by Liam Carrack
"And the cost for this... "unfashionable" land?"
"Already stated." I pointed to the other paperwork now in his hands. He put both of his feet flat on the floor, and began staring intently down at the hand full of contracts and papers Aahurn had handed him a few moments ago.
"A thirty percent commission?" He looked up quizzically at me.
"If you will look, that rate only applies to Dynaly made product that is, at the moment, unavailable due to the fact the Dynal has been overrun, and is therefore rare and desirable. This would include some of your weaving and lace making techniques, and a few wood inlay styles, much of your pottery is in high demand as well. The commission is only for the first 3 years, and hopefully the prices for such products will stabilize by then. After the first three years I will buy the product from you, then resell at whatever profit I can make on my own. However I will be your only buyer by the stipulations of this contract. Initially this should help you, as you will reap the benefits of over inflated value on the product being offered. Later, if your people wish to move to other locations, and deal with other traders, they may do so. It is only the price of living on that land.”
“I will not take a commission on anything I buy for you. If you will look," I was leaning forward, and turning the page for him. "If this goes through, and I'm not run out of the city, I will be buying supplies and necessities for you through a set of false front businesses that Gemsman Tobbyrn, the loyal friend you met at diner last night, is setting up as we speak. It should allow me to purchase any needed goods without drawing undue attention to myself, and you will not be faced with outrageously over inflated price tags based solely on who you are. If you agree to this, I also suggest you set up small offices in many of the larger cities of Phiriel, and perhaps a few other countries, so that you can be contacted if you truly were serious about leading a mercenary troop." He went red, then white, then closed his eyes and let out a deep sigh.
"You speak logic and sense, and I have not found these traits in many men these days, let alone women. You also speak with the compassion and hospitality I rarely find among the Phiraien. Please” he held up his hands in a gesture of open handed and conciliatory defeat “take neither comment as insult as I mean them as compliments. You are right. The course I spoke of yesterday, however unsavory, is the reality that is now. I am glad my father lies dead. I could not bare to look him in the eye."
"Look not to the past, and what you once had, instead look ahead at what you can win." When did I become the guru of proverbs? This is getting creepy and Fistall is nodding like I'm reciting sage advice. I looked down and realized that my left hand was still tightly clutching what was now a warm, pulsing… something. It was a font of energy and confidence wrapped in white muslin and tied with a crimson ribbon. Oh yeah, the package made me say it. Now I really am going mad!
"Let me read through this pile of laws before I agree. I don't wish to find out tomorrow that there is something in here I can't live with, but can't back out of."
"That is wise. You don't have much time though." I stood to leave as I spoke.
"Yes gracious Lady, but I do not have to make myself look resplendent before we leave. I am ready to go."
Aahurn
Scuf was stumbling into my, well, what should I call this, my apartments? I was still laughing at this situation. These rooms were the nicest I’d been in in years. What a sobering thought, though shedding tears for a lost life is as pointless as anything. I have my hide and a chance. A better chance than I ever thought to get in these times. This mad scheme could work. Even thinking that it might not was tantamount to sabotage. This is going to work. It HAS to! Fistall is going to agree to this even if I have to hold him at knifepoint to do it! That beautiful lady might not want his acceptance under duress, but by all that is sacred, if that is what it takes, that’s what I’m prepared to do!
Now thoughts of this compound’s Lady, though not unwanted, are not going to help get me OUT of bed. I pushed myself up and out of this luxurious four post monstrosity. As I did so I attempted to echo that action in my thoughts, pushing images of her away, and locking them away for later contemplation.
“What is it Scuf?’
“That… Lady” the grimace on his face was as comically overstated as any mummer’s apprentice would affect. His thumb motioned to the hallway outside these most lovely rooms, “would like you to attend to a guest in some front room.” He was still rubbing the sleep from his eyes. It was probably some of the best sleep the child had ever had regardless of the fact that it was taken on a fold out pallet. At this time yesterday I would have been happy to have a fold out pallet myself, come to think of it.
