Erosan's Tears

by Jason Scott Gleason

  Raelyn was speechless. “Thank you, my lord,” he stammered. “I don’t know how to repay you.” And as soon as he said it, he had a crawling sensation on the back of his neck, telling him that he was about to find out.

  Teoryn smiled. “You have already done enough for me, and the city, bringing the assassin and my father’s killer to justice,” he said. Raelyn couldn’t even respond to that. “But I would appreciate it if you would accompany me to my father’s funeral tomorrow, as well as to the Council’s convocation. It would be a blessing for the city to see you in so public a setting, and it would help to mend the wounds of the city if the people see you standing with the Council of Lords. I will be delivering a speech, calling for reconciliation between the Coscan community and the city at large. Once I am named a high lord of the city at the Convocation of High Lords, I will immediately propose withdrawing the First, to be replaced by the Fourth, until a general order is restored.” He looked at Raelyn meaningfully. “I hope that your presence will speed the restoration of that order.”

  And lend weight to your influence, I’m sure, Raelyn thought. It’s disgusting how quickly I become a political pawn. But better a pawn of someone I might be able to trust than of someone I know I can’t.

  Raelyn bowed his head to Lord Teoryn. “I would be honored,” he said. “But I would ask a favor of you, as well.” He thought for a moment about how to put this delicately. “I was the master of arms of the Altorin household,” he began. “Recently, however, I’ve found the possibility of my returning to that position to be… unlikely. I wonder if it would be possible to enter into service in your household, in whatever capacity you might be able to use me.”

  Lord Teoryn smiled and gently clapped him on the shoulder. “I would be honored to have you in my household,” he said, and Raelyn felt an immediate sense of relief. “But it would call into question your impartial status in the city. There are those who feel threatened by my family amassing more wealth or influence than it already has. And then, of course, there are the people to consider. If you came into my household, some would start rumors that perhaps you were in league with me to usurp my father’s place. They might even suggest that we were doing business with Gray, who is known as a master rogue in this city.

  “As much as I would love to invite you to join my household, I’m sorry to say that I cannot. Although I am glad to say that the reward that was once offered for you—the thousand tares—will be granted to you and to Gray for uncovering the plot and bringing the assassin to justice. Half of it is yours to collect.”

  Lord Teoryn continued, his face beaming. “As for employment, I am also glad to say that the Council has offered to give you a position in the city, one that would ensure your impartial reputation will stay intact. You have impressed the Council with your skills and your service to the city. As soon as you are fit to return to service, you will be given a position as an investigator for the Watch, to be paid the highest wage of any man in the Watch, save Sir Corlwyn!”

  Raelyn’s heart sank. “You mean—“

  “That’s right, Rae!” Jethu exclaimed, his excitement overwhelming him. “You have your old title and duties back! Your honor has been restored! What more could you want?” He was grinning from ear to ear.

  Raelyn managed a weak smile, and thought of spending the remainder of his years serving under Corlwyn. Just the idea of it terrified him. “Thank you, my lord,” he said, his voice wavering.

  “You are quite welcome, Raelyn. This city owes you a debt, as do I.” Teoryn bowed his head slightly in deference, but Raelyn was sure that there was more to that statement than he knew.

  “I feel a bit overwhelmed,” he said, leaning on his cane. “I think I ought to go lie down. If you will excuse me?”

  Teoryn bowed again. “Of course. How thoughtless of us. Jethu and I will leave you to your recovery. I wish you rest and health, and I will pray to Erosan tonight that you will be fit to accompany me tomorrow.”

  Jethu reached out, clasping forearms with Raelyn. “I’m glad to see you back on your feet, Rae. Get some sleep, and let me know if me or the boys can do anything for you.” He was still grinning. Raelyn felt sick.

  He turned and shuffled slowly back to the room that Teldra had put him in. His head was spinning. He pushed himself up into bed, sitting up against the headboard. There was a small chair in the room, and he saw that a new set of clothes were sitting on the chair, pressed and folded. On the stack were his belt pouches, as well as his dagger, knife, and boots. They must have been returned by Corlwyn, he guessed.

  Hanging on the back of the chair was Corlwyn’s belt, with Tempest’s empty sheath still on it. The broken sword lay on the floor beside the chair, a reminder of so many things.

