Dragons of the Valley - Donita K. Paul [28]
Beccaroon assessed his friend anew, this time without the shroud of condemnation he had allowed to impair his judgment. Verrin Schope did look pale. Would he scatter as he had before?
The artist continued. “I believe our original assessment that Odidoddex seeks to take over Chiril is accurate. However, with the three stones separated, we have the added danger of unrest among the people. It would seem that the power of the stones, which caused physical anomalies a few weeks ago, is now causing an illness of the spirit.”
The feathers around Sir Beccaroon’s neck fluffed out as indignation ruffled his usual calm. “Awk! It seems to me that this god, Wulder, who you think so highly of, has created a hideous situation. If this being is so wise, why did He design something that could be so easily broken? Why are we paying the price for your chipping away at one of His cornerstones? As a god, He is no better than the Boscamon fairy tales.”
Verrin Schope sagged in his chair and shook his head, his expression one of great sadness. “We are responsible for the corruption. Wulder is incapable of doing wrong.”
Sir Beccaroon hopped off his perch. “How very convenient for Him.”
“You don’t understand,” said Verrin Schope. “It is because I am too inadequate to explain His Infinite Being. You will have to meet Him, Bec. It is the only way to truly comprehend.”
“Whether He exists or not, we have problems to solve.” Beccaroon walked back to the map. “I’m willing to meet your god, even entertain Him, as long as He doesn’t interfere with the serious business we have at hand.”
He turned back to glare at Verrin Schope, but his chair was empty.
10
Verrin Schope Disappears
“Well,” said the king, “I am disappointed once again. Verrin Schope is as unreliable as any other artist I’ve ever met.” He shook his head. “Gone, without a word.”
Beccaroon dropped his irritation with his old friend and sprang to his defense. “This situation is caused by the statues being out of alignment. He didn’t run away from this meeting. That’s absurd. The Verrin Schope I know is as conscientious as he is brilliant.”
The king’s face twisted in disdain. Beccaroon realized he’d just implied that King Yellat’s opinion was absurd. Not exactly a diplomatic move. He flapped his wings once, tamped down his frustration, took a deep breath, and attempted to reason with King Yellat and his council.
“When the news came in the middle of the night that foreign forces were sneaking into Chiril, Verrin Schope arranged to have the statues spirited away for the safety of the country. He knew how the dismantling of the display would affect him. I would hardly claim such a selfless act to be irresponsible.”
A knock sounded on the door.
“Come,” ordered the king.
A footman opened the door, bowed, and addressed the assembly. “Lady Peg has sent for Sir Beccaroon.”
The king looked from the footman to the grand parrot. His eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched, and he nodded. “You may go.”
Beccaroon swallowed the words that sprang to mind. Glad to get rid of me.
No need to add to the animosity. He wouldn’t do any good here. The council was aware of the threat to their country. Let them stew on the ramifications. Endless discussion would most likely follow. Eagerness to find Verrin Schope and attack the problem on their own provided enough motivation for him to bow politely and excuse himself.
Although he rarely flew inside a building, the palace foyer offered ample room. He took wing as he came out of the council hall and landed at the top of the stairwell. He strutted down the common hallway and turned down the corridor to the private chambers.
Lady Peg stood in her doorway, wringing her hands and watching for Sir Beccaroon. She started talking before he reached the midpoint of the corridor.
“He’s doing it again, Bec.