Lyonesse II - The Green Pear and Madouc by Jack Vance Read Free Book Online Page B

surveyed Sir Tristano head to toe with a hooded stare, listened with a face of stone as Sir Tristano identified himself, then grudgingly led the way to a foyer, where Sir Tristano enlivened the wait of an hour by watching the fountain where sunlight, refracting through a dome of crystal prisms, sparkled against the spray.
    The High Chamberlain at last appeared. He listened to Sir Tristano’s request for an audience with King Audry, and shook his head dubiously. “His Majesty seldom sees anyone without prior arrangements.”
    “You may announce me as an envoy from King Aillas of Troicinet.”
    “Very well. Come this way, if you will.” He conducted Sir Tristano to a small parlour and left him sitting alone.
    Sir Tristano waited an hour, then another, until finally, having nothing better to do, King Audry condescended to receive him.
    The High Chamberlain led Sir Tristano through the galleries of the palace and out into the formal gardens. King Audry lounged at a marble table with three of his cronies, watching a bevy of maidens play at bowls.
    King Audry, engrossed in making wagers on the game with his friends, could not immediately attend Sir Tristano, who stood quietly appraising the frivolous King of Dahaut. He saw a man large and handsome, somewhat loose of jowl, moist and round of eye, and heavy in the buttocks. Black curls clustered beside his cheeks; black eyebrows almost met above his long straight nose. His expression was rich and easy; his disposition would seem to be petulant, rather than vicious.
    At last, with eyebrows raised, King Audry listened as the chamberlain introduced Sir Tristano: “Your Majesty, this is the emissary from Troicinet: Sir Tristano of Castle Mythric and cousin to King Aillas.”
    Sir Tristano performed a conventional bow. “Your Majesty, I am pleased to offer my best respects and the regards of King Aillas.”
    Audry, leaning back, surveyed Sir Tristano through half-closed eyes. “Sir, I must say that for a mission of this importance I would have expected a person of somewhat more august wisdom and experience.”
    Sir Tristano smiled. “Sir, I admit that I am only three years older than King Aillas, who perhaps for this reason regards me in the light you mention. Still, if you are dissatisfied, I will instantly withdraw to Troicinet and there express your views to King Aillas. I am sure that he can find a qualified emissary: sage, elderly, of your own generation. May I have your leave to depart?”
    Audry gave a peevish grunt and straightened in his seat.
    “Are all Troice so high-handed in their dignity? Before you rush off in a fury, perhaps you will at least explain the regrettable Troice sortie into South Ulfland.”
    “Sir, with pleasure.” Sir Tristano glanced at the three courtiers, who sat listening with unabashed interest. “You might prefer to delay our conference until you are alone, since we will touch upon sensitive matters.”
    Audry uttered an impatient ejaculation. “Stealth, whispers, intrigue: how I despise them, one and all! Sir Tristano, be acquainted with my philosophy: I have no secrets! Still and however …” Audry signaled to his cronies who departed with poor grace.
    Audry pointed to a chair. “Sit, if you will… . Now then: I continue to wonder as to this madcap Troice expedition.”
    Tristano smiled. “I am surprised by your surprise! Two excellent and obvious reasons prompted us into South Ulfland. The first is self-explanatory: the crown devolved upon Aillas through legitimate and ordinary succession, and he went to claim his due. He found the realm in deplorable order and now works to set things right.
    “The second reason is as starkly simple as the first. If Aillas had failed to secure both Kaul Bocach and Tintzin Fyral, which are forts along the way between Lyonesse and South Ulfland, King Casmir would now rule in South Ulfland. Nothing could prevent him from invading your Western March while at the same time attacking you from the south.