The next two days Timu spent mostly with Lord Arvi, riding about the estate, taking his place as a mature member of his family, with an interest in the management of its business. Late on the afternoon before his departure for Essin, his mother and father brought him out to the manse stable, guiding him by the hands after instructing him to keep his eyes closed.  When he was allowed to open them there stood before him a fine bay gelding, with entirely new tack, and his father went to one of the stalls and brought out from a behind a hay bale a sword and scabbard on a broad belt of black leather.

            “Your mother does not like it, but I know that in Essin all gentlemen carry a sword.  You have had the proper training in its use and care, and you are in practice?”

            “I practice twice a week in the school gymnasium.  I won a prize last year, if you remember – it was my only honor.” Timu buckled on the belt and then drew the sword and turned it in the rays of rich sunlight that streamed in through the stable door.  It was a good blade, he could tell at once.  He gave his mother a smile and sheathed the weapon.

            Lady Berte put her arm around her son’s waist and pulled him close for a kiss on the cheek. “I know it is considered an essential skill for a gentleman – and I know you will not put yourself in danger, or endanger others.  Happy birthday.”  And she kissed him again, and then wiped a tear from her eye.

            “Thank you, mother – father. And this horse –” Timu went to the animal and took hold of its bridle. Horse and young man looked one another in the eye for a long moment.  “I can see he is an intelligent creature. What is he called?”

            “Taati – it is the Telmi word for ‘star,’” Lord Arvi said.

            “For the blaze on his forehead,” Lady Berte explained.

            “Well, Taati – let us get to know each other.”  Timu checked the girth of the saddle, and mounted gracefully, and rode out into the new gold of evening.

            “He is a man now,” Lady Berte said, a little sadly, taking her husband by the hand.

            “He is learning to be one. We must pray that he becomes a good one.”  And Lord Arvi drew his wife into his arms and kissed her, than held her close in the dust-sparkled sunlight.

 

            Almost the moment he returned to Essin, after he had seen to the stabling of his horse, Timu sat down at the desk by his bed and wrote his letter of application for an Office of Operations internship.  He made no mention of wishing to work for Magus Paalo – that would be up to Lord Karula – but he stressed his abilities in communication – multiple mind-links, communication with no prior linking, communication across distance, mind-casts, establishing security – all the crucial skills of diplomacy. He knew that his masters would verify his claims, and probably praise him more highly than he would ever dare praise himself. When his letter was completed, he blotted it carefully and looked it over.  He had a good hand – it looked like the careful work of a clerk. All in all, it should be quite impressive.

            Once the letter was in the hands of the footman, Timu was confronted with his more private thoughts, and he turned to them resolutely. He would see Lady Rilsa, if she summoned him, but he would be cautious. Perhaps she would be satisfied with flirtation.  He was only a boy, after all, not a suitable lover for an experienced lady.  She must surely see that. And she seemed to genuinely like him – if that were so, she would not insist that he do anything against his inclination in return for her help.  And it was against his inclination.  Most certainly.

            By next day the other students who were attending the summer term had returned to school, and after that the days were too full to think of anything but study.  The summer term was short, meant for last minute preparation for comprehensive examinations and for remedial studies for struggling students. Aulia was not enrolled in classes, though she met with her tutor in mind-work for advanced training.  She gave every spare minute to Timu, as far as he could see – preparing his lessons, and administering them. He often wondered why she did it. Perhaps she was not happy at home, for some reason, and preferred school as a refuge. But whenever Timu tried to speak to her of her personal life, she deflected his inquiries.  There was nothing to speak of.  She was just a dull schoolgirl.  And she enjoyed tutoring him, really.

            They were together in the library when a clerk came to Timu with a message.  Aulia recognized the seal at once as Magus Paalo’s. Once Timu had read the contents, which indeed were a summons to an interview, without Aulia even urging him he excused himself at once, and ran back to the dormitory to change his clothing.  He had one black jacket – his mother had packed it, he supposed, in case there should be some sudden reason for him to wear mourning – and his black boots were polished.  He put on these two items, then realized his brown leggings were inappropriate, took off the boots, put on grey leggings, pulled his boots back on, noticed his cuffs were a little soiled, took off the jacket, put on a fresh shirt, put the jacket back on, and began to go out – then thought of his hair, and quickly combed and tied it with a bit of black ribbon. He stopped in front of the mirror and took a deep breath.  He had shaved that morning.  He would do on the outside – now to put his mind in order.

            Calming exercises all the way to the main Service Hall entrance.  Then a shuffling of thoughts into appropriate niches, hiding the ones of Elian and Rilsa. By the time he reached the Office of Operations, down labyrinthine corridors, he felt he was ready.

            Magus Paalo received him in his rather small service office.  Timu had seen him only a few times at official school functions, the first time the previous fall, when the magus had received his appointment.  He was a tall, thin man, approaching old age, clean-shaven, with a balding head and a prim expression. If he was to please him, Timu reflected, he should be as conservative as possible.  There was only a desk and single chair in the room, and Timu saw that he would be obliged to stand for the interview, and he did so with composure, adopting the stillness of body that he would to observe a bird suddenly encountered in a hedgerow.

            “I have reviewed your letter of application, Lord Maarinen, and inquired of your masters as to your qualifications.  They gave you glowing recommendations as far as mind-work is concerned, and some grudging commendations for recent improvements in your scholarship.”

            “I am endeavoring to take my career seriously, Magus.”

            Magus Paalo raised his eyebrows.  “Your career? And do you take the work of the Vaaselian service seriously?”

