Treason, p.34
Treason, page 34
part #1 of Treason and Truth Series
He sighed with relief as they left. Honesty, an oath and a mutually beneficial outcome. He definitely hadn’t expected that.
Chapter 58
OF CAPTAINS
Early Afternoon
Inner Office
LANDIS REGARDED ADEONE LEVELLY. “All I’m saying, Sire, is that Captain Wynfeld is a fantastic officer but he’s done all he can in the intelligence regiment. He could run it for years; the network would grow but the rest of the army would lose out. He’s transformed information gathering. Before him, I’d be surprised if they had more than fifteen informers passing information back on a regular basis. Now he has a couple of hundred or more. His men are working harder than they ever did under Fitz—”
“Fitz is a good captain!” snapped Adeone, making Advisor Rayburn jump.
“Yes, I don’t doubt that,” replied Landis. “I wish we had twenty of him in your army, but his skill is in personal protection for Your Majesty and Their Highnesses. It always has been his strong point. Your father made him Captain of Intelligence because he trusted him. He had his own network and not all trusted Wynfeld the same way. I’m not criticising Fitz—”
“Good.” Adeone was brusque.
“I am, however, saying it might be time that the regiment gets a captain whose expertise is collecting information. Someone who isn’t Wynfeld.”
Adeone frowned. “Why are you so determined? What has happened?”
“Nothing, sir. I just think his talents are wasted. On average, your captains make more mistakes than can be counted on your fingers and toes in a year. So far Wynfeld has made fewer than the fingers on one hand and, what’s more, he’s admitted to them—”
“Have you discussed this with Wynfeld?”
“No, Your Majesty. I think though he might be worried about his future. I did suggest that he let Beaver take over an operation. I think he thought it was criticism.”
“If you’ve made one of my best captains paranoid, I’ll not be happy!” declared Adeone.
“I’m not out to destroy Wynfeld, Sire, just to try to get him promoted for the good of the empire.”
Adeone ignored the wry note in his friend’s voice. “Rayburn, you’ve been very quiet about all of this. Is it because you can’t get a word in or because you have no thoughts on the matter?”
Rayburn said, “Certainly not the latter, Sire. From what I can see, Wynfeld is an officer with potential. He will act when required, and he’s loyal to the point where his career is a secondary consideration. Given history, that’s rather rare and a trait that should be encouraged. I don’t believe his senior officers have any complaints either, not now they grasp how he works. If you were to ask me if Wynfeld is the type of man to promote, I would advise that he has much to recommend him and little to condemn him. Your Majesty could promote him but leave the intelligence regiment in his purview; it would be unusual but not unheard of.”
“How much time have you spent with him?”
“A reasonable amount, sir. I’ve let him get his head straight on a couple of occasions and spent time talking with him at Court. He’s handling that experience very well.”
“Talking to you at Court can be a challenge, Rayburn,” said Landis with a quiet smirk. “Faran always warned me about that.”
Adeone chuckled. “I should remember you were all contemporaries at the Advisors’ School.”
“I was ahead of them, Sire,” said Landis smugly.
“From what I heard, only in years,” replied Adeone innocently. “Wynfeld is having Fullerton picked up today, isn’t he?”
Landis could hardly fail to notice that Adeone’s mind was firmly rooted on one problem. “Yes, Sire. He informed me that he intended to and I agreed with the action. Somehow Gad realised that we were watching him, and attacked the merchant last night.”
Adeone asked, mildly, “How did he realise?”
In a conciliatory voice, Landis said, “It was bound to happen eventually. Military men tend to look like military men even when not in uniform.”
“When exactly did Gad twig that he was being observed?” demanded Adeone. On hearing the reply, he said, “I want Gad lifted now, before he slips through our fingers again.”
“I can understand why but, as your Defender, I considered it better that Gad is free to lead us to others, Sire. If anything happens to Your Majesty due to my actions, I won’t be hiding. Others might be because every fibre and moment of my life from then on would be devoted to hunting down those responsible.”
Adeone smiled despite himself. “He says he’s a courtier, Rayburn.”
