by B A Fleming
Mills and small agricultural centers had grown, especially in areas previously deemed ‘too wild’ to inhabit. The number of bandits had been reduced by more than a third due to the Ice Gols invasion, and a career as a soldier had meant a larger number of garrison patrols now toured along the many valley roads. The number of mercenaries for hire had virtually dried up as even the far western roads were no longer considered unsafe.
The operations of the Tullav had become restricted to the cities, which, although seemingly devastating to their interests, was a boon for their petty thieves, especially if their targets were Morean soldiers. The guilds had strengthened their trade across all industries, but lost their power with the replacement of their King.
Daikin was a fairer ruler than his predecessor, seeking to grow the economy for all. The rich merchants were now taxed more, with smaller shop keepers having reduced their debt to their respective duchies. More apprentices were employed, and finding someone to fill a position had become one of the more difficult issues faced by the citizens.
Alike his peers, Lord Casperi had encouraged the expansion of guilds in Catheridge, beyond the traditional trades of woodsmen and wine merchants. The dragons’ den potentially quadrupled the wealth of gems and steel available to his duchy. A large goat farm had been set up to the west of the castle, to enhance the relationship between the humans and the trolls, and negotiate free passage safely across their lower fields. Platoons of soldiers were sent out to remove Grangols from areas of forest for the trolls to expand their own territories.
Thomas left the caves to make his way back to Catheridge, with two soldiers assigned to protect him. The other miners worked in shift gangs, as his role was to map out the caves and determine the more lucrative areas to mine. He carried his cargo of shiny black stone personally, the soldiers’ horses were weighed down by samples of other precious stones not as common to the valley, although easily identifiable.
*****
Lethos sat with Sabate in the old room of their son, Trajunus. The room was one of the few in the palace without spying holes, secret passages, or hidden corners. He had visited the Temple of Sol, seeking guidance and reflection, but found only untrustworthy guards. Lethos and Mero had swept every corner of this room before Sabate entered, and the advisor was asked to remain outside.
“You almost didn’t survive this time, husband.”
“I’m worried for you as well, my love, and our son. We must warn him.”
“But how Lethos?” mused Sabate. “He is in the valley. The Salararius watch over him for you, but who have we left here that we can trust?”
“Some days I even doubt Mero.”
“As do I,” replied Sabate. She looked into his eyes. “Tell Nolar as well. He has provided me with some good information that I would otherwise not have known. Either way, someone must know beyond our circle of friends.”
“Can we trust him?”
“Can we trust anyone, anymore? Those that would have stood in protection of us in the past in the senate are now just as likely to sell us out for a good deal on coffee or gold. I think that we need to be more careful than ever before.”
“But, to what end?” he mused. “Trajunus will return before winter sets in. His messages indicate his dislike of the snow.”
Sabate laughed. “As do his letters to me as well.”
They sat in silence for a moment and looked at each other.
“We have had a good run,” she finally said. “But the privileges of the Empire have worn you down, my love.”
He slouched his shoulders, breathed a heavy sigh and considered the floor momentarily.
“We will await the return of Trajunus, and then vacate the throne,” he finally assured her. Sabate gently rubbed his back and shoulder.
“Would you like me to seduce any extra eyes?” she smiled. Lethos knew she enjoyed the adventure of taking on new lovers.
“Your gifts are indispensable,” he smiled back.
Chapter 4
Lord Casperi solemnly spoke with each of the guests throughout the day and most indicated that they wished to depart the following morning. Princess Anna was in the worst condition. Both her brother and their Duchy’s’ swordmaster lay in state. These men had helped her throughout her childhood, and with the loss of her parents less than a cycle before, Anna was worn out and not completely conscious of her actions or her thoughts. Her outlook looked disillusioned at best.
Prince Halsten and Princess Vivi had taken it upon themselves to constantly accompany her around the castle. Thais spoke with her when possible, but the girl was heartbroken and they all knew she needed time to understand her current situation. The King had grown up with her father and spoke gently to her, as did his wife and daughter. Princess Anna was amongst the youngest of all the royal siblings of the realm, with only Prince Eric younger than her.
King Daikin called for a meeting of the Houses late in the afternoon, before supper. Lord Casperi and other princes fit enough to walk attended, with Daak requested to represent the House of Tharkomad. Lord Trajunus, Thargus, and Aryz Coun also attended. They spoke about who could possibly be behind the poisoning, and all agreed that Prince Tostig and Cedric, who had left in the middle of the day, were candidates for the treachery, as was Dralan.
King Daikin mused over the choices. He asked if the Moreans could send out spies into their lands to find the whereabouts of Dralan. Others would also be sent to capture Edwards’ remaining allies.
The evening was a small gathering of the nobles well enough to eat. There were no festivities, with all the guests happy to casually dine without any set times. The King spoke quietly with the various nobles in attendance across several hours. Lapse mingled, although everyone was still on edge from the evening before. Queen Cassiopeia remained bedridden, as was Prince Hacon, Prince Canute, and Princess Malena. The mercenaries and Moreans were up and walking, if so at a much slower pace.
