by Terry Schott
"What position is that?"
"Élu."
"You meanÉlua?" the doctor asked.
Leo scowled and shook his head. "Élu means‘selected’in an old tongue, Christoph. In my growing empire, it is a title which will not be given to many, but those who possess it will prosper greatly. You have been selected and carefully chosen for this, and my invitation will be extended only once."
"How does it work?" Christoph asked.
"I require loyal, specialized people in many different fields of expertise. As it stands, you are skilled in the field of ship design and seafaring. Over the next few years, I intend to build a sizeable fleet of ships."
"And you would allow me to pilot one?"
"No."
Christoph’s eyes widened. "Captain one?"
Leo chuckled and nodded towards the drawings on the table. "You think too small, my friend. I want the ships in my fleets to be of your design."
"Truly?"
"Of course, and I would also expect you to own and command at least a dozen ships on my behalf. Over time, with profits from your journeying, you could buy the ships from me and own them outright. I am offering you a chance to prosper and become wealthy. Far wealthier than your brothers will ever be."
Christoph frowned and then, slowly, he smiled. "I accept your offer without hesitation, Leo. What do I do to become anélu?"
"First, you must swear an oath of fealty to me."
"Done."
Leo raised a hand. "This is a serious matter, Christoph. I require a blood oath of the highest order. Swearing it will command loyalty to me above all others, including family."
The young man nodded.
"I am building a vast dynasty that will endure over the centuries. I need help, and it is theélu who will provide it. Generations from now, your children’s children will be among the world’s richest citizens and it will be a result of the decision you make today."
Christoph frowned. "It seems like a grand plan, sir, but I’m not sure I can help you as much as you think."
"I am certain that you can"—Leo smiled—"or we would not be having this conversation. Do as I ask and you are one of us. I will ask many things of you, and I expect your best effort in every endeavour."
"I can promise to do that."
"Good." Leo nodded. "When you pass leadership of your family on to an heir, they must swear the same binding oath for their lifetime."
"Okay . . ."
"And the heir after that, for as long as your line should exist."
"Swear to you, specifically? How would they do that?"
"To my ancestors. This bond will exist through the ages, unbroken between your family and mine."
"I can agree to this." Christoph looked down at the ground and rubbed the back of his neck. "But I can’t speak for generations that don’t exist yet."
"That is fine. When the time comes, it will fall on those who follow to ensure the bond is kept. If it is ever broken . . ." Leo spread his hands and then clapped them together, making Christoph jump. "Then your line will forfeit all they have built and gained over the years. Your wealth and assets will revert back to my family."
"Oh."
"It is fair, is it not? If you prosper because of me, then turning your back on my family should also cause you to give back what was given."
"It does make sense."
Leo steepled his hands and tapped his lips.
"It does," Christoph repeated.
"I want you to clearly understand what I am offering and what I expect in return."
"I think you have made it clear."
Leo ignored the other man’s statement. "If you becomeélu and I command you to kill someone, then that is what you must do."
Christoph’s brows furrowed and he stood. "What? Now listen here, Leo. I know you’re a powerful man and I really want to join you—"
Leo’s tone remained calm. "If I tell you to burn your house down, then you will."
Christoph pursed his lips and looked first at Leo, then the doctor.
"Life is harsh. You can exist for the remainder of your years as you are now, working for nothing and waiting to die alone and poor, or you can agree to my terms and become one of the ruling elite, answerable only to me."
"And the law."
Leo smirked. "Of course. The law."
Christoph sat down and sighed. "I’m not sure I could do the things you describe."
Leo leaned forward to touch Christoph’s shoulder. "I know that you could. This is a serious partnership which goes both ways. I do not expect to ever have to utter such heinous commands. If you becomeélu, I will make you rich and powerful beyond your wildest dreams, you and every otherélu who join me. I will sacrifice my life, and the lives of my children, and theirs, for eternity, in order to give you prosperity. You must believe me in this."
Christoph looked Leo in the eyes and, after a moment, he nodded. "I believe you."
"In return for my commitment, I must demand the same level of dedication."
Moments passed as the three men sat in silence. Finally, Christoph sighed and stood, extending one hand. "I agree to your conditions. I would join you and becomeélu."
Leo stood and laughed as he pulled the other man into a hug. "This is excellent news. I am most pleased." He slapped Christoph’s back and then released him. "Alone, we are vulnerable, but together we are strong."
Christoph smiled. "Let me know when you would like to perform the ceremony. I will be ready."
Leo grinned and reached down to pull a knife from his boot. "We will do it now."
45
The tiny bell attached to the door rang and the baker leaned away from the large pile of dough he was kneading. "I’ll be out in a moment. We have a special on sticky buns with almond icing this morning, if you’re interested."
A few seconds later, Leo strolled into the kitchen, ripping off a small piece of sticky bun and popping it into his mouth. "You still make the best sticky buns, Noah."
