“Especially if no one but another High Holder could bring them before a justicer.” Alastar’s voice was sardonically dry. “Just who are these High Holders?”
“I’d rather not name those involved. Not yet.”
“Is that because the loans were confidential, and the conditions included the stipulation that you not disclose their names publicly?”
Estafen nodded, if reluctantly. “It goes beyond the Banque, Maitre, well beyond…” Estafen looked meaningfully at Alastar.
Alastar wasn’t quite sure exactly where the factor’s hint was leading. “And if you don’t have those golds…”
“What can I do? I cannot lend golds I do not have, unless I issue notes I may not be able to redeem.… Karl is talking about building another furnace to provide the coke to smelt the iron that Vaschet needs to make the tires and rifles that he has received orders for…”
Rifles? Why would the army need more rifles when it had five thousand fewer soldiers than ten years earlier? Rifles hadn’t changed that much.
“… Maartyn cannot purchase the horses and barges he needs to carry the clay for his bricks. Wylum cannot purchase the contracts on wool and cotton for his mills. Yet if I issue notes, without the golds I am owed by High Holders…” Estafen offered a dramatic shrug.
Alastar understood. He should have understood sooner. “Before long, the Banque D’Excelsis will fail. You, and possibly your backers, will be ruined, and many other factors will suffer.”
Estafen nodded again.
“You mentioned that Factorius Vaschet has received orders for what must be significant numbers of rifles … so many that Karl needs to expand his ironworks.”
“It’s not just rifles. He makes wagon springs and the iron tires for the wheels, all sorts of parts.”
“He used to forge sabers for the army, too.”
“Not anymore. They put blades on the rifles, bayonets, they call them.”
Then again, maybe rifles have changed that much. Still … “I wonder who else needs that many rifles.” Alastar had an idea, but wanted to see what Estafen might say.
“I don’t know. I didn’t ask Vaschet. He probably wouldn’t have told me anyway. He keeps his plaques held close.”
“What exactly do you expect me to do?” Alastar asked quietly.
“Something about it, Maitre. At least, let Rex Lorien know what those high-handed bastards are up to. It can’t be good for him if they think they’re above his laws. They might not even be able to pay their tariffs.”
“He’s been looking into that, but he hasn’t mentioned the part about petitions that claim only debts between High Holders are subject to the jurisdiction of a justicer.” Alastar paused. Except that locus dominatus amounts to the same thing. “What about gaming debts? Do you think any who’ve borrowed from you have used the golds for that?”
“I don’t lend to factors or their families without recourse.” Estafen shrugged. “You hear about factors’ problems. Not all of them, but most. With High Holders … it could be poor harvests…” His smile turned crooked. “It’s hard to say no to a High Holder or his son.”
“I assume High Holder Delcoeur has borrowed from you or Weezyr.”
For a moment, Estafen frowned, then replied, “A few times. Never more than a hundred golds. He always repays. Complains about the interest. I just listen.”
“I take it that some of them owe you thousands … if not more.”
“One or two.”
“If they were relying on their harvests, they won’t be able to repay you.”
“That’s why I’m here. Several are talking about wanting to borrow more on the strength of next year’s harvests in order to pay their tariffs to the rex. I don’t have that much to lend, especially if their friends don’t even pay the interest.”
“Have they threatened you?”
“Not directly. I just get the feeling that things could get uncomfortable.”
“Will your banque fail in the next few days?”
“No, Maitre. We have reserves, and matters could always improve, but if all the High Holders decide they can renege on their debts…”
“You see things going in a dangerous direction.”
“Very dangerous, sir.”
“Is there anything else I should know, Estafen?”
“I cannot think of anything else.”
Alastar nodded, thinking. Finally, he stood. “I do appreciate your making me aware of the situation.”
“I thought you should know. By your leave, sir?”
Alastar chuckled. “I’m scarcely a rex, Estafen. Just keep me informed.”
“That I will, sir.”
After the banker-factor had departed, Alastar moved toward the window, through which blew a warm harvest breeze. Estafen wasn’t yet in great danger, but he’d claimed the matter was urgent. And it is, or will be, if Lorien grants those petitions. Alastar shook his head. “Maercyl…”
After several moments, the imager second hurried into the study, closing the door behind him. “I’m sorry, sir. Elmya … she’s here, sir.”
“Dareyn … has he taken a turn for the worse?”
“I don’t know. She didn’t say, just that she needed to talk to you.”
“Of course I’ll talk to her. While I’m doing that, would you arrange for my mount and two escorts? I need to go see Rex Lorien immediately.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” With a relieved smile, Maercyl turned and opened the door.
Alastar stood as the spritely silver-haired woman strode purposefully into the study.
Elmya had dark circles under her eyes, but those eyes were focused directly on Alastar when she stopped before the table desk and inclined her head politely.
He gestured for her to sit, then said, “Matriana … we all have been worried about Dareyn…”
“He’s not dying, Maitre. But he’s not what he was. The flux…” She shook her head. “Like as he will be if he does come back to work, and the same if he doesn’t.”
“What if he came in for a glass or so each morning to work with Maercyl? Until he gets better.”
