Taurillion smiled. “A pain in my arse,” he said.
28
Retarfu, Elothia
Taelia and Marianille were walking down the main street, back towards the palace when Taelia halted. “Marianille.” Taelia’s voice was sharp. “That’s Jerrol over there.”
Marianille looked where her gloved finger pointed. There was a unit of the Elothian Third Chevron marching up to the palace, resplendent in their red and blue uniform.
“Where?”
“There!”
“I can’t see him. There’s just a unit of the Duke’s Third Chevron changing guard. Are you sure? You know, every other time you’ve said this, it hasn’t been him. You can’t bring back the dead. We can’t feel the Captain; he’s lost. We’ve been over this Taelia; why torture yourself?”
“He might be in disguise. We need to be careful if it is indeed him. It’s been three months. He wouldn’t just appear out of nowhere. There must be a reason. That was the Third Chevron you said? Wasn’t that his back-up plan? To infiltrate the Third Chevron?” Her voice was rising with excitement.
“Hush; mind we’re not overheard. If it is him, and I’m not saying it is, then we need to be very careful. We don’t want to betray his cover.”
Taelia looked at her, tears in her eyes. She grabbed Marianille’s arm and shook it. “I’m telling you, it’s him; I can feel him.” She dashed the tears away from her flushed cheeks before they could freeze on her skin.
“Well tone it down. Torsion will be suspicious, and Tor’asion even more so.”
“Call Ari. We should send a message to the king,” Taelia whispered.
“Not until we confirm. We need to know what the plan is, if there even is a plan,” Marianille muttered to herself.
“Come on, let’s get back to the palace. You can find out who’s who in the new unit. I’ll just listen. I’m telling you, it’s Jerrol. I can’t believe it, after all this time, finally! He said, be patient, to wait for him.”
“When did he say that?”
“Before he was taken away, he said be patient; you were there.”
“If I was, I don’t remember it. Is that what you’ve been doing? Stalling Torsion, so you could wait?”
“Yes, it’s worked quite well, hasn’t it?” she said impishly as she dragged Marianille along the street.
“Taelia, slow down, people are staring.”
“Sorry,” she said, contritely slowing to a more decorous pace. “Won’t we meet the new guards at dinner tonight?”
“Only the officers.”
Taelia beamed at her. “Well, of course, he’ll be an officer; he’s the Captain after all!”
Finn inspected the grand duke’s palace as they marched up the approach road. This road was in much better condition than those around Adeeron and carved through the centre of the sprawling town before curving up towards the palace. He had a dim memory of riding in a carriage up to the palace. He shook it off. Impossible.
The building was built out of soft golden stone and glowed in the brilliant sunlight. The grand entrance was graced by tall columns that curved away on either side, opening into vaulted arches that led into the depths of the palace. He approached the Third Chevron’s First unit, who were on guard. They were smartly turned out and alert, saluting as he strode through the tall iron gates at the head of the column.
His men were soon dispersed to the barracks to freshen up. Finn instructed Birler to settle the men whilst he and Owen were escorted to the office of the Captain of the First unit. Captain Vinnsen rose from his chair and grinned at them broadly as he perused the orders that Finn handed over to him. Vinnsen was tall and muscular and filled the room. “Am I glad you are here. I hate to say it, but this is one of the most boring posts going. Your challenge will be to keep your men alert.” His voice was loud and strident and grated against Finn’s ears.
“It seems you have managed well enough,” Finn said, his voice soft and cultured in comparison. He sipped the glass of whisky that Vinnsen had placed in his hands as soon as they had arrived and rubbed the soft beard that covered the lower half of his face.
“Oh, it’s much improved this last week. I threatened to extend the posting of any man I caught slacking,” he grinned evilly over the rim of his glass.
“What is the grand duke like?” Owen asked.
