‘She’s my right hand.’
‘I always thought you’d make a good chief.’
‘I’ve made a lot of mistakes.’
‘Kallie?’
‘That was a mess, but it wasn’t a mistake.’
Insects were hovering over the river flowing to their left, as it twisted in lazy curves under the summer sun. At the junction with another road, there was a small village with a cluster of old stone houses at its centre, while all around were dozens of new timber buildings. Workers were up on the roofs of several, fitting dark slate tiles, while others were in the process of putting together the wooden framework of more houses.
‘Place is growing, then?’ Koreen said.
‘Aye. Used to be five thousand Rahain peasants on the estate, and at the last count over ten thousand Kellach had moved in, with more arriving all the time. Some just rest here a while before leaving for the old country, or heading up to Rainsby, but we find a home for any who want to settle.’
‘What happened to the Rahain?’ Koreen said. ‘I haven’t seen a single one since we got here.’
‘Laodoc was vague on the details,’ Killop said. ‘I think a lot of them were conscripted into the army, others were slaves who left when they were freed. I think the rest might have been evicted to make way for us, but I don’t know for sure.’
‘Serves them fucking right.’
Killop said nothing.
Koreen eyed him. ‘You gone soft on the lizards, boss?’
‘I don’t hold every Rahain responsible for what they did to us,’ he said, ‘especially not the slaves. What choice did they have?’
‘You used to talk about justice.’
‘The Rahain have just had their arses kicked by the alliance army. What more do you want?’
Koreen lowered her head. ‘I get it. I guess I want an apology from every single lizard, you know, some sort of acknowledgement that what they did to us was wrong. I don’t want money or land, I just want them to say sorry and mean it.’
‘A company of freed Rahain fought on our side in the battle outside the gates of the capital. Half of them died defending our fire mage.’
‘That wee lassie?’
‘She’s sixteen,’ he said. ‘Not that wee.’
‘So where are they all now?’
‘The Rahain? They went back to Severed City, and stayed there. The tunnels suit them better than the estate, and the government has recognised the ruling council they’ve set up. It’s a pity. I wanted to keep the clan together, but the Kellach moved here, and the Rahain stayed there.’
‘I’m glad,’ she said. ‘I’d rather not have to look at their scaly arses every day.’
Killop glanced up. The rooftops of Slateford Town were visible ahead through a stand of trees. As they approached, Killop breathed in the scent of sawdust and paint coming from the outskirts of the town, where dozens more wooden houses were being built.
Mingled with the sounds of hammers and saws were cries of anger, and Koreen glanced at Killop.
‘That will be the trouble the messenger mentioned,’ Killop said.
‘She said it was alliance soldiers again. What does that mean?’
‘They come down from the fort on their days off,’ Killop said. ‘Pay good money to get drunk.’
‘Why don’t they get drunk at their fort?’
‘The Holdings don’t approve of alcohol. It’s banned.’
Koreen raised an eyebrow. ‘Poor bastards.’
‘The soldiers tend to get into a lot of fights,’ he said, ‘usually with each other. We’ve tried watering down their beer, but they just drink more.’
‘They sound like a right laugh.’
Workers waved at them as they passed the building sites on the edge of the town. The road was wide and well-paved, and lined with low stone cottages. The only older buildings that were more than one storey high were clustered around the central town square. The road grew busier and they moved to the side as carts and wagons rumbled past, a mixture of gaien and horses pulling them.
The shouting had tailed off, and as they reached the town square they saw a squad of Kellach militia armed with clubs ringing a group of Holdings soldiers, most of whom were sitting on the cobbles. A few were nursing black eyes and burst lips.
‘Kalden,’ Killop said to the leader of the militia.
‘Chief.’
‘What’s the story?’
‘Usual nonsense, boss,’ he said. ‘Twenty or so troopers up for a fight. Apparently a priest was giving them a telling off for drinking, and they took exception to him.’
‘A Holdings priest?’
‘Aye.’
‘Where is he now?’
‘We had to take him off the streets for his own protection. He’s with Bridget in the town hall.’
