Treason, p.31
Treason, page 31
part #1 of Treason and Truth Series
“Good. What information have you managed to unearth about Gad?”
Wynfeld took a breath. “Briefly, sir: after he and Adson ended up in the underworld of Oedran, they killed a few men in the heat of the moment, but one day their luck ran out. Judge Tancred’s memory was accurate. The yeomen arrested them and put them on trial. Again, they escaped the worst and even prison. Various key statements, which I am reliably informed were given, were ‘lost’. It’s at this point that we’re not quite sure what happened next. The men left the court and went for a drink and then the trail goes cold until they appear a fortnight or so later at the Palace and obtain jobs as under-gardeners. Their references were untraceable forgeries, Sire. They seemed to have kept their heads down, then they received a promotion when two other under-gardeners had the unfortunate experience of being killed at the hand of an unknown knifeman. This promotion meant they had rights to be inside the Palace delivering produce to the kitchens mainly. I strongly suspect that they killed the other gardeners. If they did, it was at that point that things changed. They’d never killed in cold blood before. Suddenly, they knew they could. They took advantage of the fact Blackwood was a relative and played on that. They managed to get another promotion and we suspect they started to abuse the small amount of power they now had. There were several men of standing threatened with the disclosure of affairs they were conducting in parts of the Palace grounds and we’re almost certain that Gad and Adson were responsible. They basically began to enjoy themselves, Sire. They enjoyed frightening people. Then it stopped and they turned up to work bruised. I think their employers discovered what had been happening. They’d been keeping the backhanders. One of their former colleagues who stumbled on the information was paid to keep his mouth shut. Then we think they were told to target Your Majesty. We know what happened there: the captain was visited, a guard’s tabard obtained and poison was provided. They were still working at the Palace at that point but to plan the attack they’d been into the city drinking, more often than the head gardener thought seemly. Then word reached him that they’d been overstepping other marks and he sacked them. Now a second attack would be harder. We lost track of them before we even discovered who they were. Once we got names, we used everything we had to find them. We knew where they had been drinking and where they had been lodging whilst working at the Palace but nothing helped. They had vanished and we seemed to be chasing shadows on an Alcis Day. I think they even left the city for a bit. They returned, and it has since transpired that they had a new target: Lord Landis. Gad was spotted drinking in the Administrative Quarter talking of revenge for his cousin’s death but by the time we got there he’d gone. We’ve kept an eye on the tavern in question but he’s never returned. That was the last news we had of him until he approached Craig Ganon. Then Leech was keeping an eye on Fullerton last night and he, Fullerton, happened to be accosted by Gad.”
“Are you certain that Gad is answering to someone?” enquired Adeone.
“Yes, sir. For three reasons: he was picked up by someone when he escaped prison, he’d never killed in cold blood and then he did and, finally, he’s changed targets twice but, without laying our hands on Gad or following him, we haven’t got a clue who his paymasters are.”
Adeone snorted. “I expect my brother is ultimately responsible.”
Wynfeld said, “It’s the proving of it that’s the problem, Sire. If Gad could lead us to one, then we can lift Gad and follow the other and so on.”
“If you lifted Gad, he might tell you.”
“He might, sir, but I think he’s a puppet. Someone has him well and truly bridled. He might seem to be free, but the beating we know about probably wasn’t the only one. I’d guess that it’s the same man who made sure they escaped the courts. He effectively would have saved their lives. There’s always a debt to that, but this time I think they were snared. In the Age of Tyranny, if a man saved another’s life – and if the saviour was of higher standing – then the beneficiary was tied to them and their life could be dictated by their saviour. He owned them effectively. Some people still believe that is the right way of doing things.”
Adeone said, “Yes, my brother does, for a start. He has always loved the power he holds instead of respecting it. That’s all beside the point now. You want to know what I wish to be done with this situation?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Congratulations. Now there’re two of us in a quandary. Is there a chance you could lose Gad again?”
