(Provided by Bob Francis)
The evening's last light grew dim on the horizon as Lord Ta-Mar finished reading the latest dispatches from his spy's in the two warring countries. "The fools, can't they see this is playing right into Iuz's hands?" He muttered.
"Did you say something my Lord?" It was Lady Shurengyla, who stayed at Ta-Mar's home in his secret realm in Misthaven. She maintained his house and saw to its affairs while she was in seclusion. She was as beautiful as any Elf Tree Daughter and was one of Lord Ta-Mar's most trusted advisers.
"Huh? What was that my dear?"
"I asked, did you say something." She was as patient as she was gentle, knowing that Ta-Mar had much on his mind.
Ta-Mar sighed softly. "No, not really. It's just every new set of dispatches I receive seems to draw our southern neighbors closer and closer to open warfare."
"Why do you fret over what those foolish humans do? They have been killing each other for centuries and will do so for countless centuries to come. It is time you turned your thoughts to more productive things, like making arrangements for the Naming Feast when your grandson arrives." She smiled at the thought of her child.
"Just what makes you think that the new arrival will be a man child?" Ta-Mar already knew the answer.
Lady Shurengyla laughed. "Your son, Prince Anar, will not contemplate anything else."
"Does my Lovely Daughter-in-law have any Ideas for herself?"
"I just want him to hurry and get here. I'm tired of being cooped up in this way." Being a free spirit, the necessary procautions wore on her.
"Now daughter, you know that tradition demands that the wife of the son of the first Lord of the Counsel of Clan Masters must be in seclusion when the first born comes." He admonished her gently.
"I know but,..." She began.
"But nothing, I promised and you agreed that all of the old traditions would be followed for the first Birthing."
"I know, but nine months of not seeing anyone or talking to anyone but you and only occasionally seeing my husband is enough to make me go leaf happy." She sighed, pacing the room.
Ta-Mar was unmoved by the unspoken plea for more freedom. "I told you the need to keep your seclusion as private as possible is the most effective way to secure the child's safety. I will not have the young Prince put in any danger because of having too many here with too much knowledge of the facts. Do I make my self clear?"
Realizing that he was not going to budge from his position and did not want to hear any more of her prattling, she simply said "Yes my Lord" and left the room.
Ta-Mar hoped that he did not upset his daughter-in-law, but the less people knew the real facts about the baby the better and safer it would be for everyone. Placing a Geas spell on his future daughter-in-law that night before her wedding feast then casting a fertility spell on her the day of her wedding just to make sure that she conceived on the wedding night, was a great deal to ask of an elf.
The fact was that she would give birth to only one child but would think that she gave birth to twins. It would be a cruel, but it would be necessary, so that when King Damon arrived with his second son. He, Ta-Mar, would make the necessary magical changes, then he would place the child beside his grandson, awaken Shurengyla from her trance and present her with twin boys. It was very rare for an elf female to give birth to twins, but not unheard of. Especially when Lord Ta-Mar's blood line was considered. As he sat in front of his fire place, watching the fire dance between the logs. He said to himself, "Damon my friend, the things I do just to provide for your needs, I hope you prove to be worthy of it."
As the evening passed Lord Ta-Mar began to review the past months events. That nasty business with the King's Dukes in Tringlee, to this present conflict with the rebellion in the west. This situation would not do, Ta-Mar had to find a way to build peace and maintain it for at least the next five years. These constant interruptions from his work would play havoc on his magical research. Now there is this letter, his hand moving almost unconsciously on to the side table where the letter laid. He wandered how he should respond. It was true that he had never actually met Lord Keagan, in fact he has never been in the same room with him. 'Professional jealously no doubt.'
'But why attack the King's Chancellor?' First an attempt was made to magically kill him. Now the mans enemies are trying to discredit him. Then there is the matter of the King's wife calling on her fellow Suel to come to her husbands aid. 'That's all I need, Snow and Ice Barbarians along with the Scarlet brotherhood and we must not forget the savages in the Amenio Jungle. Wouldn't that be just a dandy turn of events.' He snorted softly to himself.
Ta-Mar knew that he must act quickly and decisively. First things first. Somehow he must convince the King to allow him to be at the birthing of his sons. Then there is the problem of getting the child back to Misthaven with out anyone noticing. The King's idea of bringing the young prince himself is too risky. Also it would be better to perform the magical change spell just as soon as possible after the child is born.
Ta-Mar knew he could travel from anywhere in Western GreyHawk to Misthaven in a matter of seconds. The fact that he was also carrying an infant would not be any difficulty at all. If he could Teleport and entire Elven War Band where he pleased, a small child would pose no trouble. However, this was one of many secrets that he did not wish to share with anyone out side of his most closest Clan members.
Ta-Mar sat back to ponder all the pieces of the Game in his head.
Back to: 5. Revelations of Times Past