Treason, p.25
Treason, page 25
part #1 of Treason and Truth Series
“I would not become a cold-blooded killer,” remarked Landis.
“My lord, it might well be ‘kill or be killed’. There is also the small fact of the number of times you are in His Majesty’s company. It is a small step from watching and harming you to turning that focus onto the King. If you dislike the idea, then either turn her to your side or tell me her name and location. I’m willing to take the risk to protect the empire because your checks aren’t doing much good for trade.”
Intrigued, Landis glanced at Merchant Chapa. His guest’s strong loyalty to the empire was well known but such a manifestation of it was unexpected.
He said, “Thank you, but I think not. I’ll stop the double-checks – they’re not turning up much anyway. You’re right about the King; I hadn’t thought of it in that light, and will have to do something more definite now. I just don’t like the thought of ending someone’s life… especially a woman who is unable to defend herself.”
Merchant Chapa snorted. “I wouldn’t go that far. Most women in Oedran can handle themselves. There are multiple uses for a rolling pin and a carving knife. There is another option open to you, my lord: inform the militia. Let them make the decision. Either way, you need to stop the woman.”
“I realise that. Thank you, Henry. I needed that talk to clear my head. I have little choice, and I do have a couple of men on my payroll who might suffice, one of whom was following me more openly a few months ago before seeing the error of his ways.”
“Maybe it’s time to test his loyalty. Though there is one thing I hope you’ve considered, my lord…” said Master Chapa thoughtfully. “That the man, new on your payroll, is the second one who attacked the King’s life. He must have been following you for a reason. It seems a huge coincidence to me that the man who attacked you was one of those men.”
“Time will tell. Thank you again, Merchant Chapa.”
The Chief Merchant took the hint and left. Once the door had closed, Landis swore. He’d not considered the possibility, but since Merchant Chapa had voiced it in well-reasoned tones, it became plausible. The man fitted the description. Cursing, he asked Clodach to check that the man was still under observation. He hadn’t heard anything from him or his minder for a few weeks. Clodach returned distressed. His cousin was dead and the man had disappeared. Landis swore roundly and loudly.
Clodach eyed him. “Dunna fret. I wilna let this pass. We’ll find ‘im.”
“You’d better! Because I’ve got to go and inform the King.”
“Why, m’lord? The King ain’t goin’ t’ care about my cousin’s murder.”
Landis didn’t answer. He wasn’t getting into that discussion. He didn’t like losing men through stupidity and this had to rank as one of his more impressive mistakes.
* * *
Once Clodach left, Landis compiled a report, just the briefest of facts that skated over the sources of his information. Satisfied it was vague enough to obscure details but not to raise questions, made his way to the barracks and Wynfeld’s office.
The captain accepted the report, intrigued that Landis had prepared it. “Thank you for the information, my lord. We were waiting to see what you did about Becka Tolse.”
More impressed than he’d admit, Landis said, “I think it is time we remove the threat, don’t you?”
“Yes, my lord. I’ll see to it. Would you prefer an accident or a more obvious targeting? It’s your lordship and will send a message,” observed Wynfeld, still intrigued that Landis had trusted him.
“Your choice. There is also the matter of the man…”
“We’ll hunt him out. The yeomen are investigating the murder but we’ll keep an eye on it… It’s none of my business, my lord, but will you be informing our King of these developments?”
“Would you suggest I do?” enquired Landis.
“It might be an idea, sir. Nothing really gets by our King. As I know to my cost.”
Impressed by how far Wynfeld had come, Landis admitted, “I am going to tell His Majesty. How is the regiment developing?”
“Very nicely. I’ve just gained Leech, though I still need to talk to him. Jones is remaining in Garth, much to the relief of the Exarch. We’ve promoted two more of my sergeants, one for Serpent Isle and one for Gerymor. Escott has transferred to the training regiment to keep an eye out for new men. I’ll see if there are any lads to replace them all during summer recruitment or if any experienced men want to sign on for longer when they’re demobbed at the end of their service.”