The infirmary was slowly being reduced and now that the townspeople had been informed of the poisoning, food and gifts flooded the castle. The squires and chambermaids were organized by priest Nolan, in conjunction with Dwane, Curran, Edgar, and several other senior staff. Catheridge Castle had never seen such a hive of activity that circled around the clock to ensure that all of the guests remained comfortable whilst they recovered.
The potions concocted by the priest slowly took affect and most were at least awake by the third morning. Many had requested to depart and arrangements began to be prepared, as were the process of transporting the dead royals and nobles to their respective homes. Casperi and Thais spoke briefly as they passed in corridors, their secret guest content to remain as long as a steady stream of ale of bread was provided.
The sun rose on a warm late summer morning at Catheridge Castle. The King had his servants prepare to depart after breakfast, reporting that the Queen and Princess were well enough to travel. Queen Cassiopeia hugged her soon to be son-in-law and daughter-in-law.
“I expect you both before the full moon,” she smiled at them, eyes drawn, and looking tired even though she had just risen during the past few hours.
“Of course,” replied Casperi. He glanced across to his sister, who smiled back.
The Queen was helped into her carriage and Lapse embraced the pair, mingling longer with her fiancé. King Daikin preferred to ride and mounted with two of his sons, Prince Canute and Prince Hacon, who both still looked as if they had been drinking all night without sleep. Trajunus and the other Salararius had also joined the party.
Prince Halsten stood with Princess Vivi, slightly behind Thais. They had chosen to remain with Princess Anna for the time being, who was in no state to travel. The royal party departed with the Morean soldiers. Only Thargus was not with them, having been sent on an errand by the King the night before.
“We used to own these lands, Hacon. We used to travel these fields and people would rejoice at our arrival. They would feel comfort with the knowing of us being here, safety in their eyes,
but I feel that this is no longer there.”
“Things have changed much in these past few months father, but I don’t feel so much disconnection as you. Yes, the Moreans direct your decisions, but you are their King, and a King that for the first time in their lives, a King that they wish to trust.”
“If we can hunt down these killers, it would indeed strengthen our resolve across the kingdom.”
Both brothers nodded in agreement.
“I am hoping that I find one of those dandy’s. When I do, I will chop their head off with a blunt knife, so that it will hurt so much more!” offered Canute. Hacon smiled and patted him on the shoulder.
Casperi called a meeting of the Catheridge Council several hours later. Casperi, Thais, Nathe, Curran, Nolan, and Aryz Coun sat around the table in the Lords’ private dining room. Daak and Scrapgryke had been requested to remain nearby and spoke quietly whilst sipping tea in an adjacent room.
“We have several matters of concern, my dear friends. I have spoken with the King about some of these and he has enabled us to speak more freely by dispatching the Moreans,” commented Casperi.
“Thargus is not to be informed of our meeting?” asked Nathe. The swordmaster had developed a good friendship with the Morean over the summer. It had been a liaison organized by Casperi to keep an eye on him, and as both Nathe and Curran had observed, he had been the most loyal of the invaders.
“No,” replied Casperi, apprehensively. “We have some complications to the realm at present, so it would be best to keep the details simple, where possible.”
“Apart from the King, only those around the table know about our dwarf guest. He provides a possibility for our realm, although I sense that the timing may be ill. Aryz Coun and I would wish to search for our friend Temar, whom I’m reliably informed has escaped the Morean capital, Corone.”
They had all heard the stories of Temar Bolyl, and recognized the value of the Imuhagh to their realm.
“Then there is this poisoning, which has impacted upon the whole valley. The House of Tharkomad will never be the same, although it seems to have joined us with the Moreans for a time in search of a common enemy,” noted Casperi as several noted. “Which brings us to the other issue.”
Thais looked down.
“It is not your fault, sister,” Casperi cajoled her. “Dralan still needs to be found and dealt with. But first I must know what each of you see of our current state.”
Casperi looked around and then nodded to Nolan.
“I feel that this poisoning is irresponsible, but not the end of us. This Dralan is more of a threat if your stories are to be believed.”
All nodded.
“Dralan is dangerous to us. He is more than just a warrior, and could destroy all of us,” added Nathe.
“and the bastard owes me an arm,” added Curran. Nathe and Casperi smiled at him.
“The Moreans seem as simple and predictable as always,” offered Aryz Coun. “This Aswang is far more dangerous than either of our races have faced for many moons. The Osoosi will guide us in success.”
“Who are the Osoosi?” asked father Nolan, slightly confused, as he always seemed to be when talking to Aryz Coun.
“The gods of hunting, holy father. They help us to track, corner and kill our prey.”
He nodded. “Then the Osoosi would indeed be useful.”
Casperi smiled slightly and then turned his gaze to his sister.
“All that surround this table have fought difficult battles,” she begun. “But now we become the hunters. I wish to find Dralan and destroy him, then we can deal with our invaders without having to look over our shoulder.”
“Are you ready to face him sister?”
