Chapter Text
Teleus had not forgotten. I had returned to the capital a little earlier than planned, bringing the two prospective falconers and accompanied by Setmus and three of his squad of guards, as well as Borlas, of course. Borlas and I went up to the palace to speak to the chief falconer. I showed him Robaro’s letter and we agreed the young women would start the next day. We came out into the main courtyard, and Borlas went to call in on Elpida while I went to look for Juridius.
Teleus caught me halfway across the kitchen yard. He left the two centurions he had been talking to and came to speak to me.
“Pheris. I need a word.”
He led me through to the walkway above the training yard, where we could lean on the wall and look down to where a squad was practising loading guns.
I had not really experienced Teleus’ anger before. By the time he had finished I was feeling sick and shaky.
“Your problem is not your youth or your inexperience in a fight or your physical strength. It’s this rushing in blind and trying to fix everything yourself without any kind of plan. You knew, didn’t you, that this might be more than a simple visit to a virtually empty house. You were worried, weren’t you. You can say it was just your feelings, but your feelings aren’t based on nothing, Pheris, you’re not an idiot. You need to trust your instincts more. Of course you don’t know anything about military tactics, but your common sense should tell you to be more cautious in a situation like this. Listen, you had to approach a building which you knew nothing about. You were told about a caretaker, but you knew there was a possibility there might be others there. You at least suspected there had been wrongdoing there in the past. It was impossible to approach the place without being seen. What should you have done?”
I shook my head.
“At the very least you should have taken time to find out more before you went anywhere near! You had to ride through villages to get there, didn’t you? It’s Erondites land! Why didn’t you stop and ask? The villagers must know the place and who’s living there if there’s only the one approach – they must be getting their supplies from somewhere locally. And why didn’t you set men to watch the road? Didn’t any of your men have guns? They may not be much use in a running fight but in a static situation you should at least consider if they could be helpful.”
It went on for a while.
I’m sorry.
“What I’m trying to say, Pheris, is that whatever you may think you’re not useless or helpless in this kind of situation. Your men can fight, but it’s you who need to make the plan, the same as you would for any of your projects. And take your squad leaders’ advice rather than Lorgos’. At least they’ve had some training, even if they’ve not got much experience. Lorgos has neither.”
I thought he did.
Teleus shook his head. “You should have asked. He was asked to take on weapons training, which he did, rather successfully. He has no military experience.”
Now I felt bad at relying so much on Lorgos.
Teleus was finally winding down. “I’m sorry about your guard, and Orlaes. And you had a very nasty experience. Of course no-one could have predicted the Suterpe man being there. But please learn from this.”
Yes, Teleus. I will. I promise.
“I have to go. I’ll see you later, Pheris.”
I didn’t want to see Juri until I felt calmer. I went into the palace, looking for somewhere quiet to sit and maybe wash my face and cool down. I headed for the attendants’ apartments, hoping there would be no-one around.
The guards let me pass without comment. Looking at them, I hoped my “word” with Teleus hadn’t been too public. At least I didn’t think anyone would have heard much, although I vaguely remembered occasional passers-by.
The waiting room was empty. I headed towards the necessaries and then ducked into my old room, only to find it was clearly in use. I backed out hastily and turned back to the waiting room.
“Were you looking for someone?” It was a stranger, a young man who looked me up and down with distaste. The king had a new attendant, I gathered. I held up my hand to indicate I was going, and he stretched an arm across the passage to stop me.
“Not a servant, surely? What are you doing here?” He gave an experimental push at my shoulder. “Not too steady on your feet, are you? Did you lose your way, you ugly little creature?” He drew a hand back, and I tried to brace myself.
“That, my dear Elpius, is Pheris, Baron Erondites, who was formerly with us as an attendant of the king. Pheris, good to see you. This is Elpius, who is the nephew of Baron Kallios.”
I had rarely been so glad to hear Phemios’ voice. I looked at Elpius, who was now flushed and embarrassed. “I’m very sorry, Baron.”
“So I should think,” said Phemios, with a touch of malice. “I’m heading for the baths, Pheris. Were you looking for Cleon?”
How is he?
“Good. Walking much better now. He’ll be back at lunchtime, I expect.” Phemios, who preferred late duty, had obviously just got up.
I’ll see him later. And you’re still well?
“The occasional headache, that’s all, and that’s probably just the wine!” He walked out with me, ignoring Elpius. I didn’t look back.
*****
At least the interlude had restored my composure. I went across to see if Juri was free, and we had a quick word and arranged to meet later at my house. Then I went to find Borlas and go back to the comfort of my own household.
I wrote notes to Tarus and Austus, to Kamet, and to Relius, to see if I could arrange a lesson while I was in the capital. I had a few days before the barons’ meeting and the autumn festival, and I was determined to make the most of my time. I had also already arranged a meeting with Marell to see how she was getting on with her review.
“What happened with the captain?” said Juridius, when we met later. “Everyone is saying he shouted at you.”