Wynfeld said, “Yes, Sire. There is always that chance. We’ve located him by accident, if indeed it is him; however, we’ll do everything we can to keep him in our sights. Scrying included.”
“He might know if he’s being scried, Wynfeld. As Lord Landis proved.”
“Yes, sir, but he can’t do anything about it.”
Adeone sat thinking for a moment. “Right, Alcis knows if this is the right decision; I’m going to say keep him under observation. If you’re convinced he’s being given orders then that’s good enough for me. Do we know what will persuade the merchant to work with us?”
“No, sir, not know. I suspect that he wants his land back. He could hardly declare it when he was in a fever. His father died of the same illness; it wasn’t just a mild cold he’s using as an excuse. He left Garth directly after his trial and came here. We’re not completely sure why, but it could be to avoid the speculation there.”
Knowing the danger of false promises and, without certainty as to Fullerton’s motivations, Adeone didn’t want to commit himself. “Get Jones investigating everything surrounding this. Everything, Wynfeld. The illness, the confiscation of land, the bandits. I want a detailed report on it. As for Fullerton, for now, I’m not making promises, but if he takes an oath of loyalty and sticks to it, I will forget the events of the last few days. I will certainly forget them if he continues to help us from Garth. If not, his next court appearance may not go in his favour.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty. I hope it all pays off.”
“It had better. How was the crisis meeting yesterday?”
Unsurprised, Wynfeld said, “Went well, Sire. The Court will be secure within a week.”
“That’s something. You didn’t even try to deny that it happened.”
“The General, I’ve found, has predictable methods, Sire.”
“He has found methods that work for him, Wynfeld.”
Wynfeld smiled slightly. “Yes, Sire. I hope we all have.”
“I would say some have found rather controversial methods that work. How is the regiment progressing?”
“Very well, Sire. Thank you. Our new acquisitions are hardworking. The only thing is that, at the rate we’re going, we’ll need more clerks.”
“I’m sure that could be managed. Are you at the stage of needing a whole building yet?”
Wynfeld answered truthfully but dryly, “Not quite, Sire. Give us a couple of years.”
Adeone laughed. “I could almost believe you mean that.”
Chapter 53
LIGHT RELIEF
Late Morning
Landis House Study
ONCE WYNFELD HAD GONE, Adeone visited his youngest neardaughter. She was a red-faced bundle who opened her blue-grey eyes to all the new wonders. Cradling her, Adeone ponderingly asked her what she planned in life and how many hearts she planned to break. He never heard Landis telling him to stop being a bad influence. He was taken back to holding Ella in his arms just after she’d been born; remembering Ira telling him he was too soft-hearted. Blinking back the brimming tears, he gathered the shawl around her.
It was a good half hour before young Ira started whimpering. Landis rang for Nursie, who’d overseen his nursery since the twins had been born. She smiled as the King said matter-of-factly,
“I think she’s hungry. Not surprising really, such a lot to take in.”
“No different to the rest then, Sire. It’s good to have a healthy appetite.”
Adeone grinned. “Well, I hope young Ira gives you less trouble than her siblings.”
“Ah, I’d rather have the trouble than a peaceful life, sir. Let me take her. Come on, little one, let’s get you fed and changed.”
Once they were alone, Landis grinned at his friend. “You do still like to be mischievous, don’t you?”
Adeone looked supremely innocent. “I can’t imagine what you mean. She’s beautiful.”
“Thank you, sir. I’m just thinking what the future holds for me with four daughters to find husbands for…”
“Let them chose their own. A lot less headache for you. There’s fourteen years between young Ira and Julia. Plenty of time for marriages to happen without conflict. How are all the rest of your brood?”
“Hopefully studying, but I shan’t hold my breath.”
“Why don’t we go and give them an excuse to stop? I’m sure their tutor and governess would like an afternoon off.”
“Would you like me to send any warning?” asked Landis innocently.
