Treason, p.38
Treason, page 38
part #1 of Treason and Truth Series
“Feeling cheated I didn’t manage to catch you out,” admitted Adeone with a grin. “What’s for lunch and dinner?”
“Food if you let the kitchen be mine,” grumbled Cook.
Adeone chuckled. “I’ll see you later. Come on, Tain, let’s go and annoy everyone else.”
They entered the nursery companionably. Arkyn was curled up reading with Speckles asleep beside him. Cal was writing to his parents but broke off as the door opened. Spotting the King he rose and gave a very correct bow. Adeone sighed inwardly; he would prefer it if Cal wouldn’t be quite so correct but, from everything his sons had told him, Cal wouldn’t relax formalities. Elantha was sketching, oblivious of everything else. He crossed to her, touched her shoulder lightly. She turned. Dropping her pencil, she flung her arms around her uncle.
Adeone said, “I can always tell when you’re pleased to see me, can’t I, little flower? What are you drawing? Ah. It’s very good… I’m not sure Cal will appreciate it, though.”
Elantha laughed. “I hadn’t anything else to draw.”
“Let’s see,” demanded Tain.
Elantha shook her head. “No. You’ll only laugh.”
“Would you laugh, Tain?” enquired Adeone.
“He always does,” murmured Elantha.
Adeone raised an eyebrow at Tain. His son had the grace to look uncomfortable. He waited until Tain said,
“Probably, sir.”
“Then don’t show him, little flower. Only show people you want to. If they ask to mock you, they aren’t worth the consideration, no matter who they are.”
Elantha and her uncle exchanged a meaningful look and she nodded. Tain shuffled his feet. His father didn’t need to emphasise the point and Tain wasn’t foolish enough to comment himself. As Elantha showed Adeone other drawings she’d done, Cal glanced at his half-finished letter.
Arkyn said, “You might as well carry on, Cal. No-one will mind.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Subdued from the rebuke, Tain looked at Arkyn. Feeling mean for considering it deserved, Arkyn winked at him and instead of joining his father and cousin started talking to him.
With his back to his sons, Adeone listened to them as much as to his niece. He didn’t like telling them off but knew he had to. They had to be good men, and it was difficult for power not to be overwhelming and all-consuming. Scanlon had fallen into that trap and it hadn’t been helped by his father. Adeone was determined not to make the same mistake with his sons.
A couple of hours later, they returned to Ceardlann after a walk. El wanted to finish her drawing and Cal asked to be excused to finish his letters. So Adeone entered the snug with his sons and smiled at the sight. A fire burnt brightly in the grate, a pot of tea was keeping warm on the hearth, and a lemon cake cut into segments sat on the table with a note.
Don’t spoil my lunch, Sire.
Adeone chuckled and passed the message on to his sons. “It’s a shame I have a meeting with the Chief Merchant tomorrow. I need more of this.”
“Has he told you he’s retiring yet, sir?” asked Arkyn.
“No. I have the feeling he won’t warn me. Technically, he doesn’t have to. Oh, it is polite and I’m sure I shall receive copious apologies, but it’s a matter for the merchants of Oedran, not the King. Normally, chief merchants change every six years or so. He’s been Oedran’s for twenty. The last time he was elected, they granted him the post until he decided to leave. That is unique in our history.”
Arkyn said, “I wonder who will replace him.”
“Hopefully someone as erudite. The rumours will have ensured that others are asking. We’ll have to see. I expect a lot will ride on Merchant Chapa. His opinions will still be important even after he’s retired. I’ll still invite him for dinner. He’s good company. I’ll be interested to see if I receive my normal invitation to the Guild Banquet this year. I’ve missed attending since father died. Would you feel up to presiding at Court for me on Munewid Eve, Arkyn?”
Arkyn shrank into himself. “If needs be, sir.”
Adeone smiled reassuringly. “You’d be fine. It might not happen anyway. Now, I’ve had enough of talking about Oedran. I half expected to see Laioril here.”
Arkyn shrugged. “He’s not been all year.”
