Gods Above and Below

by Loren K. Jones

  “Poor Stavin,” the queen giggled, “you’d have to look up between her breasts.” The arrival of the first course stopped the king from saying anything else.

  The selection was amazing, and the food superb. Stavin ate a small portion of almost all of the dishes, with Karvik hovering at his shoulder. The King’s Food Taster sampled every dish first, and then the king was served. The queen was served next, but the king had Stavin served before the crown prince and the rest of the royal family. Prince Jerlan took it in stride, so Stavin did so as well.

  As the meal was coming to a close, a group of nobles came forward and bowed to the king.

  “King Alred, we request permission to question the Blessed of Arandar,” the apparent leader asked.

  King Alred looked the man in the eye, then scanned the rest of the group. “No,” was his only reply.

  “King Alred, please reconsider,” the leader of the group asked in a tone of forced courtesy. “The appearance of Arandar’s Avatar is unprecedented in all of our history. Such an occurrence must be thoroughly documented.”

  Stavin glanced at the king, then asked the man, “Who are you, good sir?”

  The man looked startled for an instant, as if surprised that anyone wouldn’t recognize him. “I am Master Scholar Vartal Zel’Melan, Dean of the Royal Reynadian University in Rey on the Glimmer.”

  Lady Ava was on the other side of the queen, and now she sat forward and said, “Mind your manners, Vartal,” in a dangerous tone. The Dean looked at her with a puzzled expression, and she continued in a more moderate tone. “In addition to being the Blessed of Arandar, he’s a prince of Evandia and Coravia, as well as being the former King of Coravia and the current Heir Apparent. Your birth and position do not place you above him in any way.” The Dean looked even more startled at that.

  Before the Dean could embarrass himself further, Stavin intervened by asking, “Is Dahnav Zel’Tammal with your group?”

  “He is not,” the Dean replied in a huffy tone as his face reddened.

  “Ava told you to watch your manners, Vartal,” the king snapped. “If you are discourteous to Prince Stavin again I’ll have you removed from the palace, and the University as well.”

  The Dean looked at his king as his face drained of color. He whispered, “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  Stavin bowed his head to the king, then addressed the Dean again. “Please ask him to visit me in my suite tomorrow night.”

  Now the Dean looked offended. “Scholar Zel’Tammal is not considered an authority on the Gods, in spite of his theories and self-proclaimed accomplishments, Prince Stavin.”

  “That’s not what I asked, Dean Zel’Melan,” Stavin replied in a low tone. “I asked you to invite him to visit me tomorrow night. But no matter. If you can’t manage that small courtesy, I’ll send one of my guardsmen, the Heir of Zel’Karyn perhaps, to issue the invitation.” Eldick stepped closer to Stavin’s chair and glared at the scholars.

  The Dean looked stunned as Stavin looked down the table and said, “Prince Killian, as you are a student of Master Scholar Zel’Tammal, I extend this invitation to you as well.” Turning back to the uncomfortable-looking scholars in front of the table, he concluded his verbal torturing of the Dean by saying, “I can tell you now that the majority of Master Scholar Zel’Tammal’s theories are absolutely correct.”

  “That-That’s not what is written in the--” the Dean began to protest, but Stavin cut him off in mid-protest.

  “What is written and what is accepted dogma is for priests, Dean Zel’Melan. Scholars must keep an open mind in order to accommodate and integrate new information.” Stavin looked around the room and saw many nobles nodding their agreement, including Lady Servallan.

  Turning back to the king, Stavin bowed his head. “Your Majesty, I don’t believe anything constructive can be accomplished by continuing this discussion.”

  King Alred nodded and replied, “I believe you are correct, Prince Stavin.” Turning to the scholars, he waved his hand in a dismissive gesture. “You may go.”

  The Dean looked like he wanted to protest the dismissal, but two Royal Guardsmen walked up and escorted him away. Stavin looked at the king and bowed his head.

  “Your Majesty, the invitation is, of course, extended to the entire royal family, but I believe we covered everything last night.”

  King Alred nodded. “The invitation is appreciated, Prince Stavin, but we’ll let Killian and the scholar have you to themselves.”

  “Don’t leave me out,” Lady Ava interjected.

