by Liam Carrack
“Yes, at the request of the Lady Llanalla of Gellisarn.” I whispered while checking for eavesdroppers. “As it turns out she is not upset with me, but that is not what I am here about. Have you heard about the Dynaly attempt on the Council Hall yesterday?”
“Yes, of course lad. They are going to try and use it to force through some of those pig-headed laws today. Faddryb thought you were one of their lackeys sent to keep me occupied. Here, sit.”
“I don’t know that I can. You see. Well… I shall give you this from the Lady, but I will want you to hear what I have to say about it before you read it.”
I handed the letter over to him as he shook his head gravely then cocked it to one side to listen to my story. “Day before yesterday, the 43rd, the Lady Llanalla came into my Records room with the paperwork concerning her late Aunt’s estate. She recognized me, and asked me to dine with her at Gellisarn. I didn’t have an opportunity to refuse, and so I opted to get whatever was in store out of the way as soon as possible. She was happy to see me, but she wasn’t the only one there to whom I owed restitution. You see, the Dynaly contingent that tried to gain access to the Guild Council Hall was made up of Lord Fistall, one of his men, three of the Queen’s ladies in waiting, and the now orphaned heir to Dynal. Llanalla was making her way back from the city center, where she had made some purchases, with a delivery boy. He says you will know him. His name is Aahurn.”
“Yes, I know him.”
“Well, Aahurn intercepted Lord Fistall, and was willing to stand and fight with him in the streets. Fortunately, the quick-thinking lady of Gellisarn ushered the entire group into her compound before the authorities could apprehend them. They are still there.” I was pacing as I spoke, and was speaking as softly as I could while scanning the room for peepholes or cracks that I might catch a listener eavesdropping. “She has some very ingenious plans about cleaning up the city, by way of actually helping the Dynaly. I think you will approve, and she has a hearing this morning at the Council Hall. I think you should read this, and then take time out to go see her. As for the Council, I think you should muster as many of the ‘normal, middle-of-the-road’ clerics as possible, and show up to back her in force if you can. Young, old, I don’t think it will matter. The more of you the council sees, the better.”
I stopped then, and stared at him for a moment.
“Oh, is it time for me to read the illustrious lady’s letter?” He smiled then, and carefully broke the seal. He nodded along with all of the parts about orphanages, then his eyes went wide when he realized she was actually donating space to that end. He looked up at me, and then back down at the soft parchment in his hands as I nodded. “You are staying in the shadows?”
“She convinced me to remain so. This way I can make all the necessary changes to documents, and sales transactions, without anyone becoming wise to it. The most amazing part is that who would believe that she would take me, of all people, into her confidence, even you were surprised.”
“She is very confident.”
“Not nearly so confident as that letter implies, I can assure you, but she does mean to see it through. She even has a few contingency plans for herself, and her staff if this should go badly.”
“And you have seen this heir?”
“No, he was asleep by the time I arrived, and I left it that way. I have no interest in screaming babies. She says he is fine and healthy, and her house sage has said he has the Horse in him, which I took to mean he looks like the Queen’s child. The Lady told me that the baby’s caregivers were also the Queen’s ladies, and they have all said that she died in childbed. The Horsemen won’t like to hear that, but I’m sure she can produce them if need be. And Fistall is real enough. I sat through a tense meal with him last night.”
“Do you know what this means, boy? Huh Hah! Bremmer is going to choke when he hears this. I can hardly believe it myself.”
“Bremmer is here?” I was in disbelief. He was supposed to be at the capitol stirring up the right sentiment.
“Got back last night. Can you believe it? I shall go alone though. No need to raise too much suspicion before she has a chance to speak. Her pleas will come right out of nowhere, and they will all be busy preparing their arguments for this afternoon’s debates. They won’t even be there to stop her! The gods are on our side my boy. Divine intervention. I said have faith, didn’t I?” He was practically whooping with excitement, and all the noise had me acting like a cat in a rocking chair show room. He looked like a child in a candy shop, gleeful and exuberant. I was glad of it, but I also wanted to run and hide.
