Prophet of Moonshae - Douglas Niles [25]
Alicia blinked. She had forgotten that her mother had been requested by the king to make that journey.
"My daughter," the queen continued, addressing Alicia, "you must make the trip in my stead. And after the news that Tavish has brought, you must reconsider your father's decision regarding the Moonwell."
Keane spoke. "Lord Blackstone should be instructed not to disturb the pool?"
Robyn smiled wanly. "I cannot make that decision from here. But neither can we dismiss the portent of Caer Allisynn."
"I don't understand," Alicia balked. "What do you want me to do?"
"You must see if there is anything-anything at all-that the miners can do to avoid the well. There must be a way to save the sacred pool!"
"I'll do my best," Alicia pledged, deeply frightened. Suddenly she wished she had paid closer attention to her lessons. She listened to her mother's next words.
"Sir Keane," the queen continued, "I must beg a favor of you. We know my daughter is wise, but she is also young."
"Indeed, Lady." Keane suppressed a smile, but the tightening of the tall man's lips annoyed Alicia.
"Will you journey to Blackstone with her? This, her first task in the name of the crown, is a matter of delicacy and importance. Your help would be very useful, I am certain."
Now it was the princess who smiled privately. Keane's aversion to travel, indeed to anything of the outdoors, was well known. To his credit, the tutor concealed his dismay. "Of course, Your Highness. It shall be my pleasure."
"Good. Now." Robyn turned to Deirdre. "The clerics have told me to stay in bed overnight, so I'll need your help with some things for the next few days. The ambassador from Calimshan is coming to dinner tomorrow."
"Of course, Mother." There was nothing private about Deirdre's pleasure. She had longed for such a chance and felt no reluctance to accept the reins of responsibility.
Robyn leaned back against the pillows. Her face was drawn, her brow once again spotted with perspiration. She sighed weakly and then spoke. "I will sleep in a moment, but please, one more thing. Will you send for Tavish? I'd like to speak with her in private."
"She's right outside," said Keane, not surprised that the bard had earlier anticipated the queen's request. They filed quietly from the room and Tavish entered.
"My Queen," the bard said, grieving, "it is to my wretched shame that the news I bring should cause such a heavy burden."
Robyn waved her hand, impatient. "It is not just the news-and by the goddess, am I an ignorant war queen who knows no better than to hold her messenger responsible for the news she bears?"
"I should hope not, Lady."
"Well, of course not! The news is grievous, of course-all the more so because it confirms that which I have feared."
Tavish waited expectantly before the queen continued.
"These curses, the misfortunes that have befallen our lands, are not simply the effects of dire weather. We are being punished! Punished for our faithlessness."
"Would that I could argue with you, for I should not hesitate to do so," replied the harpist. "But, alas, it is a feeling that I have come to share as well."
Robyn reached out and took the older woman's stronger hand in both her own. "That is why Alicia's journey is so important. I don't believe we can afford to lose a Moonwell, stagnant and lifeless though it may be!"
"There, too, I must agree."
"Then please, Tavish, go with them. Go with Keane and Alicia to Blackstone and see that their counsel is wise… and prudent."
"Of course." The bard bowed her head, humble before her queen.
"There is one thing more." Robyn gestured toward a dark hickory chest near one wall of her bedchamber. "You will find the key in my nightstand. Please open it."
Tavish did so, inserting the tiny golden tines into the keyhole, turning it to release the catch, and then lifting the heavy lid with both hands.
"The staff-take it out." Robyn's voice was a command.
Tavish saw that