  Stavin bowed as the king sighed in exasperation. Stavin grinned as he said, “You are always welcome, Lady Ava.”

  “I’d better be,” she murmured.

  The king concluded the meal and Stavin returned to his suite. Karvik was at his shoulder and said, “That Lady Servallan sure is something to look at.”

  “Look, but not touch,” Stavin agreed.

  “Oh?”

  Stavin said, “I’m pretty sure she’s the Blessed of Ravashanal,” without looking up at Karvik.

  Karvik’s feet got tangled for an instant and he grasped Stavin’s shoulder. “You must be joking,” he muttered. “The way she looks?”

  Stavin nodded and described what really happened when he locked eyes with the ever-so-lovely Servallan. “She’s why I’m here.”

  Karvik demanded, “Why didn’t you tell the king?”

  “Because I have no proof beyond how I feel, what Arandar made me feel. And what I felt before Arandar stepped in.”

  Karvik took several deep breaths. “What are you going to do?”

  “The only thing I can do, Kar: Wait until she makes a move against me that I can prove to the king. And be prepared for when she does.”

  Chapter 19

  THE REST OF THE DAY WAS Stavin’s to do with as he pleased, so he asked, “Does anyone know where my Traders are staying?” Looks were exchanged all around, but no one answered. “Does anyone know where the Royal Guards’ Barracks is?”

  This time a guardsman stepped forward. “Yes, Your Highness.”

  “Take a hand of men with you and go find that private. What was her name?” Stavin asked in a distracted tone.

  “Zel’Freelan,” Karvik answered.

  “That’s it,” Stavin agreed. “Go find Private Zel’Freelan and find out where the traders are staying. And while you’re at it, find out where the Guild offices are as well.”

  The guardsman bowed and said, “Yes, Prince Stavin,” then turned away. Four other guardsmen followed him.

  It took five spans for the guardsmen to return. Feralan and the rest of the traders were with them. Stavin smiled as he stood and walked toward the door. “Is everything ready?”

  Feralan bowed and replied, “Yes, Prince Stavin.”

  “Good,” Stavin said as he clapped his hands and rubbed them together. “Let’s go to the Guild offices and get you credentialed. Have you made any progress as far as wagons and teams?”

  Feralan bowed slightly and said, “Yes, Prince Stavin. A Master Trader’s wagon is going to be thirty-five gold crowns.”

  Stavin exclaimed, “Gods Above!”

  Feralan nodded, and spoke in a sour tone as she said, “Welcome to Rey: Everything is more expensive here.”

  “That’s ridiculous,” Stavin muttered, “but I don’t see a choice.”

  One of the other Masters, a former caravan guard, grumbled, “We should just go home and buy from the cousins.”

  Stavin looked at Feralan and she nodded. “We can get better wagons in Aniston at a much better price, Prince Stavin. And he’s right about keeping it in the family.”

  Stavin sighed and shook his head, then finally nodded. “We’ll get your credentials today, and you can head out tomorrow.”

  All of the traders bowed, then Feralan said, “As you wish, Prince Stavin.”

  Stavin headed toward the door and everyone fell into line behind him. The path out of the palace was clear, but as soon as they walked out the gates t
hey were surrounded by thousands of people.

  It took a while for the people to realize who they were seeing. Then the shouts began. People cried out, “Blessed One!” and “Avatar!” all around them, and the guards moved to surround Stavin. He smiled and waved to the crowd, but Karvik and Varik knew him well enough to realize how tense he really was.

  When they reached the headquarters of the Reynadian Traders’ Guild Stavin put his vest on. As they walked forward, they found three ornately dressed people waiting for them. Two older men bracketed a very old woman, and she was smiling broadly as she bowed.

  “Blessed of Arandar, Dragon Blessed Senior Warmaster Prince Stavin Zel’Andral, Master Trader, Master of House Kel’Aniston, we welcome you to the Reynadian Traders’ Guild. I am Senior Master Trader Cherry Fel’Ankal. With me are Senior Master Trader Gerral Bel’Corvat and Senior Master Trader Terral Fel’Orvan.” Each of the men bowed when they were introduced.

