Bhayrn followed with a dark and brooding Devor nocturne, which he played far too bombastically. At least, Charyn thought so. The polite applause was slightly less than that for Aloryana.
When Malyna took her place at the clavecin, Charyn’s eyes were on her, and her alone. She was so poised that he had trouble believing she was only nineteen. She played two pieces that Charyn had never heard, the first one seemed to be a scherzo, and the second a nocturne that sounded like it might have been written by Covaelyt. Neither the scherzo nor the nocturne sounded that easy to Charyn, since he wondered if he could have even gotten through either without major misfingerings. The applause was, Charyn judged, slightly greater for Malyna than for either Aloryana or Bhayrn.
At the end of that applause, Malyna stood, moved back from the clavecin, curtseyed to Lorien, smiling warmly, and then returned to her chair, beside Charyn.
As he stood to take his place at the clavecin with Aloryana, he murmured to Malyna, “You were superb.”
“Thank you,” she returned in a low voice.
Did she blush, just slightly? That disconcerted him enough that he hesitated, drawing a quick glance from Aloryana, but he recovered quickly and smoothly, reaching the bench at the same time as his sister. They seated themselves almost simultaneously.
Aloryana was even better in playing the Farray duet than she had been in playing her first pieces, and Charyn felt that he played better than he had before. You hope.
The applause was again modest, but increased when the two others joined them for a bow, or curtsey in the case of Malyna and Aloryana.
Then Lorien rose. “We have refreshments in the anteroom.”
As the ministers and their wives moved toward the archway, Charyn turned to Aloryana. “You played that well.”
“So did you,” she replied cheerfully. “Wasn’t Malyna wonderful?”
“I thought so.”
“For her playing,” returned his sister.
“That’s what I meant.”
The four performers eased into the anteroom after the audience, where one sideboard held red and white wine, and the other held an array of delicacies on small platters, including small circles of pâté on individual circular cuts of toast, miniature apple tarts, almond wafers, and an array of cheeses.
Aloryana stayed close to Malyna, while Charyn found himself face-to-face with Marshal Vaelln and his wife.
“You’re a man of many talents, Lord Charyn,” offered the marshal.
“A man of modest talents,” demurred Charyn. “The talented ones are Malyna D’Zaerlyn and my sister.”
“I’m surprised a young woman that talented on the clavecin and that attractive isn’t already spoken for,” Vaelln added. “Or is she?”
“Not by me,” replied Charyn lightly. “I only met her a week ago.”
“Don’t wait too long,” suggested Vaelln.
“You make it sound like an army maneuver, dear,” offered the marshal’s wife.
“All relations between people are maneuvers,” returned the marshal.
“Speaking of maneuvers,” said Charyn, “have there been any other shootings or events such as the one that occurred here at the chateau?”
“Not that I know of,” replied Vaelln, “but this isn’t the place to discuss such matters.”
“Of course,” replied Charyn. “I do appreciate your coming, and your kind words about my playing. If you will excuse me…” He smiled warmly and eased away toward where Malyna and Aloryana were talking with his father and mother.
“I very much enjoyed what you played,” said Lorien to Malyna. “I don’t believe I’ve heard either before. What were they?”
“The first piece is called ‘Variations on a Scherzo.’ It was composed by Heldryk D’Musica. The second was ‘Nocturne on a Stormy Night’ by Covaelyt.”
Charyn nodded to himself as he slipped closer.
“You played excellently,” added Lorien, looking directly at Malyna.
“I played as well as I ever have, but I fear it was far from excellent.”
“You are too modest, my dear,” said Chelia. “You play very well.”
“I played better because I worked with Musician Palenya this week. She is an excellent teacher and a fine musician. You’re fortunate to have her.”
“So we are,” declared Lorien. “You must have had a good teacher as well. Fine as Palenya is, she could not accomplish miracles in a mere week.”
“I was favored to learn from a great musician as well.”
“Who might that have been?” asked Chelia.
“Heldryk,” replied Malyna.
“The one who composed the first piece you played?”
Malyna nodded. “Yes, sir.”
“Did he teach you that piece?”
“He did. It was a while ago. I’ve always liked it.”
“Very cheerful. I like that. Too much gloom around here lately. You must have some of the red wine.” Lorien motioned to one of the servers. “A red wine for the young lady.”
Malyna accepted the wine with a nod, and Charyn took the other goblet on the server’s tray.
Chelia looked to Charyn. “You played better than I’ve ever heard.”
“I couldn’t let Aloryana down.” And she deserved better than Bhayrn’s hamfisting the keys.
“You both looked like you were enjoying it,” added Chelia.
“I hope Aloryana was. I was.” Charyn realized that he had enjoyed it, more than he’d expected.
“She’ll remember it,” said Malyna. “I wish one of my older brothers had played a duet with me.”
“They didn’t?” asked Chelia.
“I’m much the youngest. By the time I was Aloryana’s age, we were all in different places. You two are fortunate.”
At that moment, Minister Sanafryt appeared, clearly directing himself toward Charyn. “You’ve obviously been studying clavecin in addition to law. Well as you played, Lord Charyn, I fear your future lies more in law. A ruler who is known to be as accomplished as you clearly are on the clavecin runs the risk of being thought frivolous.”
