Second Week, Fiveday. Paris & the Prince..
Morning class was interrupted unexpectedly -- at least from the students' point of view -- by a visit of inspection by Prince William. He arrived with his usual entourage of guards and hangers-on, and, one by one the students were summoned to have a few words more-or-less in private with the Prince. About half way through these interviews, it was Paris' turn.
The early rumours still bothered her, she realized as she approached the Prince. The memory still could bring a flush to her cheeks and make it difficult to meet His eyes steadily for the entire conversation. Attempting to distract herself, she concentrated instead on her need to find out whatever it was He had learned at Pelier. Was her embryonic plan for finding Justice futile from the start?
"Sir Gryphon says you are doing very well, Paris," Prince William smiled.
Paris' voice was low. "Sir Gryphon is very kind, your Highness." This was not the sort of conversation that would teach her what she needed to know. Her colour started to rise again.
Prince William continued, "But what you need to learn now is how to think like a noble."
Paris felt stunned. However could a peasant think like a noble. She could learn their skills and ape their ways, but was she not forever at their command? What did He mean? Shyly she looked at him. If there was anyone she wanted to emulate, to pattern herself after, it would be Him. A perfect knight, a man of honour, a -- true gentle man of poise, diplomacy, and courtesy. Her voice was low and a tad hoarse. "If I must learn to think like a noble, my Lord, who should I take as a pattern?" Jules' angry face flashed through her memory. "There are thoughts that I would rather not have, my Lord."
Prince William paused. For longer than Paris would have thought necessary. If she didn't know better, she would be tempted to think that this was a strange question to him, a 'stumper', Calais would say. Then the Prince spoke. "Sir Avenal and the Duke. I would have you find your way amongst their good points -- and their bad points."
Paris ' mouth felt dry and her mind numb. She almost never saw Sir Avenal or the Duke -- like she rarely saw Prince William. However could she learn from any of them? What did her Prince think she could possibly do in this regard? And she was less than dirt to Sir Avenal; she was a public humiliation. It would seem easier to find Justice than have any of these as teachers, howsoever indirect. Some part of her mind said 'There are court recorders. Perhaps the Gryphons can gain you access and you can at least read what public actions are on record.' Paris nodded and turned her mind to grasp at a more substantial issue.
"My Lord, how fared your trip? What did you learn from the mountain of Pelier?"
Some emotion that Paris could not interpret passed over the Prince's face. "It was -- abbreviated. They are still finding new rooms. I left a list of the sorts of books I wanted them to be looking for with someone I trust."
Paris felt a lifting of her spirits. If He had not actually explored the mountain, looking for Justice, then there was some chance that a clue was still there. That her idea was not a total failure.
The Prince continued. "Sir Gryphon is arranging for you to take some books with you to study. Law and History. Although the history is rather dry, you will find that I have had built into the back cover a kind of pouch. Inside will be letters of introduction. One is to my friend, the Earl of Eastgate -- the Sunrise Gate of Pelier. If you get into difficulties, he should be able to help you. Then there is a letter for the Head Librarian in Pelier. He should be able to get you into the mountain. And last -- although you may not get so far that you need it -- there is a letter for a classmate of mine, the Baron of Nice Place."
"Thank you, my Lord," Paris managed to murmur.
He added, "Do you know what you'll need for your trip?"
Paris' voice took on a note of relief. This was solid ground. "My companions from Jouet have offered to accompany Miller and myself, and I felt that that was a good thing. We will need horses, and ..." Paris proceeded to reel off the shopping list that the Party had discussed.
Prince William nodded. "War horses are in short supply, but I will see what I can do about riding horses. I will arrange with the duke. But it must be you who requisitions these things." He paused for just a moment and then continued. "I saw your armor after the demon had been at you. I have asked Sir Gryphon to have you fitted for something that -- cannot be so easily torn."
Paris looked her surprised gratitude. [Paris' new armor will be 8 pts in the 9-13.]
And, Paris," the Prince's voice took on a thoughtful note and it occurred to Paris that He seemed a little tired, "they do not believe in magic in Pelier. I looked. I was expecting to find at least more -- like you and Miller -- who had acquired abilities that were not magical but were not yours to begin with.... There do not seem to be such in that direction. And -- they do not understand what has happened out here. They will not understand a woman wearing armor. The peasants will not understand at all."
