Thrand (Part Two)

 

As it happened, Thrand was just finishing his meal when the doctor arrived. It turned out to be a very famous Wose healer, who had come to the royal court in the last few months to help ease the failing King’s passing. She sat and watched politely as the hefty Morg mopped up the last of his eggs with the toast. Her thin old fingers moved up every now and then to caress the golden moon that hung from a cord around her neck. At last, Thrand sent the hovering Gawnich away with his empty tray.

“And don’t come back,” he growled. “The lady and I will be alone.”

As the chamber door closed reluctantly on the retreating figure of his Secretary, Thrand sat up a little straighter in bed.

“Nothing less than the King’s own friend, eh? Gawnich must have a very inflated idea of my importance.” His claws fussily adjusted the bed covers. “Or of my danger.”

“He is very worried about you,” the old lady said softly, tilting her head. Her silvery voice held no sign of age. “And my services to Taryn were done.” She smiled tightly, a smile without humor, but assurance. “As I understand it, your importance is about to become very great indeed.”

“Momentarily,” Thrand conceded. He stroked his dark gray beard as if pulling together his patience. “But we are not here to discuss politics, are we? Perhaps you should begin your examination.”

“Very well.” The old Wose was suddenly very brisk. She clapped her hands to her knees. “You may lie there if you wish. I will ask you a few questions and give you a few instructions. You should answer or comply as promptly and as truthfully as you can. I am not here to judge you, Chief Justice, and you may rest assured nothing you tell me will go beyond this room.”

“A proper cross-examination, eh?” Thrand’s grin was morose. “Very well. Let’s start. And do not be afraid to give me the verdict, ‘without fear or favor,’ as the old jargon has it.”  He laid back on his pillows and let his heavy limbs go limp. “My body is all yours,” he smiled sourly. “Please be gentle.”

“Mog forbid,” the old lady laughed. She stood, stooped over him where he lay, and began her investigation.