“Whereas such a comparatively frivolous accomplishment in a woman is lauded?” asked Malyna gently. “Even when it is difficult enough that there are few truly great clavecinists?”
Charyn could see his mother block a smile, even as she quickly said, “Charyn will just have to keep his accomplishments within the walls of the chateau, I fear. That will allow us, at least, to enjoy his playing.”
“He does play well,” added Malyna.
Charyn kept a smile from his face at Sanafryt’s momentarily confused expression.
“I’m so glad you came and enjoyed the recital,” Lorien said cheerfully.
“I wouldn’t have missed it,” replied the minister, “and Clorynda was especially pleased that you included us.”
“We will see her at the Year-Turn Ball, will we not?” asked Chelia.
“Indeed you will.” With a nod and a smile, Sanafryt retreated.
“Minister Sanafryt is a good minister, and he knows the law well,” Lorien observed, “but he’s well-meaning, if sometimes pompous. Not that pomp is unknown elsewhere in the chateau.” The rex actually smiled.
Charyn barely managed not to choke on his wine. He thought he glimpsed a glint in Malyna’s eyes, but he wasn’t certain.
Lorien and Chelia moved away, easing toward Minister Alucar and his wife, when Bhayrn strode up, his goblet almost empty.
“Aren’t you looking smug.”
“Pleased. Not smug. I’m happy that it’s over. I think we all did well.”
“That’s because of Palenya,” declared Aloryana.
“That’s why I think Palenya should have been here at the reception,” Charyn said.
Before Aloryana or Malyna could say anything, Bhayrn replied, “Chateau workers are never at receptions, except to serve. That’s the way it’s done. Everyone has their place.”
“Is because it’s always been done that way a good reas
on to continue?” asked Malyna.
“You’ll continue in the path all High Holders’ daughters do, just as Aloryana will, or I will. Second sons don’t have much choice, either.” Bhayrn snorted, then turned, and walked toward the sideboard with the wine.
Charyn looked at Malyna. “For what it’s worth, you asked two very good questions. I liked the first one as well.”
“I’m hungry,” said Aloryana. “There won’t be dinner after this.” She took Malyna’s arm and dragged her toward the sideboard with the delicacies.
Charyn couldn’t help smiling as he watched. And at least we don’t have to go to anomen services.
15
On Mardi morning, the wind was bitter, and strong enough to whip the light snow that had begun to fall sometime before dawn across the paving stones of the West River Road when Charyn stepped out of the carriage in front of the narrow gray stone building with shiny black bars covering the windows and a stone plaque with the letters stating BANQUE D’EXCELSIS positioned above the brass-bound heavy oak door. Both wood and brass gleamed. Charyn looked to the guard and driver who accompanied him. “I won’t be that long.” One way or the other. “Just wait here.”
“Sir…?”
“You’re guarding the outside. There are guards inside. I should be quite secure.” He turned and walked to the heavy door, which moved easily as he opened it, and stepped into the banque.
Neither of the two banque guards, each with a sabre at his side, gave him more than a passing glance as he crossed the gray marble floor of the small entry foyer and made his way into the single large chamber that lay beyond the square arch at the inside end of the foyer.
At the back of the chamber was a long counter graced by a bronze railing fastened to a bronze plate, with bronze bars connecting the plate and railing. At three places, there were openings in the bronze bars. A man wearing a green jacket sat behind each tell. A single customer stood before the tell on the right, watching as the teller counted out silvers.
According to what Elthyrd had told Charyn, Estafen had a dark black beard, square-cut. Although Elthyrd had indicated he would tell his son that Charyn might come to the banque, Charyn wasn’t counting on that.
Yet, even before Charyn finished surveying the south wall of the chamber, Estafen was on his feet from where he had been seated behind a table desk set in a corner from where he could observe all who entered the banque. He walked toward Charyn with a pleasant smile. “Greetings, sir. My sire said that you might be coming. If you wouldn’t mind coming this way?”
“Not at all,” replied Charyn, smiling warmly. He was conscious of the fact that Estafen had said absolutely nothing that would reveal Charyn’s identity to anyone who did not already know him. And, so far, in his limited dealings with Elthyrd, the head of the Factors’ Council of Solidar had been direct and forthright about what he promised … although Charyn had the definite impression that the older factor was cautious about what he promised.
Estafen led the way to a very small study, one with just a circular table and two chairs, a single bookcase, and two file chests on narrow tables. He closed the door behind Charyn, then gestured to the table and chairs, waiting to seat himself just after Charyn did.
“It’s not often that we’re graced by so … regial a personage.”
“I’m not that yet, Factorius.”
“Might I ask…?”
“Why I’m here? You might. I’ve been talking to your sire over the past weeks. He mentioned something about the ironworks.” Charyn knew that it had slipped the minds of most that Estafen had obtained the ironworks when the heir of Factor Vaschet defaulted on his loans to the Banque D’Excelsis.
Estafen raised his eyebrows. “Oh? I hope you didn’t misunderstand. We’re more than current on our tariffs.”
