Heirs of Vanity- The Complete First Trilogy Box Set

by R J Hanson

  “He will have my blood too. Have you not realized the sort of perversions my family has been cursed with? The hand of Father Time himself cursed us!”

  “He will be our son,” Roland said. “That is all that matters. Anything else we will handle together.”

  “He could be born a vampire!”

  “I don’t pretend to understand the ways of your family,” Roland said as he took Clairenese into his arms. “Your father has found a way for you. We will find a way for our son. I am your husband and will always be right here for you and for him. We will handle this together.”

  “Father Gadriel was kind to welcome us as he did,” Claire said. “However, I think, as my pregnancy begins to show, that I should stay close to home. Of course, I encourage you to continue to travel to Skult for worship.”

  “Are you worried for the health of the child?” Roland asked.

  “I think it is best not to take risks,” Claire said. She took solace in that she didn’t quite lie. How would the news of her pregnancy be received by the people of Skult? She was afraid she knew. “Traveling while pregnant is always a danger. Perhaps after the boy is a few months old we could continue.”

  Father and son exercised their horses on the plain in front of Roland’s home. The air between them had been awkward for years now. It was easy for Velryk when Roland was a child and then a boy. However, as Roland grew, Velryk found it harder and harder to talk to him. He felt Roland had the same difficulty. Now they had another obstacle.

  They were still father and son but would have to learn to also see each other, and speak to each other, as warrior to warrior. Velryk no longer addressed only his son, but a knight of Lawrec as well. They rode in silence for nearly two hours before Roland spoke.

  “Father, I have something to tell you,” Roland said, his voice unsure of his tone. “You are going to be a grandfather. Claire is pregnant with our son.”

  “That is good to hear,” Velryk said, also uncomfortable. “Is it something you are ready for?”

  “I don’t know,” Roland said. “I suppose I had better get that way. I wanted to ask you something. I’ve thought about this a great deal. I have a chance to hold land here in Lawrec and from what I have seen, I’m sure the Prince would be happy to have you here. Would you consider moving here and living with Claire and I?”

  “Son, I’m honored,” Velryk said. “I would have to go back and check on Shaylee. I would not want to leave her in Fordir, alone.”

  “There is a place for her here as well,” Roland said. “She would be closer to her son, and what might as well be her grandson.”

  “I’ll make the ride to Fordir and speak with her,” Velryk said. “It will give me plenty of time to think.”

  Velryk looked off into the woods. He had faced Shrou demons two at a time, he had led suicidal charges, and he had seen the doors to Ingshburn’s home and killed enemies on that dark step. Lord Velryk had known danger and strife. Now he faced his son and all of his training and years of battle did nothing to give him courage. His experience provided him no confidence here.

  “Roland, I’m very proud of you. Don’t ever doubt that. You are a good man and the finest son a man could ask for. I want you to know that I love you.”

  Velryk looked at Roland and saw the same fear and confusion in his eyes that Velryk felt in his own heart.

  “I love you too, father.”

  “Roland, I have kept many things from you,” Velryk said haltingly. “I would like to say that it has been for your protection, however, that would not be true. I am ashamed of what I must admit to you.”

  “Father, surely…”

  “Listen to me and do not speak,” Velryk said sharply. “This is not easy for me to do. You are not my first son. A boy was born to me and… Your older brother was born more than four decades before you were born. We named him Verkial. I was away in the wars when he was taken. He was only eight years old at the time. Men, apparently sent by Ingshburn, took him. Our blood is strong, Roland. My enemies saw that strength in me. They thought to exploit it in my son.”

  Roland could hear the hurt in Velryk’s voice. He finally began to understand. Velryk believed all of that, and all of this, was his fault. Velryk had accepted shame for acts of Fate out of his control. Roland, being much like his father, did not see how the same traits reflected in his own outlook.

