The man's face turned white with fear before the enraged immortal. With a cry of pure terror, the officer turned to flee, but Gerid was much quicker. One hand lanced out to nearly crush the bones of the man's shoulder. Then the man screamed out in agony as Gerid squeezed even harder. The crunching of bone breaking could be heard just before the hapless soldier was hurled high over the railing.
Soldiers and sailors alike watched as the officer flew helplessly through the air still screaming with pain. The man landed with a tremendous slap as he hit the water. The flight had ended nearly fifty feet from the side of the malas.
Gerid, meanwhile, was unable to remove the dagger from his back and motioned for one of his soldiers to remove the blade. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth as the pain increased before the dagger was freed.
Upon opening his eyes, he saw the admiral still looking up at him in total disbelief. "The rumors were true," the elder officer gasped. "You are an unkillable demon."
"Half right," he replied picking up the man by his shirt and lifting him to nearly eye level easily. "I haven't officially been contacted, but I like to believe that I am on the gods' side, actually. Either way, I do have the ability to not die, so I would caution you against trying anymore heroics. It is an awful long way to swim to land that is if the sharks and sea serpents don't eat you first."
Leaving the rest of the clean up to a lieutenant from the Death Stalker, Gerid pointedly ignored any possible replies from the admiral. Leaping across to the tethered Death Stalker, he quickly found the captain of the vessel. "Captain Paras, how goes the battle?"
"It's pretty much over with already, commander," the one-eyed captain replied from behind his thick gray beard.
"Already?"
"Yes, sir. The tseulties captured a klereon and occupied a scereon long enough for our reinforcements to quickly end that match. A second scereon gave up without a fight as Dragon and her mates quickly overtook her. The klereon that the Vengeance chased was so beaten down from her battle that only a few waves of arrows were needed to cause her surrender as well. We only missed one klereon. She's running at full speed towards the north. Should I send a message to pursue?"
"No, the Vengeance is the only one near enough to catch her and that would give them the upper hand. I think that we'll have to be satisfied with what we have and I think we can all agree that it is a good haul. I'll have you know, Paras, that we just decimated the Klosten navy's fifth fleet. It's only fair that we leave them one ship to let their king know, don't you think?" he finished with a chuckle.
The older man smiled changing the lines of his beard oddly. "That is good news, commander!"
Gerid switched from his gloating back to business, "How many men does Lieutenant Ramosh have with him aboard the malas?"
"Seventy, sir."
"Good have the men cast off. We'll go meet the flagship of the tseulty fleet and find out what we can of the situation. Signal the Raven and Emerald to assist the Vengeance and prepare that new klereon for sail. Quickly, captain. We do still have a mission to fulfill for the king, after all."
"Of course, commander," Paras replied with a salute and quickly issued the orders.
Gerid went into the prow of the ship then and looked about him at the surrounding vessels. He smiled happily. The addition of the malas and the others he would claim would certainly strengthen his resources once they were properly crewed and refitted. Now it was just a matter of convincing the tseulty commander of what belonged to him.
As he boarded the tseulty flagship, Gerid found himself facing the second admiral of the day. Admiral Koort of the Third Fleet was a weathered man sprouting a pair of long mustaches beneath his prominent nose. The man was still flanked by four of his officers even after he and Gerid had retired to the man's comfortable cabin. The giant had brought only himself since he could fight off anything the tseulty admiral could bring now should the admiral prove untrustworthy.
Gerid also knew that a signal from him could be given, if need be, but such a battle would have to result in the deaths of every tseultian for fear of such an act bringing war between the two countries. The commander knew that his cannons and significant manpower could do just that if things got out of hand. He hoped that would not happen.
He could see the distrust in the eyes of the men around him. Their bodies were taut with their wariness in their blue and silver traced uniforms, but Gerid sat calmly and comfortably in his soft leather chair. Sipping a cup of tea provided him, the commander simply let things progress naturally. When the subject of spoils came up, there was the dispute that he knew was inevitable after such a battle. The admiral felt that he had earned all the spoils including the malas.