  Tempest is shattered, Raelyn thought with a surprising amount of sadness. Trevan’s dead, at my hand, as is Lord Elotarn. I’ve uncovered a plot that left the city in shambles, plus the secret that Astal, one of my dearest friends, had held from me for years. The woman I love despises me and will probably end up the consort of the man who most hates me in the city. Another dear friend has been maimed for helping me and may never recover. Every powerful person in the city suspects that I know Gray’s real identity, and it’s just a matter of time before they start putting pressure on me to reveal it. On top of that, I’ve made an enemy of two of the high lords of the city, and was just told by a third that he won’t be able to help me because he’s afraid of what people might think. Finally, I get to go be a member of the Watch—a position I can’t dare refuse—and report to Corlwyn every day. And Jethu asks me what more I could want?

  I want a drink, he thought, shaking. And a sword. A good fucking sword, one to replace Tempest. I’m just not sure who I’d use it on first.

  Cast of Characters

  Raelyn Leithstrom: Master of Arms of the Altorin household; former member of Perinor’s Knaves; former investigator for the Watch of Galavan’s Port

  Aertis Millson: Member of the Chamber of Freemen; Representative of the Craftsmans’ District; friend of Lord Perinor

  Archeo: Sir Corlwyn’s first lieutenant

  Astal Crian (Crian Astal): Prominant merchant in Galavan’s Port ; former runner for Perinor’s Knaves; member of the Slovani race; old friend of Raelyn’s

  Bastican: Lord Justicar of the Church of Moradarn

  Borin: Former guard of the Altorin Household; former member of Perinor’s Knaves; old friend of Raelyn’s

  Callais: Courtesan at the Siren’s Song; Raelyn’s romantic interest

  Chadin: Master of Arms of the Rolin Household

  Corbin: One of the Lords of Galavan’s Port

  Corlwyn Roberson: First Man of the Watch; Referred to as “Lord Inquisitor”

  Corter Shipsmith: Ship’s captain in Galavan’s Port; engaged in business deals with Crian Astal

  Dola: Barmaid at Browin’s Tavern in the Wharf District

  Drian Restol (Restol Drian): Seneschal of the Altorin Household; member of the Slovani race; cousin to Restol Fethan

  Elotarn Rolin: First High Lord of Galavan’s Port

  Fethan Restol (Restol Fethan): Seneschal of the Rolin Household; member of the Slovani race; cousin to Restol Drian

  Gardwyn: One of the Five High Lords of Galavan’s Port; first son and inheritor of the estate of the previous First High Lord

  Genevar: Madame of the Siren’s Song; native of Orevanthar

  Gray: Master thief of Galavan’s Port

  Harin: One of the Five High Lords of Galavan’s Port

  Illia Katest (Katest Illia): Consort to Lord Elotarn; member of the Slovani race

  Jander Westford: Clerk to the Council of Lords

  Jethu Carbo: Head of Lord Perinor’s guard; former member of Perinor’s Knaves; old friend of Raelyn’s

  Jinna: One of the Ladies of Erosan

  Joad Morgost: Prominent leader within the Coscan community; member of the Coscan race

  Jonan Horwick: Member of the Chamber of Freemen; Representative of the Tr
adesmans’ District

  Bendro: One of the Men of the Watch; acquaintance of Raelyn

  Karduk: Head of a criminal organization in Galavan’s Port; member of the Coscan race; feared throughout the city

  Laina: One of the Ladies of Erosan

  Mardal Altorin: Lord Perinor’s first son; former member of Perinor’s Knaves; died in the Vashtik Wars

  Ourette: Courtesan at the Siren’s Song; helps Genevar with most business affairs

  Perinor Altorin: One of the Five High Lords of Galavan’s Port; veteran of the Vashtik Wars and founder of Perinor’s Knaves; old friend and patron of Raelyn

  Rennard Perrin: One of the Five High Lords of Galavan’s Port; native of Orevanthar

  Rori: One of the men of the Watch

  Rorin Bruborn: Member of the Chamber of Freemen; Representative of the Wharf District

