The ALABASTER TEARDROP

The ALABASTER TEARDROP1

A Folk Tale2

by3

James Gagiikwe4

© 20075

There had been an argument among the team, and I needed some ‘headspace’, so I grabbed a vehicle and left. I was following the course of a great river in a rift valley, the result of some relatively recent massive tectonic activity. 6

As dusk fell, I saw a campfire about a kilometre away, set among some rocks reflecting a pale glow in the dying sunset. I headed my vehicle that way to investigate. About one hundred meters out I turned off the engine and let the vehicle coast quietly to a stop. After sending my position to base I switched on the recording devise attached to my belt. Getting out I walked as softly as I could towards the flickering light. A person sat with their back to me. As I reached the edge of illumination they spoke over their shoulder, “You have noisy feet, outlander. I have been waiting for you.”7

An oldish looking man motioned for me to sit. “It won’t be cold tonight,” he said of the fire, “but the smoke keeps away the insects. Not that they’d bite you anyway.” The fire was pungent in my nostrils. I sat on a log next to the old man. His skin was the colour of walnuts. He had a short, well-groomed white beard, and wore clothing coloured russet and green that blended with the colours of the scrub around us. “I am Cuddar, the Storyteller. My people are the Ostaiga. We live here, along the river. I will tell you a folktale while this stone cooks.” He took a forked stick and turned over a fist-sized rock in the centre of the fire, and threw a few sticks on top.8

He began his folktale: “Once in a fold of time – there were two peoples, the Phranya and the Dimewim.” 9

* * * * *10

King Vinhaldu lay dying. Havrl sat at the bedside holding his father’s hand. It was cool, without its former strength, the skin almost translucent. Wacix, the royal Chaplain, stood beside the prince. Therijs, the older sister of Havrl, sat on the other side of the bed, her husband Kord behind her. The candelabrum in the room gave soft illumination in the gathering dusk. Besides those five there were no others in the bedchamber. King Vinhaldu stirred, opened his eyes, and reached for his daughter’s hand. The four strained to hear as he turned his head to speak to her.11

“Wacix is my witness: Daughter of my youth I bless you. May all your kindnesses be multiplied. On you I bestow the Margravate of Thorne, and elevate your husband to Margrave. May your family and your lands prosper in your keeping.”12

Tears filled her eyes. Kord placed a hand gently on her shoulder.13

The king turned to Havrl, smiled and took a long breath. “Hear Wacix, I speak the ancient riddle. Discover the answer to the riddle Havrl, and you will have both blessing and peace as king.” After a grimace of pain he spoke again:14

"With what shall the rift-that-separates be bridged anew?
Seek among the Dimewim for alabaster.
Find there a breaker of alabaster vessels,
One who sheds an alabaster tear.
When you yourself a servant are,
A servant shall be your Queen."15

The king closed his eyes, and their vigil continued until just before dawn.16

* * *17

Two months after the royal funeral, an envoy arrived from the Dimewim requesting an audience with the new king.18

Entering the throne room, the ambassador was surprised to see a semi-opaque black curtain obscuring his view of the new king. He saw the silhouette of a man with a crown upon his head. The throne reserved for the queen was empty, as Havrl had yet to marry. “He mourns still,” whispered the court’s official translator. “The curtain expresses that he does not yet seek direct contact with others until his grief is assuaged.”19

“Welcome, Ambassador,” greeted the silhouette from behind the curtain.20

Bowing flamboyantly the ambassador began, with the interpreter’s assistance, by saying, “Oh king Havrl, lord of the Phranya, master of the northern marches, live forever. I bring you a message of condolence from your brother in mourning and my sovereign, Vhryhab, Emperor of the Dimewim, Chief Mariner of the Eastern Sea, and Protector of the Four Treasures. My Master shares your sorrow, and sends his blessings on your reign.”21

“Thank your master for his sentiments,” the voice answered, “I am grateful for his concern, and accept his condolences. May he be blessed in all that pleases the Creator of All.”22

“Oh King,” the ambassador continued, bringing now the real message of his mission, “my master wishes that there to be a lasting peace between your people and his empire. He desires to put an end to the enmity that existed between your father and his. May it please you oh king, that Emperor Vhryhab invites you to send a delegation to the royal City of Charnosev to discuss such a lasting covenant.”23

“My heart is yet burdened with my loss. Let me think three days on this matter, and I will give you an answer.”24

“As the king wishes,” said the ambassador as he bowed his way out of the room.25

“Conceit and deceit,” the man on the throne whispered to himself. 26

* * *27

The king, his Prime Minister Lord Perix, Margrave Kord his deputy, and Count Paz, the king’s cousin, walked an hour in the king’s private garden, discussing the Dimewim invitation. At length they sat under the shade of the pear trees beside the reflecting pool. Havrl, in the custom of his people, was equally as schooled in defence as in peace. In the defence of his people, had served as a shield bearer at 14, then as a common soldier, and finally as a leader of a company. When he turned 22 he began his training in the actual administration of the realm. Now, at 27 he found himself as king, and facing a perceived threat from the ancient enemy, the expansionist Dimewim Empire.28

“I have heard all of your thoughts. Here is my response,” the young king began. “We will send a delegation as requested, and negotiate in good faith. You, my faithful advisors, will be that delegation,” he smiled crookedly, and Kord caught a familiar mischievous gleam in the king’s eyes, “and two lowly servants will accompany you.”29

“And who might they be?” the perceptive Kord questioned.30

“Paz and myself,” the king answered evenly. Paz laughed loudly.31

“What!” exploded the elderly Lord Perix. He spluttered in consternation, and the king placed a friendly hand on his shoulder, laughing softly.32

“Do not die of apoplexy, my valued friend. I intend to go incognito, as Kord’s servant, with Paz assisting you as your servant. I think that the three of us should make an adequate retinue for such an esteemed diplomat as yourself.”33

The old advisor did not accept the flattery well. “But the danger,” he objected. “What if they plan to assassinate us, or worse, discover who you are and hold us hostage?” “And,” he objected, “who will govern in your stead?”34

“I am willing to risk all of those eventualities, in search of a stable peace. Despite generations of conflict, no Dimewim king has ever violated a diplomat’s safety. I do not trust the Dimewim’s plans, but I do not fear that kind of betrayal. I suspect that this self-styled emperor simply wants to accomplish by negotiation what his grandfather’s and father’s armies could not accomplish by force.”35

“Agreed,” said the Margrave.36

“As for governance, Therijs already governs the North Margravate. And, at any rate she is next in line if I die on this incognito journey.”37

“How do you plan to accomplish this feat of impersonation?” asked the naturally cautious prime minister.38

“That will depend very much on the two of you. Kord should have no trouble bossing me around as his servant.” Kord grimaced as the king dug an elbow into his brother-in-law’s ribs.39

“My heart’s desire, sire,” he mocked his slightly younger relative.40

“And Paz has a strong character. He will not be demeaned by this charade, not in defence of his homeland. Paz and I will not simply act as servants, we shall be your servants. And do not forget, neither the Dimewim envoy nor any other living Dimewat has seen me since I entered the army.”41