  Stavin bowed slightly in acknowledgment. “Greetings, Councilors. I am here to establish my House in Reynadia and post bond on eight new Master Traders to handle my caravans.”

  The councilors all bowed, and Senior Master Fel’Ankal smiled at him. “We received word from House Zel’Aniston that you would be approaching us, Prince Stavin. Are your Master candidates present?” Feralan led the seven other candidates forward.

  Cherry looked at each of them, then asked, “Do you have your hundred crown bonds?” As one the candidates bowed. “Master Mage Kel’Bortan, provide these men and women with their credentials.”

  A tall, skeletally thin man came forward and bowed to the councilors, then more deeply to Stavin. A much younger woman at his side was carrying an armful of vests.

  The mage nodded and said, “Each of you take a vest and put it on, please.” Once everyone was ready, he placed his hands on Feralan’s chest and intoned the spell that changed the plain leather vest into Master Trader’s credentials. The process was repeated for each of them, then the mage and his assistant turned and walked away.

  Feralan was stroking the golden dragon on her vest as she turned and smiled at Stavin. He waved her closer and handed her all eight drafts. Without a word, she took the drafts and presented them to the council.

  Senior Master Fel’Ankal bowed to Stavin. “We welcome House Kel’Aniston and its Masters to the Reynadian Traders’ Guild.” There was a scattering of subdued cheers from around them as Stavin bowed his head in acknowledgment.

  Stavin waved Feralan over to his side again. “Take everyone back to the inn and have a good night. Things are probably going to get interesting soon, so it’s a good thing you’re leaving. How full is that purse?”

  Feralan bowed then said, “Lodgings and food for the sixteen of us cost eight silvers a night, Prince Stavin.”

  Stavin nodded and pulled out his pouch. He poured the coins out in his hand and started picking through the silver and gold. “Here are twenty additional gold crowns and thirty-seven silvers. Give what you don’t spend to Rhovan and Veralan. And keep a ledger. You’re officially part of House Kel’Aniston now, and your expenses are part of the House account.” Feralan and all the traders and guards bowed deeply, then she led them away.

  “Interesting?” Karvik asked as he looked at Stavin. “That’s an understatement.”

  Stavin nodded as he said, “Unfortunately,” in a sour tone.

  The walk back to the palace was uneventful. That ended when they reached the suite. Varik met them at the door. “Stave, a very tall woman stopped by and seemed like she was ready to rip my head off when I told her you weren’t here, and left in a towering rage when I refused to tell her where you’d gone.”

  “Blonde, about your height?” Stavin asked as he looked up at Varik’s face.

  “Yes,” Varik replied as he nodded. “I was really surprised.”

  Stavin turned toward Karvik and said, “Servallan.”

  “I wonder what she wanted?” Karvik asked as he stroked his chin.

  “There’s no telling, Kar. It could be anything.”

  The butlers approached Stavin not long after that and bowed. “Prince Stavin,” Orlan said as he straightened, “we have sorted your clothing and laid out an appropriate outfit for the banquet tonight.”

  Amarna bowed again and said, “With your permission, Prince Stavin, I would like to trim your hair.” Stavin reached up and combed his fingers through his hair, then nodded. Amarna smiled and bowed again, then motioned to a chair. “Please sit here.”

  Stavin sat in the indicated chair and held still. Amarna was busy with the outside of his head, so he let his mind wander.

  What could Servallan have wanted? I know who and what she is just as surely as she knows who and what I am. She couldn’t have thought I’d play bed-games with Ravashanal’s Avatar. Maybe she was just trying to get a feel for me, for how strong I really am.

  He kept mulling over the same thoughts until Amarna stepped back and said, “I believe that will do, Prince Stavin.”

  Stavin glanced at Karvik and he nodded his approval. “She’s better than Aran, Stave.”

  Stavin nodded, then stood and headed for the bathing room. All the butlers followed him while the matrons cleaned up the suite. It took six spans before Stavin was cleaned and dressed to the butlers’ satisfaction.

  Karvik nodded his approval as he looked Stavin over. “Very nice.”

  Stavin nodded and grinned. “I think Marina would actually be impressed by this one.”

  Karvik chuckled and moved close enough to whisper. “The matrons collected your hair and divided it. I think they’re keeping it.”

