“I have not heard of it, and I’ve made quite a study of you. Given the reaction you just provoked, I think a visit to Arandar’s Temple and His high priest might be in order.” She fixed Stavin with a look that reminded him of Grandma Elissa’s glare when he’d been misbehaving in the nursery.
Stavin bowed deeply and said, “Yes, Lady Sahrana.”
Lady Sahrana regained her composure with a visible effort. “My apologies, Prince Stavin. Please tell me of your encounter with the Evilest One’s priests.”
Stavin thought for a moment, then began. “During my second expedition, we stopped in a small village called Ormund. We had no idea that a priest of the Evilest One had taken over the town and made himself the mayor. All we knew was that the people were quiet and depressed. Late our second night I was on guard and felt a massive wave of fatigue wash over me. I was able to shake it off and continue on patrol, but in a few moments, I realized that the other three night guards were down. Then I saw four men in black robes.” He paused and wet his lips before continuing. “I listened in and when they said they were going to kill us all, I attacked.”
Stavin was calmer now and shrugged one shoulder. “The leader hit me with several mage-bolts, but all they did was slow me down a little. When they were all dead, and I made sure by stabbing all four through the heart and beheading them, I went and woke everyone up. The only thing that worked was splashing water in their faces.” He grinned up at her. “Everyone was pretty upset with me until they found out why.”
Lady Sahrana smiled as she said, “I imagine they were. Please continue.”
“We found four amulets with the evilest one’s glyph on them. They were so old and powerful that even wrapped in leather and buried in a cask of salt, they were still able to feed off me and the mule.”
Stavin shook his head sadly. “In Pahlovad, Adept Sharindis used Arandar’s Light to cleanse the amulets,” Stavin paused and whispered the rest, “and then demanded I kill her as payment. She had cast a spell for eternal life upon herself. She was over two hundred years old, and couldn’t die even though time had ravaged her body.” He took another long shuddering breath as he studied the floor.
“At the end of the season I had the amulets melted and remade into amulets for my family.”
Lady Sahrana was silent for a few moments before saying, “You must be a truly extraordinary young man, Prince Stavin, above and beyond everything else I’ve heard about you. That you survived at all is amazing. The Elder Gods can swat aside the magic of a dragon without any effort. That you suffered such contact and weren’t taken over is almost beyond belief.”
Stavin nodded. “I had a lot of nightmares during that time. Dreams of conquest. Dreams of a new empire. Dreams of sacrificing to them. It was horrible, and I spent half of each day in a daze of exhaustion. My mule and I also lost a lot of weight,” he said with a grin, “but we recovered once the amulets were neutralized.”
Lady Sahrana had been nodding slowly as Stavin spoke. “You truly are an extraordinary young man, Prince Stavin. What you just described is why Arandar reacted to you as He did. The Evilest One touched you and left some taint on your soul.”
Stavin was quiet for a moment, then his gaze fell to the floor again as he whispered, “I was afraid of that.”
Lady Sahrana chuckled, startling him into looking up at her again. “If you weren’t afraid of it, it would have consumed you. If, for even one instant, you had welcomed the images in your dreams, you would have been lost, dragon-scale armor and all.” She looked him in the eye again. “If you had been taken by Him, what do you think would have happened when you took up the Sword of Zel’Hallan?”
Stavin was looking at the floor once again as he whispered, “I never would have let it go.”
Lady Sahrana’s smile turned tender as she put a finger under his chin so she could look Stavin in the eye. “I have read your own account of the events leading up to the last time you took up the Sword of Zel’Hallan and received those golden eyes. That you were able and willing to send the sword away is no less remarkable than resisting the Evilest One.”
A butler led Karvik into the room. He gave Stavin a critical look and asked, “Are you all right, Prince Stavin?”
“Yes, Kar, I’m fine. I just said the wrong thing at the wrong time in the wrong place.”
“Imagine that,” Karvik commented sourly.
Lady Sahrana glared at Karvik and snapped, “You should remember your place.”
Stavin grinned as he stepped between them. “Lady Sahrana, this is Major Karvik Kel’Carin. He’s been putting up with me and my antics since our last year in the academy. Most of the stories about me are about him as well. He missed earning his first star on our first expedition by just three kills. He was also at my side, supporting me as much as he could, while I carried those amulets.”