“Is she still standing attendance waiting a reply?”
“No. She woke me with a shove. Gave me my instructions for you, and left again. Snooty old bi…”
“Do not malign the people in this place Scuf. Though they may not all be acting of their own will, but they are offering our people far more than we are likely to ever see again. And they have no doubt been working steadily through the night, and are quite tired.” I was startled to hear the same imperious tone that my father had so frequently used on me in my youth issuing from my throat. Scuf looked sufficiently cowed by it, and was now intently studying either the floor, or the socks on his feet that were curiously devoid of holes. I didn’t know which.
“Did she say who this guest was?” I had stood and crossed to the clothespress as I asked.
“Some exalted `Celebrant’ I believe.”
I noted that the sarcasm had not left his voice, but I had not expected that he would truly leave off his dislike of my Lady’s maid. Hmm, your lady huh? When had I become so possessive?
“I need you to go, and collect those things we will need down in low town. And be careful not to be so very obvious upon your return. We don’t want to draw attention to ourselves,” Scuf was nodding his yah, yah, yahs, “this is all a clandestine adventure as yet. Then stop by the Gemstrader’s Guild Hall and pick up whatever Records Keeper Tobbyrn has prepared for the Lady.” He was gone out the door before I had finished, and I had to laugh at myself over it. As I stumbled into a very polished looking suit I could hear Scuf cursing his feet into his boots. He must have fallen over a couple of times in the process, or at least that’s what it sounded like. He was, however gone and the pallet hidden by the time I skidded through the antechamber of my rooms and out into the corridor.
I gave little thought to his progress outside of this compound as I raced down corridors still pulling on my jacket, the things they had left for me were actually quite beautifully embroidered pieces. They had all materialized in “my” rooms while I was busy attending the Lady and Byrn last night. They fit as if they had been made for me, though in my former life when such clothes had been my everyday vestments I would never had been slight enough to fit these. Perhaps they were Garvyn’s when he was still just a young man. He will always be a Young man. He died little more than a child. No matter what age the Dynal or the Phiraen people set as the age of manhood the cockiness of youth deluded us, we were all just children.
I was outside the door to the library that I hoped held our priestly guest more quickly than I expected. I wiped a tear for the loss of my friend, straitened, and entered with a low bow that would give me time to assess my opponent, and the situation, before actually having to engage him. Even after all that talk of contacting Raddwyllyn I wasn’t sure who I would be facing.
As luck would have it I beheld not an opponent, but my ally Raddwyllyn himself. The relief that spread across my face must have been apparent as he chuckled.
“Who were you expecting my boy? Though I have to admit I was not expecting to see you here, and in such finery. It suits you. I barely recognize you. Truth to tell, if the Lady Scinna had not told me who would be stalling for her Ladyship I would not have known you. Though his Lordship Tobbyrn did tell me that you had found your way into the Lady Llanalla’s service I had thought you would be gone
back to your own roost by now.” I had to shift under his scrutiny, and realized that I should appear uncomfortable in these vestments if I was truly the man he thought me to be.
“Well, my boy. What do you think of all of this? Is this not what we have hoped for?” His eyes were lit up and he grinned at me in a most childlike way.
“Oh, my dear friend, I could not have hoped for the like. You, I am sure, have not yet heard the whole of it. There is truly more to tell, more than could be believed. This one woman has somehow managed to work out a plan that just may save my people. I am amazed by her brilliance, and her generosity. I did not know that such a person existed as a member of either of our respective peoples.”
“I believe it is her inexperience in life at court, or indeed the real world that may account for much of it, though you sound a bit overawed my boy. Are you sure you have not fallen head over heals for our young Lady?” The mirth in his voice still carried the bite of truth, and as I made to answer, in rebuttal or acquiescence, the very Lady made her entrance, and I was spared.
