“Really, I thought you were going to say Nature.”
“The Nature Branch is the most common, Woodies, Sea, Stone, you name an element, and there is a race of elves for it. Arcane and the magical jackasses that don’t give a shit about the rest of the world, like the Drow and Darkies, even the Lighties of the Middle Realm Alliance. But the Spectrum Elves, they are the rare ones, I would guess you are one of them, seeing how you’re all like goddess this and goddess that, they have the connections to the gods.”
“You know about that?”
“Oh yes, enlightened one. Bretta told me while you were off on your little walk. Also, why I have given up on making you ALOW’s Next Top Nobleman. So, we need to get you tested for any Elven STD’s and get you over to the Temple.”
Chapter Ten
I stood in my room at the Inn, dressed and ready for my tell all at court.
Thoughts from the other day raced through my head, Hana’s sudden change, how our detour to the rundown Temple of Igor left me with more questions than answers. The Cleric was less than knowledgeable and his only answer was, “I don’t know why the Gods Crystal turned green, it shouldn’t have. You should have heard the voice of your goddess. This is beyond me, you will have to travel to one of the Great Temples.” Mixed with the fact that he didn’t know one elf branch from the other, the dude was useless. Now I know why the temple was in such a state of disrepair, they didn’t know crap and the people knew it.
There came a knock at the door and I opened it to find a courier dressed in a green and white tabard. “My Lord Persik, you have been summoned to Court by his Highness, Duke Braemir of Cree.”
“Uh, which court do I go to?” I said as I took the letter from the silver, polished tray.
“His Highness is holding Court in Harwick, by order of the King.” I swallowed, this just went from a tell all, to, out of my league in the blink of an eye.
“Thank you.” I broke the green wax seal, and read the summons.
“I am to escort you, by order of the Duke. Your Mediator has already been informed.”
“I see. Lead on then, good sir.” I was ready, and I needed to get into character. I had my nobleman pants on, and the courier had caught me by surprise.
“Your weapons will not be necessary, though you may bring your dagger if you wish.” I pulled off my looted sword belt, but kept my dagger on my right hip. You never knew what could happen at these things, not that a dagger would help against a Duke’s guards. WHAT THE HELL AM I THINKING. I am not in trouble, I am the victim.
There was a squad of guards on horseback waiting outside and the courier led me to a polished, elegant carriage pulled by a team of white horses. They upped the ante for sure with the carriage, yep my poor ass could never afford it. Out of my element did not surmise what I was feeling. This was like being called to the white house to meet the president, the Duke was so far up the food chain I couldn’t see where his seat at the table was. I did my best to calm my shaking hands and I was forcefully led into the High Lord’s Keep.
Nothing had changed, it was still looking ratty and unclean as normal. But the difference when I entered the great hall was extreme. Everyone was in their Sunday best, and now I know why Hana had been so adamite about me dressing up. I did look like a commoner and the eyes of all the Gentry turned toward me in judgement. The courier even announced my name and title, his voice reverberating off the hall like in a football stadium.
Lord Weston was standing behind his fake golden throne, looking nearly as nervous as I felt. When I got close enough for protocol, he nodded his head. “All bow before his Highness, Duke Armon Braemir of Cree. Fourth in line to the Crown, Warden of the West and Son of the Great Hero, Asmond Baemir, Champion of the Beast Wars.” Everyone bowed, though not as low as I. I heard heavy, booted steps take the dais and once he was seated, he said a single word in a voice so full of authority, I nearly shit myself.
“Rise.”
There came the sound of movement and then the Duke had only eyes for me. “I have been summoned to this court, by order of the King to hear your testimony, Hedge Lord Persik. Know that in my entourage, I have with me a Mage, this mage will cast a truth spell upon the court. Speak any falsehood, and I will know. I also have a Royal Scribe with me, he will write down your words and the King will personally see them at his leisure. Know this, our King does not take kindly to embellishments. Speak the truth, and the truth as you know it only, every detail, whether cowardly or honorable.”