  Shandan: Former guard of the Altorin Household; former member of Perinor’s Knaves; old friend of Raelyn’s

  Teldra: One of the Ladies of Erosan; one of the primary healers in Erosan’s Temple

  Telos: One of the men of the Watch

  Teoryn Rolin: Lord Elotarn’s first son; veteran of the Vashtik Wars; member of the Council of Lords

  Thone Beardor: Priest of the Church of Yefuol; member of the Coscan race; often accused of inciting riots within the Coscan communities

  Trevan Altorin: Lord Perinor’s second son; former initiate in the Church of Moradarn; Raelyn’s student

  Vettal: One of the Men of the Watch; acquaintance of Raelyn

  Glossary of Terms

  Aeltharin: Lady of Supplication; Oervan goddess of forgiveness and compassion, and celestial wife to Moradarn; symbolized by a blue kerchief with a white cross

  The Alewine River: The river running from the Ravenspine Mountains to the Bay of Galavan, on the banks of which Galavan’s Port was built; a major trade and travel route within the lands of Galavan’s Port

  Arailia: Lady of Love; Oervan goddess of romantic love; symbolized by a bright red heart

  Arena District: Center of entertainment and culture in the city

  The Arena of Crae: The main arena in the city; home of gladiatorial events and athletic games

  The Arisen Empire: The empire of the Second Age of Man, comprised of the union of the Slovani Empire, the Empire of Lashkon, and the Nation of Pthanaglenn; The Arisen Empire collapsed during the War of Malundror and the Second Age of Man, nearly two millennia prior

  Artisans’ District: Home to a number of master artisans and craftsmen; gathering place for artisans from all around Elria

  Athon: Lady of Death; Oervan goddess of death, change, and rebirth; symbolized by a black mask

  The Bay of Galavan: The bay on the banks of which Galavan’s Port was founded; one of the major deep-water harbors on the coast of the Farwater

  The Bridge Goat: A monster said to attack children on the bridges of Galavan’s Port and drive them into the water; a fairy tale to keep children from playing on the bridges

  Browin’s Tavern: A tavern in the Wharf District; one of Raelyn’s favorite taverns

  The Calishari Plains: The plains to the north of Galavan’s Port; they are controlled by the nomadic horsemen, the Calishari; may also be used to include the Hills of the Kanimshar, which is a linguistic variant of Calishari and is the home to the eastern tribes of the Calishari

  The Chamber of Freemen: One of the two legislative bodies of Galavan’s Port, comprised of representatives elected from the free citizens of the different districts of the city

  Charnost: Lord of Destruction; Oervan god of destruction, chaos, and war; symbolized by a red skull on a black field

  The Conclave of High Lords: The gathering of the five most powerful lords of the city, known as the five high lords; the primary executive body of the city, responsible for ensuring that all laws passed by the Chamber of Freemen and Council of Lords are enforced; when they assemble for judicial matters, they are referred to as the High Court

  Copper pecks: A small copper coin that is one of the main monetary units of the city and the region

  Coscan: The people who populate the central lands of the Realm of Elria, including the Vashtik States, Thelmidria, Greiston, and Chaldoon; they also inhabit the lands of Mitigol, Galavan’s Port, and Shaelwyn, where they live primarily as second-class citizens; they are united by a common language, culture, and religion, although regional and national variations are significant enough to cause them to bear little resemblance to one another, except in comparison to other cultures

  Coscan broadsword: A one handed, heavy bladed sword primarily used for fighting on the field of battle; typically Coscan broadswords have straight blades that are tapered to a point at the end, have a center of gravity close to the point, and are suited to slashing; they usually range from 36 to 42 inches in length, although some are longer for particularly tall Coscan swordsmen

  Coscan District: District with primarily Coscan inhabitants; home to all the Coscan houses of worship; center of political power for the Coscan citizens

  Coscan shortsword: A one handed, heavy bladed sword useful for slashing or stabbing; Coscan shortswords are stout enough to handle fighting an armored opponent without breaking, and are often secondary battlefield weapons; they are usually 24 to 36 inches in length

