Treason, p.27
Treason, page 27
part #1 of Treason and Truth Series
Adeone groaned. “I’ve been blind, or just dumb. The ‘uncle’ who’s in Oedran, it’s Sergeant Hillbeck, I’d bet my life on it. He requested a couple of day’s leave to attend his brother’s funeral not long ago. I remember the widow from years ago. I used to get on her nerves. Have you asked her what they want? It’s pretty pointless going over all this if they’d rather not keep the farm. We could take a ride this afternoon?”
Arkyn smiled. “I’d enjoy that, father.”
“Good. We’ll leave Tain and Landis here as we’ll be conducting business.”
“I’m sure Uncle Festus will appreciate the thought.”
Adeone snorted. “He’ll cope.”
* * *
Two hours later, Adeone and Arkyn rode into the farmyard. Dismounting, they handed the horses’ bridles to the guards, and Adeone led the way to the kitchen door. A lady answered their knock with a cheery yell of ‘Come in’.
Adeone stepped into the kitchen, saying, “How are you, Susan?”
The fresh-faced lady whipped around and curtsied. “Erm… startled, Sire; though I don’t know why; you do turn up in unexpected places.”
“Less often than I did. Have you met my eldest before?”
“Once. Come on in, Your Highness, and sit yourself down. You too, Sire.”
As he sat, Adeone’s eyes met the room’s final occupant. “So, this is where you hide on your days off, Hillbeck.”
The sergeant grinned slightly. “Apparently, Sire. I came to give a hand.”
Adeone wasn’t surprised. “Yes, Prince Arkyn has been explaining the situation to me. I came to see what you wanted, Susan. If you want to keep the farm, I’m sure something could be arranged, but if you don’t, we won’t abandon you.”
Disconcerted, Susan said, “I’m not sure, sir. My son’s been rather quiet since his father died. It should be his decision. It’s his inheritance after all. Help yourself to biscuits; the kettle is on.”
“You always did do me proud, Susan.”
“Boys need feeding up. Some more than others.”
“Su!” exclaimed Hillbeck, shocked.
Laughing, Adeone caught Susan’s eye. “Relax, Sergeant. Your wed-sister used to deal with me when I was Prince Tain’s age. Susan, I know you never wanted to go to Oedran but—”
“I still don’t but my son has a hankering to see the city, thanks to his uncle putting ideas in his head.”
Feeling mischievous, Adeone said, “Hillbeck has a lot to answer for.”
“So I’ve heard, Sire. Saving your life just isn’t on, is it?”
Arkyn was sitting and listening in mounting perplexity that his father was allowing Susan to speak to him in such a way.
Adeone caught the expression on his son’s face and winked at him as he replied, “No, it’s dreadful; however, I am grateful. Now, come on, Susan, be serious. Could you return to Ceardlann?”
Susan pouring boiling water into a teapot chewed at her lip. She replaced the kettle and sat down thoughtfully.
“I don’t know, Sire, and that is the truth. I’m not sure I could return to my former position. My son wouldn’t fit there either. He’s too lively, for the Comptroller’s sensibilities.” Adeone went to say something but Susan was continuing, “The problem is, we can’t manage the farm on our own and, much as I appreciate my wed-brother’s help, he can’t always be here.”
Adeone sighed. “No, he can’t. Your off-duty time, though, Hillbeck, is your own so I shouldn’t be commenting. Have you any ideas, Sergeant?”
“Only one, sir. I have the lad to live with me in Oedran and see if the Herald has a spot for him. He’s a hard worker, trustworthy, normally full of energy. You could do worse.”
Adeone turned to Susan. “What do you say to that idea?”
“I… Letting him go will be hard but he needs to spread his wings a bit. That just leaves me. I’ll muddle along somehow.”
Adeone caught her eye. “When I offered you a post at Ceardlann; it wasn’t your previous one. I was thinking of a supervisory post – such as housekeeper. You’ve always been the sort of woman who can see what needs doing and doesn’t scrimp when it comes to getting it done. You shouldn’t be wasted out here… Come and supervise the young maids there – the Comptroller will welcome not having to. Come and tease Cook, make me a spiced pudding or two—”
Susan swallowed. “I… Will the Comptroller have me back?”