"Commander Aramathea," he began politely enough, "we thank you for your assistance against the Klosten armada."
"I assure you, admiral, that it was my pleasure. In fact, since my fleet has business at your capitol, perhaps, considering your losses, you would allow us to escort you to a safe port?"
The older man's face brightened for the first time since Gerid had come aboard. "That is exceedingly generous of you, commander. It will indeed be a bit of a struggle to bring home all these ships. If you would allow a few of your men to help out with the sailing, it would be appreciated."
Gerid asked politely even as he waited to see the extent of the man's greed that would manifest itself. Unfortunately, Gerid wasn't surprised by the answer.
"Well, let's see," Koort began counting on his fingers. "We lost a klereon so that leaves our original fleet with only four vessels: two klereons, a scereon and a carveon. Now we have the captured klereons and scereons and, of course, the malas..."
Gerid smiled and forced himself to contain his laughter at the admiral's ludicrous belief that everything should naturally belong to him. He would not let the anger, which would have been easy enough to let engulf him at the effrontery, overtake him. Calmly, the commander interrupted and awaited their reactions to his beliefs, "Your fleet captured a klereon and, with my ships' help, a scereon. I give you the scereon as a gift since your men fought well, except for the captain of the carveon which we watched turn tail."
"You give us these?" the admiral replied grumpily. "But we fought them first."
"... and would have lost, if not for my arrival, admiral. I had thought about waiting to see who would have won, but considered it my duty to help the allies of my king." He let the impact of his words rest on each one of the men and continued, "I would have thought that having lost only a single ship and maybe half your men was the option that you would prefer. Was I wrong to save you from defeat, admiral? I sincerely hope not. I would rather have you as an ally than an enemy.
"I think that my offer is quite fair. I do not ask to split any treasures you may have found aboard and you may have half their men to sell at the markets. With that kind of money, perhaps you can buy yourself a larger ship at port. What do you say to my offer?"
One of the officers started to snarl and reach for his sword. The admiral pointed at the man angrily. "Restrain him, captains," he ordered the others. Chidingly the admiral added to the confined man, "Now you show your backbone, Chalmer. The commander was right about your cowardly captaincy of the Gorloi, so settle down. You have already jeopardized your career, so don't push me any further." The admiral turned back to Gerid calmly and nodded, "I accept your proposal, sir. It is quite fair, but you couldn't blame an old sea dog like myself for trying, eh?" he laughed cheerily. Reaching out a hand, Gerid returned a quick handshake settling the matter.
"Quite all right, admiral. I have my men working on the damage to the ships that we have taken. If you want, I believe that we can even salvage the burned klereon enough to make it worthwhile towing. If you still want our escort to the nearest port, my help is still extended to you."
Gerid stood and Koort mirrored his action. "Extended and taken, commander. With your help, maybe our fleets can be underway before dark."
Setting down his cup on the desk, Gerid sho
ok the man's hand once again and took his leave. He was pleased with the amicable division of the Klosten fleet, so it was with a light heart that he parted from the Admiral Teraid.
Chapter 27- A Thorn in the Side
The soft rays of an early morning sun awoke Alyanna and for once she felt refreshed. Merrick had left to tend his army days ago with the coming of spring to the north. The gargoyles were almost all gone along with all the soldiers except for the thousand man garrison of Hala. The woman looked out her window overlooking the southern parts of the city, but looking beyond it she could see the beginnings of farmlands in the still hazy light.
It wasn't these things that had made her feel so good this morning, but rather a decision she had made during the night. The decision leaned towards mischief. Mischief aimed directly at the destruction of Merrick's reputation. Alyanna knew that there were risks and limits that would bring destruction upon her person and her family if she pushed too far past them. Her father’s disappearance was a clear sign of Merrick’s capabilities, even if no one could prove he had anything to do with it.
