Chapter 3: KingChapter 3: King

he herald returned, without the chest that had held the crown. That reminded Havoc of the crown he wore; he could hardly feel it now, and wondered whether it remained properly in place. But he couldn't check, as long as he carried Ennui.

"Sire, the way is cleared. I will conduct you to the elevator, if you please."

Havoc did not know what the elevator would be, but didn't care to advertise his barbarian ignorance. He followed the herald out the door and across a hall which, sure enough, was empty.

They came to another door, which opened into a small room. They stepped inside, and the herald closed the door. There was no other exit, which made Herald nervous. But the dragon seed was not buzzing.

The herald took hold of the side of the doorway, and a panel slid across.

"Lift to the king's suite," he said.

Suddenly the room creaked and began rising. Havoc looked desperately around, seeing an escape. But he was handicapped by the burden he carried, and he was not going to put the woman down. "What is this?" he demanded.

"Sire, this is the elevator. It is rising toward your suite at the apex of the city."

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"I don't like this! Make it stop!"

"Of course, Sire." The herald put his mouth to a round dent in the wall.

"Halt the lift."

In a moment the room rumbled to a stop. That was not much of an improvement, as the door retained closed, with a wall beyond it. There was no easy way out.

"I want to get out of this," Havoc said.

"Sire, to do that, we must move it up a floor, or down. Which is your preference?"

"I don't want it to move at all! I just want to get out."

"Sire, your wish is my command, always. But this is not feasible. We are between floors."

Ennui stirred. She was recovering. Havoc was enormously glad of that.

"Havoc, what's happening?" she asked as her eyes opened.

"You fainted. I'm carrying you. We are trapped in a box. I need your help."

"Trapped in a box?"

"The elevator, Lady," the herald clarified.

She laughed. "Havoc put me down. I think I'll be all right. I was overwhelmed, but I see you are human, and you do need me."

"Yes." He set her carefully on the floor.

"Havoc, this is an elevator; I recognize it now. It's a mode of vertical transport reserved for important officials. It's a chamber hanging in a shaft, on the end of a rope, and pulleys guide the rope to a counterweight and a crew of strong men to pull it up. It--" She broke off, seeing his bafflement.

"You're right; we'd better get out of it, for now." She turned to the herald.

"Lower it to the next floor down, and let us out there."

The herald spoke into his dent. "Lower to nearest floor."

The room began to drop. Havoc wanted to leap to safety, but Ennui put her hands on his arms and held on firmly. "Havoc--Sire--trust me. I am your oath friend, and will not betray you. This is necessary. And safe."

He stood, comforted by her certainty. He knew she could feel the nervous shaking of his body. She held him steady, calming him as a mother might a child. The room ground down to the floor they had left, and stopped.

The herald drew the sliding door open. Ennui led Havoc out.

He stretched, breathing deeply, relieved to be free of the weird moving confinement. The dragon seed had never buzzed, but it reacted only to actual physical danger, or to a lie spoken to him, or to some treacherous situation.

It

did not care about his personal discomfort.

"We must use another way," Ennui told the herald. "A ramp or spiral or 98 Key to Havoc

stairway will do, I think."

The man looked at Havoc. "Do what she says," Havoc said. "She speaks for me."

"Of course, Sire." The herald led the way down the hall.

They came to another door, but this one led to a curving path or ramp.

Havoc put his head in the open center, and saw it spiraling down awesomely, and up similarly. It was like a mountain trail, where the peak got small and steep. He could handle this.

They started up. The spiral seemed endless. Havoc enjoyed the exercise, but soon Ennui slowed, breathing hard, her face flushed. "I am not strong," she gasped. "I'm sorry."

"I will carry you."

"Havoc--Sire, don't wear yourself out. I'm not worth it."

"I need you." He picked her up, as before, and forged on. This was even better exercise. "And don't call mèSire.' You're my friend."

"But in public--"

"The hell with the public. We made an oath."

She sighed. "Yes, Havoc."

They looped on up, passing floor after floor. "This city is tall," Havoc remarked.

"Would it help if I described it for you?"

"Yes."

"The city is in the form of a tetrahedron, with three triangular sides, and a triangular base. That is a very stable geometric shape. An enormous amount of prime wood went into its construction, and there are triangles throughout its walls, to keep them rigid. All are fitted into each other and bound together

by strong cords. So Triumph is its namesake, a triumph of engineering. Most residents live across the base, on several broad floors, in small apartments.

The officials live along the sloping upper walls, with transparent windows so they can see out. The higher the official, the higher and fancier the apartment. The king's suite is at the very top, in the cone. So it is a long climb to

get there, but that hardly matters, because the ordinary citizen never goes there."

"Why the elevator?"

She laughed. "Havoc--the king and highest officials don't have gumption to climb all that distance every day! So they get hauled up and down by the pulley crew."

"Down? Why down?"

"What goes up must come down, Havoc."

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"But they could jump down."

"Havoc, I hope you are joking. They'd be killed."

He realized that was true, considering the height they were rising. "They could slide down. Why isn't there a smooth slide?"

The herald glanced back at him. His face was blotchy; evidently he wasn't used to this kind of ascent either. "There is, Sire. But no one has used it in twenty years."

"Well, I'll use it. I don't care to waste energy, or to be hauled around by pulleys."

"Havoc, you'll still need to get up, and I suspect you won't have time to use this spiral ramp every day."

"Why not, if I have things to do below?"

"Well, you will do as you please, by definition. But I hope you will keep your mind open. There's an awful lot you have to learn about civilized ways."

The herald paused, clearly pained by more than the labor of the ascent.

"Take warning, woman: No citizen speaks to the king as you are doing."

She was abashed. "That's true. Sire, I apologize. I am addressing you with disrespect."

Havoc realized that some definition was needed. "Ennui, you are my oath friend. That predates my promotion, and I value it more. I depend on you to teach me civilized ways, and to stop me from embarrassing myself.

Speak to me as you wish, always." Then, to the herald: "When we get there, spread the word: this woman is my friend, and will not be rebuked by anyone else."

Now the herald was abashed. "Of course, Sire. I apologize for--"

"Your point was good. You know I need guidance. Now tell me: who should be the first person I talk to, when we get there?"

"Sire, it is customary for a new king to excuse all the personnel and staff of the prior king, and appoint his own. Therefore there will be no person among the king's associates whose tenure predates that of the king. The king's prior personnel are awaiting formal notice of their dismissal, which I can render at your direction."

Havoc looked at Ennui. "I don't have any people of my own. What do I do?"

She considered. "Well, you might hang on to the old ones, for now. I'm sure they are all competent, and most should be happy to keep their positions."

Havoc nodded. "Herald, tell them there will be no dismissals at this time. Now who should I talk to?"

100 Key to Havoc

"Sire, your chief of staff should be seen early, as he handles all your routine directives. But perhaps at the very beginning, considering your situation, you should see the majordomo."

"Yes, Havoc, that's a good idea," Ennui said. "The majordomo handles the household staff, and knows everything personal. He can really get you started."

"Good enough. Herald, I will see the majordomo first."

"Certainly, Sire." This time the herald seemed to approve. He paused at a dent in the wall and spoke: "By the king's design, all personnel are retained

until further notice. Remain at your stations and continue your functions."

Then he resumed the trek upward.

They were coming at last to the top. There were open intersections at every floor, but the top terminated at a closed door. The herald spoke into another round dent. "The king is here. Send the majordomo."

The door opened immediately. A well dressed middle aged man stood there. He bowed his head. "Sire."

"A greeting."

The man seemed momentarily flustered, then caught on to what he might feel was the quaint country style. "Acknowledged, Sire."

"Who are you?" Havoc asked, setting Ennui down.

"Sire, I am Majordomo, as commanded."

"Good enough." Havoc turned to the herald. "You're tired. Take a day off and rest. Two days, if you need them. Thank you for the service you have rendered."

The herald bowed his head, obviously more than glad for the chance to get home and off his feet. "Sire."

"Parting."

"Acknowledged, Sire." The herald backed away a few steps, bowed again, and departed.

Ennui looked as if she wanted to say something, but refrained. Havoc could guess why: he was making things awkward by using his conventions of politeness, but she did not want to correct him again in public.

Havoc turned back to the majordomo. "I am Havoc of Trifle. This is Ennui of Triumph. She is my friend, and will stay with me for now. Take us where we belong."

The man bowed again. "Sire, if you please, follow me." He turned and walked into the apartment. He had evidently gotten the word about not making an issue of the matter of turning his back on the king.

Havoc and Ennui followed. The spiral ramp had been without orna-Piers Anthony 101

ment or decoration, but the interior of this suite was lavishly appointed.

There

were thick rugs on the floor and large paintings on the walls, interspersed by mirrors. There were ornate sculptures on pedestals in alcoves. It was spacious, the hall and rooms huge by any standard Havoc had known.

They came to a large staircase, whose every step was a different color. "I thought we were already at the top," Havoc said, surprised.

"Sire, the king's residence comprises several floors," the majordomo said.

Oh. "Where are we going?"

"Sire, I thought you would wish to repair to the royal bedroom suite.

There you may be attended by your personal body servants, whom you have so kindly retained, and receive bath, food, clothing, entertainment, and whatever else you desire."

"Bath?"

Ennui put a hand on his forearm. "Civilized folk take baths every day,"

she murmured.

Oh. "Of course," he said. "Set it up as you see fit."

The bedroom suite was every bit as luxurious as the rest of the residence. In addition, there was a line of uniformed men and women waiting beside the large door. All were young and healthy and of pleasing appearance. "Sire, this is your bedroom staff," the majordomo said. The line of servants bowed as one.

"Greeting," Havoc said.

The line straightened up. All faces were carefully neutral.

"I think they're not used to being greeted by the king," Ennui murmured.

"They don't know how to react."

"Well neither do I."

"Maybe I can handle this," she said. Then she addressed the servants.

"I am the king's friend, somewhat in lieu of his mother. Call me Ennui."

"Lady Ennui," they said together.

"King Havoc is a barbarian, unfamiliar with the ways of the city, but he wishes to learn without embarrassment. He will make what you might consider to be mistakes of protocol. When this happens, pause and raise your hand, like this." She raised her right hand, and they echoed the motion immediately. "When he looks at you, quietly explain the error, and the correct etiquette. Do not speak of it elsewhere. Follow this policy, and you will be likely to find him a more benign master than you have known before. Do you understand?"

"We understand," they said together.

Ennui smiled. "I wonder. When he greets you, smile and say `Sire,' and 102 Key to Havoc

stand ready to do his bidding. If he seems at any time perplexed, the person closest will look at him, inviting his query or command. If there is something he seems to be in need of knowing, the appropriate person will approach and invite his query. In short, you must go out to him, somewhat in the manner of a friend, anticipating his needs and accommodating them. If you hesitate because of likely awkwardness, come to me and explain, as you would to any other servant, and I will try to facilitate things."

She glanced at Havoc. He nodded, liking the way she was smoothing things for him. She was making it possible for him to continue his personal manners, while accepting their evident need to acknowledge with the word

"Sire" at every turn. She was good at compromise.

She turned to the majordomo. "Is there anything else I should address?"

"Lady Ennui, there should be an early appointment with the chief of staff."

"Arrange it," Havoc said.

The man paused, lifting his right hand.

Havoc had violated a protocol? "What is it?"

"Sire, my word is law within these domestic demesnes, after yours, of course, and the Lady Ennui's. But it would be presumptuous for me to make an appointment for anyone outside this household, especially one of the status of the chief of staff. It might generate resentment, as I am merely a domestic functionary. It would be better if you made the appointment yourself."