“Probably not, but Eren believes that I can defeat him, and I trust the old man.”
“You mean dragon?” offered Nathe.
“Man, dragon, he is both,” she decided.
“Will your dragon join us in battle, Princess Thais?” asked Nolan.
“He still grows in strength, father Nolan. He was weakened by his transformation and requires time to heal. He cannot yet join us.”
Nathe and Curran looked concerned at each other.
“Then we ask the Moreans to help us find Dralan, and then hunt him down,” concluded Casperi.
All nodded.
“So, what about this dwarf?” observed Curran.
“As most of you know, there is tunnel that runs through to Morea via Har-Koln. This could be a valuable trading route for us. I think though, that most scrupulous plans need to be made, if we were to, for example, remove the Moreans from our valley,” described Casperi.
The others thought for a moment, Nathe and Nolan almost automatically leaning back.
“Is that possible?” finally asked Nathe.
“I am no longer sure,” surmised Casperi.
“But it must be done after we defeat Dralan,” offered Nolan.
“Or all hell would rein upon us,” added Curran.
“The warrior is the more important task. Has the dwarf been seen by many, Casperi?” asked Aryz Coun.
“Only us, Aryz Coun. Daak assures me that they can keep the passage hidden for some time if needed.”
“Then we need to return the dwarf home when it is safe,” offered Curran.
“Unfortunately, that is no longer your job, my friend,” replied Casperi. Curran agreed, although he was disappointed.
“I can take him,” suggested Nathe. “I can pass myself off as a farmer and we can transport him in a closed wagon.”
“I will organize the carpenters with Miguel to alter one of the local carriages. After the work they have done these past few days to make bed carriages, I’m sure they would not be suspicious if you were to ask for one more,” offered Curran.
Thais sat and watched proceedings.
“Do you wish to wait for word of Dralans’ location sister, or have you other plans in mind?”
Everyone looked to her.
“I think that I will visit with the King. The royal fletcher can still teach me more about arrows. I believe Soze and Thargus would like to see the capital again as well. I will at least be able to hear word of Dralan there, if needed. And your brother?”
“A trip to the capital as well sister. I would like to continue strengthening our bond with the House of Vasa. Aryz Coun and I can make plans to search for Temar after Dralan has been found.”
The others considered this, as Nathe smiled.
“Some of our party from this past summer will need to remain, to serve and protect the House of Catheridge. Curran, you are the obvious choice, old friend. I’m sure that priest Nolan will appreciate the company.” Both nodded in agreement.
“I will consider the roles of others, and your families. I sense that my sister here pines for distant lands, so I will seek to show her these before my wedding. The Morean issue can wait until we have the resources needed.”
Everyone nodded, as solemn as they were, there seemed light ahead for them.
Chapter 5
Chacha stood behind Koguryo as Manchur entered the throne room. The thickness of younger man’s torso exemplified his stature as a fearsome warrior. His short goatee was neatly trimmed and well manicured.
“I see that you are yet to calm, my son.”
“Do you seek to embarrass me publicly, father? The child is a humiliation to our lands. I will carve the boy to pieces if needed. The imp has never been in any sort of battle. He would die within moments.”
The Emperor smiled. “You know nothing of your brother.”
“He is no brother of mine. I have the experience, the skill, the fortitude and the respect of the troops. They will follow no other.”
“You are yet to see their true reaction to him.”
“They fear his tattoos and most know his stories to be the lies of a treacherous boy.”
“And yet I sit in front of you, your Emperor, with a firm belief in his abilities. I will consider your thoughts, my son. But you must trust i
n my decisions. Your time will come.”
Manchur looked at his father, huffed in disgust, and stormed out. Koguryo watched him as he departed. Chacha watched his Emperor.
*****
Thargus reined his horse as the three guards in front of him awaited his arrival. They had rode forward, seeing movement near the back of Malbork House. The servant was being held by his hair as they sat on their rides.
“Good work men. I see that the miscreant has been detained,” observed Thargus.
“He was trying to escape, my Lord,” offered the one of the three Anil soldiers.
“Does he carry trouble with him?”
“Yes, my Lord. He carries a small flask,” offered the soldier, handing the vile to the Morean.
Thargus looked at the servant, who briefly glanced at him and then down again.
“Is this your flask, reus?” asked the Salararius.
“No, my lord.”
“That of your master, Tostig then?”
The servant looked at him and then at the ground. The Morean leaned closer. “I hurt more.”
“Yes, owned by my master, Tostig,” spluttered the servant.
“Drink it reus,” ordered Thargus.
The servant looked at him, wet himself and started crying.
“Is this poison, reus?”
The servant struggled momentarily.
“Answer, prisoner,” demanded his captor, who pulled at his hair.
The servant looked worriedly at the ground. “Yes, my lord,” he finally whispered.
Thargus leapt off his horse and walked closer to the servant. He was a full head taller than the young man. The servant struggled slightly, although the soldier held him tightly by his hair. Thargus lifted his chin so that the servant looked him in the eyes.
