MP - First Meeting

The second chapter of the third section of A House Fractured. 2 years has passed since Opening Views. The plots and intrigues are starting to come to a boil. This section is from Medyr's point of view.

As Medyr strode into his office, he noticed a cream parchment envelop on his desk; a envelop he recognized but did not want to. The sight made him stop; a shiver of fear running through him. He placed the report he was carrying on the desk before picking up the note with trembling hands. This was the third note in less than two turns. He opened it, a familiar script greeting him.

     Medyr ap Tarhtyn

As I have recommended before, we should meet. There are a few things we have in common and could help each other. Yet you seem to feel a meeting is unnecessary. Excluding it would be of mutual benefit, I am not accustomed to be rebuffed. We are to meet. Let me just say that I know of your father. And of your mother. I also know of one of your teachers, Cathbhadh. Who happens now to be dead. By your hands, mayhap? I have told you how to reach me. Do so within the next couple of days. I await your response.

        A consociate.
[/indent]

Angrily Medyr crumpled the note. He did not need the intrusion. But how this person know of his teacher? And did he really know of his father? The thoughts thundered in his mind. No one knew, save himself, Cathbhadh and his mother. And they were dead.

Medyr closed his eyes as he sat down heavily in his chair. He focused on the magick about him, drawing on a little so it would not be obvious to his subordinates. As the magick flowed into him, he placed his hands on the note.

A faint glow wrapped around his hands and the note. In his mind�s eye, Medyr saw an ornate quill moving across the parchment. Medyr focused on the quill, trying to move from the fingertips upward. But try as he might, he could not see beyond the fingers.

In a rage, he grabbed the note and envelope, ripping them. The pieces fluttered onto his desk. The anger dissipated, leaving a hollow emptiness in him. The tom words still taunted him.

�Sir?�

Medyr jumped slightly at the interruption. He looked to his door, seeing the large imposing figure of Einion. A faint look of concern came to Einion�s face.

�Yes, Einion, what is it you want?� Medyr kept his voice calm yet the question came out sharply.

Einion swallowed, uncomfortable of the bark of his superior. �If you have no need for me, I would like to take my leave.�

�But your shift is not done, is it?� Medyr was glad for the distraction. He did not need to glance at a timepiece to know the time.

�No it is not, sir,� Einion responded sheepishly. �But it is my wife�s birthday. Llwyr and I have finished the report on the security about Prince Aillil and Princess Fr�ge. And I have completed the primary precis for the Prince�s training. So I thought if there is nothing else for today, I could leave early.�

Medyr sighed. �So Llwyr has the report?�

�Yes he does, sir.�

�And what of the precis? The recommendations for the Prince's swordcraft?�

�I gave them to Edlym. He is reviewing them at the moment�

�And what are your recommendations?� Medyr knew he was putting his officer on the spot.

�Well, the details are all laid out in my report,� Einion tried to avoid the question.

�Who did you put forward?�

�Well ... ah .. I feel Friuch or Henwas are the best suited for the duty.�

�I see.� Medyr's brow became furrowed as he thought about something. �They are both unmarried, are they not?�

�Ah, yes,� Einion was confused by the question.

�Is there a reason why you did not consider yourself?�

�Well, both Friuch or Henwas are accomplished masters. At the moment, they have light duties and would be available.�

�I agree they are excellent for theory, but did you think about the pupil himself;.�' Medyr already knew the answer, having already determined the choices. He was curious if Einion had looked at all the options.

�What do you mean, sir?�

�Would you not agree they are more suited for older pupils?�

�They have taught young men before.�

�But have they taught someone like the Prince?�

�That I cannot say.� Einion stumbled with his words. �I did not think that was of import.�

Medyr slowly rubbed his chin. �I agree that for the theoretical details, the two are good choices. But out in the training area, they may not be adequate. They may not know how to handle the boisterous Prince. Unlike yourself.�

�I am not sure what you are suggesting, sir.� Einion was taken aback at the suggestion.

