Now the women had remained in the city for nearly three weeks. They still roamed the castle though they were more covered with their scarves than they had been. His sources had noted the maidens running errands, but they had always done that to a point for the queen. Still there was something going on, Krulir could feel it.
His maid Serra seemed to go with the captain of Alyanna’s guards quite often. The two had even been seen leaving the walls of the city on occasion.
Half growling, the vizier had Okostre go get a man that was one of his best spies. Though he acted a mere clerk, if there was something going on he would find out. If there was a plot by the queen against Merrick, the vizier would make sure that the girl would get the punishment she deserved even if it meant her death.
Simon arrived in Alistaire aboard the Vengeance well ahead of the main fleet. His mission was to make contact with both the resistance in Marshalla and Alyanna in Hala. The fleet was figured to arrive within ten days.
He stopped briefly to greet his friend Cardy and have the old man send messengers for him to Cadmene and ahead to the contact in Hala that would get the message to the queen while he prepared the resistance forces.
The ride to Casmus went by quickly. With only two guards to ride with him, Simon could move quickly. When he arrived at the White Horse Inn, the young man felt a bit of the emotion he had felt that night long ago. It had changed their lives beyond any comprehension at that time.
Entering the Inn, Stephen’s grin at seeing him was from ear to ear. “Simon!” he exclaimed joyously. “It seems so long since I’ve seen you.”
Simon had met the inn keeper after sending a messenger when he had come back to Marshalla. Meeting in Bearden to try and prevent notice by any that Merrick might have on the lookout for disgruntled men, the two men had met and discussed plans. The resistance remained, but it had gone underground soon after the Aramatheas’ had been forced to run. Every pocket had someone who knew two other pockets’ leaders. Only Stephen knew most of the leaders and he had sent word immediately to begin to rouse his people.
The two men exchange brotherly hugs and handshakes. “Hello, Stephen, are we ready?”
Gesturing for Simon to follow him inside, Stephen replied, “They will begin traveling from the furthest reaches tomorrow. Each group has it’s set day to travel so that it won’t become readily apparent that any real numbers are heading there until they meet up.
“It’s probably more secrecy than is needed, but it’s hard to tell if Merrick has a spy set until it’s too late. We lost a couple cells over the years, however, so I’d rather be more safe than sorry.”
“Once the fleet arrives, your men will have a big distraction for the army to notice,” added Simon as he concurred. “It will be impossible to hide that many men and ships. We could try spreading them out, but we figure the quickest route is the smartest way to do this. If we get the help we think we will, then a quick strike will cause the right pain for Merrick.”
With a sigh, Stephen replied, “I hope you are right. I can’t imagine that you aren’t about this. There is no way Merrick or his generals could possibly see this coming and, as far into Maris as they are, I sincerely doubt they can respond to the threat in time to prevent the capture.”
The two men moved to Stephen’s study and closed the door. They concentrated on avoiding specific names and places even though there was unlikely to be anyone in the inn that could be a spy. Even if there were no spies, idle talk in front of a gossipy patron could certainly ruin things if their talk got to the wrong ears.
Spending the evening in last minute planning and then just idle chit chat over dinner, Simon stayed the night and, by morning’s sunrise, he and his guardsmen were riding once more. The north and Hala drew the man like a moth to a flame.
Nine days. It would truly start in just nine days.
Chapter 45-Invasion
Three days. Three days until landfall and Gerid found himself pacing the deck with pent up energy. Taking the spyglass out once more, he let the magnified view search the waters around him. More than sixty ships cut through the ocean. The winds had been favorable as they had hoped for this time of year. They were so good that the commander guessed they were a bit ahead of schedule. That was why the time table had been set the way it was.
Plans were in motion from all sides. His fleet was just one part of the web needed to secure their goals.
“Carnal gull, sir!” the lookout cried out from above.
He smiled. Panning the spyglass in the direction from which the bird had come, Gerid could just make out the dark dots of sails. The second strand was pulling together, the commander thought. The remainder of the pirate assistance had found them and was right on schedule.
Security at the gates of Hala was strict for those not readily known to the guards. Simon had to present his official seal as ambassador of Rhearden. He was still grateful to Princess Allisand and her aides that had drawn up the seal for him. His hoped for payback of finding a cure for the king was still in progress. Simon had dispatched numerous spies from merchants and apothecaries throughout Rhearden and its neighbors in the hopes of finding the source and a cure.
“Ambassador of Rhearden?” the sergeant queried in surprise. This was the leader of the tower and he had been called down by the first guards who were similarly disbelieving. “Why would Rhearden be sending an ambassador here?”
Trying to act like a formal dignitary getting annoyed at men that were beneath him, Simon answered succinctly, “We hope to establish trading between our countries.”
“Trade?” With a great sigh showing a waning patience, Simon snapped, “If you are merely going to repeat everything I say soldier then perhaps it is time to get someone here with a sharper mind, or send word to the queen if you want. I have received numerous pieces of mail entreating us to join them in strengthening both our countries. If she’s unable to respond that Vizier of yours would do, unless the High King is available though I would hate to disturb him.” Simon knew that Merrick was away on his attempt at conquest, but a real ambassador would not have the knowledge given him by Alyanna weeks ago.
