“Your father said he didn’t need protection. He said the rest of us did.” Chelia smiled wanly. “He kept saying that they were using all of you to put pressure on him, and there wasn’t much point in killing him. I tried to persuade him otherwise.”
“He could be very stubborn.”
“It’s been a family trait.”
“I’m surprised that he allowed any imagers in the chateau.”
“Maitre Alastar suggested that. He remembered what happened the last time. Your father wouldn’t have that. He didn’t want the chateau turned into a fortified prison. Maitre Alastar then offered Malyna to be inside and imagers to guard the outside. Your father agreed to that only because of Malyna’s background. He wanted her to protect Aloryana. He thought she’d be the next target.”
“I think we all were the next targets. Without Malyna…” Charyn shook his head. “I think she’s upset that she couldn’t stop them from shooting Father. She said something last night, that she wasn’t the best for protecting us, that she was only a junior maitre.”
“She said that?”
“While you were … with Father … she did.”
“I’ll have to talk to her. You should, too.”
“I tried. Last night. I don’t think she heard me. Not really.”
“Then try again. You owe your life to her.”
“I will … later.” Talking to you is more important right now. “Can I do anything?”
“Not now. You will have to speak at the memorial service.”
Charyn hadn’t even thought about a memorial service.
“You will do it, but you’ll do it with an imager escort to shield you. I won’t lose a son as well.”
“I will take care of it, as you suggest. I hate to bring this up, but did Father ever mention if he knew anything about who might be behind the shooting … at Bhayrn, I mean?”
Chelia shook her head. “He had no idea. If he did, he never mentioned it to me, except that it had to be greedy factors who were shipowners.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. You needed to know. You’re the rex.”
Now. Charyn wanted to shake his head. He definitely didn’t feel like a ruler. “I can still be sorry. Can I do anything for you?”
“There isn’t anything you can do. What do you intend to do about Malyna?”
“Keep her and the other two imagers who were posing as her guards here at the chateau for at least a while … if they’re agreeable to it.”
“You can’t keep them here forever.”
“I know. But it might give me a little time to think and to talk things over with Maitre Alastar … and others.”
“Talk to them but never reveal your inclinations. Not until you decide.”
Charyn nodded.
“You need to go. Talk to Malyna, and then get to the study and look over what’s there. Don’t forget to talk to Alucar and Sanafryt, especially. I can take care of myself.”
“Eat a little more, if you can.”
Chelia smiled wanly again. As he stepped back, he realized that he hadn’t noticed before how much her blond hair was shot through with silver. Or was some of that from last night?
His next stop was at Malyna’s door. When he rapped on it, there was no answer. He nodded to himself and made his way to Aloryana’s door. He knocked more softly.
“Who is it?” The voice was Malyna’s.
“Charyn. I need to talk to you.”
“Just a moment.”
When Malyna finally opened the door, she was wearing trousers, a blouse, and a jacket, all gray—imagers’ grays.
He just looked for a moment.
“There’s no point in hiding it now. Everyone in the chateau knows. Please speak quietly.” She stepped back to allow him to enter and pointed to the closed door to the adjoining bedchamber. “Aloryana’s sleeping. At last.”
Charyn closed the door as quietly as he could, taking in the circles under Malyna’s eyes. “It looks like you could use some sleep.”
“I got some.”
“You slept here last night?”
“She was very upset. For a number of reasons.”
“I think everyone is, but she’s the youngest.”
“Will you be summoning Maitre Alastar?”
“I sent him a message. I didn’t request his presence, but … I think he might come, anyway. If not, I’ll request his presence.”
“I need to talk to him. About imager matters. It’s important.”
“I’ll make certain you can.”
“Thank you.”
“There is one other matter,” Charyn said quietly. “Not a small one.”
“Oh?”
“You saved my life. You saved Aloryana’s life, and Bhayrn’s, and my mother’s. You captured … one of the assassins. You couldn’t have done more. Not with the instructions my father gave. I didn’t know. Obviously. Not until my mother told me this morning.”
“It happened so quickly, but I should have…”
“The shot was behind you. You turned, immediately shielded all of us, and then killed one attacker and froze the other, all before I even knew what had happened.”
“I couldn’t hold three shields at once. That was why I had to kill the one. What about the other?”
“He had poison sewn or leached into the edge of his uniform where he could chew it. He died of convulsions while Churwyl was questioning him.”
“Poison?”
“He had two separate poisons on him, and a sharp blade on the inside of his collar. So did the dead guard.”
“It was planned, well in advance.”
“It had to be. What I wish I knew was what else has already been planned. If it’s agreeable to you … and to Maitre Alastar … I’d appreciate it if you and the other two imagers could remain here at the chateau for at least a time until I can sort matters out.”
“That has to be Maitre Alastar’s decision.”
“I understand that. I thought you would like to know my wishes. I suspect Aloryana would feel safer as well.”
Malyna nodded.