“Agreed,” was the minister’s reluctant answer. 42

* * *43

The envoy was conducted into the throne room on the third day. Again he addressed the silhouette when spoken to. Prime Minister Perix and Kord the Margrave stood at the bottom of the throne’s steps, in front of the curtain. In his hands Perix held a plain, brass drinking cup.44

“Oh king, live forever. What is your pleasure?”45

“Return to your master, and tell him that my Prime Minister and the Margrave of Thorne shall be at the Narrows in twenty-four days, and will await an escort there for the royal City of Charnosev. There they are to undertake negotiations and return to me with the treaty for my approval.”46

At this Perix advanced. “Take this cup to your sovereign,” said the king from behind the curtain, “as a token of peace. My father cast it himself. May King Vhryhab drink from it always in good health.”47

“By your command, oh king, I shall bear this good news, and this token, to my master, Vhryhab, Emperor of the Dimewim, Chief Mariner of the Eastern Sea, and Protector of the Four Treasures. May a thousand blessings attend this peace.”48

Bowing, he exited the room with seemly decorum.49

* * *50

Accompanied by a troop of horsemen, the small delegation travelled the ten days to the Gorge of the River Merve. Forming, along with the north-running Tanlak Mountains, the eastern boundary of the Phranya, the lengthy and dangerous Merve Gorge is bridged in only one place, the Narrows.51

Their horses resting on the Heights of Zizina, the king and his entourage enjoyed the panoramic view. Pierced only here at the Pass of Zizina, running east and west, the Tanlak Mountains stood as a permanent barrier to Dimewim aggression. The gorge itself, a great rift, split the earth from its source high in the mountains until it exited at the Rapids of Pell, devolved into the broad swampy Delta of the Merve, flowing at last into the Eastern Sea. There was no ingress into Phranya here; for no Dimewim army had ever successfully negotiated the swamps in the delta; and the minor annual raids by swamp-dwelling bandits were quickly turned back. Below them, on the fertile Plain of the Merve, countless skirmishes had been fought between the Dimewim and the Phranyatii.52

The highly arched stone bridge itself, constructed when trade flourished in the time of Havrl’s grandfather’s grandfather, was narrow, and allowed only for the single-file passage of led horses or foot soldiers. Stone towers and a portcullis at the Phranyatii end of the bridge were sufficient to withstand a brief siege. Thus every Dimewim invasion on such a narrow front was limited and ultimately failed. Yet these defeats seemed to embolden the Dimewin. King Havrl, now called ‘Pohl’, the servant of Margrave Kord, expected that this treaty invitation was only another ploy in this long hostility.53

By the hand of geography, and the design of the bridge, there was no recent commerce, and little diplomacy, encouraged between the two kingdoms, and thus little opportunity for intelligence gathering. The occasional prisoner taken during a war, or in a raid along the delta, was the only source of Dimewim intelligence. The Phranyatii, having no imperial designs on their neighbours, merely kept watch from garrisons in the mountains or along the riverbanks in the delta. The information offered, at a price, by the occasional traders who braved the river just above the delta, was usually considered to be deliberate Dimewim disinformation.54

As the retinue watched from their height, a collumn of riders approached the Dimewim side of the bridge, and made camp. Perix instructed the captain of his guard to descend to the plain and alert the garrison of their coming. The diplomatic retinue would follow shortly. On the morrow the diplomats and their ‘servants’ would pass over the bridge into the land of the Dimewim. The small party fed their mounts and pack animals before descending to the plain themselves. As befitted their lesser status, Paz and Pohl brought up the rear, leading the pack animals down the pass. 55

* * *56

At dawn the next day the two diplomats; with their servants, led the animals across the bridge, meeting their Dimewim escort at the other end. An immaculately dressed Dimewim officer stepped forward and bowed graciously to Perix and Kord. An official stood at his side. “I am Duhrsan son of Dravan, Captain of the Emperor’s guard. I have the honour of escorting you to the royal city,” he announced in Dimewat. The official translated into Phranyatii.57

To the disappointment of the official, Perix answered in passable Dimewat, “I am Lord Perix, Prime Minister to King Havrl. My assistant is the Margrave Kord, brother-in-law of the king. We will be honoured to accept your escort.” 58

A troop of lancers took up positions before and behind the four Phranyatii. Led by the captain and the interpreter, they set off towards the royal City of Charnosev. Perix and his party found it strange that they were being led through the Garstan Hills and on to the River Newe. The direct road from the bridge across the Dimewim heartlands was so much shorter. They spent a comfortable night at the ancient Fortress of Wahlt at the pass through the Garstan. At the river the next afternoon they all boarded the Emperor’s personal craft for the two-day journey to the city. The fields along the river were lush from irrigation. The sail was leisurely. Crowds lined the shore, waiving and singing. Several newly constructed large shrines and temples lined the shore. The Phranyatii delegation held their growing list of questions for a more private environment.59

Though the river actually passed the city, the chosen landing stage was a half hour’s ride from the city gates. The route was an avenue of trees irrigated from the river, and the ride was refreshingly cool in the shade. A small guard of lancers stood at each intersecting road coming in from the countryside, dressed ceremonialy, and saluting as the Phranyatii delegation came past. At last the avenue of trees gave way to a broad panorama of the city. 60

Walled and sitting on a plateau, the royal city was resplendent in the midday sun. A phalanx of foot soldiers stood at a distance, their shields flashing gold in the noon sun. On the walls facing the avenue flags and streamers fluttered, and regiment after regiment of soldiers marched in a continuous stream atop the walls; each regiment marked by a different banner. At the entrance gate a squadron of lancers formed a guard of honour for the diplomats.61

At the gate itself waited a formidable older warrior. He stood tall in his stirrups as the delegation approached and announced in Dimewat, “I am Klohlandu, Chief Advisor to Emperor Vhryhab. In his name I welcome you to the royal City of Charnosev. May you find what you seek at the hands of the Emperor.”62

With that he led the entourage through the city. Every street had been swept clean. All the windows sported flags and streamers. But no citizens were visible. At the central plaza, facing the royal palace stood a newly constructed temple of ostentatious proportions. Hundreds of priests stood on its steps waving branches of oak leaves and burning incense as the delegation passed by. Klohlandu brought them to a small but ornate secondary palace a few streets away from the royal residence and escorted Lord Perix and Margrave Kord inside. The two servants saw to the animals, and then carried in the delegates’ baggage.63

“Rest and refresh yourselves today. Tomorrow morning you will be introduced to the Emperor. In the evening our delegation, of which I am the chief, will host you at a banquette. The following day we will begin negotiations.”64

“That will be most suitable,” said Perix.65

“I have provided two household servants to care for your needs. Their steward is called Penn. Whatever you wish you have but to ask her.” With that he took his leave. As the two nobles looked around their suite, and Paz and Pohl unpacked, a knock came on the door. 66

“Enter,” said Perix.67

A tallish young woman entered. Clothed in the dark grey robe of a senior steward, the cowl of which hid most of her face, she bowed formally to the delegates. “I am Penn,” she began in impeccable Phranyatii, “steward of this residence. I welcome you. I have been commanded to provide for your every need. If your servants will accompany me I will show them the kitchen, and where they are to sleep.”68