            “As that is my chosen career, of course the work is serious to me, sir.”

            “Ah.  I only wished to be clear about your meaning.”  Paalo placed his fingertips together and regarded Timu silently.  Timu knew his mind was being scanned, and he allowed it submissively, certain that he had cloaked any objectionable thoughts securely.

            “You have another recommendation also, as I am sure you are aware.  Lord Karula has taken an interest in you, after hearing good reports through his wife, as I understand. Tell me, how did you come to know Lady Karula?”

            “Sir, she came to know of me, through the brother of a classmate, as I understand. After she spoke of me to her husband, I was invited to meet them both, just before Midsummer.”

            “They are both impressed with you – and feel that your abilities would be quite useful to me personally – as head of service, I mean. Let me explain what I am looking for.

            “The Office of Operations encompasses all of the service, really – every detail of organization and function is coordinated through it.  But what I have particular need of is someone with exactly your qualifications – someone adept in communication of all kinds, with a good grasp of security procedures.  Your knowledge of history and Alliance politics is not so important.  You will be dealing with matters of immediate need, the transmission of information and instructions, not the formation of policy. Do you think such work will hold your interest?”

            “Most definitely, sir. I am not much interested in policy, quite frankly.  I am doing my best in my school work, now that comprehensive examinations are looming, but it is a bit of a struggle for me to maintain interest in history and politics. I have always enjoyed the technical uses of my mind, however, and I am grateful for the talent the Creator has given me, and the opportunities to develop it I have found at the service school.”

            Magus Paalo nodded, and made a faint humming noise in his throat. “Do you not even have an interest in Vaaselian politics?”

            “Sir?”

            “The work of your family –”

            “Do you mean the studies of my brother and sister?  I did not know they were political.  I have looked at the books they have published, of course, for their sakes – but it really isn’t the sort of thing I am interested in.”

            “What are you interested in?  Personally, I mean.”

            “Sailing and riding – my father gave me a fine new gelding for my birthday – I enjoy the outdoors – and I have made a hobby of swordsmanship.  And I do like to read poetry.”

            Paalo smirked. “And write it, too, I imagine.”

            Timu allowed himself to look down and blush. “Sir,” he said, like an admission of guilt. This was going very well, very well indeed.  He had all the right strengths, and showed just enough harmless weakness to be plausible.  With the recommendation –

            “Well, I believe you will do quite well, as an intern.  You may consider the post yours, Lord Maarinen.  You may report for your training the week before the fall term.”  Paalo stood and offered his hand; when Timu took it he found the magus’ grip to be loose, and his skin cold. Not surprising really.

            “Thank you, sir.  I will endeavor to serve you well, you may be certain.”  Paalo made the humming noise again as he removed his hand from Timu’s grasp and went to open the door.

            “The week before term –” the magus said, by way of parting, and Timu heard the door click closed behind him.

 

            Timu managed to contain himself as far as the Service Hall entrance, but he ran all the way to the library, brimming with triumph.

            “I have the appointment!” he cried as soon as he saw Aulia, drawing the annoyed glares of the other occupants of the study hall.  She got up at once, gathering her books and satchel carelessly in her arms, and ran to meet him.  Taking her by the elbow, he hurried her out of the library; loose papers spilled from her arms, and he had to stoop and scramble to catch them with one hand, until they both collapsed on the grass of the courtyard.

            “To the Office of Operations?” Aulia gasped through her laughter.

            “Assistant to Magus Paalo himself!” Timu threw himself on his back on the grass, smiling broadly, but he immediately sensed a chill sweep over Aulia’s thoughts as her laughter faded, and he raised himself up on one elbow. 

            “What is the matter?”

            “Magus Paalo – I did not realize.”

            “What is wrong with that?  It is very prestigious –”

            “But he is the enemy of your family,” Aulia whispered.

            “Enemy?  Oh, I know that he dislikes all the old service families – he thinks we are snobs, or something like that – but enemy?”

            Aulia shook her head, with a look of pity on her face.  “You are being used, Timu.  A recommendation, out of the blue, from Lord Karula?  To Magus Paalo himself?  And you a Maarinen?  They are hoping that you are naive enough to be used against your family – you will see.  You had better watch yourself carefully, Timu.”

            It was something he hadn’t thought of. But of course, if it had occurred to Elian that he might work as a spy, why shouldn’t it also occur to Rilsa and her husband to use him?  Perhaps the lady had some politics after all.  He could not be sure – not unless they had some further contact, and she had made no movement toward that since the night of the reception.

            “Timu?”

            He shook himself out of his reverie and looked Aulia in the eye. She was sincerely worried.  Well, he was a bit worried now too.

            “I will be careful.  But it is still an excellent opportunity – imagine old Haarnonen when he hears of it!”

            Aulia smiled again. “I am happy for you, really.”

            Timu jumped to his feet.  “Then help me celebrate – come riding with me.”

            Aulia looked confused, and when Timu grasped her arm she resisted his efforts to pull her to stand. “Riding – now?  Oh, no – I could not –”

            “You do not care for horses?”

            “Oh, I can ride – I enjoy it – but –”  she looked down and began gathering together her books and papers, and Timu knew she was blushing – it even showed in the parting of her very fair, intricately braided hair.

            “Not alone with me,” Timu said softly.  “I understand.  I am sorry.”  He backed away a little, and Aulia got to her feet and reached out to him.

            “I know you did not mean anything – but people think things, and say things –”

            “I understand.  It is all right.”

