Sordith paused for a moment, sobering a bit. “Your uncle can be very persuasive. By the time he was done. The judges were apologizing all over the place, they passed you, and had the healer that gave you the healing potion before the fifth tier test arrested.”
Alador shook his head. “I will have to go see my uncle. I hope that didn’t kill that poor healer. It wasn’t the potion I took.” Alador looked up to see the door open.
“Yes, Lord Guldalian?” the servant asked, bowing after he spoke.
“Food and wine.” Sordith ordered before Alador could speak.
Alador had hesitated, looking around for his father for a half second. “Umm, my favorites if you will. What is your name?” Alador realized he had never really inquired about his father’s staff.
“Radney, my lord. I will bring that right away.” The servant gently closed the door behind him.
“Well, this will take some getting used to.” Alador murmured.
“Nah, maybe a day or two then you come to just expect it.” Sordith pointed out. “Comes with the power and all the problems that come with power.” Sordith, not one to let things go, returned them to the conversation before the servant had entered. “So, how do you know it was not the healer?”
Alador returned his gaze to his brother. “I traced the spell back to Lady Morana.” He sighed. “If I had not forced the cloud through the breech she created, many of the crowd would have died, most likely my uncle since he was closer to the arena itself.”
“I thought they were sleeping together.” Sordith frowned.
“As did I. However, he must have angered her, or his use has run out for her.” Alador did not mention Dethara or that the Goddess had made her own move.
“Isn’t that shield unbreachable?” Sordith asked. “I mean, if it is not, I will make it a point to sit farther back in the future or not attend at all.”
“I think that it was not designed for an attack on the shield itself. I think it is more a wall of containment for the magic that might bounce around, or more likely the items created.” Alador considered further. “Either that or Lady Morana is a very powerful mage, and I will do my best to stay out of her way. I truly don’t think I was the target, I think I was more a convenient means to an end.”
Sordith nodded considering this change in information. Finally he reached over and patted Alador’s leg as if remembering something at the last moment. “When your head has righted itself, your uncle wishes to see you. I think that had better be soon. He was quite furious and I don’t envy the fate of that healer.”
Alador sighed. “I doubt she is even alive as we speak. My uncle is not one to let his anger simmer. I should know. I have pushed his frustration many times in the course of our short history.” He stretched testing his muscles. There was a sense of having worked out in every one of them, and he swore that every one of them was protesting. “I will go after I have eaten. What else do I need to know?” He asked, his head was slowly clearing.
“Well, after you fell there was near a riot in the Blackguard. The High Master was hard pressed to get them out of the stands and back to the caverns.” Sordith stroked his chin as he considered. “You have become very popular while you were sleeping. There are all manner of cards of callers we have turned away and invitations to be answered on your desk.” Sordith stood up, straightening his leathers from sleeping while sitting.
Alador groaned at that thought. He would have to see if one of the staff could be pressed into acting as his hand in social matters. He had no desire to write back to numerous invitations. Something about Sordith’s words gave him pause, then he asked. “Wait. How long have I been out?”
“About a full day by now, I would measure.” Sordith glanced at the door. “I wish that man would hurry up. My throat is quite parched,” he muttered the last absently.
Alador swore softly. He had things to do, and lying in bed was not on his list. He cast the covers back intent on getting up. He had two hands pressing him back before his leg had cleared the side.
“Oh no, you will remain right there till you have had a proper meal. I know you mages need to eat, and facing your uncle might bring its own challenges,” Sordith scolded.
Alador sighed. “There are things to be done,” he said. He did not physically resist his brother tucking him back into the bed.
“Yes, there are, but eating is first on that list.” His brother grinned. “Rather fun to boss a fifth level mage about.”
“Careful, or I will turn you into a toad,” Alador grumbled.
Sordith looked a bit alarmed for a moment. “Could you actually do that?”
Alador laughed at the look on his brother’s face. “Don’t worry, it is rather a lengthy spell, and I do not have the energy.” He could tell that Sordith had noted that he had not denied he could turn his brother into a toad. He let that hang between them with naught but a chuckle at the look on Sordith’s face.
“You have a lot of power, don’t you?” Sordith’s question was hesitant as he looked his brother over. Alador could see a bit of envy in his eyes
“I guess,” he said. “I don't really know its true depth, though I suspect I pushed its limits when I pushed that cloud out of that dome.”
Sordith nodded. “I was watching Luthian as you took the test. You surprised him a couple of times, and definitely when you blew the dome.”
Alador winced. “To be honest, that was not my intention. I didn’t have much time, and I didn’t consider what forcing that much magic through the breach would do. Lady Morana has much to answer for and she keeps adding to my list.” He looked at Sordith. “Have you been able to get anyone in yet?”
Sordith shook his head. “To be honest, they are a paranoid lot. I haven’t any men or women with enough devout dedication to Dethara that still would remain loyal to me. They seem to only take in those with a certain level of zealousness.”
Alador sighed. “I am certain there is more behind those walls than Henrick was able to discover. I will see if I can find another means, but in the meantime, will you keep trying?”
