บท 56: Chapter 4
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***
Damian.
We had to use the 'invitation' of the Chapter of Mages for Mum to speak to them.
I wish I had visited Caedwen properly and met Mum's 'nemesis'. That lady interested me for many reasons. But I think I'll get a chance to meet her later, but for now, Tanedd.
As it later turned out, when we arrived at Thanedd for a mini-conference between a group of warlocks. This is not the annual ball-gathering of wizards of the entire North, but an in-line conference where my mother was supposed to be because she is one of the masters of magic. Her native and favourite element is water. Though she's pretty good with fire and earth. I have a great predisposition to fire, but water is also given normally.
But as it seemed to me, my mother knew that too, but she didn't tell me. The purpose of her visit was to examine my body a little.
Even before Ortolan and my kidnapping, the rumour that Jennyfair of Wengerberg had a son of her own, whom she had given birth to but had never cured her infertility, had been a bad joke and an unsubstantiated rumour. It was after de Vries, Lo-Antille and a few other influential wizards and sorceresses started looking for me that the information spread all over the North. I don't know how, but they determined that I was her own son and that Jennyfair was completely barren.
So I'm not surprised there's been a lot of interest in our personalities.
I gathered this information bit by bit as I sat and listened to her friends whisper to Mama when they thought I was asleep or away.
We lived at Tissai de Vrieux's. She was my mother's teacher and many other famous sorceresses. She had a cottage on Thanedda, not just the tower where she lived in Arethusa.
For a while I sat in the library of Tissai, where I ploughed through the history of this world. Unfortunately, all magical literature was kept either in Tissai's private study or in Arethusa. So he just indulged in reading and his plans.
It went on like that for almost a fortnight. And at the beginning of the third, my mother came to me and told me that she and I were going to the local big annual wizarding corporate party. It's called the Great Gathering.
Usually they bring their significant others, and only sometimes students. But I'm her son and obviously her only apprentice and heir.
So I went to the banquet with her. But before that I was waiting for that hell, which you can get used to, put up with and endure, but you can't love it - the fitting. I was very handsome. If, in my previous lives, I was a brutal man, moderately handsome, then here I was a smarmy blond who didn't need magic to maintain his appearance.
It's kind of nice, but on the other hand, I'd like to be a red-eyed and dark-haired man, not a snotty-looking and painfully smarmy boy. I was even a little glad when my healing was slow and scarred, but still Ortolan knew his business and only my stubbornness and experience kept me from dying before he finished his manipulations. That's why my body is stronger.
In the end, I spent several days getting ready, or rather, standing like a plaintiff while they sewed a costume for the Banquet on me with gold and silver threads over red cloth.
And then my mum dragged me to the fucking banquet.
The whole event was held in the huge complex of the Loxia Palace, nestled at the southeastern foot of the mountain. The palace was already swarming with guests and attendants when we arrived "officially", but there were seats available, especially for my mother when she arrived for a simple conference, and otherwise there would have been rooms for Jennyfair of Wengerberg. I don't doubt it.
We were put in together, of course. I'm not used to sleeping in the same bed with her, but these suffocating grabs and hugs in my sleep are getting tiresome. Okay, if it was my woman, who I fuck and can do whatever I want to her. But no, it's my mum and it's annoying. Has this really happened to everyone before?
Soon it was time for the meeting, my mum and I joined the motley, peacock-like crowd. Well, although there were quite a few people, but they were all unfamiliar to Mum and even less to me, they were all on their way to Arethusa, the palace where the banquet was to take place.
The palace was impressive!
The huge central hall of the palace was shaped like a "T". The long spacious hall was illuminated by windows, narrow, but incredibly high. They reached almost to the vault supported by the columns. The vault was magnificent from an art historian's point of view, for its frescoes, on which the main motif was the repeated depiction of five nude figures, were matchless. The window openings were blocked up with damned expensive stained glass.
The whole atmosphere was saturated with pathos and expensiveness. It reminded me of the dacha of a nouveau riche Russian. Any kind of nouveau riche. Although even there they are not so beautiful and expensive. But here, on the other hand, money has been accumulated for centuries.
