Land's End, Part 7
Memorex pushed open the heavy set of doors and stepped into the Court of Petitions. Lady Telematrice was sitting on her throne at the end of the chamber, flanked on both sides by city magistrates. The chief of staff brushed past a petitioner on her way out, already gesturing for the magistrates to give them a few minutes of privacy.
Once the others had cleared out, Memorex sat next to Telematrice on her right side, settling her arms down on the massive stone armrests. She took a moment to admire the room’s design. A circular bay of east-facing windows bathed the room in soft morning light. From the throne dias, there was no part of the room lacking a direct line of sight.
“Lady,” Memorex started, “sentries from the west gate have informed me that Lord Gilbetron departed the city late yesterday afternoon. Presumably, he’s returning to Fort Reginald. I’m sure our eyes and ears in the west will keep us appraised of his location at all times, as you requested.”
“Then he’s not suspicious?” Telematrice inquired.
“It doesn’t seem so.”
Telematrice threw her head back and released a high-pitched peel of laughter that bounced echoingly off the lofty walls and ceilings. “My ‘husband’ is an idiot, then. I can’t imagine what she, or any of the others, ever saw in him.”
“It is one of the enduring mysteries of our time, to be sure,” Memorex agreed. “Which brings me to the second bit of news I promised. I’ve just heard from the prison wagon, and they’ve nearly reached Land’s End. Your counterparts should be on the water by this time tomorrow.”
“That is good news, Memorex,” Telematrice said. “Thank you.” And then, as though an afterthought, she added, “I want to know the second that boat leaves the harbour. Understood?”
Memorex stood again and bowed deeply. “Of course, Lady. In that case, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Telematrice smiled to herself as her chief of staff crossed the room. Within moments, the two magistrates had reappeared at her side. She glanced at them, replacing her good mood with a look of absolute boredom.