“Hey, Nathan. Maggie said you were pulling an all-nighter down here again and that I should bring you this.” Kiana handed Nathan a bottle of ale and a basket filled with snacks and two mugs. “Oh, and I’m supposed to tell you that the chocolate squares aren’t for you.”
“Thanks, Kiana. Come in and meet Camille.”
Camille stepped out of the blacksmith shop holding her blade. She smiled at Kiana. “Hello. I’m Camille Vos.”
“Nice to meet you, Camille. You must be Mage Vos’s daughter. Demarion introduced her to a few of us at the school today.”
Camille nodded.
“Nice blade,” Kiana said. “Looks Creytan, just not as wide a blade.”
“Exactly,” said Camille. “Nathan is making it for me, on the condition that I don’t steal his cook.”
Camille peeked inside the basket. “Which ones did she say Nathan wouldn’t want?”
“The chocolate squares.”
Camille took one of the squares and put it in her mouth. “Mmm, delicious.”
Nathan eyed the candies suspiciously. “Probably toxic.”
“Mind if I try one? I’m curious now,” Kiana said.
“Knock yourself out,” Nathan said as he took a different cookie.
Kiana bit into her chocolate square. After a few bites her eyes went big. “Wow. That has some kick to it. I’ve never had a cookie make my mouth feel like it was on fire before. But it isn’t an unpleasant combination, chocolate and heat.”
“Toxic. I knew it,” Nathan said.
Camille laughed. “More for me and Kiana.”
Kiana shook her head. “One is good for now. Are you going to be sticking around in Elderwood with your mother?”
Camille shrugged. “I haven’t decided yet. Mother wants me to attend the school, but I think she wants me to be some sort of weird hybrid teacher-student and help her out. I’m not sure that is something I’m interested in. I want something a little more adventurous.”
Kiana grabbed a ginger and elderberry cookie. “In that case, you should stick around. There’s always some sort of adventure to be had. Dangerous mages, lone assassins, hidden temples in the jungle. Nathan always finds himself in some sort of trouble.”
Camille looked over at Nathan. “That true?”
“I hope not,” Nathan said. “I’ve had enough adventure for a lifetime. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going back to working on this sword before someone gets too antsy.” Nathan took the blade and headed back into the shop.
“That’s right, slave boy. Get back to work,” Kiana said as she walked away. “Can’t let these princes think they run the place.”
“I heard that,” Nathan said from the other room.
Camille laughed as Kiana gave her a wink.
“Are you from Balta?” Camille asked.
“Actually, I’m from Pailtar. My mom is also part of the staff at the magic school. My father died during the war in Pailtar.”
“Sorry for your loss.”
Kiana nodded.
“You’re a student in the magic school. How’s that?”
“I like it. It is a little strange at times. Some of the classes I’m in are stuff I already know from school in Pailtar. But it is good.”
“I didn’t know Pailtar had a magic school,” Camille said.
“We didn’t. We had the Thieves’ Guild. Which had magic classes.”
“You were part of the Thieves’ Guild. That must’ve been exciting.”
Kiana grinned. “Yes, at times. But also, long hours of studying and lots of school work and training.”
“Fascinating,” Camille said before walking to the door to check on what Nathan was doing. “Sorry. I just find the process of having a sword made for me very interesting. I don’t want to miss any part of it.”
“No problem. Nathan is really talented, I’d be watching like a hawk too. Well, I should get going, I’m helping organize some of the magic displays for the festival and am supposed to meet Rayan and help him.”
“Rayan?” Camille asked.
“Yes, he’s like Nathan only cuter,” Kiana said loudly. She then ducked as a chunk of wood came flying out of the smith shop. She laughed and headed to the door. “If you get bored of Nathan come to the school tomorrow. You can hang out with me.”