‘I’d best see what’s happening.’
Kalden nodded at the Holdings troopers. ‘I’ll be along after I’ve handed out fines to this lot.’
Killop and Koreen walked over to the largest building in the town, an old hall that they had converted into a base for the clan militia.
‘Chief,’ a guard saluted as they entered through the large wooden doors.
‘There’s an office on the top floor,’ Killop said as they climbed a set of stairs. ‘Got a great view over the town.’
At the top of the stairs a tall door was lying open, and Killop entered, Koreen a pace behind. In the centre of the room was an enormous table, upon which lay maps, their corners held down by piles of books. Sunlight poured in through a latticed window that stretched across one wall. To the left was a fireplace, where Bridget was sitting. Opposite her sat a dark-skinned man, young and thin, almost emaciated. He was wearing long black robes, and his hair had been cropped.
‘Morning, Bridget,’ Killop said.
‘Morning, Chief. How’s the head, Koreen?’
‘Walked off the hangover,’ she said, crossing to a small table where jugs and cups were set out. ‘Beer?’
‘Aye,’ Killop said.
‘Thanks,’ said Bridget. ‘Water for our guest.’
Koreen poured out three mugs of beer and a cup of water. ‘Killop took us through the vineyards. Conal might have found himself a job.’
Bridget nodded as she was handed a mug.
Koreen passed the other mug to Killop, and the water to the Holdings man, who was watching them with narrow eyes.
‘Busy morning?’ Killop asked as he sat.
‘The usual,’ Bridget said. ‘A few arrivals. One of them’s actually literate, would you fucking believe. Hired her right away. She starts teaching in the school tomorrow. Then I got interrupted by this arsehole sitting here.’
‘I can speak Kellach, ma’am,’ the Holdings man said.
‘I know,’ she said. ‘I already heard you do it. As I was saying, I heard some shouting in the square, and looked out to see this eejit ranting at some drunken troopers, practically frothing at the mouth he was. Kalden had to go out with a squad before it turned into a proper riot.’
Killop gazed at the Holdings man. ‘Why have we not sent him on his way?’
‘Says he has a legal right to be here.’
‘On whose authority?’
Bridget nodded at the man. ‘Show him your letter.’
‘Can he read?’ the man said.
‘Course he can, ya cheeky wee bastard.’
The man scowled, then reached into his robes and pulled out a rolled up document.
Killop took it from his hands and unrolled it.
‘The relevant clause,’ the man said, ‘is near the bottom. All religious missionaries must be allowed to travel unhindered. I have been sent here to preach the truth of the Creator. You cannot refuse me.’
‘This treaty,’ said Killop, ‘is between Emperor Guilliam and the Rahain Republic.’
‘Yes?’
‘Then it doesn’t apply here. Chancellor Laodoc assigned clan sovereignty to the entire estate. There’s a copy of the decree hanging on the wall
of the mansion if you’d like to see it.’
The Holdings man smirked.
‘We thought you might try that approach,’ he said, pulling another scroll from his robes.
Killop snorted as he read it.
‘That fool Duncan,’ he said, glancing at Bridget, ‘he’s put his name to a similar treaty…’
‘You call your chief a fool?’ the Holdings man said.
‘Duncan isn’t our chief,’ Killop said. ‘He rules the Kellach up on the Plateau, not here.’
‘The Emperor has given him authority over every Kellach Brigdomin, no matter where they live.’
‘Tough shit. I don’t recognise his authority. In fact, I couldn’t give a fuck about the Emperor either. We have autonomy here, we don’t have to listen to anything you say.’
The Holdings man said nothing, his eyes glaring.
Bridget shrugged. ‘Well, there’s your answer. I told you that’s what he’d say. Now, Father…?’
‘I’m not a priest,’ the man said. ‘I am Deacon Millar of the One True Path.’
‘All right, Deacon Millar of the One True Path,’ Bridget smirked. ‘I’ll get the militia to escort you off the estate. I assume you sneaked in among the troopers?’
