Dragons of the Valley - Donita K. Paul [29]
“But Verrin Schope says he disappeared from the council room, which is sure to irk my father, and he reappeared in our bedroom. My husband, not my father. Having my father pop into my chambers would have thoroughly unnerved me. But for Verrin Schope to do so only caused me momentary alarm.
“He—my husband, not my father—is just sitting on the trunk that has that piece of wood from my closet, with a look on his face that shouts, ‘Don’t talk to me just yet, Peg!’ ”
She paused to pull in a breath of air. “And so I sent for you. Because if my husband can’t tell me what’s going on right now, you can.” She pressed a handkerchief to her lips. “Bec, has Tipper returned?”
“No, milady, she has not.”
“I’m not used to her being gone. I should like to leave the palace now and go home.”
He put a wing around her back and gently guided her into her room.
Verrin Schope nodded in greeting, then rose to close the door. “Bec, it’s clear that we must do something about the state Chiril has fallen into.”
“Which state?” asked Lady Peg. “Was it damaged?”
Verrin Schope grinned at his wife. “No, dear. Why don’t you pack? We’re going on an expedition.”
Her face brightened, and for a moment, Beccaroon saw the astonishing likeness to her daughter, Tipper. He sometimes forgot how much the two looked alike. Lady Peg’s expression was often one of bemusement, whereas Tipper always looked alert and intelligent. The different attitudes toward life made a significant difference in their appearance.
Lady Peg came to her husband’s side, gave him a quick kiss, then scurried into the adjoining room of their suite. She closed the door behind her.
Verrin Schope sat on the trunk once more and addressed Beccaroon. “I don’t suppose the council came up with any brilliant ideas after I left.”
The grand parrot’s muscles relaxed with a sigh. He took a perch on the arm of a chair and settled his feathers. “In a few minutes? Awk. It will take a great deal longer than a few minutes.”
“Are you game, old friend, to venture forth with me and Peg to see what we can do?”
Beccaroon clicked his tongue. “Yes, in fact, that is exactly what I propose.”
A mischievous grin added a twinkle to Verrin Schope’s eyes. “Really? You were going to propose an expedition to rout the enemy? An expedition that includes Lady Peg?”
Beccaroon refused to rise to the bait. “It will certainly disguise our intent to have the lady with us. But our concern should be for her safety.”
Verrin Schope nodded. “With the two of us, she’ll be safe. I wouldn’t leave her here in the palace, nor would I send her home to Byrdschopen with only two servants there.”
“I agree. Where do you propose we start?”
“At one of those locations where an influx of foreigners has congregated.”
“Very good.” Beccaroon hopped down. “I see no reason to wait. How soon can you have Lady Peg ready to embark?”
“Left on her own, it would take a day or so, but I’ll help and have her down to the courtyard in an hour.”
Beccaroon started toward the door. “I’ll order a carriage and obtain maps.” He paused as Verrin Schope came to turn the handle for him. “I’ll ride with you some. My tail is giving me trouble, and you will want to tell me about this Wulder.”
Verrin Schope clapped him on the shoulder. “You want to hear?”
“Not necessarily, but I know you won’t be able to curb your enthusiasm. I figure our relationship will be less strained if I just give in and invite you to expound upon the deity of your choice.”
Verrin Schope tilted his head back and laughed. “You won’t regret it, my friend.”
“We shall see.” He marched through the open door. “The courtyard, in one hour.”
“Yes, indeed,