"But I have no idea where he is or what he's doing. Suppose he's busy?"

"Sire, no one is busy when the king calls."

"Still--" Havoc looked helplessly at Ennui.

She smiled. "Bear in mind that King Havoc is not yet accustomed to the office, and still considers the convenience and feelings of others. How long will it take for the king to bathe, dress, and eat?"

"Ninety minutes would be a reasonable time, Lady."

"Then relay the king's directive for the chief of staff to appear in that time."

The majordomo smiled. "Of course, Lady." He looked at Havoc. "May I be excused, Sire?"

"Get going," Havoc said. Then, as the man hesitated. "I mean, you are excused. Parting."

The majordomo smiled again. "Thank you, Sire."

Havoc put his arm around Ennui's shoulder, giving her a quick hug.

"Thanks, friend. I think it's working." He paused. "Or am I messing up by touching you?"

"Maybe. They will think I'm your lover instead of your temporary mother.

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Do you want that?"

Havoc laughed. "Staff, this woman is my friend, not my lover. I don't have a lover here. Don't tell."

They laughed with him, albeit somewhat hesitantly.

"Now where's this bath I have to take?"

Three comely young women stepped forward. One caught his eye. She was quite pretty, with long and gently curly brown hair. "Greeting," he said.

"Sire, I am the Mistress of the Royal Bath. If you please, I will lead you to the bath and wash you."

"Wash me?"

"Yes, Sire."

"But you're a girl." She seemed to be about sixteen, and the other two perhaps a year younger, but very well formed.

She looked surprised. "I am a girl, of course, Sire."

Ennuiinterceded. "WhereKingHavoccomesfrom,menwashthemselves."

The young woman looked crestfallen. "We are being released?"

"I think we have a clash of cultures here," Ennui said to Havoc. "You are not accustomed to getting naked with a woman other than a lover?"

"Right. That examination was bad enough, starting naked."

"Agreed. But these women are here to wash the king. That may be their only purpose. You will hurt them if you do not allow them to serve that function."

"Ennui, if I get naked with a pretty girl like her, I will really embarrass myself." He glanced at the group. The Assistants of the Royal Bath were about 15, both fair, with red hair, and yellow hair. Their participation would make it that much worse.

"Havoc, I understand. But if you don't, not only will you throw the bath staff into disgrace, you'll never get through in time to dress and eat and meet

the chief of staff on time."

"Can't I just skip the bath?" he asked desperately.

"No." Her tone was firm.

"Why not?"

"Because you smell sweaty. That would be a significant violation of etiquette."

"Because of a smell?" he asked incredulously.

"Trust me, Havoc: yes. You must have that bath, today and on the following days. And I think these girls must give you those baths."

"But--"

"Havoc, remember I am your friend, and in this respect you really need 104 Key to Havoc

a friend. Take the bath."

"I would rather fight three swordsmen with only a dagger. Blindfolded."

"I'm sure. Nevertheless-" She broke off, smiling. "Maybe that's it.

Let's blindfold you, and let the three girls have at you. So whatever happens, it's not really you. Does that make barbarian sense?"

Actually it did. There was a village game, "Statue," wherein one person was blindfolded, and others were allowed to tease him for a set period of time. A boy might be subject to being Peeked and Touched by anonymous girls, who would lift his clothing out of the way or reach inside it, and he lost

only if he balked or laughed or moved of his own volition. The girls took their turns as statues too, the genders alternating. Nothing significant was allowed, just viewing or light stroking, but titillation or sexual arousal was much of the point of it. When the time was done, and the blindfold removed, none of the sighted participants would identify themselves. So there was always the mystery, though when the group was small, it was obvious who they were. Regardless, the blindfolded person was deemed not to have participated, by the convention of the game; the statue was the object, not the

player. Children could receive a good deal of anatomical education through such games, especially as they got older, and adults never interfered.

"You play Statue in the city, too," he said, realizing.

"Yes, when young. It's been some time, but I remember. I understand I blushed all over my body, the first time, but I didn't lose until someone tickled

me under the butt with a feather. Will you do it? We don't have time to dither."

He knew it. "I will. If they know the game."

Ennui beckoned to the three girls. "Do you know the game of Statue?"

"Oh, yes," the mistress said. "We still play it, in our off time, when we catch a handsome boy."

"Play it with him."

"Lady, the king can view us or touch us at any time, in any way; we don't have to be statues. Anything thing he wants of us--"

"He is the statue."

The girl turned an appraising gaze on Havoc. "If the king wishes."

"He wishes," Ennui said firmly. "Do it now, and dress him the same way."

"But Lady, suppose he--"

"The bath is private, right? You do not speak of it elsewhere."

"Of course not, Lady."

"So there can be no embarrassment for the king, by definition."

The three girls nodded together, understanding what was required: no Piers Anthony 105

gossip. Then the Mistress of the Bath faced Havoc. "If you please, Sire, follow me." The girl led the way to another chamber.

Inside a small room paneled with ceramic tiles, the girls washed his face, then put a competent blindfold on him. In accordance with the game, no one spoke. They stripped him, moving his arms and legs for him, then guided him a few steps to the side. One of them dumped a bucket of lukewarm water over his shoulders. Then they spread soap on him and sponged him down. They covered every part of him, not ignoring the genital region, which of course reacted. He was highly aware that he was being viewed and handled by attractive young women, but there were no giggles. It became evident that they had seen this effect before, and were not bothered; their fingers and sponges cleaned it regardless. They were completely competent. He wondered what games the prior king might have played with these girls; their youth and beauty was suggestive.

Then they rinsed him, and dried him, and led him a few steps to another spot, where others doused him with perfume and dressed him. There seemed to be a good deal of clothing, ranging from stockings to jacket. Only his head was left alone, and he realized that was because he still wore the crown, which

it seemed had not gotten in the way.

At last they led him out and removed the blindfold. They disappeared, having completed their business. He stood alone before a huge mirror.

He hardly recognized himself. He wore leather shoes set with sparkling gemstones, smooth stockings, puffy pantaloons, a ruffled shirt, and an iridescent jacket.

"I'm a clown!" he exclaimed.

"Sire, you are the king," Ennui said, coming up behind him. "This is the way the king is garbed."

"I hate it."

She smiled somewhat obliquely. "No one ever said you had to like it.

Just ignore it, satisfied that no one will take you for a barbarian."

"I'd rather be a barbarian."

"And I think I would prefer you as a barbarian. But you are King Havoc.

This is how you must appear in public. In private you can be as you choose."

"Until I get out of this disaster and go home."

"I have queried about that," she said. "You are required to serve at least a year, or perform so aptly that you are granted early release, before you can resign the office. If you quit before then, you will be executed for treason."

"But I need to go home and marry Gale before I turn eighteen!"

She shook her head. "You can't, Havoc. The king is not allowed to 106 Key to Havoc

marry in the first year. They feel it might interfere with his mastery of the office."

"They have no right! I might as well die, if I can't marry Gale."

She put her hand on his arm, steadying him. "Havoc, listen to me. There are formidable constraints on you, but you also have formidable powers. You can summon your fiancée to join you here, and have her beside you by day and in your bed at night. You just can't marry her--for a year. Is that enough?"

That was far better than nothing. "That's enough, Ennui. How do I do it?"

"I suspect your chief of staff will do it for you, when you tell him to.

But first you must eat, at least a token amount. You must conform to the royal conventions, to the extent you can stomach them."

He smiled. "Ennui, I think I am coming to love you. Do not leave my side."

"Except when you bathe and sleep," she said, smiling.

"Where next?"

"They have a token supper for you. This is not a formal dinner, understand, just something to feed you. Formal meals will be something else, and I'm sure you will find them a chore."

The majordomo appeared. "Supper is served, Sire."

They went to another room, downstairs in the residence. There in a dinette were two places set. "I thought it better that I join you, this time,"

Ennui said. "But you can of course have anyone for company, or no one, as you please."

"You are the one I want. I know I have a barbarian way of eating."

"I thought you might."

The meal was simple: some kind of meat he could not identify, two pancakes, and deep red wine. But when he sipped the wine--Ennui prevented him from gulping it--he discovered it was fruit juice. "I like it. But do

kings really not drink wine?"

"Oh, I understand they drink to excess, and not just wine. But these first few days you have to be on your guard, lest your barbarian ways show too blatantly. I thought it better that you avoid all intoxicants. I advised Majordomo, and he agreed."

"Yes. I need all my wits about me. Being king is worse than fighting monsters."

"There are monsters here, Havoc. But they wear human faces."

"Then at least it will be a little bit familiar."

After he ate, another woman appeared and proceeded to clean his teeth.

Havoc would hardly have sat still for this indignity if Ennui hadn't insisted.

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So far her judgment had been good, and her loyalty absolute, so he put himself in her hands, socially. He was increasingly glad he had encountered her; he would be truly lost without her.

Then he had to use the royal lavatory--and had to have help taking down his pantaloons, whose elaborate ties were beyond his reckoning. There was of course a handsome young man there to assist him, the Master of the Royal Toilet.

He was ready on time for the meeting with the chief of staff, thanks to the competence of the assorted staff. The man was known simply as Chief, after his position, as was the case with Majordomo. If such folk had private names, it didn't seem to matter. He was a tall, thin, intense man with black hair and penetrating eyes.

"Greeting," Havoc said.

"Sire," the man said, bowing. He glanced at Ennui. "Lady."

"Look Chief, I don't even know why I'm talking with you. I was told you were the one to see first."

"Sire, I appreciate the fact that you have retained me, though of course you may replace me at any time."

"I wouldn't know who else to get."

"I can recommend several competent people, Sire, if-"

"No. You must know what's going on. I don't."

"Sire, it is true I am conversant with the affairs of your predecessor. But his policies may not be yours."

"How can I have policies, when I don't know anything about anything?"

The man hesitated, evidently taken aback by Havoc's bluntness. "Let it be, Chief," Ennui said. "The king is sure you will serve to the best of your ability, and give him no reason to dismiss you. He expects your loyalty. Proceed as if your appointment is permanent."

Havoc was grateful; once again she had shown him the best route. He nodded.

Chief seemed similarly gratified. "It is surely not easy to assume such a role without notice, Sire. I gather that you are unfamiliar with concerns of the city."

"I'm a barbarian hick. About all I knew of the city before today was its name. And I didn't much like that. Triumph over what? The downtrodden villagers?"

Chief almost smiled. "It is true that power can be wielded imperiously at times. Nevertheless, Sire, the power of the office is now yours. You wear the Crown of Chroma."

108 Key to Havoc

Havoc reached up to touch the crown on his head. "That's another thing I don't understand. When I held it in my hands, it was heavy, but when I put in on my head, its became so light I forget it's there. It seems I'm even

supposed to sleep in it."

Chief nodded. "Perhaps, Sire, I should begin by clarifying the nature of the crown."

"Do it."

"It protects you against hostile magic. It has ten spires, each of which is formed of potent stone from a particular Chroma. Thus you can travel anywhere, in any Chroma, with virtual impunity. You are without inherent magic, but the crown makes you the equivalent of any Chroma wizard, at least with respect to self protection. It fits your head, and seems light thereon, because

its magic makes it so. It will not come off unless you remove it yourself; you can indeed sleep with it on, and not be concerned. So it is more than the obvious mark of your office; it is the guarantee of it."

"So I should wear it all the time?"

"Yes, Sire."

"Suppose someone knocks me on the head?"

"No one can, Sire. The magic protects your head and body from direct physical attack."

Havoc shrugged. "So I will wear it, for now."

