“My dear, won’t you come here? I’m inspired to make introductions.” It was Hirí, her sparkling gaze beckoning him across the room.
“Best of luck to you,” he said to Ruicá in spite of her scowl, and went to the priestess’ side.
She stood with an unfamiliar man, bearing a dark scar across one half of his face. From his hulking stature, he was certainly a warrior, and well-weathered at that.
“Here he is, our Moon Chosen. Quite the spectacle, isn’t he?” Hirí beamed.
“I heard the Vaich’s consort was a woodwalker, but I hadnae believed it till now.” His voice was like the echo of thunder over an open plain.
“This is Nacht, a war holler from Annath,” said the priestess.
“Annath,” said the druid. “I have heard much of your ilk. The Vaich speaks highly of your skills.”
“If my reputation precedes me, I’d rather it be kenneled,” said the holler. “I’ve no interest in being made into myth.”
The druid considered that. “Suppose I might whisper to my husband of your poor quality.”
Nacht looked momentarily bemused, then chuckled. “That would be no small kindness.”
A kindling of familiarity brewed inside his heart.
“The Vaich is eager. Though… I believe there is a willingness to do good.” The druid’s eyes found the Vaich, delighted as he often was, amongst the crowd. “I have hope that his choices are for the betterment of us all. Thus, I’ll not mind his stumbling, so long as he faces the wind.”
“You are wise as your Mistress,” said the holler, and the druid blinked up at him.
“Indeed,” said Hirí, happily. “Our Lady of Moon is shrewdest of all.” Nacht nodded a bow and went off to join his men. Hirí, still smiling, linked her arm with the druid’s. “So pleasant you are at court! The true calling of a queen.”
“Honesty is an effective charade.”
She giggled. “The more people know of you, the more they will come to love you. The more power you will hold.”
He dug his tongue between his teeth. There was truth to her words, which he could not deny—he needed people who would listen. After all, his purpose lay beyond the court.
“Then, Her Gracemight acquaint me with potential friends.”
Hirí’s smile slipped into a smirk. “Spoken like a true Nytherí.”
“I amnotNytherí.”
She didn’t argue, but he was bothered all the same.
“Ah! Here comes the Vaich now! Maetr thí, Your Majesty.” She curtsied as the king approached.
“Making yourself known amongst the kiern, are you? A bold strategy,” said the Vaich.
“One would think you’d appreciate my effort,” said the druid. “Or would you prefer my silence?”
“The Queen makes a profound impression,” said Hirí. “Suppose the River Beast has warmed to your cause.”
“Is it so?” wondered the Vaich. “It was my understanding the Béig Úil had no interest in being Aard.”
“Since when does a warrior tell his king what is best for him? Many a man would kill for the honor. Unless he hesitates beneath his master…”
“What do you imply, Speaker?” said the Vaich darkly.
“Nothing at all! You are a king beyond all compare! And he is a warrior just as mighty. You only need prove your command.”
The druid gave her a sharp look, his stomach knotting at the priestess’ honeyed words. “To do so would risk his loyalty entirely,” he said, curtly.