Recalling Sir Avenal's first reaction to her, Paris paled a little but spoke firmly. "Then I will provision myself to travel as a boy, my Lord. I can do that. If that will allow us to pass more easily." Prince William nodded.
Quietly the Prince added, "If you have not found Justice by the Fall Harvest Festival, when the other candidates will be taking their vows of knighthood, I will find some way to make others of our Order. A decision made quickly is frequently better than the right decision made too late. And I will have you take the test for knighthood. Sir Gryphon says you would already pass the test of arms. Sir Gryphon says you are doing well, Paris." Again Paris could not put a word to the quality in her Prince's voice as He said those things. The only word that her mind would accept was 'caring'. And she knew He cared for His people.
The interview was over. But Paris's eyes strayed time and again in Prince William's direction for the rest of the time they were in the courtyard. Parts of her sang and whimpered and gibbered. He was going to make her a knight. She would _have_ to think like a lord because she was going to be a lord. A Lady Knight. But how - how - how? And how would she find Justice? That, at least, would take a burden off His shoulders -- the only one He had ever allowed her to take.
FiveDay: To Think Like a Noble
Paris undoubtedly was going to have to find another chance to talk to Lady duGryphon -- about learning to think like a noble. It was easily done. Paris asked to meet before dinner, a request willingly granted once she said that it might take more than a few moments.
Lady duGryphon joined Lorraine and Paris as they finish readying themselves for dinner. Paris asked Lorraine to stay as her advice might be helpful too.
Lady Gryphon listened patiently to Paris, her face open but unmoving. "Prince William has not made it easy on you, has he?" she finally said. "Well, let me put the question another way. What are Sir Avenal's good points? What are the Duke's bad points?"
Paris answered. "I know neither of them well. But Sir Avenal is a knight with all that knighthood represents -- courtesy, chivalry, largess, honour, prowess. And -- he respects tradition. And is not afraid to speak his mind in support of what he believes. Those things I know." She frowned slightly in puzzlement. "But -- the Duke? I - I know no bad of him. Every action I have seen of his betokens nobility, patience, organization and a heart that cares for his people. And he is the Prince's good friend. I have never heard ill spoken of our Duke. What should I say? If anything, I know less of him than of the Prince -- and that is little enough."
Lady Gryphon motioned Paris to take a seat as she did. "Yet not all of the nobles agree with the Duke. Why? How can that be? If he is only good, why does not the chivalrous Sir Avenal simply follow his lead?"
She paused for a moment, watching the confusion on Paris' face. "The Duke respects tradition, but is not bound to it by the same iron bands as Sir Avenal. That is the root of their conflict. And, I suspect there is a little of simple jealousy or greed in Sir Avenal as well." The Lady frowned, and sat a little straighter than she had. "You said you did not know of any ill of our Duke. Did you know that his father, may he rest in peace, had twice arranged for him to be married?
Paris shook her head 'no' as the lady continued speaking. "And that he managed to forestall the arrangements each time? Now there are many who suspect why." She narrowed her eyes at her daughter, "And no spreading rumors, young lady."
Lady duGryphon turned back to Paris. "So Sir Avenal is willing to speak for what he believes, even to contradict his betters. The Duke was willing to contest with his father. Both of them, in ways short of open combat, but combat none the less. Can you do the same?"
"C-can I do combat -- with words? I - I think so, my Lady, if - if my opponent were about to do great wrong. If - if words could stop such, I would much rather try that than - than blood my sword. I -- I do not think I was put into this world, my Lady, simply to kill." Paris bit her lip. "If you are saying -- that I allowed others -- to do such combat for me... The Prince with Sir Avenal ... Lady Lorraine with Lady Chivar. Yes, I see now that I did so. And was later told that it was good that I held my tongue." Paris' face betrayed her confusion. "I - I don't understand, my Lady."
Lady Gryphon looked sternly at Paris. "Only a great wrong, Paris? Not a little wrong? You would let those go by?" She relaxed her face as Paris shook her head in protest. "No."
Lorraine interrupted. "Mother, stop being so hard on her." She turned to Paris. "I helped you with that so-called Lady Chivar because you were unarmed. You didn't know how to use any of the weapons at the table, and I did. I thought what she did to you was wrong."
