The queen's voice was even quieter. "What arrangements?"
"I’m not sure. But one of the hounds at the meeting was a priest of You Know Who."
Goose bumps crowded the queen’s arms and she shivered. She fought the urge to grimace and managed a smile before speaking louder. "What a lovely sunset. I'm so glad I had someone to share it with. Do let me know if your cat doesn't come back. I'm sure we can get you another." Hermas bowed again and when he raised his head Gabrielle was walking away.
Her curiosity was piqued. They had code names for everyone. The person they referred to as Hermas's nephew was Leon; hounds was just another word for his lackeys; and the priest of You Know Who was one of the priests who spread the depraved word of the god, Klar. King Suklar of Inkra, who worshiped Klar, was an unknown quantity at this stage. His kingdom kept its own council and distance from all other countries; one never knew who had their alliance—if indeed anyone could. The cruel way King Suklar treated his subjects was also widely known. The queen had a lot to think about as she made her way to the dining hall.
The king rose as she approached the table. "Hello, my love, did you have a nice afternoon?" The queen wanted to relay the new information to her husband but couldn’t risk anyone hearing. She would have to keep quiet on the subject for now. "Yes, thank you. How were the negotiations?"
"Quite successful is how you would rate them. Wouldn't you agree, Perculus?" The king turned to his advisor, selected for him by his brother. Edmund loved and trusted Leon as a brother, however, he wondered how he could have chosen this idiot as his advisor. Perculus was arrogant, egotistical, and too busy listening to the sound of his own voice to notice what was really going on. His constant fawning in pursuit of favouritism disgusted Edmund. The king preferred no-nonsense people who were intelligent enough to have their own ideas and bold enough to suggest them.
"Ah, yes, my king. Although, I must pronounce, any negotiation you are involved in is successful; for us of course." He looked quite proud of his ability to flatter the king. The king looked at Gabrielle and blew out a loud breath. She shook her head and gave a small smile. The whole routine would be laughable if Gabrielle didn't have her suspicions. She knew the real Leon and what he was capable of. What was his purpose in employing Perculus as King's Aide? She realized her husband could see his advisor’s shortcomings, but did he distrust him enough to keep his secrets to himself?
Verity came around and kissed her mother and father on the cheek. "Where have you been, darling? The food was almost here before you."
"Sorry, Mother. Lisbeth and I were studying Ungar’s Myths and Prophecies, and we lost track of time. My stomach started grumbling and I realised dinner would be ready." Verity had a large appetite for a girl, but as she was tall and loved exercising outdoors, she was healthy and always drew admiring glances.
The food arrived, but Leon was nowhere to be seen. Gabrielle wondered if his absence had anything to do with whatever dirty plan he was concocting. She saw her husband looking around the room until the arrival of his meal grabbed his attention. When they were at Bayerlon Castle the king insisted everyone eat dinner together, as he wanted to maintain a close family. "I find a good negotiation always works up an appetite. I wonder if this beef is from Wyrden? I hear it's tasty and tender, yet rather affordable." He laughed.
Gabrielle looked over at Perculus who was shovelling the food in as fast as he could swallow. He chewed open-mouthed because of a chronic health problem that prevented him from breathing through his nose. He was a tall man, slightly shorter than the king, however his frame was portly. The man was greedy with food and money, his fat belly a testament to his lifestyle. A napkin crudely placed under his double chin was quickly soiled by the negligently handled, part masticated food. The queen stopped watching lest she lose her appetite.
"So, where is the lovely Sarah?" The king also required a distraction from his advisor.
"She's probably making the most of her time with Petro. Apparently he leaves again in a few days."
"Ah, young love. I remember when we were young. The things we used to get up to." Gabrielle giggled at her husband and Verity rolled her eyes.
"Too much information, Dad."
“How do you think you got here?”
“Seriously. I don’t want to know, thanks.” Gabrielle, for the millionth time since her daughter had been born, silently prayed Edmund was her father.
