Corpus Tamrielicum - The Imperial Library

144 2. THE ELDER SCROLLS CHAPTER 2: DAGGERFALL
[30.9] King Edward IX
King Edward, Part IX
by Anonymous
Chapter IX: Luck
Edward knelt behind Moraelyn, leaning over his shoulder so that he could see the cards the elf
held. He was sitting away from the fire, so it was dark for human eyes, but Moraelyn was the
only one of the group who would allow Edward to see his hand. The other players, Beech,
Mith and Mats said Edward brought them bad luck. Moraelyn said that it was not really a
question of luck, but that their hands were reflected in Edward's face for those that had the
eyes to see such images. It was too dark for Beech and Mats to see Edward now, and
Moraelyn blocked him from Mith's view. And yet, the pile of coins in front of Moraelyn had
grown smaller since Edward had taken a place behind him. But this time he had been dealt a
good hand. Edward could see that. It was Mats' turn. He was cogitating.
"You're shivering, son," Moraelyn said, "Have you no warmer clothing? We must find
something for you. Here, come share my cloak, then. You can hold the cards if you like." The
wind was chill; there was a bite to it now that they were farther north and the year had grown
older. Edward accepted the shelter of Moraelyn's arm and warm fur cloak and sat close
against his side.
"I think I'll just play the cards I hold," Mats said at last, and pushed a pile of coins into the
pot, then with sudden resolve, added a few more. "There."
"Throw the hand down, Edward, we're through."
"But there aren't many better hands than what we've got!" Edward protested.
"Edward!" Moraelyn growled.
"Well, how'm I s'posed to learn?" Mats didn't have to show his cards unless they matched his
bet.
"By watching. Silently. Oh, very well. No one ever told me that fatherhood came cheaply."
He shoved most of his coins into the pot to match Mats' bet and Edward laid the hand down.
"Ah," Mats said, "you needn't do that, my friend. I'll show the boy my cards for free."
"You filthy Nord," Moraelyn said in disgust, "put down your cards and take my gold, if you
can beat my hand. Let's see if I'm the one who needs educating on how to play this game."
"You don't," Mats grinned. "Except that you could have accepted my generous offer instead
of throwing an insult at me." Mats laid down the perfect hand called The Ladies.