            “But I am happy for you.  And I know you feel you will burst if you do not do something with yourself – so go, enjoy your new horse.  I will see you tomorrow.”  Aulia gave Timu’s arm a little squeeze, and turned and ran back to the library.

           

            Timu went at once to the stables, not even bothering to go back to the dormitory to change, and saddled his horse, fuming to himself.  Two friends could not even go riding together without fear of malicious gossip.  He had almost forgotten the stupidity he so despised in Essin, in the service, its school and the court.  But there it was again, marring his pleasure.  As if a girl like Aulia would behave like Rilsa, or he – but that was it.  It would be him to blame, if Aulia’s reputation suffered.  That would be the reason for nasty assumptions about her character – she rode out with young Maarinen, and of course he seduced her.  It was funny, really.  He knew nothing of seduction and certainly wouldn’t practice it on little Aulia.  Fools.  Idiots.  Tiny, wicked minds.

            By the time he had ridden up into the hills and was nearing the forest his feelings were relieved at least a little.  Taati was a marvelous horse, smooth and easy when he changed gaits, surefooted and obedient, but with great strength and not lacking in his own will.  Father really indulged him, and he must find a way to show his gratitude.

            He only realized that he was nearing the little clearing where his rabbits had nested when he was in sight of  the oak tree.  He hadn’t given a thought to the rabbit family since long before Midsummer, he reflected a little guiltily.  Of course he had been busy – and spending an afternoon watching rabbits was a pastime for a boy, not a fruitful occupation for a young man – but the babies were young rabbits by now, and if they were still in the vicinity – 

            Timu dismounted when he was still far out in the meadow, and walked into the forest, toward the old oak tree.  They were there – the whole family – the young already nearly as big as the mother – four of them visible, grazing busily.  He carefully walked down wind of them, reaching the tree in a roundabout manner, and, with no regard for the scuffing of his boots, climbed up into its branches.  He must have made more noise than usual, for the rabbits had all hopped away a little to the edge of the underbrush, but they stopped once he had settled himself on his favorite branch, and resumed their feeding.

            This was where it had started.  Whatever ‘it’ was.  His career.  His adulthood.  His seduction.

            Suddenly Rilsa was so present in his thoughts that he was sure he heard her voice.  And then, with a feeling like fear, he realized that he had truly heard it.

            “Timu?  I thought you might come here, after your interview – are you up that tree again? Silly boy.  Come down at once – I will stand well clear this time.”

            The rabbits had scattered, and there she was, coming out of the forest, in a light cotton dress, printed with tiny flowers – the sort of thing that Elian would wear on the estate, when she worked in the vegetable garden or went out with the milkmaids, except for the neckline.  Rilsa held a broad, soft straw hat in her hand, and she fanned herself with it.  Timu had no choice but obedience, and he swung himself off of the branch, this time landing easily on his feet.

            “I was curious about your rabbits – but I really came hoping to see you, and share in your triumph.  You did get the appointment?”

            Timu composed himself as well as he could, and took her hand and barely kissed it.  “Yes, quite easily, really.  Once again, I thank you.”

            “The recommendation was only the opening of the door, you know.  Without your abilities –”

            “Yes, I am sure I am quite deserving – of everything that comes to me.” Timu made no attempt to keep the bitterness out of his voice.  He had the feeling, somehow, that he was being robbed of something, though he could not tell what it might be. Rilsa put her hand on his arm, and drew him close to her side, so that Timu’s face was in near proximity to her warm, fragrant hair.  

            “Whatever is the matter?  Are you unhappy?”

            “No.  Yes.  I do not know.”  Timu pulled away, then grasped both Rilsa’s hands rather roughly in his own and looked her in the face.  “Rilsa, what are you up to?”  She looked worried for a moment, and cast her gaze around his face, then fixed her eyes on his, and held them.  His hands still gripped hers, and she pulled them back behind her, so that his arms encircled her waist, and she pressed herself against him. Timu felt his limbs weaken and his sight dim for a moment, and his grip loosened, and Rilsa threw her arms around his neck and buried her face in his shoulder.  “I wish to help you, Timu – that is all,” she whispered.

            He didn’t know what to do with his hands except place them on her back, and then, as if of their own accord, they were moving slowly, with pressure, up and down the damp cotton, feeling the little bumps of the fastenings of her dress, and the smooth flesh beneath them.  He was sure that he felt her heartbeat where her bosom pressed against his chest, and he knew he felt the pressure of her lips against the skin of his neck.  He made himself dare to look down at her then, and she looked up – she was quite tall, he need hardly bend his head at all – he closed his eyes, actually wondering if he were going to faint, and his lips found hers.

            Rilsa ended the kiss when she chose, after encouraging Timu to a thorough exploration of all of its possibilities, pulling away and smiling as he sank down to sit on the grass.  She sat down beside him quite carefully, spreading the skirt of her dress out in a graceful circle.  When she was satisfied with the arrangement she leaned against his shoulder, looking up into his eyes.

“Was that so frightening?”

            Timu groaned. Then he purposively put his arms around Rilsa and kissed her again, on his own terms.  She submitted, until he seemed satisfied, then she sat back and laughed.  “And now we are even.”

            “Is it a game?”

            “Yes, it is.  Quite a challenging one – and this is only your first lesson.”

            “But why –”

            “Why do I wish to teach you, and play with you?  Again, because I like you – and I think you will give good sport.”

            “That is rather offensive, you realize.”

            “Why should you be offended that I find you incredibly handsome and desirable and believe you will be an excellent lover?  I am not offended that you think such things of me – you do, do you not?”

            “And that is all it is?”