I pulled a face, wishing Teleus had chosen a more private spot to scold me. He told me off about going to the Erondites megaron, because we should not have been so reckless. That’s all.
“Tell me. It sounds seriously scary.”
*****
My brother’s fascination with all things vaguely military and tales of patronoi-versus-okloi rivalry among the queen’s pages were distracting enough for me to forget my troubles and relax. In the morning Borlas and I went with Suna and Ileina to the falconry at dawn, where they were swiftly absorbed into their new roles. The chief falconer and I discussed the prospects of getting new birds here in Attolia. I promised to return with Kamet, who could talk far more knowledgeably on the subject than me.
I spent the rest of the day with Marell and her assistants, going through the results of her work on the old baron’s accounts.
“I haven’t found anything beyond the three we know about, Pheris,” she said, “but there are some interesting points – can I suggest you have a look at these?” She pulled over some papers and showed me some rather unexpected entries.
Nothing illegal, but just a little surprising, I said to Relius at my lesson the next morning. It’s interesting.
He shook his head at me. “Have you had a chance to do any of the work I suggested, or are you too busy being Marell’s junior assistant?”
I have read the Melenzetti history and written a response to your questions. I found some travellers’ tales from before the time of the League of Seven, which seemed relevant. I received the mathematical works the magus promised. And I found the Heiratis Kamet mentioned. I liked that very much. Especially where he writes from his summer villa and talks about the problems he sees there.
I was trying to distract him. Teleus was nowhere to be seen, and I didn’t want to discuss what he had said to me, at least until I had absorbed it properly.
“Heiratis? You may be a little young for that. Which letters did you see?”
Relius seemed equally determined not to mention Teleus.
After my lesson I went to find Cleon, carefully timing my visit to just after the king’s breakfast in the hope that Cleon would be in the dining hall getting his own food after serving Eugenides, before he was embroiled in his usual round of making arrangements for the king. I was lucky.
How are you? He looked rather tired.
Cleon looked at me with a smile. “How do you do that?” I had got my breakfast, which strictly speaking I was no longer entitled to, and Iole had kindly brought my coffee over, as it was difficult for me to carry without spilling.
I raised my eyebrows, though I knew the favour of the kitchens was a special privilege. And Elpius’ behaviour had reminded me only too clearly of my early months in the palace.
She is very kind. Are you busy?
“Slightly, Pheris. But I certainly have ten minutes to hear what happened with you and Teleus. Come on.”
I knew I was flushing. He was angry. It was my fault.
“I’ve heard six different stories. You tried attacking a megaron with a single squad of guards and nearly got killed is about the most plausible.”
Yes. I was stupid.
“Well, it looks like you finally broke up Teleus and Relius after all this time! I hear they’re not speaking.”
I was horrified. No! No, they often fight.
“So. We’ll just have to wait and see. I also heard you asked my favourite cousins to your midsummer feast?”
Elata insisted, sorry. They weren’t too bad. And I met your new attendant Elpius.
“Ah yes.” Cleon smirked, and I couldn’t resist doing the same. Elpius’ uncle Kallios was well known as a follower of the old baron and in fact had just renegotiated a loan with my advisers.
Phemios was kind to rescue me.
“Phemios was what? Never.”
Honestly. He has been all right, since Lortes. He was never as bad as Polemus.
“You will be heartbroken to hear Polemus has gone home. We have another new one, youngest of Baron Minos’ brood.” He looked round to make sure he was not overheard. “Pheris, I don’t suppose you’ve heard – actually I hope you haven’t – the king is not well.”
The king was unwell. Fevered and confused, he resisted lethium, claiming it left him feeling he had been dead. Petrus tried to keep the queen away; the fever was spreading in the palace, even among her attendants, and she had the children to think of. After a sharp disagreement she came to see the king, standing well back. He didn’t recognise her.
“A lot of people have had this fever, but no-one has been anywhere near as bad as the king,” said Cleon. “Petrus is worried. And this morning he seemed worse.”
I’m sorry. If I can do anything —
He smiled, and I thought how tired he looked.
“I’ll let you know. Thanks for the sympathy. I’d better get back to him.”
Worrying, I went out to the walkway overlooking the training yard, where the guards were doing their morning drills. Teleus was there overseeing his men, and I stood watching until he happened to glance up. He gave a quick wave to acknowledge me, and I waved back, relieved. The gossip obviously exaggerated.
I had another morning working with Marell. Kamet came to lunch, and afterwards we walked up to see the falcons. Coming back out, I was caught by one of the messengers.
“Pheris! Good, save my legs!”
“Because it’s such a long way to Pheris’ house,” said Kamet, who knew the boy.
“Because it’s nearly supper time, Kamet!”
The message was from Cleon.
Kamet, please call him back. Would you ask him please to say to Cleon that I’ll be there?”
“Petrus thought it’s worth a try,” said Cleon to me late that evening. “He’s not too good, and we’ve been trying to keep him calm, but he doesn’t recognise anybody and he can’t seem to bear any kind of noise. Tesedus will be just outside.”
Tesedus, who was on night duty, nodded agreement.