"Sire, you must wear it always, for there are those who hate the king."

"And I'm one of them."

"Sire?"

Ennui interceded. "He means he doesn't want to be king. He did not know what the examination was for, and didn't want to accept the crown. He doesn't like any part of the office. But he understands that he must serve well

at least a year, or until honorably released from this service."

Chief nodded. "Thank you, Lady. This is an unusual situation."

"But I prefer to defend myself," Havoc said. "I don't see how a pretty crown can do it better."

"Sire, it can. No attack against you can prevail while you wear the crown."

Havoc got interested. "Can you show me that?"

"Sire, I suppose a demonstration could be made, but that might not be wise."

"Why not?"

"Because this is a nonChroma area, deliberately. The stones of the crown have the magic of their separate Chroma, and it is highly effective, but when magic is invoked beyond its Chroma, it diminishes in time."

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"I don't get it."

"It gets used up," Ennui said. Once again she had cut through to the essence, speaking in Havoc's terms.

"Yes," Chief agreed. "So it is best to save it for emergency use."

That did make sense. Still, Havoc doubted. "I want to see it happen.

Attack me."

"Sire!" the man protested, appalled.

"No one attacks the king with impunity," Ennui murmured. "It would be treason."

Havoc considered. "Then let's reverse it. You wear the crown, Chief, and I'll attack you."

"Sire! I could not touch the crown."

Ennui had to step in again. "Chief, Havoc is a barbarian. He thinks in barbarian terms. He can be downright practical. You had better humor him."

"But the crown--"

"Do you obey me, or don't you?" Havoc demanded. He was beginning to get the hang of kingly authority; it was like a deadly weapon, whose mere threat had impact.

"Sire, I obey. But I must advise you that this is highly irregular."

Havoc put his hands to his head and lifted off the crown. He gave it to Chief. Chief held it for a moment, still hesitating, but acted when Havoc looked directly at him. He set the crown on his head. It fit perfectly, as its magic took hold.

Havoc brought out the knife he retained from the examination. He feinted at the man's face--but even the feint was blocked. There was no flash or other indication of magic; it was like sliding off a glassy barrier. He tried

again, with similar result. There was definitely a deflective force.

He put away the knife and tried it with his bare hand. His striking fist bounced away, but if he moved it slowly, he could touch the man's head. That explained how the girls had been able to wash him. "But what about a slow strangle?" he asked.

"That would be possible," Chief said. "But if it were attempted by someone with hostile intent, the crown would burn him, or nullify him in some other manner. It has levels of magic I do not understand. In any event, the bodyguard would interfere."

"Bodyguard?"

"As you see, Sire, there could be devious ways to circumvent the protection of the crown. Since it is also best to use it only as a last resort, the bodyguard normally protects the king." He looked uncomfortable. "Sire, if 110 Key to Havoc

you please, will you take back your crown now?"

Havoc smiled. "Yes."

Chief removed the crown and gave it to him. Havoc returned it to his head. He was now satisfied about its power. "So where is this bodyguard?"

"Sire, there is a problem there. The prior bodyguard was disgraced because he did not prevent King Deal from dying. There was no indication that he was at fault, but there must have been some lapse. So he was demoted to lowly duty while the investigation proceeds."

"I thought I told everyone to stay on."

"You did, Sire, but this occurred before your ascension to the office. So at present there is no bodyguard. This must of course be promptly remedied.

Do you wish me to appoint one?"

"The bodyguard was not at fault, but was punished anyway?"

"Yes, Sire, on the assumption that there must have been some carelessness. Had there been any complicity, he would have been summarily executed. As it is, he is in limbo for the time being."

"Who was he?"

"Sire, his name was Throe. If I may say so, he was a good man, and I regret--"

"What was that name?"

"Throe, Sire. King Deal had the utmost faith in him, and I am sure-"

"Restore him."

"Sire, the investigation is not yet complete."

"Do you obey?" Havoc asked sharply.

"Barbarians don't much like to be balked," Ennui murmured.

"Sire, he shall be restored immediately. But I am obliged to say that I feel it is unwise for you to appoint a man to such a position without first knowing him. My argument was merely to indicate that he should not be executed."

"I know him."

"Sire?"

"He was the one assigned to fetch me from my barbarian village. He did that efficiently."

Chief relaxed. "Sire, I did not realize. I do not handle lowly assignments. The process of assembling and examining candidates for king is handled by a special committee that answers to no ordinary authority. Did he treat you well?"

"When I tried to hide, he had my mother stripped and publicly flogged, until I surrendered."

Piers Anthony 111

"Then perhaps you will prefer to have him summarily executed after all.

He was acting in accordance with established protocol for hostile situations, but your annoyance is understandable. You need justify such action to no one, Sire."

"No. I want him as my bodyguard."

"Sire, I inquire only so that I may serve you better by understanding your motive. Why--"

"He did what he had to do, and when I understood that, I forgave him for it. He is a man of honor, and competent."

"True, Sire. Yet this is not the type of attitude for which barbarians are noted."

"We civilized folk do not properly understand barbarians," Ennui said.

"I have been learning."

Chief glanced at Havoc, and seeing him silent, spoke again. "If I may ask, Lady, how did you come to associate so closely with King Havoc?"

"We met in the examination, and exchanged an oath of friendship. He protected me physically, and I advised him about the peculiar ways of civilization. It was a pact of convenience."

"And it continues?"

"He is bringing meaning to my supremely dull life, and I continue to advise him, trying to spare him confusion or embarrassment in an unfamiliar situation. He is free to dismiss me at any time."

"No," Havoc said. "The oath remains."

Chief nodded. "Thank you for clarifying that aspect, Sire. Now there are other matters I am obliged to bring to your attention."

"If you mean how to run the kingdom, I have no idea. Just do what you've been doing, until I catch on."

"Thank you, Sire; I shall. This will prevent disruption during the change of administrations. But there are two other matters of more personal moment."

"Tell me."

"Sire, I shall need a liaison, so that I can reach you rapidly when necessary. I will not bother you whimsically, but there will be some matters that require your attention, if only to authorize me to proceed with a projected course of action."

"Why not just come tell me yourself?"

"You might be otherwise occupied, Sire, so that my appearance here would be inconvenient."

"If it's important, that shouldn't matter."

112 Key to Havoc

"Still, Sire--"

"Why should it matter?"

"Sire, there are times when intrusion is not advisable, yet you will need to be advised."

"Stop talking around the cycad! What times?"

Chief glanced at Ennui. She stepped in. "Havoc, I think he means that you might be asleep, or in bed with a lover."

"Or on the pot," Havoc said, and saw the man wince. He had committed another social blunder. "Okay, I should have a liaison. Who?"

"Perhaps Lady Ennui, as she seems to be close to you."

Havoc looked at her. "That's all right with you?"

"As you wish, Havoc."

He faced Chief. "So tell her, and she'll find me in a hurry, even if I am doing something disgraceful at the moment."

"I will, Sire. In fact, if you wish, you might designate her as your social secretary, so that all who seek the attention of the king will understand.

Clar-

ity in such connections is important."

"Makes sense to me. Do you mind, Ennui?"

"Oh, Havoc, it's not my place to object to anything you might ask me to-"

"But do you mind? I know you were tired of clerking."

"I just meant that anything you--"

"Lady," Chief said, with something approaching a smile, "the king is asking your private preference. You are obliged to answer with candor, not evasion."

She blushed. The tables had been turned. "I meant that I wouldn't object even if I did mind. But this--to serve him in such an important capacity--to be recognized as secretary to the king--it would be a privilege beyond my wildest dream."

"She does not mind," Chief translated, allowing more of the smile to show. Then he turned serious. "The other matter is somewhat more delicate, and may not be to your liking, Sire."

"What?"

"It concerns the manner of King Deal's death. It is too soon to understand all the aspects of it, and the investigation is ongoing. But I have a gut

feeling that there is something wrong."

The dragon seed, quiescent until now, buzzed. Havoc knew that this did not necessarily mean that Chief was lying, or that there was danger, but that there was something amiss. It suggested that Chief's concern was well founded.

"Why?"

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"Sire, I have no evidence. But I believe King Deal was pursuing something, and that he was on the verge of discovering it, when he died. This is suspicious. I know no more, but would like to."

"How does this concern me?"

"If there is something able to cause one king to die, despite the crown, it could cause another king to die. It should be quietly rooted out."

"Why quietly?"

"Because if my suspicion is correct, an open investigation would alert the unknown enemy, and it would act to protect itself from discovery."

"Like approaching a sleeping dragon," Havoc said. "If it smells you, you're dead."

"A fair analogy, Sire. But this is likely to be something more subtle, yet perhaps just as deadly. I repeat, I have no certain evidence, but felt I should

advise you."

"So maybe I'm king because someone murdered King Deal?"

"I would hesitate to be that blunt, Sire, but there is the suspicion. I have spoken about this to no other persons, because should there be any substance to it, you might be in danger already."

The man was both competent and sensible. "How can I learn more about this?"

"Sire, I do not know. But perhaps the one closest to King Deal would have some idea."

"Who?"

"His wife or his lover."

"He had a wife and a lover?"

"Yes, Sire. This is not considered inappropriate, in ranking officers."

"Thanks for warning me. As a barbarian, I had no idea."

Chief nodded. "There are ways in which the civilized personnel are perhaps less refined than the barbarians. I suspect this is sufficient for the day, unless you have something else for me."

"Something else?"

"He means you should let him go now," Ennui said. "So he can get on with his business."

"Then why didn't he say so?"

"You're the king, Havoc. Nobody tells you what to do or say. He was just giving you a hint, so you could dismiss him. Unless you have something else to tell him."

"Oh. Sure. Get going, Chief."

Ennui looked pained. "That's like putting a dog out the door. Tell him 114 Key to Havoc

he is dismissed."

Havoc smiled. "Sorry. Dismissed, Chief."

"Thank you, Sire." He turned to go.

Then Havoc remembered something. "My fiancée--I can bring her here, even if I can't marry her yet?"

"Certainly, Sire. She can be your lover."

"Her name is Gale, of Village Trifle. Maybe don't tell her I'm king, yet; I hardly believe it myself. Send Throe to fetch her. Tell him to tell her

`With

this seed I thee betrothed.' Then she'll go with him."

Chief bowed. "Sire, it shall be done."

"Parting."

"Acknowledged, Sire." He departed.

"That should be a comfort to you, having your girlfriend back," Ennui said. "Which reminds me: I will be required to remarry within a month, and I would rather not. I wonder whether the king's social secretary is exempt.

High officers like Chief are, but secretaries are ordinary folk."

"If not, maybe I can make her exempt. Can you find out?"

"Yes, I should be able to ask and get an answer. But meanwhile it's late, and you will want to sleep, Havoc. I can see you are tired, as I am. You will stay in the royal bedroom, but I have no place."

"Then stay with me."

"Havoc, I can't. I think only the king's wife or lover spends the night with him. Appearances are important."

"So what happened to King Deal's wife or lover? I haven't seen them around."

"They must have been moved out soon after he died."

"Let's check." They walked back toward the bedroom. "I'll ask a servant."

"Havoc, let me ask a servant. The king should not demean himself with minor matters."

She was surely right. He kept running afoul of civilized conventions.

"Do it."

Ennui caught the eye of a servant. "Where is King Deal's widow?"

"Lady, she is in the process of vacating her apartment."

"Let's catch her now," Havoc murmured.

"Please lead us to her apartment," Ennui told the servant.

Soon they were at a ramp leading to the floor just below the king's apartment. Ennui knocked on the wooden door, and it opened to show another servant. "King Havoc wishes to speak with King Deal's widow. What is her name?"