“Then he’ll be here nearer the Munewid. Every so often, he likes to be here as the year changes. Probably has some significance for him. No-one knows what though.”
There was a knock on the door and the Comptroller entered just as Tain asked,
“Is Laioril always mysterious, father?”
Adeone winked at the Comptroller. “Are you always mischievous, Tain?”
Tain pouted then grinned. “Yes.”
“Then, yes, the Chief is always mysterious, but I’d trust your lives with him as no-one else. Sometimes the mystery is a good thing.”
“Does that mean that sometimes mischief is as well, father?”
Adeone groaned at himself for a fool. “I never said that, Tain… but now you mention it…” Adeone grinned as the Comptroller gave a slight cough. “I don’t think the Comptroller wants me to say ‘yes’.”
Tain smirked. “But you’re the King. You can do what you want.”
“I only wish I could,” admitted Adeone. “Sometimes it’s more prudent to do what you should, my son, not what you want.”
The Comptroller said quietly, “Lunch is ready, Sire.”
* * *
That evening, once peace had descended on the chaos of the kitchen, Adeone entered it armed with a decanter of good whiskey and two sparkling glasses. Cook was sitting warming his feet by the cooling fire with two other chairs pulled close.
“You look far too comfortable, Cook.”
“Join me then, Sire. You look like you need some comfort. How’s the youngster? The cabinet was a mess.”
“The scars will heal,” replied Adeone, handing over a glass of whiskey. “Thank you for the cake and laughter.”
“All part of the service,” replied Cook placidly. “I was going to make lemon meringue, but it still feels too raw.”
“It does a bit. I’ll never eat it without thinking of Ira.”
“How are you anyway?”
“Still here, which has to be an achievement.”
“Especially without me to watch over you, sir,” said Fitz, entering.
Adeone shared an amused glance with Cook, who shrugged slightly. “Join us, Fitz. We’re having a relaxed conversation.”
“Oh dear,” replied Fitz, easing himself into the third chair by the fire. “I’ll be ready for the hangover tomorrow.”
“I only supply the whiskey. I’m not responsible for how much you drink.”
Cook chuckled. “There’s a truth there right enough, Sire.”
Fitz studied Adeone. “You said ‘still here’. What’s happened?”
Adeone explained about finding Gad and the decisions since. That everyone believed he was planning something for around the Munewid. “…I just don’t feel comfortable leaving him free. Oh, Wynfeld’s right he’s leading us to some very interesting places, but I’m worried it might be a wild goose chase.”
“When you’re ready to cook his goose, we’ve some nice root veg to go with it.”
Adeone groaned. “That was an atrocious line, Cook.”
“I know,” said Cook placidly, “but what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.”
“Why do I employ you again?” asked Adeone rhetorically.
“You like his cooking more than his jokes,” answered Fitz anyway. “If you’re sure whatever Gad is planning is around the Munewid, just have him arrested on Munewid Eve. It’s before the Petitionals start, before the banquet, before everyone knows exactly where you’ll be. What’s more, Sire, don’t tell anyone that’s what you plan. That way they don’t get chance to change your mind but you can change it if necessary.”
Cook chuckled. “Kings change their minds all the time to frustrate underlings.”
“He’s speaking from experience,” retorted Adeone with a grin.
Fitz laughed. “Ah, we’ve all had experiences like that. So, what’s this I hear about your young rascal destroying the old lacquered cabinet?”
Chapter 65
INVITATION
Tretaldai, Week 37 – 3rd Teral, 3rd Teris 1210
Inner Office
A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER, Adeone glanced up as Landis entered his office. A subtle grin lit his friend’s face.
“Sire, I’ve just had an interesting letter from Chief Merchant Chapa. He’s organising their banquet at the Guildhall.”
“Mm?” Adeone was smiling.
