A Fool's Tale

Chapter 20 - Samantha Lends a Hand

Over the next few days I desperately tried to meet Talia, but she was never available. I don't know if it was true. The guards at her home likely looked upon me as a ragged troublemaker who had no business with the princess. I asked them to tell her that Gael had an urgent message, but they only laughed and said they were part of the king's guard, not his messenger boys. I even tried loitering around the front door on my off time, hoping to chance upon her, but the guards would always shoo me away. Eventually, I realized my attempts were getting me nowhere. I needed a better plan.

Samantha, the girl I'd seen the very first day I came to Castle Brimstone, was the only one allowed to touch the king's and queen's horses. She exercised, groomed and fed them. Alan never interfered with her and instructed me to do likewise. I recalled that she had bragged to the gate guard about the king speaking with her numerous times about the care of his horse. I doubt it was true, but it was definitely possible that she was friends with servants in the king's home. Samantha didn't speak with me and Alan very often, and when she did, it was always to boast about her relationship with some member of the royal family.

I approached her one morning as she groomed Stormy, the king's horse. "Hi Samantha."

She gave a curt nod, but didn't respond.

"Is it really true that you're well known by the royalty and servants in the king's house?" I widened my eyes in mock admiration.

"Yes, of course. I'm good friends with all of them." She sniffed, head high, and peered at me suspiciously.

I couldn't tell Samantha that I knew the princess or she would likely call me a liar and shut our conversation down. "I met a seamstress from the king's residence one day. I think her name was Sareena."

"I think you mean Sabrina," Samantha corrected me, haughtily.

"Yes, of course. I'm sure you're right." I paused as if shy. "I was hoping you could pass a message along that Gael enjoyed meeting her and her friends the other day and would like to see them all again." I trusted that Sabrina would figure out I wanted to see Talia.

"And why would I do that, you grubby boy?"

I didn't react to the cruel comment, although it hurt, for I knew my worn clothing was little better than the beggars I'd seen on my way to the castle. "Oh, don't worry about it. I thought you had connections. If it's too much trouble, I'm sure I'll run into her one day again."

"Oh fine, I'll let her know, but don't blame me if she breaks your dirty little heart."

The next morning, Sabrina was waiting when I arrived at the stables. "Talia says to meet her at Master Isidor's tower after work today."

I nodded and smiled. My plan had worked.

The rest of the day crawled by. Every time I looked to the sun it appeared to be in the same position. I think even the horses sensed my impatience, for they bucked and snorted as I distractedly groomed them. I tried to pass the time considering how best to tell Talia about the danger her family was in, but so many days had passed since the feast that the conversation I'd overheard no longer seemed quite as menacing. Doubt crept into my thoughts. Was it possible I'd misunderstood the meaning?

When the workday ended I hurried across the courtyard to Master Isidor's tower. As I walked, I looked in the direction of the king's home and noticed Talia on her way as well. I cut across the courtyard toward her.

"Hey Gael." She smiled. "I got your message. That was clever, but we need to figure out a better way to keep in touch. I doubt we can rely on Samantha, particularly because Sabrina doesn't really like her."

I considered what I'd seen of Samantha's personality. "Does anyone like her?"

Talia laughed. "Gael, just a few weeks out of the woods and you're already getting a mean streak."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be cruel. I spoke without thinking." I stammered the apology.

"Don't worry about it, at least when you're talking to me, but other people aren't so discreet. Always guard your tongue, especially in the castle. Gossip travels like the wind. I guarantee that Samantha's already told anyone that'll listen how you're pining away for Sabrina."

"Seriously?"

She nodded vigorously. "Absolutely." Talia took my arm and we started walking toward the mages tower. "So, what was so urgent anyways?"

Seeing Talia smiling and healthy had nearly banished my worries and I hesitated for a few moments before blurting out my response. "Oh, it's probably nothing. Do you remember that sorcerer named Malacor at the big feast? He was sitting beside the king."

"Of course, I'll never forget how furious my father was when we got home. He said Malacor was irritating him all night, offering poor peace offers and bad trade deals. Then he cast that illusion where the mages saved those people at that tournament. Father said it was an insult, and that Malacor wanted to show how weak soldiers are compared to the magicians of Kertan. They haven't seen each other since. Malacor's holed up in the guest chambers, and my parents can't wait until he leaves."

"Well, maybe that's a good thing." I related the conversation I'd overheard.

She regarded me doubtfully when I finished. "I don't know. You heard a bunch of words without complete sentences. You may have misunderstood, though I will say it's definitely weird that Serpen secretly met Malacor behind the hall. Are you positive they were plotting together?"

I shrugged. "It looked that way to me, but this is way beyond my experience. I just know I heard what may have been threats against the king and you. I was worried."

Talia bit her lip, concerned. "You wouldn't know this, but I've always thought advisor Serpen was a bit off. Sometimes he gives me these creepy looks when he thinks I'm not paying attention."

"Can you go to the king?"

Talia paused. "I could, but we need more proof. I tell you what. I'll stay close to my dad and watch for anything suspicious. I don't think he's going to see Malacor until the Brimstone Grand Tournament in a few weeks, and I'll make sure he's never alone with Serpen."

"But you can't do that forever."

"No, but if Serpen starts acting suspicious, I'll think of a plan to get proof, or maybe I'll just tell my dad."

"Okay, if you think that's best. But what about the tournament you mentioned? Would Malacor try anything there?"

"I doubt it. The place will be packed."

I was still worried, but trusted Talia knew best.

She pointed to the mages tower as it loomed closer. "There's actually a reason I wanted to meet here. Master Isidor wants to meet you."