Lady Sahrana’s eyes had widened as Stavin spoke, and she addressed Karvik in a much more controlled tone when she said, “So you’re the one.”
“Lady?” Karvik asked as his head tilted to the side.
“Alric to his Delvan. Landar to his Beldak. In every story of our historical heroes, the true ones at least, there has been someone at his back. One true friend who is always there for him. I had wondered who Prince Stavin’s second was.”
“He saved my life more than once, including the first fight we were in.”
“And you saved mine just as many times,” Karvik replied with a grin.
“We can discuss this later, and please rest assured that we will,” Lady Sahrana said as the two friends grinned. “For now, let me get you settled. I didn’t see any servants, so I’ll have Aran tend to you.” She motioned to the butler who had escorted Karvik.
Stavin nodded to Aran and then turned to Lady Sahrana and bowed. “I thank you for your hospitality, Lady Sahrana. Major Kel’Carin will be posting his men on guard eleven at a time, and I beg your indulgence in this matter.” He grimaced slightly. “King Kalin delivered those orders personally, and I can’t countermand them.”
Lady Sahrana actually chuckled. “I understand, Prince Stavin. I’ve had royal guests before.”
Stavin bowed again, then follow Aran out of the room and up several flights of stairs. On the manor house’s third floor Aran led him to a door guarded by two Aniston guardsmen, and four servants.
Once they had entered the room, Aran turned and bowed to Stavin again. “Prince Stavin, please allow me to introduce my staff. Valet Alan, Valet Orden, apprentice Valet Maldar, and apprentice Valet Dorvan, all of one branch or another of house Fel’Aniston.”
Stavin bowed his head slightly. “I really don’t have that much for you to do,” he said as he looked at them. “My traveling wardrobe consists of just three shirts and pants that I have been mixing and matching.”
Stavin looked at Karvik and said, “Major Kel’Carin, take one of the apprentices to retrieve my saddle bags and lead the guards back up here.” Karvik bowed and tapped Dorvan on the shoulder as he left.
Stavin smiled and said, “Butler Aran, I didn’t mention it to Lady Sahrana, but my men are going to need quarters for the duration of our stay, and I would like to know the status of my wounded men. Will you see to that for me?”
Aran bowed deeply and said, “At once, Prince Stavin,” then left.
Stavin turned to the valets and said, “I guess the first order of business is going to be a bath. Lady Sahrana didn’t say anything, but she only came near me once after we came inside.”
The two valets exchanged a glance, then Orden said, “As you wish, Prince Stavin. Mal, draw a bath. It is my understanding that Prince Stavin prefers very hot baths.” He glanced at Stavin and received a nod of approval. Maldar didn’t need any further instructions and left immediately.
Valet Alan had stepped forward and said, “Let us help you with your armor, Prince Stavin.”
Stavin nodded and stood with his arms slightly raised. Valet Orden joined in and the two of them quickly stripped him to the skin. Orden
paused at one point and caressed one of Stavin’s thigh-guards. He flushed with embarrassment when he saw Stavin watching him, but Stavin just smiled.
“Don’t be embarrassed, Valet Orden. I’ve had people beg me for the honor of touching this armor.”
Valet Orden bowed deeply before replying. “It is indeed an honor, Prince Stavin. This is truly an honor. Your forgiveness,” he murmured as he wiped his eyes. “I never thought to be granted such an honor in my lifetime.”
Stavin smiled at the valet’s reaction. “I’ve never denied anyone who asked, though in truth few have. My valet back in Twin Bridges is just glad he doesn’t have to clean it.” Both Alan and Orden looked at him curiously, so he explained. “Nothing will stick to it, not even pine sap.” He picked up his arm guard. “That’s why my honors are painted on this. The paint won’t stick either. About the only thing that needs to be cleaned is the under padding, but a quick rinse in hot water usually does the trick.” Apprentice Maldar opened the door to the bathing room just then, and Stavin headed toward him. Both valets followed close on his heels. Stavin sighed, but didn’t try to keep the men from doing their jobs as the valets bathed him.
Chapter 4
STAVIN WAS CLEAN AND THE VALETS were discussing which hair style would be most flattering when Karvik returned with Dorvan.