To put it simply, I did. Everything I could recall from the top of my head, from the moment I heard the first howl in the darkness to stepping off the Lift Carriage back home. I left nothing out, didn’t embellish anything, and once I was finished, I stood before a silent court. “I have nothing more to say, Your Highness.”
Still the court was silent as the Duke regarded me through bushy brows. He was rubbing his palms together like a fat man before dinner. “I am at a loss for words, Hedge Lord.” He turned his head to the right and a man dressed in a purple robe, nodded one time. “And you speak truly. Not a single lie as you know it.” When he turned his attention back to me, I could see his face was slightly drained of color. “You honor your house with your courage, your wit, and your ability to survive in a land where others greater than you and with more experience have perished. Your story is both terrible and inspiring. I will adjourn the court for the midday meal, return with the sound of the thirteenth bell.”
“All bow!” And just like that, I was dismissed, had I really been talking all morning long?
Hana found me and I could see the moisture in her eyes. “I never knew, you told me only a little yesterday, Jaeger, I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”
“Why are you sorry...it's not like you had anything to do with it, right?” I hesitated as my mind started working. Someone knew where I was, how many people I was with, and everything about me. Bretta was one, her ex-husband Cletus, and Hana. Which one had the most to gain?
“I would never, ever do that to someone. That’s just evil. The spell is still active, I cannot lie to you.”
“Did you have something to do with it?”
“No, I swear it.” That left Bretta and Cletus, both I would never have guessed would be able to do such a thing. Did I really know Cletus, I mean Bretta must have hated him for a good reason? But I did not know why she did, one other thing to look into.
Lunch was provided by the court, banquet style and when I entered the hall, Noblemen and women alike, applauded me with golf claps. I received so many slaps on the back, my shoulder felt dislocated. People praised my plight, some even offered to look into it for me. Luckily Hana was there to cut them off and politely shoo them away. “This is a madhouse.” I whispered to her.
“Hush, some have trinkets to increase their hearing, the court is full of whispers and information sells for a premium. Keep your thoughts to yourself for now, we can discuss it later.” An older man with a cane wobbled up to us, and he inclined his head to Hana, and then me.
“Lady Mediator, Hedge Lord. That was quite the tale, tell me, not once during your capture did you see a face, hear a voice, notice something out of the ordinary?”
“I heard many voices..ah my Lord.”
“Pardon an old man his forgetfulness. I am Count Edwin Elkhart.” I jumped to my feet and bowed to him. “Oh, none of that, it is I who should be bowing to your bravery. Alas, these old hips, find it difficult to do these days. I pray for your forgiveness.” Something was off about the man. “You were saying Hedge Lord?”
I sat back down and Hana pinched my elbow in warning. “I did hear voices, Highness, but only those of the other slaves. I was forced to drink the Mind Fog Elixir, repeatedly, after all.”
“Of course, you were.” His eyes seemed to cloud over. “Someone was taking extra careful steps to cover their tracks, as it would seem.” His eyes cleared and he said, “you are back now, safe and sound... I pray to any god who might b
e listening that this travesty never again befalls one of the Gentry. Good day to you, Hedge Lord.” He wobbled off and Hana pinched my elbow again, when I looked at her, she gave me a serious look. All I needed to know was in that look, danger.
The horde of noblemen and ladies shuffled back into the great hall and we went through all the dramatics of bowing once again. With a booming voice, the Duke announced. “By Order the of King, any who have information on this Slavery Guild, their where abouts, informants, dealings, are hereby ordered to provide such information by the end of tomorrow evening. Failure to do so will result in only one punishment, execution. Those who knowingly refuse to give up said information will be drawn and quartered. Rank and title will not protect you in this. We are the Gentry, the Lords and Ladies of Atheria. If one of us is false, willingly committing our lowers to slavery and torture, I will find you. May the gods help you when I do.”