“Well, what are you waiting for? Go on. Git. You have work to do, and so do I.”
I bowed to the man, then turned on my heel, and practically ran out. I was at the Gemstrader’s Guild Hall in the blink of an eye, and several marks before anyone else would be there to bother me. I filed the right papers where they needed to go. I put the others in a hidden cubby until I knew it was safe, then set to getting her a full and complete listing of her estate as it stood now and what it could look like if the worst befell her. I even went so far as to make a list of accounts that she might discreetly, and profitably dispose of without drawing attention. I was just tucking all of this into my satchel, and pulling out the second of those sausage rolls when the first of my assistants arrived. He looked surprised to see me, but said nothing. I smiled at him, and offered him a piece of the roll. He looked at me skeptically, and went to his desk to continue whatever copying he had set himself today.
No one seemed to mark my early arrival, and who would question the boss they avoided generally anyway. All the young men in my department were there for one of two reasons. Either they were being punished, as I had been, with time in the records office, or they hadn’t passed some exams the first time through and were using this as a stop gap until they could satisfy requirements and step into a more exciting role within the Guild. Most took little notice of me after I had explained their duties unless they did something completely out of line, and none wished to get to know me as a person.
For the first time in years I was truly in a good mood. I was happy, thrilled really. I was accomplishing something. I was in the middle of an intrigue that concerned all of Phiriel and Dynal. I was… I was myself. For the first time since I left the battlefield dragging Garvyn, I felt like me. So why was I scared?
Llanalla
Year 482, Phase of the 2nd, Pure and Decayed, 45th day
“Llanalla … up… HERE.”
I only heard half of that. “What, who’s here?” I was still in my under things from yesterday, and I had a few bruises from sleeping on them all night.
“Good, you are already getting dressed.” Scinna had a little tray with a single cup of tea and two toasted cakes, which I assumed were to be this morning’s breakfast.
“No actually, I guess I never finished undressing last night. Is that cleric here already? Damn. Help me out of these will you? I need to bathe before I meet him. I smell a bit.”
“Whew!” she wrinkled up her nose. “More than a bit child. Wash and eat. I’ll stall him with food, or something.”
“Send in Aahurn. They know each other. They can pass the time while I’m dressing. I won’t take long. Is he in the library? Don’t take him through to the office please.” I was nearly shouting that last part as she disappeared out of the room. I unhooked the last stay as I ran for the bath. The water I ran was a little cool for my liking, but better cool than scalding. I was done before I knew it, and pinning back hair I hadn’t washed, was this the third day in a row? I began fighting with my clothes press, and eventually decided on a very formal black dress I hadn’t worn since Garvyn’s death. I must not have gained any weight because it still fit beautifully, and I felt like I needed a little of Garvyn’s strength today. I paused and thought how funny that I should associate it that way. Then was off and running for the library with one cake in, and the other on the way. I brushed the crumbs from my chest, and gathered myself in f
ront of the door before entering.
Aahurn was sitting close to who I assumed must be Raddwyllyn, and the two of them were talking quietly as I entered. They both turned to me and smiled. Aahurn was immediately on his feet, and introducing us formally. He then offered me the seat he had just been using, and excused himself.
“I must see to Lord Fistall. We wouldn’t want him scaring anyone this early in the morning.” His smile was broad as he said it, but I wasn’t so sure.
“Well, well, well my Lady. You do look lovely, if a bit thin this morning, but then you always were a bit waifish weren’t you.”
I smiled at him, but was a bit confused. “Have we met?”
“But of course, dear child. You sat crying on my lap at your grandmother’s funeral when you were a child, and I have kept my eye on you ever since, not that that has been easy, mind. You have been hiding yourself away in here for far too long now.”