�You have a son about the Prince's age, do you not?�

�I do.�

�So you have experience handling a young man, like the Prince?�

�This is different; sir. We are talking about teaching. Teaching the Prince.�

�Were you not the top of your class? Be in it theory and practical?"

�Well, yes I was,� Einion reluctantly agreed.

�And I would say you seem to know some of the ancient writings of strategy quite well.�

�I know some.�

Medyr shook his head. �Einion, do not underestimate yourself. Be it a sword or a dagger, I know your proficiency. I have been keeping an eye on you.�

�You have?� Einion was surprised.

�And you do not think yourself able to teach the Prince what you know?�

�Well,� Einion did not know for sure how to answer. �I could but Friuch or Henwas are better in theory. They are masters.�

�They have papers,� Medyr said with a slight scoff. �I have watched you over the past cycle or so. I know many just see your brawn but there is more. I have seen your intellect. Over the past six turns, your analysis has been exemplary. You are man I would wish to have at my side in a battle. So what if you do not have the papers to show that.�

Medyr could see confusion and some fear in his subordinate�s face. �I did not consider that.�

�Well, give it some thought. You know there is naught wrong with having one teacher for theory and one for practical.� Medyr say back in his chair, enjoying the confusion he saw in his subordinate. �I will read your recommendations. Just give my thoughts some consideration.�

�I will, sir.� Einion paused, trying to decide how to reiterate his request. Medyr saw the look on his face.

�Go home to your wife,� he said casually. �There is only one hour or so in your shift anyway.�

�Thank you,� There was a quick bow before Einion left the office. Medyr rubbed his chin, wondering about his officer. He liked the idea of the young man being in charge of the Prince�s training. He started to form a list of pros and cons on having Einion in charge.

Some time past when there was a quick knock at his open door. As he looked up from his list, Edlym walked into Medyr�s office, closing the door behind him. Medyr looked up from a report he had started to read. Edlym noticed the torn note in the waste basket thrown in after Einion had left.

�Is there a problem, sir?�

�Nothing I cannot take care of.�

�I recognized the script. You've received a couple before, sir.�

�It is a private matter, Edlym. Is there anything else?�

�Well, not at this time,� Edlym was indecisive.

�Fine. Go and finish what you need to do. I have a bit more work to do.�

Edlym was being dismissed. �Would you be going out for a pint later?�

�Maybe. I have not decided yet.�

�At the end of the shift, we could.�

�No, Edlym. Not today. I prefer to be alone.� Medyr paused, seeing the reaction. �It has been a long day. Perhaps another time.�

�Very good, sir.� Edlym quickly left the room. Medyr glanced about at the paperwork. There were times he appreciated the concern of his second in command but he needed to remember his place. Edlym had his place and uses. And his importance in all had been planned. He returned to his reports.

When Medyr closed the last report, dusk was starting to fall. His eyes returned to the waste basket. He could not concentrate any more. His mind had become a whirl of thoughts. The stress started to settle in the base of his neck, ready to radiate up. The day had been long and he needed release. Without a word, Medyr left his office and paperwork behind.

The darkness of night was overwhelming the waning faint orange light of the setting sun. As Medyr walked down the broad boulevard, the torch lighters were igniting the street lamps.

He crossed the bridge, to a small street that ran parallel to the river. The cobblestoned street was quiet. The lit street lamps brought light to the street abandoned by the sun. Absentmindedly, Medyr made his way to near the end of the long block. He pushed open a worn wooden door, under a simple iron wrought sign of a wild boar. The door creaked lowly as Medyr made his way into the public house. The landlord looked up, recognizing Medyr.

Quickly he went to a tap and started to pump a lager into a mug. As Medyr sat down, the frothy flagon was placed before him. He pulled out a couple of pieces, put it onto the bar. Medyr sighed as he took a sip of the beer.

�Long day?� The landlord asked cautiously.