“I’m not. That was the truth, Sire,” interjected Landis.
Adeone looked him in the eye. “I’ll hold you to that thought. You are saying to leave Gad alone is our best option?”
“Yes, Sire. I truly believe it is.”
“Rayburn?”
The advisor considered carefully. “It’s not exactly my area of expertise, Sire, but if you need knowledge, you don’t kill your tutor.”
“Quite. All right, I’ll compromise. Leave him be for two aluna-months. Get every possible person watching him. If you think there’s a chance that you’ll lose him then you must arrest him. I will not accept anything else. I might change my mind on timescales after I hear Wynfeld’s report on his dealings with Fullerton.”
Landis said courteously, “That, of course, Sire, is your prerogative.”
“You’re right, it is. What’s more, no smooth-talking will change my mind so stop being obsequious.”
“Whatever my King demands.”
Entering after a brief knock, Richardson found Rayburn chuckling to himself and the King glaring at an innocent-looking Lord Landis.
Adeone said, “Would you mind just leaving again, Richardson? I’d prefer to throttle Lord Landis in peace.”
Taking the comment as it was meant, the administrator crossed to the desk, handing over a sheaf of documents. “Captain Wynfeld’s report on the interrogation of Merchant Hob Fullerton, Your Majesty. Might I suggest poison rather than throttling? It’s a lot easier.”
“Thank you, Richardson. I’ll remember your concern another day,” muttered Landis.
“If you live so long,” grumbled Adeone by way of reply.
Richardson merely bowed slightly and left.
“How come your administrator gives the impression of solidarity and yet comes out with ideas like that?” asked Landis.
“Too many years working for me. Rayburn, are you still laughing?”
“Sorry, sir. I have always admired your administrator’s sense of humour.”
Adeone grinned. “So’ve I. That’s all for now.” Once alone with Landis, he remarked, “He rates Wynfeld.”
“Yes, he certainly seems to, sir,” replied Landis. “I’m sorry I ordered Wynfeld not to tell you about Gad’s change of lodgings, but I didn’t do it to trip him up.”
“Hmm. I accept that you didn’t lose Gad. If you had, it would be a very different outcome.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything else, Your Majesty.” Landis’ eyes slipped to the report Richardson had left.
Adeone noticed. “Shall we see what Wynfeld has to say?”
Landis nodded, hiding his apprehension. He poured two drinks, placing one by his friend’s hand before going to peruse the view. All the leaves had left the trees and gardeners were removing the last of them to compost. He watched them at their work, pondering on Blackwood’s relationship to Gad and speculating if there were any more such relationships in the Palace. Not the blood tie, there were enough of those, but rather the fact that one relative was a traitor. Was there any way of finding out before they found themselves in the same situation again?
Adeone finished reading the report and handed it over to Landis, who flicked through the transcript of the conversation.
He glanced up when he reached the end. “For once Wynfeld leaves out his feelings on the matter. Would it be worth talking to him, Your Majesty?”
“I was wondering why he’d done that myself. It could mean one of two things. One, he has no feelings and is simply relating fact. Two, you’ve made him think that his feelings don’t matter!”
Landis swallowed. “I hope it’s the former. Otherwise, I’ve done unintentional damage.”
“Let me send for him. I’d like to know why at this crucial point he’s sent an incomplete report. Then I’ll decide how to proceed.”
Adeone wasn’t surprised to find that the captain had brought the report himself and waited to see if he was needed.
Wynfeld entered, saluted and noticed Lord Landis. Uncertainty clouded his eyes.
Adeone glanced between them. “Make yourself scarce for half an hour, my lord.”
Once he’d gone, Adeone got up and pointed to the more comfortable seating around the fire, asking the captain if he’d like a drink. Wynfeld accepted gladly.
“I believe you think Lord Landis has doubts about your command of the regiment?” observed Adeone sitting down, waving at the seat opposite.
“Yes, Sire,” replied Wynfeld, inwardly acknowledging he believed his King had doubts too.
“What is your opinion? Are the concerns justified?”
