Shadya rides silent for a few moments after Orlando has concluded his story. Then she speaks thoughtfully, "'Tis taught in the Temple of Tears that there are dreams and Dreams. The one is the brain and body putting its own house in order. The other ... is Sent." She sounds somewhat embarrassed, "'Twas not my province to meddle in such, and so I fear I did not pay as close attention as I should to some of the lessons of magic and spirit. Still, I recall - and know for truth - that dreams that are Sent are Real. Such was my dream of the city I the Lake of Glass. Such, I venture to guess, your lordship, from what you have said, is your dream of dancing."
Amusement ripples through her tone as the warrior woman adds, "But such dancing - with a lady in your arms - I am not familiar with. I am not sure whether I should want to see it or not." She chuckles at herself, then adds a bit more soberly, "As to your madness.... To some of the people of the desert, those who are mad are touched by Ashar and are to be protected and cherished. Perhaps it is so in your land? Perhaps your dream is a sending from a god in your land and so you have been touched?" Shadya brushes the hilt of her saif. "It matters not. You need not be mad to hold the claim you have on us. And, mad or no, I think I could rarely fight with a better battle-companion at my side." With interest she adds, "I take it you did not find the dark-haired lady amongst the out-liers of your father's court. And so came to search at the desert's edge?"
Orlando replies, "Yes, we too have dreams that are said to have significance. Perhaps they are sent by someone. I asked a Wizard about it once, but it should come as no surprise that the answer wasn't particularly satisfactory. In truth, this particular 'dream' has come to enough people over time that it is known - some even give it a name 'The Curse of Aothete.' There are a number of stories of young men or young women falling in love at the castle and going off questing either for the castle or for the love they found there.
"Of course I did not know this when I began my quest, but it seems the dream is known and recognised: known for sending young folk off looking for a love they can never find. I must say, I do not think myself mad - but I've been told that that is a bad sign." Orlando chuckles.
He continues, "Ah, and the dancing. It was similar in some respects to what is done in my country: dance is an opportunity for a man and a woman to meet and talk and enjoy each other's company without dishonor to either, for otherwise it is difficult to be seen together without drawing unfavorable comment. It is true that most marriages are arranged, and a good upbringing does much to ensure that whatever match is made will be at least tolerable. Still, it is impossible not to hope that one may be matched with someone whose company is particularly pleasant. If not, well, one may keep up one's favorite acquaintances in the context of dance, one again with no shame to any.
"To the south of my land there is a city where they are not so strict, and it is said that many matches are made for Love. Apparently the folk of Haven rely on upbringing to teach their children to make wise choices. I would not pass such judgement myself, but my father and many others feel that this is why their land is smaller than ours and has fallen from its greatest glory. Of course, they conveniently ignore that Haven probably has several times the wealth of our country, just distributed amongst many more people.
"And no, I did not find her - though I did find dark-haired ladies, many of whom were very charming in their own right. None, however, were the lady I sought. In fact, I have received very little news to steer me one way or another in my quest: only the occasional new story of some lord or lady whose heart was stolen by a dream of a castle. Occasionally the dream seems to have brought the dance to the land, so I have found other lands that dance more or less as mine does. Once I spoke with the spirit of one who was said to have had the dream: he even remembered my raven-haired Beauty. When I found out that he had been dead a thousand years, I nearly died of despair. The obscure words of an old mage finally made sense: that it might be more 'when' to travel than 'where' - that she might be living a thousand years in the past or future. Somehow, I had accepted the idea of searching the entire world. But to think that I might have to search through all time as well... Well, I was somewhat overwhelmed. For all that, I still could not rest. I had sworn to search for her and for a while it might have been my oath alone that kept me searching, but in time I came once again to believe in my quest. Ah me.
"The first truly positive word I have had, however, has been from the Spirit of the Flaming Pit. It said that I should find her, though he did warn that finding her might be trouble, or might bring trouble of something like that. It seemed that when it talked of any time but now it was very vague. When it spoke of now it was quite definite. Mercifully, it was quite definite that I had a chance of finding my mysterious lady."