Gabrielle and Edmund had been attracted to each other from the beginning, which was unexpected since their marriage had been arranged. As the years had passed, they had become best friends and were secure in their trust of one another. Gabrielle's decision to keep quiet about what had happened with Leon continued to rob her of sleep. If her husband ever found out, it would break his heart, and if he ever doubted Verity was his daughter, he would never, ever forgive Gabrielle or Leon.
Leon entered the dining hall as Gabrielle was finishing her meal. He bowed to his brother and quickly sat in the space left for him next to Perculus. When one of the young serving girls placed Leon’s plate in front of him, his thankful smile was lewd. The girl rushed back to the kitchens in fright. “I’ll catch up with her later.”
“Must you frighten the staff, brother? The poor girl is only thirteen and not ready for your suggestive advances. In fact, I would appreciate it if you could treat them with some respect. They work hard for us you know.” Edmund had noticed a change in his brother a few months ago, and now his trust in his brother was lessening by the day.
“You do pay them, albeit not much. I would think it part of their job to satisfy the king’s brother: whatever his wish.” Gabrielle sneered in disgust but kept silent. She was careful not to provoke Leon. Her dream was to slice her knife across his depraved throat.
The king, to Gabrielle’s surprise, gave his brother a menacing look. “Do not speak so in front of Verity or the Queen.”
Leon kept a neutral face, hiding his anger at being chastised. “Alright, just to make you happy, I’ll behave.” Leon turned to Perculus. “Why is it that no one can take a joke around here?”
Edmund wasn’t too sure about his brother’s ability to behave where women were concerned. Leon was a very handsome man. Edmund could see the way women looked at him, and what girl didn’t want to marry a prince? He doubted Leon would behave as he had just promised.
Sensing a possible conflict, Gabrielle motioned to Verity and they excused themselves to retire to the queen’s chambers.
“So, Prince, what kept you from joining us at the beginning of dinner?” Edmund used the term as a way of reminding his brother, not only of his responsibilities, but also his place within the family. Edmund may not have seen all Leon’s weaknesses but he was aware of his brother’s yearning to be king rather than prince.
Leon’s face became a careful mask, “I was making last-minute arrangements for a trip I must undertake.” He turned to Perculus. “Please explain to my dear brother what will be happening.” The king ignored the slight and turned to Perculus.
“Ah, well.” He cleared his throat and ran a podgy finger across the inside of his collar. “This morning we received a request from Inkra. King Suklar wishes to meet with Prince Leon to ascertain if he is a suitable match for his first-born daughter.”
Edmund kept the shock from his face. Inkra was not a friend of Veresia; they would have been at war had Suklar thought he was capable of winning. “Why was I not informed of this?” The king loomed over his advisor. Perculus shrank back toward Leon. Perculus’s lank brown hair stuck to his head with nervous sweat.
Leon spoke. “We only received the request this morning, and, as you were busy with other things, I thought it best not to bother you. In fact I thought it would be a nice surprise—since you’re always pushing me to find a wife. So, toward that end, I am diligently making arrangements. I hope to depart the day after tomorrow.” Leon smiled a seemingly genuine smile.
“Dammit, brother. We don’t know much about these people. Do I want someone
from Inkra in my castle, able to spy on us for Suklar? I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that last time we sent a member of this family to Inkra they were killed. Have you thought this through? Obviously not much, since you only received the request this morning.”
“Look, that murder was three hundred years ago. I’m sure all that nastiness is in the past. My plan is to go there and meet the family. If they aren’t worshipers of Klar, I can’t see the problem.”
“Not worshippers of Klar?” Edmund’s voice rose a notch. “Are you an idiot? Of course they are. It’s their national bloody religion.” The king’s patience was stretched to the limit. What the hell was Leon up to? Even he realised it was not any Veresian man’s dream to marry into an Inkran family, let alone the royal one. Edmund wondered how any of the Inkran royal family actually remained, as they were constantly killing each other to improve their position within the royal hierarchy.