The woman smiled, the first such expression in months that she meant. Hugging the silky material of her nightgown close to her body for one last bit of warmth, Alyanna then slipped the cloth from her body. Moving to her makeup stand, the woman worked to make her face as attractive as she ever had before.
The queen looked at her upper body in the reflective surface of the mirror and contemplated her decision once again. Going through with her idea meant humiliation for herself that the young woman was unsure that she was willing to go through even to spite Merrick. A thick, golden necklace studded with emeralds was draped around her slender neck and fastened. A pair of earrings of the same stone was placed on her ear lobes. Her hair was brushed out and glistening with the light on her blonde tresses.
The woman went to her wardrobe next. This was her last chance to waver on what seemed a ridiculous protest to a man who was no longer there, but at war. She removed a slender golden belt from a rack. It had an emerald upon the small clasp. Alyanna nearly laughed. No one would remember if her jewelry matched on this day actually, she thought.
A soft knock on the door signaled the morning's return of her maids. Three women of noble birth or marriage strode into the room. The first gasped at the sight of the queen and stated the obvious, "My queen, you're not dressed yet."
Alyanna shrugged and moved past the bed and nearer the window. Her maid, the Lady Belit, moved as if to block her from the light. The queen ignored her and stepped closer to the window. Trying not to show her nervousness, she answered, "One day Merrick and I had an argument about my needs. I told him that I needed nothing from him." The woman couldn't help but take a deep breath to steady her resolve. "I have decided to prove that I have not lied. I will wear no clothes today."
The women were shocked. Lady Ploreath looked near to fainting from the very thought. Lady Olna was the eldest and strongest of the three. She had been handpicked by Merrick himself to deal with his willful wife and the matron did not intend to prove herself incapable. She quickly said, "My queen that would be improper. You can't have the common folk seeing you so. Come away from the window and we'll find a proper dress for you. Please, come on."
Alyanna stepped to the window and let the morning light catch on her bosom. She knew that, if anyone should look up now, her breasts would be in full view. The thought made her shiver disgustedly at herself, but it was time to push the limits some more. "No, Olna, I wish to do this for Merrick today."
"What!" the lady exclaimed and tried to recover her composure. "How would this be for the High King, my queen?"
Alyanna smiled to herself a moment before turning to face the women calmly, "He married me to show me off to his kingdom. It is time to display to the kingdom the trophy that he owns."
"My queen, don't be silly," Lady Belit chided, but stopped as Alyanna glared at the woman.
"It wouldn't be right," Ploreath tried. Again Alyanna pretended to be angry, though the queen wished that she could be swayed.
Finally, Lady Olna gave another attempt, "How would it look for a queen to walk amongst her people naked when others are dressed?"
Alyanna pretended to consider her words. They were the ones she had hoped to hear actually. "You are right," she nodded. "It would be improper for the queen to be the only one walking the castle bare. I think that you ladies should join me as I tend to my duties." Alyanna snaked her fingers into the fold of Ploreath's gown and began to tug it free.
"My queen, no!" the maid squealed and retreated from the woman she now considered mad.
Alyanna turned angry again, "You dare question me, your queen? You said it yourself, Olna. If I walk amongst the people this way, then surely my maids must not be considered greater than I?"
The queen started for Belit snapping her fingers and pointing to the floor where the gown should fall. The older woman retreated from her as well. "Lady Olna?" she asked fearfully.
Olna took Alyanna's wrist firmly and ordered, "Enough of these games, girl. Get dressed and stop picking on these women who are here to help you."
Alyanna turned on her with all the regal fury she could muster, "Who are you to order me? Am I not the queen? I do not remember you wearing Merrick's ring or being called to his bed. You do not sit beside him as his wife. You dare order me, Olna? Perhaps I should order in the guards and have you killed? Then we shall see who is queen!"
