Dragons envoy, p.16
Dragon's Envoy, page 16
"Sir David, you startled us," the King said recovering some of his poise.
"Mmm, I'm sure I did. So, your plan is to kill me and take my fortune? Is that how you rule over your kingdom? I’m shocked to see how you treat your people."
"You understand nothing, peasant," the King shouted. "Were you not a mage, you'd still be eating with the pigs. You think of only yourself, I must think of the whole kingdom, and the kingdom needs that fortune. We have yet to recover from the gold we spent on the war five years past."
"Come now...sire. Let's be honest here, very little of that money will go into the kingdom's coffers. You plan to keep the lion's share for yourself because greed is your motivation for everything. Greed for money, and greed for power."
The King drew his dagger and threw it at me, my dragon enhanced reflexes caught it and instantly launched it back, burying the blade into the chamberlain's throat. He grabbed at the knife trying not to die, sliding down the wall bleeding out.
"Now, where were we?" I asked. "Oh yes, your problem is you think just because you are King you can do anything you want, and no one will challenge you. My problem is, will the kingdom be better off, or worse off, if I kill you?"
"I am your King," he shouted.
"Not my King, you gave that up when you conspired to have me killed. Besides, there will be another King after you're dead."
"Who? Claudus the bookworm? He's as naive as you. He has no stomach for the hard decisions. The kingdom will fall apart, and every kingdom on our border will see weakness and attack. I'm the only reason a peaceful kingdom exists. I'll make you an offer, and you’d better take it. Leave now, leave the capital. But if I ever see you again, I'll have your head."
I nodded. "And I assume I’ll have to leave all my wealth?"
"It was never yours; you didn't earn it."
"True, but it was gifted to me, not you."
"Consider it the price for your life."
"Is that your final offer?" I asked.
He nodded, sneering.
I nodded in return. Quicker than his eye could follow I stepped to the chamberlain's body, drew his knife from his belt, and plunged it into the King’s throat. His eyes went round trying to understand what had just happened.
"I decline your offer. We’ll see how the crown Prince does as King."
I grabbed his arm as he reached for me and threw him on top of the chamberlain’s body where he died.
I bent down and took the healing ring from the chamberlain's finger and dropped into my pouch. As an afterthought, I moved the King and opened the chamberlain's shirt to bare his upper body. I freed his left arm from his shirt. Concentrating allowed me to raise a dark priest's symbol under his arm. Then I redressed him.
I repositioned the King and looked around to make sure I hadn't missed anything. Satisfied, I merged back through the wall. I removed the spells from the King's office, then threw my voice back into the office, "Guards!" I shouted.
The guards burst in, taking in the scene. They started shouting for the captain of the guards, then checked to see if the King was alive. I'd let them make up whatever story they wanted to explain what they found. I shrugged; it was now the crown Prince's problem. Or should I say, the new King’s.
Chapter 18
I decided to stay out of sight, out of mind for a while. But I didn't need to go into hiding, especially because I knew that might look suspicious. I left the castle by the drainage tunnel and went to the Lark guest house.
I didn't know what fallout may come from the King and his chamberlain apparently killing each other, but I didn't want to assume anything. I took a bath, changed clothes, and went to bed. Just before dawn, four men came to the front gate, and Keefer's men met them. Shortly thereafter, they came to the guest house and banged on the door.
I waited a moment before I got up and went to the door. "Who is it?" I asked.
"City watch on orders from the King. You are summoned to the castle," someone answered.
I opened the door in a rush, "Who's hurt?"
"I don't know Sir Mage; we were just sent to get you."
"I'll be out in a moment." I dressed and we headed for the castle quickly.
When the castle came into sight, it looked like half the army was standing guard. I looked at my escort frowning. "What's happened?"
"Let's just get inside Sir Mage. Someone with more rank will explain, I'm sure." I nodded and we hurried along. We were stopped at the main gate's guard house.
"Where did you find him?" a sergeant asked my escort.
"At the Lark's guest house, just as reported."
The sergeant nodded. "You’re dismissed, return to your normal duties." My escort nodded and left.
"What's going on sergeant? Who needs healing? It must be bad to summon me at this hour. And why is the army..." I didn't finish the question. "It's not the King, is it? Take me to him."
The sergeant nodded and led me into the castle.