“Of course. Come on, Susan, you’ve either got to keep the farm going or move away. I don’t like the thought of you and your son being split but this way—”
The door opened and a lad around twelve summers entered looking drained. He hardly noticed anyone else, walking straight through the kitchen and through the opposite door.
Susan watched him sadly. “Will you excuse me, Sire?”
Once she’d gone, Adeone wrapped his hands around his mug of tea. “How are they really, Hillbeck? And tell me the truth.”
Hillbeck considered for a moment. “They’re exhausted, Sire. Radley’s illness had already taken it out of Su. Coping with the farm as well has made it more difficult. It might be better to decide for them. Not pleasant, but Su will work herself into the ground for Caswal, and he for her.”
“I was getting that impression. She did a lot for me when my mother passed on. I’d like to make sure she’s all right.”
“I never realised how well she knows you, sir.”
“It’s been a few years since I’ve seen her. Oh, and you’ve not heard this very unconventional meeting.”
“Of course I haven’t, sir. This is the valley, not real life. If you’ll excuse me, Sire. I really ought to go and carry on. I’m on duty at six.”
“Of course. I’m leaving Ceardlann at seven. Contact Oedran and return with me. It should give you a couple of hours more with your family.”
“Thank you, Sire. It’s much appreciated.” He saluted and left the kitchen thinking he’d seen another unknown side of the King.
Adeone and Arkyn sat talking over their tea for some time. Just when they were beginning to wonder where Susan was the door opened and she entered the kitchen obviously troubled.
“I’m sorry to have kept you, sir.”
Adeone shook his head slightly. “Don’t be. What did Caswal say?”
“He doesn’t know. He feels like he’s abandoning his father if we move away from here, but he can’t cope…” She slumped onto the bench.
Adeone moved around the table and, sitting with his back against it, put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it in sympathy. He waited for a moment before saying, “I can’t let you continue like this, Susan. I’m taking the decision out of your hands. We’ll find someone else to take on the farm. You’re coming to Ceardlann to start with and then, when Caswal’s feeling stronger, if he wants to, he can go and live with his uncle and we’ll find him a job at the Palace. Prince Arkyn will see that whoever takes over here does so on the understanding that if your son wishes to return when he’s older, he can. I’m sure some younger sons of the valley would like the chance to flex their wings. Will you agree to all that?”
Trying to regain composure, Susan said, “We can hardly refuse if the King orders it.”
Adeone squeezed her shoulder again. “I have my uses, so I’m told. You know you shocked your wed-brother, don’t you?”
She glanced sideways at him. “I shock myself too. Why do you put up with me, sir?”
“I don’t forget the year my mother died. You, the Comptroller, Laioril and Judge Tancred all pulled me through that time. I don’t forget, Susan.” Adeone rose. “We’d better get back to Ceardlann before they send out search parties.”
Susan rose. “Thank you for everything, Sire. I feel as though a weight has been lifted from me.”
He gave her a warm hug. “Look after yourself until Prince Arkyn or the Comptroller have humoured me and worked out the small details.”
Two weeks later, the Hillbeck family were once more settled, Susan at Ceardlann and her son working as a runner in Oedran.
Chapter 47
BAYAN AND BANDITS
Alunadai, Week 16 – 22nd Macial, 1st Easis 1210
Garth
JONES CONSIDERED Lord Scanlon’s visit to Bayan as an opportunity. Protecting the King’s acknowledged cousin from the King’s murderous brother couldn’t be too difficult, could it? Lord Scanlon wouldn’t be in Garth for long, though his retinue suggested otherwise: a hundred guards, ten lawyers, three advisors, a manservant, four footmen, two houseboys, his administrator, six scribes and various grooms, draymen, coach drivers and miscellaneous persons that seemed to carry a lot of muscle and nothing else. Keeping an eye on all of them was going to be difficult, Jones had to admit that.