“Thank you Steward Penn,” Kord answered graciously on their behalf. “All Lord Perix and I wish at the moment is water with which to bathe, and some fruit with which to nourish ourselves. Indeed, show our servants where to reside, and they will serve what you provide.” 69

“My lords,” she said as she bowed her way out of the room. Silently Paz and Pohl followed her out. Kord smiled briefly at Lord Perix, and then went out into the garden. ‘Was it deliberate’, he asked himself, ‘that water and fruit were not already hospitably set out for us?’70

Some time later Pohl came in carrying two buckets of hot water for the laver. Paz followed with a bowl of fruit and a carafe of spiced wine. Pohl filled the laver, and the two stewards washed the feet of the delegates, much to everyone’s silent amusement. They had not checked the rooms, and did not yet know if they were being spied upon. 71

After washing and changing, Perix said loudly enough for any listener, “We wish to relax in the garden. Bring the fruit and wine there.” Pohl and Paz bowed in acknowledgement and did as they were bid. Kord had already reconnoitred the garden and chosen an area he felt was most private. He and Perix strolled aimlessly, until they reached that area. The four sat closely and held their first free discussion.72

“As we would expect,” began the senior diplomat, “everything we have seen has been carefully staged for our benefit. Why we were taken through the mountains, and not across the centre of the land I do not fathom.”73

“To hide something,” surmised Kord. “An assembling army perhaps?”74

“The carefully organized troops and singing citizens were meant to impress us, not welcome us,” commented Paz. “The more they show us the more they hide.” 75

“Have you heard any street noises since we entered this house?” queried Pohl. They shook their heads. “No wagons rumbling, no carts clattering, no conversations murmuring above the walls. Only silence,” he observed.76

“Not even birds in the garden,” observed Kord. “Something is indeed amiss.”77

“As servants, Paz and I may have more opportunities to observe than the two dignitaries.”78

“You will certainly eat and sleep better than we,” Paz griped good-humouredly.79

“Meaning?” questioned Kord.80

“Meaning - this is a poor house, for all its obvious affluence. The water and wine are kept under lock and key. Your food was taken from one pantry. I glanced quickly into another, and found it almost bare. The two household servants are both withdrawn and anxious. Many rooms we passed were closed and locked. And the garden has only recently been tended. Some of these bushes are too woody by half to have been under the continuing care of a gardener. And our quarters are in the stable, not with the household servants. Presumably, so that we can’t have easy contact with them.”81

“We had best return to the suite,” suggested Pohl. Perix and Kord resumed their stroll through the extensive garden, as the servants took the wine and fruit back into the suite. Then, slowly, carefully, they searched all the walls, alcoves and curtains for peepholes or listening posts. They both concluded that if there were any, they were too well concealed. The hedge in the garden was perhaps the best location for conversations.82

* * *83

The next morning, while Lord Perix and Margrave Kord were conducted to the royal palace for an audience with the Emperor, Paz and Pohl stayed behind, to clean the suite, attend to the animals, and gather more information. Pohl went in search of the steward Penn, while Paz, who spoke some Dimewat, went looking for the two household servants. Pohl found her at the steward’s desk in the alcove off the entrance hall. He observed that she remained hooded at all times, whereas the other household servants only wore their cowls up when performing formal duties. It reminded him that as free persons, Phranyatii servants wore no cowls.84

“Greetings, Honoured Steward,” he began genuinely as he walked up to the entry of the alcove. 85

She raised her head only slightly from her work. “How may I assist the servant of the Margrave?” she enquired dryly.86

Pohl fabricated a reason for his presence. “My master requested that I extend his thanks for the meals you have provided.”87

“I will tell Tuhrbal and Mivwe that their cooking is appreciated,” she answered noncommittally. “It is my duty to see to the welfare of the delegates. They are the Emperor’s personal guests.” 88

“Whose house is this?” Pohl asked.89

“It is one of the Emperor’s houses. If you do not mind, I have duties to perform," she concluded dismissively.90

Pohl ignored her dismissal. “How is it that you speak Phranyatii?”91

“And how do you know Dimewat?” She countered coldly.92

In politeness, he ignored her tone and answered, “A Dimewin prisoner served in the household in which I was a child. He taught me. He was a brave and honest man.”93

She thawed, ever so slightly. “I was taught by a Phranyatii woman captured in a raid by delta bandits. She was very old when I knew her. She was very kind, and I learned much from her.” Her voice drained away.94

“Another question if I may?”95

“What?” The hardness returned.96

“My name is Pohl, the servant of Margrave Kord, and Lord Perix’ servant is named Paz. Are we allowed out of the house while we are here? May we go to the marketplace to shop for our masters?”97

“There is no need for you to go to the market place, all is provided for you here. You may attend your masters wherever they go. That is all.” She sat back in her ornate chair, and appraised him. “Tell, me,” she enquired, “how long have you been in Margrave Kord’s service? He is older than you, is he not?”98

“I served as his shield bearer when I was 14, and I have been bound closely to his family ever since” was his deft answer. “I am grateful that he choose me to attend him on this journey.” 99

“You have fought against the Dimewim?”100

“I defended my homeland, yes.”101

“Why are your people so stubborn?” she asked with some pain in her voice. 102

“Stubborn?” He guessed her meaning. “To resist aggression is a virtue. Stubbornness is a weakness. We prize our independence. We have no hate for the Dimewim. Our legends say that many generations ago we were close friends. Indeed, ancient Dimewim poetry and music are still greatly prized among our people; and I see that your architecture carries many styles in common with ours'.”103

She changed the subject. “Will your delegates accept a peace treaty?”104

“Yes, I believe so, if it is an honest one that advantages both sides. At any rate, the final decision belongs to King Havrl.”105

“What manner of man is he?” Penn asked.106

“I am Margrave Kord’s servant, honoured steward,” he stalled.107

“The servant of the King’s brother-in-law must have an opinion…..or you are a dolt,” she mocked him.108

“Then a dolt I must be,” he rejoined firmly, “because I will not pass judgement on the King.”109

“Perhaps you are wise,” she observed. Changing the subject again she asked, “How are your mounts faring in our modest stables?”110

“I haven’t asked them personally, Steward Penn,” he replied mischievously, “but I suspect they would rather be running free on the well watered plains of Dimewim than couped up here in their stalls.”111

“They are better off where they are,” she answered cryptically. “I suggest that you prepare your master’s clothing for tonight’s banquette. And attend to your own attire; for you must wait upon your own master tonight in the presence of the Emperor.”112

“As you advise,” he responded with a meagre departing bow. He then went in search of Paz.113

* * *114

Penn sat brooding the rest of the morning. There was nothing in the Emperor’s plan of which she approved. Yet she was attempting to be loyal. Still, she was much less than half convinced that his plans could succeed. If indeed he had revealed his true plans to her. She brooded over the condition of her people, and brooded too over the man, Pohl. She could identify nothing in particular about him that attracted her. He was, after all, a Phranyatii and a servant. But of course not a servant as in Dimewat society. She knew that in the Phranyatii culture the personal servants of nobles were minor nobility themselves. He intrigued her. And that bothered her. Bothered her more that it was in this particular context, the context of artificial peace negotiations.115