His eyes were stones of promise. He knew something that I read like a book. Whoever sold me out was in this room, and when his eyes came to me, they softened slightly. “Hedge Lord Persik, present yourself.”
Once more I stood before the court, “By order of the King, through your sheer effort alone. Your willingness to foresee the disaster of the Wheat Locusts, has saved the people of Atheria. Your ability to cast off the greed of tradition and invent a new way to conduct business honors the people, our King, and all of Atheria at the same time. No Hedge Lord has ever done what you have. You should be proud. You are granted the noble title of Minor Lord.”
The Duke stood, “and that is not all, young Lord.” Looking out over the court to squash any whispers that were starting to get out of control. He continued, “Your prestige earned, in not only saving countless people from starvation, but surviving a land four tiers above your own is an inspiration to every noble, royal, commoner and slave alike. Minor Lord Persik is hereby granted the Title of Lord.”
The court stopped trying to be discreet and started flat out talking to one another, the volume within the Hall rose tenfold. “BY ORDER OF THE KING!” The Duke yelled into the rafters, “You who rose from nothing more than vacant plot of land, created the greatest yielding farm today. With only the sweat from his brow and the strength from his back. You are hereby awarded the title of Atheria’s Savior. I have the privilege to grant the Title of High Lord, to Jaeger Persik.” This turned the tide of court and I just stood their dumbly. Everyone was speaking at once and it got far too loud in there.
“By my order, I hereby grant you a kinship. You saved my city young man, and my vassals owe you a debt we can never repay. I would name you family, if only in words alone. May my endorsement bring you fortune.”
“HUH?” He cracked a smile, it span for no more than a heartbeat.
“Court is hereby adjourned. Those with information on the Slavery Guild, this is your last warning, come see me, for you are not going to like when I come see you.” The threat hung heavy in the air and every mouth snapped shut in unison, you could hear a cricket fart. Before he stood, he looked back at me, “go pick your sigel and colors...High Lord, may I suggest you stick with tradition this time.”
“BOW YOUR HEADS before the Duke!”
“What the hell, Jae, Maroon and yellow? And what’s the deal with the bear head?” Hana questioned me when I presented her the Heraldry Notice.
“It’s called, Blood Mist and Honeyed Wheat, hello? What you don’t think they work together?”
“Ah...No!” She shook her head at me in disgust, “whatever made you think these colors worked together?”
I shrugged, “the duke said I should stick to tradition and when the Clerk looked up the Ancient Persik Household Crest, it was of a bear. Their colors were red and yellow. You no likey?”
“You’re an idiot.”
I couldn’t disagree, these last few months were nothing but a baptism of fire and blood. I went with my gut on it and made my colors the closest thing to that. Fire and blood. But when I told Hana that, she just called me an idiot again. “Whatever. So you got my number, call if you need anything.”
“Hold up there your High Ass.” I stopped and looked back at her. “I don’t think you realize what just happened today.”
“You’re right, so if there isn’t anything else, I will be going.”
“STOP! You’re a High Lord now, your days of playing in the dirt are over.” I bit my lip, knowing full well I wasn’t getting out of here anytime soon.
“Says you, I think it's just what the Duke ordered, don’t you?”
“Funny, I see what you did there.” But she wasn’t laughing. “This changes everything, whatever plans we made yesterday, kiss them goodbye. You’re not going to be able to just disappear into your fields. You have a commitment now, Weston is no longer your Liege, its some Count by the name of Aaron Estar. Never heard of him, but you need to go meet him, announce yourself and have a plan ready for when you meet him. You can’t just leave it up to luck anymore. You need to have your shit together, you might not be in the Major Leagues, but you’re in Triple A.”
“Wow, a baseball reference. I bet you were popular in high school. Must have handled your fair share of bats, or were balls more for forte? Unless you did your swinging in college.”