            “That is all.”

            Timu shook his head.  “If I say I never wish to see you again –”

            “You will be lying.”

            “No – I mean, is this a condition of your helping me?”

            “What do you take me for?  Do you think that I need to bribe men to make love to me?  I have helped you, and I will help you, even if you tell me this minute that you will never see me again – I will still know that you want to.”

            Timu fell back on the ground and then rolled over onto his stomach. He found he was gazing into the empty rabbit hole. Then he felt Rilsa’s hand on his back, slowly tracing a course down his spine, then continuing down one thigh and back up the other. He was entirely transfixed, completely unable to move, while that gentle pressure continued.  “Come to me tonight, Timu – Lord Karula is on our estate, and I will be alone.” And before he could turn over and scramble to his feet, she was running off through the forest.

 

It was impossible to sleep, after that.  Dawn was only a few hours away in any case, and instead of going back to the dormitory Timu went down to the wharves, and sat in his little sailboat.  In the taverns near the commercial docks there was light and the sound of singing, but here in the private slips it was dark and quiet, and the anticipatory Midsummer revels of the sailors and dock workers were a distant backdrop to Timu’s musings.

            Rilsa was maneuvering him into Paalo’s circle.  Elian considered Paalo a threat to Maarinen interests.  How could he get on with Paalo, considering his family?  What exactly was it that Rilsa wanted – politically?  He was pretty certain of what she wanted personally, and it only alarmed him to realize that part of him was beginning to want it too.  She was beautiful, and she knew it – she offered herself to him like a precious gift, and he did not know how to refuse it. How could she hope to deceive her husband?  He had telepathic ability, and she had no means of shielding her thoughts and her intentions.  Perhaps she had the same effect on him that she had on Timu – when she looked at him and spoke in that whisper, he felt his mind slip out of his control, so that any effort to comprehend her unexpressed thoughts seemed utterly impossible.  She had deceived Lord Karula before this, obviously.  Sir Brant was likely not the first.  Nor would he be the last – and Timu himself might be the next.

            But he could not fathom the lady’s politics in the least.  Perhaps she had none.  Perhaps it really was all self-interest.

            Timu lay back in the bottom of the boat, letting the slight rocking of the gulf’s waves against the slip lull him into blank reflection on the summer constellations.

 

            The sun had barely risen over the hills on the eastern side of the Gulf of Essin when Timu rode out to return to the Maarinen estate for the Midsummer celebrations, and the celebration of his own birthday.  If he were a Ravellan he would now be considered a man, with all of a man’s rights and responsibilities. In a way it was the same in Vaaseli, for a fellow of his social standing – boys among the peasants and the common folk of the city took on a man’s responsibilities even sooner – by seventeen many were married and starting families – and now Timu knew that his family at least expected him to enter into mature participation in society.  He was going home a boy, but he would be a man when he returned to Essin.

            It was a pleasant two day journey, with one night spent in the inn at Naamo, where the Naamo River ran between the estates of the Elu and the Maarinen.  The jovial innkeeper pretended not to recognize him, in his fine court clothing, and then wished him a hearty happy birthday, drawing him a huge tankard of ale, no payment expected.

            By midday of Midsummer eve Timu could see the squat turrets of the old Maarinen fortress with bright pennants flying, and he was joined on the road by many of his family’s tenants, in carts decked with flowers and ribbons, or on foot, with their walking staves similarly decorated, going in a holiday spirit to the seat of their master, to celebrate the peace and bounty of summer with feasting, bonfires, and dancing.  Most of these people knew him well, and greeted him with birthday wishes.  It was good to be among people he knew, whom he liked and respected, and who liked him, except that it made him wish he need not return to Essin.

            It was pleasant too to recognize the admiration of the girls he passed as he neared his home.  They remembered him as a shy and nearly savage boy, he was sure, and were impressed with his transformation into a young gentleman. Some of them were very pretty, too – though of course it wouldn’t be appropriate for him to pay them his attentions.  It would be considered taking advantage of his position, and his father would never permit it.  They were good girls, anyway – as good as Aulia, and as natural. That was what really made them attractive, and of course it also made them unapproachable.  But there was nothing wrong with looking at each other, and being friendly.

            By the time Timu arrived at the manse, the rambling country house in the woods behind the castle where his family actually resided, he was in a calm and happy temper, and greeted his father and mother warmly and, for the first time since he’d gone away to school, with a clear conscience. They would have had a report of his final marks already, and he knew that they were pleased with him.  His mother was especially pleased with his appearance.

            Lord Arvi noticed his son’s new exterior too, and noticed the looks the girls of the estate were giving him, and noticed Timu returning them, a little tentatively at first, but gradually more frankly.  Timu had been quick to reach physical maturity, but his carelessness in grooming had kept it from being noted sooner.  Before the dancing began this evening, Lord Arvi considered, he would have to take his son aside, for a little conversation.

            Timu helped that afternoon with the construction of the bonfires, and Lord Arvi took his opportunity, when that work was completed, and the sun was sinking, to invite his son into his office in the castle, for a cool drink and a rest before Magus Tuomus would call upon them for the little ceremony of the bonfires' lighting.

             As his son sat across from him in the dimness of the little castle chamber Lord Arvi wondered that he hadn’t seen the need for this interview sooner.  Timu was a handsome boy, with bright golden hair where the rest of the family was dark or chestnut.  He was tall, though not gangly like Arn, and well-muscled from the active life he had always led.  His face was still a boy’s – almost pretty, with full lips and long eyelashes a girl might envy.  There would be temptations now, especially since he had discovered the advantages of good grooming and responsible behavior – unsuitable girls might try to trap him into marriage – he really was in need of a warning.

