10.2

For the first time in his service to Prince Blackpool, Cai was at a loss as to how much information he ought to share with his lord. If he told him everything, he feared that would have to reveal that he knew what had happened at the ruin. That was liable to be lethal. If he did not tell him at least some of it and figure out a way to get the elixir, they risked total obliteration of the Northern forces.

He had to say something. Time was running out for the troops. The seneschal steeled his nerve and went to tell the prince about Portia's unexpected visit. He tactfully downplayed his detailed knowledge of what had happened the night of Zyrdicia's departure, addressing it only in generalities.

Dirk listened silently to the report. His jaw tensed ever so slightly as Cai described her alleged "friend's" behavior. Dirk's face was inscrutable. The exception was a malicious twinkle in his eye as he heard that Zyrdicia was disconsolate. That certainly appeared to please him. His face was otherwise utterly devoid of expression.

Dirk drummed his fingers on the table, pondering the extensive information. Perhaps his army could be salvaged after all. "You are certain the old man has that much of the elixir on hand?" he asked, his eyes narrowing as he regarded his vassal.

"No, Sire. I only repeat what he said."

"She foresaw this," Dirk whispered.

"If Vector can get us to the city, I think I could find the house again."

"I don't think that will be necessary," the prince responded, smiling darkly. "I shall have Vector take me there and pay her a visit there this evening. If she is as distraught as you say, I'm certain with proper persuasion she will hand it over to me."

He suddenly wondered whether she had shed tears over him. He hoped so. In fact, nothing would improve his mood as much as seeing her reduced to a mewling, lovesick lump, taking what he needed from her, and walking away. He was terribly relieved to know that she suffered. She deserved to.

"Vector, take me to Lyr," the prince ordered.

"Whatever for?" the Wizard asked irritably.

"The elixir. Zyrdicia has it and I intend to get it from her. Now. Cast the spell."

Vector sighed. He had rather enjoyed watching his master agonize over the impending loss of the army. He loathed having to give him good news. "There is no need."

"Of course there is, you fool."

"See for yourself," the Wizard muttered glumly, waving his hand before the viewscope. "A short time ago, an ample supply of the elixir was delivered by magical means to the main force garrisoned in Castle Tronin. How it got there is, of course, a mystery."

Dirk stared at the enormous pile of crates as his troops unloaded them. Though it denied him the pleasure of coaxing it from Zyrdicia, he was amazed that he still had such influence over her. "So the supply of elixir just appeared there?" he asked.

"Yes. I assure you, I had nothing to do with it."

"How much?"

"Enough to treat all of them," the Wizard answered flatly. He could not resist a small jab at the price's troop losses, and added, "Or at least all who yet live."

"My lord," Cai bowed, entering the room. "There is more in your study. Twelve crates of it. And this..." He handed the prince a book. "I found it atop one of the crates."

Dirk glanced at it and knew immediately whom it was from. There was a card tucked inside it. The black volume was bound in supple calfskin. The silver image of a waved-bladed dagger embossed on the front cover was the only indication as to its origin.

"She was here?"

"Apparently."

The prince looked at his seneschal carefully. His lips curled ever so slightly as he said, "My vassal, your adept handling of Zyrdicia's servant continues to be useful to me."

Cai smiled proudly at the compliment. He believed his talents had saved the kingdom.