“Of course,” Sordith answered. “To be honest, you have got my own curiosity up. I have decided to try another tact, and that is to offer trade to the temple. It would be lucrative, and at least than I might be able to get a trader in now and then.”
The door opened and Radney wheeled a serving cart into the room. It held an array of Alador’s favorites, and a healthy sized decanter of wine. “Shall I serve you, Lord Guldalian?”
“Yes please. I am afraid my brother has denied my rising until I have eaten.” Alador smiled. He fell silent for a moment watching the servant. “Radney, do I have a person to see to letters and such, or did Henrick?”
The man was busy filling a plate full of differing food that Alador had been known to like when he visited his father. “Yes, my lord. There is a woman, Seria, who would see to his sorting of letters and such. Do you wish me to send her to you?”
As he spoke, he noted that Sordith had made for the wine. He smiled and shook his head before turning his attention back to the servant. “Yes, if you would. I have a great deal of things to attend over the next few days, so I could use her assistance.” Radney handed him a plate and the smells of sausage, sweet meats, and warm bread brought a healthy growl from Alador’s stomach.
“Yes my lord. I will send her at once.” Radney frowned as Sordith set a glass of wine down for Alador beside his bed. “May I attend anything else for you, Lord Guldalian?”
“Don’t call me Lord Guldalian. That is my father or the High Minister.” He grinned up at Radney.
Radney’s answer grin held a look of understanding to go with it. “Of course, Lord Alador. I will spread the word amongst the staff.” He bowed and hurried out, presumably to fetch this Seria.
Sordith leaned lose to Alador as he finished a deep pull from his cup. “I would go through your staff as soon as you have time.” Sordith stated in a low tone.
Alador swallowed a mouthful
of sausage before answering. “Why is that?”
Sordith popped some cheese into his mouth as Alador glanced up at him. He answered without clearing his mouth. “Make sure none are from your uncle.”
“Oooh, very good point.” He did not like the idea of Luthian placing another spy in his midst. “I will get a list of staff that Henrick trusted when I see him next then replace the others.”
“I can get you a list of different people seeking work from the lower tiers. Good people, not involved in politics.” Sordith offered.
Alador nodded. “That would be helpful, thank you.”
They ate in silence for a few minutes then the door opened and an elderly matron stepped in. She curtsied low then stood to eye Alador. He surveyed the woman’s posture and her gaze looking for any sign of vehemence.
“You must be Seria.” he was fairly sure no one else would just enter without knocking.
“You sent for me, Lord Alador,” she curtly answered.
“Yes, yes. Please, come a little closer. I do not wish to be shouting at you.” He watched her hesitation. It was clear she did not know what to think of this change of ownership.
“I heard you used to see to letters and such for my father?” He kept his tone warm and open.
“Yes Lord Alador.” Her simple words were polite, but they held no answering warmth.
“I would see you hold the same position.” This got a smile from the woman, just a bit of the upturning of the mouth, so he pressed on. “Of course, only if you desire. I force no one to tasks they do not wish to see to. I can hire another if you would rather.”
“Oh no Lord. It is what I do best. I would be happy to take on this task,” she hurriedly assured him. The plump matron smoothed down her skirt. He noted a bit of thawing in her as did so.
“Right then. Here is what I wish. Sort the cards and letters and leave me the ones from any member of council.” He pointed at her with a roll. “You can answer a polite apology to any other invitations for me. I will let you know when I might be ready to attend other social events, for now, I fear I have not the health or time.”
She nodded. “Of course, my lord.” She looked about uncomfortably fidgeting as she did so. It took him a moment to realize she did not like being in his bedchamber.
“Yes, I am sorry to receive you here, but it was a matter of a bit of urgency,” he apologized. “If you could also set aside any missives from Lady Aldemar or a General Levielle,” he added. “That is all for now.”
“I will see it done at first opportunity, my lord.” She pulled a package out of her apron and moved to him. “I believe these are your new tier passes, Lord Alador. I thought you might need these first.”
Alador smiled at her as he took them. “I can see we will get along fine, Seria. Thank you.” He finally got a real smile from her as she curtsied and hurried out the door.
“Yup, apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Sordith grinned and popped a sweetmeat into his mouth.
“We can hardly compare ourselves to Henrick, I mean we don’t know our actual father. That tree rather got uprooted,” he admonished.
Sordith chuckled. “Death and damnation to Henrick,” He motioned to himself. “I meant me.” Sordith winked and poured them both another glass.
Chapter Thirty
Alador straightened the deep blue robe one last time. He had found his closet filled with robes appropriate to his tier and sphere. Radney had said it was the last thing that Henrick had ordered before he had left them all. They would have been sent to Alador in the caverns if the manor had been given to another, either by default or if he had failed his test.
He looked around in wonder. It was his to live in as long as he wished. He had always wanted his own home, but this was far beyond what he had imagined for Mesiande and himself.
Radney waited for him in the hall as he had shared there were a couple of matters that needed Alador’s direct attention. Finally assured that he looked the part of a fifth tier mage and lord of the manor, he left his room.