“Let me read you what he put… My lord, as always I would be honoured if you could join us for the Guild Banquet. As I’ve never been a good courtier, I shall get straight to the point. We’ve invited His Majesty and would really like him to join us. It’s a few years since he did and we are quite missing the lively atmosphere that is created when he dines with us. We’ve moved the banquet to the evening before to try and avoid conflict with his other duties. Maybe you could twist his arm up his back and prevail upon His Majesty to join us? He goes on for a couple of paragraphs, sir, but that is the gist of his letter.”
Adeone shook his head slightly. “You know, Landis, something tells me that Cousin Henry would be mortified if he knew you’d read me that. Ask Richardson if he’s seen my invitation.”
Two moments later, Adeone read a very formal invitation. He flicked the card over and grinned – in Merchant Chapa’s handwriting was the caption:
Come and cause mayhem, Sire. I’ve invited the Princes as well.
“What reason could I give for going this year and it not seeming odd?” asked Adeone.
“The sheer fact that they’ve changed the eve to accommodate you. Do you need another? We know it’ll be the last banquet he presides at.”
“Get Richardson.” As his administrator entered, Adeone said, “I’m attending the Guild Banquet.” He saw Richardson’s face. “Whatever clashes, rearrange. I’ve sent enough apologies to my cousin over recent years.”
“Very good, Your Majesty. Shall I inform the Chief Merchant?”
“No, I’ll do that. Thank you, Richardson.” The administrator left and Adeone turned to Landis. “You can help me write the reply. How do you think I should begin? Lord Landis having twisted my arm up my back… What do you think, Festus?”
“I’m sure Merchant Chapa would appreciate the result, Sire, but I’m not sure I’d ever receive another invitation, which would be a pity; I enjoy their meals.”
Adeone laughed. “All right, I’ll be kind and simply tell him when I see him. I’ll also tell him that my mayhem days are sadly over but give it a couple of years and Prince Tain can happily oblige.”
“I’ll suggest they invite Julius and Tain together if they want to see mayhem. That should keep them all on their toes.”
“For some, that would be like reliving the past. No, I think Merchant Chapa’s successor won’t be so appreciative of the sense of humour we have engendered in our sons. Now, did you merely come to twist my arm up my back?”
“Yes, Sire. Shall I leave you to continue running the empire?”
“Please, I have a meeting in about twelve minutes with the General.”
* * *
Far away in Garth, in a very private room, Advisor Bantling was listening to Scanlon saying, “This time next year, Bantling, things will be different. We’ll reap the benefits of this year. All the hard work. All the bribes. There will be rewards. I just wish I knew who the spies were here. Information has been reaching Oedran. I can’t believe that the intelligence regiment, so-called, has become worthwhile. Meyer and Blunt’s deaths still rankle. They could have been useful here. Faran should have been in Lufian. I ought to find some reward for him. Have we had any news of him recently?”
Bantling said, “The only information is that his wife gave him a son.”
Scanlon sat thinking. “Make sure the boy dies before the Munewid, Bantling. That should be reward enough.”
Mindful of his own life, Bantling said, “Very good, Greatness.”
Scanlon looked at him, openly sneering. “Fear is good, Bantling. It makes people obedient. That is all that matters.”
Bantling merely bowed slightly – wanting to leave the room. Scanlon saw it, so kept him there for over an hour, enjoying tormenting him.
Chapter 66
CHIEF OR CAPTAIN
Late Spring
Rex Dallin – Wanda Camp
LAIORIL ARRIVED IN the Rex Dallin during the final weeks of spring. Arkyn was in Oedran on the day they arrived but once he was back Tain dragged him, Cal and Elantha along to see the Chief.
They walked into the Wanda camp as though it had never left the year before. Greetings were shouted at them from every angle. They shouted them back, Arkyn slightly more reserved than the previous year.
“Might ‘ave known it’d be you that the fuss was for,” said Laioril. “You’re a bad influence on them, lads and lass. Come on into my tent. Expected you all sooner, I did. Some of ‘em started telling me my age was showing. I told ‘em that it showed itself a long time ago and hasn’t been hiding since.”
“You’re not that old, Chief,” observed Tain impishly.
Laioril winked at him. “I’m as old as my tongue and a little older than my teeth. It’s a hard age to judge.”