Charyn wasn’t certain exactly what the nod meant. “You have your doubts?”
“I doubt that anything will be as it once was.”
“Because a rex has never been attacked in the chateau, let alone assassinated?” From what he had overheard, Charyn had his doubts about his grandsire’s death, but his father insisted that his own father had died of a seizure brought on by one of his frequent fits of rage.
“That might change things.”
“I think it’s because things have already changed. They have changed more than we know, I fear.”
“Why do you say that?”
“My father knew little or nothing about the exchanges, and the vast sums of golds that can change hands there every day. He had no idea that the Jariolans were building so many warships and commissioning so many privateers until it was far too late. None of us have the slightest idea who is behind these attacks, but they were planned well enough that someone was able to place at least two assassins among the chateau guards months ago.”
“Could there be others?”
“Those two were the only guards hired recently—except for a handful that Churwyl has been training, and, for now, they’re restricted to postings outside the main chateau proper. I’ve asked him to position your imagers who are acting as guards inside where they can watch the entrances to the chateau.” Charyn paused. “There could be others. Too many men can be bought if the price is high enough, and it’s not likely that our enemies are short of golds.”
“Do you think building more ships will stop them?”
An unfortunately good question. Charyn managed a wry smile. “I have my doubts, but it is possible that making a good effort might satisfy all but those whom nothing will satisfy. That might leave them without supporters … or far fewer supporters.” If your judgment is correct and if you can manage such an effort … and if you can get the higher tari
ffs necessary to pay for it … without setting off another revolt.
“I shouldn’t keep you.”
Charyn inclined his head. “Thank you … again. I cannot tell you what we owe you.”
“I wish I could have done more.”
“You did more than anyone could have. For the moment … if you’d just stay with Aloryana.”
“I’d thought to.”
When he finished with Malyna, Charyn walked back along the north corridor to the study that had been his father’s.
Sturdyn, one of the usual study guards, was waiting there. “Good morning, sir. Are you expecting anyone?”
“It is Solayi, but Maitre Alastar might call.”
“Very good, sir.”
“But I need to talk with Minister Alucar, and then Minister Sanafryt … or the other way around, whichever can see me sooner … and Norstan. Please get word to them. You may have to send a messenger, since it’s Solayi.” With every step he took, he was thinking of something else that needed to be done. And likely missing as many things as you’re thinking of.
“Yes, sir.”
Charyn crossed the study and looked down at the goldenwood desk and at the neat stacks of papers. Finally, he sat down behind the desk. He was halfway through the sheets in the first stack when Alucar arrived.
“Sir.” Alucar paused. “My deepest condolences.”
“Thank you.” Charyn did not stand, but motioned Alucar to the chairs before the desk. “I’m sorry to summon you on a Solayi, but there is a great deal I do not know.”
“I wouldn’t have expected otherwise.”
“Do you have any ideas about who might be behind such an outrageous attack?”
“Outside of a suspicion that it likely had to be someone wealthy who is losing much to the Jariolans, no, I don’t. Were there any more threatening notes … or things like that?”
“Not that I’m aware.” Charyn swept his hand above the stacks of paper. “Unless there’s something here. I haven’t had a chance to go through all of these.”
“Some of them have been there a considerable time.”
Charyn decided not to comment. “What are the most immediate problems you see facing me?”
“You know about the loss of the granaries in Tuuryl?”
“I do. At the current prices of wheat, I’d estimated the loss at around twelve thousand golds. How close is that?”
“Not all the silos were full. The estimate was ninety thousand bushels destroyed. The lost grain would have brought a little less than eleven thousand golds, but it will cost at least several hundred golds for repairs to the silos and for cleaning.”
“What else?”
“If you do not increase tariffs for this present year you’ll likely face a shortfall in revenues.”
“How big a shortfall?”
“It might be as much as ten thousand golds.”
Charyn thought for a moment. “Does that include building the two extra warships?”
“No, sir.”
“How much is set aside in reserves?”
“Twenty thousand.”
From there, the accounting got even more depressing, as Alucar ticked off the possible expenditures that had not been considered, such as additional supplies for the army if maneuvers or attacks against rebels were required, or the fitting-out costs for the additional ships, the requests for roadbuilding in Estisle and Nacliano …
By the time the Finance Minister finished and left for his home, since Charyn didn’t see the point of requiring him to stay on Solayi, Charyn could see why his father had so often not been in the best of moods … and why he didn’t think that much of the complaints of the High Holders and the factors.
No sooner had Alucar left than Norstan hurried in.
“You wished to see me, sir?”
“I did. Have any arrangements been made for my father?”
“Yes, sir. Lady Chelia has told me what she wishes. The memorial service will be on Samedi in the Anomen D’Rex…”
Charyn listened as Norstan provided the details, then said, “Please let Guard Captain Churwyl know, if you haven’t already.”
“Yes, sir.”
Charyn took a deep breath and just sat there for several moments.