Lady Gryphon tried to frown, but seemed to not have her heart in it. "Must everyone always use military analogies? Paris, it was good that you held your tongue in the two cases you cite because you were 'unarmed,' as my daughter put it. Not that you didn't have command of the language, skill with words, or a full wineglass, but that you didn't have the will to use them to fight, against as 'small' a wrong as insulting a loyal peasant." She paused a moment, letting the words sink in. "You must learn, in the part of you that is the Paris in the middle of the night, that you are not simply a loyal peasant." Several more heartbeats passed. "Tell me Paris: when you bathe each day, you have never ordered the servants to help you bathe or dress, have you?"
Paris answered, "No, my Lady, I have not."
Lorraine looked quizzically at her mother. "What's the big deal with that?"
Lady Gryphon seemed almost pained. "You won't understand," she said, shaking her head. "It seems as natural to you as breathing. But it is one of the most difficult things Paris will ever do. But if you do everything yourself, what are they to do? They take pride in what they do, as much as you ever did."
"I -- see, my Lady." Paris' voice held a note of surprised discovery. "I -- have done them an injustice in not asking them to do their job, to display their skills."
Lady Gryphon relaxed a bit. "There are other lessons to be learned from the two. The Duke's family came here four generations ago and founded this city. That same drive is in the Duke. Sir Avenal's family followed, and has always been valiant, but lacked the drive; always a follower, never a leader. Yet they are good warriors and administrators, their people are comfortable knowing tradition and law are upheld." She smiled and nodded at Paris' sword. "While the Duke and the Prince make some uncomfortable." Her face blanked again. "So, tell me, why does not the Duke keep all the cards in his box for himself?"
"Why -- my Lady," Paris' voice betrayed a trace of shock, "he cannot! He is a knight and our Duke! His is the Virtue of largess coupled even more with his Duty to those he governs. He must use all within his power to the greater good. Unless many of the cards he has are of powerful design, I think even the Duke's box contains not enough cards to make one man powerful enough to protect this land and grant it prosperity in the supernatural conflicts that advance upon it now. Judicious distribution of such cards may, however, give us an edge in many places and, possibly, raise up teachers that can multiply the virtues of the cards many-fold by passing knowledge on to their students. Here, my Lady," Paris produced one of her cards and offered it to Lady duGryphon. "Use this yourself and you will understand its limits."
Lady Gryphon nodded. "You have the heart of it right, but still harbor a misconception. He could decide to hoard his wealth. There are many nobles who have. He doesn't because, as you say, there is an advantage to his realm and to himself from distributing the cards to those who earn them. We raise up as virtues those things which are most difficult for individuals to achieve, those things that are against base human nature but are good for all. That is why we, here, focus so much on drilling in 'polite' behavior. You must learn to understand the rest of human nature, for those are the tools you must use if you wish to sway people with words." She looked at Paris, who was still holding the card in her hand. "I will not accept your gift, Paris. I agree with our Duke that it was you who earned those cards. And I hope that any of my charges would similarly turn down your offer. We teach here that true nobility is something you must earn every day. Those who learn that lesson are always respected by their peers."
Paris answered quietly, "There is nothing inherently noble in these cards, my Lady. They are but a teaching aid or ..." she paused, remembering Kivan, "a way to increase one's native abilities. I -- have not realized a way that I can yet use these to benefit Duke and Prince -- and -- it seems -- unfair that I keep them when -- when others could put them to use." Then she remembered Genelle and the words came out. "Use enough of them, however, and the Black Church would be happy have the user as sacrifice. But that is a risk we do not think about."
Paris looked up. "So, my Lady, the lesson my Prince has set me is to learn human nature? Is there any way to do that other than observing and thinking about what lies behind the observations? It is by observation that I knew what I did of our Duke, and knew that I could obey him. If - if he had been, as you said, a hoarder of wealth, one who did not consider those in his care, I -- my calling -- would not have allowed me to serve him. It would not have been right and I would not be here. I was sworn to my Order before I ever knew of this Duke or this Prince or any I have met here. And that is how it must be until the day I die, or the 'Paris in the middle of the night' is a worthless thing and none of me."