Piers Anthony 115

"Queen Aspect, Lady. I will advise her." The servant girl disappeared into the apartment.

Soon she reappeared. "Queen Aspect is on her way."

A woman appeared. She was in an elegant robe, but her face was puffy, as if she had been crying. She seemed to be of Ennui's generation, and was somewhat portly.

"Greeting," Havoc said formally.

"Sire," she said, bowing. "I am clearing the apartment, and will be gone shortly. There was too much to handle on short notice, so I am delayed. I apologize for inconveniencing you."

"I will not hold you long," Havoc said. "I want only to talk about something. May we come in?"

"Sire, this residence is yours. I regret it is not at the moment in presentable condition." Indeed, there were boxes scattered around, evidently her belongings being packed.

"I don't care about that. Queen Aspect, I am sorry your husband the king died. I didn't know him, but I'm sure he was a good man." The dragon seed did not buzz, because he was the one telling the lie. He had hated the distant king all his life, without knowing him.

"Thank you, Sire. Do you wish to take a seat?"

They took seats. "Queen Aspect, I--"

"Please Sire, I am no longer queen. I am a nonentity, until I perforce remarry in a month. If you please, just call me Lady Aspect."

This diverted him from his question. "Even you, Lady Aspect? You have to remarry, though you surely do not wish to?"

"Yes, Sire, to both."

"Lady, I am a barbarian, and I know little about civilized ways or the powers of the office I suddenly hold. I did not want to be king, but have been given no choice. So at times I must be blunt. I ask you to bear with me."

"Of course Sire. I believe I understand. The change has been brutally sudden, for all of us."

"Do I have the power to relieve you of the obligation of remarriage?"

"Yes, Sire," she said, surprised. "But I think you would not wish to."

"Why not?"

"Because such designation would imply that you were taking me as one of your lovers."

"Does the implication need to have any basis in fact?"

"No, Sire. But there would be whispers."

"The hell with the whispers. They would be the least of my reputation 116 Key to Havoc

as a barbarian. Lady Aspect, remain here, as you have been, without remarrying."

"Sire!" she said, amazed.

"I ask only that in return you assist my friend Ennui in educating me about the ways of civilization and royalty. And that you allow Ennui to share this apartment with you, as another implied lover who will never be touched in that manner. Is this satisfactory to you?"

"Of course, Sire! But you have no need--"

"And satisfactory to you, Ennui?"

Ennui was as amazed as Aspect. "Oh, yes, Havoc. But it may make you a laughing stock. Two middle aged women--"

"Not nearly as much so as my natural barbarian manners make me. So who sets this up?"

"Majordomo can make the arrangement," Aspect said. "Sire, this is uncommonly generous. But what of your own wife?"

"I can't marry her this year. Next year we'll see. Meanwhile, I'll have her as my true lover, in my own bedroom suite. She won't bother you."

"As you wish, Sire."

"Now I need to know: was King Deal murdered?"

"Sire!"

But the dragon seed buzzed, giving her implied denial the lie. "Chief has a suspicion, and I trust his judgment." Because the seed had confirmed the man's straight answers. "Do you know anything?"

"I know nothing, Sire, but I confess I do believe that his sudden demise was not natural."

"If it was not, then it is to my interest to discover the truth, if only to save my own hide from a similar fate."

She was surprised. "Why that's true, Sire. I would certainly like to learn the truth. Two days ago he was a hearty man, having at his lover; today he is dead. It is a shock." She wiped her teary eyes. The dragon seed did not buzz, indicating that her grief was not feigned.

"I'm a barbarian, and don't understand some things. You said he was with his lover? How can you countenance that?"

Aspect smiled wanly. "Our society long ago recognized that it is unrealistic to expect men of power to confine themselves to single women. Too many other women are attracted to that power, and many of them are attractive. So we recognize that the men will have liaisons, without disturbing the natural and legal family ties. My husband loved me, and I loved him; it just wasn't sexual any more. The children kept me busy, between official social functions. It would have been a waste of time to resent his lover. She is as Piers Anthony 117

miserable now as I am. Perhaps she will have further insight into his death."

"Maybe I'll get used to the system, some time. Who was his lover?"

"The Lady Symbol, the Representative of the Invisible Chroma of Air.

She is an interesting woman."

"She must be," Ennui said.

Havoc wasn't sure how she meant that, but he had a more immediate concern. "What indication do you have that King Deal was murdered?"

"He believed there was a conspiracy of some kind, to take over the planet and change it. He had surmounted a serious political challenge, but this was different. He thought he had a lead, and that he would soon know the truth. But he died before he could discover it. I think the conspirators must have killed him, though I don't know how."

"Could his lover have done it?"

"No. She would never willfully harm him, any more than would I." And the seed did not buzz.

"Thank you, Lady Aspect. Now I am tired, and must sleep. Ennui will help you put your things back." He stood.

"But I must stay with you, Havoc," Ennui protested. "At least until you are safely settled for the night."

"Then I will sleep here, so you will not have to leave." He dropped to the floor, catching himself on his hands, and curled up in his clothes, closing

his eyes.

"He is a barbarian," Ennui said. "He has his little ways, some of which are crude, and some endearing."

"Endearing?" Aspect asked.

"He keeps his word. He cares about people. He is loyal to his own. He recognizes his areas of ignorance. And he listens when you speak."

"Those are qualities to make up for any amount of crudity," Aspect agreed. "But civilization will soon enough cure him of them."

"I'm not sure it will. He's neither weak nor stupid, just ignorant."

"Does he really mean me to remain here? And to be relieved of the requirement of remarriage?"

"He said so, and he means what he says. But it seems you will have to put up with me. Do you have a separate room I can use?"

"I have a whole suite you can use. I shall be glad of the company. I loved Deal, but I was alone most of the time. Let me at least get a blanket for

the king."

In a moment a blanket was gently laid over Havoc. The Lady Aspect's hands arranged it, then tucked a pillow under his head. Her touch was much 118 Key to Havoc

like a mother's caress. He had the distinct impression she was pleased with him. That was all he remembered.

When he woke, the boxes were gone from the room, and Ennui was sleeping beside him on the floor. She had pillows under her, as well as a blanket over her. She must have decided that he still needed watching over, since he was not safe in his own suite. She was probably right.

He got up quietly, needing to use the bathroom. But he did not know his way around this apartment.

The Lady Aspect appeared. "Sire."

"I need--"

"Here, Sire." She indicated a door.

He walked through it, and found himself in a competent bathroom.

Now he had to figure out how to get free of the clown suit he wore. He didn't want to tear it, but it seemed unwilling to yield.

"Sire." She spoke from outside the chamber.

"Yes, Lady Aspect."

"If you find your clothing unfamiliar, perhaps I can help you."

This was a welcome offer. "I do need help."

She entered the bathroom. "The straps are self adhesive," she said.

"May I take your hand, Sire?"

What was she up to? "Yes."

She took his hand and set his fingers on his belt. Again, he was aware of the quality of her touch. It was firm, it was gentle, it was sure, and it was reassuring. "Find the slight ridge, here, Sire. Catch it with your nail, thus.

Draw it up, and it releases. All the fastenings are of this nature; they release

readily when pried, but not otherwise. To restore them, simply lay one strap against another."

"Thank you," he said, abashed by the simplicity of it, now that he understood the principle.

"You are being unconscionably kind to me, Sire. You asked me to assist in educating you about the ways of civilization. This is one of those ways."

"I know you are in grief for your husband. I did not mean to impose so soon."

"I am in grief," she agreed. "But you have ameliorated much of the rest of it. I am of course at your command. But I am also grateful. I will help you in any way I can." She squeezed his hand, and once more the character of her contact came through. This was a special woman. "Now I will leave you alone, but will be within call."

"Thanks."

Piers Anthony 119

She left the chamber, closing the door quietly behind her. He got his pantaloons down, found the ridge on the weird underwear, and used the toilet. It was the kind that washed itself with water, rather than saving its substance in a bucket. In due course he figured out how to make the water flow.

Then he washed his hands at the sink, suspecting that this was expected.

He opened the door and stepped out. "Sire," Aspect said, beside him.

"Yes?"

"Will you permit me to touch you?"

"Why?"

"Sire, you have assembled your clothing correctly, but in a manner some might deem sloppy. It may be better if you allow others to dress you, so that you may save your attention for more important things."

He realized that she was being delicate. "Do it," he agreed.

"If you please, Sire, back in the chamber."

He stepped back into the bathroom, and she closed the door behind them. There was no one else around, but it seemed that clothing must not be breached in the main apartment. Then she worked the adhesive strap on his pantaloons and dropped them to the floor. She worked the straps on his underclothing, and suddenly that was more comfortable; he had indeed done it wrong. If she saw anything private, she ignored it. She must have done this often enough for her sons, when they were young. Her touch continued to be reassuring. Then she pulled up the pantaloons and fastened them, and they hung straight.

"I guess I am pretty ignorant," he said ruefully.

"Sire, attire like this can be difficult for civilized folk too. The royal trappings have become unconscionably complicated over the centuries. I often assisted my husband similarly, when he was intoxicated."

"He was a drunk, and had a lover, but you loved him?"

"Yes. We must take people as wholes. Few are perfectly good or bad in all things. My husband was a very good man."

"What are my crudities?"

If she realized that this meant he had overheard her dialogue with Ennui, she gave no sign. "Sire, I would not presume to criticize."

"How the hell can you educate me about being civilized, if you don't tell me what's wrong? I don't like being king, but I don't like being embarrassed either, so I might as well put on as good a front as I can. I think you know royal ways that Ennui can not know, and I want your expertise as well as hers.

How am I crude?"

She looked wary. "Sire, you are being kind to me, and I want very much 120 Key to Havoc

not to offend you. But if I speak freely, I risk doing that."

Havoc was coming to appreciate that blunt speaking was one of the ways in which he differed from civilized folk. When he asked them to speak similarly, they got uncomfortable. "Lady Aspect, I think it is as important to me that I not give offense as it is to you. But I am in danger of doing it without knowing it, and perhaps alienating people I wish to impress favor-ably. I regret imposing on your grief, but I think I am in immediate need.

Please--"

"The king never says please to an underling," she said, alarmed.

"Lady Aspect, forget for the moment that I am king. Think of me as your errant son, who needs candid advice. In my bedroom complex I had to stand with my eyes closed while three pretty girls stripped me and washed me and dressed me, and I am not so ignorant as not to know that standing naked before nubile girls with my member erect is not crude. I think I am doing something similar in manners. Tell me what I need to know, in language I can understand."

She nodded. "Lady Ennui is right: you do have endearing qualities, even in your bluntness. Very well, Sire, I will speak plainly, though it pains me.

It

is crude to utter expletives in conversation. `Hell' is an expletive. It is crude

to cut directly to the point, such as asking `Why?' or calling a dead man a drunk or telling a person tòdo it.' It is crude to scratch or belch or fart in

public. It is crude to meet a person's gaze for more than a moment, and may even seem threatening. It is--"

"But my whole way of life takes no note of such things," he protested.

"And it is crude to interrupt a speaking person, unless there is an emergency. As king, you of course have preemptive right of speech, but this is best if not abused."

Havoc considered. "What were you about to say, when I interrupted?"

"That it is crude to sleep on the floor, or in your clothes. There may be other crudities I have not yet had occasion to observe, but perhaps these suffice as examples."

"No one else has said anything like this to me, except Ennui, when she made me take a bath."

"The Lady Ennui is guiding you well. As a person of the lower class, she perhaps understands your ways more readily. The others dare not offend you."