The older women’s face drained of color at the threat and she turned on her heel in a fright. The three women all turned and ran like frighten hens before the impassioned queen. No one wanted such a fate and they all knew that the guards would obey such an order despite the queen's fragile power. They were only women, even if their husbands were lords, in Merrick's empire they would be replaceable and so the guards would follow the woman who was queen.
The door crashed against the wall as the women fled the room. Alyanna stepped to the door half chasing them for fun. The first guard’s eyes went wide with surprise a moment before he could recover. Taking a deep breath, Alyanna stepped past him closing the door behind her. The man looked ready to say that she shouldn't be outside of her room, but the naked beauty cut him off first. "Where is Vizier Krulir, Aban?"
"I..." he began in confusion.
The other guard, Laith, stated solemnly, "Most likely in his quarters yet, my queen. Should I send him a message?"
The woman turned to him and leaned her chin onto a supportive hand as if in thought. He was getting a full view of her entire body and not bothering to bat an eye. Alyanna was a little let down. Most men couldn't even keep from ogling her fully dressed. She dismissed the thought and stuck to her plan. "No, I think that I shall go to him myself."
As the woman stepped in the direction of the vizier's rooms, Aban cleared his throat and asked, "Shouldn't you dress first, my queen?"
She turned to look at him and stated, "No. It's my castle, so I will dress how I feel."
"Then we should go with you, my queen," Laith stated. "We are your guards."
Alyanna nodded and strode forward as casually as she could pretend. Inside, the queen trembled like a little girl and felt as if hundreds of eyes were trained upon her naked form. Strangely, it felt little worse than when Merrick paraded her before his lords and officers fully dressed. She took another deep breath and tried to settle down.
Krulir sat at his desk to one side of his entry room. The spacious chamber was one of only five like it available in the entire castle. The vizier had been glad to get the room when he had attained his position. The room had become both a place to welcome visitors as well as a place to work on that which remained from the day.
The desk was built to suit his needs and was unique to Krulir alone. With several rows of pigeon holes for scrolls and important documents above and a large table top for his writing and spreading out of papers, it was only the half of its abilities. Drawers with false bottoms or backs were filled with odds and ends while the mos
t important of Krulir's papers were hidden from all but his knowledge. Even his most trusted servants like Alia and Okostre, had never caught him hiding his most important documents. The vizier was cautious to make sure of that, since there were secrets that could end his career and more than likely his life as well. Krulir had survived a long time living like this. The potential power hidden in the words therein could probably even drive Merrick from the throne should the need arise. All he had to do was bide his time and watch everyone around him. Staying cautiously away from the controversial had given him a long and rewarding life. He just wanted things to continue on as planned.
The knock on his door early that morning had the potential to end his plans of a quiet life. Serra went to the door at Alia's order. Krulir was too enrapt to answer his own calls and too proud to bother. A loud gasp from the servant girl served to disrupt his usual pattern of waiting for an introduction.
Serra's voice stammered out worriedly, "Y-y-yes, my queen?"
The vizier slid his wooden chair back with a sigh. Standing, Krulir turned to see what annoyances could have brought the young queen to visit him. Seeing Serra fall back from the entering guard, he knew the man to be the queen's man, Laith.
The rudeness of the man's barging in was about to be expressed when the glorious form of the bejeweled queen entered immediately behind him. His own gasp of shock echoed the servant girl's as he could not believe that the queen would walk the castle all but nude. The gold and emerald adornments of her jewelry couldn't even begin to mask her nudity. In fact, the placement of the belt and necklace, the arm and wrist bracelets of gold, seemed to actually enhance the point.
Krulir's mouth went dry. Though quite out of place and improper, he doubted that any man could look upon such beauty unmoved. Quickly closing his still opened mouth, the vizier awaited the reason for the queen's dramatic actions.
The High King: A Tale of Alus Page 27