The deacon ignored her. He fell to his knees, and reached out his arms in supplication.
‘It shames me to beg, but the true faith is worth more than my vanity or pride. Please, Chief Killop of the Severed Clan, allow me to spread the word of the Creator to your people, allow me to save their souls.’
‘Their what?’
‘Their souls, Chief,’ Millar said. ‘The spirit that remains after the body dies.’
Killop laughed. ‘Nothing remains after death but dry bones and dust.’
‘You’re wrong, Chief,’ Millar said. ‘Have faith in the Creator in this life, and he will reward you in the next.’
Killop frowned, and glanced at Bridget and Koreen.
‘Well, Chief?’ Millar asked.
Killop nodded to a guard standing by the door.
‘Fetch a couple of militia,’ he said. ‘For his own safety, Deacon Millar will need an escort out of Slateford.’
The guard nodded and left.
‘You’re making a mistake,’ Millar said, getting to his feet. ‘I will have to report this to my superiors in the church.’
‘Go right ahead,’ Killop said. ‘Tell them I’m not going to tolerate their religion here.’
Two guards appeared at the door.
Bridget glanced at them. ‘Take this gentleman to the borders of the estate,’ she said, ‘and inform the guards there that he is not to be re-admitted.’
‘Aye,’ said one. Millar walked forward, and the three left the room.
‘That was a bit harsh,’ Koreen said, sipping from her mug of beer. ‘I thought you’d be more relaxed about that sort of thing. Isn’t your girlfriend from the Holdings? She won’t be too happy if she can’t practise her religion. Is she religious?’
‘I don’t know.’
‘Seems like quite an important thing not to know, boss.’
‘Truth is,’ he said, ‘I don’t know that much about her.’
Koreen glanced over at Bridget. ‘What do you think?’
‘About Daphne or about religion?’
‘Daphne. Is that her name?’
‘Aye,’ Bridget said. ‘As far as I know, she’s not religious. She never mentioned it to me anyway.’
‘You’ve spoken to her?’
‘Twice.’
Koreen frowned. ‘You’re basing a lot of hope on a girl you hardly know, boss. A foreign girl as well. How does the rest of your council feel about this?’
‘That’s a touchy subject,’ Bridget said. ‘I’m the only person apart from Killop that’s met Daphne, nobody else knows her at all. And most of the council are still pissed off about Larissa leaving.’
‘Larissa?’ Koreen said. ‘Who’s she?’
Bridget groaned. ‘I’m going to need another drink for this.’
Chapter 5
Not a Date
Plateau City, The Plateau – 13th Day, Last Third Summer 506
Sami picked up his glass, and eyed the contents.
‘What’s this?’
Shella looked up from the pile of letters on the table in front of her. ‘Apple juice.’
‘But I always have wine for lunch.’
‘Yeah, well we’re out of wine.’
Sami frowned and turned to Daly, who stood nearby in attendance.
‘Can you get me some Kellach ale?’ he said. ‘I can feel a headache coming on.’
‘I’m sorry, sir,’ Daly said, ‘but I’m afraid we currently have no alcohol left in our stocks.’
‘Well why don’t you go and get some?’
‘Don’t get snippy,’ Shella said. ‘It’s not his fault.’
‘But sis,’ Sami said, ‘we are going to get more, aren’t we?’
She picked up a slice of beef with a fork and took a bite. ‘Tell him, Daly.’
‘Tell me what?’ Sami said.
‘First thing this morning, sir’ Daly said, ‘the Lord Chamberlain announced that the empire will be strictly enforcing the prohibition on all intoxicants. From now on, only Kellach Brigdomin will be allowed to drink alcohol, and only within their city quarter. Any Holdings, Rahain or Rakanese will be fined or imprisoned if caught intoxicated, or in possession of any banned substance.’
‘But we have diplomatic immunity!’
‘Not any more, I’m afraid, sir. The orders were quite explicit that there were to be no exceptions.’
‘Then we’ll have to send someone to the Kellach quarter…’ Sami spluttered.