"And there he is!" The baker reached for a towel and wiped his hands before embracing his visitor in a hug that made Leo gasp for breath.
"You’re breaking me."
"Nonsense. You’re a long way from the skinny young whelp I remember. I have your order ready and sitting on the counter. I expected one of your people to pick it up."
"I wanted to come myself. I have a present for you."
Noah laughed. "You must be confused, my boy. It is your birthday today, not mine. How old are you again? I apologize for not remembering, but the small details sometimes escape me as I age."
"Twenty-seven."
"Incredible. I likely say it too much, but I’m so proud of who you are and what you’ve become, Leo."
"Thank you."
"You know I mean it."
"I do." Leo reached into his pocket and held out a small envelope.
"What’s this?"
"Open it and find out."
Noah ripped the paper and tipped a single iron key onto his palm. "A key?"
Leo nodded.
"What does it open?"
"The front door to your new home."
"What are you talking about?"
"You are alone and work hard. I know you refused my offer to help a few years ago, but it is time for you to retire and enjoy life. If you will let me, I would like to return the kindness you showed me eleven years ago. With interest."
"Eleven years ago," the baker shook his head. "Time races away from us when we aren’t looking, doesn’t it?"
"It does."
"This gift is not necessary, Leo. It was never expected."
"Which makes the gift more special. That key will unlock the door to your new home, complete with servants and every comfort you could hope for." Leo smiled and nudged the older man’s arm. "If it lacks anything you desire, be sure to let the servants know and they will get word to me."
"I can’t accept this."
"You can and you will. Inside your house there will be a chest filled w
ith gold. A small chest, but enough gold to keep you going. Should you run out, I will give you more."
The baker raised a hand to wipe tears from his eyes. He took a deep breath and then hugged Leo. "I cannot thank you enough, lad. Truth be told, I am beginning to tire of this daily routine." He looked around the kitchen. "I had hoped to pass this along to Alex, but when he left and never returned . . . I did my best to love and raise him after his mother died and it hurts my heart that he never seemed to love me back."
"I’m sorry for that."
"Thank you." Noah wiped his eyes and looked at the clock on the wall. "You’re going to be late for your party."
"Then I’m late. That should be a perk on one’s own birthday."
"But to keep the prince waiting?" The baker shook his head. "On my account? I would never forgive myself." He walked to the other side of the counter and picked up a large package. "Your cake is in here and it is spectacular, if I do say so. There’s no way you can carry this all the way to the palace by yourself."
"The party is not at the palace, it’s at the wharf." Leo grinned. "And I brought helpers. They are waiting for me out front."
"Good, then you can still arrive at your party on time." The baker nudged him towards the door. "Off you go, then. Happy birthday to you. Come by soon to take me to my new house."
"I will return at the beginning of the week."
The baker stopped and frowned. "Where is this new house? The country or in the city?"
Leo laughed. "You think on it and decide. When you do, then I will make the purchase."
"You have too much money for your own good, lad."
Leo winked at the baker as he opened the door with one hand while balancing the cake with his other. "I’ve only just begun to make money, sir."
46
Leo’s birthday party was a grand event.
People came from districts all over the city to attend, filling the streets of the wharf district with a tremendous crowd of men, women, and children. Everywhere one looked, hands held cups filled with drink while jugglers, street performers, and bands played on sidewalks throughout the entire area as citizens came together and toasted to the health of their good friend and host, Leo Wrathson. Of the thousands assembled, less than a hundred people were lucky enough to receive handwritten invitations. These individuals were allowed access to the water’s edge where large pavilions had been erected.
An hour before dinner was to be served, Prince Adam arrived and was escorted to Leo’s pavilion located on the dock’s edge overlooking the bay. Leo stood and bowed before the prince while those watching commented in hushed tones at the great friendship between the two powerful men.
"Quite the party you’re throwing today, Leo." Prince Adam looked around pointedly before sitting in the luxurious chair beside Leo’s. He glanced out at the bay. "And an impressive fleet has come to celebrate as well. Are those your new ships?"
"They are, Your Grace. What do you think of them?"
The prince nodded. "A smart-looking vessel, unlike anything I have ever seen."
"I have named it the Karval class ship. Its sail configuration and adjustability will allow sailors to trap even the smallest breeze to propel it forward while others sit dead in the water. Along with a shallow round bottom hull and sleek lines to run through the water efficiently, this vessel will allow exploration and movement in oceans, rivers, and along the coasts."
"I am jealous." The prince’s eyes moved from one ship to the next.
"No need to be, Your Grace. The ships in front of us belong to you."
"Truly?"
Leo smiled. "If you like. You are entitled to a portion of the lumber from Drannock Island, but if you would prefer ships made from that lumber instead of the actual materials, then I am happy to give you this first production batch."
Prince Adam’s eyes glittered as he looked back over the bay. "There are forty ships in front of me."
"Yes."
"With the amount of wood going into each ship—" The prince paused. "This would fulfill most of the lumber you owe the crown, if my calculations are correct."