There are already a lot of people in the hall, but not even half of them.
Under tapestries, garlands, candles and candelabras stood rows of long tables. The tables were crowded with intricate dishes amidst equally intricate coloured compositions of intricate ice figures. Looking at the tables with dishes and food, I realised that it didn't smell like a banquet, but a parody of one. It's a shame.
- Honey, remember, stand proud and confident and don't try to meet anyone. I'll introduce you and introduce you to whoever you need to meet if there's an opportunity or a need.
- Got it, Mummy. - I smiled at her and nodded like a good boy.
- Good. - She nodded, looking for someone in the crowd, not letting go of my elbow from the grip of her hand. - It's unseemly to stand around the table for too long. Wine, if someone offers you a drink, don't drink it. In general, don't drink anything that others give you, only what I give you or allow you to take in front of me. Though... if anything, you can take it from the hands of Tissai or Margarita.
- Understood. - I nodded tiredly.
- Don't talk too much about yourself or me. Cite my prohibition. But that's if anything happens when I'm away from you. Though you will still be with me all the time. Remember. You're just being introduced to my dear brothers and sisters in the trade today. Someday, you will enter here as a full member, but for now, only as my chaperone.
- Understood, Mum. - I sighed heavily and went with her to some fruit.
With a sigh and stoic calmness, I ignored and did not show my irritation or displeasure in anyone's direction.
That's where we were greeted by the first figure unknown to me.
It turned out to be just an old acquaintance who had served at the King's court - Vanallier of Brugge. I knew his name, of course, but my mother surprisingly didn't even introduce us. Nor did he, despite my thoughts, even look at me, though I felt that he was watching me out of the corner of his eye. He asked for a personal, informal meeting after the Great Gathering, kissed my hand goodbye and went off somewhere.
I didn't ask any questions, but silently walked with my mother to the window where we met Keira, she was in high spirits with a glass of wine and complimented me like a broad for my appearance. I scowled and tolerated it, and she was clearly enjoying it all. At my mother's prodding, I started complimenting Keira.
- I feel like I'm in training. - I snorted after another compliment on her airy and short white dress made of silk or some other material. - Do you think so lowly of yourself, Mrs Keira, that you allow yourself to be presented as a manual for inexperienced young men? - I quipped, which made Mum and Keira smile.
- Oh! Cheeky, but you're right. It's just that you're like my favourite little brother who should be taught.
- You don't talk to little brothers in such revealing outfits. - I've finally made the switch to simple communication. - Aren't you afraid I might get it into my head to seduce you sometime in the future?
- Ha ha ha. You're so sweet. I'm sure you'll be a favourite with a lot of girls. But I'm sorry, darling, you'll never get me. You'll have to work hard to get me. - and messed up my hair.
- We'll see who's worthy of what and who's worthy of who. But don't worry, you'll have access to my harem, or rather the right to join it without queuing.
- Ha-ha-ha-ha. Yennyfeather, he's a marvellous man. Every time I see him, I'm convinced of it.
- Your son is truly a miracle. - the gentle and confident voice of another sorceress sounded not far from us. - In every sense.
I looked in the direction of the new sorceress I had just seen.
Quite beautiful, a young woman with dark hair and equally dark eyes. Though brown eyes are inferior to other eye shades, but sometimes with the right combination of facial features, hair colour, figure, skin colour and even the clothes a woman wears, they can really outshine the other shades. This was exactly the case where this lady was more beautiful than most. Of the clothes she was wearing she was wearing a walnut coloured ornate dress with lace and in a rather revealing dress by the way. The neckline was so deep that I had thoughts of my breasts falling out. But they didn't. The sorceress had a necklace of black agates around her neck. And judging by the smell, she was wearing a perfume scented with cinnamon and something else, I think nard.
I have a guess as to who this lady is and why she is studying me so intently, radiating benevolence and sympathy.
From my mum I did not see any aggression or dislike in her direction. On the contrary, she was on friendly terms with her, judging by her reaction. Although I had never seen her at our house before. But Mum didn't bring just anyone to her house.
