by A L Issett
CHAPTER 12
KING GOLDEN
“I have no idea why I am amazed” Golden said. “That Perry has done exactly what Earl Tox said he was going to do.”
“He was behind Jessica, I can feel it in my bones” Duke Haggerty said. “I thought to make a match between the two of them but Jessica refused and now I see why. To stoop so low to kidnapping, all kinds of things could have happened during the attempt. My baby could have died out there while that fool played ignorant. And now that idiot Perry is going to marry that Quetian Queen just like he wanted.”
“I cannot come straight out and accuse him” Golden said. “All we have are speculations.”
“Well I am letting it be known no Quetians are allowed in my lands” Duke Haggerty said angrily. “I don’t give a damn who they are traveling with and I am prepared to defend my home to the death.”
“You will start a war” Golden said.
“Wake up Your Highness” Haggerty snapped. “A war is already coming you have just been too blind to see it. Many people including me loved old King Edward, he was related to our late royal family and he was a true Ketian noble. The man had some missteps along the way like the war with the barbarians but everyone loved him and no one was hungry. No disrespect but you are not a noble no matter who you marry. You are a commoner who came from humble beginnings and married a tavorian. Many of the nobles in the kingdom want you gone, they want to have a true Ketian noble on the throne and a coup could happen. Well it would have happened if anyone could agree on who the new ruler was going to be. I will not deny my part in it but trust me when I say Duke Wayne is not a friend.”
“Did any of you ever think about what would happen if I went away?” Golden asked. “Do you think the Tavorians are happy with the way things are going right now? Sure they place emphasis on being a mage but I am a Ketian. What was going to be the plan when they decided to attack? They know most of the nobles here do not care for mages all that highly thanks to me being allowed to marry outside of my status. Do you think they would just be happy with the entire coup or would they want war? Our country would be ravished by civil war and the Tavorians will either want their country back or would want to take over entirely. Would they let those who tossed me out live?”
“No” Haggerty said. “I never thought about the Tavorians.”
“They are content for now thanks to Caroline being on the throne” Golden said. “But it has been waiting to explode for a while now. My son marrying a Tavorian mage was not just chance. Whoever beats me would have to push them back.”
“It wouldn’t matter” Haggerty said. “King Edward did it.”
“King Edward did it by kidnapping, murdering and being sneaky” Golden replied. “One of his greatest weapons wouldn’t fight on the side of Ket for all the gold in the kingdom. I am sure you are at least familiar with Earl Tox’s story. Not the things that has been spread but the actual truth.”
“Something about Greenley’s boy?” Haggerty asked. “I never paid it any attention, didn’t you and Baronet Greenley’s son grow up together? I also heard something about Earl Tox but it sounds way too fantastic to be true. If he did discover how to stay young he would have been selling that secret and making gold hand over fist.”
“I can tell you the real story” Golden began. “Me and Earl Tox grew up together in Baronet Greenley’s lands. Back then Earl Tox was just Tanner and he made his money from trapping animals and selling hides. I was the son of a blacksmith and going into the family business and Todd Greenley was a colossal ass and a bully. In an actual fight I would have given him a proper throttling, I don’t have this size for nothing. Tanner would have also, both of us were taught to fight from his long dead uncle but none of us was stupid enough to attack a future baronet. Todd Greenley was the second most popular boy in Kol, right after me. Todd hated me and hated Tanner because Tanner was my best friend. Eventually it was found out Todd and I both had magic. It has probably been forgotten by now but I was a complete prodigy in magic and I could have easily became the High Mage. Edmonson can cast very quickly and would be tough to fight in a mage on mage duel but I could decimate tens or even hundreds of men before I am brought down. I am also a fair blade, I have never been tested but I would rank myself as a one bolt swordmaster. I say this not to brag, but so you can understand why Todd Greenley who was never anything special in magic would hate me. This hate intensified when Caroline didn’t care about my status as a commoner and when King Edward let it be known that he would sanction our courtship. Tanner meanwhile went to join the army back when I was discovered as a mage and got into it with a mage who was also an ass and used to pushing his weight around. Tanner was made to fight to the death and it was discovered that magic did not affect him. He willingly served King Tazor first as Caroline’s protector and then against the Tavorians. Tanner was rewarded for it enough that he never had to work again. Tanner’s gift is the reason he grew so big, trust me when I say he was a much smaller boy. His gift in combination with his magical sword is the reason he has stayed young, it was obvious to me that even when my sister was alive that he had stopped aging. King Edward back when he was the Earl of Tox was prominent in the Black Hand and had tried recruiting Tanner a number of times. Tanner of course ignored every missive sent from anyone important, he was happy with his life with my sister. When King Tazor died Edward took over and foresaw the danger the Tavorians represented and wanted Tanner to fight their mages. Edward had done much research on Tanner and even had one of his people working inside of Tanner’s home as a servant. He came to a conclusion that many would come to within a moment of meeting the Earl of Tox, if Tanner didn’t want to do something he wasn’t going to do it. My sister was kidnapped to guarantee his allegiance.”