“I, oh, I apologize. I should have remembered. Please forgive…”
“There is nothing to forgive child." He took my hand, and patted my arm with a broad and kindly smile. He had smile lines and wrinkles together. I wonder what I should make of that? "Please. Explain this grand scheme of yours to me. Later we can reminisce.”
“What I wish is for your support, and the support of others like you at the Guild Council Hall later this morning. My hope is that I appear to the Guild, and the general public, as a rather naïve young woman who wishes to do good charitable works and clean up the streets. I have been sequestered, and therefore retain the right to be naïve. I hope that I can lead by example, but that my actions will not lend to my being viewed as weak and vulnerable. I can assure you that I am neither, and that I have an escape plan if this goes horribly wrong.”
“That is wise. What you attempt is a very tenuous thing. It could very easily go badly for you if the wrong people make an appearance at your hearing, especially as I have been told that Fistall will be among your company. He is not widely liked, and may cause problems for you. Most importantly, be prepared to answer any question they may put to you. If you appear unsure it will most definitely be seen as weakness.”
“I expect as much. I am not as young or naive as they will think me, and I hope that my sudden interest in the world outside this compound will not garner much notice.
“You should know that there is to be a hearing this afternoon to discuss putting in to action some laws that will lead to an even greater erosion of what security the Dynaly refugees have here. These laws have been on the table for some time as the Council is loathe to tie the hands of so many Guilds, but with yesterday’s misunderstanding…” he spread his hands out before him and sorrow spread across his face.
“Hearing what you have said I hope that those who will truly oppose me will take the time I will use at the council to prepare for the later hearing. If they are not present they can not oppose. And if we can convince the council of the viability of this proposal then they may not have to move forward with these laws at all."
"Hmm. How to make that happen?" He was scratching his chin and staring at his robes as he thought. "I suppose I could let the wrong page run to 'gather our allies' for a pre-hearing meeting just before you are to make your appearance. Perhaps this will lead the opposition to follow suit?"
We sat in conference for little more than an hour before the Celebrant whisked himself off.
Just as I was about to pick myself up, and head back to my rooms for suitable attire, I remembered that I had not spoken with Fistall yet. He'll take the deal. He has to. You're offering a choice, not charity, future wealth, a possible future for his people. He'll do it. He'll do it.
Just as I finished convincing myself, and calming the giddy fear that had overcome me, the door opened and the Man in question entered the room followed by Aahurn. They had their game faces on, the only thing I could detect was that Fistall was in a mildly less foul mood than the day before.
"I hope you don't mind, but I took it upon myself to escort Lord Fistall here once I had been assured that the celebrant had left."
"Oh, no. This is excellent. We have little more than two hours to come to an agreement before we must start for the Council Hall, and I still have to properly attire myself before we go. This is the best, and truly the only, time we have. That said; I don't wish to rush you, or your decision Lord Fistall. If we had more time I would gladly give it you. Please do not feel pressured. It is your choice what I propose, and not charity I push at you. I expect you will negotiate, and have requests of your own. I offer only one alternative I know, so please think it over." As I was speaking young Scuf entered the room quietly, and handed several things to Aahurn. Most were obvious, but there was a missive surreptitiously passed as well. I don't think I would have caught it, save that I was watching the exchange from the corner of my eye.
"I presume that the ladies you promised to this campaign have arrived." I was turning to face Aahurn as I said the last. "And what more do you bring to the party?"
"This is from Gemsman Guild Records Keeper Tobbyrn." He was handing Fistall a tome of pages that I could only assume was the list of laws and regulations of Phiriel. With it was an additional pile of loose pages that I prayed were updates, and the requested local ordinances for the region I hoped Fistall would be headed. "This, is a letter from an "Agitator" here in town, who for the time being wishes to remain nameless, but who is willing to support the plan you propose, attached to which you will find the names of a few "Safe" places along the way out of town should we need to escape quickly." The last he said more to Fistall than to me. "And this is for you to wear today. It is for under your clothing for luck and eloquence. It should be quite comfortable.” I took the last package gingerly. I thought it was a gift with well wishing, but I was instead bowled over by an intense message from the sender. Suddenly I was in a tent, or something surrounded by cloth and hangings, and everything was glowing with reddish light. Before me sat a very elderly woman hunched and wrinkled. She had a kindly face. I expected to hear her wheeze as she talked softly, but instead her words boomed and rebounded loudly around me.