Wynfeld swallowed. “I don’t know, Your Majesty. I’ve made mistakes since I took over, I shan’t hide that. Two years ago, I’d have said that I was the wrong choice, but I would now hope I’ve not disgraced myself.”
Adeone regarded him solemnly. “I’d say you’ve not disgraced yourself. You’ve worked hard to correct mistakes. You just need to stop doubting yourself and your abilities. That is the only qualm I hold.” He turned the talk to other matters, outside of their professional spheres, and soon Wynfeld had relaxed. Adeone was pleased. He didn’t like seeing the captain nervous or uncertain. Once Wynfeld had accepted that every mistake wouldn’t mean he was sacked the captain would be one of the best officers in the army.
Landis knocked and re-entered half an hour later. He took in the scene and when Adeone motioned for him to join them said, “I see you’ve taken to a more comfortable working arrangement, Sire. As I’m still standing, would anyone like a refill?”
Adeone said, “I’ll have a whiskey. Wynfeld?”
Wynfeld was thinking, ‘Is the show for me, I wonder?’ He came out of his reverie to say that he didn’t need a drink.
Landis said, “Are you sure? Alcohol works wonders, I understand.”
Wynfeld smiled but didn’t get time to reply before Adeone interrupted.
“Get on with pouring the drinks, my lord, and then sit down.” Once Landis was seated, Adeone said, “We’ve read your report of your interrogation of Hob Fullerton, Wynfeld. Do you normally conduct them using trickery?”
“If it works, Sire. We were fortunate in this case that it did.”
“Then what are your unwritten concerns?”
“Sir?”
Placing his drink on an occasional table with deliberate care, Landis stated, “You left out personal views on the information gleaned. That has troubled the King.”
Wynfeld thought, ‘Or has it worried you?’ He said, “I didn’t write any because it was a factual report, Sire. It is sometimes hard to judge if a man in Hob Fullerton’s position is being honest. I would say he was. He was certainly scared.”
“Do you have any concerns, Wynfeld?” enquired Adeone, rolling the whisky in his glass.
“My only real fear is if Gad discovers we’ve questioned the merchant and attempts to harm him. It was sheer luck he didn’t knife him last night. Beaver was annoyed at his contact for getting involved but if he hadn’t, I believe Merchant Fullerton would be dead this morning. For that reason, I plan to keep the merchant always in sight. I also believe Jones might find him of use as a spy, Sire. Fullerton owes his current health to the fact Your Majesty is merciful, he has a debt to pay.”
Adeone said, “Flattery, Wynfeld, gets you nowhere—”
“He threatened to throttle me earlier when I tried it,” added Landis, conversationally.
“It’s still an option. Make sure your debt management doesn’t make him feel too pressured, Wynfeld. He might turn against us for that reason.”
“That thought had crossed my mind as well, Your Majesty,” replied Wynfeld. “We shall try not to be too heavy-handed.”
“Good. What did you think about the rumour that Merchant Chapa is planning to retire?”
“It isn’t the first time that that rumour has been passed our way, Sire. It would be helpful to know if it were true.”
“It would indeed. Maybe you could discreetly find out.”
Landis asked, “Merchant Chapa’s not told you, sir?”
“No, but my mother’s cousin was always a slippery customer. The same traits are put to equal effect by Doctor Chapa. It keeps it in the family.”
Landis smiled slightly, saying to Wynfeld, “We just have to recall that the King’s mother, may she shine in the heavens always, was a Chapa.”
Adeone said, “Wynfeld, Landis is in a mischievous mood— Come in.”
Richardson entered. “My apologies, but the Chief Merchant wondered if you had a moment, Sire.”
“How opportune. If you think I have, Richardson, I have. Wynfeld, I’ll allow you to monitor Gad for two aluna-months longer. Then we’ll review the situation again. That’s all. You can escape as well, Festus. I doubt you can add anything but inanities to my next conversation.”
“Traditions can be changed, Sire,” said Landis. “All right, I’m going.”
Chapter 59
OF MERCHANTS
Mid-Afternoon
Inner Office
MERCHANT CHAPA returned the King’s greeting cheerfully. “I shouldn’t be troubling you for long, Sire.”