�Yes.� Medyr noticed Cawrdav was alone in the public house. �Eigyr not about?�

�He and Gaible went to Tuaim Inbhir. He is getting less involved in the business.� Cawrdav puffed his chest. �In time I may own this place.�

�I envy the quiet a place like this has.�

�Well, a new day has started. Time to relax.�

�I wish. There are some things left to be done before I retire.�

�Court intrigue never ends, does it?�

Medyr put his beer down; a sonorous voice had interrupted them. Medyr and Cawrdav glanced at the same time. Beside Medyr was a tall man with long black silver hair, holding a flagon. He started to sit down.

�I beg your pardon?� Medyr was displeased.

As the tall man put down his flagon, his piercing gray eyes focused on Medyr. His bushy black eyebrows seem to bristle in the flickering taper light behind the bar.

�Well, when one works in the court, one cannot avoid court intrigue.� The tall man said softly. �Can they now?�

�Do I know you?� A faint thread of annoyance came to Medyr's voice. He was not in the mood for idle conversation.

�No, you don�t. But I know of you.�

For a moment, Medyr�s heart went faster. He took a quick breath, so the sudden shaft of worry would not be noticed.

�What do you mean?�

�I have been about the land. I have seen a few things, heard some others.� The man's gaze was intense.

�Are you trying to imply something?�

The man ran a finger along the rim of his porcelain pint. �It is not easy to pierce the veils at times. Trying to discern the reality from fiction.�

�And why would you wish to do so?�

�It is in my nature to resolve contradictions I see during my journeys. And that is what I have seen in you.�

�You have no idea who I am. What I am.�

�That is part of the contradiction.�

�There is no contraction here,� Medyr tried to control his temper. �I am of the Queen�s court. I am the chief of security. And I ...�

A soft chuckle interrupted Medyr. It seemed the man arched an eyebrow.

�I sense you work for yourself, not the Queen. That is one of the contradictions. There is even a sense you may be working against the land.�

Medyr�s hand hovered near his pint. �Do you know what you are suggesting?�

The man slowly nodded. �I do. And if I am correct, then there will be those who will thwart you. Including myself.�

�I beg your pardon? Are you threatening me?� There was a sharp edge to Medyr�s voice.

�Take my words as they are given.�

�Who are you to say such things to me?� In the back of Medyr�s mind, he could see the parchment note.
�The breeze on the sea. The roar of the waves.�

�That is no answer.� Medyr snapped. �Has drink addled your mind? How dare you come here and threaten me?�

�Did I do so?� The intense, steadfast gaze was unwavering. �Could it not be just a warning? Would you not agree that someone who plots against the land must be stopped?�

�Of course I would! How could you ask me such a thing?�

�It goes with the contradictions. A Queen�s man with his own agenda. A man who has close ties to the Queen�s brother. Someone who has been to Nico several times. And D�n Delgan. A person who has voiced veiled republican sentiments around the Reachtas.� The man paused. �An portrait of constraints. Could it be that the true image is nothing but a viper? A small viper that does not see the land as precious? Something he may not understand?�

�Does not understand? Do you know who you are talking to? I am part of the inner circle of the court! I work to protect the land. I work to protect it from those who plot against it.� Medyr emphasized the last two sentences.

The man ignored Medyr. �It will take only time to know the truth.�

�What truth?� Fear tainted Medyr�s voice.

�The truth about you.�

Some of the words in the note echoed in Medyr�s mind. He took a large gulp of his lager. The landlord had moved away to handle new orders, leaving the two alone.

�For me, I believe you are but a small viper. Slithering about for your own purpose, protecting only yourself.�

The flagon came down harder on the bartop than expected. A small splash of beer sprayed onto the bar and Medyr�s hand. He was fighting to control the worry that was growing in him. The intense man seemed to know some shrouded information.

�I do hope drink has addled your mind. Else you are mad for speaking to me such.� Medyr worked to keep his voice from cracking but his heart was pounding furiously.

The man did not answer. His unshakable stare increased the discomfort in Medyr. Each of the cream coloured notes had become more specific, revealing a potential threat to his plots.

Plans that had been slowly organized and implemented. Game pegs carefully moved about fidchell boards. Games within games; multiple boards revealing only snippets of his stratagems. No one could see all the boards and his final goal. Or so he had thought.

