‘It tried adomination attack as well.’ replied Aquitain.
‘Yes and Isupposed you blocked that without any trouble. No wonder it usedlightning. You’re lucky that you’re still alive. You’re not a fieldwizard. Don’t go trying any heroics. Field wizards have a highfatality rate even when they’re extremely well trained.’
‘You’re right.I guess I was a little over confident. I will try to be morecareful next time.’ replied Aquitain realizing that Featherdown wasquite concerned at his condition. ‘Have you heard fromMiranda?’
‘No! What isshe doing?’ asked Featherdown.
‘I sent her tothe Wolf people they had a problem.’
‘Hmm. She’s onhome ground there. She should be okay. I wouldn’t worry too much.She’ll report in a couple of days I suspect.’
‘Now tell meevery detail about what happened!’ he commanded.
Aquitain toldhim about being contacted by Squalash then carried across the seaby Whooshoo, his meeting with Plogash and the cat and mouse gamewith the herder. He didn’t mention any of the stories he heard norhis thoughts along the way.
‘Veryinteresting! The land based little people seem to be immune to anydivision within their ranks so far. This aquatic little personherder is a sign that something is happening amongst them. Thequestion is whether there is someone among them causing mischief oris it something more pervasive?’
‘If the herdersare behind changing the taste of magic then who or what isprompting them to do it? I would have been much happier if you hadcaught a Yith rather than the herder. I was almost convinced that afew troublemakers from the Yith are orchestrating this wholeprophecy thing. What they have to gain I don’t know.’
‘Neither do Ibut how do we counter it?’
‘Exposing theculprits is probably the best way, although that’s generally noteasy as they are long gone before we come to examine the evidence.However, there have been a couple of possible sightings of Yithdruids.’
‘Have youtalked to the Druid Council about Miranda’s case?’ asked Aquitainchanging the topic.
‘Yes I have.The new High Druid wouldn’t listen at all. I think he has somehidden agenda. The old High Druid apparently stepped down without afight. That surprised me, as it’s not his style. He listened to meand laughed. He doesn’t believe Miranda is guilty of anything.Apparently you two killed half of the new High Druid’s supporters.He will readily pardon her when he gets back into power.’
‘Is that likelyto be soon?’ asked Aquitain.
‘Unfortunatelyno.’ replied Featherdown. ‘Even worse, Curbut’s still at large andcausing trouble. I know I promised to fix him and I will. He’skeeping well clear of me but I’ve set a trap for him. I’ll get him.He’s a marked man.’
‘I hope so.’replied Aquitain. ‘However if I see him again I will takeaction.’
‘You will haveno complaint from me. However, try to do it within the law ifpossible.’ said Featherdown.
‘Of course! Hewill be charged with breathing in a public place and if he resistsI will ensure he stops.’
‘Don’t beoverconfident Aquitain he is a very powerful adversary.’ ‘Mostpeople don’t have princesses to resurrect them every time theydie.’
‘I supposeyou’re right.’ replied Aquitain.
‘Good. Now whatare you doing next?’ he asked.
‘I’m going totrack down the stolen sceptre.’
‘Excellent.I’ll inform you as soon as I hear anything from the Princess.’
‘By the way,you do realize that I can no longer officially employ you or thePrincess in any capacity while the new High Druid heads theCouncil. Consequently, you cannot use the title wizard Captain orwizard Hound any more. However, I have advised my officers that youare under my employment as mercenaries and as such you should notbe hindered in any way. If you need anything please ask.’
‘Thank you. Youare most generous.’ replied Aquitain.
‘You’rewelcome. Now may I ask a personal question? Chantalot told me thatyou referred to the Princess as your chosen yet I haven’t receivedany official notice from Queen Snowbelle about any joiningceremony.’
Aquitain smiledand said,
‘Miranda and Ipledged to each other yesterday. She has parted ways with hermother. We know it has no official standing and is unlikely to belegally binding but we don’t care. It is our choice.’
‘Hmm. So youare now a pair and setting your own rules.’ said Featherdown. ‘I’mnot sure it is wise but let me congratulate the both of you. I hopeit works out. I have a little present for you both.’ and he pulledof a pocket in his gown a small scarlet silk covered ring box andhanded it to Aquitain.
Aquitain openedthe box and found a pair of exquisite rings, one cut from ruby andthe other cut from emerald. Each would be worth a fortune.
‘They are royalbetrothal rings. They were given to me as part payment for a job Idid for a king on a small world many years ago. They were gatheringdust in my collection so I thought they might be useful for you andthe princess.’
‘Thank you,Featherdown. I’m … lost for words.’ replied Aquitain astounded atthe generosity of Featherdown.
‘Let’s just sayit’s a down payment for future favours. I’m sure that sometime inthe future when you’re a king I’ll need your help. If you examinethe rings closely you’ll find they have a special property but I’msure that you’re quite capable of discovering what it is, so I’llleave it as a surprise.’ he chuckled.
‘Now I’ve gotplenty to do and I’m sure that you are interested in tracking downthat stolen sceptre so let’s get moving.’
‘Yes, you’re right.Thank you again on behalf of both Miranda and myself. We won’tforget your kind wishes and this magnificent gift and you can beassured that you have our help and gratitude well into the future.’replied Aquitain still a little shocked as he left the towerclutching the small box.
Chapter 12 The TrixieUnmasked
Aquitain met Chantalotoutside Featherdown’s tower and found out that Granwell hadreturned. He changed to his gnome form and accompanied Chantalot toGranwell’s tower.
The wizard wassurprised to see Chantalot leading an unknown gnome about in histower.
‘Chantalot, whois this? I don’t want you bringing people I don’t know around hereanytime of the day.’
‘Settle downGranwell, its Aquitain, the spider, remember he’s also a shapechanger. This is his gnome form.’ Granwell looked closely athim.
‘Oh, Aquitain!Er ... why don’t you wear something that we can all recognize sothat I don’t do something to you