            “I am glad to hear that you have at last begun to apply yourself to your studies, Timu,” Lord Arvi began as neutrally as possible.

            “I was tired of being the great joke of the service school – and my friend Aulia Taarko offered to help me.”

            “Taarko?  The family in Essin?”  When Timu nodded, Lord Arvi nodded too, in approval.  “They are good people.  Aulia is a little younger than you, is she not?”

            “I think she is nearly fifteen – but we have had several classes together, as she is quite an advanced scholar. She knows how to make the driest, dullest old treaty interesting.”

            “And she is interesting herself, I suppose?”

            “Well – she was friendly to me when no one else was – and she is interesting – she knows a great deal about the Alliance, and other countries, especially Ravella – and her interest makes whatever she talks about interesting – and I suppose it makes her interesting too.”

            “Timu,” Lord Arvi leaned forward in his chair a little, “I think you know that I am speaking of more than just young Aulia’s intellectual attributes.”  The patriarch of the Maarinen was pleased to see that his comment elicited his son’s blushes.

            “I really do not think of Aulia that way, sir.  She is still a little girl, really – though she is rather pretty, and I am sure she will grow up to be a very attractive young lady.”

            “But you are interested in other girls in that way, perhaps – older girls, with other than intellectual attributes?”

            Timu made certain that his mind was thoroughly shielded.  Could his father have heard somehow of Lady Rilsa’s patronage?  But Father didn’t use his mind to communicate, even with his absent children, let alone with courtiers to gather gossip.  Most mature telepaths found communication more difficult as they grew older, and gave their abilities to other pursuits.  He couldn’t know anything of Rilsa.  And he mustn’t.

            Blushing again, Timu answered carefully.  “Of course I have begun to take notice of girls’ – attributes. But there are other things that are more important.  I am really taking more of an interest in my career – I am totally serious about that, Father.”

            “Yes, Elian told me that you had promised to study – not just your work at school, but more recent scholarship –”

            Timu nodded and sat up a little in his chair, eager to pursue the new course of the conversation.  “I have been reading Arn’s History, Father, and I think I now have an inkling at least of the movement of Vaaselian politics, but there are still connections I have not discovered, I am certain.”

            “Tell me what you understand.”

            “Well – generations ago, even before the Peace of Alidor, the Toler family grew weary of the constant power struggle between houses for control of the throne, and they moved north, from the hills above Essin, into the Tolmyn – which were not even named until then, or not with a single name – and they ‘conquered’ the Telmi – though it was not really a conquest – it was an agreement with the clans who herded in the mountains to defend their lands from any encroachment by other southern lords, in exchange for all the territory of the most northern part of the range and control of the western pass. The Telmi were glad to be relieved of the burden of vigilance against warfare, and the mountain clans moved north to join their brothers in the plains and marshes.”

            “That is entirely correct.”

           “But I am trying to understand the contemporary significance, Father.”

            Lord Arvi sighed.  “You know that when Vaaseli entered into the Peace of Alidor and joined the new Alliance, all the houses agreed to establish a dynasty to take and control the crown.  The house of Haarno, King Hendric’s house, was chosen as the least objectionable, and all the noble families swore allegiance. Since then there has been no open warfare.  But power struggles continue.  Only the house of Toler has remained aloof.

            “In these days, as some of us attempt to bring Vaaseli into better accord with the principles of the Alliance, others are intent on holding our nation back, or even returning it to older manners and methods. When Hendric took a wife from among the Paarin we progressives were much heartened: the marriage seemed to consolidate our position. When the queen died, in childbirth, after a serious fall, there were suspicions – some of the traditionalists are not above assassination, and it was suspected that her unborn child was equally a target.  But Prince Renhold survived, though his mother did not.

            “Now Renhold’s betrothal to Elian is as much a threat to traditionalist interests as was his father’s marriage.  And they see a further threat in Elian’s ties to the Telmi – they fear the militaristic Toler will be drawn back into the power structure, and progressive interests will for the first time enjoy the advantage of force of arms.

            “We fear the traditionalists will feel pressured to make some move to control the crown beyond what has been possible through the Council of Lords and the privy council –”

            “Elian spoke of Magus Paalo, and Lord Valmur –”

            “Paalo is an outspoken traditionalist.  It was a shock to us when Valmur proposed him as head of service. The chancellor has always claimed progressive sympathies.  Elian fears that the traditionalists are making their move at last, to consolidate their power and perhaps prevent her marriage to Prince Renhold.  Renhold never trusted Valmur you know – but I am afraid his father always assumed that the prince was jealous.  Hendric is his only family, and his father’s friendship with the chancellor must have seemed an intrusion to him.  But I, and many of us, suspect Renhold was right all along, and Valmur all these years has only pretended to progressive interests.”

            “Progressive meaning –?”

            “More equitable treatment for all our people. Permission for commoners to own land, for example. Universal education funded by the guilds and by taxes. Powers for the Guild Council equal to those of the Council of Lords.  Admission of commoners to the service school –”

            “It sounds like it is all modeled on the Ravellan League.”

            “These are practices implicit in the Peace of Alidor and all Alliance agreements.”

            “But the Peace of Alidor guarantees the preservation of national traditions.  Noble houses, the power of the crown – these are ancient practices of Vaaseli.”

            “No one is advocating their abolition, son. Only some reform of Vaaselian society.”