After Norstan, and several more documents, the next arrival at the study door was Sanafryt.
“My condolences, sir. In the chateau … that’s so hard to believe.”
“I appreciate your coming in on Solayi.” Even if I did summon you.
“Did Churwyl find out who it might have been?”
“The surviving assassin swallowed hidden poison before he revealed anything. Do you have any ideas?”
“Whoever it is has to have wealth and knowledge about the chateau.” Sanafryt eased into the chair before the desk. “There are more than a score who could fit that description.”
“They also have to have a certain amount of power,” reflected Charyn. “The assassin committed suicide, and for someone to be able to command that…”
“They have to have great control over others,” added the Justice Minister. “Certainly someone with great wealth and knowledge, but someone whom no one really pays that much attention to. Most likely a factor.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Have they not been the ones who demanded that your father act? I could be missing something, but the High Holders have already lost twice, and the Collegium backed your father in both instances. Their tariffs will be equalized with those of the factors by the end of the year no matter what happens. Also, the wealthiest factors have more ways to use their golds without anyone knowing about how they are used.”
Thinking about the exchange alone, Charyn nodded. “That’s a good point.”
“I’m certain you didn’t request my presence to discuss the … unfortunate matter. How might I be of assistance?”
“What do I need to do involving the legal proprieties?”
“There has to be a proclamation of regial assumption and a statement of regial responsibility.”
“Is that the same for each rex, or are there matters that need to be stated differently or changed?”
“It’s largely symbolic…”
Meaning that there are some things that aren’t. “How soon can I see a draft?”
“Not before tomorrow, sir. I’ll need to check some of the precedents.”
“What else?”
“You should likely have your own seal. I’ll also draft messages to the High Council and the Factors’ Council of Solidar asking for a postponement—”
“No.” Charyn said the single word firmly. “The last thing Solidar needs is a postponement of the meeting on—” He had to struggle to recall the date. “—the eighteenth of Ianus. Nothing much got done at the last meeting. Putting off doing something will just make whoever is behind the assassination even angrier.”
“Pardon me, Rex Charyn … but won’t doing something just embolden them?”
“It depends on what we do. Not doing anything isn’t helping Solidar, and it’s not helping in collecting tariffs. Not doing anything might also result in losing another eleven thousand golds’ worth of grain. If I do something, and then there’s another attack, would that not strengthen my position?” You think.
“Perhaps … if you survive the attack.”
“What do you suggest?”
“I can tell you what you can do under the Codex. I can tell you what not to do. I cannot tell you what action might be most successful because I agreed with the positions your father took, and those actions did not turn out for the best. No one ever imagined that someone disgruntled with the rex would attempt to assassinate his entire family. No one thought it was possible. People thought revolts and rebellions were possible. Now…” Sanafryt shrugged. “The world has changed. For the first time in history, those without ties of a sort to the rex have golds and resources enough to do something like what happened last night, without anyone knowing.”
“You�
�re saying that the High Holders have ties to the rex?” Charyn very much had his doubts about that.
“In the sense that they can be controlled. It might take time, but you could eliminate the High Holders by force. Their holds and their resources are known. They are still largely tied to their lands. They tend to be separated from each other physically, but they are linked by marriage and inheritances. At the very least, you could create such damages that it would take years for them to recover, and they know this.” Sanafryt cleared his throat, swallowed, and went on. “The factors are linked by golds, but none know that much about each other. Alucar will tell you that he knows what each large factor is worth. He does not. He knows what they report, but unless we send tariff inspectors to look into the factorage, we only know what they report.”
“That’s true of everyone.”
Sanafryt shook his head. “Everyone knows when a High Holder buys or builds a factorage … at least when he buys one near his holding. Because buying or operating factorages far from the hold requires trust, most High Holders refrain from that. Factors rely on golds. Word spreads on who pays and who does not. A High Holder can juggle things within his holding because he controls everything. A factor cannot. Only the golds matter. And so long as he meets his obligations, no one asks from where the golds come or for what they are used.”
Charyn frowned.
“You have visited the exchange, I understand. Do most know from where the golds come when they sell there? The exchange knows, but so many golds change hands for so many contracts that over a time, no one remembers, and no one knows. There are records, but it would take days, perhaps years, to sort out what any one factor might have done.”
Charyn definitely had not thought about that.
When Sanafryt finally left the study, dismissed to leave the chateau and to return to his dwelling, Charyn realized another thing. He had no idea if his father had said anything to his uncle about staying on the High Council. Later … possibly several days later, he would need to ask his mother whether she knew.
With a deep breath, he returned to the papers on the desk, concentrating as he went through each stack quickly. Even so, it took him more than two glasses before he finished sorting the papers into four stacks—those that he’d need to deal with in the next day or so, those he’d have to deal with at some point, those that contained information he needed to know, and those he had no idea why they’d even come to the desk of the rex. And none of the papers shed any light or even suggested any more than he already knew about who might have been behind the shooting … or why.
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