  The Council of Lords: One of the two legislative bodies of Galavan’s Port, comprised of those wealthy landholders who own land within the city, who own estates outside of the city but within the territory of Galavan’s Port, and who have been recognized as lords and peers by the Conclave of High Lords; the Council is also one of the executive bodies of the city, and its members are responsible for supplying both funds and men for the defense of the region

  Craftsmen’s District: Home to a number of shops, warehouses, and homes of the city’s craftsmen; much of what is exported from the city or sold in the Market District is made in this district

  The Empire of Lashkon: The old empire of the Oervan people, during the Arisen Empire; the mother nation of Orevanthar, Shaelwyn, Galavan’s Port, and all other Oervan people

  Erosan: Lord of Health; the Oervan god of health and healing; symbolized by a golden chalais

  Etos: Oervan demon of craving, lust, and addiction

  First Man of the Watch: Official title of the man appointed by the Council of Lords to govern the Watch

  Fisherman’s Row: Low rent area of the Wharf District; inhabited primarily by Oervan dock workers; Raelyn’s childhood neighborhood

  Foreigners’ District: Home to most people who are residents of the city but who are not its citizens; Large communities of people other than Oervan or Coscan exist here, with their own markets, houses of worship, and unofficial governing bodies; home to the Slovani Quarter

  The Free Cities of the South: A number of primarily Oervan city-states in the south of Elria; also referred to as the Southern States or Southern Freestates; old remnants of the Empire of Lashkon; the inhabitants speak a different dialect of Oervan and consider themselves Lashkoni rather than Oervan, although they are of the same racial stock

  Garden District: District along the river where a number of wealthy landholders have estates; home of the four main temples of the Oervan religion

  The Gatehouse: A keep built on an island in the middle of the Aelwine River, dominated by three large towers; was once the primary way in and out of the city, and is still able to be used in the city’s defense; now the home of the headquarters of the Watch

  Golden stags: Gold coin minted by the city; infrequently circulated among the common people

  Goldenstar: One of the Free Cities of the South; the major port city of the Southern States, on the Goldensea; the primary center of trade in the south

  High Court: The court held by the five high lords of the city; final arbiter in all disputes; body that judges all capital crimes

  High District: The District where all the municipal buildings are located; also the location of the Grand Forum of the city, where the powerful me
mbers of the city meet to discuss business and law

  Housing District: Also known as the Oervan District; home to a large Oervan population, with its own markets, squares, and community centers

  Justicar: Holy warrior-priest of Moradarn; upheld as an ideal for religious virtue in Oervan society

  King’s Gate: Gatehouse separating the Arena District from the Garden District; leads to King’s Square

  King’s Square: Square in the Garden District bordered by the temples of Moradarn, Aeltharin, Thelorin, and Erosan; also home to the School of King’s Square

  Lashkoni: Descendents of the Empire of Lashkon; the term for Oervan in the Free Cities of the South; also refers to the language spoken in the Southern States, as well as their culture; can also be used to refer to the language and culture of the old Empire of Lashkon, which occasionally causes confusion to scholars; inhabitants of the Southern States avoid the confusion by distinguishing between Lashkoni and Old Lashkoni

  Litha: Lady of Vengeance; Oervan goddess of spite and revenge; symbolized by a black dagger

  Lord of the Seas: Colloquial term of address for the Oervan god Sholoth, God of the Seas

  Lorin Street: Street in the Nobles’ District

  The Lords’ Wall: The wall separating the Nobles’ District from the Artisans’, the Craftsmen’s, and the Housing or Oervan Districts; once the outer curtain wall of the city

  Market Bridge: Bridge connecting the Gatehouse to the Market District

  Market District: Financial center of Galavan’s Port, where much of the trade is done

  Mitigol: Homeland of the Slovani people; nation far to the west of Galavan’s Port, on the Inner Sea; the last bastion of the Slovani Empire, and inheritor of the remnants of the Arisen Empire

  Mitigoli: An citizen of the nation of Mitigol; all Slovani are considered citizens of Mitigol by birthright; Coscan inhabitants of Mitigol are only considered Mitigoli if they can trace their ancestry to the citizens of Mitigol during the Arisen Empire and they continue to swear allegiance to the nation of Mitigol; any Coscan inhabitants of Mitigol who are not Mitigoli are considered by default to be Thelmidrian