Dark Armor: The Garden

"Fashionably late, I hope," Pallian said, as the silent servant motioned him forward and then departed again. Lady Vathira was standing in the antechamber with the royalty of Edrias, so he approached and bowed. 

The High Magister exchanged a measured glance with third-princess Ashmiren, but second-princess Arwidden simply gave him a nod. "You didn't delay us," she said, "and your Lady Vathira informs us that you have something special planned."

Pallian glanced at Ashmiren and then the High Magister Tamirya; both were studying him, of course, the High Magister taking his measure and the third-princess with a very slight quirk to her lip that might be the beginning of a smile. He glanced at Lady Vathira but received only the faintest hint of a nod in return; he was to take the lead on this. 

"I hope you will find it pleasing," he said, keeping his voice relaxed. "It occurred to me that not everyone has the deep-seated appreciation of semi-translucent volcanic glass that informs the architectural aesthetic of House Teres, and as our guests you might appreciate a visit to the more solar portions of the keep."

Second-princess Arwidden said, "What?"

Pallian paused long enough to revise his speech patterns and said, "I'd like to conduct you to the garden, and give you a chance to remember that the sun still exists."

The High Magister's expression didn't change, but Ashmiren laughed and Arwidden quirked a grin at him. "My sister said you had some wit," she observed. "It sounds pleasant to me. Mother? Sister?"

High Magister Tamirya nodded, and Ashmiren tilted her head and made a small gesture to Arwidden: You see? or something like it, Pallian thought.

"Do please lead the way," said the High Magister, and Pallian gestured for Lady Vathira to open the doors. 

The gardens were situated on the south side of the citadel, and surrounded by obsidian walls complete with ramparts and crenelations. If they were counted as part of the Citadel, then they effectively doubled its size. The arched double doors, heavy wood bound in black iron, swung open at Lady Vathira's gesture, and then the second pair beyond them; sunlight spilled into the hall, and Pallian blinked at its brightness. 

The doors opened onto a half-circle of fine, white gravel, and Pallian led the way outside, squinting and trying not to stumble. I might need that Edrias initiation that protects people from sunlight, he thought, but he didn't say it aloud because he didn't want to have to explain the joke. Seven different pathways, each filled in the same white gravel, spread out from the half-circle and continued deeper into the garden, their courses obscured by rosebushes and stands of lilies, carefully-pruned cherry trees and a host of other plantings that Pallian honestly couldn't identify.

"Ah," said the High Magister, an almost involuntary reaction that she immediately silenced. Ashmiren looked around, then took a deep breath and released it slowly, looking almost relieved. "Well," said Arwidden, "this is an improvement."

"We hope you find it pleasant," Lady Vathira said, glancing at Pallian in a way that made him think that the words were a reflexive attempt to smooth things over. 

He smiled and looked to Arwidden. "I hoped you would say that. I don't intend to brag, but it is a lovely garden and a strong contrast to the interior of the citadel." He paused, then added: "I am particularly fond of the second path on the left, but you are our guests and the choice is of course yours."

"Your suggestions have been good so far," the second-princess answered. "Would you lead us along the way?" She glanced back at her mother and sister as she spoke, but neither objected. 

Pallian offered another slight bow and said, "It would be my pleasure."