�Do not underestimate the power I wield. I could have you arrested and detained.�

�Like Neued?�

Terror replaced the fear and worry. What did this man know? What was this man's game? Against his better judgement, the terror took control. Medyr reached out and grabbed the man�s robe.

�A single command from me and you will see the dungeons of D�n Su�bhn�.�

�You may be able to utter the command but you cannot cage me. No one can.�

�Who are you?� Medyr snarled. �What is your name?�

�You have no need for my name, for it will do you no good.�

The grip on the robe grew tighter. �With the power and respect I have, it would not be wise to cross me.�

�Your power and respect is carried on the whispered voice of a hag.� The man reached out and pulled Medyr's hands from his robe. Casually, he rubbed the material to remove a few creases.

�Give me your name!� Medyr ignored the heads that had started to turn to look at the two. The landlord came over, concern in his eyes.

�Is there a problem, sir?� He was focused on Medyr.

�Yes.� Medyr snapped, not taking his eyes from the tall man. �This man has threatened me. Send a runner to my office.�

�At once.� The landlord quickly moved to the end of the bar, sending a young man out of the pub.

�What is it you fear?� A faint twinkle came to the man's eyes. �Exposure? The truth revealed?�

�I do not know what you speak of.�

�In the faint mists of the future, I have seen that our paths would cross, I have seen that I am part of your downfall but what it may be, I cannot say. But my face will be one of the last you will see before you die.�

Shock tempered the terror in Medyr. �So you are threatening me? You threaten me, you threaten the court. And ...�

�You are of no one�s court but your own. I have yet to divine your plans but I will. But what I have seen what will end in madness and a perilous fall. Much like S�danta."

Medyr blanched at the name. Shaking he rose from his stool.

�Why do you mention his name?�

�I sense you are intertwined in his tale. Much of what has befallen us is wrapped up in the mystery of his madness. Your part in this I have not discerned.�

Thoughts whirled about his mind with a dizzying speed. Medyr did not know what to say or how to react. The tall man took a deep breath before continuing.

�I just hope you will be a simple footnote in history as he was.�

�How are you say such a thing of S�danta!� Medyr managed.

�We talk of a man who drooled on himself and fell to his death?� The man laughed.

With sudden explosive anger, Medyr lashed out. He struck the man, who did not flinch. A slight red streak formed on the man�s cheek. He stared at Medyr, unmoved by the strike. There was no retaliation nor did he touch his cheek.

�How dare you speak of him in such a manner?�

The man chuckled in response.

�He will be more than a footnote in history.� Medyr continued. �You know naught of him. But things will change. Especially once the truth is revealed. The truth that he was killed by his own family. Even in his supposed madness, he was great! Greater than ...�

Medyr started to stutter. He stopped suddenly, realizing his fury had the best of him. The tall man placed a bronze coin on the bartop.

�Believe what you wish.� The man said simply. �Truth is subjective.�

�Mark my words,� Medyr said, composing himself. �This will not go unanswered.�

�I know. But I will get to know you. And what you are doing. If need be, by the breath in my lungs, I will defy you. I shall be your downfall.�

�You? A voiceless spectre that haunts pubs? You think you ...�

�Medyr. Sir!�

Medyr whirled around to see Edlym entering into the pub. A smile of relief came to Medyr's face. He pointed toward where the tall man was sitting.

�I wish this man detained.�

Edlym looked to where Medyr was pointing, seeing no one. He glanced about, confused. Medyr seeing the look, turned back to see the tall man was gone. Angrily his eyes flashed from Cawrdav to the few people sitting at the bar.

�Where did he go?� He demanded.

�I do not know.� The landlord said quickly. �When your assistant came in, I glanced toward him. When I looked back, the man was gone.�

Medyr glanced at the people at the bar. By the looks on their faces, he knew they would say the same. His eyes fell on the worn wooden door leading to the washrooms.

�Check out back,� Medyr barked at Edlym. �There is an exit after the washrooms, leading to the alley. He may have gone that way.�

�Ah, yes, sir.� Edlym did not move.

�What are you waiting for?�

�Who am I pursuing?� he asked innocently.