"I WILL BE WITH YOU. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. WHAT YOU ATTEMPT IS WORTHY. YOU ARE WORTHY. YOU WILL NOT FAIL BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT FAIL. TRUST IN YOUSELF, AND ALL WILL BE WELL. DOUBT AND YOUR DOUBTS TAKE ROOT."
She wasn't shouting, pleading, or demanding. She was telling me calmly that I could succeed. A wealth of good wishes, refreshing energy, and self confidence washed over me. Just as suddenly as I was taken I found myself once again seated in my library with Fistall and Aahurn. I don't know how long the message took, but as the two gentleman seemed unaffected I pushed forward with my new energy and confidence.
"I will try not to bore you with all of the details, but essentially what I propose is this: First we will go to the Council Hall today to explain that you are leaving town, the babe is to be placed with its Mother's family as soon as possible, I will begin opening orphanages, run by your women and our clergy, and you will be taking any able bodied Dynaly men in town with you. There is more, there is much more, but essentially that is what the council will hear. Do you have any complaint so far other than that we have not yet secured you a place to go?"
"My concern is not for women and children, save the safety of the heir. That said, I do wish to return their homes and lands to them, but for now I can not think of them. You will think me heartless..."
I raised my hand to stall him here. "I understand that you can focus your attentions in only one direction at a time. I am no fool. Before we begin building walls of our differences let us instead talk about how we can move forward together." Where did that little proverb come from? I don't think I made it up, but I can't say I can name the source either. Aahurn seemed impressed by the words, and Fistall visibly surprised but mollified by them.
"Aahurn will you get the proposal papers for him while I explain the meat of them. They are on the chaise near the north window I believe." He stood nodding, and was walking toward the
door to the office as I resumed. "My proposal in its most simplified form is this. I will lease you land on three conditions. One, you, and all of your people, will abide by Phiraiean Law while you are there. Two, you will begin building permanent housing as soon as you arrive there, you will have all of the able bodied Dynaly men willing to follow with you when you go remember. Three, I retain the exclusive rights to the sale of whatever goods they make to the people of Phiriel." I expected him to blow up at this point, but he sat calmly waiting for me to finish. I might have found this disconcerting, but I was still rushing headlong through my proposal. "The land I propose is," Aahurn was returning, and handed me a map at the precise moment I would have wished it, "here." I pointed to the location on the map. "It is easily defensible due to its location in the mountains. Any advancing army can be seen long before it arrives, marching uphill. You would have few neighbors, and plenty of training ground. At the moment there stands a large hunting Lodge, now out of date, and out of fashion with the people of Phiriel, but quite possibly to your liking. The tenants currently caring for these ancestral lands of mine are probably unaware, or at least uninterested, in the politics of the big cities, and will welcome fresh blood and fresh trade."
"Ah, but all my trade must go through you, Lady." Fistall's expression was still bland, but at least he was listening.
"They are my tenants. If you are trading with them, you are trading with me in a manner of speaking. So long as these transactions are on a small scale I will have no problem with them." I was as open handed and fair as I could be.
He quirked an eyebrow, and acquiesced to look at the map and the lands I proposed. He shifted and straightened the large map, repositioning it on his lap. Ha ha! He is interested! "They are good and worthy lands that I offer. Just because they are out of fashion with the Phiraien upper class does not mean you would not find them agreeable. I am not attempting to pass on second grade goods." If only he would see that I can and do understand his situation, well, theoretically I do.