18
Lambert watched as people busily brushed by him as he slowly sauntered up the street. Bustling with activity, Progoh looked every bit the capital city of a large and prosperous kingdom. Since the Parth family started its quest to unite all the kingdoms of Southern Solotine into one the city had doubled in size. And the citizens of the great city were happy to be the capital. Never in the history of Progoh had it been more prosperous and safe than under the reign of King Parth. This casual walk up the streets of Progoh was something Lambert did often when in the capital. It gave him a good read on the city, far better than any of the reports from the king’s city guard, or his own royal guard. The king had plenty of fighting men in his armies, but that didn’t make them worth a damn when it came to understanding a city. No, it was the bars, the diners, and the street corners where a man could learn the truth of a city. Were the local constables too rough, the taxes too high, the sewers backed up, anything you needed to know could be found out while taking a walk and observing.
Even with the king’s note to hurry back, Lambert always made his walk. One day there could be an uprising, and, when everyone else was unprepared, Lambert would simply walk away and avoid being part of the bloodbath that followed such uprisings. Yet there were no signs of danger. Weather in the kingdom had been good, local crops abundant, and the goods and taxes coming in from the other cities of the kingdom meant money was being spent on the city. Food and work, they were the keys to a content kingdom. Keep your citizens fed and busy and they don’t have time to revolt. It was something Lambert instinctively knew, but never wasted his breath trying to explain to the king or his chosen council. No, King Parth and his council would never take advice from an outsider on how to run a city. They saw Progoh as the jewel of the kingdom and took pride in how great it was. But, if history taught anything, it was that pride and greed always led to man’s greatest downfall, that, and women. The heart made many a man do foolish things. That is why Lambert kept all his dealings with women quick and businesslike. But greed and pride, those were the ones that would be his downfall in the end. And there was a special place in the seven hells for men like him, but he’d crossed that bridge years ago and wasn’t going to change now.
“Sir Symons?”
Lambert looked at the man who was interrupting his reflective state. He enjoyed walking exactly because he could think or observe without being interrupted. “Yes.”
“The king said you could be found out here. He requests that you report to the council chambers, immediately.”
Lambert sighed. The king had spies everywhere. It was useful, but damn annoying when they turned their attention on him. “Fine. I will be there momentarily.” There was no point dawdling now. Whatever was on the king’s mind, he was obviously in a snit over it.
Stepping into the king’s council room, Lambert took the seat slightly to the right and behind the king. It annoyed the council when the king announced Lambert a permanent fixture in their hierarchy, and his seat outside of their circle showed him as being apart from other members of the council, and the distance from the king showed how important he was. Many of the council were jealous of his position, others outright hostile. Lambert took great pleasure in rubbing it in. Today, he casually sat and put his legs up over the arm of his chair. Totally ignoring the protocol that the council expected of its members. Another blatant jab at them, reminding them that their rules didn’t apply to him.
The king and his council were discussing the current situation in Blackpool and the far eastern cities. A common topic of discussion in the capital as of late with the cities growing more and more rebellious and dissatisfied with the king’s rule. They argued that the taxes sent to
the king were too high. The king and his council argued that under his leadership, all the cities of Tarnstead were safer and better prepared for invaders than at any time in Solotine’s history. It wasn’t an argument that interested Lambert. If all the cities in Tarnstead were happy with the king. The king wouldn’t need a troubleshooter to go do his dirty work. A job Lambert fully enjoyed doing, along with the hefty amounts of gold that went with it.
Seeing the looks of disgust on his councilors faces aimed off to his side. The king turned and spotted Lambert. “Council meeting adjourned. We’ll meet again tomorrow. Everyone leave.”
Lambert started to rise out of his seat.
“Sit down, Lambert. Everyone, but you.”
Lambert smiled and gave the departing councilors a wave. The looks of hatred he received brightened his mood even more.
When the council was finally all clear of the room, the king turned in his seat to stare at Lambert. “Where the hell have you been. I’ve sent messengers to every city in Tarnstead looking for you. And had men watching the city for three days keeping an eye on the brothels and bars.”
