Prophet of Moonshae - Douglas Niles [34]
When one has the power, it may be a matter of fear to others, even close friends…
That was it-Keane feared her! The thought gave Deirdre a little thrill of pleasure. Her lip curled in scorn as she thought of Keane, of Alicia and all the others who dwelled smugly, secure in their stations. What did they know of courage? Of determination? Only one such as Deirdre, born to nothing by a second child's status, could truly grow up to be strong.
As always, the envy in her heart coalesced into hard anger, growing colder and more firm as she delved further into these works of power. Unaware of the omnipresent power of the storm that still lurked about the castle, Deirdre allowed her mind to wander. Her frustration, her resentment, grew to an almost palpable force, sailing forth from the library into the dark and windy wastes of the night.
And as these thoughts surged forth, they served as a summons to one who had been waiting long for just such an opportunity. A form sifted through the shutters of the window like air, swirling through the shadows of the room, gathering in a darkened corner, behind the back of the brooding princess. When finally the shape had gained substance, it moved, causing a soft scuffling of boots across the floor.
Deirdre gasped at the slight noise, standing suddenly and knocking over her stool as a figure advanced from the shadows in the corner of the library.
"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice steady despite her fear. "Where did you come from?"
"Fear not, king's daughter," said the man. His voice was rich and deep… and soothing.
"How long have you been there?"
"But a moment, no more-though, to be sure, I have heard you from afar many times these last few years. You must realize that. After all, it was you who summoned me here."
"I?" Deirdre stared, more astonished than ever. No longer, however, did she feel any fear of this strange intruder. "I summoned you?"
"In a manner of speaking." Now the visitor flung back his robe. His golden hair lay full, well combed and hanging past his ears. A smile, sincere yet somewhat pensive, curved his mouth. Deirdre thought he was the most handsome man she had ever seen.
"Please explain," she requested, gesturing him to sit as she, too, took her chair. She very much wanted to listen to him.
"Your mind was freed by your reading, by that tome before you. I sensed your need and came here quickly."
"From where?"
"Callidyrr. I have a small shop in the alchemists' lane, though I am seldom there."
"Tell me of this need of mine-this thing that you sensed." Deirdre spoke calmly, wanting very much to appear in control. Inside, however, her heart squirmed like a worm on a hook.
"You possess the potential for great power," he said. "You simply need someone to teach you the secrets of that power, the means of unlocking those doors."
He knows! Deirdre had felt a rush of relief and gratitude and joy. The way before her-the secrets of her own power-suddenly seemed to beckon, a path that was wide and sunlit and smooth.
"Who are you?" she asked suddenly. "What is your name?"
"I cannot tell you-yet," the man said, softly waving away the question. And indeed the matter no longer seemed important. She realized that he spoke to her again.
"I must take care in my comings and goings. Besides, I know that you have done well with your studies, even without me here to guide you."
"You know?" she asked wonderingly.
"Remember, my little blackbird," he replied, "you summoned me. Yes, I can feel your progress, and I know that you progress very far."
Deirdre tingled to his praise. She would have clung to him in her joy, except he broke away to step over to the table. There he looked at the volume by Dudlis she had been reading.
"See-you make excellent headway, even in the advanced works. That is a very good sign."
"But where does it lead?" she asked petulantly. She immediately regretted her tone when she saw the look of mild reproach he gave her. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
His look became a soft, sympathetic smile. "I know your impatience as well, my dear. But you will need