She brooded also on the state of the people. In the five years of his reign the Emperor had managed to impoverish the people with high taxes, empty the exchequer, and waste valuable resources on his newly adopted, and totally unwholesome god, Karpinque. Over the years Dimewim had lost every incursion it had staged into Phranya. Realistically, there was no way of extending the empire; such as it was, to the west by military means. That left the Eastern Sea Peoples. Vhryhab had embraced their cruel and savage god of war, Karpinque, as a prelude to political and commercial dominance over the archipelagoes of the powerful Sea Peoples.116

He had gone on a building spree, erecting temples to Karpinque all over the empire. Engineers and craftsmen of the Sea People were imported to design the temples, but it was the Dimewat people who supplied the labour. Fields and flocks were neglected in Vhryhab’s mad pursuit of his plans. Agricultural production dropped, and hunger stalked some villages. Then, last year, a drought had devastated Dimewim’s main farming regions. Want turned to famine. Still the temple building continued. 117

Surely, Penn thought, the Sea People had seen through Vhryhab’s religious ploy? They were raking in the wealth, and he was not increasing his hold over them. His suzerainty was a sham, and his empire hollow. The land became a nett importer of food. And so, back swung his policies towards the enemy of his father’s fathers, the Phranyatii. What he could not steal by war, he would try to take by trickery.118

She was in a quandry. Surely, Penn thought, he will fail, and the failure will destroy our people. ‘Our people.’ They were her people. She had worked to succour them, but it was never enough. Her elder brother, Vhryhab, and his closest allies, Lord Klohlandu and Count Durbo, were too powerful for her to effectively interfere. She was too young, just into her twenties, and had no political skills. She was genuinely and deeply frustrated. Yet, as had been drummed into her by her father King Skohab, she had a royal duty to perform, unquestioningly. This caused great conflict in her heart.119

The questions persisted. Her frustration grew. The brooding continued. For she was not Penn, the stewardess of a guest-house, but Princess Virette, Mistress of the Alabaster, acting as spy in her own home. 120

* * *121

A second person brooded that morning.122

As Pohl went looking for Paz he pondered the recent conversation. Being in a foreign city in an enemy country bothered him far less than the presence of Penn. And it was ‘presence’ that he meant. Her traditional steward’s uniform was unbecoming, and the cowl hid most of her features, but she had a ‘presence’. That was the only way he could describe it.123

But beyond the vague disturbance that her personality stirred, what intelligence had he gathered? He found Paz back in their stall in the stables. With only their own horses and donkeys for listeners, they discussed their joint information.124

“Tuhrbal and Mivwe were still reluctant to talk to me. Their evasiveness was instructive. They do not seem to be other than what they appear to be, household servants. And, their rooms have a very lived-in look to them. That suggests to me that they actually belong to this household.”125

“And Penn?”126

“On that topic they would not be drawn, but they did appear nervous when I asked.”127

“What else did you learn?”128

“Ostensibly, the silence in the neighbourhood is in respect of the delegation. Supposedly, according to their story, the Emperor has instructed all the people in the vicinity to cease their normal activities during our stay.”129

“But…”130

“But it sounded too rehearsed an answer. Something else is afoot, though I do not know what. Beyond that, I confirmed that the household larder is very low. I also managed to briefly gain access to two rooms. They were furnished for a woman of very high status, and still in daily use. I suspect that someone else dwells here even now.” 131

“Not Penn?”132

“I have twice seen Penn enter the chief steward’s quarters. Beyond that I cannot guess.”133

“You have done well, Paz. On a pretext I talked directly with Penn. She is somewhat of an enigma to me.”134

“All women are an enigma to you, as I recall.”135

Pohl cuffed his cousin on the arm. “I will ignore that…..I learned…what?.. Well, I suspect that there is great trouble in the kingdom. Just what I do not yet know, but food shortages would be my first guess. As for Penn, I would suspect that she is here to spy on Lord Perix and Margrave Kord. We are under house arrest, very politely. As for the silent neighbourhood, I have never heard children be that quiet!”136

“True. And don’t forget the lack of bird song and street noises.”137

“Abandoned? Emptied? Removed for the duration of the treaty negotiations? But why?”138

“And what about the parading show of force as we approached the city?” 139

“I too wondered about that. Unless they have conscripted every male in the land, it was too large a force. They have never fielded that large an army against us. Could it have been a charade? Only the banner changed with the regiments, not the uniforms. I wonder? Perhaps their lordships will enlighten us.” 140

* * *141

Lord Perix and the Margrave arrived late in the afternoon, very tired and subdued. As good servants, Paz and Pohl had filled the laver and set out fresh clothing. Ablutions done and garments changed, the four went out to the garden to talk in their secluded spot.142

“All protocols, pageantry and posturing of the morning aside,” Perix began, “Vhryhab merely mixed veiled threats and cajolery amongst protestations of his undying desires for peace. Your stable smells sweeter than his words.”143

“In a nutshell,” added Kord, “in exchange for peace we are to acknowledge his suzerainty over Phranya, and we are to pay him a yearly levy of food, timber and gold for the privilege. Lastly, we are to reduce our defences to mere customs posts; and that only facing east towards the lands of the Lath and Bardy.”144

“Food, resources, security, sovereignty. A short list,” mused Pohl, “and telling. I suspect that what they desire of us is what they lack themselves.” 145

“I fear it is so,” observed Lord Perix. “Now we must await the negotiations to see how they will play out their schemes.”146

* * *147

The banquette was a pageant of conspicuous consumption. Klohlandu, Duke of Frekku, and Count Durbo, played hosts at this lavish pre-negotiation outpouring of food, wine and entertainment. Between serving duties Pohl and Paz spent their time observing from the shadows. In Pohl’s mind, to hold such a lavish banquette at any time was a waste. To do so now; as they had surmised; when the population starved, was unforgivable. All of this, he was certain, was being staged to convince them of the power, richness and might of the Dimewat Empire. 148

Old fox that he was, Perix was pretending to be taken in. And Kord - he would enjoy himself naturally, no matter what the hidden agenda of his hosts. ‘But', Pohl mused, 'beware those hosts should that agenda be exposed'. It was a very good thing that the delegates had come unarmed into the land of the Dimewim. So, the four played their parts, and held their tempers until the night’s feasting and boasting were done. Then they retired to their splendid guesthouse, where Pohl and Paz continued their roles as good servants.149

“What have we learned?” Pohl asked in a hushed voice during evening ablutions.150

“That they are desperate,” observed Perix.151

“And destitute,” added Kord.152

“And that makes them very, very dangerous,” added Paz.153

“What do you intend to do, Lord Perix?” asked Pohl.154

“I intend to let them have all the rope they need. My fallback position is that while we can negotiate, only the king can approve the treaty. As we encourage their designs they should become either more open, or more dangerous. Either way we will learn things to our advantage. You Pohl, Paz and Kord, can expect to be approached by members of the Dimewat delegation. In every case we must give them the impression that we have swallowed their charade about the strength of their country. Now, we must rest, for the real work begins tomorrow.”155

* * *156

The first day’s negotiation centred on the Dimewat request for suzerainty over the Phranyatii. “Think of the benefits to be gained by joining our Empire” was the endless refrain packaged in a multitude of glitter and tinsel. ‘Security for your borders - new markets for you commodities - access to resources - extension of your own borders at the expense of the Lath and Bard lands, etc, etc.’ Glitter and tinsel.157