  “Our blood traces back to Lord Ivant. That is why you were able to wield his sword and wear his armor. He is your ancestor. Ingshburn guessed this and that is why he kidnapped Verkial. You must understand, I thought they killed him. I did not know until many years later that he still lived. Only now Ingshburn has twisted him. I thought they had killed him to get to me. That is why, after you were born, I resigned my station and returned home. I turned my back on friends, King, and country, Roland. I did it because I was afraid. I was afraid they would try to kill or take you as well. I hope you can understand and forgive me."

  “Father, there is nothing to forgive,” Roland said. “I am sorry. If I had known, perhaps I would not have been so…”

  “You were no different than I was when I was your age,” Velryk struggled to keep emotion out of his voice. “Roland, you must remember, Verkial is your brother by blood but in no other way. He is a murderer now and a dangerous foe. I’m afraid your success will draw his eye to you. Beware of him.”

  “Yes father,” Roland said. Roland had suspected something of this nature for some time, however, those suspicions did nothing to dampen the shock he now felt.

  “We are of the line of Ivant, heirs of the Kingdom of Ozur,” Velryk continued. “King Ivant II was my father, your grandfather. It was under his rule that our Kingdom fell. I was born to him years later, while he was in hiding. You must keep this secret for the news of it might threaten enemies and allies.”

  “How so?” Roland asked.

  “Think, boy,” Velryk barked.

  Velryk stopped in midsentence and took a breath.

  “You must learn to think in terms of kingdoms and influence,” Velryk said, more calmly. “If Prince Ralston, or his father the King, knew of our heritage they might worry that you came here to reclaim a kingdom. Ozur’s capital was here in Lawrec those centuries ago. If they come to believe that you have come here as some sort of move against them, they may kill you, or have you killed. Worse than that, they might move against your family, the son you speak of and your bride.”

  Roland had heard the stories of the Kingdom of Ozur. Stories about the Brother Kingdoms, Ozur and Lethanor. He knew that the Brother Kingdoms were founded by King Ivantis of Ozur, named so for the vessel Bolvii used to shelter the Great Men, and King Rolphen of Lethanor, called so for the island where the race of the Great Men was protected by Bolvii. The brothers were the descendants of the line of King Ivant, who became known as Lord Ivant after his kingdom fell during the Battles of Rending. The bloodline was maintained on the island of Lethor under Bolvii’s protection. Roland had heard tales of how Ingshburn moved against Ozur and, when King Ivant II called for aid, King Echelette of Lethanor abandoned him. King Echelette was King Eirsett’s great-great grandfather.

  Lost in those thoughts, Roland was surprised when Velryk began to speak again.

  “You saw the crest, the red raven and white rose, on the armor I wore when I first arrived?”

  “El’ and I are both very curious about it,” Roland admitted.

  “I brought it here to leave with you,” Velryk said. “The shrou-sheld is my own, but the armor and the axes belonged to my father and his father before him. They must remain hidden for it is the sigil of our house, our bloodline. To wear it openly would be an act of treason against the King.”

  “Why were you wearing it when you arrived,” Roland asked.

  “Claire was clear about who you faced that night,” Velryk said. “We needed every advantage we could get. You are well armed and armored as you are. So, keep our family’s heirlooms secure and hidden.”

  “Yes, father,”
Roland said, not fully understanding the significance of what had just taken place.

  “There is more. You also have an uncle,” Velryk said. “He and I have not spoken for many years, not since before you were born. His name is Jonas. He lives in Bolthor, or did the last time I spoke to him. I think now I have the strength to ask his forgiveness.”

  “What was the trouble between the two of you?” Roland asked.

  “That trouble is between he and I, and not for you to know,” Velryk said. “I see now that I was wrong, that is all that I will say.”

  “Yes, father.”

