Naitachal gave him a sharp look, and Paavo winced.
"I seek an audience with the King. To whom may I speak to arrange this?"
"I am only a servant," Paavo said, apologetically. "I doubt that I would be very effective in arranging this."
You didn't have these problems yesterday, when you took us directly to the King. The second letter, the one from King Reynard to Archenomen, remained in his breast pocket It would be more than enough of a reason to justify an audience-on-demand, but he had already decided to hand deliver the letter to the King, per instructions. It may . . . disappear, otherwise, he mused.
The elf waited a moment, giving Paavo a chance to continue, to answer the second half of his question.
Paavo offered a blank but polite smile, lacking in com- prehension, as if Naitachal had addressed him in a language he didn't understand.
Naitachal tried again. "Well then. Could you direct me to someone, perhaps on the Kings staff, who could arrange what you cannot?"
Paavo seemed distressed, as he struggled to answer the question. Or -- not answer the question. "That is a good question, Ambassador. Let's see, who is not on vacation this month. ..." The servant scratched his chin and looked thoughtful.
"Perhaps it would save you the trouble by taking me directly to the King? Yesterday, this didn't seem to be a problem," Naitachal replied pointedly.
At this suggestion, Paavo adamantly shook his head.
"I am simply not of a high enough rank, you see. If I could..."
Indeed. Well, there is no point in forcing the issue.
Or reminding him that yesterday his rank was high enough for him to advise the King. He'll only make some other excuse -- or tell me that the person I saw was his twin brother.... "Then please tell me, who is of a high enough rank," Naitachal said, his patience slipping.
"This may take some time," Paavo replied. "Have you broken your fast yet this morning?"
Naitachal stared at him, strongly tempted to stran- gle the man. What in the seven hells is going on here?
What has changed between last night and tonight?
And why is this fool blocking my access to the King?
"No. I. Have. Not. Eaten," Naitachal said, slowly and deliberately pronouncing each word. "I spoke with the King last night, and although dinner was not the appropriate time or place to discuss matters of our two kingdoms, he did indicate that he wanted to meet with me today. Could we please arrange this? Today, please."
"Did you make an appointment?" Paavo asked meekly.
Naitachal paused, wondering if he should lie. "No.
None seemed necessary."
Paavo frowned. "Perhaps if you could go to the great hall, we can arrange a meal for you, and I will do what I can to arrange your meeting. I recall tha King designated a member of his staff as your liaison."
Then why didn't you tell me that in the first place? he seethed, but kept the biting words to himself. And kept from biting Paavo.
"Very well," Naitachal said, and before turning towards the dining hall, added, with heavy i "Thank you, land sir, for all your -- help."
As he walked away, he cursed himself for forget- ting to ask him who exactly this someone was, and what his position was on the staff. But on the other hand, was he really in a mood to deal with whatever sidestepping dialog Paavo would use to avoid answering him directly? With time, and with a great deal of luck, I might even meet this person before spring.