The Ciphers of Muirwood (Covenant of Muirwood #2)(46)
Jon Tayt nodded, brushing his nose, and turned back to Maia. “It may also be wise to take Maia away from Muirwood before the king gets here. I could bring her to Tintern, and we could send word and await the High Seer there.”
“The grounds will be watched even more scrupulously now,” the Aldermaston’s wife said softly.
“I have slipped by the sheriff’s men dozens of times already,” Jon Tayt snorted. “They do not know where the secret passages let out. All I would need is Argus and the cover of darkness.”
“Well enough. Any more input?” the Aldermaston asked him.
“No, my lord. I am keen to hear yours.”
The Aldermaston nodded and turned. “Suzenne Clarencieux.”
The young girl looked terror-stricken. “Me?”
“Yes, what would you advise?”
Suzenne twisted her hands together, looking pale and worried. “I just wondered something.”
“What is it, Suzenne?” the Aldermaston’s wife asked softly.
Suzenne looked up at her, eyes crinkling with concern. “I am worried about Jayn. Has there been word from her recently? Perhaps she could corroborate part of the tale? I cannot believe she is . . . seducing . . . the king.” She looked down, ashamed.
The Aldermaston’s wife glanced at her husband, who nodded. “I have heard from Jayn Sexton,” she announced. “She has written to me secretly, and her information does confirm much of what the chancellor told you, Maia. There are ill feelings between the king and Lady Deorwynn at the moment. Jayn has found herself in the position of receiving gifts and attentions from your father, though she knows not how to interpret them. Since she left Muirwood, she has explained how difficult it is to feel the Medium, even as a maston, outside the grounds of an abbey, especially in the court of Comoros. There are few mastons left, most having abandoned court to stay on their own lands. The king is surrounded by people who tell him what he wishes to hear, thus giving him the false notion that he can offend the Medium with no consequence. She does not trust her own judgment at present and has solicited my advice, which I have given her freely. The attentions of a powerful man can be very . . . confusing.”
Maia sighed, sick at heart to hear more of her father’s depredations. She remembered studying the history of the past, the time before the Scourging. The King of Comoros’ wife had died and he had wed the young, beautiful daughter of the King of Dahomey, Pareigis—not understanding who she truly was. The gap in their ages had always sickened her, and she had hoped her father would not make an alliance for her with a much older man.
“Poor Jayn,” Suzenne said, her face wilting with concern. “I am grateful she has confided in you,” she added.
“I share this information with you since you are part of this counsel,” the Aldermaston’s wife said. “Please do not share it with others. She abhors the king’s attentions, but she is in a dangerous position. Her mistress is still Lady Deorwynn, who does indeed conspire to unite her daughter to the King of Dahomey.”
“Was there any mention by her of the ransom paid?” Maia asked, leaning forward. “I wondered if the chancellor was being truthful about that.”
The Aldermaston’s wife shook her head.
“Any other thoughts, Suzenne?” the Aldermaston bid her.
“No, Aldermaston,” Suzenne said, shaking her head.
Maia looked at the Aldermaston and his wife. “What would you advise me to do?”
The Aldermaston’s wife spoke first. “I think we should wait for your grandmother to arrive. She knows the dangers we face, and she will hurry as fast as the winds can bring her. If you must leave Comoros, I would prefer it to be on the Holk instead of wandering in the Bearden Muir. But my heart tells me that your destiny is still here, Maia. You are the one who must open the Apse Veil. Despite the political changes, that is still your charge. The Myriad Ones know you are here. They may prowl the borders like wolves, but they cannot enter. I would also advise not telling Dodd about the chancellor’s visit until after he has left. He may do something rash, since the chancellor is responsible for overseeing executions ordered by the king.”
“I had not thought of that,” Maia said, nodding. “I agree.” She looked at the Aldermaston closely. “What do you counsel me to do?”
The Aldermaston smiled sadly. “You must pass the maston test. Each day, I have sought the Medium’s approval to bring you into the abbey walls. The maston rites will give you knowledge you desperately need as well as protection you do not now enjoy. That is my first priority for you, to help shield you against the influences of Ereshkigal and the Myriad Ones.” He looked at her sternly. “When you leave Muirwood, child, you will be afflicted by them again. Pay particular notice to the words of Jayn Sexton. She can hardly feel the Medium’s influence at court. That is a discouraging reality. I have brooded constantly since you arrived, wishing to bring you immediately into the abbey. But the Medium forbids it still. You are not yet ready.”
Maia felt a twist of sadness in her heart and tears sting her eyes. “Because of what I have done,” she said in sorrow.
The Aldermaston shook his head. “I do not know that, child. I only care about doing what is right for you. The time is approaching when you will enter the abbey and seek the rites. But it may not be until after the king arrives.” He shifted in his seat, leaning forward, his eyes so deep and full of soul. His jowls trembled. “You may yet be tested by the Medium, to see if you will forsake all things in defending the maston order. You may be offered gold, jewels, rich gowns, and handmaidens to tempt you into surrendering your heritage. You have already survived such a temptation.” His voice dropped even lower. “Your greatest test may come from your father himself. He has treated you most cruelly.” Tears gathered in the old man’s eyes. “Our greatest pain in this life often comes from those who should love us the most. Prepare yourself to accept the maston oaths. I have no doubt that you will tame the Leerings inside the abbey. The hardest thing you will ever be asked to tame is your own heart.”