Medyr sighed, realizing Edlym had not seen the man. �He is a tall man. A head above me. His hair is long, silvery black. Eyebrows bushy, eyes gray. Small nose, sharp chin. Clean shaven. He is wearing a black robe. Severe with no insignia. It reminded me of the robes of a journeyman or adept from the Order.�

�Very good, sir.� Edlym rushed to the back. As he left, Medyr turned to Cawrdav.

�Have you seen that man before?� He demanded.

�No, sir. He has never been here before, during my shifts.�

�I see.� Medyr sat down, trying to sort the churning thoughts and emotions.

�Do you think he is dangerous, sir?�

Medyr took a deep breath, focusing on simple magick. He could feel his muscles starting to relay, as his mind cleared. Cawrdav asked the question again, concern in his eyes.

�I cannot say for sure,� Medyr said casually. �I may have overreacted.�

�Aye.� The landlord nodded his head, knowingly. �Tensions are running high about the town.�

�It is?� Medyr was surprised. None of the current reports had said that about the general feeling in the city. �Why?�

�Did you not read the Heralder today?�

�I do not read that waste of parchment.� Medyr picked up his pint and took a sip.

�You should not dismiss the Heralder, sir. They have a reporter with the rebels. Up north, that is.�

�Do they now?� Medyr sneered.

�Yes. The past turn or so, he or she has been reporting from Neued's enclave. According to the article today, Neued is planning a new offensive. It is to start soon, with a small incursion to draw away attention.�

�From what?�

�A strike on D�n Su�bhn�."

Medyr laughed, shaking his head. He knew no matter what he might say, he would not be able to convince the landlord of the absurdity of what he had said. Neued would not allow a reporter to reveal his plans to the populace. He was too good a strategist to allow that to happen.

At the same time, Neued would never strike at the capital; it would go against his sense of honour. His goal was the throne and he could afford to have the people against him. He would not attack civilians.

Which Medyr was counting on as his plans were slowly coming to fruition. The longer the Queen and her brother were against each other, the easier it would be to sow the seeds of destruction of the current branch of the House Su�bhn�.

But he would have someone investigate the report. If the Heralder did have a reporter up north, it might be he was talking to some of the dissidents in Neued's group. He had warned Neued about the possibility but he would not listen. Medyr was counting on that.

In silence and alone, Medyr finished his pint. He tried to push aside the onslaught of thoughts and worries. He did not like coincidences. As he left the pub, he could not purge his mind of the last note he had received. There had to be a connection between the man in black and the notes. At least one person seemed to be privy to information that could cripple his plans.

Slowly, Medyr started back to the castle. He knew he could use his resources in the Ministry but care was needed. He could afford an opportunity where any of his people may get a sense of what he was planning. There was magick he could utilize but caution was paramount But he needed to know the man, the purpose.

A faint prickling came to the back of his neck, causing Medyr to stop. He stood at the corner of a slip, under the flickering light of a gas torch.There was a faint figure standing at the end of the slip.

�Be it by words or be it by scrying, you will not know me.� The words were faint whispers in the wind.

�Do not doubt the power that flows through me,� Medyr answered back, arrogantly.

�I do not doubt it. But powerful magick does not make a powerful man.�

Medyr slowly moved onto the steps of the slip. �I have the power of the sidh� in me.�

The man laughed. �The power of the sidh� you say? I know of that power, you do not.The power of the sidh� is of nature. It is flittering about the heather. Delicate wings that can withstand the strongest wind. The power of the sidh� bends like a branch of a tree weighed down by heavy snow. Your power is the power of ruin�

�You know nothing of me.�

�But I will.� The man�s robe shifted, hissing against the cobblestones. �We shall meet again.�

As Medyr bounded down the small slip, the shadows of the slip enveloped the man and the words with a sigh. Medyr swore under his breath as he reached the end of the slip; there was no sign of the man in the area. The game was now becoming confused.

Author's Note

Being a major revision of the first draft, I am looking for everything - grammar, POV problems, plotting issues. Please note, spelling is Canadian not American so don't point the differences. Hit me with your best shot!