I’ll try. Get some sleep.
I went in to sit with the king. Phemios and Medon nodded to me as they left the room. All of them looked exhausted, I thought.
Eugenides was shouting.
I closed the door and went to sit next to him.
Of course I had seen the king fevered in the past, but this was bad. I looked at the medicines, jug of water, towels and bowls and thought I should pull the table clear before the king knocked everything over, but I didn’t move. I wondered if the attempts to calm him were making things worse, and decided I would leave him alone as far as possible.
I sat, worrying.
Eugenides flung himself over to glare at me.
“Go away!”
I got up and moved out of his line of sight to a chair near the door. I was concerned he might try to get out of bed, but he rolled back and was suddenly quiet, though he wasn’t asleep.
I couldn’t see his face properly from where I sat, but I could hear his noisy breathing. I sat for an hour or so. He was soon muttering again, but he didn’t shout. Then he flung off the single sheet that covered him. It was a warm night; I hesitated but didn’t move. An hour later he was shouting again, but this time I could understand him, because he was pulling at the nightgown, which was damp with sweat. I went to help him, hoping not to make him worse, but he didn’t fight me. I got another sheet from the chest where they were stored and unfolded it. I couldn’t try to wash him, but perhaps the fresh linen would feel cool. He allowed me to cover him but almost immediately pushed the sheet down to his waist. I went back to sit by the door. At least he was back to muttering rather than shouting.
It was a long night. Perhaps two hours later I found myself feeling sleepy, and realised the room was quieter. The only sound was the king’s ragged breathing. I went back to my chair by the bed. A while later his eyes opened and he stared at me.
“Be quiet, Pheris.”
That was strange, but at least he knew me. I put my finger to my lips and then signed: Go to sleep. One single motion, it was one of the first signs my nurse had taught me.
His eyes closed, and he slept.
There was a dim light showing through the shutters when he opened his eyes again. He stared straight up at me as if looking out of a pit.
“Have you still got them?”
Yes, your Majesty. Of course I did. I took the earrings from the small pouch round my neck and held them out. He looked at them, and then pushed my hand away, turned on his back and slept again.
Next time he woke it was definitely getting lighter. He seemed to know me, and was looking slightly puzzled.
“You left me.”
I’m here tonight. You wanted quiet.
His mouth quirked.
Can I get you water?
“I need to piss, actually. And then a wash.”
I managed to help him, thankful for the extra growth and strength of recent months.
Can we change the bed, maybe? Would it be better?
He was tiring again, but the bed was soaked.
“Gods, yes.”
I opened the door and went quietly out to fetch Tesedus. He was fast asleep, and I had to shake him. When I touched his shoulder I could feel the heat of his skin even through the shirt: he was sweating and fevered. Idiot, I thought, and pushed him back with a finger to my lips. I looked at the guards, whose shift would have changed at midnight. To my relief I saw that one was Aristogiton, Costis’ friend and a squad leader in the Third. I picked up my slate, which I had left by the door in case of need.
I need to change the bed. Can you help, very quietly?
Aris was already taking off his swordbelt and unfastening his breastplate. I hoped he knew about changing a bed with someone in it.
You know how?
He nodded, and we went in. The king was nearly asleep again, and we were able to change the sheets and slip a fresh pillow under his head with only a slightly bemused look at Aris from Eugenides.
The guard went out silently as I pushed the old bedding out of sight and sat back down.
In the morning Cleon quietly opened the door. I went out to speak to him.
He’s improving a little, I think. He’s sleeping quietly.
Cleon himself was looking much better for a night’s sleep.
Tesedus has the fever.
“Idiot,” said Cleon quietly. “Can you stay to see Petrus, Pheris?”
Of course.
I exchanged a smile with Aristogiton, currently supervising the guards’ shift change to emphasise the need for quiet. Then I went back in after Cleon.
The king slept peacefully for another hour, then woke and demanded to know why no-one had offered him breakfast.
Cleon went to call for Petrus while I tidied the room.
What would you like for breakfast, your Majesty?
“Let’s start with a glass of water. I’m parched. And don’t spill any, these are clean sheets. And get me a nightshirt, I can’t have Petrus see me like this, it’s not decent.”
He was very weak, and gasping a little as he spoke, but clearly he was better.
After Petrus had interrogated me about the night (“Did he vomit? Did he pass water?” and other questions I was sure he was putting to me to avoid having to ask the king) I escaped, and on a sudden thought made my way to the guards’ barracks. I asked for Aristogiton, hoping he would be off duty now, and they sent a boy to fetch him. He came out, obviously caught in the middle of breakfast.
I had written a note.
“No problem, Pheris. If you ought not to have been there, definitely I shouldn’t either. I won’t say anything. Except I might have just mentioned it to Costis. I’ll tell him to keep it quiet.”
I waved my hand. That’s all right. Costis already knew a secret or two of mine and he would never gossip.
I went to see if Relius was in his rooms. He was not there, and I wrote an apology for missing my lesson and left to make my way home, wondering about earrings.