- Philippa! - Mum smiled. - It's good to see you. Did King Visimir let you go after all? Or rather, affairs of state. You weren't seen here last year.
- Jennyfar and Keira. - She nodded a greeting and tucked her lock of hair behind her ear. - Alas, I have more to do now, as you know. I used to be a councillor in Redania, but now the Chapter has put me on the OWLs Council. And they're a lot of twisty, nasty people. Why I'm telling you this, you can find out for yourself in the future. I hear Taren Merigold will be retiring soon, his health and his mind are failing him. So Wilhelforz will take his place in the Mages' Chapter, and consequently the seat on the Council will be vacated. And in Temeria, he no longer plays much of a role as a counsellor to the king. He's more of a healer to him and his courtiers than a policy maker. Keira will confirm it. - The white-haired woman nodded.
Taren Merigold? That's a familiar name. He's from Temeria, I take it? The same land as Triss? Is she his daughter or a relative? Interesting. He would have to be her father, grandfather, or other relative. I don't doubt they're related. There's a reason why a very young, according to wizards Triss managed to become Foltest's counsellor during the Saga and be quite a talented sorceress. She should have a school and managed to meet her mum before Geralt and become friends with her. And Triss hasn't been to Arethusa or studied there. So you have to draw the appropriate conclusions.
- Not me. - Mum shrugged it off. - I don't like unnecessary politics.
- But politics loves you. It's no secret that King Demavend, beloved of the people, drops in on you sometimes or sends for you to consult on your health, and tries to get you to take advice and be a councillor at court.
- That's true. But I'm not interested. I have other interests.
- I see. She glanced at me. - You have some rather nice and unexpected company tonight. You've been hiding this small and beautiful miracle from us for so long that there were rumours of a simple lie, about your son. But I did a little research on the blood sample Tissai had, and I've come to the conclusion that this is indeed your son. That's amazing. What is your name, boy?
- Damian of Vengerberg. - I introduced myself.
- Nice to meet you, Philippa Eilhart of Tretogor. - and held out her hand for a kiss, I had to kiss it.
Yes, I was lucky enough to meet Philippa Eilhart herself, the jewel of the royal court in Tretogor, the trusted enchantress of King Visimir II. Philippa was one of the most talented sorceresses and the strongest, she had mastered the art of polymorphing. Tissaya told me about her, Mum a little less. But from those stories I emphasised a lot about one of Tissaya's first students and seemingly the best of them, according to her own words.
- It is a pleasure to meet you, Mistress Philippa.
She leaned closer to me, making me able to feel her hot breath on my face and see the hollow between her breasts where something glassy was hidden, and said:
- I hope you grow up to be as beautiful and smart as your mum.
- Why do you hope so? - I asked, trying to catch a glimpse of a scan or something magical, but there was none, and Mum and Keira looked on in silence as if nothing had happened, sipping their wine lightly.
- Well, who knows. - The enchantress smiled slyly and pulled away from me. - Maybe you'll become so desirable that I'll make an attempt on you. Unless, of course, Ian kills me for such intentions.
- Rest assured, you will not die immediately. - Mum replied in the same sweet tone.
- Still, it's good to see you again. After the Gathering, what do you plan to do?
- I've been travelling with my son. I almost showed him Ard Carraig, but I had to teleport here early. And we had a lot of places to go on Damian's list.
- So you like travelling? Was Redania on your list?
- Yes." I answered honestly. - We were supposed to visit several cities, including Tretogor, and then head to Temeria and then to Aedirn.
- Then I offer myself as your guide. It's been a long time since I've been anywhere but Tretogor and Thanedd. I live like a recluse.
- We'll take you up on your offer, Fil.
- Good. - Philippa clapped her hands together.
She talked to my mother and Keira for a while longer. Marguerite and Tyssaya joined them, and then they all dispersed after fifteen minutes, going about their business. My mother and I approached the snack table again. There were no crabs from Tsidaris, unfortunately for me, so I had to choke on shrimp and oysters, which I don't really like.
Here we were met by a cheerful and familiar old man, Radcliffe of Oxenfurt. He was a counsellor to King Demavend. And an old mate of Mother's.
