looked like a scholar. There was a great deal that was deceptive about this elf, he decided.
‘Korhien does me too much honour,’ said Iltharis.
‘You are in an unusually modest mood this afternoon,’ said Lady Malene.
‘Perhaps I am daunted by the grandeur of my surroundings,’ said Iltharis mockingly. ‘The Emeraldsea Palace is looking particularly imposing. You are spending a lot of money to celebrate this Feast of Deliverance. Is there any particular reason why?’
He looked pointedly at Teclis.
Of course, Teclis thought, if House Emeraldsea wanted to stress its ties with the Blood of Aenarion then this was exactly the time of year to remind people of them.
‘It has been a good trading season,’ said Malene. ‘All of our vessels have returned home laden with precious cargoes. Some of the gold is being used for the entertainment of the Families.’
‘So, it’s not true then, you are not making a statement.’
‘What statement would that be, Prince Iltharis?’
‘The usual one that the elves of Lothern always feel compelled to make. That they are wealthier than the rest of us and that they have the support of the Phoenix King. And, of course, they are directly related to the most famous elf of all.’
‘I doubt we are any wealthier than your family, Prince Iltharis. The House of Silvermount is fabulously rich.’
‘And prodigiously ancient as well,’ said Teclis. ‘Its members have won renown in the service of many Phoenix Kings and the line has produced many great sorcerers.’
Iltharis tilted his head to one side and smiled again. ‘I see you are quite the scholar Prince Teclis. You number genealogy among your interests?’
Malene smiled but did not say anything. Teclis was beginning to recognise Iltharis’s style now. He enjoyed provoking people, getting them to say more than they intended, to reveal themselves. And he did not fear being challenged either. For all his languid manner, he seemed to have perfect poise and self-confidence. Teclis found himself torn between admiration and dislike.
‘I have many interests,’ said Teclis blandly.
‘Rumour has it that one of them is magic, and that Lady Malene is teaching you.’
‘Why are you here, Prince Iltharis?’ Malene asked. She sounded almost rude. ‘Prince Teclis is sick.’
‘I had heard he was a scholar so I brought him some reading material.’ He took the scrolls out from beneath his arm and handed them to Teclis. Despite his unease, Teclis took them and studied them becoming more and more excited as he read.
‘This is an original of the History of the Mages of Saphery,’ he said, unable to keep his enthusiasm from his voice. ‘Written by Bel-Hathor himself.’
Iltharis nodded. ‘It is from my library,’ he said. ‘You can return it when you are finished.’
‘Thank you,’ said Teclis, genuinely pleased and not a little troubled. ‘But why are you lending it to me? You do not know me.’
‘I knew your father, and your mother. They were both special friends of mine. I thought it might be pleasant to make the acquaintance of their sons. And I confess a personal interest. I am writing a monograph on the Blood of Aenarion, and it seemed like a good idea to make the acquaintance of the latest members of that line to be presented to the Phoenix King. Who knows what great deeds you and your brother will eventually perform?’
Malene was studying the prince closely now. Her face was colder than ever.
‘I am sure Prince Teclis is grateful for your gifts, prince. But it might be better if we left now. He needs his rest if he is to regain his strength.’
‘I am not as strong as my brother,’ said Teclis, coughing uneasily. The fit grew stronger until he was almost bent double.
Lady Malene produced a small bottle of a coloured cordial which she handed to him. He drank it and the fit passed, leaving him red-eyed and wheezing. Teclis was used to elves moving away from him dring such bouts, but Iltharis did not. Teclis was surprised to see something like sympathy in his eyes.
He seemed to be about to say something but at that moment Korhien Ironglaive entered through the nearby archway. He smiled at Lady Malene and kissed her hand, then bowed to Prince Iltharis in his usual exuberant way. He nodded to Teclis. ‘I see you are all enjoying yourselves,’ he said.
‘I suspect Prince Teclis is enjoying himself less than the rest of us,’ said Iltharis. ‘Perhaps we should take ourselves elsewhere.’
‘Perhaps we should,’ said Lady Malene.
Prince Iltharis bowed to Teclis as he departed. ‘I look forward to discussing