  “Engiyadu and Kyhn,” Velryk went on. “Beware of them both. If I did not make it clear before, then hear me now. They were masters of war and the ways of the blade before you were born. If they didn’t know you were my son before, they certainly do now. That means they will not underestimate you, which is too bad. That is one advantage you have lost. However, they may over estimate you. Don’t discount that as a possible edge. I know Eldryn, because of his father, clings to the edicts of the Cavalier’s Code. You do not have that luxury. If you have the chance to kill Engiyadu or Kyhn, seize it by any means available to you. Common blades will have little effect on them. Swift Blood will kill them if used with skill as would any weapon marked properly with holy symbols and blessed. Sir Brutis is a good man. You can trust him. Listen to what he has to say as if it comes from my lips.”

  “Yes, father.”

  “There is a different matter we should discuss,” Velryk said. “I understand you carry some guilt over your friend being seized in Modins.”

  Roland started at that. He had not told Velryk of what had transpired in Modins. He had not told him for good reason.

  “What you did, or attempted to do, was foolish,” Velryk said. “Men are left behind. Friends die. It is the way of the world and the sooner you see that the wiser you will be.”

  “How could I ignore the plight of one I call friend?” Roland asked. “How could I just carry on when…”

  “By not being such a child!” Velryk scorned. “You speak as a child who plays at war. Would you wish me dead alongside Ellidik? Would you wish me dead at the gates to the Stone Throne? For, if I had been as naïve as you are now, then I would be dead!”

  Roland’s jaw muscles tightened as he grasped for wise words through the fog of anger in his mind.

  “You taught me a warrior is only defeated when he admits defeat,” Roland said, attempting to remain respectful. “You, father, taught me loyalty to my comrades.”

  “I also taught you to be wise in your attacks,” Velryk said. “I also taught you to think before you act. It is by Fate alone we speak now in freedom rather than for one last time while you stand on the gallows in Modins. You are angry. Good. You don’t like being spoken to as a child. That is also good. Quit acting as a child and I will quit addressing you as one. You have taken on the responsibilities of a knight and a husband. You will soon be taking on the responsibilities of a father as well. Children and cowards carry their guilt around like a dog wears the head of a chicken slain. Put your guilt behind you for it profits you nothing. Put your childish ways behind you as well. My father lost a kingdom and I lost a son. My sword arm is still strong, but my days of building are behind me. You now carry the legacy of our bloodline alone.”

  Sir Eldryn and Tindrakin had lived in Skult for several weeks after the wedding but had now moved back to Roland’s small estate. Velryk, with Claire’s assistance, was well on his way back to Fordir and Shaylee. Sir Roland, Sir Eldryn, and Tindrakin continued to make lengthier patrols on both sides of the river, Kodii never too far from them in the forest.

  A few knights had come out to visit with Roland and Eldryn about their patrols. Some had invited Roland and Eldryn to come with them, but they planned forays along the road to Vanthor in search of highwaymen and cutmen. No doubt those traveling that road needed protection, but Roland’s focus had been on Daeriv and the continued threat he represented.

  Roland and the others had been gone for two weeks on their last patrol when Lady Clairenese found the package. Several days later the patrolling men returned home.

  “It was on the front step six days ago,” Claire said. “I examined it and determined it was from a friend. I did not open it, however.”

  Roland took the leather-bound package and unwrapped it. Inside he found a letter, an eye ball, three fingernails, and a finger that had been severed after someone had taken a corkscrew and wound it into the end of the finger. Roland read the letter.

  You will know the hand that writes this letter. It is safer for both of us if I do not sign it. Your message to the Black Fly and others that would take money to kill you has been delivered and it has been heard. This package contains the evidence of the lengths I went to in order to make sure I had the attention of their guild leaders. The message was heard and there will be no misunderstanding it. You should have no more trouble with assassins.

  “Ashcliff…” Roland whispered to himself.

  “What does it say?” Eldryn asked.

  “I think we will have no more trouble from the Black Fly or any of those like them,” Roland said as he handed the letter and package to Eldryn.

  “It would certainly seem our slim friend is much more competent than he let on,” Eldryn said.

  “He is,” Roland agreed. “El, I’m ashamed we left him behind in Modins that day. I don’t want to ever do that again. Father…father counsels against such guilt, but I feel it just the same.”