“Shut up.” She said with a chuckle. “I have brothers you know.” She sighed to center her mind and get back on topic. “I have represented one High Lord before, and let me start by saying, it was no picnic. He was even more demanding than you are and he knew what he was doing. With that said, the one thing you are missing that the other High Lords have, can you tell me what it is?”
She pointed downward, “A floor?”
“Will you take this seriously for once. No, a city, you dingleberry.” She finished off sentences with a huff. “You have nothing, half a farm to be exact. You need a city.”
“Why? You have gotta be shitting me, I have no reason for a city.” I was starting to lose my cool. “Have you seen this place, it's falling apart, why would I ever want anything like it? The crime, the asshole vendors who think they are better than everyone else. I am no Mayor, and you heard the Duke, I am breaking away from tradition.”
She fixed me with an unamused expression. “You are and you have, but tell me, High Lord Jaeger, how are you going to defend your workers? You have no walls, you have nothing but two bunkhouses and crops. What is to stop someone from setting fire to your cash cow?”
“So, build a wall around my land.”
“Come on, you’re better than this. Even minor lords have a podunk village. You're not even close to being on the ball here.”
“I am not a Minor Lord.” I countered, grumbling more than speaking.
“You will be expected to marry now, a Lady of your station. What kind of house are you going to provide for her, your tool shed?”
“Fuck you, Hana, I built that CABIN with my own two hands. I thought we went over this already? I don’t want to fucking marry anyone, especially a gold-digging whore like Lady Norma. No, I am drawing the line, no city, no wife, whatever bullshit comes from it, I will handle myself. I always do.”
“Big words from a small High Lord.” Her voice held as much disdain as mine did. “You have expectations now, how many times do I need to say to get it through your thick head? You are not who you were this morning! Done! Over! You have a reputation now, and it must be maintained. You need a place to govern. Village, city, whatever, you need it. It doesn’t have to be the size of Harwick and I know you would never let it come to such a state. Make it something that will impress, something that will show who you are. It doesn’t have to be much, but it needs to be awe inspiring.”
I chewed on my lip as I thought about it. I conceded to her, “fine, how big does it NEED to be?”
She savored her victory with a small smile. “Not big at all, but you need a keep. Not a castle, mind you. Something defensible with walls, somewhere your people could take refuge if you are attacked.” I really didn’t like h
er right now as the thoughts of how I was going to go about this plagued my mind.
“Sounds expensive.”
I hated the smile she gave me, “not if you do most of the work yourself. Now, that land south of you is vacant and I know the person selling it. We can get a great deal, but the one to the east, you’re going to have to bite the bullet and shell out the cash for that one.”
“And the businesses? How is this land purchasing going to affect them?”
“Its not, like I said, I made you a Lord Account. You have several hundred thousand in there. Now, go brush up on your forestry books, might want to pick up some masonry and carpentry ones as well.” I turned to leave, “oh and Jae,” I stopped. “No matter what you think, a wife will come in handy, so I am going to ignore you little outburst a moment ago. But don’t worry, I will make sure she's special.”
“Fuck you Hana.”
“Only in your dreams, little man. Run along and get to building.”
I must have spent two days in Harwick, trying to find a How To book on keep building. There was one on defenses, and walls, houses and huts, but nothing on how to build a keep specifically. I didn’t know what to look for and the general merchants were no help. Even the tiny Library had nothing on the matter. Finally, I settled for a book that outlined building homes bigger than one story. I didn’t want to follow Weston’s idea of building a rickety mansion, but I was out of choices.
Then it dawned on me and I went to Hana’s office. She didn’t look to happy when I said, “it’s your fucking idea, so find me the fucking book I need.” After that I left her and Harwick. I spent the rest of the day reconnecting to the land and it was almost as excited at having me back as I was to be there. I noticed that our connection was even stronger than before, and it seemed overly eager to help in any way I needed.
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