“He’ll not be getting that much stronger, Maitre.”
“We should let him make that decision.” If he will …
“That might work…”
“If we promise to send him home before he gets overtired?”
“Thought you might understand. I’ll tell him that once he’s better he’s to come for the mornings until he gets his strength back.” Elmya shook her head. “He’ll complain that he should have been the one talking to you. As if he’d want to tell you he’s not got the strength he once had.”
“We’ll try not to overtire him.”
“My thanks to you, Maitre.” She nodded and departed in quick sure steps.
Elmya had barely left when Akoryt peered into the study. “Sir … might I have a moment?”
Alastar gestured for him to enter. “A few moments, but I’ll have to leave before long. Something has come up, and I need to let Lorien know.”
Akoryt frowned.
“It’s not about the Collegium, but there’s more trouble between the factors and the High Holders. I’ll explain in detail at the next senior imagers’ meeting. What did you need?”
“Ah … it’s not about needing. Secondus Frydrek is missing. He didn’t come to instructionals this morning. Howal and Jaims said he went to get a pastry from the woman on the east riverwalk.”
“They’re not supposed—” Alastar shook his head. It wouldn’t be the first time a student imager had been tempted by a pastry, and he doubted it would be the last … even after his warning to the students. But then, there were always a few who either didn’t listen or didn’t think rules applied to them. “He didn’t get on the wrong side of Ashkyr, did he?”
“I thought of that. Ashkyr was with Maitre Tiranya the whole time. Frydrek just didn’t come back. I’ve checked with the patrollers. No one has seen him.”
“What about the bri
dge monitor?”
“She didn’t see him, either. Orlana’s not the kind to slack off, either.”
“Can he handle concealments?”
“He’s never been able to do it with me. That doesn’t mean he couldn’t. I’ve had the feeling that he could do more, but he’s not the kind who likes to push himself.”
“From his reports, he’s not a troublemaker.”
“Good student. Pleasant. Moderately talented, but a touch lazy.”
“Make sure all the bridge monitors keep an eye out for him. Let me know when you find out something.”
“I will. I’d be less worried if Oestyl and Glaesyn hadn’t been followed just the other day.”
“But in full morning light?”
“There was some heavy mist early on.”
“Do what you can.”
After Akoryt left, Alastar frowned. Why would anyone be targeting junior imagers? Even juniors could be dangerous, and the Collegium hadn’t done anything to take sides in anything lately. Not publicly, anyway.
Alastar headed for the main entrance to wait for his mount and escorts.
The bells in the Anomen D’Rex were ringing the ten bells of the noon glass as he rode up the drive to the white stone steps of the entry to the Chateau D’Rex. While Alastar had been taking a slight risk in riding to the chateau without knowing whether Lorien was available, he usually was. Even if he hadn’t been, Alastar could likely have conveyed his concerns to Lady Chelia, to whom Lorien listened carefully. Most of the time, anyway.
But Lorien was in his study.
“Why are you here now? I didn’t request your presence.”
Alastar dropped into the center chair opposite the rex. Given the sharpness of Lorien’s words, he wasn’t about to waste time on pleasantries. “There’s another nasty aspect to that petition to attempt to remove High Holders from the jurisdiction of the regional justicers. Factor Estafen brought it to my attention just before I came here. He’s the one who established the Banque D’Excelsis years ago. High Holders are borrowing from the banques all across Solidar and refusing to pay, or at least pay on time, and they also aren’t paying the default interest…” He went on to explain, ending with, “… so it’s much more than what Lenglan and the High Council claim.”
“I was afraid it was trouble. Half the time you come unannounced, it’s trouble. They’ll ruin all Solidar,” said Lorien sourly. “You and Sanafryt don’t always agree, but on this you both do. That means more trials and tribulations after I deny those petitions. I’ll also have to make it clear to all the justicers that High Holders are subject to the courts for all matters involving golds or commerce.” He sighed. “I might even have to execute one or two to make the point.”
“They’ve been taking bribes from High Holders to deny claims?”
“Some do. Some don’t. For those that want to live better than they should, I can’t pay them what the bribes bring in. They’re all honest enough for most claims and petitions.”
“Except for those involving wealthy factors and High Holders?”
“What else would you expect?”
“Maybe the Collegium should review their decisions,” said Alastar with a harsh laugh.
“Be careful there, Maitre. I just might consider it … except that half of them would resign immediately, and those who would replace them would be worse.” Lorien began to cough, a wracking, almost retching, sound. After several moments, he took a small swallow from the beaker on the goldenwood desk. “Tonic’s worse than cheap ale.”
“Is that cough getting any better?”
“Some. The tonic helps. Chelia makes sure I don’t eat too much in the way of sweets or gravies.” Lorien shook his head. “Sanafryt is already drafting my absolute denial. I’ll have him add wording that declares that the High Holders are specifically under the jurisdiction of the rex, the justicers, and the High Justicer for all matters of commerce, trade, and anything else involving golds and claims. He’ll use all the advocate’s language. Thank the Nameless it’s not a public proclamation with all those therefores and legal terms.” He looked at Alastar. “You know that half the High Holders will threaten rebellion.”