"Ennui told the household staff to signal me when I did something awkward, but they did not call my attention to the things you have said."

"Two things about that, Sire. First, the king is expected to be relaxed in Piers Anthony 121

his own house, and may behave in a manner inappropriate in public. Second, some crudities are so gross as to defy such attention, so the household personnel are helpless."

Havoc wiped his nose. "I guess so."

"Such as wiping your nose with your bare hand. If you must do it in public, do it this way." She reached into one of his pockets and brought out an ornate handkerchief. She put it in his hand, and lifted his hand to his nose,

and wiped, delicately. Then she wadded the handkerchief and returned it to the pocket.

Havoc was impressed. "Lady Aspect, I think I need more of your attention than we can afford at this moment. I learn rapidly when I have to, but I see there is much I don't know. Can you come with me to the main house?"

"Of course I can, Sire. There is no need to ask; simply tell me."

"But you said that cutting directly to the point is crude."

She smiled. "I appreciate your confusion, Sire. It is crude in dialogue, but when you give a directive, as king, you need never ask. No person on the planet has anything to do other than obey your desire."

"I am used to considering the convenience and feelings of others."

"As king, you may continue to do that. But when you make a decision, you must suggest no doubt. If you have doubt, it would be better to ask a trusted person about the matter privately, resolve your doubt, and then speak decisively in public."

"Ennui is such a person. But you may be also. So I ask you, Lady Aspect, how long has it been since you have slept?"

"Not since my husband died, Sire."

"Then sleep now, and when you are refreshed, come to me. My fiancé Gale will also need instruction, when she arrives here."

"Sire, it would look awkward for King Deal's widow to be constantly at your side."

"And I don't want awkwardness," he agreed. "But in the apartment, where things are more relaxed--"

She nodded. "I can supervise your personal schedule, if you wish, Sire."

"But the Majordomo does that."

"No, Sire. He runs the house, not your private life."

"And Ennui is to be my personal secretary."

"She will organize your outside appointments. That is a separate matter.

Neither of them will tell you what to wear or eat on a given day. I will do that,

Sire, if it is your desire."

"Yes. Now I thank you for your service to me, Lady Aspect, and will 122 Key to Havoc

leave you to sleep."

"Thank you, Sire." She opened the door and waited. When he did not go out, she said "Sire, among barbarians men may defer to women in such matters, but the king always leads unless he directs others to do so."

He stepped out, and she followed.

Ennui appeared. He suspected she had overheard some of the dialogue in the bathroom, and had waited for him to emerge. "Take me back to my apartment," he said.

"This way, Havoc."

They left Aspect's apartment and walked up the ramp. "I believe King Deal had a good wife," he remarked.

"I am sure of it."

A servant appeared, standing expectantly. "Tell Majordomo that the Lady Aspect will be supervising my personal routine, from tomorrow on," he said. "But that this morning the Lady Ennui and I will require a suitable breakfast."

"Sire." The servant disappeared.

"Havoc, I am really not a lady," Ennui said. "I am a common woman."

"Others call you Lady. The Lady Aspect called you Lady. I take my social cue from her."

"Still--"

"If I understand the conventions of this position sufficiently, I can call anyone anything I choose."

"Yes, of course. You are the king. But others-"

"Others should take their cue from me. You are my oath friend; I will not have you slighted."

She surrendered. "As you wish, Havoc."

When they arrived at his bedroom, the three bathing girls were there.

One lifted her hand, cautiously. She was the Mistress of the Royal Bath, the girl of sixteen with curly brown hair, accompanied by her two younger assistants with the red and yellow hair. They had looked pretty, as a set; now they looked prettier, with the partial familiarity of his experience with them. He would have preferred to know their names, but suspected that protocol required that they be identified only by their positions.

"I know," Havoc said with resignation. "I need a bath."

"And a change of clothing, Sire," the Bath Mistress said. "You look as if you had slept in what you are wearing."

"I have. Well, do your worst."

"I will clean and change elsewhere," Ennui said.

Piers Anthony 123

Havoc smiled. "What, no handsome young men to do you?"

"I am not royal, fortunately." She faded back.

He looked at the bath girls, and decided to try for their names anyway.

"If this is to be a regular thing, I should know your names. Who are you?"

"We are mere bath girls, Sire. I am Girl One, and my assistants are Girl Two and Girl Three."

So they would not violate the protocol. He didn't fight it. In time he would get the name of at least the Mistress, just for private satisfaction. He let them lead him into the bathroom, strip him, and wash him. He reacted as before, but figured they were used to it now. Probably when he got so that he could have a lovely sixteen year old girl wash his private parts, and those parts

did not react, he would be a normal king.

He let his eyes open so he could see the bath crew work. They wore waterproof coveralls for this job, and competent hats. Girl One caught him looking, and winked. That stiffened him further, as perhaps she noted. She remained anonymous by name, but was assuming personality. He rather liked her; she reminded him vaguely of Gale.

Then other girls came to dress him, as before. "Is there any chance I can wear something less like a clown suit?"

"Certainly Sire," the Mistress of Royal Dressing replied. "What do you wish?"

That stumped him. "Tomorrow, the Lady Aspect will select my outfit."

"Of course, Sire." And he got the impression that these girls were surprised and pleased. That was further evidence that Aspect was a good woman.

Then, properly cleaned and garbed, he rejoined Ennui for a really nice breakfast of green eggs, red bread, and blue milk. It would not be difficult to

get used to such a life, though he still resented having to be king.

"Now what do I have to do next?" he asked Ennui.

"The king's schedule of appointment and appearances has been suspended, owing to the change of circumstance," she said.

"You mean, the death of King Deal, and accession of an ignorant barbarian?"

She smiled, "Yes, Havoc. But no one else will put it that way."

"Neither will I, elsewhere. So what am I supposed to do?"

"You are supposed to learn the business of kingship. In a hurry. I can't teach you; I know little about royalty or governance."

"So who else does?"

"I understand that the Lady Symbol is the best person for that."

"King Deal's lover? What do I want with her?"

124 Key to Havoc

"She is one of the Chroma Representatives, and you will have to meet them all, as well as many top officials. But Lady Aspect says to start with her."

"Then I had better do it. But I had better have you close by, for protection."

She shook her head. "Havoc, I have to learn my business, of being your social secretary. I can't do that while holding your hand."

"You seem to have a pretty good start."

"But there's much more. Please, Havoc--"

He hated it when she said "please," though he wasn't sure why. "Okay, set me up with that woman."

"She will be reporting here in the next half hour."

So she had already handled it. "Ennui, have you noticed anything about me?"

"There is something, Havoc. You seem to be acclimatizing, and--that's it. You're no longer crude."

"I made Aspect tell me about crudity."

"She must have answered well."

"She did. Very well, go about your business, and I will await the session with Deal's lover." He did not try to conceal his distaste.

"Just send for me if you need me, Havoc."

"I will."

"Parting."

"Acknowledged," he said. She had just made him more comfortable, by that detail of barbarian politeness.

She left, and he sought Majordomo. "I am expecting the Lady Symbol soon. How should I address her, and how should I act in her presence?"

"Sire, treat her much as you did the Lady Aspect. She is a person of status, as a Representative of her Chroma. Interview her in the drawing room. Make no reference to her private relation with King Deal. If you wish, suggest that the session become informal."

"Informal?"

"That will allow her to relate to you in the manner we of the household do, Sire, and will perhaps be more comfortable for you."

Havoc nodded. "It should be."

"She is a very comfortable woman, Sire. She can be of great assistance to you, should you wish it."

"I'm not looking for a lover!"

"Of course not, Sire. But she would be an excellent friend."

This had the aspect of good advice. "Thank you, Majordomo. Parting."

The man bowed and departed. Havoc, left to his own devices for the Piers Anthony 125

moment, went to the drawing room, which was nicely appointed with soft chairs, a broad polished table, and paintings on the walls. He wanted to exercise, but his fancy clothing inhibited him. So he stood in place, tensing muscles

alternately, trying to get feel of exercise. He didn't want to get out of shape.

A maid spied him at it. She paused, catching his eye. "Is something wrong, Sire?" she asked when he met her gaze.

"I'm a barbarian," he explained. "I like to run and climb, but that would spoil this clothing."

"Do you wish to see the Mistress of Clothing?"

"Maybe later, when I don't have someone to interview."

"Sire," she agreed, and went on about her business.

In due course Majordomo reappeared. "Sire, the Lady Symbol has arrived."

"Show her in."

In a moment, Majordomo ushered in a heavily cloaked woman who wore an encompassing hat and veil, so that her face hardly showed. She had thick stockings, and long sleeved gloves, and a band of material around her neck, so that nothing else showed either. All of her clothing was shades of gray, except for her iridescent cloak. That might have been drab on another woman, but it was evident that this one was extraordinarily lovely.

"Greeting."

"Sire," she murmured, bowing her head. "I am Symbol, of the Invisible Chroma of Air." Her voice was dulcet.

"Welcome, Lady Symbol. I am told that you can help me learn what I need so as to better handle my position."

"I am at your complete service, Sire."

"Then tell me what I need."

"Sire, if you please, I must first learn a bit about you, so that I can orient effectively on your needs."

"Please be informal, Lady, and inquire as you see fit."

"To do that, I would have to expose myself." But she did remove her bright cloak. "Actually, this is my informal garb, Sire, but I did not wish to distract you with too much iridescence."

What person donned informal garb to meet the king for the first time?

She had stirred his curiosity. "As you wish, Lady."

"Sire, I am not sure you would find this comfortable."

She had been described as a comfortable woman. What did this mean?

"Lady, I find none of this business of kingship comfortable. I long for my barbarian home. But since I can not go home, I must learn to cope with what I find here. I am told that you can best help me accomplish this. Do what 126 Key to Havoc

you need to do."

She angled her veil at him. "You strike me as a man who does not tolerate boredom well."

"Yes."

"Then let's make this interesting. Do you wager?"

"Do I bet? Not if I can avoid it. I prefer to be sure of my accomplishment."

"I propose a game in which we ask each other questions, and pay penalties."

He was wary of this. "Penalties? I'm not willing to use my office to do anything inappropriate, until I know more about it."

Her veil formed the semblance of a smile. "Nothing like that, Sire. If you ask me a question I can't answer to your satisfaction, I must remove an item of my clothing. If I do so answer, then you must remove an item of yours. Similarly I will ask you questions, alternating with yours. The questions may be of any nature, and candid responses are required."

"But either way, we will both soon be naked."

"Does that frighten you, Sire?"

"No. But it strikes me as uncivilized."

"Sire, it strikes me as informal."

Suddenly he liked this woman better. "Then let's play the game. But be warned that I react in the presence of beautiful women."

Her veil smiled again. "I should hope so, Sire." Symbol turned her head to the side and raised her voice. "Majordomo, we wish to be private in this room, until further notice."

The man appeared at a door. "As you wish, Lady." He closed the door.

Symbol faced Havoc again. "Sire, you may have the first question."

Havoc decided to discover the limits early. "What was your personal relationship with King Deal?" This was a forbidden question, but he wanted to see how she handled it.

"I loved him. In fact I was his lover. I am in grief for him." Her veil angled again. "But I believe you already know this, Sire, so you have wasted a question."

"I was testing."

"Then do you wish another question, Sire, in lieu of that?"

"No, I'll pay my forfeit." He put his hands to his waistband and unfastened it. He removed it and set it on the table. His pantaloons sagged but did not drop.

"Sire, with how many different women have you had sex?"

She was not pussyfooting! "One. Gale, my fiancée."