Lady Gryphon raised one eyebrow, but had a slight smile. "I would not presume to know exactly what Prince William was thinking. But, yes, I would interpret his words to mean you must learn three things: human nature, so that you understand what motivates people and can accomplish things where you cannot give people orders; how to give orders, where such are proper and due; and how to speak against wrongs, small and large, to assert the position of what you judge is right."
Lorraine smiled at her friend. "I can help with the human nature part, Paris. Most people are the same, whether they were born noble or not. They have the same fears, hopes, prides and desires as everyone. You just have to see behind the title."
Paris smiled at both ladies. "I would appreciate all the teaching you both can give me in these matters. I must learn if I am to follow the Prince's will." She tilted her head at Lorraine. "I do understand the feelings you talk about, but -- I do not always recognize them in context. More often than not since I have come here, I have walked into a situation and not recognized that my very existence has precipitated one or more of those extremes without my being the least aware of it. Already I walk on eggshells wondering what new -- or old -- acquaintance will react to my being female, non-noble, too old, too young, too experienced, not enough experienced, having low contacts, having high contacts...." She looked at Lady duGryphon. "Forgive me, Lady. I know that I should find the strength to rise above all that. But -- it is hard to have confidence in myself when who knows what hidden egg I shall next break."
Lorraine smiled at her, raising one eyebrow back at her mother. "Well, I for one will be glad when people stop thinking I am too young."
Paris laughed lightly. "I think I will always be 'too young' in some respect. There is always something more to learn!" She sobered quickly. "There is so much to learn." Paris looked earnestly at Lady duGryphon. "I - I had thought, my Lady, that the Prince and the Duke gave my comrades and myself these silver cards so that we could -- well -- more easily 'play catch-up' on all the things that we need to learn to be of use to His Grace and His Highness. And I had thought that if I were not wise enough to know how to use the cards, that they were mine to give to whomever might use them more wisely than I. When I see others struggling with new classes -- or trying to best my card-given skills, it seems unfair for me to have the cards and they not. And your words -- on earning respect, on earning nobility on a daily basis rather than accepting the card .... Forgive me if I have found a meaning in your words that you did not intend.... But, if it is ignoble to use the cards, or to offer them to another, how - how can I use them?"
Lady duGryphon looked steadily at Paris for several moments, making some kind of judgment. Finally, she nodded and looked at her daughter. "You must keep this quiet, Lorraine." She turned back to Paris. "His Grace has done a number of experiments with the small box the cards come in. He has taken my husband and I, along with a few others, into his confidence. It may surprise you to know that most of the time it is empty. We believe that the cards only come into existence in the presence of someone who has gone beyond the call of duty, and attempted something not required of them. There are more cards for greater feats, and I can only guess what that means for the import of how Prince William and Baron Ruby came by their cards. The cards are not only for fighting, we have discovered. The cards can be given to others than those who we believe earned them. However, doing so produces black cards rather than silver ones. We burned the black cards that had been inadvertently produced, but saw that their ashes recombined in the smoke and the card, reformed, floated away. Duke Evan chose not to produce any more black cards, so we do not know if there is a safe way to dispose of them. Once the cards are given, the Duke has found that for each three cards he distributes, there is one card that appears later, which he can use or distribute, it seems, safely." She looked meaningfully at her daughter. "It seemed best to simply say that the cards are only given to those who have earned them, and make it a point of honor to only accept those one had earned." She waved dismissively. "There are many other details. It seems that when a group has earned cards, by bringing the Duke more books, their sharing cards unevenly does not produce black cards. We understand that among the adventurers, the cards are exchanged one card for ten pieces of gold (100 silvers), again without producing black cards. In any case, Paris, those cards are yours to use wisely. There would be danger in our using them." She smiled. "Besides, my husband has commented that since you arrived in class, all of the young men have been more focused on their learning, and are gaining skill as fast as he has ever seen before. You are correct, there is no nobility inherent in the cards themselves, only in their earning."
Lorraine's eyes glinted. "I will keep the secret, Mother."
Paris bowed, horrified at what she inadvertently -- again! -- might have done. "Forgive me, my Lady. I had no notion... I would not knowingly risk the creation of a black card. I -- have seen their effect."
"Second Week 5day" copyright 1999 P.Shea & S.Knowles. The contents of this site are copyright 2004 Sheryl A. Knowles unless otherwise specified. All rights reserved.