“We will think on these things,” was Perix’ reply.158

They had scarcely regained their apartments when a light knocking came on the door.159

“Enter,” commanded Perix, and Penn stepped into the room.160

Addressing Perix she said stiffly, “My Lord, Duke Klohlandu wishes an audience.”161

“Show him in, please, Penn.”162

The old warrior’s height and girth filled the doorway as he pushed abruptly past Penn. Forced aside she stood with cowled head bowed. Klohlandu seemed pleased with himself about the unspoken insult to Penn’s dignity. Pohl bristled but managed to say nothing. 163

“I come at the Emperor’s request,” the Duke began. “He is so pleased with the negotiations that he wishes to bestow on the Phranyatii a priceless gift, a gift in anticipation of our impending treaty.”164

Pohl thought Penn gave a shiver as Klohlandu continued, “On behalf of the Dimewim people, please accept one of the Four Treasures.” At that two imperial guards entered, carrying something under a silken cloth and placed it on the nearest table.165

Klohlandu removed the cloth, and all four of the delegation caught their breath as a magnificent lamp stand was revealed. Carved from a single block of Alabaster, furnished with gold fittings, and standing a meter tall, the six figured lamp stand was a thing of priceless beauty. The delegates stood in genuine awe. It took some time for Perix to reply. Penn caught him glancing at Pohl before he spoke, and the small negative movement of Pohl’s lips. 166

“I…we…are moved beyond words by the offer of this gift to the people of Phranya,” began Perix in genuine awkwardness. “It is too great a gift for our people, and with great humility I must decline on behalf of our King.”167

Penn lifted her head with a jerk, and Pohl caught a quick glimpse of her burning eyes, flushed cheeks and slight smile. Then she became impassive again. The Duke, however, looked like he’d been slapped. “You would reject this great gift?”168

“Your Emperor,” Perix continued, “has done us a great honour, Duke Klohlandu. But I know that our king would not allow me to accept this wondrous thing simply in anticipation of an as yet unsigned treaty. In addition, we are not authorised to accept gifts during negotiations,” he emphasised, “even on his behalf. Please extend my gratitude to the Emperor for his generosity, and express to him our earnest desire to see this treaty concluded in the most suitable way. Only then might we discuss the acceptance of gifts.”169

Stiffly, barely controlling his anger, Duke Klohlandu bowed his exit. It was left the Penn to replace the silk cloth, which she did with great reverence. The guards bore it safely from the room, and Penn followed.170

After the door closed the four men let out a collective sigh of relief.171

“Praise the Creator of All,” exclaimed Pohl. 172

“They must be truly desperate,” observed Perix, “to offer us one of the Four Treasures as a bribe.”173

“They certainly are anxious to conclude this treaty, and get control over us,” reflected Paz. 174

“I think that we must be very careful tomorrow to make it look like we were impressed by their offer, and are working towards their agenda,” instructed Perix.175

“That won’t be hard,” admitted Paz, “I was impressed… Impressed by the beauty, I mean. Their agenda is clear enough. If we accept, we are politically compromised. If we reject, it is a cause for war.”176

“You made a hard choice, Pohl,” Perix acknowledged.177

“No, Lord Perix, an easy choice. The consequences may be hard.”178

* * *179

The second day’s negotiations followed the scenario of the first. It was becoming clearer that Pohl’s earlier assessment was the correct one; that food, resources, security, and sovereignty were the primary issues. Perix was a master of drawing others out, while conceding nothing of substance. Today’s primary condition was the delivery of food each year. The amounts required gave the delegation an estimate of the shortfall facing the Dimewim. If their rule of thumb was correct, then Pohl was staggered at the dimensions of the need.180

Perix ended the delegation’s response with his usual, “we will take it under advisement, and prepare a proposal for your consideration prior to taking the agenda back to our king.”181

The two eminent men had just washed and changed, and the ‘servants’ were cleaning up, when the now familiar light knocking came at the door.182

“Enter,” Perix said with some weariness. Penn entered, bowed and said “Duke Klohlandu requests an audience, my lords.”183

“Please escort him in,” responded Kord. Pohl, who happened to be close to the door at that time, kept his position in order to better observe Penn’s reactions.184

Imperious again, Klohlandu tried to push past Penn, but she was quicker this time to move aside. Pohl caught the irritation in her eyes.185

“My master, Emperor Vhryhab, sends his congratulations on the progress made today. In celebration of that progress he begs you to accept a gift from the people of the Dimewat for the people of Phranya. Please, I beg you, do not disappoint him on this occasion.”186

A royal guard entered carrying a silk-covered cushion. Klohlandu removed the silken cloth with a flourish to reveal an exquisite half-sized cutlass. The golden handle was lavishly inlaid with Alabaster, while the scabbard that lay next to the shinning blade was itself made of Alabaster framed in gold. The scabbard was attached to a belt of golden chain that carried a miniature Alabaster shield as a buckle. 187

Perix shed a genuine tear at the sight of this magnificent work of craftsmanship. When Perix looked to him for a decision, Pohl caught Penn assessing him from under her cowl. He held her gaze, but made a negative gesture with his right hand, hopefully below her line of sight. Following Pohl’s instruction Perix said, “I am overwhelmed by the Emperor’s generosity. Indeed, the Treasures of the Dimewim are treasures incomparable to anything the Phranyatii have ever crafted. It saddens me to have to turn down this gift, for the same reasons as last night; we are not authorised to accept gifts before negotiations are concluded.”188

Formally, Duke Klohlandu replied, “if you cannot accept this gift, my master offers to lend it to you for a time, while we negotiate. This is a token of his trust and earnest in the negotiations.”189

“This too I regret that I cannot do, though I accept the desire of the Emperor in this. On behalf of my king, please extend to your master our grateful thanks for his unmatched generosity.”190

“This I will do,” replied the Duke. This time he did not bother to bow. Again, it was left to Penn to respectfully cover the Treasure and depart.191

Less shocked but more troubled this time, by unspoken common agreement the foursome waited several minutes before talking; in case Penn or the Duke listened outside the door. 192

“How terribly sad, that any monarch would use the most precious tokens of his people to feed his ambition,” reflected Pohl. “Still, it makes clear that Vhryhab seeks either to subvert us or prepare a pretext for war.”193

* * *194

After a quiet and reflective meal Perix and Kord sat in their garden nook to discuss the next day’s tactics. Paz and Pohl completed their tasks, and then Pohl went looking for Penn. Seeing her about to enter a room off the main corridor, he made his presence known, “Good steward Penn, may I speak with you?”195

She was visibly startled, and backed away from the door. “Yes,” she said, but ‘no’ she implied with her tone. Not to be turned aside, Pohl courteously suggested, “Perhaps we should speak in your steward’s alcove.”196

“If we must,” she relented. “What is it you wish?”197

“I regret that we are so ignorant of your culture and history. You must also be aware that we were greatly overwhelmed by the beauty of the two treasures we were offered.”198

“And?”199

“And I would like to ask, on behalf of my master, what are the meanings of the Four Treasures?”200