"They are."
"You know I will tear one of these ships apart to understand how they are built."
"So that you can construct more for your fleets. I understand, Grace, and I’m happy to share my knowledge with you."
"There is much profit and success that can come from flying beside a dragon as it hunts."
Leo frowned. "I beg your pardon?"
Prince Adam laughed. "Something my father told me when I was younger. I would be pleased to accept these ships, Leo. Thank you."
"It is my pleasure."
"Your birthday party rivals mine from last year when Father proclaimed me Commander of the Royal Fleet."
"It was not my intent to throw something so large."
"Nevertheless, it speaks well of you."
"I am fortunate."
"I have brought you a gift." The prince reached into his breast pocket and removed a small rolled parchment.
"Our friendship is all the gift a man could ask for." Leo reached for the parchment and examined the royal seal for a moment before breaking it and unrolling the piece of paper.
"I agree, but I think you will like this gift as well. Read it."
Leo’s eyes widened as he read. "This is too generous."
"You like it?"
Leo laughed and read the words out loud. "The Crown hereby and from this day forward names Leo Wrathson Count of the kingdom, with all the privileges and amenities commensurate with said title." He looked at the prince. "You’ve turned a pauper into nobility, Your Grace."
"I think it more accurate to say that you have always been noble, Leo. Finally, the words match the deeds."
Leo bowed low, his arm sweeping downwards in a perfect court bow. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart, Prince Adam."
"And I welcome you from the bottom of mine, Count Leo."
Leo straightened and the prince stepped forward to embrace him. "Now, let us get drunk and celebrate the day as only young people are allowed."
The two men sat and drank wine, looking out over the harbour and new ships while the city danced and sang around them.
47
The trader knuckled his brow and tipped his head as he spoke. "I have news for you, sir."
"This is highly irregular." Lenidas ran a hand through his shoulder length blonde hair. "My time is too important to waste it meeting late at night in this area of the city."
The other man’s teeth appeared in the darkness as he smiled. "I found him."
Lenidas arched one eyebrow. "Leo?"
"Yes, sir."
"Tell me."
"One of my traders was passing through Castanell and they heard mention of him."
"I’m confused. You tell your workers to keep an eye out for a man in his mid-twenties named Leo?"
"Of course not. You clearly stated that I was to tell no one. I understand the price of breaking your trust and I’m too fond of this life to do so. I ask all of my people to bring me back stories and details from their travels regarding important businesspeople so that I might better gauge my competition in the world. I began the charade to search for Leo, but the practice has gained me much advantage in different trade markets."
Lenidas watched the man for a moment and then nodded. "Continue."
"This Leo matches your description perfectly."
"What did your people tell you?"
"Word is that his star is on the rise. He is friends with the prince."
"Is that so?"
"The man who reported this to me is very adept at gathering accurate information. Last year, he was responsible for learning about the failing wheat crops in Stansion which allowed me to bring wheat to the area before any of my competitors and make a substantial—"
"I don’t care. What else did he say about Leo?"
"Only that he is friends with the prince and a moneylender who is earning significant profit from t
he region. I did not ask for anything more for fear of appearing too interested. I assure you that I have told no one of your interest—"
Lenidas lifted one hand and made a silencing motion. "I believe you." He reached into his pocket, withdrew a gold coin, and handed it to the man. "You have done well."
The man accepted the coin with a smile. "Thank you, sir. If I learn more I will bring the information to you immediately."
"That won’t be necessary. Now that I know where he is, I will visit Leo in person."
48
Leo smiled as he watched Syntha walk towards him.
"What are you grinning at?" She set two cups of water onto the table and sat in the booth beside him, pushing her body close as she reached for a fork and began to cut the meat on her plate.
"You’re beautiful."
"I know."
"And modest."
She rolled her eyes and took a bite. "Guilty as charged."
"I must apologize."
"For what?" She reached for her drink and took a sip.
"We have been together for many years and I have not asked you to marry me."
Syntha chuckled. "We’ve been busy, and I’m not the normal type of girl who believes the only reason to exist is to get married, Leo."
"This I know."
"We’ve built and staffed five coffeehouses since we became partners."
"We have."
Syntha snorted. "Exactly. Don’t apologize for not proposing. Instead, worry about making amends for leaving me to do all the dirty work while you stroll around the city and only appear when it’s time to divide the profit."
Leo laughed. "If I tried to be more active in this business, how would I fare?"
She kissed him on the cheek and went back to eating her meal. "You have a point there. I do appreciate your hands-off approach to our partnership." She grinned and rubbed her leg against his. "Or should I say, your ability to know when to be hands-on and when not to be."
Leo reached down and grabbed her leg. "We are a good team."
"The best."
"Still. I think we should make it official."
"Okay." She took another bite of food and chewed.
"I’m talking about marriage."
"Oh." She leaned back and frowned, then laughed and shook her head. "Of course that’s what you’re talking about."