He went to see the Commander of Bayan – a much more reasonable man than Captain Sharparu – and had three units seconded to him. Their captain wasn’t overjoyed but Jones didn’t see it as his job to placate his peers. The men weren’t bothered; it saved them having to be involved with making the city look nice for the Justiciar. Jones wouldn’t have believed how much trouble the provinces went to if he hadn’t witnessed it. The city was sparkling. The main streets to the citadel had been swept and would continue to be throughout Lord Scanlon’s visit. Windows were washed, the citadel was inspected, and any repairs made, the rooms decorated where necessary, new furniture commissioned and old refinished. Garth would gleam by the time Scanlon entered where the Great Gates had hung before the Bayan Rebellion.
The Exarch briefed Jones on what was expected. Lord Scanlon still maintained the accoutrements of a prince and expected the same level of respect and service. Jones was to ensure the Exarch’s safety but officially Lord Scanlon’s came first. His guards took priority. Jones was also to be careful of Scanlon’s entourage. There were men in it who wouldn’t think twice about cutting his throat. If the captain discovered anything about the dealings of Scanlon’s men, unless it threatened the lives of the King’s family in Garth, or was treason, he wasn’t to interfere. He was to send the information to Oedran. It was an open secret that Lord Scanlon’s men were more than domestic servants. Some were there to make sure that Lord Scanlon was satisfied by whatever means possible. Jones was intrigued the Exarch would permit that.
“Sometimes, in power, you must wait before striking, Jones. If a snake strikes at a rolling rock, it may not strike at a predator later, for its teeth are broken. We bide our time. His facilitators are a nuisance, but if they’re caught, we don’t have to deal with them for long. They die in mysterious circumstances, and Lord Scanlon finds others in the courts. He leads a privileged existence in the full meaning of the word. As the King’s brother, His Lordship has the right for us not to question his methods. He is careful never to break the law himself.”
“Your Excellency, I do know of his actions—”
“No, you don’t, Jones! You know of rumour and speculation. Whilst His Lordship is here, you don’t even know that. Am I making myself plain?”
“Yes, Your Excellency.”
“Good, because you’ll be in our company a lot and you can’t show you know anything. His Lordship isn’t renowned for sitting for hours on the courts when he does a law review. He waits for his lawyers and advisors to compile the reports before adding his thoughts. During that period of compilation, I’ll be riding with him, dining with him, and keeping him occupied. The public will see an affable young man, you’ll probably witness a different side. I will be at his beck and call, allowing others to get on with their jobs. You will be at my side. My grandmother may decide to visit, or she may not. If she does, your priority will be her safety. She is much more valuable to peace in the empire than I am.”
“It will be an honour to guard Princess Lilith, Your Excellency.”
Tyler Galwood didn’t detect any sarcasm. “Thank you. She is a pivotal reason why we kept so many freedoms after the 1169 rebellion and she was instrumental in maintaining peace, with my grandfather, following it. I won’t let that peace shatter now. I’ve enough trouble with the bandits on the ridge.”
“They’re being rooted out, Your Excellency,” said Jones. “We’ve captured some.”
“Yes, but they were found on Heritor Fullerton’s land. He died recently and his son was unable to secure the estate or deal with the formalities due to illness. Not that he’ll be titled heritor, but it was still his family’s land and he was still culpable for bandits on it. His trial’s next week. He’s already lost his land. It’s a mess. It’s within the Anaparian Marches as well.”
Jones didn’t need to be told what that meant: strategic importance along a once disputed border. Instead, he waited until the Exarch dismissed him before returning to the fort and putting his new units through some tougher training, constantly watching them to find men he could trust.
* * *
Two days later, Adeone closed the messenger link with the Exarch and swore roundly. Two of the bandits had escaped, their guards likely bribed by Scanlon’s men. The reasons for Scanlon being behind malcontents weren’t clear, but they obviously had some worth to him.