She stared at him thoughtfully, and then took a key out of her cloak pocket. “Follow me,” was all she said. Walking back down the corridor she stopped at a far door, and unlocked it. “Come.”201

Pohl followed her into a room lit by a single candle. Unlit candles sat in candelabras around the room. “Light them,” she instructed Pohl, as steward to a servant. Pohl dutifully took the lit candle and proceeded to light the others from it. That task finished he looked around thoroughly.202

There were no windows in the room. On each of the four walls hung magnificent tapestries. Each tapestry depicted what could only be one of the Four Treasures of the Dimewim. He recognised the two he had already seen, the lamp stand and the cutlass. The remaining two tapestries depicted a gold encrusted Alabaster urn of large size, and a sheath of gold-headed grain carved from Alabaster. On the floor lay a mosaic of the Endless Star, the symbol of faith in the Creator of All.203

“Besides our faith in the Creator of All, there is nothing more precious to a true Dimewat than our Four Treasures. Legend says they were carved after our people first moved to the Valley of the Newe. Of six alabaster outcroppings, these four were carved. A fifth, uncarved stone, each succeeding monarch keeps. But the sixth was small, and was already perfectly shaped. The Princess has that in her keeping now.”204

Penn stood in silence for some time, but Pohl let her continue at her own pace. Eventually, she gathered herself up and began again. “The Alabaster lamp stand represents the light of wisdom and truth that we should seek in the Creator of All. The Cutlass represents the strength of the people as we depend on the Creator of All. The Alabaster sheath of grain represents the fruitfulness of the land the Creator of All gave us. The Alabaster urn holds the ashes of our first king and queen, and is our connection to the heritage of our past.” She paused again, and then said firmly, “Your Lord Perix was right to reject the Emperor’s gifts. The Treasures belong to the people.”205

“I fear that you risk much by saying this, good steward Penn” Pohl said with respect. 206

She appraised Pohl. “Somehow I doubt that Lord Perix will carry this confession to the ears of the Emperor. Blow out the candles.” She turned to the door, waiting for Pohl to finish this small task. They left the room, and she locked the door again.207

“Do you have other questions?” Penn enquired, her officiousness returning.208

Pohl smiled, and said, “Yes, always.”209

“Well?”210

“What is the meaning of the name ‘Penn’?”211

Taken aback, she answered without thinking. “The Teardrop,” she explained in Phranyatii. Then, to hide her embarrassment, she wheeled and walked away, leaving a meditative Pohl to stand alone in the hallway. The refrain from the riddle whispered every so softly in his subconscious mind: ‘One who sheds an alabaster tear’. Pohl walked slowly back to the suite to report to Perix and Kord, and then headed to the stables for some rest.212

* * *213

The third day’s negotiating focused on the resources required of the Phranyatii. Lumber, gold, granite, donkeys, horses, tin, etc – the list seemed endless.214

“Don’t they understand,” mused Perix in the safety of their suite that evening, “that every demand exposes their weaknesses.” Turning to Pohl he lectured, “A king must never negotiate from a position of weakness. Real strength does not need bombast and bribes.” 215

“Yes, Prime Minister,” Pohl responded gently, but he took the instruction to heart.216

This night, Penn waited until they had eaten before knocking. The Duke enacted the same charade. Only the prop was different. This night he brought the Urn.217

Pohl though that it was more beautifully carved than as depicted in the tapestry. Yet its beauty held no attraction for the incognito King, or any of the delegation. Perix, for his part, had to bite his tongue not to say something disastrous in response to Klohlandu’s florid plea for acceptance of the Emperor’s ‘gift’. Eventually, Perix fell back on the same arguments as on the preceding nights. Pohl received a clandestine smile from Penn as she followed a play-acting Duke out of the suite.218

“Why this charade?” Pohl wondered aloud.219

“I think…” began Perix tentatively, “…Pohl, I think that a real possibility exists that Vhryhab is insane, and his chief ministers totally deluded. Look at the facts. He has left the faith in the Creator of All, and zealously adopted the false god of the Sea Peoples…..A profound lack of wisdom at the very least…. We certainly see his delegates pushing for resources, food and security under the guise of suzerainty... a sign of need... He hasn’t made any incursions into Phranya since his coronation... a sign of weakness... We were denied a look at the breadbasket of Dimewat... a sign of insecurity... We haven’t seen any citizens close up, except overindulgent nobles and pampered royal guards… a sign of fear. His bribes are a sham and a pretext… Who in their right mind would pursue such a mad stratagem?” he ended rhetorically.220

“Mad or sane,” answered Pohl, “we have to see this scheme to its conclusion if we are to return to Phranya and defend our people. I say we call their bluff tomorrow.”221

They discussed how to do that, and all agreed on the plan.222

*223

Penn watched from a darkened window as Paz and Pohl walked back to the stables for the night, her frustration at her brother growing deeper.224

* * *225

When the Phranyatii delegation arrived at the palace for the fourth morning of talks, the Emperor himself met them. Exuding a false bonhomie, he took the delegates by the arm and led them to his private gardens. The two servants were stopped by the palace guards, and directed to the room next to that used for the treaty negotiations, where they were told to wait.226

As he forced the diplomats to sit with him on a long marble bench the Emperor asked deceitfully, “What is your assessment of the talks to date, Prime Minister?” 227

Perix dug deep into his mind to come up with a reasoned response. “Your delegates have expressed your wishes clearly, Emperor Vhryhab. We are left in no doubt of your desires for this treaty. I am confident that at the end of the process we will be able to just as clearly express your desires to our king.”228

“Then why,” wheedled the self-styled Emperor, “have you caused me so much anxiety by rejecting the magnificent gifts I wished to entrust to your keeping for the people of Phranya? Surely you must see that it gives me pause regarding your good faith.”229

“That was never our intention. We sincerely meant no offence, Emperor. We have our instructions from King Havrl, and dare not violate them.”230

“I hope that you will reconsider this,” Vhryhab said flatly. “But let us talk no more about these things. My representatives await your presence,” he ended in a not so subtle dismissal.231

*232

During this deviation into the Emperor’s garden, Count Durbo had subjected the ‘servants’ to pressure of his own.233

“Well, my errand boys, have you enjoyed your quarters?”234

“We have, Count Durbo,” Pohl answered quickly. 235

“Don’t you speak back to me, servant!” the count menaced. “We have other quarters available for the likes of you. Special, permanent quarters…” He left the threat hanging. “Perhaps we should arrange for you to remain with us when your two delegates return to Phranya.” 236

He paused as he strode back and forth in front of the seemingly intimidated servants. He was seeing what he expected to see from common Dimewat servants. “I know that you offer advice to your betters. Perhaps now is the time to advise them more persuasively of the justice of the Emperor’s conditions. Think on what I have said.” With that he brusquely exited the room. Knowing that they must be under observation, Paz and Pohl simply stood mute and still, waiting for Perix and Kord to arrive.237

When they entered the room, the two men were quick to see the subservient demeanour that the ‘servants’ were exhibiting. Silently, like whipped puppies, Paz and Pohl took their appropriate places behind the two delegates and entered the negotiating room. After a long interval Duke Klohlandu and Count Durbo arrived, flanked by their personal assistants, and a small body of palace guards. The guards were a deliberately intimidatory addition to the proceedings.238

