrode a matter of six months."
"Yes, Force."
"I have had many experiences, including an accident which has unfortunately obscured portions of my memory. I tell you this in absolute confidence."
"I will naturally respect this confidence, Your Force," stammered Agnois.
"I have forgotten many small niceties of Rhune custom, and I must rely upon your assistance. For instance, these garments: can this be the whole of my former wardrobe?"
Agnois licked his lips. "No, Your Force. The Kraike made a selection of certain garments; these were then brought here."
"These of course are garments I wore as Kang?"
"Yes, Force."
"They seem somewhat jaunty and extravagant in cut. Do you consider them suitable for a person of my present status?"
Agnois pulled at his pale pendulous nose. "Not altogether, Your Force."
"If I wore these before the eiodarks they would consider me frivolous and irresponsible - a callow young fool, in fact."
"I world suspect as much."
"What precisely were Singhalissa's instructions?"
"She ordered me to transfer these garments; she further suggested that any interference in Your Force's preferences might be considered insolence, both by Your Force and by the Noble Singhalissa herself."
"She told you, in effect, to help me make a fool of myself. Then she summoned the eiodarks to an audience."
Agnois spoke hurriedly: "This is accurate, Force, but -"
Efraim cut him short. "Postpone the audience with the eiodarks. Explain that I must study the events of the last six months. Then remove these garments.
Instruct the tailors to prepare me a suitable wardrobe. In the meantime bring here whatever can be salvaged from my old wardrobe."
"Yes, Force."
"Further, inform the staff that the Noble Singhalissa will no longer exert authority. I am bored with these petty intrigues. She is to be known not as the
'Kraike' but as the Wirwove of Disbague."
"Yes, Your Force."
"Finally, Agnois, I am astounded that you failed to notify me of Singhalissa's intentions."
Agnois cried out in frustration: "Force, I intended to obey the Noble Singhalissa's instructions to the letter; but nonetheless, by one means or another, I pla
Efraim gave a curt nod. "Lay out garments at least temporarily appropriate."