The End of Time

4. Her Mother, His Wife

Ocato looked saddened for a moment, and said "Your wife, Jensine." I couldn't help but feel shocked. Jauffre was married? So, he did have someone he loved... I had no idea. "She was on her way to the Imperial city, and was attacked by a troll. She sustained injuries, and couldn't fight back due to her pregnancy. Some guardsmen saved her, and to make matters worse, her water broke and she went into labor. They carried her to the Palace because they knew who she was. Because of her injuries, and her delivery, she bled out, and died during child birth."

Jauffre took in a deep breath, and his face turned white. Ocato continued, "So, when we had made sure the child was well enough to make the journey, we sent our finest Imperial Captain, Hieronymus Lex to send her in a basket to Cloud Ruler Temple. If this is the same child that showed up on your doorstep, this is your daughter, Jauffre." He turned around to meet me, and looked at me longingly. He turned around to Ocato, and said "How do you know?" - "I was there for her birth! And how can you not tell?! She looks exactly like you!" Ocato yelled.

Jauffre turned around to meet me, and he said "So, I was wrong, then." I chuckled and said "Apparently that's possible in these troubled times." He chuckled as he picked me off the ground in a hug, weeping at the same time. "I'm sorry, my dear... I should've known..." - "How could you? Father, stop blaming yourself." He laughed and said "Yep. You're definitely my daughter. I should've known by your sarcasm you inherited from me, and the humor you got from your mother. Gods, she kept me in stitches."

Ocato started to laugh, and said "Oh, that's for damn sure. I'll never forget, Jauffre was training this new batch of Blades, and she came in. She marched around like the baddest thing coming and going, and the recruits were terrified. They didn't move a muscle. Jauffre damn near broke a rib trying to keep from laughing. When she finally shouted again, she made sure to crack her voice in the most comical fashion I've ever heard. Jauffre double over in the most hysterical cackling I've seen from the man to date. And she reveled in it. I think she just wanted to make people laugh. She could always make him laugh so hard it hurt. And he got her good once. She just had such an air about her. You couldn't keep a straight face long around her. But she knew when and how to be serious as well. Your mother was a great woman."

Jauffre nodded and said "Yes, yes she was. If you even think about pulling some of the things your mother did, you'll be wishing you hadn't." Oh, but he was smiling. Smiling more genuinely than I've ever seen. I smiled right back at him and said "That sounds like a threat, oh great and mighty Grandmaster." He laughed and said "Oh Gods, what have I gotten myself into?..." Ocato laughed and said "I can already tell. She'll have you in stitches before long. Just give her some time." Jauffre just shook his head at me, and said, "By the Nine... What a young lady you are." I smiled up at him, and I could see a warmth flood over him and Ocato.

I was very close to Ocato, as well. I had always had a grasp for politics, and was highly respected for my knowledge amongst the Elder Council. So, they had no arguments when Martin named me his advisor. They know how much I know, and know I can handle myself amongst all of the Lords of the Provinces. High Chancellor Ocato has chewed out a good many Lords for scoffing at my presence in the Council. But, on most occasions, he let me put them to shame myself. He walked over to me and gently lifted my hand, "My Lady Mikaela, I would be honored if you would address the court in Martin's name. We will need your council in these troubled times."

I went grave, and said "I will give a speech to the best of my ability, if that is your wish, High Chancellor." He nodded and said "Thank you for your consideration, my dear." I nodded, then felt very sick all of a sudden. I bent over, and he laid a hand on my back. "Are you alright?" - "I'm very ill all of a sudden... I'm going to vomit..." Without batting an eye, he picked me up, and carried me to the infirmary, where I expelled everything I'd had to eat the night before in the waste basket. When I finished, I came out slowly, holding my stomach with one arm, and the door frame with the other.

"Are you alright?" I just responded weakly with "I suppose I just became ill, that's all. Nothing to be worried about." He sighed, and said "If you say so, Mikaela." Then walked behind me as I walked back to my room. "You all can ride back to the Imperial City with me, if you want. The Summit is in three days." I turned to Jauffre, and he said "We'd be honored." Ocato laughed and said "Please, drop the formalities." I grinned, bowed and said,"I shall take my leave to gather my things, then."