“If I am being diplomatic, he is a great man, who will change Elothia for the better; he will be good for our people and the Land. If I am being honest …” He blew his breath out and looked at them blandly. “Too young to be in command. He is too pliable. The general’s run all over him and now he has these advisors he is always referring to.”
“Advisors?” Finn asked.
“Yeah, councillors of some sort. They are warmongers so the general’s love ‘em.”
“But you don’t?” Finn suggested.
“I don’t like any outsiders telling us what to do. First question the grand duke should be asking: What’s in it for them?”
“Have you asked him?”
Vinnsen laughed. “Who do you think we are? We’re just the help around here. We’re given orders and not expected to question them.”
Finn glanced at Owen. “Really?”
Owen grinned. “Our captain tends to get more involved.”
“Well, I recommend you don’t. Quickest way to get in trouble around here.” Vinnsen snorted. He rose and placed his glass on his desk. “Come, I’ll give you a quick tour so you can get your bearings before freshening up. The grand duke will expect to meet you tonight at the reception.”
Finn raised his eyebrows. “And not before?”
“I told you, you just receive orders; don’t expect more.”
“Who else is here?”
“You’ll meet most of the Administration and their families; they make up most of the court. General Kabil is visiting from the front, so I suggest you listen carefully to him. He’s the only one with anything interesting to say. The grand duke will be there, of course, and his advisors. Oh, and some Vespirian woman who is with one of the Advisors. She stayed after an emissary visit went wrong. The grand duke took offence, apparently, which must be a first,” he said with a twist of his lips as he led the way out of his office.
It was much later when Finn sat at the table in his room, poring over the map of the palace that Vinnsen had given him. His room was as far from the grand duke as possible, which he found strange. Surely, the grand duke would want easy access to his guards? He wondered if he would be able to suggest a change. The location of the guards was impractical. Were they here to protect the grand duke or just for show? After spending an hour reorganising the positions of his sentries, he folded the map and tucked it into his tunic, though he was sure he had it memorised. He had a few hours before he had to attend the reception, leaving him enough time to explore. He would begin with meeting the steward; the man behind the organisation of the palace.
Finn was relieved that his sense of direction and recent memory seemed to be working, even though he still didn’t know who he was or where he came from. He arrived at the Steward’s office at the first attempt and tapped on the door. Waiting, he glanced down the silent corridor until he heard the command to ‘come’.
Closing the door behind him, he walked across the room, his hand outstretched. “Steward Ulfr, my name is Captain Finn of the Third Chevron. I am here to relieve Captain Vinnsen and his men.”
“Captain Finn.” The stocky man who rose from behind the desk seemed surprised. He was broad-shouldered, red-faced and looked ex-military. His elegant moustache was still a vibrant brown, like his hair. “I wasn’t expecting to meet you until tonight.”
“I thought we would be able to talk more easily here than in a reception line, especially as I am sure you are the one who really runs this place,” Finn said.
Ulfr straightened slightly at the compliment and smoothed his moustache. “Of course, please have a seat.”
“You must have your hands full with the Admin
istrators staying here as well.”
“Yes, they seem to have made themselves comfortable. I keep trying to advise the grand duke that it is time they returned home, but he just waves his hand, and they get to stay.”
“Must be costing him a pretty penny,” Finn said thoughtfully.
“Yes,” Ulfr said on a melancholy sigh.
“Between us, we are responsible for the safety and comfort of the grand duke; is there anything you think I should be aware of?”
“Well,” Ulfr smoothed his moustache again, preening slightly at being asked for his opinion. “I appreciate you asking. Your predecessor, Captain Vinnsen, wanted nothing to do with the household staff.”
Finn smiled. “We all work differently. That’s why I wanted to meet you. I like to work closely with the staff; we are all one team, and we all want what is best for the grand duke and Elothia.”
“I am so glad to hear you say that,” Ulfr said. “I had begun to wonder …” He caught himself and cleared his throat. “The staff rise at five am and begin to prepare the grand duke’s rooms, clear and restack the fires, perform general duties, and lay out breakfast in the main hall and the grand duke’s private room should he choose not to join his guests.”
