The D'Karon Apprentice by Joseph R. Lallo Page B

all of you, sit down, dig in!” Her
ear flicked. “Err… after we, the diplomats, are through eating, of
course. As is custom. We’ll try to hurry up for you.”
    The ambassador turned to Celeste. “Is this
all the first course?”
    He glanced to Ivy.
    “No! No, this is everything,” Ivy said. “I
know usually they bring out things one at a time, but I like it
better this way. Now you know everything we’re going to eat, so you
can save room for—” Her ear flicked. She cleared her throat and
took on a more serious tone. “If you like, the chef will describe
the dishes and their origins.”
    “I’m sure that will be most enlightening,”
the ambassador said, again addressing Celeste.
    One by one, those responsible for the meal
stepped up to the table and described in detail the dish, its
significance to the Northern Alliance, and the manner in which it
was traditionally served and eaten. When the process was through,
serving spoons and forks were set out and the meal began.
    “I hope you enjoy it,” Ivy said. “I am starving .”
    She reached to load her plate, flicked her
ear, and then leaned back and allowed herself to be served.
    “So your name is Amorria. That’s a lovely
name. Is it common in Tressor…” she flicked her ear again,
“Ambassador Krettis?”
    “It is quite common, Ambassador…” She looked
at Celeste. “I apologize, but is Ivy her family name?”
    Ivy looked in confusion to Celeste as
well.
    “Madam Ambassador, while I would be happy to
answer any questions you might have, Ambassador Ivy is the
designated representative,” he said. “Both protocol and the will of
your king would direct you to address her rather than me.
Particularly on matters relating to her specifically.”
    “Yes, of course.” She turned back to Ivy. “Is
Ivy your family name?”
    “No. I’m just Ivy. I don’t have a family
name. … Well, there was a time when my family name would have been
Melodia, but that was before…” She paused, trying to find the
proper words. Finding none that seemed appropriate for the
occasion, she simply repeated, “That was before.”
    “Yes… they say that you were once human.”
    “It’s more complicated than that, but I’d
really rather not—”
    “They also say that the duke and duchess of
this region are great wizards.”
    “Oh, that they are! Myranda and Deacon are
truly amazing.”
    “Is it not within their power to change you
back?”
    “As I said, it’s more complicated than that.
This body is a malthrope. It has only ever been a malthrope.
It can’t be changed back.”
    “Perhaps if we broker a lasting peace, you
might find your way to our land. We have some of the finest wizards
in the world. I’m quite sure one of them could treat your
condition.”
    “I… I don’t have a condition, Ambassador.
This is what I am. I like what I am. I don’t want to change.” Ivy
swished her tail twice, as if for emphasis, then put her mouth to
work on a bite of food before she slipped and said something she
might regret.
    “May I say, you eat quite daintily.”
    Ivy furrowed her brow. “Thank you, I suppose…
So do you. It isn’t easy though, with this feast.”
    “I must agree. The meal has only just begun
and its quality has vastly exceeded my expectations,” she said,
sipping at a spoonful of soup.
    “And wait until you try the desserts! Eliza
cooked them. She’s the personal cook for Myranda and Deacon.” Her
ear flicked. “The duke and duchess of Kenvard.”
    “The duke and duchess,” Krettis said. “It is
a shame I couldn’t meet them during this journey. I would have
liked to conduct my first formal diplomatic reception with a more
traditional representative of the north.”
    Ivy’s eyes narrowed briefly, then her ear
flicked. “Guardian of the Realm is one of the oldest and most
honored titles in the long history of the Alliance, and is regarded
by tradition as one of its most valued diplomatic positions.”
    “Of course. My