Adeone’s eyes sparkled. “Oh, I think not. Where would be the fun?”
Landis chuckled. “I thought we were meant to get more sensible as we got older?”
“No everyone just hoped we would. Two completely different things when you consider them.”
* * *
The children’s tutor hurriedly rose as they entered the schoolroom. Adeone nodded to him and winked at his nearchildren, who were overjoyed as their father told the tutor to take the afternoon off.
Once he’d gone, Adeone said, “Isn’t anyone going to give me a hug?”
Landis chuckled as all five children ran over and buried their nearfather in hugs.
Adeone laughed. “That’s better, though what it’s going to feel like when your new sister joins in, I hate to imagine.”
Julia shrugged. “Then don’t, sir – just wait and see.”
“Very practical. So, what are you all having to put up with being taught?”
“Julia and I are currently being told how to behave in front of the King,” said Julius gravely.
“Why behave? He doesn’t. According to your father, he’s a dreadful influence.”
Julius looked uncertain and Julia said, “But the King can’t be wrong, so people should just alter their perceptions.”
Landis coughed slightly. “Julia…”
Adeone laughed. “Festus, go and bury your head in a scroll. You might even want to contact Wynfeld.”
“I can tell when I’m not wanted,” muttered Landis amiably. “Will you stay for a meal?”
“I’d be glad to.”
Once their father had left, the children deluged Adeone with questions. He happily answered them and quizzed them in return. They managed to waste an hour before Landis reappeared to say lunch would soon be ready.
Walking to the dining room, Landis said quietly to Adeone, “You’re right, I had an interesting chat with Wynfeld. I think you made the right decision.”
“Good. I thought it might be more worthwhile than simply picking our man up. I just hope that Wynfeld knows what he’s doing.”
“Oh, I think he does, Sire. In fact, I think he needs a wider area to flex his wings. There’s a sergeant of his who could take over the Oedranian end of things more than competently. If there’s chance, I’d say promote Wynfeld to commander.”
Adeone raised his eyebrows slightly as they reached the dining room. “I shall keep it in mind but he still messes up.”
“Don’t we all, Sire? I know I do. He lets you know when he’s gone wrong, but not when he’s succeeding at his job. You do realise that?”
“He is perfectly competent. I’ll never disagree with that. If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t still be in post; however, we’re talking work again, my lord.”
“I’m sorry, Sire. Wouldn’t you say it’s a beautiful day…?”
Adeone simply glared at him as he took his seat. Landis raised an amused eyebrow in return.
* * *
An hour later, Adeone and Landis were ensconced in the study. It was a nice day and the sun streamed in through the window, warming the room as it couldn’t warm the world outside due to the autumn winds. Adeone seated himself in a patch of sunlight, like a cat basking in the sun.
Landis passed him a whiskey. “You know, you should get out more.”
Languidly, Adeone said, “If you’re not careful, Festus Landis, I might throw something at you.”
“You’d have to expend energy for that. All right, all right, I’ll be good.” He caught the small paperweight and replaced it.
“I doubt you know the meaning of the word.”
Sonorously, Landis replied, “I follow the example of my King, as all good vassals should.”
“If you carry on like that, Festus, I will throw something else at you.”
“A biscuit would be best… Then we can both say I take the biscuit!”
“If it wasn’t your study I’d say ‘get out!’ As it is, if Cookie has any ginger biscuits going, I wouldn’t say no.”
Twelve minutes later, they were both munching away and talking about affairs the empire over before returning to Oedranian matters.
Landis asked, “What are you going to do about Merchant Fullerton?”
“I’m going to get the facts of his case before I even contemplate doing anything,” said Adeone. “I don’t have enough detail, but his lands were in the Anaparian Marches. Officially, I don’t know anything yet; therefore, Jones will be looking into it.”
“Do you think Fullerton’s right? That he was always destined to lose it?”