“Good luck with it. I’ll leave you to get on,” replied Landis, thinking, ‘I need to readjust my thinking over you and it might take some time.’
* * *
Leaving the barracks, Landis went straight to see Adeone and admitted everything that had happened.
When his friend had finished, Adeone cursed, but nothing in the situation could be changed. “I’ve been telling you you’re mortal for years. This just proves you’re fallible as well. I’m glad you’ve shared it with Wynfeld. We’ll find the man. He doesn’t seem to be the type to hide. If he is Gad, you killed his cousin. He’ll want revenge.”
“He’s killed one of my best men already. Maybe the feeling is mutual.”
“Quite. Oh, I ought to warn you, I’ve decided the children can come to Oedran for the Munewid. Tain’s been pestering me for a while and it’s Arkyn’s cisan-age birthday the following week.”
“The children are certainly growing quickly,” observed Landis. “Prince Arkyn will soon be undertaking the provincial reviews for you. Any luck on finding him an administrator?”
“Edward is shaping up well. I’ve got to talk to Richardson about him again at some point.”
* * *
In the meantime, Wynfeld spoke to a couple of the hardened men in his regiment: the ones who had morals and scruples but who were soldiers. Becka Tolse would be ‘mugged’ one night. It wasn’t pleasant but it had to happen. It was more certain to succeed than a trip into the river or a heavy weight falling from the top of a building. The yeomen would be told after a fortnight to stop hunting for the muggers. Lord Landis would get his staff to sort out her lodgings for the next person and anything interesting would be bagged. Not that Wynfeld’s men had found much last time apart from the obsidian mirror. Wynfeld suspected Lord Landis would decide to ‘destroy’ that himself.
Chapter 43
PRINCE’S ADMINISTRATOR
Tretaldai, Week 45 – 3rd Lufial, 17th Geryis 1209
Outer Office
AFTER TWO ALUNA-MONTHS of working in the Outer Office, Edward had mastered filing and archiving, shorthand and his disbelief. Having settled into an easy routine, he was surprised when the King called him into the office one evening with Richardson.
Adeone smiled at him. “Edward, Richardson seems to think you’ll make an excellent confidential clerk. Would you be willing to take the oath?”
The last eight weeks hadn’t prepared him for that question. Only the closest staff took the oath, those who dealt with the personal papers of the FitzAlcis, or those who dealt with confidential documents. It had far-reaching consequences. Swallowing his amazement, Edward nodded.
After taking the oath, Adeone continued, “Thank you, Edward. I’m afraid to say there was an ulterior motive in all this. Would you be willing to work as Prince Arkyn’s Administrator when you have completed your training to Richardson’s satisfaction?”
Shocked, Edward glanced at Richardson, whose steady face and eye told him he’d known what the King had had in mind. It also told Edward that Richardson wholeheartedly agreed with the proposition. That calmed him down. Even though he might not believe it himself, if Richardson did, then it must be right.
“I would be honoured to, Sire.” Then curiosity got the better of him. “But why me, sir? Especially for such a high position.”
The King glanced at Richardson before answering. “There are several reasons. First and foremost is that you have shown yourself to be trustworthy. From what Richardson has told me, you are a natural secretary and highly organised. You are young, and, in this case, I think that is an advantage. There is another reason, for which you’ll have to forgive me. You are an orphan. In our society many see it as a disadvantage, but, for me, nothing could be further from the truth. Without family you can have no torn loyalties, nobody to be threatened if a traitor wishes to suborn you. There is in that one facet of your life the protection and security that we both need. All the people closest to my family’s personal staff and households have been approached. If there is anyone you are particularly close to, you might wish to warn them. If they are approached, you must inform Richardson, or my guard – even Captain Wynfeld. I don’t wish anyone to get hurt by working for my family. The last reason, Richardson is training you. He has worked in this office for almost as long as I can remember and he will retire when my son becomes king, if he hasn’t before. I need to be certain, and so does he, that my son’s administrator is more than competent. You’ve already shown yourself to be capable. I hope that my reasons are understandable to you.”