“I have no doubt of that. I’m not a tariff collector for my father. Your sire said little except that he felt you were working long glasses.” Charyn offered an understanding smile. “Handling a banque and an ironworks take much effort, and both are time-consuming. Now that Factorius Karl has procured flatboats…” He shrugged.
“Good parents always worry about their offspring.”
“That your sire does scarcely surprises me. He’s very impressive.”
Estafen laughed. “Impressive. He’d hate being described like that, but it fits.”
“It does.” Charyn kept a pleasant expression, but did not volunteer more.
“I don’t believe you’ve explained why you might be here,” said Estafen cautiously.
“I have not. It’s a delicate matter, but not in the fashion of most delicate matters you must handle. My sire is still a young man for a rex. I don’t fancy being an ornament or trying to get in his way under the guise of being of assistance. Knowing what you do of him, I trust you understand.” What Charyn didn’t say was that Estafen had likely faced a similar situation in regard to his own father.
“I believe I understand.”
“It has occurred to me, especially after the unpleasantness of last week, that my family and I have little in common with the factors of Solidar. From what I’ve observed at the exchange in just the past few weeks, factors are becoming more powerful. That’s as a group. Some individual factors, I am certain, are worth more than many High Holders, but the strength of factors lies in their numbers. Not necessarily in individual wealth.” Charyn looked directly at Estafen. “Or do you think I am mistaken?”
“I cannot dispute what you say.”
Charyn could see that Estafen would not be drawn out. He couldn’t blame the banking factor. “Also, many of the regial lands are not managed, if I can be honest about it, in as practical a fashion as might be. This might pose difficulties in the future. I had thought that a change in regial practices might be in order. If I began such a change on my own, as I have with my own personal lands, and do not involve my sire…” Charyn paused and offered a small shrug.
Estafen frowned. “Go on … if you would.”
“By the time I become rex, I would have the experience to better understand and talk with factors. My efforts would also be affected by both the laws and nature in the same way as theirs.”
“Ah … I’m not quite certain I understand.”
“I was thinking of persuading you to allow me to make an offer on the ironworks.”
“What if I do not wish to sell?”
“Then you have every reason to reject my offer. I think I have a proposition you might find … interesting.”
“I’m skeptical, but tell me more.”
“Once the imagers quashed the High Holders’ revolt, the profits of the ironworks also dropped, did they not?”
“You obviously already know the answer, Lord Charyn.”
“I prefer the title of Factor Suyrien. I actually hold lands. The land name I use is Suyrien D’Chaeryll. I’m also a member of the exchange under that name. Your father assisted in that.”
Estafen offered an amused smile, then shook his head. “If anyone knew…”
“It’s to your advantage and that of most factors that they don’t. You’re interested in the highest return on your investment, I assume?”
“The highest reasonably safe return, yes.”
“Of what? An investment of six thousand golds?”
“More like eight.”
Charyn suspected it was closer to seven, but did not comment. “My proposition will address that and accomplish my own end—that of eventually owning and operating an ironworks profitably.”
“Why, might I ask?”
“To begin with, in time, I’d like to use the ironworks to produce certain … machines that will improve factoring. I’d also like to prove that the heir of a rex isn’t merely an empty-headed figure lolling or playing around or trying to increase his worth through higher tariffs.” Charyn smiled. “I made this visit to raise the possibility. I’d like you to think over the gradual transfer of the ironworks to me personally. During that period, I would work under my factorin
g name as an assistant to you part-time at the ironworks. You would receive regular payments, and keep all the profits. If there are losses, provided the ironworks continues to operate as it currently does, you will not bear them.”
“What might people say?”
“Why should they say anything? I absolutely do not want it known that I might become owner of the ironworks. I think it would be best if others are led to believe that you accommodated a wealthy factor who prefers to remain nameless in allowing his heir to learn just how much effort it takes to operate an ironworks.”
“There will still be rumors.”
“Aren’t there always?” After the slightest pause, Charyn added, “Right now, this is just a proposal. I’d like you to think about it, and then perhaps we could talk again after Year-Turn.” He held up a hand. “I am asking that you not tell me your decision now.”
“My thoughts may not change.”
“They may not. Or they might. I think it’s only fair to ask you to consider it.” Charyn grinned. “You might even figure out a way to make it more advantageous to you and the banque.”
“You do give a man pause … Factor Suyrien.”
“I hope so.” Charyn stood, knowing that Estafen would not take that initiative. “A prosperous Year-Turn.”
Estafen rose quickly. “The same to you.”
As he made his way outside to the carriage. Charyn was particularly careful as he stepped out of the banque, but no one seemed even to notice him, and the ride to the exchange was quick, perhaps because the wind and snow, which had almost stopped, had kept many people off the roads. At the exchange, there were few traders, factors, and agents, almost as if no one really expected much to change. He heard little of interest, not even of a gossipy nature, and less than a glass later he returned to his coach and headed back to the Chateau D’Rex. While on the way, he removed the exchange pin from his coat.
He had just stepped into the chateau and finished handing his coat to Vaetor when Norstan appeared.
“The rex would like to see you immediately.”
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