Piers Anthony 127

Symbol put her hands to her veil and removed it. Havoc glanced at her face--and did a double-take. There was no face there.

Which set up his next question, as perhaps she had intended. "Where is your face?"

"It is here, Sire. But we of the Air Chroma are invisible. Give me your hand."

He extended his right hand. She took it in her glove and carried it to her head. His fingers felt a delicately featured face, but he still could not see it.

"However, as we spend time away from our natural Chroma, we become gradually polluted, and come slowly into sight. If you look carefully, Sire, you

will see the outline of my brain inside my skull."

He looked, and it was so; there was a haze of fog there, with lines feeding into it. Those would be the nerves. "You are right: I am uncomfortable with this."

"You will become accustomed to it, Sire. By the time this is done, you will see--or fail to see--all of me."

"I had hardly heard of the Invisible Chroma, before leaving my village, and if I had, I would not have taken it literally." The Dragon Mentor had mentioned it, and Havoc had not then understood its implication.

"I suspected as much, Sire. But beware: you are giving me answers without requiring my questions. That will be likely to put you at a disadvantage."

"I do not seek any advantage over you."

"Which feeds into my next question, Sire: Will you require any lover besides Gale?"

"No."

She was already removing her hat, evidently anticipating that straightforward answer. Now her whole head was invisible, except for the dim cloud of her brain, and a barrette fastening down her unseen hair. He appreciated why she had come so fully clothed: it was the only way to identify her.

Havoc knew he was being managed, but couldn't help it, so he asked:

"Why did you ask that?"

"Having served the role, Sire, I have an interest in it."

The dragon seed buzzed. She was lying, or at least not telling the whole truth. So he challenged her answer. "Your answer does not satisfy me."

She might have smiled. "Ennui is right, Sire: you're not stupid."

"I am ignorant, not dull. Why did you ask?"

The seed buzzed. "I loved King Deal, and do not wish to be the lover of another man. Since you, as king, can command my compliance, I wish to verify that you will not be doing so."

128 Key to Havoc

That was interesting. The dragon seed had buzzed before she spoke, indicating that she was not confused; she had intended to lie. But to what purpose?

"I will not be doing so," Havoc agreed. "But I remain unsatisfied with your answer."

"There are considerable advantages to being the king's lover, Sire, and I am quite aware of them. Others would expect me to wish to continue to enjoy them."

The seed buzzed again. Havoc knew that this was a correct statement, but nevertheless a lie because it wasn't her real reason for her prior question.

"You are evading the answer."

She shrugged. "Perhaps my feelings are mixed, Sire."

He didn't need the buzz to know the evasion was continuing. She would not tell the whole truth, and the dragon seed would not settle for a partial truth. But he thought he understood it: she was, in her circuitous fashion, inviting him to have a similar interest in her. Surely she had loved King Deal,

and also liked being the king's lover. She had lost Deal, but might salvage the

rest if she attracted similar interest from his successor. But she couldn't say

that without seeming crude, especially since he had said he wanted only Gale.

So she skirted it, putting the notion into his mind while denying that this was

her intent. She was lying for a purpose.

"Perhaps," he agreed. "Ask your next question." He began to remove his fancy shirt.

"No, Sire; do not strip. I did not give you a satisfactory answer, so the penalty is mine." She removed her blouse, revealing a comprehensive under-garment. Her upper arms were bare, so that her forearms seemed unconnected to her shoulders. The effect was intriguing, now that he was becoming accustomed to her invisibility. He could see through the emptiness that was her face, down inside her neck and chest--and still saw nothing.

She asked her next question. "Sire, what are your feelings about the Ladies Aspect and Ennui?"

"I need a clarification. Can you ask about two women in one question?"

"I can, Sire, but you may challenge it and require me to be more specific.

I am assuming that your sentiment with respect to those two are similar, so can be covered in one answer."

He nodded. "Fair enough. Ennui is my oath friend, and I will trust her with my life, and protect hers with mine. Aspect is like a mother to me, guiding me in things others will not mention."

"You have not answered the question, Sire. They both are like mothers Piers Anthony 129

to you, one of low status, one of high status. I asked about your feelings."

She was right. "I am not sure I have feelings about them, other than the general impression that they are good women."

"I'm not sure that is a sufficient answer."

"Neither am I," he admitted. "I--I think I need such mature women in my life, to be true friends, even if they are so only by oath or convenience.

I

feel--I feel they are better women than those I might choose as lovers, and potentially more important to me." He grimaced. "I guess I can't give a better answer, and must forfeit." He put his hands to his shirt again.

"No, Sire, I am satisfied. The forfeit is mine." She removed a glove, and the rest of her right arm disappeared. "Ask your next."

"Why am I meeting you?"

"You do get to the point rapidly, Sire. I presume it is not sufficient to say that the Ladies Aspect and Ennui sent you to me."

"Maybe I should have asked why they sent me to you."

"Yes, Sire, because I can give a correct answer that tells you nothing: you are with me because they told you. But I will give you a true answer: they know that I can better prepare you for your role as king than any other person can, because I was closest to King Deal. And I shall do that, to the best of my

ability."

"I will accept that, but I will have another question." Now he removed his shirt.

"I shall be expecting it, Sire. Now mine: what do you feel is your greatest current need?"

"To learn how to be king, rapidly."

She removed her other glove. "Ask, Sire."

"Was King Deal murdered?"

"Sire, there is no evidence--"

The seed buzzed, but he was already following up. "No evasion. What do you believe?"

Her camisole shrugged. "Yes, Sire, I believe he was. But I can't prove it, and have no suspects. It's just that--I can't believe it could have been an accident." Her remaining outfit turned slightly, suggesting that she was glancing at him. "Why do you ask?"

"Chief and Lady Aspect find his death suspicious. This is the real reason I am talking to you."

"Sire, I'm not sure why you should be concerned with the manner of his death. Isn't it sufficient that you are now king?"

"No. If he was killed, I could be killed too."

130 Key to Havoc

Her barrette nodded. "That does make sense, Sire."

"How did he die?"

"Shall we dispense with the game of questions and answers, Sire? It seems to have served its purpose."

Havoc smiled. "As you wish, though I had been looking forward to seeing you all the way naked."

"Then let me complete that process, Sire, before I answer." Her invisible hands removed her barrette, slippers, skirt, camisole, stockings, and panties, leaving her invisible except for her foggy brain and the faint outline of her

lungs. Though only the clothing had been visible, it had outlined a feminine form rivaling that of Gale, making her the best shaped woman he had encountered in this city. "I am partly visible because I must breathe nonChroma air, and this infuses visibility. In my apartment the air is Chroma, so I am sustained. But I am all here, as you may verify if you wish to touch me."

"Are you trying to seduce me?"

"It's a good thing the game is over, Sire, or my answer might embarrass me. But I do think you will understand me better if you touch me."

Havoc suspected that he should not cooperate in any seduction, but he was fascinated by her invisibility. So he risked it. He stepped toward her and extended his hands, cautiously.

His right hand touched what he took to be her upper arm. Yes, he was able to circle his fingers around it. His left hand found her right breast. He drew his hand quickly back.

"Touch freely, Sire, so as to develop a competent image of me."

So he touched her breast again, feeling its fullness. He slid both hands across and around her torso, confirming an outstanding figure. She was firm and full in every part. She had exactly the kind of body a king would choose for a sexual liaison. He was somewhat surprised, because she was perhaps a decade older than he, an age when most women were in the middle of childbearing and raising, their figures in the process of destruction.

"How is it that Lady Aspect does not resent you?"

"Sire, she knows that I had no desire to replace her as queen. Just as Gale will know, should you ever wish to clasp me. I have no political ambi-tions, merely a desire to be close to the king. Other women may be otherwise, so it was better for the Lady Aspect to accept me than risk them. As a person of Chroma, any permanent liaison would be awkward for me, especially as my other parts gradually came into view."

"Other parts?"

"My digestive system, for example. I think a man would not be eager to Piers Anthony 131

clasp me if he saw that. So at such time as I marry, it will be to a man of my own Chroma. Meanwhile, I can be an interesting diversion for men who like novelty."

The dragon seed did not buzz. "You are indeed tempting. I think you could take me, if you tried." For he was now hot with desire for her, despite his resolve to be true to his fiancée.

"Not before I clear it with Gale, Sire." She was neither joking nor lying; the dragon seed did not buzz.

He stepped back. "You had better dress, then." He put his own clothing back on.

"Now I will tell you what I know about the manner King Deal died. But I must warn you, Sire, that it would be better not to bruit such suspicion of murder about, lest that attract the attention of those who would conceal that murder."

"Agreed."

"I was not there, Sire, so can't speak with perfect authority. You would have to question his bodyguard for that. But I know that King Deal was searching for something, and believed he was close to finding it. He was in the field, in a nonChroma region where there were jagged rocks, and he was climbing over them. Then he leaped from one high rock to another, across a crevice, and fell between them, to his death. The fall killed him. But he was a competent climber, and should never have fallen. Nothing could have pushed him, because he wore the crown. Indeed, he should have survived anyway, because the crown would have cushioned his fall, had it not fallen off. It should not have fallen off. So it is a mystery. It is regarded as an accident, that he misjudged the extent of the leap, or perhaps his foot slipped. But I tell you, the man was healthy and careful. He would not have fallen on his own."

"Unless he was intoxicated at the time."

"King Deal was never intoxicated in the field. He drank only socially, and to excess only in compatible company. He would have been in full possession of his faculties at the time."

As she spoke, she dressed. Havoc saw her stockings come on, in a kind of dance, her fine legs flexing. Her panties filled out, and her camisole. Oh yes, she had the body!

"And so I lost him, Sire, and Queen Aspect lost him, and the planet of Charm lost him. He was a good man, fine and fair, and--" She broke off, and Havoc realized she was crying. She was not pretending; the seed did not buzz.

132 Key to Havoc

Havoc waited for her to collect herself. He now knew more than he had about his predecessor's demise, but not enough. The women who knew Deal best believed he had been murdered, and the man who served him most competently believed it too. But none of them had proof.

Havoc could get proof of a sort. "So King Deal was murdered," he repeated.

"Yes, Sire." And the seed did not buzz. There was the truth. Symbol might not be sure, and the others might not be sure, but the seed knew.

"I will find his murderer. But I think my investigation must be secret.

You will cooperate?"

"Yes!" Again, no buzz.

"But first I must learn to be king. Teach me."

She had recovered. "Of course, Sire. But may I make a suggestion?"

"Yes."

"I can show you better in my own apartment, where I have some of the Air magic, Sire. If you care to join me there--"

"I will join you there." He had already seen her invisibility; what other magic did she have?

They left the drawing room, and walked to her apartment, which was another on the level below his, similar to that of Lady Aspect but smaller.

Apparently the king's residence connected to a number of others, so that anyone could report to him rapidly when so required. It was spare, with a single bed, bathroom, kitchen, closet, table, and two chairs. There were no rugs on the wooden floor, or pictures on the wall, and no windows.

"You mentioned advantages to being the king's lover," Havoc said, taking one of the chairs. "I see none here."

"Sire, one advantage is association," she said. "I got to spend most of my time in his apartment, served by his staff, with food of his quality. When he went out, I could remain, because he would want me convenient when he returned. Or I might be summoned to join him in the field, to help entertain his contacts."

"Entertain?"

Her veil smiled. "To assist in dialogue, Sire. To be a lovely feminine presence among appreciative males. No one but the king touched me, but all were courteous to me, knowing that any affront to me would incite the king's displeasure. This gave me status beyond what I merited as a Representative of my Chroma. I was his lady away from home."