“A small tour of the eastern cities, and a visit to Harrbow. Cleared up some of the outstanding tax issues there.”
“Harrbow? Wasn’t that where your old gang set up business?” the king asked.
Lambert nodded. “Yes, Your Grace. However, they’ve recently had a change in leadership and are now fully committed to ensuring that Harrbow stays loyal to Tarnstead.”
“I hope it wasn’t too bloody. Can’t have you killing off everyone that falls out of line.”
“Harrbow is a town that understands violence. I applied the right amount of incentive. I killed a bar owner who was reluctant to pay the new taxes and replaced him with a couple of the men from my old gang after they agreed to kill the leader. A little bit of the old carrot and stick. And the rest of the taxes I collected with a little more finesse. Hardly more than a few minor injuries to get my point across.”
“Good,” King Parth said. “These rumors of revolt in Blackpool are starting to spread all over the kingdom.
“Troubling times.”
“Yes, they are,” King Parth said. “That is why I’ve called you. I have a job for you.”
“Time to finally kill Shaw Kimberley?” Lambert asked. As ruler of Blackpool, Shaw Kimberley was one of the men most responsible for the eastern uprising. And the king had threatened to have him assassinated several times during council meetings whenever the man’s name was brought up.
“No. Actually this job is going to require a bit of tact and delicacy. I’m not even sure if anyone needs to die yet.”
Lambert scratched his head. This was a curious sounding job, definitely not the normal task the king sent him on. “What’s the job.”
“There are rumors that Raumont and that damn Duke Bristol are thinking about revolt now, too. They are like vultures waiting for the coyotes to attack. They see the eastern cities discord as an opportunity for them. We must keep them in line, and we will, even if I have to wipe that damn city out. However, I can’t afford to have Salma siding with them. The western trade routes become vital if Blackpool revolts.”
Lambert nodded. This was nothing new to him. He knew all about Raumont and their ambitious duke. “What’s the issue in Salma? They’ve never been a problem before?”
“It’s this damn kingdom of Elderwood that Count Mavane gave his approval to. Granting lands to that upstart Stoneblood boy. Now the armies of Balta have made their home there. Before, Salma was reliant on us. Now they have a damn army that rivals our own on their doorstep. I question if the count’s loyalty remains with us.”
“You want me to head to Salma and investigate?”
“No. I want you to go to Elderwood. They are having a lunar festival and have invited all the cities of Solotine and gods knows where else to come and see their damn magic city. I want you to go investigate the threat. With all that is going on in the east I can’t afford to send half my armies west right now. Either make friends with this Stoneblood, or deal with the problem before it becomes one. Do you understand me?”
“Perfectly,” Lambert said. When the occasion called for it. Lambert knew how to act like a good ambassador. He’d learn all about Elderwood and its boy leader and do what needed to be done to keep Salma in line. “You said the festival was for the lunar event?”
“Yes. The two moons will be in alignment in a few weeks. You need to be there for the festival. I have a group of councilmen going. I’ve informed them that you will be attending and that they are to report to you. They squawked and cried but they’ll do as they are told.”
Lambert grinned. Any opportunity to lord over the pompous council members was music to his ears. “An excellent idea, Your Highness.”
King Parth shook his head. “Just don’t kill any of them. I hate having to listen to the rest of them bitch about it. It gives me headaches.”
“As you say, my Lord. I will attempt not to kill any of your council members. If they fulfill their duties, we won’t have any issues. And I will make sure that Salma understands where their loyalties belong.”
“Good. Don’t come back until they understand. Between Blackpool and Raumont I can’t afford to have issues in Salma. They need to be kept in their place.”
Lambert nodded. “I will do what is necessary.”