“Now Radney, what is this all about?” he asked, shutting his door behind him.
“Some small matters that require your decisions, Lord Alador, they will not take long.” Radney led him down the hall to his father’s room.
Alador realized that he had never been in Henrick’s personal chambers. When they stopped at the door, he paused. “What are we doing with my father’s room?”
“It is no longer your father’s,” Radney reminded him. He opened the door and stepped inside. “As such, I thought that maybe you would like to…" Radney cleared his throat with obvious amusement. " ... Change a few things before we moved your possessions into the master room.”
Immediately Alador could see the man’s consternation, but it brought a grin to his face. In many ways, his father’s room was decorated much as Keensight’s cave had been. There were dark gray walls reminiscent of a cave. The black carpet was in direct contrast to the bed. Alador had to put a hand over his mouth to contain his laughter as he looked at the monstrosity.
The bed was so large that there were stair steps to get up into it. It would easily have slept four grown men. He was unsure what the bed was made of, but it was bedecked in varying jewels. The thing must be worth a fortune alone. The coverlet was golden with silver blocks filled with blue flecks that reminded him of medure. There were heavy brocade curtains of deep red held by golden cords to each bedpost.
Alador managed to cough rather than laugh outright. “I see your concerns. What are the differences between this room and my own?” He was considering just leaving it for when Henrick snuck in to visit. At the same time, there were many slips in that bed if he were to have it broken down and sold off piecemeal. He could imagine Keensight’s dismay and chuckled despite his attempt to contain his humor.
“This is a full suite, Lord Alador. In addition to the privy closet, there is a small private study, and a full bath.” As he spoke, Radney opened doors to show each room. Alador loved the small study immediately. It was walled in deep rich wood panels. There was little frivolity to the room. It held a desk, a fireplace and comfortable settee for lounging.
“Why did Henrick not use this?” He could tell that despite the upkeep, the room was not used. It had the smell of being shut up for some time. The book shelves were largely empty and the serving table to the side was not stocked.
“He said it was too small for his tastes.” Radney said and led the way to the next door.
The bath turned out to be something quite spectacular. There was a large inset pool that would easily allow a family to bathe at the same time. A smaller pool steamed nearby, and Alador was curious how it was kept warm. He looked around and noted that there were no windows. The air was moist here indicating very little escape.
“Is this room inset to the tiers?” He moved around looking at the luxury that seemed as foreign to his simple life as a Daezun or a Blackguard.
“I believe so. I do not believe it sits above a lower room.” Radney adjusted some towels that sat near the heated pool.
“I do believe I will move into these rooms.” Alador stated, placing his hands behind him as he turned to face the servant.
“Do you wish changes first, Lord Alador?” Radney’s question was tinged with hope.
“Only to the bedroom. I want an accounting of every jewel in that bed. Once that is done and in my hands, see to it that someone is brought in to paint the walls at least five shades lighter, a cream if it can be managed. The carpet is fine as it is. I want the study made ready for my immediate use.”
“And the bed?” Radney glanced at the garish thing and back to his new lord.
“Once I have looked over the accounting of the stones encrusted in it, I will have Lord Sordith commission someone to come take it apart and fence its pieces.” Alador considered the thing carefully as he spoke. “Have a bed half this size constructed, and purchase bedding in blue and silver.” It would fit the room and be far more to his tastes. He looke
d down at the carpet. He should sell it off as well. Black was a hard color to make and a carpet woven as large and thick as this one had been must be worth thousands of slips. Something to keep in mind if he ran short. He had a feeling with the jewels in the bed that he would not run short for a very long time.
“I will see to it at once, Lord Alador.” Radney smiled with relief.
Radney carefully closed each door. Alador indicated one he had not opened. “What is this?”
“The closet,” the servant answered, not turning to look at him.
Alador opened it and blinked in surprise. Not only was it the size of the average lower floor of a Daezun home, it was still filled with clothing and accessories. Lightstones lined the tops of it to make sure that all could be seen clearly. “My father did not take his things?”
“He took quite a few.” Radney stepped beside him. “Lord Henrick had a love for his robes and accessories.”
Alador shook his head. However, it was more funds that he could use to further his cause. “Sell off all that are not blue, black with blue, or black with silver.” He stated walking into the vast array of excess. “Keep only the items designed to accompany them that will fit me.” He fingered the many assorted jeweled belts. He did not really need them, but there was a sense of panic at letting it all go. Had he gained the dragon’s nature for acquisition? “I can trust you with this matter?” He turned to assess Radney closely.
“A servant of the fifth tier works their way up because of two major things. They are good at what they do, and they can be trusted.” Radney looked a little affronted. “Not a slip will be miscounted.”
“See it done quickly and you may see a bonus of the slips it brings in.” Alador offered both as a boon to the man’s pride, and a desire to see the matter done.
“Of course.” Radney licked his lips as he nodded.
Pseudo-Dragon (The Blue Dragon's Geas Book 4) Page 29