I stood, bowed to her, made introductions, and made my escape still feeling the hot blush that spread across the back of my neck, and the tightness of my pants. A splash of cold water, and the daunting tasks ahead sobered and cooled my head as I made my way to the kitchens to beg a quick meal. I needed to ascertain if our feisty young Dynaly women had arrived, and if so, how they were faring.
As I approached I overheard a giggle and much commotion coming from the kitchen. When I entered I was amazed to find that chaos had enveloped the once tidy space.
“Wah?” I looked around slowly taking in the baskets, boxes, and such that littered every available space. Llanalla had said that she would be ready to flee with her household if it was needful, and it appeared that she hadn’t been bluffing.
“Don’t just stand there gobbing boy. Eat up, and take that slug-a-bed Lord something. We’re too busy to have you in the way just now.” The cook, and obvious matron of this portion of the compound, was motioning with a large wooden spoon to a silver platter with some still warm buns piled high on it. I picked up the platter ready to carry it off to Fistall, but before I shoved one of the sticky looking pastries in my mouth I turned again.
“If you don’t mind, are the ladies we sent for here?” shoving my mouth full with the delicious confection almost before I had the words out.
From behind me another giggle erupted as one of the younger maids of the house shoved along beside me. I turned to maneuver as best I could in the cramped space available. She was burdened with a basket full of, well, I can’t be certain, but it was white cloth on top.
“They just arrived. I imagine they’re doin’ just dandy at the moment. Splashin’ `bout like wee snippets never seen a bathing house afore.” Belatedly I realized that this was one of the ladies that had come with Fistall and the child King, and not one of this household’s ordinary staff members. Trundling after her was another of the three women who had braved the path to this city with Fistall. She also bore with her a large basket filled to the brim, but this time the contents were more colorful. Though what they contained I could not ascertain.
“Capering about like fools is more like.” She grunted to the woman in front.
“Nah, don’t be too ‘ard on ‘em. I bet they never seen the like afore, I know I ‘and’t when first I stepped in ‘ere wi’ you girls last night. Besides, they ‘ave a job this morning don’t they too? Don’t think I want to stand afore all ‘em ‘igh falutten types in a court ‘o law. And I know as you wouldn’t look too ‘appy if they asked you neither. So, why not let ‘em ‘ave a bit of fun now, ‘eh?”
The conversation continued, but by then I was in the hall heading down to Fistall’s rooms, while they were moving to the other end of the kitchen. I was chuckling to myself, and wondering if perhaps we had six women suited to stand before the council. Perhaps half of Fistall’s temper yesterday had been over having to ‘deal with’ such ‘unruly’ women. I was amused despite myself.
I sauntered back down the hall that led to the rooms the gracious Lady had granted, and stopped before Fistall’s door. All was quiet, and I knocked softly before entering. Fistall was already dressed and staring out the window at the legend himself going through his morning practices.
“I wish I could join him.” Fistall sounded almost wistful, like a young man again. It took me off guard in a most disconcerting way. This was not the words of the harsh battle tried warrior I had known in my youth.
“Why don’t you?” I sat unceremoniously on the window seat beside him, though I faced into the room with my back to the fascinating maneuvers going on out in the yard.
“And then how would I be ready in time to join the young lady on our foray to her Council Hall?” He too turned his back on the scene with a sigh of resignation and an undisguised hint of contempt for the way things must be in this foreign land.
“Perhaps you are correct. Breakfast?” I sighed as well, as a conciliatory gesture, and held out the platter from which I gracelessly grabbed another bun. “They are really quite delicious, and if this is what passed for everyday fare in this household I will be loath to leave it.”
He looked down at the incongruously plain buns and ornate silver platter.
“They are packing everything for a quick get away. I think the fancy stuff will be left behind, so it appears that the ornamental will be the norm of the day. It really is quite practical if you think about it.” While I said this his hand reached out and selected a bun which he sniffed hesitantly first.
“Quite goob really,” was all I could get out around the bite in my mouth. I swiftly shoved the rest of the bun into my mouth for good measure.