Stavin asked, “Which team did you bring?”
“Mine,” Karvik answered. “That Healer Adept is good. Everyone is completely fit for duty.”
“Good. Dorvan, Maldar, tend to Major Kel’Carin’s bath and hair while Orden and Alan finished mine.”
All four of the valets looked at Stavin, then Alan said, “As you command, Prince Stavin.”
Karvik gave Stavin and arch look, then allowed the servants to help him out of his armor. Stavin grinned as he listened, then led Orden and Alan out into the main suite. Aran met them there.
“We were just about to trim Prince Stavin’s hair,” Orden said as he bowed to his master.
“I will see to that. You see to his boots and Alan, you see to his wardrobe.” Both men bowed and turned to follow his instructions. Turning back toward Stavin, Aran bowed. “Quarters have been arranged for your escort, Prince Stavin. If you will sit here,” he said as he placed his hands on the back of a chair, “I will see to your hair. It doesn’t look like you need more than a quick trim, Your Highness.”
Stavin nodded as he sat. “Prince Farkal’s butler gave me a touch-up before we left Lux.” Aran considered that for a moment, then began trimming Stavin’s hair. “Who do you normally serve, Aran?” Stavin asked.
“I was Lord Alankarah’s butler until he died two winters ago. Since then Lady Sahrana has had me training butlers and valets for her grandsons. Alan and Orden are ready to be promoted to butler, but Mal and Dor have another year or so before they will be ready to be promoted to full valet.” Aran had been trimming as he spoke and now he moved around Stavin one more time, inspecting him carefully. “Yes, I think that will do.”
Stavin was already dressed by the time Karvik emerged from the bathing room. Stavin looked at him and asked, “Did you bring your clothes up?” Karvik nodded yes, so Stavin continued. “Dress uniform for you then. I got the impression that Lady Sahrana has something planned for us.” Stavin looked at Aran and grinned as he asked, “I’m right, aren’t I?”
Aran bowed and replied, “Lady Sahrana indicated that she might be inviting a few members of Clan Zel’Aniston to come visit tonight, Prince Stavin.”
Ten spans later Stavin was being led through a receiving line that held every member of Clan Zel’Aniston who resided close enough to attend. Fully two hundred and thirty men, women, and children were there, and it was fortunate that the weather was warm. The estate garden was completely filled with people, and the walls were lined with servants.
The first person Lady Sahrana introduced Stavin to was her heir. “Prince Stavin, please allow me to introduce my son, Arandar.” A man of about fifty bowed.
Stavin bowed in return. “Lord Arandar, I am pleased to meet you.”
Lord Arandar smiled as he said, “I am honored to meet you, Prince Stavin. Please allow me to introduce my daughter and heir, Mariniva.”
A tall woman with an ageless face stepped forward and bowed. She looked like a younger version of Lady Sahrana, with flaming auburn hair and bright green eyes.
“Prince Stavin,” she said as she looked down into his eyes, “it is--Arandar be blessed.” She paused and stepped back as her hand came up to her mouth. She seemed to be fighting down some reaction, then spoke again. “Forgive me, Prince Stavin. I’ve heard about your eyes, of course, but actually seeing them is quite a shock.”
Stavin smiled and bowed his head slightly. “I understand, Lady Mariniva. It took nearly a year before I stopped being surprised when I looked in a mirror.”
Turning to look at Lady Sahrana, Stavin asked, “Do you name all of your children for the Gods Above?”
Lady Sahrana laughed. “Only the first born, Prince Stavin. That’s confusing enough, but it’s been our family tradition for almost as long as the family has existed. Given our family’s fertility we’d run out of names very quickly.”
Stavin smiled and bowed his head slightly, then turned back to Lady Mariniva. “Please forgive the interruption, Lady Mariniva. My adopted big sister, Marina, and my mother, Marinis, share your name in slightly different forms.”
“Indeed,” her father said. “If you wouldn’t mind, I’m curious about who you were named after, if I’m not being too rude by asking.”