Leon adopted a pleading tone that was at odds with the sneer on his face. “Look, it could be a good alliance. We know their mines are heavy with gold, and the waters off their coast produce bountiful fish. You said yourself that we know little about them, so I see this as a good opportunity for me to find out more for you without you actually endangering yourself.”
“That’s what we have spies for. I don’t particularly like the idea of you being in danger, despite your shortcomings. What sort of protection are you planning on taking?”
“My well-trained honour guard, who, incidentally, are better than most of the soldiers in our army. I’m also taking my realmist, who can ensure we’re not attacked by any other means.” Leon folded his arms across his chest, quite pleased with himself.
“Well, since you’ve obviously made up your mind to undertake this dubious trip, I must insist that Pernus and his soldiers accompany you.” He held up his hand to halt his brother’s complaints. “If they don’t go, you don’t go.”
Edmund stood and looked down at Leon. “This conversation is over. Make sure you say goodbye before you leave.” He left the two men. Perculus was almost under the table in his effort to avoid getting caught between the royal brothers. Leon’s clenched fists were white and he was using all his self-control to keep them from slamming violently onto the table. He silently vowed that one day his brother would pay for treating him in such a demeaning fashion. He would never show anger or embarrassment in front of anyone. He took a few calming breaths.
Leon was his usual, cold self when he spoke. “Hmm. Perculus, this is not quite what I had in mind, but I’m already seeing how I can remedy the situation. My brother will be quite unhappy when he hears the bad news.” Perculus managed a half smile. “Make sure you look after things while I’m gone. Or else.” He didn’t have to finish the threat; Perculus knew Leon better than most. His threats were never empty. Perculus rubbed his dry, duplicitous hands together.
“Always, master, always.”
Leon rose from his half-eaten dinner and walked away before Perculus could say any more. Unable to ignore the aroma of roast beef, the king’s advisor turned back to the table and swapped his empty plate with his master’s and proceeded to eat a second dinner.
Two mornings later, Boy, perched high in a tall pine tree, watched the frenzied activities of the people in the main courtyard. Horses were led out to stand in a line. Behind them came four horses harnessed to a gilded carriage, which Leon would use if the weather turned unpleasant. A few donkeys brought up the rear, carrying supplies. A small armed contingent was arranging itself into neat rows outside the main gates of the castle. Leon’s personal bodyguard waited for their leader, whilst the king’s men, led by Pernus, moved a short way down the road.
The king had given Pernus instructions that had surprised the veteran soldier. He had served King Edmund since he was a teenager and was a little older than his king. He knew him well, finding him to be a good king who always listened to the advice of those around him. Times had been peaceful whilst he had served the Laraulens, whom he knew to be a close family. Therefore, the instructions the king had given him concerning this trip were surprising. The king had a new distrust of his brother. Whilst he would not divulge why, Pernus assumed he had a good reason and would act accordingly. Pernus was not used to acting as a spy for his king, but he supposed it was time to broaden his horizons.
Boy watched the preparations with a mixture of sadness at missing out on an adventure, but also relief that he had his own job to do by staying at the castle. Leon had handed him over to the care of Verity, the king’s daughter. She had been quite surprised at acquiring a new lackey, but had promised to take good care of him and teach him some courtly manners. Apparently, Perculus would give Boy instructions when the time was near. So far, doing what he was told had ensured he always had a full belly and somewhere warm to sleep. He intended to continue to please his master.
He could see the prince bidding farewell to the king and queen. Leon mounted whilst trumpets blasted a fanfare that was barely audible from Boy’s perch. The prince sat tall in the saddle, his chest puffed out, as he walked his horse out of the main gate and down the road, past the first and largest houses in the city, gathering his retinue as he went. Some people lined the road to bid their prince goodbye, however the news had not spread far. Once the city learned one of their royal family was departing to meet his potential wife there would be joyous uproar; nothing much had happened lately, good or bad. Opinion might turn to anger when they realised the intended bride resided in the mysterious lands of a distrusted neighbour.