"And what was Aspect?"

"His wife, Sire. A creature of respect but not delight."

Piers Anthony 133

"You were his delight."

"Yes." She turned her veil to him. "Sire, you will need similar. Your fiancée will not be able to be with you always, unless you keep her purely as a

showcase. If you give her a responsible position, she will be busy at times, and you will need another woman for softening business company. The king must associate with the best, including women; it is one of the marks of his distinction. You may use me for this purpose without having to take me as your lover, or you may choose from any number of other comely women that I or the Lady Aspect can recommend. But the tacit protocol requires a seeming lady."

"A seeming lady? Are you not genuine?"

"I am, Sire, by virtual of my position as Chroma Representative. But it is unusual for a representative to serve in this fashion, because few are sufficiently comely. For this purpose, appearance and manner are supreme, rather than background. You must have a girl of luster and poise to decorate your presence, or others will sneer at you privately."

"And if I don't care about their opinions?"

"You wish to learn how to be king, Sire. This is part of it."

Havoc nodded. "Point made. I will keep my eye out for a suitable girl."

"That may not suffice, Sire."

"Why not? Aren't there girls available?"

"There are too many girls available. If you go about for any length of time unattached, you will be mobbed by groupies, each of whom finds herself well qualified, but very few of whom will truly be so. Not every pretty face supports a pretty mind, and you do fathom minds, Sire. Your guards will be loath to dissuade them. You need a companion for protection from that situation."

She was making sense. "You will do for the time being, as decoration rather than lover."

"Thank you, Sire."

"What else do I need to learn?"

"Sire, you need the basics, that city schoolchildren learn, but I think barbarians don't. Geography, History, Current Events, Deportment."

Havoc thought he had learned about such things, but the lesson he had received about "crudities" made him cautious. "I gather this is more complicated than merely knowing that Charm is a planet covered by magic of different colors, with many villages and cities?"

"Yes, Sire. It is policy to keep the outlying nonChroma villages ignorant, as they generate less mischief that way. Let me start at the beginning, and you

134 Key to Havoc

can tell me if any of the material is already familiar to you." She paused. "I understand that you are a very quick study."

Havoc pondered briefly, and decided to trust her, to this extent. "You can keep a secret?"

"Yes, Sire. Except--" The dragon seed buzzed.

"Except what?"

"Sire, this is a region without magic, by design, so that no Chroma has an advantage. The Chroma are fiercely competitive, and trust no Chroma person to be king. That is why the king and high officials must always be nonChroma. But this lack of magic makes them vulnerable. You are protected by the crown, but I am not. If there were illicit magic-"

"I know little about magic."

"Of course, Sire. And you will have to learn, and I am not authorized to teach you. But-"

"As king, I can not authorize you?"

"Not for this, Sire, because of the jealously of the other Chroma. No one Chroma can be allowed to influence the king unduly. The others have approved me for the king's companion, but magic is something else."

"So you can talk to me, could have sex with me, may see visitors by my side, but can't get into magic?"

"That is so, Sire, in a general way."

"All right. What has this to do with keeping a secret?"

"Everything, Sire. There are many types of magic, but two of the most common are illusion and mind reading. I am allowed to show you illusion, as that is a specialty of Air, but not the others. But I can tell you that mind reading is a specialty of the Translucent Chroma, Water, and can be practiced to a lesser degree by others. So if you tell me a secret, and a Water Chroma person is curious, he will have it from me despite anything I can do. So there is a limit, and I can't swear to keep your secret absolutely."

This was more than interesting. Suddenly he understood why Mentor had made him develop a mental shield. How could a person fight one who could read his mind? How could he plot strategy, if the other side knew it immediately?

"Thank you for the warning, Symbol. But I think I can trust you with this. Just do not volunteer it to others."

"Agreed, Sire."

"Present me with a random series of numbers or words, whose order and identity you know, but which would confuse others."

"Lava, nineteen, clock,three,twentynine, ingenue,faded,three,lava,seven."

Piers Anthony 135

"Lava, nineteen, clock, three, twenty nine, ingenue, faded, three, lava, seven. Do you wish them backwards, or rearranged?"

She hesitated, then spoke. "What are the basics I listed?"

"Geography, History, Current Events, Deportment."

"What items of clothing am I wearing, and in what order did I remove them?"

"Cloak, veil, hat, blouse, gloves, barrette, slippers, skirt, camisole, stockings, and panties."

"Sire, you have made your point. You are a quick and accurate study.

Can you assimilate new concepts as readily?"

"Yes, if they are made clear."

"If I may say so, Sire, you are more of a person than I took you for."

"I remain ignorant, not stupid. But I prefer to seem less ignorant and less intelligent than I am. Does this strike you as a reasonable policy?"

"Yes, Sire. I shall do my best to abate the one and conceal the other."

"Thank you." But he had not told her his real secret, that he could hide his important thoughts and memories even from magic scrutiny.

The veil studied him a moment longer. "You could of course take my body, Sire, and I would oblige without resistance, but my heart would not be in it. But I suspect you could take my heart, if you tried."

"Not before I clear it with Gale," he replied with a smile. But behind the humor was the indication that they were finding each other strongly attractive.

Her veil smiled back. "Now let me cover those basics. For this, I will invoke magic. I assure you it is harmless illusion, Sire, though illusion can also be deadly." She walked to a small box in a niche, opened it, and brought out a colorless stone. "This is a gem from my home Chroma, similar to one of the stones in your crown. It carries the magic of the Air. I will invoke it for my performance. I will disappear, even in my clothing, but if you wish you may hold my hand to be sure that I remain with you."

He was tempted to make a sarcastic remark, but thought better of it.

"All right." He reached out and took her free hand as she came to sit in the chair next to him.

"First a spot demonstration, to prepare you, Sire."

"I am prepared." But then her veil faded and her face appeared, fully fleshed and lovely. Her other clothing disappeared, and she sat there beside him, completely lusciously nude. Suddenly he remembered what Throe had said: that the most beautiful women of Charm were of the Invisible Chroma, because they enhanced themselves with illusion. Now he believed it. He 136 Key to Havoc

licked his lips. "Point made," he murmured.

She smiled, and blew him a kiss as she crossed her legs.

Then the scene changed. The room and Symbol disappeared, replaced by a view of starry space. In fact his own body was also gone; stars stone through the place where his feet should be. He suffered a moment of ver-tigo.

Symbol squeezed his hand, and that gave him orientation. He was not alone. That reassurance had suddenly become important. "You are right: it helps to hold your hand."

"We are good at what we do, Sire, and I am a qualified illusionist. This is vision only, but later there will also be sound. Geography and History overlap, but here is the geography of this region of space."

The view shifted, turning as if they were flying through it. They oriented on a brighter star and hurtled toward it. But the star wobbled.

"This is a view from space, Sire, similar to the one seen by the ship that brought mankind here. Little is known of it, as this journey was a thousand years ago, but we understand it was closed in somewhat in the manner of a building, and that the travelers lived inside it. They could look out through windows and see the stars as they sailed by them."

"Sailing among the stars?" he asked blankly.

"That is our best analogy, Sire. It seems that there is little or no air in deep space, so the ship had to be enclosed to hold in enough air to breathe.

It

came from a planet of another star, a world perhaps like Charm, where there were too many people. It found our star, Vivid, and its companion, Void.

This is known as a double star system, though it is really one star and what they termed àblack hole.' Void is like the Black Chroma, sucking in all around

it."

"But Void is often bright," Havoc protested.

"Sire, the old writings say that is because of the substance from Vivid that it sucks in. Apparently as it sucks in that matter, it crushes it, and sets fire

to it, so that it flares up. I don't pretend to understand this well, but you could

talk with an astronomer if you wish."

"Maybe later," Havoc said, still holding her hand. "This is a wild story."

It was also weird to hear her and feel her hand, without being able to see her or himself.

"I know it is hard to believe, Sire, and I am not sure I believe it myself.

Perhaps it is mythology. But it is the official story, so you need to be familiar

with it."

"Got it."

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"Sire, Charm and Mystery are companion planets in orbit--that is, circling around--the double star. This explains the erratic seasons we have: Fire, Water, Earth, Air, and Void."

"Hot, wet, quakes, storms, and cold," Havoc agreed. "Depending on whether we are close to Vivid, or Void, or in between, and how Void is feeling at the moment."

"Exactly, Sire. Our local weather is complicated by Charm's position with respect to Mystery. I understand it was once called Counter-Charm.

The two planets affect each other tidally."

"How?"

"They pull at each other, Sire, and that changes their shapes somewhat.

That in turn sponsors eruptions of the volcanoes." The view veered away from the bright and dark star and oriented on two brightly colored balls: Charm and Mystery. They were turning around each other, as if tied together by a string. As they spun, the sides closest to each other humped outward, in the manner of a squeezed fruit, and jets of vapor or juice shot out of their pores.

"Lemon rind!" Havoc said, seeing it. "Squeeze it, and the juice squirts out."

"Approximately, Sire," she agreed. "The eruptions further complicate our weather, especially considering their magic."

"I never knew what made a volcano blow," he said, amazed. "In fact, until I left Village Trifle, I hardly knew about volcanoes."

"There is more, Sire. The planet is hot inside, and as the melted rock is stirred, it collects into globs of color." The view of the planet Charm expanded, and the surface became transparent, showing masses of color collecting in huge balls. "Then when a squeeze comes, those colors go out through holes in the surface, and those holes are our volcanoes."

Havoc shook his head. "And so we have all our colors of magic. I never knew."

"It's not taught in the outlying districts, Sire. There are of course more complicated details, but that's the broad essence. We can't make permanent maps of the planet, because the geography is constantly changing, as volcanoes erupt, wind patterns shift, and the seasons have their effects. The car-tography guild is constantly busy."

"Cart makers?"

"Map makers, Sire. They travel around, sketching new maps, replacing the old ones, so we have some notion where things are. At any rate, that is the

geographical background. Now for the history. The ship from Earth landed 138 Key to Havoc

on Charm and set down one thousand colonists and some tools, supplies, and instructions. It departed; we don't know where it went. And our ances-tors set about populating the new planet. There were so few, and Charm was so big, that their first need was for large and diversified families. Thus the requirement for four surviving children in each family, one child of which must have mixed parentage. In a thousand years that should have been enough to generate an enormous population, but the death rate was high, and even today we do not feel we have enough. However, we have spread across the planet, and have improved our situation."

The illusion image showed the early men and woman and children, building houses, planting gardens, and cleaning back forests. Havoc winced.

Symbol picked up his reaction, through his hand. "This is unpleasant, Sire, or too much to assimilate?"

"They were burning forests," he said. "They shouldn't do that."

"But they needed the land for crops, Sire."

Havoc didn't argue the case. How could a city person appreciate the special nature of every natural plant and tree?

"Actually, Sire, this isn't an accurate picture," she said. "The first settlers

wore masks." The picture changed to show odd things covering every face.

"Masks? Why?"

"We don't know, Sire. They seem to have had trouble breathing, but maybe it was just their imagination; they couldn't believe that the air was as good as what was in their closed ship. They also would not eat of the native plants or animals; they raised their own. Again, we don't know why; maybe they didn't like the taste. But as time passed, they used the masks less, and used the native things more, until today there are no masks and not much of the original stock of things they brought with them. There is much we don't understand, but it is in the records. Likewise the political history, but I think

we don't need to review that in any detail. Let's just say that from the start there has always been a leader, and after several hundred years the leader became the king. It was felt best to have a single unified planetary government, and to prevent the human species from fragmenting."

"Fragmenting?"