“Does he often choose not to join his guests often?”
“More often of late. He has broken his fast in the company of his advisors for the last three days.”
“And you are concerned?”
Ulfr stared at him. “Do I know you? You look familiar.”
Finn shrugged. “I don’t believe so; this is the first time I’ve been to Retarfu.”
“I’m not sure I should be discussing the grand duke’s habits with you.”
“I am the captain of his guard, responsible for his safety. I need to know everything about him, so that I know if something out of the ordinary happens. We should be one team working together, but if it comes down to it, the safety of the grand duke is most important to me, and I will work around you if necessary. But I would prefer to work with you.”
Ulfr relaxed in his chair and smiled. “I believe you, Captain Finn.” He stroked his moustache. “These advisors turned up about three months ago, maybe a bit longer, wheedled their way into the generals’ confidence, and got them all riled up. They took the advisors to see the grand duke, and they never left.”
“What do they want?”
“For the grand duke to attack Vespiri. Why, I don’t know. There is no reason for Elothia to go to war with Vespiri; there is more reason for King Benedict to attack us. One of his envoys met with an accident a few months ago; he was on a peace mission, too. You would’ve thought they would be attacking us. Gave the generals more ammunition to beef up defences, of course.”
“And you think this has all been driven by these advisors?”
“Has to be. The grand duke had no notion of attacking anyone. He was preparing to be joined before she walked out on him. Never seen him so happy.”
“Really? I hadn’t heard.”
“It was all hushed up. An embarrassment for the grand duke, you know? Lovely girl would have made a beautiful duchess.” Ulfr sighed his hand straying to his face again.
“Who was she?”
“Lady Guin’yyfer from Tierne. Beautiful, she was, and not just in looks. Always knew what was right; had time for people, you know?” Ulfr looked up sharply. “Whatever you do, don’t mention her in the grand duke’s hearing.”
“Good to know,” Jerrol said. “What happened to her?”
“No one knows. Went back home and hid her face in shame, I expect.”
“Well, first things first. To begin with, let’s see if we can free up the grand duke from all these pressures; help him think more clearly. If I recommend to the grand duke that he should send his courtiers home, will you support me?”
Ulfr sat up. “Of course I would.”
“Right, once we’ve changed the guard tomorrow, that’s the first job, then. Oh, and Ulfr, any chance you can move my room closer to the grand duke’s? I am too far away should he need me.”
“Of course, consider it done.” Ulfr stood and moved over to a map on the wall. “The Captain of the Chevron used to be billeted here in this small complex off the grand duke’s wing. I’ll move you there tomorrow. Back where you belong.” Ulfr nodded sharply. He held out his hand. “Captain, I look forward to working with you.”
Finn grinned. “As do I.” They shook on it.
Finn returned to his room to dress for the reception. His clean uniform would have to do; it was all he had. He met a grim-faced Owen in the corridor leading out of the wing, similarly dressed. “What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing.”
“Then you’d better get that look off your face or you’ll have everyone panicking. You look like a storm is about to break. Come on, let’s meet the grand duke,” Finn said as he led the way. Owen dragged his feet as he followed.
They were met by Vinnsen and escorted to the reception line. They threaded their way along the line, shaking and bowing over hands until they reached the golden throne on the dais.
“His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Elothia, Randolf the fourteenth,” Vinnsen intoned. “Your highness, Captain Finn, Third Chevron, fourth unit, Captain of your Guard.”
Finn knelt on the lower step, flicking a glance to his right as he heard a gasp. A young woman standing with a tall dark-haired man stared at him in shock; the dark-haired man looked horrified. He smoothly turned back to the grand duke. “Your Grace,” he said, holding his left hand over his heart.
“Rise.” The grand duke’s voice was bored.