“Perfectly, thank you, Sire. I hope I never do anything to make you regret your trust in me.”
“I hope so too, Edward. For now, that’s all.”
Unsure what to make of the events, Edward bowed and left. He returned to the filing he had been doing, glad of a steady job to keep his hands occupied whilst his brain fathomed whether he was dreaming. He’d expected to end up with the clerks in another office, rather than become Prince Arkyn’s Administrator. He hadn’t given the possibility a thought. Edward glanced at the file in his hands and shook his head, trying to focus on where it belonged. Richardson lifted it out of his hands and put it in its place. Edward turned, bemused.
Richardson smiled at his charge, thirty years his junior. “Come on, Edward. I think we’re done for the day. Let’s find a tankard of something to celebrate.”
They walked through the quietening Palace and into Upper Hall.
A server hurried over. “Administrator, lovely to see you. Who’s this?”
“This is Edward, Denny, and, no, he doesn’t have the right tokens, but you’re not going to worry about that this evening because I’m telling you not to.”
“Are you browbeating me, Administrator?”
“Yes. You’ll cope. I’m aware of who can use this refectory and you’re not going to tell me I’m not, are you?”
“Wouldn’t dream of it, wouldn’t dream of it, Administrator,” pattered Denny. “What would you like to drink? I’ll be eating the humble pie later.”
Amused, Richardson said, “Two beers, please, and stop your insolence or I’ll have a word with your grandmother.”
“Two beers it is. She’d like to see you, so maybe the clip round the ear would be worth it.” He waved to a table. “Can I get you anything else?”
“Peace and quiet?” suggested Richardson lightly.
Denny chuckled and left to fetch the beers. Richardson led the way to a table whilst the few others in the refectory showed unabashed interest. Edward could recognise and name most of them from his time in the runners and couriers and he’d been wary of every one of them because of their standing in the Palace or the King’s Household.
Richardson winked at Edward. “Nosy, aren’t they?”
“Not surprisingly, sir.”
Once Denny had delivered the drinks and left again, Richardson looked at Edward. “How are you feeling?”
“Erm, shocked, confused – I ought to say pleased. I never expected anything like this.”
“I expect not. I remember how I felt when I moved into the Outer Office as one of King Altarius’ junior secretaries. I’d been a clerk for a long time and thought that was what I would remain. Anyway, they needed another secretary and, for whatever reason, I was chosen. I didn’t mind hard work and I had shown I was reliable, I suppose – part of me still wonders though. Then King Adeone, or Prince Adeone as he was then, needed an administrator and King Altarius told me I was it. When the old King told you something you did it, accepted it or remembered it. King Adeone’s more relaxed way of working came as something of a challenge at times.”
“What like, sir?”
“Small things. We announced everyone to King Altarius. King Adeone doesn’t insist on that if they hold a King’s Token or are family. It was a different way of working. I’m sure Prince Arkyn will have his own as well.”
A courier entered with a message for the Palace Chamberlain. Edward shrank down, relieved he hadn’t been noticed.
“I take it there are still words being said within your old colleagues about your change of job then,” remarked Richardson.
“I cope, sir. I’ve had worse in my life.”
“I’m sure you have and admire your persistence to try to deal with it yourself, but it’s time it stopped. Especially now that you know what I’m training you for. It would be better, by the way, for you not to mention that you know you are to be an administrator, at least for the moment. As you have taken the oath of loyalty, alternative accommodation ought to be arranged. If you’re no longer sharing the same space as your former colleagues, your life will become easier.”
“Thank you, sir, but I don’t want to be singled out…”
“The King’s confidence in you has done that. There is nothing you can do about it. I must speak to the Steward at some point tonight anyway.” Richardson glanced at Edward caringly. “It’s all a bit overwhelming at first, I know, but it does get easier.”
A few minutes later, the Steward disturbed them by saying, “What’s the lad doing here, Richardson?”