            Timu was silent for a time.  Elian wanted him to understand these things, and act on his understanding.  What was it she wanted from him?  Why was it so important that he find a good position in the service? Rilsa thought it important too.  What were her motivations? Only self-interest, as she claimed, or did she have some serious political sympathies?  Her husband was a traditionalist of Paalo’s ilk, but she did not seem to value his opinions – not about her personal behavior, certainly.  Perhaps she saw the power struggle, and only wished to play both ends against the middle, for her own security.  Her mind seemed so simple, but Timu was beginning to feel he might never understand her.

            “Continue your studies, Timu,” his father was saying, as he rose from his chair. “And be sure you keep your present perspective on what is really important.  I know that there will be many temptations for you at court, and I do not expect you to forego all pleasures, but do not let your physical urges rule either your heart or your head.  Someday you will meet a woman you can truly love, who loves you truly, and who will be able to help you in your life, and gladly bear your children.  Preserve yourself as much as you can for that woman.”  Lord Arvi reached out to embrace his son, and Timu clasped his arms around his father’s back with some relief.  Father understood, without understanding too much, and he would remember his advice, he promised himself.

 

            After the short ceremony of lighting the bonfires, presided over by old Magus Tuomus, the local musicians brought out their instruments and the dancing began. Timu was not allowed to rest for what was surely hours, though for him the time flew by quickly, and when at last he truly could not dance another step he extricated himself from the circle of girls besieging him, and stumbled off to get a drink and find a quiet place to enjoy it.  He found his refuge in the hayloft of the manse stables, and lay back in the hay near the open shutters of the window, and gazed out at the familiar and friendly stars above the forest. Already there were birds beginning to sing, sensing the dawn though its light was not yet visible.  His mind seemed a pleasantly exhausted void at the moment, but when he perceived Elian’s communication he organized both his overt and his hidden thoughts quickly.

            “Happy birthday, little brother.”

            “Thank you, Elian.  It is really happy, for a change.”

            “Mother and Father are pleased with your efforts at school, I take it.”

            “Quite pleased, from what I can tell – and do I have your approval too?”

            “Of course you do, dear – even when you are not on your best behavior, I can not help but approve of you – I love you.” Timu took note of the ease and comfort he felt in his sister’s thoughts, quite unlike her usual reserve. If she were not among the Telmi he would have thought it was because she had taken a little more wine than she was used to, but he knew the herdsmen had no knowledge of fermentation for alcoholic drinks.  Still, they probably had their own means of recreation.

            “Are you celebrating Midsummer too?” he ventured to ask her.

            “Oh, yes – we have had our bonfires and our rituals – there is quite a bit more to them than Magus Tuomus’ little invocations – and now there is the drumming and dancing.  I wish you could see it. It is still nearly broad daylight here, you know, though the sun is below the horizon.”

            “When you write about it, and I read it, then I will see it.”

            “You have looked into our books, then?”

            “I have read Arn’s, most of it – and discussed it with Father a little.  Aulia Taarko wants to study Telmi language together, and maybe we will do that in the summer term, if there is time. In the fall I may be too busy.”

            “Preparing for your comprehensive examinations?”

            “And I expect to have a post as intern, in the Office of Operations.” Timu felt Elian’s consciousness perk up a little, as though she were suddenly sitting up straight to pay more attention.

            “And how did that come about?  Usually you need to have a patron –”

            “And I do.  Lord Karula. Apparently he has heard of my facility with communication, and thinks it might be useful to Magus Paalo.”

            “Karula?  A privy councilor? Does he propose that you should work in Paalo’s own office?”

            “I believe that is the idea.” Now Timu was aware that Elian’s thoughts were turning over rapidly, aligning themselves in new positions, looking for new possibilities.

            “Timu – if you can court Paalo’s favor, you may be able to truly help us. I do not think the time is right for us to openly oppose the traditionalists.  Lord Valmur is too powerful – the king places absolute trust in him and if we oppose him and Paalo in any way it will turn Hendric against us. But we need people close to that power who share our interests – if you can convince Paalo that you are sympathetic –”

            “You want me to repudiate our family –”

            “It need not be explicit.  You have no reputation for political motivation or even interest – but a young man in your position can claim an interest in his own advancement without political commitment.”

            “So you want me to spy for you.”

            “I suppose that is one way to put it – gather information –”

            “And make myself appear to be a selfish and self-interested political whore – or is there another word for it? Something neutral, like ‘gathering information’ –”

            “I am sorry, Timu.  You need not do it if you find it offensive.”

             Timu had to think for a while to decide exactly why he felt offended. 

            “Elian, it is only that I am beginning to understand it all, for the first time, and I see that you and our family have been working for years for things that I believe in, even though I never knew that I believed in anything. I want to stand with you – I want to help – but I want to be open about it. I want to be a Maarinen in more than name – up till now I have been a nothing.”

            “It would not be forever, Timu. If you do this now, while you are perfectly placed for it, we will have a better chance of prevailing over the traditionalists, and after we have undermined Lord Valmur’s power, and Renhold and I are married, you will be able to come forward and redeem your reputation.”

            The birds were singing louder, and the stars were fading -- the night was rolling round into daytime, and there would be only a few more days of peace at home before he must return to Essin, and make his application for the internship; he would have to make a decision. He held his mind silent for a long time, and so did Elian, but it was she at last who broke the silence.

            “I know it is a sacrifice.”

            Yes, it would be.  But for years now Elian had been sacrificing her own happiness, delaying marriage with Renhold, whom she truly loved, and who loved her equally, for the sake of peace in Vaaseli, and security for Renhold and her own family.