"This is a special problem, Sire. You know how the people of the several Chroma assume the colors of their environment? I am an example."

"I saw men of different colors as I was being brought here."

"And here am I, Sire, invisible. This much is mere adaptation; anyone who lives near a volcano will gradually assume the color of that volcano, and be able to practice its magic. If you stayed a decade, say, in the Red Chroma, Piers Anthony 139

you would turn red and start to have magic. But in some areas, it is going farther, and this is a problem the king addresses."

"How can the king stop a red man from being red, or a green one from being green? Especially when they have magic the king doesn't?"

"By political authority, Sire, backed by military force. This is another reason the king and all high officers must be nonChroma: it represents the origin of our kind, and its purest surviving form."

Havoc considered. "I never liked the king. Now I don't like the king's job."

"Which brings us to Current Events, Sire. There are a number of situations you need to be aware of."

"Isn't this Chief's business?"

"It is, but we thought it better that you be briefed first by a generalist, Sire, so as to form independent opinions. It is Chief's job to implement your policies, not to make them."

"I'm not clear on the distinction. I told him to carry on as he sees fit, until I know enough to make decisions."

"He is carrying on the policies of King Deal, Sire. You may approve them. I am not objective, having been his lover, but I believe them to have been sound. Nevertheless, there are those who disagree with them, and you, as king, will have to establish your own policies."

"I will do so, in due course. Maybe next month."

Symbol appeared superimposed on the image of the early colonists. She remained nude and lovely. "Sire, you must do so now. By human law, the new king has to be inaugurated within one day after the loss of the old king, and his first public statement must be a day after that. King Deal died at dusk, day

before yesterday. You assumed power yesterday at dusk. At dusk today you will make your inaugural appearance and statement of policy."

"I thought it was my business to decide my schedule. I'm not ready to make any statement of policy, so I'll cancel that."

"Within certain broad limits, Sire. You can change established procedure only with the approval of the Chroma Representatives. They will not accede to that."

"Why do I feel like a bull in a corral?"

"With some pretty cows at the exits, Sire," she agreed.

"And you are the cow they steered me to."

"Yes, Sire. But I must say, you showed initiative befriending a common woman, and then the prior king's widow. I suspect you will establish your own course soon enough."

140 Key to Havoc

"I wonder. So you will acquaint me with Current Events, and then I must formulate my Policies, and present them this evening."

"Yes, Sire. I will also brief you on Deportment, though you have already learned much of that."

"Not to fart in public."

She smiled. "Not even to use that word in public, Sire."

"Why did they summon a barbarian to be king, if they didn't want a barbarian?"

"Is this a rhetorical question, Sire?" Clothing formed around her image; evidently she was tiring of vamping him.

"No."

"Ten candidates were summoned to participate in the examination for king, Sire. By established protocol, all had to be nonChroma, and selected from all facets of society. Thus there were men and women, of middle age and young, experienced officers, entertainers, lowly clerks or workers, and a representative from an outlying village: the barbarian. The examinations vary, but are crafted to be beyond the experience of any of the participants, so that

none have an advantage. That is all we know; the details are secret, so that there can be no preparation. When there is more than one survivor-"

"Did the losers die?"

"I don't believe so, Sire. I understand that deaths may be apparent, and sometimes gruesome, but that they are clothed in illusion, and those eliminated are subsequently shunted to far distracts, never again to be seen by their

prior acquaintances, and sworn to silence on pain of execution. But I don't know, and it would not be healthy for me to inquire. But as I was saying, when there is more than one survivor, the examination committee decides on the winner, and that decision is final. So I presume that they concluded that you were the one most fit to be king, while Ennui was granted sufferance to remain in your company, unusual as such an outcome is."

"Sufferance, hell! She is my oath friend."

"I think the committee realized that there would be mischief, Sire, if they did not grant you that indulgence."

Havoc nodded grimly. "They were right. Still, they might have felt more comfortable with her as king. She's civilized, and decent."

"And without great strength or courage, Sire, by her own statement. Do you think she would make a good king?"

"No. The officers would push her around."

"And they will not push you around, Sire."

"Not for long," he agreed. "So they may not have wanted a barbarian Piers Anthony 141

king, but I was the best remaining alternative."

"I suspect you were the best of all the candidates, Sire."

The dragon seed did not buzz, so this was not false flattery. "So it was more or less chance that I became king. This strikes me as a foolish way to select for an important position."

"Sire, the king must be able to handle unexpected or difficult situations.

I understand that no training can assure that ability. You seem to have it, and

that makes you an excellent choice."

Again the seed did not buzz. "Are you losing your objectivity, Symbol?"

Her image blushed, by having her clothing turn pink. "Yes, Sire. You have a certain power of personality that reminds me of Deal."

"Teach me the Current Events."

The illusion picture changed, becoming the colorful globe of Charm.

"The details are ineffably complicated, Sire, but the generalities will do for orientation. There are several ongoing interChroma problems, and some present trouble spots. The most critical may be the White rebellion."

"The Science Chroma?"

"You know of it already, Sire?"

"I am a quick study," he reminded her.

"White believes that Science is the original magic of the colonists, a thousand years ago, Sire. That all the volcanoes of the source planet, which they call Earth, were White magic. So they are therefore most representative of the original stock, rather than the nonChroma folk."

"So one of them should be king," Havoc said, appreciating the rationale.

"Yes, Sire. Their belief is of course mythology; no one knows the true nature of the colonists. But they hold to it. They have grown increasingly restive, in the face of the policy of having only nonChroma kings, and last year declared White Chroma to be an independent kingdom. This goes against our policy of global unity, so must be suppressed. But it is not easy to impose

order on an entire Chroma. The magic of no other Chroma will work in White terrain, other than that sponsored by particular gems, and that is severely limited by the White ambiance. The Chroma stones must be invoked in nonChroma regions for best effect."

"So it means nonChroma soldiers invading White, and fighting White magic, at a disadvantage."

"Yes, Sire. King Deal had assembled a force, and action was incipient at the time of his demise."

"You think there is a connection?"

"Sire, it is not my place to--"

142 Key to Havoc

"Agreed. I'll ponder it. What other problems has King Deal bequeathed me?"

"There is an illness spreading across several Chroma that is most awkward, Sire. It's a magic mental malady, causing the victims to suffer opened minds. That is, their strongest thoughts are broadcast to the minds of other sufferers, and they receive the thoughts of those others."

"Mind reading? But I understood that this is one of the particular magics, with the Translucent Chroma specializing in it."

"Yes, Sire, but they have it under control. This is wild. It means that when a victim wants to sleep, he is bombarded by the conscious thoughts, and the feelings of anger, lust, hate, love, violence, and death from the others

nearby. I understand it is unsettling. There is no mental privacy for sex, for example. If one person goes mad, all victims near him experience that mad-ness."

Havoc considered having to share his private feelings with others, con-tinually. "They do have a problem. Does it operate in nonChroma regions?"

"No, Sire. Or at least the effect is not as strong there; the radius of affectation diminishes. That is, another person may have to be within three feet for the thoughts to intrude, instead of twenty feet. Because there is no truly magic free region on planet Charm, just regions of weaker magic. But the numbers fleeing the Chroma are becoming a burden to the neighboring nonChroma villages. They are not accustomed to roughing it in the field, doing without their normal magic. So there is a refugee problem."

"Can the Translucent Chroma folk control it?"

"Yes, Sire. But that means the victims must be transported to Translucent sites, and that generates its own disruption. King Deal was organizing ad hoc convoys. But it's a logistical nightmare, and they run afoul of bandits who prey on folk unable to defend themselves with magic."

"I see. What else?"

"A plague of blue locusts is devastating Black Chroma farmland, Sire, and there is the threat of famine. King Deal was organizing missions to eliminate the pestilence, and to feed the hungry, but was encountering political opposition."

"Is not the king's word final?"

"It should be, Sire. But in the field, far from the capital, there are times when it requires buttressing. The neighboring Silver Chroma has a surplus, but there has been bad blood between local Silver and Black, and the supplies seem not to travel very rapidly."

"I begin to appreciate the challenge of kingship! What else?"

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"Just one more current significant crisis, Sire. A new Black Chroma volcano is forming in a Green demesne. If it intensifies, there will be significant loss."

"Black Chroma--the Void. But I know no more of it. Why should neighboring Black and Green Chroma be a problem?"

"Sire, they are not a problem, ordinarily. The distribution of volcanoes seems to be largely random, and on occasion one color does impinge on another, or even form an enclave within a larger territory of a different Chroma.

But a Void Chroma is not a good neighbor. You see, almost all other volcanoes blow outward, forming cones and broader circles of their Chroma, their magic diminishing with distance from the source. A Void is the opposite: it sucks inward. Anything within its range disappears into its maw, never to return. Not in any manner we recognize, at any rate. So a Void Chroma volcano is a huge deadly dent in the planet where very little lives. To have one

form within the region of another means doom for any people not immediately evacuated, and all their works will be lost."

"Still, it is better to move than to be killed by the Void."

"If the advance of the Void is certain, Sire. But no volcano is entirely predictable. Some abort early, and make no mischief. Some erupt a few times, then go dormant. A few become major efforts. So the odds are that a new Void will be small. Local farmers and artisans don't want to give up their livelihoods for any false alarm. But neither do they want to die. The king must anticipate the future of the volcano, and decide the extent of the local evacuation."

"What Chroma handles visions of the future?"

"Precognition, Sire? There is no such magic we know of. The future is indeterminate, just as the past is fixed. Necessarily, as there would be paradox."

"So I can't get advice from a later date."

"That is correct, Sire."

"And if I guess wrong--"

"There is already more than enough resentment of the king's minions, Sire. Obvious mistakes are unwise."

"I think I wish I had not come upon the scene at this time."

"But Sire, this is a quiet time."

He stared at her image. The seed did not buzz. "This job is more challenging than I anticipated." There was an element of humor, as he had never anticipated being king.

"This is why it is not voluntary, Sire. You must serve as well as you can, 144 Key to Havoc

for the first year."

"I think I will need a good deal of support and help."

"Sire, you will have it. But the key decisions must always be yours."

"And I must make decisions of policy on all these Current Events crises before this day ends."

"Yes, Sire. You can of course endorse King Deal's programs, but even though I believe in them, I must tell you that it would be better for you to establish your own policies from the outset."

Establish his own policies, to correctly govern a world--when he had only yesterday arrived on the scene, as it were. For the moment he felt overwhelmed.

"Symbol, I realize you are in grief. But--"

"Sire, I am here." Her image turned to him, approaching. Then he felt her physical body, embracing him, soothing him, providing the reassurance of a supportive presence. This was neither sexual nor romantic; she was quietly comforting him in his extremity of uncertainty.

And the dragon seed buzzed.

Piers Anthony 145

ale peered out of the coach, and down, as it floated across the red land.

She had known that such lands existed, because they had seen the fringes of color, and the dragon Mentor had shown images of them to her and Havoc, but they had never been truly real to her. Now they were, as was their amazing magic.

She turned back to the other person in the coach. His name was Throe.

She had hardly spoken to him so far, but needed to know more about the situation. "Why won't you tell me why I am being taken to City Triumph?"

"King's orders, Lady."

"You took Havoc away. What happened to him?"

"He is all right, Lady."

She knew that, because otherwise Havoc would not have sent his message to her to come. "That's not a sufficient answer."

The man was silent.

Gale had a serious concern about Havoc's situation, and she was almost certain that Throe knew what had happened to him. So she applied pressure.

"There are two ways we can do this, king's man. I will try repeatedly to escape, and you will have to bind me and deliver me disheveled and bruised.

G