‘Church wardens are searching everyone coming out of that part of the city,’ Shella said. ‘They’ve already raided a dozen drinking holes, and arrested everyone who isn’t Kellach.’
‘Why are those big bastards allowed it?’ Sami yelled, his face red. ‘I don’t understand.’
‘They’re allowed it for now,’ Shella said, ‘but the Emperor’s put up their taxes, and promised to close down any establishment caught selling to non-Kellach. He’s tightening the screw. Eventually I reckon he’ll ban it for them too.’
Sami got to his feet, knocking over the apple juice with his elbow. He stared at the puddle soaking into the tablecloth, then stormed off.
‘Where are you going?’ Shella asked.
‘I think I have a hip-flask under my bed.’
Shella watched him take the stairs up to his apartment.
‘He’s going to have a hard time of it,’ she said to Daly. ‘Keep an eye out for him. I don’t think he’s gone a day without a drink for thirds.’
‘Of course, your Highness.’
Shella put down the fork and picked up a paper from the top of the pile.
‘Another ordinance from the chamberlain’s office,’ she muttered, scanning the document, ‘informing us that the Holdings cavalry is to be converted into a new imperial army, open to all five peoples. They want us to advertise this, they’re after volunteers from Arakhanah.’
Daly nodded, taking notes in his little book.
She put down the paper, and opened a large pouch, stamped with the insignia of her home government.
Her eyes widened as she looked at the first document to emerge.
‘Holy shit.’
‘Your Highness?’
‘Read this.’ She passed him the paper. ‘Fuck, I need a drink now.’
Daly gasped as he gazed at the paper in his hands. ‘I thought you would be pleased, your Highness. This is a tremendous honour for you.’
‘The fuck it is. Why now? Why have they decided to recognise that I’m a princess now? It goes against the whole idea of democracy.’
Daly pursed his lips.
‘You know what I reckon?’ Shella went on. ‘The Rakanese government was thinking, “the Emperor keeps demanding things, what can we give him that won’t cost us anything?”, and the answer was me. They’ll
bite down on their pride, and start calling me your Highness, and hopefully buy some time with the empire.’
Daly said nothing.
‘I know what you think,’ Shella said. ‘You dish out the fancy titles, but deep down you know all that stuff is horseshit. Well, so do I. I never asked to be a princess, it’s not my fault my crazy sister was a fucking megalomaniac.’
‘Quite, your Highness.’
‘Pass it back here,’ she said, reaching out her hand. Daly held the document out for her.
‘There’s no mention of Sami,’ she said, reading it in more detail.
‘None, your Highness,’ Daly said. ‘Perhaps Arakhanah City deems one royal quite enough.’
‘And,’ she went on, ‘I’m to be heirless, and without any statutory powers.’
‘A figurehead, your Highness.’
‘And… fuck me, I have to go back to Arakhanah for a coronation.’
‘So you may view your loyal subjects…’
‘Don’t get smart,’ she said. She put down the paper and lit a cigarette. ‘At least they haven’t banned these.’
‘I wish they would, your Highness,’ Daly said, ‘but seeing as how most Holdings are addicted to the things I don’t see much likelihood of that.’
‘I’ll need you to stay here while I’m gone,’ she said. ‘You can look after the place, and keep a leash on Sami.’
‘When will you be leaving, your Highness?’
‘They’ve scheduled the coronation for the last day of the first third of autumn. I’ll have to be off within a few days to comfortably make it. Shit. I hate travelling.’
‘I’ll cancel the rest of your calendar, your Highness, and send out word of the news. We have a lot to prepare.’
‘Hey, at least I’ll be able to get a drink in Arakhanah.’
‘Will you be visiting your family, your Highness?’
Shella frowned. Before she could answer, there was a knock on the door, and one of the embassy staff entered.
‘Ma’am,’ she said. ‘There’s a visitor for you downstairs in reception.’
Daly turned. ‘Does this visitor have an appointment, Jodie? Her Royal Highness is rather busy.’
‘He insisted it couldn’t wait,’ Jodie replied.
The Magelands Box Set Page 97