            Elian went on. “Your true position would have to remain a complete secret – from Aulia, even from our parents.”

            Well, he was used to being a disappointment to the people who cared about him.  At least Elian would know, and love him all the better for what he did, most likely.  And it would not be forever.

            “I will do it.”

 

 

 

In the next few weeks there were a great many changes in Timu’s life. He attended every class, and met with Aulia every evening before supper, so that she could explain what he was meant to have learned in a way he found engaging.  It made all the difference, and soon he was able to sit in his classes and interpret what his teachers said in the same way that she would. He began to genuinely take an interest.

            Timu also dressed with more care, combed and tied back his hair every morning, and saw that his shoes or boots were clean before he went out, and he noticed the effect on others almost immediately.  There was a little teasing at first from some of the boys in his dormitory, but he could ignore that: girls began to speak to him and servants became respectful, and as the manners of those around him changed, he found himself matching their expectations. Servants expected commands, and he commanded.  Girls expected flirtation, and he flirted.  He could not persuade himself to the crude and stupid behavior of most of the boys, so he adopted an attitude of outright superiority. Arrogance replaced sullenness, and to his surprise he found that it earned him some respect, even admiration. His new command of his school subjects, hastily acquired and superficial though it might be, even gave him some license to be humorous with his teachers, though Magus Soren remained severe. He was undergoing a reformation from fool to wit, and he admitted himself happy with the change.

            And in all those weeks there was no word from either Lady Karula or her husband.  The end of the term was approaching, and the Midsummer holiday, and Timu was beginning to wonder if his new friend had changed her mind, or found that her husband was not to be persuaded. Even if that were the case, he was not sorry he had undertaken to change his ways, or had some coaching in accomplishing the change. But he found himself wanting an opportunity to show Lady Rilsa what progress he had made. At the same time he was apprehensive. If she were sufficiently impressed she might act on those thoughts he had discerned in her mind, and he wasn’t sure how he would deal with it.

            It was a few years now since he’d felt the first stirrings of his maturing body, and after an initial fascination he had ultimately dismissed them as mere reflexive responses, of little use to him at the moment. If sometimes he had a stimulating dream, that was just his body seeking release for its own health – he had the sheets changed and forgot about it.  As to romance – the girls at school were either too silly or too serious to interest him.  Aulia was the first he had ever become friendly with, and she was nearly too serious herself.  And certainly too young. If Lady Rilsa had expectations – if that were a condition of her favor – that would be demeaning. And it could be dangerous. Unfortunately it would be far from disgusting, and hard to resist.

            What Timu had come to think of as his first test as a courtier finally did come, just after school examinations. He had just learned that his marks were the best he had ever managed – even a high Competent in Modern Treaties – and was beginning to pack for a week’s holiday with his family, when the dormitory footman brought him an envelope with a seal he now recognized.  It was an invitation, written in the precise hand of a clerk, to a reception that evening in Lord and Lady Karula’s apartment. Timu wrote a reply, and gave it to the footman to see it delivered, and turned his attention to choosing the right sort of clothes for the occasion, thinking of Rilsa, and what she would approve of.

            When the sun was just setting – late, now that full summer had come – Timu left the school compound and made his way through the Service Hall courtyards to the main court of the old castle. It was the kind of perfectly clear and calm evening he might have wished to spend on the gulf, idling as his little sailboat bobbed on the water, watching the stars slide across the dome of the sky through the short night and seeing the new day’s sun rise in the morning – Timu felt a pang of regret as he entered the yard of the palace, and a flutter of nerves.  He hoped he wasn’t arriving too early.

            The footman at Karula’s door bowed quite impressively when Timu gave his name, and there was another respectful servant at the door of the sitting room, ready to announce him.  Lady Rilsa made her way through the dozen or so guests at once to greet him, murmuring politely “I am so pleased to meet you, Lord Maarinen” as he bent to kiss her hand.  “My lord,” she said briskly, turning to the man at her elbow, “this is the young man I have heard of, and whom I told you about, Lord Timu Maarinen. Lord Maarinen – my husband.”

            Timu bowed slightly.  “I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lord Karula – and I thank you for the invitation here tonight.”  Lord Karula gave him a rather long look, which seemed to take in every detail of his appearance.  His lordship was telepathic, certainly, and trained enough to shield his mind quite effectively, but not enough to penetrate Timu’s own cautious shielding.  He was trying.

            “We have heard many good things about you, Lord Maarinen.  Not surprisingly, of course, considering your antecedents.”

            “I hope to live up to my family’s reputation, and their expectations.”

            “You have a year left in your schooling, I believe?”

            “Yes, sir.  It is mostly preparation for comprehensive examinations, of course.  And I may apply for a post as an intern in the service.  I believe that would be the most useful course for me to pursue.” The eyes of both the lord and lady remained upon him as he spoke, and he was aware of Rilsa’s approval.

            “Have you thought which department?” Lord Karula asked.

            “I have given no thought to specialization, and I have no particular inclination to mission work, quite frankly.  I love my homeland too much to have a strong desire to leave it.  I would like to serve in Essin, when I graduate –”

            “Perhaps in the Office of Operations?” Lord Karula suggested.

            “Perhaps with Magus Paalo?” Lady Rilsa said immediately.  “I am told you are most able in the uses of communication,” she turned to her husband, “and Paalo has told me that he has need of servants who can communicate well and speedily, without linking – whatever that means.”  Her lips bent in a shy smile and she gave her husband’s hand a little squeeze.

