Lyonesse II - The Green Pear and Madouc by Jack Vance Page A

intent. We see dangers of which you may not be aware, and we so warn you, if only from motives of self-interest.”
    Audry drummed his white fingers on the table. “I am unacquainted with King Aillas. Tell me something of his nature. Is he cautious or is he bold?”
    Sir Tristano reflected. “In truth, I find him a hard man to describe. He is cautiously bold, if that answers your question. His disposition is easy; still he never stands back from a harsh duty. I suspect that often he forces himself, because his nature is mild, like that of a philosopher. He has no taste for war but he recognizes that force and intimidation are the way of the world; hence he studies military tactics and few can match him at sword-play. He abominates torture; the dungeons below Miraldra are empty, yet few criminals or footpads are at work in Troicinet because Aillas has given them all to the noose. Still, in my opinion, he would abandon the kingship tomorrow to a man he could trust.”
    “That should be no problem! Many would gladly take over his post.”
    “Those are precisely the ones he would not trust!”
    Audry shrugged and drank wine. “I did not ask to be born king, or-for that matter-to be born at all. Still, I am king, and I might as well enjoy my luck to the hilt. Your Aillas, on the other hand, seems victimized by guilt.”
    “I hardly think so.”
    Audry filled his own and Sir Tristano’s goblets. “Let me send back with you a message for King Aillas.”
    “I listen, sir, with both ears.”
    Audry leaned forward and spoke in sententious tones: “It is time that Aillas should marry! What better match could be made than that between Aillas and my eldest daughter Thaubin, thus uniting two great houses? Look, see her yonder where she watches the game!”
    Sir Tristano followed the direction of Audry’s gesture. “The comely lass in white beside the plain little creature so uncomfortably pregnant? She is indeed charming!”
    Audry spoke with dignity. “The maiden wearing white is Thaubin’s friend Netta. Thaubin stands beside her.”
    “I see… . Well, I doubt if Aillas plans an early marriage. He might well be surprised if I were to affiance him to the Princess Thaubin.”
    “In that case-”
    “One more matter before I depart. May I speak with candor?”
    Audry grumbled: “You have done little else! Speak!”
    “I must warn you that traitors report your every act to King Casmir. You are surrounded by spies; they masquerade as your intimates; they might include one or more of the gentlemen who just now sat here with you.”
    Audry stared at Sir Tristano, then threw back his head and laughed hugely. He turned and called to his friends: “Sir Huynemer! Sir Rudo! Sir Swanish! Join us, if you will!”
    The three gentlemen, somewhat puzzled and resentful, returned to the table.
    King Audry, among chuckles, told them: “Sir Tristano insists that traitors are rife at Falu Ffail; indeed he suspects that one among you spies for King Casmir!”
    The courtiers jumped to their feet, roaring in anger. “This fellow insults us!”
    “Give us leave to show our steel; we will teach him the etiquette he has failed to learn elsewhere!”
    “Poppycock and hysteria! The gabble of geese and old women!”
    Sir Tristano smilingly sat back in his chair. “It appears that I have touched a sore nerve! Well, I will say no more.”
    “It is all absurdity!” declared King Audry. “What are my secrets that spies should seek them out? I have none! The worst is known!”
    Sir Tristano rose to his feet. “Your Majesty, I have brought you my messages; give me leave to depart.”
    King Audry waved his fingers. “You may go.” Sir Tristano bowed, turned away and departed Falu Ffail.
III
    SIR TRISTANO. RETURNING TO DOMREIS, went directly to Miraldra, a dour old castle of fourteen towers overlooking the harbor. Aillas greeted his cousin with affection. The resemblance between them, as they faced each other, was noticeable. Where Tristano was