Fiamma speaks, "I agree with Shadya in that dreams may be Sent. I suspect, however, that while the originator of Shadya's dreams (and even one or two that I have had) is someone or something beyond our knowledge, Orlando's is the result of some sort of enchantment spell cast by Lady B. That is not to say that I think Orlando is foolish. Well, at least on thinking that the dark-haired lady could be real."
Orlando asked, "You think so? Hmm. I had not thought of it - but why would Bellamira have cast a spell? I would gladly have married her if my father had so chosen, for she was beautiful and witty. I did not love her, but I was not allowed to give my heart to any of them. Why would she cast a spell which caused me to fall in love with another?" He paused for a moment. "Ah, I think I see what you are saying - Bellamira brought the two of us to the ball, but others were there by other means: they were real, too. Perhaps they were all real - it would seem reasonable. "
Fiamma nodded, "In my brief study of magic and my none-too-verifiable knowledge of enchantments from folklore, I've heard that static illusions, such as your castle with the gargolyes, are easy to cast and maintain, but an illusion of a person dancing and seeming quite real - that would be difficult, unless the magician had observed her. And assuming Lady B. is the magician, I find it unlikely that she would have made such an observation.
"To me, it then seems likely that summoning, as well as enchantment and illusion are involved. I would assume that Lady B. would have been sufficiently intelligent not to invite such lithe and lovely competition on purpose, so perhaps this magical summoning was somewhat random in who was able to attend? And if it was not a distance-based spell (as suggested by the fact that the lady was apparently not in your land), perhaps the other party goers had to be magical as well? Could you deal with a sorceress fiancee?"
The half elf continued, "And who is to say that she is of the nobility, for that matter? Could you bring home a commoner for your bride? Can you even return home at all? And," says Fiamma with a twinkle in her eye, "It is apparent that your father is one of the rulers, if not the only ruler of you land. How exactly should we be addressing you?"
Shadya's voice is very grave, "Amongst the Ashar, marriages are arranged, but one may marry for love if one's father approves one's beloved. You, Orlando, have vowed to find your lady; I did not hear that you had vowed to marry her. If your father does not approve, then you are not compromised...." Softly she adds, "Save perhaps in your heart. But, -- I do not understand - why would the lady being a sorceress - unless she is evil - or a 'commoner' make a difference? What is a commoner, may I ask?"
Orlando starts on the raft of questions he has now to answer. "I suppose it is possible that my dream-lady is a sorceress - although it seems strange that the Lady Bellamira could be one. In my land, we are not taught to think well of those that practice magic. Many are the tales of evil done by those who work it. In my travels I have come to know so many who are good and honorable folk that - well - my opinion of them as a whole has changed: the best of them are worth the worst of them, though my father would never say so. If she be a Sorceress, Witch, whatever: if her heart is pure - well, that's the easy one; if her heart is evil, I will in fact feel cursed - the Curse of Aothete indeed.
"And yes, my friends, you have well struck indeed. I do not have my Father's permission. I do not know if I truly do have the Lady's love; only a few words, her smile, her laugh and her eyes. At times I have wondered if I am truly a fool and a madman - but, strangely, never for that long. I think if I do no more than dance with her again, I will not think my time searching ill-spent. I don't know what would be the worst, though: if she does not love me; if she belies her beauty with a foul heart; if she is good, she does love me, but my father will not agree to the match? Would I deny him to marry her anyway? I cannot think but that would lead to ill, and yet - can it be that, should all other barriers be overcome, he would refuse the match? Ay me. I do not dwell on such thoughts. There is nothing I can do about them, and if I were to dwell on them, I might falter in my Quest. I believe, O my warrior friend, that I have learned a little from your people in this: whatever will happen will happen, I will do what I can when I can, but all I can do now is find her. If she's a commoner - ayeee - well, once again I suppose I will see. It would make my Father's consent almost impossible.