“Be seated,” commanded the Duke. Reciting as if by rote, Klohlandu announced, “The emperor has declared his satisfaction with the talks to this stage. He requires that the final details be worked out today, and that after a final banquette in their honour, the Phranyatii delegates will return to their king immediately for ratification.”239

“This is a most unusual deadline,” stated Perix, “but,” he continued in a conciliatory tone, “we will do our utmost to meet the emperor’s schedule. Shall we begin? I have the following recommendations to make with regard to the proposals put forward over the last few days by the Dimewat negotiators.” As he began listing the recommendations, the consternation on the faces of the Duke and Count grew. Everything they had demanded had been conceded, and more! Perix had upped the ante and called their bluff by appearing to cave in to all demands. 240

In frustration the Duke closed the morning session early, and taking the Count in tow went to seek instructions from the Emperor. The Phranyatii retired to their lodgings; ‘to refresh themselves’ they told their escorting guards. Penn was distressed that they had returned so early, but went dutifully to draw water. Indeed, they did have the ‘servants’ wash their feet and lay out new clothes, but only as a pretext to some very quiet discussion.241

“That has surely put the hawk among the chickens,” Paz ventured with a large grin.242

“Indeed, Paz. But who is the hawk, and who are the chickens remains yet to be resolved,” cautioned Pohl.243

*244

While the Dimewat assistants drew up the documents to be carried back to the King of Phranya, the participants spent the afternoon session in a seemingly endless round of self-congratulatory speeches. No sooner had they escaped back to the relative calm of their lodgings than the familiar knocking came at their door. 245

Penn entered, and Pohl was struck by her veiled agitation. “Duke Klohlandu requests and audience.”246

“Please Penn, show the esteemed gentleman in,” requested Perix.247

“Welcome and enter, Duke Klohlandu. Please sit with us and rejoice that the Creator of All has arranged a peace between our two peoples.”248

The Duke bowed very slightly, “I bring greetings from the Emperor,” then sat. 249

“Indeed,” began Perix. “How may we serve the Emperor?”250

Klohlandu snapped his fingers at Penn, who spoke to someone outside the door. In came a guard holding the sheath of Alabaster grain cradled in purple cloth in his arms. The Alabaster had been artfully carved to look like a multitude of stalks of grain. The heads of grain were individually wrought gold, and a golden twine appeared to hold the replica sheath in a bundle. The workmanship was as inspiring as were the other Treasures. 251

The Duke appeared relaxed and victorious as he announced, “Now that we have concluded the negotiations my master is certain that you are free to accept this token of our commitment as a gift for the people of Phranya.”252

“Actually, honoured Duke, we have one final condition for the treaty. One, which I am certain, will win King Hervl’s complete and immediate ratification of the treaty. We have previously been offered all four of the great Dimewat Treasures individually. Now that the negotiations are over we formally accept them all as a unit. We will take them back to Phranya with us as a continual pledge of the Emperor’s good will. Please see to it that we have additional donkeys with which to carry these beautiful gifts back to Phranya. We will take possession of them at tomorrow night’s banquette.”253

As Perix had pronounced this plan the Duke had risen slowly, and with great difficulty from his chair. His skin was pale and his forehead glistened with sweat. In a quavering voice he made an effort to respond. “I will take your de…. Request… to the Emperor. I am sure that he will look upon your…. plan… with… close attention.” He signalled the guard to leave, and took his leave himself.254

During this interchange Pohl had been watching Penn’s responses. She had been sad when she entered. That was nothing compared to the shock that registered, despite the shapeless robe and obscuring cowl, when Perix presented his plan to take all four Treasures back to Phranya as hostage.255

Penn swept out of the room in great perplexity, not even bothering to close the door.256

* * *257

They saw no more of Penn that night, nor the next morning, or even during the early afternoon. As the four were finishing their preparations for the banquette, Penn suddenly stood framed in the garden doorway.258

“Where?… How?… What does this mean?” Perix stammered.259

“There is another passage into the garden. I hold the key.”260

“And the why?” asked Pohl authoritatively, and out of character.261

Penn did not catch the change in Pohl’s demeanour, but did respond to the question itself. Entering the room she went directly to Perix and Kord. “Please pardon this intrusion, Lord Perix. It is justified, believe me. Your lives are in critical danger.”262

“Our lives have been in danger ever since we crossed the bridge, Steward Penn. What is different tonight?” Perix asked evenly. 263

“My……The….Vhryhab intends to poison you at the banquette. He is using a slow acting poison, so that you will die painfully as you travel, on Phranyatii soil. He will claim that you stole the Four Treasures, and that his false god took revenge. He will use it as a pretext to war.264

“And have the same lack of success as all other Dimewat attacks,” assured Kord.265

“No, no, Margrave Kord! He will send ‘servants’ with you to tend the extra donkeys carrying the Four Treasures. They are members of Duke Klohlandu’s personal guard. Once past the portcullis they will attack the guards in the small towers, and hold until reinforced. Count Durbo's soldiers have prefabricated a portable wooden bridge that will be mated to the stone bridge. This will allow many troops to cross quickly together. You will be dead. The Four Treasures will be back in the Emperor's hands, and he will have enough troops to attack Phranya successfully.” She was breathless and emotionally wrung out after delivering this explicit warning.266

“How are we to trust your word?” asked Kord. “You were placed here to spy on us.”267

“Besides, how does a house steward come to know the plans of the Emperor?” interjected Paz.268

“In this case, I believe she is telling the truth,” Pohl stated with quiet conviction. “She has spied on us. But the Four Treasures are as dear to her as her faith in the Creator of All. By saving us she saves them.”269

“I agree. The poison and the subterfuge are consistent with what has gone before. A false warning would not advance the Emperor’s plans. Tell me,” continued Perix, “what is the true condition of this land?”270

Penn sank against the solid arm of a bench and sighed very deeply. “Our people,” she began, “are starving. The Emperor has squandered our resources on his false god and its many temples. He has emptied the cities and towns for labourers. A drought has destroyed our heartland. He sought suzerainty over the Sea Peoples, but they now control our commerce. Now in mad desperation, he seeks to provoke a war with Phranya. He is sick, and cruel and criminal.”271

“My question still stands, how does a house steward know the plans of the Emperor?” said Paz.272

“I… I have friends in the guard who oppose the Emperor. But they cannot do so openly. I believe them. Indeed,” she confessed with disgust, “I am to give you the poisoned wine myself.”273

“Do not fear, Steward Penn,” soothed Perix, “the Creator of All will provide a way out of our dilemma. I do not know how, but we will commit ourselves anew to his care. Continue in your duties tonight, and do not fear for our safety.”274

Penn nodded her cowled head, and moved towards the door.275

“I think it best that you exit as you entered,” Perix interrupted wisely. “You must not be seen with us. And, bless you young woman for your faith and courage.”276

* * *277

Penn entered, carrying aloft a large goblet made of Alabaster. A band of gold encircled the goblet’s lip. Another band of gold encircled the base. The symbols of the false god Karpinque were stamped in gold leaf. Penn made her way slowly, majestically, up the aisle between the noble guests and halted before the two Phranyatii diplomats. Havrl, standing in the shadows behind Kord, had watched her procession through the banqueting hall. Her hood was pushed back just far enough to reveal her features more fully. He caught a strange solidity to her face, a set of determination, almost defiance, in her eyes. He wondered at it deeply. He wondered too that despite her servant’s garb, she held herself with great bearing and seriousness.278