            “Yes, there is always a need for those who have that ability.  You may wish to make such an application, young man – and I will mention your name to Magus Paalo.”

            Timu made a little bow, and Rilsa took the opportunity to put her hand on his arm. The gesture made the skin on the back of his neck shiver a little.

            “And now, let me get you some refreshment, and introduce you to our friends.” And Rilsa gracefully guided Timu toward a table spread with delicacies of both food and drink.

            “You did very well,” she whispered, handing him a glass of white wine.  “And now you must mingle a little, and make the acquaintance of some other rather important people.”  She caught and held his gaze for a moment. “You are over the first hurdle, and the rest will be easy.”

            And Timu found that it was easy.  It was the same conversation, over and over – his family, his schooling, his plans for the future, a few polite questions about the condition of his family’s estate.  A few of the guests inquired about Elian – was she anywhere near completing her study of the Telmi? Would she come to court at the end of the summer? And, from one older lady who was sipping brandy steadily, when would she and Prince Renhold finally marry?

            Rilsa came to Timu’s rescue at that point, and he was profoundly grateful.  She drew him toward the open glass doors of the room, and onto a small terrace.  Darkness had fallen, though at this time of year there would be a faint greenish cast of lingering light in the west for a long while. A yellow fingernail moon hovered overhead, just beginning its descent to the horizon.

            “Timu,” she said softly, with both her hands on his arms, and making him turn so that his face was exposed to the candlelight that spread gently from the sitting room, “I can scarcely tell you how pleased I am. You are transformed – a real gentleman.  I knew you could do it, of course, but the effect is still quite impressive.” 

            “It was your advice –”

           “And your will and intelligence.  You even have an unexpected flair for dressing yourself well – dark colors suit you.  You might even consider black, you know, though in a young man it might be considered affectation – I believe you could do it – it would bring out the bright gold of your hair –”  she let her words hang suspended, and Timu knew her thoughts were straying to difficult territory.

            “Rilsa –” he managed to whisper before the tight dryness of his throat prevented his speech.  He couldn’t help scanning the room behind her nervously, but no one was paying them any attention.  When he looked back at her face she was smiling that warm smile that had made him blush in the forest.

            “Do not worry so, Timu.  I know how to be discreet.  Let us return to the party, and I will manage your release from this torture.”

            Timu made another circuit of the room with his hostess, and she helped him make his excuses for departure.  He was going home for Midsummer, to celebrate his birthday, and must make his preparations for the journey.  Examinations had been tiring, too, of course.  The ladies all urged him to get plenty of rest and not to let his studies lead to neglect of the pleasures proper to a young man. As Rilsa accompanied him into the entrance hall, he looked back to the gathering, and Lord Karula, in conversation with another of the king’s ministers, caught his eye and raised a hand in a salute of farewell, and Timu nodded politely.

            “Thank your husband again for me,” he said as they went to the door.

            “Of course,” Rilsa said brightly.

            “And thank you, my lady.” Stopping at the door, Timu bowed over her extended hand, and this time as his lips brushed it, he felt compelled to let them linger on the soft, white skin, and Rilsa made no movement to withdraw. When he did look up at her face at last, her lips were a little parted, and her eyes a little closed, and her breathing was noticeably rapid.  Timu was well aware that he was in a similar condition. “Goodnight, my lady,” he managed to say.

            “Goodnight, Timu,” Rilsa whispered, as he opened the door and went out, with a nod to the footman.

 

 

Aulia insisted that Timu go back to the dormitory to put on a clean shirt and comb his hair – “at least.”  She could see that he was more than a little unnerved, so she waited for him and walked with him to the palace.

            “Where the devil is Lord Karula’s apartment?” Timu muttered as they passed the guard that stood before the doorway between the old castle and the new palace.

            “Ask a servant.  Timu – you had better go on your own now – do not worry –” she squeezed his hand reassuringly, and he watched her go, then he went on to find a likely servant to direct him.

            The young man in livery whom Timu eventually stopped treated him like an inferior, and after beginning to give him directions, seemed to think better of it – either because he thought Timu too stupid to follow them or because he felt such a rough fellow couldn’t be trusted on his own in the palace – and he brought him to Lord Karula’s door personally. A footman stood outside it, and the servant said simply, “This fellow has a summons to see Lord Karula,” jogging Timu’s elbow so that he would show the envelope with Karula’s seal.

            Timu muttered a thank you to his guide as the footman opened the door to admit him to the entrance hall of the apartment, and then went to find his master.  Everyone in the palace seemed to take him for a stable boy.  This message must be a mistake after all.  Timu pulled the sheet a little out of the envelope and saw quite clearly “Dear Lord Maarinen.”  Disconsolately he thrust it back into the envelope, and then all into the breast of his jacket, and looked around the room he found himself in.  It was just the entrance hall, but its floor was carpeted with a thick Albraharan rug, and the paneled walls were hung with bright tapestries. A carved chair of Xanthian mahogany, seeming more to be looked at than sat in, was placed near the door, and Timu sank down on it gingerly. He noticed that his soft shoes were scuffed and dusty, and his leggings rather baggy at the knees.  At least his cuffs and collar were clean, thanks to Aulia.

            At first the silence of the apartment nearly rang in Timu’s ears, but at last it was broken by the sound of voices behind a door at the end of the hall: a man’s voice, briefly, and then, at more length, a woman’s.

            Timu recognized the woman’s voice before he even heard it properly.  He stood involuntarily as the door opened and Lady Rilsa emerged alone.

            “Lord Maarinen: so good of you to come!”  He