“Well he should have wanted to serve his country” Haggerty said.
“If I took your wife and daughter and told you I want you to fight would you?” Golden asked. “Would you go out there armed with a sword to battle the enemy?”
“Well you said magic didn’t work on him” Haggerty said.
“What about plain old steel?” Golden asked. “Or arrows, or anything else that could kill him? Why would you voluntarily leave your home to do something like that? Tanner already had money and was doing okay by himself. The businessman you hate in Earl Tox was there when he was just Tanner from Kol. My sister wouldn’t participate in Edward schemes and eventually Mary and Tanner had to be poisoned so they could cooperate. If they did not get their relief horrible side effects would happen. Mary didn’t care about the side effects, my sister was self-hating and didn’t want any comforts while Tanner was risking his life. Edward eventually called in Todd Greenley to torture her so she would take the relief. This went on for months and I was too blinded by love and the greater good to see what was happening to my little sister. I was her big brother, I should have been her protector but instead I was too enamored with Caroline to care. I thought either way Edward would have forced Tanner to fight so why not make the best of the situation. Eventually Mary had enough of being tortured and took her own life, it just so happened Todd Greenley was in the room and Tanner was only seconds away from his reunion. Tanner killed Greenley and swore if Edward ever went after him again he would burn down Ket. Edward didn’t know Tanner had fled to become a barbarian, Tanner didn’t want the title and would have given it up if it wasn’t for the half man Stephen. Stephen convinced him of the good that could be done in helping people out who were routinely abused by the rich. Edward eventually went to war with what used to be the Kingdom of Jett and then on to conquer the various barbarian tribes. When Tanner recognized the Ketian colors he went into a rage and with another barbarian they united the barbarian tribes and went on a rampage that only ended because Tanner was tired of war. He could have killed you, me and every man in Ket if he wanted to. For some reason he did not which was why Edward left him alone. While we came to an understanding, King Edward and I were far from friends. He did what he had to in order to
protect Ket but cost me my sister and best friend. I was ready to leave Caroline in shame and actually broke up with her. My parents wouldn’t take me back so for a few months I lived as a nameless caravan guard until Caroline eventually begged me to come back. It wasn’t her fault and I was blaming her for it, they wanted her to marry Duke Wayne. When we were back together it was always an uneasy feeling in the Sun Palace. The only reason I did not kill Edward the many times I had the chance was because I could see what his actions did to him. He only had one great regret in life and that was that he was never able to make things right with Tanner. He was the only man Edward claimed that he wronged and never made up for it.”
“So that is why Earl Tox is the way he is” Duke Haggerty said. “I admit he told me some of this story when he visited me after leaving Quet. There is no way he would willingly lay his life on the line for Ket. It doesn’t explain why he went into Quet though.”
“My daughter was kidnapped” Golden said and let out a deep sigh. “Tanner hates me, I know that. But he once looked to me as a brother and my children are still related to Mary. They call him uncle not because Edward adopted Tanner after Mary was killed but because Mary was Tanner’s wife. If I really needed him I think he would be there for me. He would curse my name and try to knock out more of my teeth if he could. But he would be there for me. That is the main reason I ignore every complaint against him and welcome any of you to deal with him yourself. I will be surprised if he hasn’t killed at least one Tavorian while he is at some party.”
“Earl Tox went to a party?” Haggerty said confused.
“With Duchess Soves’s daughter Claudia” Golden said. “I am amazed he agreed myself, he hates Duchess Soves with a burning passion for reasons I will not get into. Whether he killed someone or not I think his presence will make the Tavorians think twice about trying to secede from the kingdom.”
“Then all we have to worry about is Wayne when he eventually makes his move and Quet” Haggerty said. “I will be ready for him, you can't call out the Waynes but I can in a roundabout way. Perry marrying the woman who kidnapped my daughter and killed my men has forever made the Waynes my enemy.”
CHAPTER 13
DUKE WAYNE
“You wanted to see me father?” Perry asked his father, Duke Wayland Wayne.
“I just received a missive from the King,” Duke Wayne said. “Why did you have to tell that peasant Earl about the bracers?”
“I have went over it in my head father. He would have found out anyway. Once he fought me and lost, I knew a man like him would have his ego hurt and seek out the truth. He fought with Darlene’s Guard Captain and had to have noticed the man was more skilled than many he has fought. He also fought one of the enemy General’s who had a bracer on. He would have found out, getting the secret of his sword though I think was a worthy trade.”
“That fucking commoner King has banned any Quetians from stepping foot in Ket under the penalty of death. I think he knows something.”
“Impossible, who would tell him? No one has admitted to telling either Jessica or Carolina and the Earl does not get along with the King. I will just bring Darlene here, who would stop us?”
“Haggerty would. He has been a little distant as of late. I think he knows. I know he has had that Earl over as a guest when that Earl was on his way home from Quet. I also know Haggerty had a secret meeting with the peasant King.”
“Father this is ridiculous. The Earl and the Duke do not get along just like the Duke and the King does not. None of those three like each other, why would they start swapping secrets. Just a few months ago you and the Duke were trying to come up with different ways to get rid of the King.”