“That’s a shame. A bit of rest with congenial companions helps the day along. What can I do for you?”
“I’ve just heard some of our merchant guests are being targeted by your intelligence regiment, Sire.”
Adeone waved to a chair. “They are. Well, to be exact, one is. How did you get to hear about it?”
“Hob Fullerton came to see me this morning, Sire. He asked my advice as to what he should do if he thought he was being followed.”
Adeone frowned, picked up Wynfeld’s report and read the front page. He called for Richardson and told him to get Landis and Wynfeld back and to tell Wynfeld not to let Fullerton go if they hadn’t already. Surprised, Richardson left.
Merchant Chapa looked at the King’s grave face and was even more perplexed when Adeone didn’t explain but just deluged him with questions.
The King discovered that the man who had visited Merchant Chapa had left an hour before and bore a striking resemblance to Gad. Having asked what had been discussed, Adeone discovered his cousin hadn’t said anything that might compromise the empire, and hadn’t invited the man to Court.
“Is the man a traitor, Sire?” asked Merchant Chapa.
“It’s likely,” replied Adeone. “Ah, Wynfeld, come in.”
Wynfeld saluted. “We’ve a couple of problems, Sire. Firstly, we’d already released Fullerton. Secondly, Gad was seen entering the Guildhall and my men didn’t have all exits covered. I’ve confined them to barracks. Several other men are on Gad’s known lodgings. We’ll pick him up again but he’s currently on the loose, sir.”
Adeone got up. “Sicla! Right, we’ll wait for Landis. What’s keeping him?”
Six minutes later Landis hurried into the office, barely stopping to bow. “We’ve picked Gad up. He returned to his new lodgings. He’s also paid for some months in advance. Or someone has for him. One of my men got the name. I’m having my chief bailiff trawl through my tenancy lists to see if it occurs in my books. If it does then we know there are houses or rooms all over the city being used by whoever Gad is working for.”
“We’ve nearly lost him twice now,” fumed Adeone.
“No, we haven’t, sir. The army has. That’s not a criticism, Wynfeld, but it is the truth. He can spot soldiers. It’s probably in their bearing as much as their uniform. I have several tenants currently unable to pursue the career of their choice who don’t look like soldiers. They owe me for not turning them out onto the street. I’ve told them to report to Beaver for some light work they can manage. They’ll not lose Gad.”
“Unless you can guarantee that, Landis, I want Gad lifted.”
“All I can do, Your Majesty, is tell you we will do everything we can.”
“Might I suggest you spook Gad a bit?” mused Merchant Chapa. “Leave obviously military men watching him, ones who lose him. He’ll know he lost them at the Guildhall. That’s why he talked to me for so long. He wanted them to get bored and slack. He’ll lead you a merry dance but it will pay dividends, I’m certain of that. If he approaches me again, I’ll tell you.”
Landis looked to the King for a decision.
Adeone hesitated. “I’m uneasy if he’s on the loose. I can’t hide that. He’s already been within a hairsbreadth of killing me once. His cousin nearly killed you, Landis. I can see the advantage of collecting more information but he’s turned his attention on Prince Arkyn, Edward and you, Cousin Henry. Who can say where his attention will turn tomorrow?”
Landis shrugged, “Prince Arkyn is safe in the Rex Dallin. We can get Merchant Chapa protection. I honestly think to step in now might be unwise. As has been said, Gad can lead us to so much more.”
“Wynfeld, it’s your men involved. What is your opinion?”
“I’m uncertain,” admitted Wynfeld. “I can see what both Your Majesty and Lord Landis are saying, and I also tend to agree with both of you. If we lift him, we remove the immediate threat to Your Majesty but we might find more about future threats or other threats if we leave him for a time. All I can say is that if Your Majesty decides to learn what we can from Gad, I will try to ensure that all possible protections are in place for yourself, Prince Arkyn, Merchant Chapa and anyone else who requires them. If he hadn’t already attacked Your Majesty, I’d say leave him and find out what he’s planning.”