Looking fearful, the guards glanced at one another. The sergeant handed his scroll of declaration back to him. “Our king is not in residence at the moment,” the man stated trying to sound formal himself. “Would you like an escort to the castle, sir? Once there, I am sure someone can find the time to discuss things further.”
Figuring that a dignitary would probably be used to people bending over backwards for him, Simon nodded and gestured for the soldiers to hurry.
That was how Simon Aramathea came to the heart of Hala and was welcomed inside.
He was led to a small hearing chamber. Set aside for quiet meetings such as a dignitary and whichever leader had been called to listen. Alyanna had alerted the castle guardsmen to his coming, unlike those at the city gates. She had implied that she would like to greet their friends from across the sea.
North Continent was believed to have been settled from men and women who had braved the seas between Taltan and the North continent long ago. To say it was like cousins joining together, would be nearly accurate if this meeting had been true in its purpose.
Alyanna had set her own personal guards both inside and out. Though they were set near the doors and probably wouldn’t hear much anyway, these were men that she trusted with her life and secrets. All men of Cadmene chosen by her cousin, they were loyal to her royal line.
“Greetings, Ambassador,” the queen stated as she stood by a plush set of chairs.
“Greetings, Queen Alyanna,” he said with a less than perfect bow. Royalty would have known the exact angle to bow to a queen from another nation. A lord knew the exact words for a formal greeting, but he was from Rhearden now so customs could be different.
The formalities over with, the guards retreated to their places. The queen had Baitrum search the chamber looking for secret passages and holes that may have ears before picking this audience
chamber. If this was not safe enough to discuss, then nowhere in the castle would be better, the woman assumed.
Simon noted the queen’s clothing. Violet scarves that matched the color of her eyes with gold thread sewn in some flowery pattern were wrapped around her chest and waist. Gold jewelry with yellow diamonds adorned her neck, wrists and ankles. A single gold cord gently wrapped her waist over the hip scarves. Alyanna was barefoot, he noted. This was not how a queen or princess should dress he knew from Rhearden’s royalty. She was more covered than the last time he had seen her, but he could tell that she was still using her feminine wiles and beauty to try and distract from her true actions.
Taking the right chair and crossing her bare legs daintily, Alyanna gestured towards the other seat.
“It is a pleasure to see you again, ambassador,” the woman smiled a brilliant smile.
Simon glanced around even as he became a bit flush. “Are we safe to talk freely?” he asked worriedly. The queen still seemed a bit formal.
Chuckling, Alyanna nodded as she said, “Yes, we should be safe to speak here. I’m sorry I was just playing to the ambassador. I guess that your papers guided you through well enough?”
“Yes, my lady.”
“So formal?” the beautiful woman questioned with a petulant frown. “Have we become so distant already?”
Simon found himself wanting to stand even as Alyanna teased him to a blush. “I’m sorry, but I am still somewhat distracted. Are the plans in place? It should be three days now that they land, two to march here.”
Alyanna sat back as she brushed a wisp of hair from her face. “We’ve waited until we figured no word would escape before the appropriate time. The first step has been taken though and by midday it should be completed.”
“Good. With that done, we should be able to do this smoothly.”
“The components are in place. We just await word.”
The morning walk as he oversaw the workings of Hala did little to quell the unease in Vizier Krulir’s heart. His usual morning visits had proceeded smoothly save for one of the stewards coming to tell him of Alyanna taking an audience with an ambassador from the old continent. Parent land of what had become the North Continent, Taltan had seemed to have little tie to the new lands in recent decades. Now twice in one year they had sent the man. The steward had said that the official word was that the man had come to set up trade between their countries.
If word of Merrick’s conquests had already reached Taltan, then that meant at least some people had escaped the north to flee to other lands.
Marshalla controlled the bulk of the southern peninsula now. Their power was great and there would be industry to use for trade as long Merrick didn’t over tax the lands in his bid for conquest anyway. What the queen would say and how her ridiculous appearance would affect the ambassador, he did not know. Did she wish to ruin ties with this country by showing her lack of respect for the high king?
The morning passed and still they remained in conference. The vizier finished his usual morning duties and still the doors remained closed.
With a sigh, the old man finished his usual morning tasks by making his way to the kitchen. It was nearly lunch and he figured he might as well eat to keep up his strength. If the queen was messing up this meeting, then Krulir may need his strength to save the possibility of trade between these nations.
“Morning, Kleda,” he greeted the head of the kitchen. The woman wore her dark hair pulled back. A stray hair falling in the food was never good and could be disastrous if it was the wrong person finding it.
“Good morning, vizier, though it is nearly noon. You wish to have your usual, sir?”
Though not the warmest woman at times, Kleda seemed a little brusque this morning. Though she was often more so when she was being rushed as the meal time struck. Lords, ladies and many more often called for their meals to be brought to them throughout the castle. Some would eat from a buffet in the large dining hall, but lunch was often more work as the calls came from all over the castle. The vizier liked to visit directly. He felt it good for morale.