  “I know, Roland,” Eldryn said feeling his own regret on that count. “I know.”

  They all ate the fine meal of potatoes, carrots, and venison roast Claire prepared and went to bed early that night. The patrols had been uneventful. A fact that un-nerved the seasoned fighters. It had been a quiet that made the short hairs on their necks stand on end. The sort of quiet one could smell just before a summer thunder storm.

  The following morning Roland and Eldryn rode for Skult. It was time to hire workers for Roland’s small holdings and perhaps offer opportunities for families displaced by Daeriv’s attacks. With the shadow of the Black Fly lifted, Roland felt more comfortable. It would still be risky work, farming and raising livestock in a land so contested. However, that is the way of life. There is risk in all things.

  Roland had hired a few workers already. Furloughed and retiring soldiers, who had been soldiers in title but were farmers by trade, had visited the estate inquiring about work from time to time. Roland had been happy enough to put them to work, but most only wanted enough coin to supplement their journey to Vanthor and points farther south and east.

  “What about the boy that works in the stable near the keep?” Roland asked Eldryn.

  “I like him,” Eldryn said. “He genuinely cares for the horses, but he is a bit…simple. He would need someone to look out for him.”

  “He could stay in the barn,” Roland said. “Once the house is built, he would have a room there. The few others that are skilled at the keep and shoeing of horses are already working for those of means.”

  “Why do you insist on convincing me?” Eldryn asked. “We both know there is something about the boy you like. I like him too. Why must we do this dance?”

  “It helps me to talk through my thoughts,” Roland said.

  “You just don’t want to admit you want to hire someone, or more accurately take on the care for someone, just because you like something about them. I think we both know you have already decided to adopt him, or hire him if that term makes you more comfortable, assuming he’s still around. Do you realize you think backwards?”

  “What do you mean by that?”

  “Just what I said,” Eldryn answered. “You think backwards. You make a decision, big or small, and, once the decision is made, you begin to rationalize it. You arrive at a conclusion and then begin to come up with reasons to justify it. You, my friend, are an anomaly. Do you realize the rest of the world approaches the thought process the other way around? Did
you know most normal people consider an issue and then, based on reasons good or bad, arrive at a decision?”

  “Not that part,” Roland said. “What do you mean by ‘assuming he’s still around?’ Do you think something would have happened to him?”

  “I just went through all of that and you weren’t even paying attention?” Eldryn said.

  “What would have happened to him?” Roland repeated.

  “I don’t know,” Eldryn said, resigned. “He could have moved on to Vanthor with other refugees or been kicked in the head by a horse or mule or fallen in a well. I was just saying you assume a great deal.”

  “Oh,” was Roland’s only reply.

  A few hours later the friends rode through the city gates of Skult. Roland consulted with Father Gadriel first and spoke with three families of farmers that had taken refuge in his church. Only one farmer, Locab, was willing to consider sharecropping for Roland. It seemed although willing to accept Claire for worship, many were still very afraid of her.

  Locab was a man of common birth. He was a thin man of wiry strength that had been hardened by years of hard work. He had traveled with his wife and two oldest sons to Skult fourteen years prior. In that time land was open to claim but it was wild. It was a land of opportunity and risk. Since that time, they had prospered, however, the last four years had seen that prosperity burned and looted and two of their children dead.

  “There is only the one barn so far,” Roland said. “You will need to build your own home, stables and barn. However, I will pay for the materials and some livestock to get you started.”

  “We would need four goats and an ox or mule for plowing,” Locab said. “What crops?”

  “Whatever you decide,” Roland said. “You’re the farmer, not me. For every acre you farm for me you will farm two for your family.”

  “My Lord, that is too generous,” Locab said.

  “Nonsense,” Roland said. “You, and your family, are the ones helping me. We’ll get you started with eight goats, eight sheep, four cows, and a team of mules for plowing. Will that suffice?”