The King had the regiment posted elsewhere and replaced with one that he was certain his brother hadn’t infiltrated. Other regiments in the area redoubled their efforts but to little effect. The bandits had disappeared. It later transpired they’d moved north and onto the Anaparian side of the ridge, closer to the city of Paras. Adeone simply gave orders they were to be eliminated as quickly as possible – amongst other things he had Merchant Chapa constantly pointing out the disadvantages of having bandits operating in the empire’s first province. Half teasingly, after the tenth rendition of the lecture, Adeone had enquired when his cousin planned to retire. All Merchant Chapa replied was that the King might find out one day. Adeone had merely laughed; both of them knew that the question was a jest. Merchant Chapa would never be pushed out for simply telling the truth.
Chapter 48
GLIMPSING HOPE
Hexadai, Week 20 – 27th Meithal, 13th Meithis 1210
Palace – Prince Arkyn’s Office
FOUR WEEKS LATER, Arkyn rode into Oedran, unsure if he was glad that his duties required him to visit more frequently. He had to be visible, seen, build his reputation but not slip up. His uncle would use any chance to undermine him. His visits were irregular, helping to protect him. If no-one knew when or for how long he would be in the city, attacks were harder to plan.
When he’d taken over his formal chambers, he’d felt strange. Memories ambushed him in every room. Used by the eldest prince for centuries, his father had occupied them before his accession. He remembered running around them as a young child, his mother chasing him. Now, though, with his own items strewn around or arranged neatly, they were losing the tugs on his heart. His bedchamber, bathroom, dressing room, small library, triniculum and servants’ areas were Kadeem’s domain. The inner and outer office with archive space was Edward’s.
Almost as soon as they’d arrived, Edward had to deal with a close colleague from his time as a courier.
Craig Ganon entered Edward’s office with a scroll from Richardson. “How’re you finding your new job then, Administrator Edward?”
“It’s busy and rewarding. Why the questions, Craig?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Obviously it does.” Edward broke the seal, read the top line, flicked open a diary and made a note before furling the scroll and grinning at Craig. “There’s no reply. So, why are you so curious?”
“You seem so much more at home here. Like you’ve finally found where you’re meant to be. I wish I could. Everyone’s been wondering how you’re getting on. Even a couple of strangers have asked if we’ve heard anything.”
Edward stilled. “Really? What are they asking?”
Craig shrugged. “Just whether you’re settled, I suppose. A man asked me the other day. I said I thought you were enjoying it. Seemed quite curious, one way or another. Not surprising really.”
“Have you told anyone else this?”
“Didn’t see the point. There’s lots of curiosity.”
“Who was the man who approached you?” enquired Edward.
“Not sure. I vaguely recognised him. He might well work here but it’s no-one who uses the couriers. I suppose you could call him stocky. Sounded a bit like he was from outside of Oedran. Not too sure really. The same nosy gossip as most, I suspect.”
“Yes, just be careful what you say about me… please. I don’t want to be the subject of gossip. The speculation should have stopped. I’ve got a new job, that’s all.”
“I know. I try to shut them up. Tell you the truth, I think some of them are jealous that you’ve succeeded in becoming an administrator. Orphan Edward bettered them – if you know what I mean.”
“Yes. Some days I pinch myself to see if I’m awake,” admitted Edward.
“Not surprising when you consider where you were this time last year.”
“You’re the first person in a while who’s even treated me normally.”
Craig smiled. “You’re still you. I suppose I ought to let you get on.”
“If you must. Actually, can you wait whilst I write a note to one of the captains at the barracks and run over with it?”
“No skin off my nose.”
As he wrote the note, Edward wasn’t so sure. He handed it over. “Just one thing, be truthful and, believe me, I have good reasons. You need to see Captain Wynfeld. Password is ‘fey’.”
Once Craig had gone, Edward tried to forget that he’d asked Wynfeld to interrogate a person as close to a friend as he’d ever had.
* * *
Wynfeld read the note, told Craig to sit down and sent for Beaver and a clerk. Then, seemingly to pass the time, Wynfeld said, “So how long have you known our Prince’s administrator?”