"And yes, my young and quick-witted friend. My father is the King - I am, by extension, a Prince. The Prince of my land, for so far as I know my father has no other heir. I doubt that I could have a brother. My Mother was taken very ill when I was young and, so far as I know, lives still in some far-off church, where they can tend to her illness. Part of her illness apparently caused her to become delirious, hence some of my Father's concern when he thought I might have gone mad, I suppose. And, as if one of your impertinence would be so careful with titles, 'my lord', 'lord Orlando' and, I suppose 'your Grace' will all do fine. The first and last imply a little more about my station than I care to broadcast: I am a Prince of Royal Blood - traveling alone or in small company in lands so far from home I doubt they'd even know who to ask for ransom. My name and title here mean only as much as my honour, my grace and my sword can make them mean. It has certainly opened my eyes to many things to learn this, and I have even helped some others learn the lessons a little more gently than I did." Orlando smiles and falls silent.
Approval can be heard in Shadya's voice. "True titles can only be earned by honour, grace, and the sword. If, by Ashar's will, one is known by other titles, so be it - for well or ill. They are not you and cannot touch your soul. In earlier converse, your words had indicated that you were titled in your own land. You yourself have already proved your worth in this land. I have been pleased to call you Lord Orlando and hope always to acknowledge you as a sword brother." Shadya bows slightly in Orlando's direction.
Orlando bows to Shadya, with as much dignity as his stature can muster. "You are most welcome to so name me; my heart would be glad to so name you."
Shadya ponders the discussion. Her eyes are shadowed by a frown but she keeps her voice neutral as she questions, "Lord Orlando, I had not noticed during our watch-keeping, but - are you often subject to those 'waves of drowsiness; that you described in your story?"
Orlando shook is head, "Well, no. I don't think I've ever felt that way before or since. I - even after riding and fighting all day long, I've never fallen asleep on my feet. Hmmm."
A small amount of relief now colours Shadya's reply and her tone is much lighter. She is merely investigating a past event now. "I am, perhaps, too fanciful; but, did you, perchance, take something to eat or drink shortly before that 'wave of drowsiness'? Something offered only to you?"
"Hmm. I don't think so - though, come to think of it, one of the Bellamira household servants was serving wine that night. He refilled my glass once or twice. It's a little odd, for the servants should have all been my father's. I never asked why, but now I suppose that might have something to do with it. Still, I know he served others from the same pitchers. It was good wine, too."
Shadya muses and then, with something of the sound of pointing out a possible solution to a puzzle, she says, "Then, perhaps, something was added to your glass in the serving. My heart tends to agree with Fiamma: the Lady Bellamira's words, coupled with the presence of a serving man - loyal to her people - who should not have been there, makes it suspiciously like the lady had you drugged with the intent of having you ensorcelled away into the dream dance. Though what she meant to accomplish - if, indeed, the ladies 'play the game' as well as you and know that you have no actual choice in a wife - I fail to understand. Save...," Shadya speaks slowly, working it out as she speaks, "Given that you desire to convince your father to allow your Dream Lady to be your bride and so must have some feeling that he will listen to you ....Perhaps Lady Bellamira felt that you would make such an effort in her behalf should she hap' to ensnare your heart. 'Tis obvious that you have it in you to do so." She went on, "If - and I still say if - this is all so, or something like it, then I fear your Dream Lady, when you find her, shall have an unhappy enemy back at your father's court. I will pray, for your sake, that your Lady is made of stern stuff."
Fiamma adds, "I suspect that if Lady B. is not a sorceress, she at least had sorcerous help to get you both into the 'curse of Aothete' dance party. There are just too many co-incidences otherwise in the things she said and did."
Orlando thinks and nods. "I had not thought of it, but I suppose you're right."
The bard continues, "And if your dark-haired petite lady had been evil, perhaps the spirit of the fire pit might have given you warning. Certainly the pit let you know that she exists in this present time." She added a comforting, "But I'd suspect that you would not have been so attracted to her had her heart been foul."
"Ah, I am glad to hear you say that. I too could not believe such a damsel could be evil. Roary, one of my other friends, always teased me with the possibility. He knew a surprising amount about dragons, but, in my opinion, very little about people. Still, I know that I know very little about her - and in general my opinions are colored by my feelings for her." Orlando smiles. "There is no doubt in my heart, but it is good to have something to reassure my head."
Copyright 1996 S.Knowles, C.Ebert, & S.Swinehart. The contents of this site are copyright 2004 Sheryl A. Knowles unless otherwise specified. All rights reserved.