“Threats won’t be the problem.”
“Don’t let it get out of hand … like the last time.”
“We’ll do our best, but…”
“Is that all?”
“For now.”
“Good. I’m going to the private gardens.”
Alastar rose. “Thank you.”
Lorien’s nod of dismissal was almost perfunctory.
By the time Alastar returned to the administration building it was two quints before second glass, and, as he approached his study, Maercyl stood from behind the small table desk and cleared his throat.
“Yes? Did Akoryt return with any news about Secondus Frydrek?”
“No, sir. Maitre Alyna left a message for you. High Holder Zaerlyn and his daughter have arrived. When you are free, they will be at the Maitre’s dwelling.” Maercyl just stood there, as if he had a question he dared not ask.
“Didn’t you send word to those at the bridges that we were expecting him? And let Maitre Alyna know?”
“Yes, sir, but…”
“You didn’t expect him to be our guest?” Alastar smiled. “Didn’t you know? He’s Maitre Alyna’s older brother. He’s the one who helped her learn surveying, mathematics, and geometry. They’ve corresponded for years.”
“But … sir … he’s here.”
“Not all High Holders are wary of the Collegium, Maercyl. Too many are, we both know, but not all of them.” He paused. “Has Maitre Cyran been around?”
“No, sir.”
“If they need me, especially Maitre Akoryt, I’ll be at the Maitre’s house.”
“Yes, sir.”
Alastar was still thinking about what he’d learned from Estafen and Lorien—and worrying about Frydrek—when he walked up the steps to the covered front porch of the dwelling that was his … at least so long as he happened to be Maitre.
He glanced up to his left to see Alyna with her brother, where both had been seated on the shaded east side of the porch before rising to greet him. Although Alastar had never met Zaerlyn—or Zaeryl, as she called him—there was enough of a family resemblance that Alastar had no doubts that the two were related. The High Holder was taller than his sister, if several digits shorter than Alastar. His eyes were brown, rather than black, and his brown hair was silvered, not surprisingly, since he and Alastar were roughly the same age.
“Welcome to Imagisle, High Holder Zaerlyn,” said Alastar.
“Zaeryl, please. We are family.” Zaerlyn’s smile was warm and open. “I’ve wanted to meet you for years, and I’m so glad I decided to come with Malyna.”
“She and Lystara are in the parlor, getting acquainted,” added Alyna. “We’ve settled Zaeryl’s men in the stable guest house. It’s a little tight, but that way Jienna can feed them as well.” She gestured to the empty third chair. “Jienna will be bringing lager and refreshments in a moment. I told her to serve the girls first.”
“A very good idea.” Alastar seated himself, as did the other two.
“How was your day, dear?”
“Until now, breakfast was the best part,” replied Alastar dryly. “The three of us should talk about it later, after dinner, in the study.” He turned to Zaerlyn. “How was your journey?”
“Much easier than your day, I fear. Malyna is an excellent horsewoman, and her company made most of the travel enjoyable. We all will miss her, I most of all.”
“How are her surveying skills?” asked Alastar.
Both Alyna and Zaerlyn laughed.
“She is … adequate in those. She does like mathematics, and she is excellent with the clavecin.”
“Unlike her aunt,” said Alyna.
“You were better than you let on, Alyna. You just disliked being forced to display talents like, as you put it, a filly being studied for breeding purposes.”
/> Alastar could well imagine a young Alyna saying just those words.
“Did Mother really say that?” asked Lystara, appearing just behind Zaerlyn, with Malyna standing behind her.
Alastar managed not to smile at his daughter’s skill with a concealment as he studied the two girls.
With her brown hair and black eyes, a trim but not excessively slender form, Malyna could have been Alyna’s younger sister … a much younger sister. As Malyna stood beside Lystara, who was nearly as tall as her cousin, despite being almost three years younger, Alastar could see what Alyna had said earlier, that their daughter did in fact show many of his characteristics. He just hadn’t seen them before.
Alyna frowned. “I thought you were going to stay in the parlor.”
“You said we could join you for refreshments, if we asked. We came to ask.”
“It’s not polite to sneak up on people with a concealment, especially family,” Alyna said quietly but firmly. “It’s also showing off, and that is not polite, either.”
“Yes, Mother. I won’t sneak up on family again. Not without permission. Might we have refreshments with you?”
“You may, but you’ll need to bring two more chairs from the west porch.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Before she turned away, Lystara had trouble concealing the mischievous smile that she had obviously inherited from her mother.
Alyna looked at her brother, but did not speak until the two girls were out of earshot. “Are you certain you want Malyna under the same roof as Lystara?”
Zaerlyn laughed. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I thought you might say that. You know that they won’t be in the same instructionals most of the time?”
“I hadn’t thought they would be…” After a pause, Zaerlyn lowered his voice. “I hadn’t realized … how precocious … I mean as an imager … Lystara is.”
“She takes after her father in that,” said Alyna, smiling sweetly.
Alastar shook his head. The days ahead—the years ahead—were going to be more interesting than he’d ever anticipated when he’d fallen head over heels in love with a High-Hold-born imager with a quiet demeanor and a mischievous smile.
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