  “Why?” Stavin whispered back.

  “Relics of Arandar’s Avatar?”

  Stavin shook his head slowly. “Gods Above, Kar. That’s so embarrassing.”

  Karvik chuckled as he stepped back. “Serves you right.”

  Stavin shook his head as a wry grin crossed his lips. “Probably.”

  The guards who were going to accompany Stavin to the banquet had cleaned up and put on their dress uniforms while Stavin was being fussed over, and now they formed up around him.

  Stavin nodded to Karvik, and he ordered, “Forward march.”

  They made it back to the banquet hall without any missed turns, and Stavin stopped to admire the decorations for a moment. He whispered, “Magnificent,” as he turned in a complete circle. It was the only word that came to mind as he looked around.

  Karvik was gawking like a yokel. “Incredible, Stave,” he murmured as his head swiveled. “This is absolutely incredible.”

  The banquet hall was festooned with garlands of flowers, bright ribbons of silk and bouquets of flowers in every niche. Festival lights cast pools of color, and tiny mirrored triangles below each of them sent colored shafts of light throughout the room.

  “Do you like it?” Princess Callissen asked in a happy tone as she walked up to Stavin.

  Stavin grinned at her bubbly enthusiasm. “I’ve never seen anything like it, Your Highness,” Stavin replied, warning Karvik and the rest of the guardsmen who they were dealing with. Princess Callissen giggled happily and hurried away.

  “That’s Princess Callissen, the youngest of the princesses,” Stavin said for the benefit of his guardsmen. “Let’s walk around a bit.”

  Chapter 20

  STAVIN STROLLED AROUND THE ROOM, PAUSING to admire the decorations on occasion. People bowed as he passed, and he made a point of returning those bows no matter who they were from. Then they encountered someone who didn’t bow.

  “You think you know me, Blessed of Arandar?” Lady Servallan asked as she stepped out to block his path.

  Stavin answered, “I know you, Blessed of Ravashanal.”

  Her lips twisted into something that approximated a smile. “Perhaps you know my Mistress, but you know nothing of me.”

  Stavin looked up at her face, then glanced at Karvik. Kar was actually having to look up at her. Stavin whispered, “I know enough,” as a tight smile pulled his lips thin. />
  Servallan laughed merrily. “You know nothing. You wouldn’t be so sure of yourself if you did.” With that she turned and sauntered away.

  “That rude little--” one of the guardsmen began, but Stavin raised a hand to stop him.

  “She’s baiting me, us, but we will not rise to the bait. I know some of you are single, but don’t let her get you alone. Ravashanal and Her followers are not to be trusted--or trifled with.”

  Karvik added, “And I don’t think Servallan is the only one. Any woman here could be in the service of the Gods Below, so don’t fraternize at all.” There was a little grumbling from the single men, but the Royal Guards were known for their discipline.

  Stavin began strolling around again, finally making his way back to the king’s table. He was met by a broadly smiling Princess Alankira.

  “Well, Cousin Stavin, what do you think?”

  Stavin replied, “It’s amazing, Cousin Kira,” and almost chuckled at her bright grin at his chosen form of address.

  “I’m so glad you accept me as a cousin,” she continued in a tender tone. “Arandar’s letter said you would.”

  Stavin bowed slightly. “Lord Arandar was the one who started calling me ‘cousin’, and by the time I left almost all of the Zel’Anistons and Kel’Anistons were calling me that. The ones who spoke to me at least. Too many of them just bowed and stayed silent.”

  “What of the lower castes?”

  Stavin rolled his eyes and grinned. “Lady Sahrana would have popped her cork.”

  That reduced Princess Alankira to incoherent giggles for a moment. “Aunt Sahra has a very ‘proper’ attitude toward the lower castes. But I get the impression you don’t.”

  “I grew up a warrior, and spent my first years out of the valley surrounded by members of every caste. I’m used to them.”

  Princess Alankira grinned and wrinkled her nose. “Daddy let me be friends with whoever I wanted. My best friend when I was growing up was Mardis Del’Kerval.”

  Stavin laughed. “And where is she now?”

  “Married to a farmer. She has nine kids.”

  Stavin laughed again. “That’ll keep her busy.”