Adeone considered. “Anaparian Marches. Close to Shinglis? Why would that ever be of strategic importance? I mean, there’s no fort, town or major mail route junction there at all. It’s not the main route between Garth and Oedran either.”
“I can recognise sarcasm,” grouched Landis. “Do you think Fullerton had any hope of keeping the land?”
“Yes, but he could have lost his life shortly afterwards for harbouring bandits. A nasty conundrum and if I find my brother is behind it, I will have to do something for Fullerton. I’m sick of Scanlon messing around with people’s lives as though they don’t matter.”
Landis tactfully changed the subject.
Chapter 54
STAKE OUT
Afternoon
Wynfeld’s Office
FORTUNATELY FOR WYNFELD there weren’t any merchants in the Woolsack Inn who knew him. He had one leisurely tankard of beer before leaving. The brief interlude told him all he needed to know about the inn. They’d be lucky to get anyone in there who didn’t stick out like a sore thumb just after the hammer had hit it.
He swore. Leech would have to be there that evening, come what may, but they ideally needed someone else as well, someone known there. If they couldn’t find anyone then Leech would have to manage on his own.
The inn sat on the wide, open square of the Guildhall Plaza in the Administrative Quarter. Through the day the plaza bustled with merchants and their wares but at night it became quiet with few places to observe from and no narrow alleys for men to lurk in. The buildings surrounding the square were either shops or merchants’ residences with no handy porticos either. At first glance, the impressive Guildhall – with its long, buttressed hall – seemed perfect until one realised that far from creating shadows the moonlight would chase them away.
Two roads led off the square: The Pike – a tree-lined ceremonial avenue that led from the Palace to the King’s Gate – and the Giltwynd. The trees on the first might offer some cover but his men would still be noticeable and were likely to be accosted by yeomen or working girls.
The Giltwynd curved away to the north on the opposite side of the Guildhall Plaza; its name gained because of the financiers who kept premises there. There would be shadows to hide in there and as long as they picked the right ones, there was some hope.
They might be able to follow Gad once he left the inn, as long as he didn’t resort to his Ullian skills. The Administrative Quarter wasn’t a ghost town at night, far from it, but people did tend to move around rather than stand in one place. It was all basic stuff but, somehow, the basics hadn’t worked before, and Wynfeld had the feeling that they wouldn’t here. There’d have to be more than a couple of people on this man’s trail at various distances so that they could notice if anyone else was following them.
On top of that, they had to get to Fullerton and see if he’d be willing to help their cause. He then had to keep up an attentive but discreet watch on Gad. The man’s paymasters wouldn’t leave him unobserved, no matter how high he had risen in their esteem. Somehow, they had coerced him into doing what they wanted. Gad might have been lowlife, but he hadn’t shown the personality of a traitor even when kicked out of the army. Someone had known he had a skill with the knife and, more importantly, that he was a vigilant and had gradually turned him until nothing seemed too difficult and nothing was beyond his reach, even treason.
Wynfeld decided to coordinate the evening’s work. He wanted to know what was happening as he was responsible if things went wrong and their King found out. So, he called Beaver and Leech into a meeting along with several other men whom he trusted. They decided to leave it with Leech in the bar. They had men who would observe both the front and back entrances to the Woolsack Inn, as best they could, and they had two others who would follow Fullerton. One would linger long enough to judge if anyone was following the merchant. Their scryer would be watching the bar and not just Gad. Lord Landis’ experience had shown that it was possible to tell if one was being scried and, as Gad was a vigilant, he might be able to sense scryers with more certainty; therefore, the military scryer would be watching the bar not staring at the man in question. Idly, Wynfeld wondered if Lord Landis would be watching as well. If he were it might feel claustrophobic. The scryer would pursue Gad home just in case he was lost by the three others tailing him. Leech would stay in the bar for long enough to ascertain if anyone else in there was an acquaintance of Gad. That should cover the most conceivable possibilities.