“Here is what I think. I think that Earl stopped by Haggerty’s so the man wouldn’t be offended. Haggerty loves money and was probably trying to sweet talk the Earl. Maybe even place Jessica with him or trying to figure out some business relationship. Either way Haggerty would have been forced to thank that peasant for riding into Quet. I think you were brought up some kind of way. That peasant has likely never tasted defeat until you beat him. I am sure if Telrin was around that the peasant had to mention the bracers. Even if he hadn’t, once he knew you had one and that Quet were trying to keep them a secret, then he knew the kidnapping must have been an inside job. Haggerty knows so as well and so does the king by now.”
“So what, what are they going to do?” Perry asked.
“Nothing because they can't prove anything,” Duke Wayne said. “I think it is safe to assume the secret of the bracers is already out.”
“Doesn’t mattter, they can't make any,” Perry laughed. “And I have the grand bracer along with a very special present.”
“What is that? This is no time for games.”
“I have another bracer along with the copy hammer that was made. It takes a lot of people to power this thing but we now have the ability to make our own. I really don’t even need Darlene anymore.”
“You don’t even have a mage to power the bracer. Your guards died trying to free the city or did you forget? It was hard enough finding mages poor enough that they would trade their magic for money and keep things secret.”
“I have two people I have talked to in order to tide me over father,” Perry said waving away his father’s concerns. “I just need to make their magic suitable and I can do that with the hammer I have. You are worried about nothing.”
Nothing is it? Then tell me why did Haggerty place a lot of his men on the border with Quet? Tell me why there are small rumors trickling out of Ketol that the peasant Earl has suddenly taken an interest in teaching Princess Carolina the sword? Before you say it is so she can protect herself better, I have even heard that she has bested one of the Ketol City Watch.”
“You think she has a bracer? If she did then the King surely would have come down here with evidence like that. We would have hearing all kinds of things about how I am a cheater. That Earl has his own magic so he can't complain our duel wasn’t fair.”
“The king is scared of me,” Duke Wayne said. “His hold is shaky on Ket. We don’t want him and neither do the Tavorians. Well the Tavorians might be falling in line after what has happened.”
“The kidnapping?”
“No not the kidnapping,” Duke Wayne said annoyed. “That peasant Earl showed up to some party with Lady Soves in Tavor. Word is his snapped the neck of Duke Pithington.”
“The mage?” Perry said surprised. “Isn’t that who Tavor wants to push forward as their king if they ever leave our kingdom?”
“The same one. One of the most influential mages in Tavor was killed by that peasant. They will fall in line after that. I just wish I was thinking clearly or I would have sent you to kill some Tavorians before that peasant was sent by Duchess Soves.”
“You can't just kill a Duke and get away with it. Where is the trial, when is the trial?”
“Not going to be one. Duke Pithington attacked that peasant Earl two different times and tried to use some spell that went awry. It was a killing spell and he died. His son is just happy to be in charge and doesn’t want to shake things up. He is worried the peasant Earl will come visit him next. Besides, there already is a Tavorian on the throne.”
“Do you want me to kill this peasant? I can say I was insulted by the Earl and demand satisfaction. He is too stupid and proud to turn me down. I can kill him right then and be done with it.”
“The Tavorians wouldn’t have a reason to fear the King. They could rebel at the same time we do. It will be hard to fight the Quetian army plus our men plus the Tavorians.”
“I don’t know how the Earl and I can get back into the same room.”
“Invite him to your wedding. You said he used the hammer to make his own duplicate hammer. That most likely did no work out for him. Offer to let him use your duplicate complete with mages to power the thing.”
“I don’t have the mages.”
“Doesn’t matter, Darlene does and that peasant won't be
alive for long to collect if everything goes well.”
“How am I supposed to get Darlene along with a contingent of soldiers and mages here? You are acting like Duke Haggerty hates us now father.”
“He does but talking to you has given me an idea,” Duke Wayne said. “We are going to come clean about the bracers. We will just say you bought it off a mercenary that stole it during the Quetian civil war. Haggerty will pretend to be ignorant about the entire thing and gladly accept the bracer. That should shed some doubt on his beliefs about if we had anything to do with his daughter’s kidnapping. I don’t think he would put up too much of a fight if I ask him as a friend to let Darlene and the rest through the border. We can frame this marriage as possible to prevent any future kidnappings or misunderstandings from occurring.”
“And if he refuses?” Perry asked.
“Then we will focus our resources to strengthening ourselves against any future attacks. Those swords you brought back would be a game ender for everyone but the peasant Earl. But you are faster than he is and all it takes is a cut. I will even invite that commoner and the Tavorian that is sitting on our throne.”
“Why not send someone after the king? If he and the Queen will be here, why not have an assassin deal with them?”
“Because if they fail, then what?”
CHAPTER 14
KING GOLDEN
“Did he seriously invite us to a wedding in Ket to a Quetian?” Golden asked as he crumpled up the invitation. “I was clear when I said no Quetians are to be in my lands!”
