Weariness crept over Electrum as he watched Silverthorn fly under the ivy-draped arch. Scolding words drained out of his tired mind. The lectures would have to wait.
“Let’s get you home young lady,” was all he could manage.
Passing through the Gold Gate was simple. Mist hung over the water, but the walls were clearly visible. In the Tree Palace the air stayed cool until almost noon, but here the streets were already reflecting the sun’s heat. Amber’s face was flushed, but whether from emotions or the warm walk Electrum couldn’t tell.
When they entered the textile shop, Mirta looked down from her perch. She glided to the floor with her wings outstretched. Light from the glowstone reflected off the gold veins. Near the tip of her left wing a thin flash of silver winked as she folded them against her back.
Behind her the vertical loom still held the Silver Gate tapestry. The tops of the trees had been filled in, but not much more.
Brought my girl back I see.” She hugged Amber then held her at arm’s length. She searched the girl’s face and said softly, “Did he make it back in time?”
Amber nodded. Mirta dropped her arms and said, “Go freshen up. There’s deliveries to be made.”
Amber hurried upstairs.
“It doesn’t look like you’ve made much progress on the tapestry,” Electrum said.
She shrugged. “These things take time. You’re looking a little bedraggled.”
“Rough morning. I drenched my wings flying through the gate mist. I stubbed my toe landing and bruised my feet getting Silverthorn through the clearing.”
“The mist was heavy?”
“Only in the Silver Gate. Thicker than I’ve ever seen it.”
She looked worried and shook her head. “Well, soon it will all be over. They’ll both have turned and that will be the end of it. They’re going to take it very hard.”
Electrum took a deep breath. “Maybe.”
Mirta crossed her arms “You don’t think they’ll take it hard?”
“I’m not sure that will be the end of it. Silverthorn has some crazy plan. I’m sure of it.”
“What do you think they are up to?”
Electrum took a deep breath. Then blurted out, “Silverthorn is hoping to turn gold.”
“Gold. Huh! I would have expected something more from him than wishful thinking. From what I’ve heard he’s already turning silver. Haven’t you taught him anything about his ancestry? He comes from a long lineage of kings. There’s not a gold freckle in the group.”
“I think he’s looking for a way to alter his destiny. You remember hearing stories about a changeling plant when you were just a sprite tad?”
“You’re not serious.”
Electrum shrugged. “He’s been poking through the ancient writings, and he’s never been the studious type. What else could he be looking for?”
She was silent for a minute as she studied him. “But that plant is just a tad fable,” she said slowly. “Besides, the King would never allow the prince to deny his heritage.”
“Of course not. Though rumors about Amber have spread throughout the palace.”
Her eyes flashed. “The royal mayflies are at it again, are they? They are fortunate I am confined to this realm and can’t expose their mischief. Just because Amber is an orphan doesn’t mean...”
“Easy Mirta. I know what the girl means to you. The tales aren’t anything against Amber’s character. She is highly thought of in the palace. Everyone is sympathetic, but they all know the situation is hopeless.” He took her arm. “Let’s sit down.”
Mirta huffed and allowed herself to be led to the back of the shop.
“I remember vague fables as a tad about sprites changing colors,” she said. “Is there any truth to them?”
“I believe there is.” He told her about needing a cat and about losing Dusty.
“That’s very sad about the cat,” she said. “It would have been a daring adventure. The talk of the docks for a year and a day. You might have outdone the tales of Ragnar and the giant girl.”
He grimaced. “It wasn’t like Ragnar had a plan. He was just lucky.”
As they passed through the door the tiny bells tinkled softly.
“Without the cat, what does Silverthorn have in mind?” she asked.
“He hasn’t shared his thoughts on it, but I’m sure he’s not going to give up easily. I also suspect he’s getting secret shipments from here.”
“From whom? Amber? What kind of shipments?”
“I don’t know - yet. This morning’s caper has convinced me I need to do more research of my own.”
“You’re wise not to underestimate him. What do you think he will do if he succeeds? We don’t have any openings for princes.”
He laughed. “The merchants were all quite complimentary of his efforts as a pollywog. He fancies himself a welcome addition to the merchant guild.”
She smiled. “He was popular and he might be able to talk someone into taking him on as an apprentice. However, you won’t exactly be welcome at the palace if he goes forward with this plan, whether it succeeds or not. Have you considered what to do with yourself if things go bad?”
Before he could answer, the tapestry moved and Amber poked her head through. “Heading out for deliveries,” she said. “I’ll be back in a few hours.”
“But you haven’t eaten,” Mirta said.
“I had silver truffles,” Amber said with a smile.
Mirta sputtered, “Silver truffles. Where did you get silver truffles?”
“Silverthorn sent them with Gilder. I left some for you on your chair.” She waved and the tapestry fell back into place with a soft jingle. Her footsteps faded and the shop door shut with a definite thump.
Electrum and Mirta sat in stunned silence. Then Electrum said, “That explains what he’s sending here. The question is what is she sending there?”
“Certainly not an empty box.” She put her hands on the table and leaned forward. “It looks like they are moving ahead with some plan.”
He cleared his throat. “It seems everyone has a clear plan except me.”
“Surely you have some ideas in mind about your future? What about your retirement tree and your hammock over the water?”
“I haven’t given up my tree. In fact it’s mostly paid for. But a cozy apartment in the trade district might be a nice addition.”
“That sounds like a big transition from palace pomp.”
“I have a few connections. Some possible inroads with a certain ship captain might lead to a business arrangement.”
“Oh?” She leaned forward. “What kind of product line did you have in mind?”
“My needs are small. I’m not greedy. Maybe you and I could work out a mutually beneficial partnership.”