Boy waved an unseen goodbye and silently thanked the gods that Leon and his beatings were disappearing in the distance. Boy started his descent. His first order of the day would be to go to the river and find some frogs to play with. Leon never allowed him time to play and since Verity was his mistress for the time being, and did not require his services until after lunch, he happily jogged away from the castle walls. The young boy didn’t realise it, but he was smiling his first genuine smile since being acquired by the great Prince Leon.
9
The moon hung high in the sky, its narrow crescent emaciated after its recent fullness. Avruellen sighed and let the tension melt out of her shoulders as she sat and stared into the flames. They were less than a day’s walk to Bayerlon, their journey from the farmhouse uneventful. It seemed as if she had been holding her breath for the past few days. Nothing had befallen them, despite her sense of impending danger and Arcon’s warning. And her misgivings about Corrille seemed unfounded—the girl had behaved and even done her share of the chores. The girls joined Avruellen next to the fire after finishing the washing up.
“How much further do we have to walk tomorrow?” Bronwyn asked.
“Until about mid-morning, if I remember correctly. It’s been a while since I’ve been there.”
“You’ve never been there as far as I can remember.”
“That’s what I was saying. It’s been a while.”
“What’s it like? How big is it? Are there many people?”
“Bigger than you can possibly imagine and many more people than you’ve ever seen. In fact, because of the number of people, I find it too crowded for my liking, and it’s very smelly with pollution.”
“What’s pollution?”
Avruellen bobbed her face forward, eyebrows inching towards her hairline. Then she remembered she had never taken her niece anywhere too far from nature. “Pollution is all the mess and rubbish that builds up around big cities. With all those people going to the toilet and throwing away food scraps, not to mention all the industry, such as tanners, it makes it a less-than-pristine place.” The two girls wrinkled their noses, now unsure of how impressive the city would be.
“Don’t worry. There’s still a lot to see. Lots of shops with many wonderful things, dress makers, jewellers, confectioners.”
“That’s sweets isn’t it?” Bronwyn perked up at the possibilities.
“Yes.”
“Well I suppose a little smell is a small pr
ice to pay for all the other stuff.” Both girls were smiling again.
“We won’t have too much time to wander around I’m afraid. There are things I have to do. Sorry to remind you again, but when we’re there it is very important that you listen to everything I say. You must pay close attention to each other, too, because it will be very easy to get separated and lost in the crowds. I don’t have to tell you that if I have to look for either of you, when I find you, you’ll wish you were never born.” Both girls nodded impatiently.
Corrille quietly wished they could leave her friend’s aunt and go to the city by themselves. The woman never stopped telling them what to do and had a bad habit of expecting to be obeyed. How Bronwyn had put up with it her entire life was a mystery. As much as Corrille wanted to rebel, she had to admit to being frightened of the old woman, who was a lot stronger than she looked. It was probably safer for her to go along with what Avruellen wanted. For now, at least.
The girls tossed and turned through the night. Bronwyn dreamed of ladies in beautiful dresses, red, violet, gold, and turquoise. They strutted around the city, attracting the attention of all passers-by, their dainty shoes covered in the pollution her aunt had spoken of—golden shoes sullied by stinking dirt. A gentle mist shrouded everything; nothing was as clear as it should be, and she strained her eyes trying to see. In the dream, she was walking through city streets, not dirt as her village street had been, but cobbled with stones.
She walked ever upward through the main thoroughfare, where houses were little more than crooked pieces of timber barely held together. Poor people spilled out onto the street to talk, their ratty children played in the grimy soil with even rattier dogs and cats that should have been starving, but were not, due to the ample supply of mice and rats. She wasted no time, her muffled steps increasing their speed. She trotted past modest, but tidy, houses, some built with stone. She resisted the urge to sprint to the castle she knew would be at the top of the hill.
Shadows of the Realm (The Circle of Talia) Page 7
