Part way up the ramp he met the chamberlain coming down. He looked officious as always in his robes and staff. Mahntra smiled warmly. There had always been a bit of animosity between them. Not from him, but from the chamberlain. It seemed as if he were constantly jealous of the easy relationship he’d had with the queen and the standing orders she'd given that he be invited to any and all meetings she held. After all, part of his duty was to keep a record of all state meetings. The chamberlain had always felt it was his responsibility to either permit or deny access to the queen. It gave him power, but he'd never known the man to abuse it. That's why he was so trusted.
As they came closer, Mahntra bowed his head in respect, thinking to pass on up the ramp. The chamberlain instead blocked his way.
"Where are you going, sir!"
Startled, Mahntra canted his head to one side, staring at the man. "What?"
"You cannot go to the chamber anymore without permission."
"I . . . see." Mahntra said. He didn't want to start an incident. He would smooth things out with the princess later, and she would instruct the man to continue his access. She had told him as much earlier. Perhaps she had not instructed the chamberlain.
"What do you want?" The chamberlain said, planting his long staff on the floor holding it out to his side like he would further bar the way.
"I am looking for my daughter -- the Chief Keeper -- have you seen her?"
"What business do you have with her?" the chamberlain prodded, now a slight satisfied smirk crossed his face. It was plain he was feeling his power for some reason. The man had changed subtly; grown in his officiousness.
"That is not a concern of yours." Mahntra said. His eyes narrowed, looking directly into the chamberlain's. Still, he held his anger in check. "A father can see his daughter without your permission. It does not concern state business."
"I see," the chamberlain said, hesitating. "I'm afraid she's not here."
"Not in the palace? When will she be back? Is she out in the city then?"
Plainly the chamberlain was at a loss for words. This was not like him under any circumstances.
"She is with the princess," the chamberlain said finally. "They are away from the city . . . on important matters of state."
"And the Conservator is with them, surely!"
Mahntra was shocked. During a time of succession it was highly irregular for the princess to be away from the city.
"The Conservator is here. He was instructed by the princess to remain, to guard her city from the coming Time of Trouble."
"What?" Mahntra could not believe what he was hearing. "The Princess and the Keeper are away from the city, and a Time of Trouble has been pronounced. I must see Tranthra' Joh. This is not right!"
"The Conservator assures me the Princess is safe, and that she is conducting very important matters for the city. It is to be kept quiet or it could endanger the Princess and her mission."
"We'll see about that." Mahntra made to pass by the chamberlain. Again he stepped in front, blocking his way.
"I'm afraid that is not possible. Tranthra' Joh left strict instructions he was not to be disturbed. I will convey your request for a meeting, and inform you when he will see you."
Mahntra hesitated, wondering whether he should push past or wait. This was not right. He should be able to meet with the Conservator any time he felt it was needed! Then he caught himself and remembered he was no longer the Chief Keeper. Maybe it would be better to bide his time after all.
Stepping back, he bowed to the chamberlain. "Forgive me. Please convey my request to the Conservator. I will await his summons."
Visibly relieved, the chamberlain bowed back.
Mahntra turned and strode back down the ramp. There's more than one way to get information, he thought. And I intend to get it!