He'd been hitting on her, too. But he'd had ten turns and turns with me alone, and how many I didn't know about. He wasn't hitting on my mum this time, just making small talk. He paid little attention to me. He wasn't interested in me. He was one of the few who was aware of my background and kept quiet. He, like Jennyfair, couldn't understand how it was that I was born to her.
She talked to him a lot, even expressively.
I, on the other hand, was browsing the hall for something I might be interested in.
And soon I saw a rather pretty lady coming towards us. She was about fifteen metres away from us, but she had a sudden change in her face and turned towards another group of wizards and warlocks. Looks like someone's afraid of someone.
- Radcliffe! Jennyfair! It's good to see you! - came the voice of an old man.
Although I was a little overzealous about the old man.
He looked to be in his early forties. His hair, still red without grey, was slicked back, his tanned face had many wrinkles, thin white lips that stretched into a smile, and dark green eyes that squinted at me with interest and wonder.
He was dressed flamboyantly, but not as much as some of the peacocks here. His clothes were tight trousers of white colour, a red doublet up to his neck, and on his feet black shoes made of some reptile skin. In his right hand he held a staff with a red crystal on the top, and in his left hand he held the hand of a little girl a head shorter than me. She looked about ten years old. They looked like a father-daughter or grandfather-granddaughter pair. Her hair was brown, braided into two ponytails, and her green eyes shot frightened glances from beneath her fringes at the hall and the wizards gathered there. She didn't ignore our company, either. The light freckles on her cheeks and nose, as well as the pinkish chubby cheeks of a child, were so cute that they didn't spoil her. She was not dressed in a dress as elaborate as the other sorceresses, but it was beautiful, decorated with different patterns of gold and green on scarlet fabric, with a puffy skirt and red gloves that were hidden under the long sleeves of the dress up to the palms of her hands.
- Taren Merigold, the old devil. - Radcliffe smiled at him genuinely. - Glad to see you're still walking this earth. I thought you'd be late for the procession, or even not come at all.
- Don't insult me so much by not believing in me. I'm not as old and infirm as you might think. Besides, I've been thinking of leaving the Chapter for a long time. At least a hundred years, since my last fellow student died and another went travelling and never came back.
- But you have so many students. - Mum smiled. - Wilhelforz, Terranova, Radcliffe, and I see you have another one growing up.
- Yes. My grand-niece. Although she's not really my brother's granddaughter, she's his great-granddaughter. But she's my only relative and now my apprentice. Meet Triss Marigold. Triss!
- Nice to meet you, Mr Radcliffe and Mistress Jennyfair. - Triss squeaked frightened and blushed.
- A lovely child's voice. - said Radcliffe. And I agree with him. - I'm sure she'll grow into a real beauty in due time, even without magic.
- I agree. - Mum nodded, giving me a slight nod. - I'm not alone tonight either, as you can see.
- My name is Damian of Vengerberg. - I introduced myself and after a slight hesitation from the surprised Triss, I kissed her hand, making her blush even more.
- My son and my pride. - Mum said in a pleased and sly voice.
- I see. My Triss is also quite adept at magic, despite her young age. Maybe they can be friends. They won't be so lonely here.
- I agree. - Mum nodded. - Damian?
- Yes, mum. - smile and wave.
- Take over as this young lady's beau and entertain her while we chat about our own... senile boring things here. Just stay close so we can see you.
- Of course. - and immediately reached out his hand to Triss.
She tentatively put her hand in it. And we moved a little farther away from the trio that had decided to discuss something of their own.
I never thought I'd see Triss here. She's basically the same character as the canon one, except she's older, which makes her blush over nothing, a lot of awkwardness and so on. Pretty Triss, here turned out to be a shade, not redhead as in the game, so even if the "canon" of the Witcher game universe appears here, the book series will still have more influence. And that's what I'm hoping for.
- Are you studying at Arethusa? - I asked her, breaking the awkward silence.
- N-no. I'm studying with my grandfather. He doesn't want me to go to Arethusa, and I don't want to go there. They're strict and don't allow you to do what you like. And I've only just turned eleven.