“If you join us, I might get a chance to explain,” replied Richardson.
As the Steward sat down, Denny asked him what he wanted to drink and Richardson simply kept quiet until they were alone again.
“Steward, the King has just taken Master Edward’s oath of loyalty in anticipation of him soon becoming Prince Arkyn’s administrator.”
The Steward glanced at Edward disparagingly. “I would have thought you’re a bit young.”
Richardson intervened. “Steward, I would remind you that the King has made this decision so your comments and prejudices aren’t needed. Master Edward has already been invaluable in the time he’s been working in the Outer Office.”
“I get the hint. Congratulations on your appointment, Master Edward.”
Richardson remarked, “Myself, the King’s Secretaries, His Highness and, I suspect, Lord Landis will be the only ones to know. I’m only telling you because I need a room for Master Edward. The simple fact he’s taken the oath should be enough for you to manage it without too much speculation. I’m thinking of somewhere near the King’s Secretaries’ rooms”
“I’ll see what can be managed. Most of the rooms are full but I think there might be a spare on Secretaries’ Corridor. If it were a case of him being known as Prince Arkyn’s Administrator it would be easier – there are rooms set aside for that eventuality.”
“Then this is forewarning. Edward will need the same tokens as Kenton and Jacobs when it comes to living arrangements for the moment.”
“I’ll see they’re in the room when he takes it over. What time will you need waking, Master Edward?”
Edward glanced at Richardson, who said, “Six by the Court Clock, Steward. Master Edward will be following my working day. After all, the Prince’s will probably mirror the King’s. When will the room be ready?”
“Tomorrow evening.”
Richardson watched the Steward leave. When he’d gone, Edward was surprised to see a brief grin flit across Richardson’s features.
“It is all too easy to wind that man up; however, young Edward, you, at least for the time being, won’t be following my example in that.”
“I don’t think I’d dare to anyway.”
“You’ll learn; you’ll have to deal with them all in the end – everyone, from the Lords of Oedran to the captain of the Palace Guard and from the Chief Merchant to the Justiciar. You’ll be the doorkeeper and they have to get past you. They’ll try every trick there is to gain favour. Remember that.”
Edward swallowed uncomfortably and finished his drink
Six minutes later, Richardson said, “You’re looking tired, Edward. It might be better if you went to bed.”
“I think I will, if you don’t mind, sir.”
“I’ll be heading for mine soon. I’ll see you at seven in the Outer Office.”
Richardson watched the youth leave. A moment later, the Herald had joined him and was informed to stop the speculation regarding Edward’s new position. When Richardson wouldn’t explain why, the Herald left feeling cheated but having agreed to do what he could.
Chapter 44
CROPPED
Imperadai, Week 48 – 25th Lufial, 18th Lufis 1209
Anapara – Raven Hills– Black Hills House
LORD SCANLON RETURNED from the Macian Isles during the final week of 1209. Eyes darting, searching for answers where there couldn’t be any, he dismounted in the stableyard of Black Hills House. Striding into his home, he ignored the gathered household and slammed his way into his study.
The man got languidly to his feet, giving a pointed bow.
“You better have a good explanation!” railed Scanlon.
“For anything in particular?” enquired his companion silkily.
“You can start with the failed attack on Landis.”
The man smiled. “Ah, that. He needed dealing with, Greatness. He was laid up for weeks and the King, well, he didn’t get the rest he so obviously needs. Such a shame.”
“Who decided to use Adson?”
“Syri. He’s been running them. I’ve been at Misol.”
Scanlon threw his riding crop onto his desk, tearing off his gloves. “Adson was never intended to be the knife man. You knew that! He was there to calm his cousin. Keep Gad out of Oedran until autumn. He’s now hunted twice over. Put him to work at Brant again. As far as Oedran is concerned, Gad has vanished. When the intelligence regiment fails to find him, we might get rid of Wynfeld’s interference. Which nicely brings me on to who sent Meyer and Blunt in? They were doing good work in Lufia, I didn’t need them dead in Oedran!”