“She is really that worried about the outcome of this meeting?” He took a tentative first bite.
“I don’t think so, but it is sound strategy you must admit.” He looked down at the bun in surprise while nodding his ascent to me.
“Delicious.” He grabbed a second while polishing off the first that he had been so dubious of.
“Why do you think I was greedily stuffing my face while you looked down your nose at them? After your appetite last night I was worried there wouldn’t be any left for me once you got your hands on them.”
He was laughing now, and I was relieved to see his bravado shining through. That headstrong cockiness had stood him in good stead in Dynal, but caused for difficulties when dealing with the Phiriean people. He would never acclimate to this way of life, and I was very glad that the Lady had found him some other place to be for the time being. These people would overlook those qualities when the inevitable war erupted around them though, I was sure. They would follow him like cowed puppies the moment the reality of war reared its ugly head in their direction.
“Eat up. I’ll be back in a moment.” I stood and let myself out as Fistall made short work of a few more buns.
I had intended to see Raddwyllyn out, and then return for Fistall, but as luck would have it I only caught a glimpse of his back as he was led out by the Housemistress Scinna. I doubled back and collected Fistall immediately.
“I am here to guide you to your diplomatic meeting with our Host.” I smiled as I said it and made a flourishing bow to him. When I stood again I was all business and he could see that my next words would be most earnest. “She has much to put to you, and you will need to be prepared for compromise. Don’t forget that it is her wish to help, not hinder.” I was admonishing him in a most indecorous manner, but it looked as though he was taking it to heart.
We walked down the corridor, and I opened the door for Fistall just as the Lady looked to stand. She seemed taken aback at our arrival, but only for an instant. A serenity I was beginning to associate with her settled back over her features, and she smiled a welcome.
"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."
She launched right into business, but as soon as I sat dow
n Scuf attempted a surreptitious entrance. He failed miserably. For a boy who could get into and out of all sorts of places with no one the wiser I would have expected better, but… what can you do? He was slick in his passage of Mennia’s note though. Along with it, and the things Tobbyrn had sent, was some information for the Lady about the Dynaly women who would make up our envoy. Mennia had also sent a list of those interested in helping out if all went well. There was also a strange small, but heavy muslin wrapped gift for Lady Llanalla. The note attached said it was a talisman for luck and eloquence. As I sifted through the paperwork that had come in with the names of women to help I noticed that there was a roster of men’s names as well. Those laborers, craftsmen, and displaced fighters who had wound up on Phiraien streets were being organized for departure it seemed. We had all known that someday we would have to make a mass exodus from this city, either when attack came from the forces that had driven us from our homes, or when the locals decided they’d had enough, and some of us had had the presence of mind to begin organizing months ago, but I had no idea that we were this prepared. I was astonished and relieved. This would go smoother than anyone might anticipate. It looked as though many didn’t think we had much of a chance though. Some of these plans for “retreat” would definitely be used in the worse case scenario, if need be, and I hoped they would not be needed. Mennia’s note would have to wait for later though. All this sifting took but a moment and I heard the Lady Llanalla ask, “I presume that the ladies you promised to this campaign have arrived?” She looked at the pile of things in my lap and cocked an eyebrow while quirking a smile. “And what more do you bring to the party?”
I handed the law roles to Fistall. “This is from Gemsman Guild Records Keeper Tobbyrn.” He didn’t even look at them. “This,” I teased out a sheaf of papers from the pile, “is a letter from an agitator here in town.” I went on about it, but was increasingly more curious about the ‘talisman’ in my hands. I flourished the unassuming bundle and pushed it toward her, though I itched to unwrap it myself. “And this last is for you to wear today. It is for under your clothing for luck and eloquence.” I said more, but her quiet and careful reaction as she took it was fascinating, and I wished in that moment that it had been a gift from me. Her eyes appeared to glaze over for an instant, and then she took on the look of hardened steel and unbridled glee that she had displayed when divulging her plans to Tobbyrn and myself last night.