- That's funny, I also just turned 11. - I told her. - Mum didn't want me to go to Ban-Ard either, and after the Grandmaster kidnapped me for experiments, I don't want to go there... yet.
Merigold wanted to say something, but decided to keep silent, or rather, she changed the subject.
- Do you know how long this Great Council of the Brotherhood of Wizards will last? Grandfather Taren didn't tell me.
- Tonight is the banquet, tomorrow is the Great Gathering. It usually lasts only one day, but sometimes it stretches for an extra three or four days. So don't worry, you won't be here all year.
It's a pity I can't effectively get into other people's brains and read their minds yet, I'm quite curious what the future "fourteenth from the hill" thinks about me at the moment.
- Where do you and the honourable Taren live?
- In Maribor. Or rather, my grandfather lives in the same house as me, I inherited it from my father.
- Grandfather? - I smiled.
- The house. - She mumbled, and then she was embarrassed again.
- I see. Was he always in Vyzim before you? In the king's service?
- Yes. Grandfather often tells me he's tired and wants to retire. He wants to train me in the ways of magic and make me his heir. - she said proudly, flashing a satisfied smile.
By the beginning of the Saga, Merigold Senior will be dead or killed, and then Triss will be able to establish herself in the court of Foltest and become his councillor, just like Keira Metz. It's a good thing this uncut diamond fell into my hands. She's at the age and condition where I can easily make her fall in love with me. She was obsessed with the finer things in canon. Seeking love wherever she could from women and men. Who knows, maybe with my canon mum she didn't just start out as a friend. But eventually, in canon, she seduced Geralt, and tried to drive wedges with him throughout the saga.
If Geralt hadn't been bound to Jennyfeather by the last wish he made to the genie, he would have probably been able to forget about the whole thing, Triss would have finally seduced him and taken him to the "citizenship". How this story plays out is hard to say. Lots of variables. But Triss's virginity, purely as a fan and aesthete, I'll have to take. Plus...she's so cute.
Soon Merigold Senior, my mum and Radcliffe approached us, Triss was ordered by the wizard to stay with us for a while, and he and Radcliffe went to 'line up' for the festive procession for this banquet.
Twenty minutes later, I, Triss, Mum, Keira, Marguerite and a few other wizards and wizards from different parts of the OWLs saw the procession, which was going with a sense of dignity - the Chapter and the High Council of Wizards.
The gathered wizards parted, bowing respectfully to the persons entering the hall. The first to follow was a stout but not young man in very modest woollen clothes. Next to him walked a tall woman with sharp features and dark, smoothly combed hair. The first member of the Chapter was Gerhard of Aelle, known as Hen Gedymgate, the oldest wizard alive today. Except for Ortolan, whom I killed. Though perhaps it is because of this that he is now the oldest and most respected warlock of this era.
The woman next to him is our dear Tissaya de Vries. She's almost the same age as Hela Gedymgate, but she actively uses elixirs and gets younger every chance she gets. A sorceress after all.
Behind the first couple was a prominent woman with very long dark golden hair, rustling her lace-adorned reseda-coloured dress. From Mother's story and her comments to the two of us and Triss, we knew that this was Francesca Findabair, called Enid an Gleanna, the Daisy of the Valleys. She is considered the most lovely woman in the world. But I wouldn't say she's the most beautiful, incredibly beautiful yes. But I'm sure there are those who would challenge her title.
Next to the elven woman was our Taren Merigold, and behind him and the elven woman was the fifth member of their "circle of interest", a short man next to Artaud Terranova, the fifth member of the Chapter.
Behind them were other no less important persons for the magical world - the Great Council: Fercart from Cydaris, Radcliffe from Oxenfurt, Carduin from Lan Extera, Philippa Eilhart and the fifth most recent and no less interesting to me personally Vilgefortz from Roggeveen.
A future manipulator, schemer, great mage, fighter and just a smiling bastard, as good as Spider, Littlefinger and Tywin Lannister combined, and my future opponent.
I'm so glad to be here...
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