The tribe’s healer entered the tent with a tray of food and drink. “There you go, sirs, my lady. If you need anything else, ignore the Chief and come and find me.”
“Tell me why I put up with you, Miranda?” grumbled Laioril good-humouredly.
“Because you like my wine and I dose everyone up when they’re ill. What other reason do you need?” With that, she left the tent.
“That woman has an answer for everything. I ought to tell her rhetorical questions don’t require one. Not that it would work. Now, don’t tell me you came to talk to an old man?”
“We came to hear a story but talking to an old man is almost as good,” explained Tain.
Arkyn clipped his brother round the head. “Sorry, Chief. Subtlety has never been his strong point.”
“I dunna mind, lad. He might need his head on his shoulders at one point or another though.”
Cal said, “Don’t know why, Chief. He doesn’t use what’s inside it.”
Tain turned to him. “You’re just jealous because I have something there.”
“Do you?” asked Elantha, grinning.
A couple of moments later, the Chief interrupted their jibbing. “Hey, youngsters, remember you’re guests around here. Tch, what will the world come to with you all in charge? Now, who wants to hear UIl’s Story?”
Time passed, and the Wanda stayed in the valley. All the children spent hours in Laioril’s tent listening to his vivid stories or just talking and Arkyn realised that Laioril only expected them to be themselves, whether they were bickering or laughing. He never delved but would listen, encourage and support without being obvious about it.
* * *
On the day of the Guild Banquet, the Comptroller – worried when Fitz hadn’t returned from a day’s leave in Oedran – tried to contact Adeone or Richardson. Unable to obtain a link with either, he contacted the only other person he could think might know what had happened; General Paturn said he’d find out.
A couple of hours later, the General’s messenger appeared. “Fitz has been taken ill, Comptroller. He started throwing up last night. My doctor won’t let him out of bed, but he should be back on his feet tomorrow.”
“However, today Their Highnesses, Her Ladyship and Master Calumiel are meant to return to Oedran. Is there another captain you can trust?”
Paturn snorted. “Not without the King’s word and His Majesty’s in a meeting with Lords Teran and Para. Then Jacobs informs me the King will be changing and leaving for the Guildhall. By which time it’ll be too late to get Their Highnesses here.”
“His Majesty will want to know why Their Highnesses aren’t at the banquet.”
“I will inform Richardson as soon as I can, Comptroller, but I am not disturbing His Majesty whilst he’s talking with two of Lord Scanlon’s closest supporters. Certainly not for something so trivial and I wouldn’t advise that you do so either.”
The Comptroller bit back that to the Princes it wouldn’t be trivial but knew what the General was saying. Forcing links meant something disastrous had happened. Even if Adeone subsequently explained, the rumours that he was playing down the situation would be rife.
When the children reached the house, they had Laioril and Miranda with them. The Comptroller greeted everyone but even the Chief, with his aptitude for ignoring the obvious, couldn’t miss that something was wrong.
“I’m afraid, Your Highnesses, Captain Fitz was taken ill yesterday and the General says there isn’t another captain who can come to escort you to Oedran.”
Arkyn asked, “Seriously ill?”
“I’m not sure, sir. The General just said ill. I think he was a bit busy.”
“But surely there must be one captain—” pleaded Tain.
“Obviously not,” chided Arkyn softly. “There’s nothing we can do. Father wouldn’t want us to go to Oedran without someone he trusts.”
“Why doesn’t he come here? His guards—”
“Because he’s in meetings all day and it’s the Guild Banquet tonight. We won’t be making that; I’ll need to let Merchant Chapa know.”
Downcast, Cal asked, “Comptroller, could you let my parents know? They’ll be expecting me, you see.”
“Certainly, Master Calumiel. Prince Tain, I am sorry, sir, but there’s nothing to be done.”
Tain sagged. “It’s just so unfair.”
Arkyn said, “I expect the Comptroller was hoping for some peace as well, Tain.”
Tain apologised, and, kicking stones, went indoors. Cal and Elantha followed him.