“Yes, I think that would be lovely. Do we have a nice wine for today?”
The woman nodded and brought a bottle over. It was already opened, he noted, and questioned Kleda on it curiously. “Lord Ilmulan requested a nice red so I had just opened it before you arrived. It’s had a little time to breath but should still be nice and cool since I only just brought it out.”
“Ah, that sounds good then,” the vizier nodded and rubbed his hands vigorously. He received the glass and swirled it before his nose to breath in the bouquet. “It’s interesting. Seems to have a little extra tanginess to the scent.”
“It’s from one of the Staron vineyards. The grapes are said to have a bit more of a bite. I’ve had a lot of the royals requesting it, since closer relations began with them,” Kleda replied as she lay a plate of
vegetables, fruit and a lean piece of steak in front of him.
Sipping from the glass, the vizier let the flavor play on his tongue. It was certainly interesting. The extra tanginess went real well with the meat and vegetables the woman had served him. The food and wine were so good, that Krulir found himself wanting to yawn almost immediately after dinner as he began to digest it.
“It was quite good, Kleda, though I fear I may need a nap after eating it all,” the man chuckled as he got up. Leaving the hall, Krulir figured it was merely his age catching up to him. Perhaps a nap in his rooms for about an hour would recharge him for the remains of the afternoon.
The yawns seemed to come more often as he ascended the stairs. His breathing seemed strong enough, but for some reason his brain just wasn’t getting enough air. Krulir’s vision became blurry, his balance less certain.
Falling backwards, the vizier was unconscious before his head struck the stone. His neck and several other bones snapped before his body came to a rest at the base of the stairs.
Nearly half an hour later, the body was found and word quickly spread of the old vizier’s death.
The knock at the chamber door came shortly after noon. Food had been sent earlier as the two waited. When the knock finally came, Alyanna jumped.
Letting the servant into the chamber, the queen beckoned to the servant to enter. “Yes, what is it?” She didn’t know this man’s name, but it mattered little enough. Affecting a slight look of annoyance at the interruption, Alyanna waited for his news.
“My queen, the vizier was found dead on the flight of stairs leading towards his apartments just a few minutes ago.”
Alyanna gasped in shock. Simon merely looked mildly surprised after all he hadn’t even met the man yet.
“Oh my,” Alyanna added, “I can’t believe… though I suppose he was getting older, but to think such a thing could happen.” She shook her head sadly. “Alert Drier and Head Steward Matreln. They may know of family that will need to be notified as well.
“Hurry,” she gestured at the messenger.
The doors closed behind the man and Alyanna sat looking a bit drained.
“You’re quite the actress,” Simon murmured beside her.
The queen sighed and replied quietly, “Hearing that the poison worked so well actually helped me look surprised. Falling down the stairs at his age isn’t exactly unheard of either.
“I’ll have to pencil a message to Merrick or have one of the two aides of Krulir send the word. I wonder if Merrick will even care that the man is gone? I hear that he served his father as well, so the vizier knew him since he was born.”
Simon leaned closer and nearly whispered, “His death should cause some confusion. We need to continue with the rest of the plan tomorrow. As queen, you need to tend to things here. I shall go to the inn.”
The queen nodded. Normally an ambassador would be asked to stay in the castle but, with Krulir’s death, things would be too confused to take care of him properly. Or so it would be said.
Once Head Steward Matreln heard of the news, he ca
me running to Alyanna, where he was asked to help attend to the ambassador’s stay at one of the inns until things could be settled down. The man quickly had one of his aides assist Simon and his guardsmen get a room in the fanciest inn in the city. The rooms were on the High King’s tab and Simon let himself get adjusted while he rested. There would be a lot to do over the next few days.
Bells rang throughout Alistaire. The port city had awoken to find itself besieged by over eighty ships. Thousands of men were being unloaded along with their gear and supplies. The meager amount of police and soldiers kept in the city had gone to the harbor only to see the masses of soldiers and pirates that outnumbered them hundreds of times over.
Gerid and his other leaders began to organize the divisions as the men began to unload. Kolonus would lead the various mercenary companies. Karma had come along to assist Gerid with his regular crews of marines while Colonel Artonol would lead the Rhearden third legion. Finally, Jurgmich from the pirates’ council would try and lead the least organized of the forces from the alliance of Quardi.
The pirates were numerous and potentially a danger to their plans if they should get it into their heads to plunder and pillage along the way. Gerid’s hope was that the men would recall that this would be land that they would be trying to live on and with the people that were already there. If things went well, the pirates would have land and safe harbor all through the nations under Merrick’s thumb. Injuring their future neighbors would not go well with the settlement plans, so if they could just follow orders and act like these were their own people things would be fine.
One the first things Gerid did was to take up the local horses in loan. Assuring their owners that the payments of gold still meant the return of their animals barring any deaths, helped grease many a wheel. More were sent to the nearest towns, including Casmus, which would alert Stephen and the resistance that plans were in motion.
The High King: A Tale of Alus Page 47