Stavin considered his answer carefully. “I am the third warrior in the Kel’Aniston line to bear the name Stavin. Warleader First Stavin Kaldar Kel’Aniston gave his life during the sixth year after the revolt in Farindia. Colonel Stavin Dashan Kel’Aniston commanded a battalion of Farindian Royal Guards after the Empire fell.” Stavin paused to give Lady Sahrana a lopsided grin. “I don’t know if it’s true, but the legend is that he was named for a place, not a person. The Broken Stave Inn, or Stave Inn, was supposedly where his parents met. He was their thirteenth child.”
Lady Sahrana tittered while both Lord Arandar and Lady Mariniva laughed loudly. Lady Mariniva was smiling broadly at her grandmother as she asked, “Sounds like our family doesn’t it, Nana?”
“Indeed,” Lady Sahrana agreed with a laugh.
Stavin spent the evening meeting Clan Zel’Aniston. He found them to be courteously curious for the most part. There were a few members of the family who got a little aggressive, but Lady Sahrana slapped those individuals down quite thoroughly.
The night passed quickly, and soon the mid night bells were ringing. Lady Sahrana noticed that Stavin was drooping a little and called an end to the festivities.
“Family, friends, and the rest of you scoundrels,” she said loudly, “thank you all for joining us in honoring Prince Stavin’s visit. Now go to bed!”
There was scattered laughter throughout the garden as the revelers began to disperse. Lady Sahrana turned to Stavin and bowed slightly. “Prince Stavin, I bid you a good night as well. I’m planning a late morning meal, so sleep as long as you wish.”
Stavin bowed a little more deeply. “On behalf of all my people, I thank you for your hospitality. Pleasant dreams.” With that he turned away and headed toward his rooms. Karvik was, as always, at his side.
“Gods Above, I’m glad that’s over,” Karvik muttered.
Stavin grunted his agreement. “Nothing like being rousted out of bed before first light and then being kept up past mid night. I was falling asleep standing up toward the end.”
“I noticed,” Karvik replied through a yawn. “So did Lady Sahrana. I think that’s why she sent us to bed.”
When they made it up to the suite they found Varik and his team on watch along with Karvik’s team. “Major Kel’Carin, we relieve you,” Varik said when he saw Karvik.
“We stand relieved,” Karvik replied with a sigh. He patted Stavin’s shoulder and said, “G’night, Stave. I�
��m going to the barracks tonight.”
Stavin said, “G’night, Kar,” and went into the suite.
Aran met him just inside the door. “Let me help you, Prince Stavin.” Stavin nodded through another yawn and let Aran help him out of his clothes. The bed was already turned down and Stavin climbed into it with a sigh. The last thing he saw as sleep embraced him was Varik settling into a chair that he had placed in front of the door.
Stavin drifted up out of a deep sleep and a dream of Shari to find Sergeant Zel’Fordan in the chair across the door. “Good morning. How late is it?”
Sergeant Zel’Fordan chuckled. “Halfway to mid day, Prince Stavin.”
“Oh, Gods Above.” Stavin rolled out of bed and went to the necessary. When he returned, he found Aran and his four assistants waiting.
“What shall we lay out for you Prince Stavin?” Aran asked with a bow.
“The blue shirt and black pants. I think Lady Sahrana is taking me to the temples this morning. Is there anything else I should wear?”
Aran thought for a moment, then examined Stavin’s wardrobe. “No, Prince Stavin, that is probably the best choice. Do you carry any amulets?”
“No. I honor Lady Sahren. As far as I know, there aren’t any amulets associated with her worship. Is it important?”
Aran let a quick smile cross his face. “No, Prince Stavin. The only importance would be to wear them openly if you did. The Gods Above don’t deny the worship of the lesser gods. They just demand that you follow your conscience.”
Stavin nodded and started to get dressed. All five of the servants helped, and it only took a few moments before he was ready to go to the morning meal. As Stavin walked toward the door he heard Aran command, “See to the room and Prince Stavin’s wardrobe,” then he followed Stavin out of the suite.
Sergeant Zel’Fordan and his men formed up around Stavin as he went down the stairs. Stavin followed Aran’s directions to an elegant dining room and found Lady Sahrana and her immediate family still at the table. Everyone rose to their feet and bowed as Stavin entered. Stavin stopped and returned the bow deeply before joining them, taking the seat at Lady Sahrana’s right hand.
Gods Above and Below (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 6) Page 4