The self-important Emperor raised the brass cup that King Havrl had sent as a gift and began his toast, “I am Protector of the Four Treasures of my realm, but I have a fifth, that goblet, made especially for me. Drink from that cup my guests, and our future will be sealed. I give you a toast to peace. Please, my Phranyatii guests, I toast your king.”279

Perix made to reach for the goblet, but Penn turned away and faced Vhryhab. He turned livid. “Penn, serve the guests!” he demanded.280

Raising the goblet, Penn shouted, “An end to this deceit! I unmask you brother, for the coward and murder you are!” With that denunciation she poured the poisoned wine onto the flagstone floor at his feet. Then, with all her might Penn brought the Alabaster goblet smashing down unto the king’s table, sending lacerating shards flying into his face. The king turned pale underneath the droplets of blood on his face. 281

Penn pulled her servant’s cloak off to reveal russet and green garments of the greatest workmanship. On her head she wore a simple golden band, set with one translucent Alabaster teardrop the size of her fist.282

She turned to the shocked nobles. “I am Virette, daughter of Skohab, sister of Vhryhab and Pohrhab, Princess of the Dimewim. I denounce my brother as a coward, a fool, and a criminal.” Sweeping her hands above the littered table she said, “This goblet was filled with poison by my brother’s own hand. He is a coward, because he would not admit that all our wars against the Phranyatii have been in vain. He is a fool, because he sought to gain by deceit what could have been gained by truthfulness. He is a criminal for destroying his own people’s ability to survive.”283

With a commanding finger Virette pointed at the two close advisors of the king. “Klohlandu Duke of Frekku, and Count Durbo of the Fortress of Wahlt, you also conspired with my brother to dishonour our kingdom. Leave this hall, leave this city, and leave our land, now!”284

The Duke rose, pulled a dagger from his sleave, and was about to reach across the table to strike the Princess when Duhrsan son of Dravan, Captain of the Emperor’s own guard wrenched the knife from his hand. Swearing revenge the Duke stormed out of the hall. The Count, struck dumb by the last few moments, was frog-marched out of the hall by two of Virette’s own men at arms. Havrl stood watching this display with outward indifference. But in his mind the ancient riddle ran clearly …. 285

"With what shall the rift-that-separates be bridged anew?
Seek among the Dimewim for alabaster.
Find there a breaker of alabaster vessels -
One who sheds an alabaster tear.
When you yourself a servant are,
A servant shall be your Queen."286

“Only the male line may rule the Dimewim.” Virette stated truthfully to the remaining nobles. “The council of Dimewim nobility is assembled here. Choose tonight who you will serve: Vhryhab or Pohrhab.”287

One by one the remaining noble lords of the Dimewim spoke, some emphatically, some with obvious reluctance…. “Pohrhab”, “Pohrhab”, “Pohrhab”, “Pohrhab”, “Pohrhab”, “Pohrhab”, “Pohrhab”, “Pohrhab”, “Pohrhab”. “All hail King Pohrhab,” they shouted in unison. With that Vhryhab fled the hall wailing insanely.288

Virette turned to Lord Perix and Margrave Kord. Bowing deeply she asked, “I ask your forgiveness. Do not lay this crime at the feet of my people. And, I beg you, do not take it as a cause for a new war. Indeed, we have no strength to resist you. We are in need of your help, not your wrath. I beg you….”289

Before she could continue her entreaties Lord Perix raised a hand and called for her to cease, saying, “Peace, Princess. Do not continue. And do not ask my forgiveness. There is here one greater than I here to represent our people. Ask him for forgiveness.”290

In great puzzlement Virette turned to Margrave Kord, and then uncomprehendingly back to Lord Perix. A voice spoke. “I believe, good steward, that my Prime Minister is referring to me.” Into the light stepped Havrl.291

“Pohl?” Virette asked with astonishment, “but you are the minister’s servant.”292

“My lady Virette;” ventured Kord courteously, “permit me to introduce my brother-in-law, Havrl son of Vinhaldu, King of the Phranyatii.” A general hubbub broke out among the noble guests. Virette reddened in consternation. All her boldness evaporated as her adrenalin drained away. Her legs gave way and she sank to the floor with a thud. 293

Havrl made his way around the table and knelt at her side. He spoke to her softly, “I am the servant of all my people, Princess, and through your courageous defiance of your mad brother you have proven to be a true servant of your people. Good Steward Penn, Lady of the Alabaster Tear, you would have had my forgiveness in any case.”294

To the assembly he said aloud, “As for war? If your new king will allow it, the Phranyatii will feed the Dimewim until your harvests are fruitful again.” He paused as the teenage king stepped forward. “I do have three conditions though. The first: tear down all the temples of the false god Karpinque. Secondly: The four Treasures must remain with the Dimewim, for they are the true heart of your people, and I do not covet them. Lastly: The fifth treasure is broken, along with its owner. But the greatest treasure of the Dimewim I would like to carry home with me…. as my Queen.”295

Addressing her again, Havrl said, “Honourable Penn, my people have an ancient riddle, which you have solved this night: With what shall the rift-that-separates be bridged anew? Seek among the Dimewim for alabaster. Find there a breaker of alabaster vessels - One who sheds an alabaster tear. When you yourself a servant are, a servant shall be your Queen. “We are the servants of our peoples. Shall we not serve them with our peace, together?”296

She struggled to make a reply, and only succeeded in a confused stutter. A shadow stood over the two of them. “I think,” said the teenage Pohrhab, “that what my sister means to say is ‘thank you’. Your offer of help for my suffering people will create the peace we both seek.” He paused, smiling, “As for the matter of the riddle, I suspect that the treasure you seek is yours already.” 297

King Havrl stood and helped Virette to her feet. Then he took the young Prince’s hand, and proclaimed loudly, “Hail, true and worthy King Pohrhab. We are well met this night. As King of Phranya I pledge our assistance. Let us begin again.”298

* * *299

It was dawn. The Storyteller took the stone from the dying fire with the forked stick and dropped it into a small puddle of water next to him. It steamed and sizzled. 300

Half believing the folktale, I asked, “When did this happen, Cuddar?”301

By way of answer I guess, the Storyteller reached into the puddle and handed me the now cooling stone. It was cracked and fissured. “In your own time, outlander, break open the stone.”302

I stood and thanked the Storyteller. “May I meet with you here some other time?” I asked.303

“I will not be here. I will find you, if I wish.”304

As I walked away from the camp I turned to wave goodbye. The Storyteller had already melted into the bushland. I turned off the recording devise with its universal-translator, and climbed into the shuttle. It took a couple drags of good old Earth-style air from the shuttle’s oxygen supply to clear the pungent smoke from my lungs. Restarting the engines and lifting off I set the autopilot and headed back to the Lander. On the way I cracked open the stone. It was actually only a fired ball of mud…305

But, inside, about half the size of my fist, lay a teardrop-shaped piece of perfectly translucent alabaster.306