19
The thick stone walls encompassed the entire opening into the canyon. It was a formidable sight, even with only a few armed sentries on top of the wall. Lambert immediately dismissed any thought of bringing an army to Elderwood. He’d been in more than one fight to breach a castle and the loss of troops could be staggering. These were simply the outer walls, defeating Elderwood would mean breaching these gates and going through a narrow canyon towards a well-prepared enemy. No, a frontal assault on Elderwood was far too costly a proposition. Thankfully, he wasn’t here to plan an assault.
“Shall we continue?” the portly man sitting across from him asked.
Lambert studied him carefully. The man had a casual and friendly attitude, but it was a façade. Norton Richards was a cold and calculating snake. But as King Parth’s trade minister he was a vital part of this little expedition. Lambert didn’t trust him, and knew the feeling was mutual. “Not just yet. Outer walls might not matter for trade, but the king will want to know everything about Elderwood.”
Norton rolled his eyes. “You think you are going to learn anything looking out the window of our carriage that I won’t learn later this evening by buying drinks for a few locals?”
Lambert slapped the roof of the carriage, signaling the driver to carry on. He then leaned towards Norton and pointed to his own eyes. “I trust these more than I do information gathered from drunk boastful men.” In truth, Lambert intended to use every means possible to scout out the defenses of Elderwood, including using liquor to loosen lips, but he wouldn’t admit that to Norton. Lambert looked to the right of the trade minister to his two companions. One, a beautiful young woman was staring out the window ignoring the conversation while the other young man sat stone-faced not revealing any of his thoughts. For his dislike of Norton, Lambert did have to admit the man had skills and had chosen his companions well. They were as emissaries to the king. But in truth they were his bodyguards and spymasters. While Norton was loud and friendly, these two worked in the shadows.
Sitting beside Lambert were his own chosen companions for the mission. Two of the king’s blackguard, the highly trained unit of fighters who did most of the king’s dirty work, aside from the jobs that Lambert himself took care of. The blackguards were ruthless and efficient, and these were two of their best. If any killing was required, they would do it without blinking an eye. Of course, he had no clue if he’d need them or not. But it was better to be prepared.
The carriage stopped as it reached the gates. A guard approached the carriage and greeted them. “Welcome to Elderwood. Are you here for the festival?”
“Yes, we’re
the official delegation from Progoh,” said Norton Richards.
The guard looked at the sheet of parchment he was carrying then back into the carriage. “You will have to forgive us. Elderwood is still too new a city to be properly prepared for visiting officials. How many state rooms do you require?”
Norton smiled pleasantly. “Just two.”
Lambert nodded. He really didn’t need a state room, but for the purpose of this visit he was a high-ranking official. He needed to act the part. The blackguard men would sleep anywhere, and the same for Norton’s bodyguards, although he suspected Norton wouldn’t be sleeping alone.
The guard nodded and marked something on his list. He then looked to the carriage driver. “Follow the main road into the city. Look for the biggest building on your right. It is hard to miss. There will be a city guard there who will direct you to the stables once your passengers are looked after.” The guard then looked into the carriage again. You’ll be staying at the Sea Legs Inn. Brand new, finest establishment in town. The prince booked the entire building for the festival.”
Lambert leaned over to the window. “Aren’t all the buildings in Elderwood brand new?”
The guard chuckled. “You’re the first to call me on that one. Yes. Everything in Elderwood is new.” The guard waved the driver to start the horses. “You have a great visit to Elderwood.”
As the carriage started traveling again, Norton spoke. “A friendly guard.”
Lambert nodded. The guard had been very friendly, but that wasn’t all. “Friendly and observant. The guard gave every one of us a thorough looking over. He looked at faces, clothing, weapons, and didn’t get distracted by you being friendly, or the beauty of your two companions.” He then glanced over at the two blackguard warriors. “And I doubt he believes either of you are nobles. Do try to look like you aren’t here to stab the first person who offends you. And stick your noses in the air a little, like Norton. Let everyone know you are important.
“And what does that tell you?” Norton said with a smile, seemingly amused by the observation and the personal jabs.
Treachery in Tarnstead Page 18