Finn rose and smiled at the grand duke. “I look forward to the honour of guarding you, Your Grace.”
The grand duke looked at him and frowned. He rose and approached Finn, stopping a step above him. “What did you say your name was?”
“Finn, Your Grace, from Arla.”
“You look familiar.”
“I expect you meet many people, your highness,” Finn said with a soft smile.
“True. Still, come see me tomorrow first thing. I like to know who is guarding me.”
“Of course, Your Grace.”
“Enjoy the evening. There’s a singer or something tonight; supposed to be very good.”
Finn moved on down the line, dismissed. He approached the young woman with the brown curls who had caught his attention. Her brilliant blue eyes were sparkling as she reached out. He took her hand and bowed. He tensed as a spark of energy sped between them. He tried to relax as he rose and looked her in the eyes. “Scholar Taelia Haven of Vespiri,” she said, and her voice curled around his ears. “A pleasure to meet you, Captain.”
“The pleasure is mine,” he replied, mesmerised by her shining eyes. He dragged his gaze away and glanced at the tall woman behind her. She had a broad grin on her face. Her silver eyes shone, but Finn kept his eyes moving. He shook hands with the tall man next to her. “Tor’asion,” he repeated, before moving on. His heart fluttered, making him catch his breath. Who was she, to cause such a reaction in him?
As the evening progressed, he spoke to various government officials, all trying to ingratiate themselves with the new captain. Finn watched and smiled and said little. His eyes brightened when he was introduced to General Kabil.
“General, a pleasure to meet you,” he said, inspecting the large man before him. He looked like he had been behind a desk for far too long, the drink in his hand no doubt the cause of his red complexion.
“Ah yes, what? Finn is it? Third Chevron? About time. Vinnsen has been complaining for weeks; about time he had some leave.”
“Will he be joining you on the front?” Finn asked.
“Yes, yes about time too. We need men like him to protect the approaches, and the palace, of course.”
“From what?”
“Those Vespirians, of course. Those blighters keep crossing the border.”
“In retaliation to our incursions, or so I understand.”
“Don’t you believe in protecting Elothia, Captain Finn?” he said, catching the attention of nearby dancers.
“Only if we are defending against what needs defending, General,” he replied. “This, of course, is very nice,” he said with a grin, indicating the room, “But hosting all these people and putting on these grand events must be costly, all money being taken away from your war coffers, of course.”
The general blinked. “Right, well said,” he said nodding with approval as he moved on frowning. Finn overheard him later, expounding his virtues. “Good chap that Finn. Third Chevron turn out good people.”
It was much later when he came face to face with the pretty young scholar again. “Captain, do you have time for a dance? I know officers are usually kept busy.”
“Of course, my lady.”
“Call me Taelia, please.”
“As you wish. I am called Finn.” He swept her out onto the dance floor, his fingertips tingling.
She raised her face to his, smiling with pleasure. “You dance very well for a military man,” she said.
“A misspent youth no doubt,” he murmured breathing in the scent of her hair. He relaxed at the familiar scent, the tension dissipating from his shoulders.
“We’ve missed you,” she said. “We have been patient, waiting as we promised.”
Her words ran like wildfire through his veins, and he raised his head. Where had he heard those words before? There was so much he didn’t remember.
“Who do you believe me to be?” he asked as he twirled her around the room. Envious eyes followed their easy partnership; they seemed to know exactly what the other was going to do.
“Commander Jerrol Haven of the King’s Justice, Captain of the Lady’s Guard and the Keeper of the King’s Oath. My husband. King Benedict misses you, as do we all,” she said quietly, covering as Finn missed a step.
“I think you may be mistaken,” he murmured.
“No.” Her blinding smile faltered. “I’m not. I know you, and you know me, as we always have.”
“My lady. I am Captain Finn of the Third Chevron. This is my first visit to Retarfu, so we can’t have met.”
Sentinals Justice: Book Three of the Sentinal Series Page 22