"Don't overdo it," Em said. "This is not the theater after all." I don’t know what she meant, I thought I was doing rather well.
I was led to the King's office; the door was closed. The guard outside opened the door a bit and spoke to someone inside. Receiving an answer, the guard opened the door and let me pass. The crown Prince, and the magistrate were inside, when I saw the King lying on floor, I did what every healer would do and rushed to his side. I checked both bodies, of course they were long dead. I stepped back and looked at the magistrate and crown Prince. "What happened?" I asked, looking confused.
"It appears they killed each other," the magistrate said.
I looked back at the fight scene, then back at them. "Yes, but why?"
"We’re not sure," the magistrate said. "Is there anything odd about them, or the office, anything at all that you can tell?"
I looked slowly around the room, then stood looking at the bodies. I waved my hand over them causing a blue area around my hand for their benefit. I acted as if I was looking closer.
"Help me move the King," I said. The magistrate helped me move the King aside. I waved my blue lit hand again, then opened the chamberlain's shirt. I moved him about as if searching, then lifted his arm exposing the dark priest's scar. I stepped back, pointing at the scar, saying nothing. I'd let them draw their own conclusions.
"The King must have discovered that Rucker was working with the dark priests and confronted him." The magistrate said kneeling to look at the scar.
The crown Prince was nodding. "Sir David, you are not to speak of this to anyone. My father died of a heart attack and nothing more."
I bowed. "He did indeed, Your Highness."
He dismissed me, with his fist clenched. “You may go.”
I bowed again and left.
* * *
I went back to the Lark guest house and broke my fast. I put on the guise of Moss and headed for the Greyson's new riverside estate. I spent all day walking the grounds, to see how much work need to be done. I checked the perimeter wall, gates, guest house, main house, stables, out buildings, pier, and the river retaining wall. Everything needed repairing, especially the river retaining wall, and pier. Of the buildings the guest house needed the most stonework repair.
I saw evidence that people had camped just off the pier on the grounds, and in the guest house, and outbuildings. I cast the same spells we had at the Lark house estate to protect the property and warn me of any trespassers. Though with Em's dragon sound spell, I doubted there would be any intrusions.
I cast a spell over the property getting rid of all the harmful insects, rodents, and snakes. I cast a spell over the building to get rid of the dust, debris, and keep it that way.
Late in the afternoon I set up camp in what had been the sitting room of the main house. I lit a mage fire in the fireplace and made a meal of gruel with jerky and hot tea. After I ate, I sat staining into the fire letting my mind wonder.
"We need to speed up your training," Em said.
Ok, how do we do that?
"I'll cast a stronger dream spell on you which will make time there pass faster. Overall, you'll spend more time in the dream world."
How much faster?
I felt her shrug. A year in the real world will give us roughly five years of learning time in the dream world. The good thing is, as before, you won't suffer from lack of sleep. You’ll be able to continue work during the day."
"Oh, OK, I can do that. I guess we'll be starting tonight?"
"Correct."
I nodded, finishing my tea, I cleaned my camp site, and went to my sleeping mat. It seemed like I had just laid down when I found myself in the dream world. I couldn't tell any difference between this spell, and the previous one, and I woke the next morning after a full night of training feeling fully rested.
I sent a message to Keefer by a passing boy, telling him where I was should anyone be seeking me. I gave the boy a copper and off he ran.
I didn't venture off the Greyson estate, but I could tell the capital was in an uproar. I'd keep to myself and let the royal, and political storm blow itself out.
I spent the first week restoring the foundation and stonework of the perimeter fence, and gates. Then moved on to the main house doing the same. Once the main housed stonework was restored, I made a hidden passageway and underground room like I had done in the Lark guest house.
The second week, I connected a tunnel from the hidden room to the drainage tunnel. I started working on the retaining wall along the estate’s riverfront, and pier. I put mage lights up on the pier to let people know that the estate was now occupied.
I was now ready for some furniture, so I went to see Master Merchant Wooten. I figured his toe had had enough time to start hurting him again. I went into an alley by woolen's store as Moss and exited as myself. I was right, he was walking with crutches again.
"Sir mage, it is so good to see you again," he said.
I chuckled, "I bet it is, and by the looks of that foot, you did not follow my advice."
He smiled sheepishly.
"As it happens, I come to offer you a deal."
His eyes narrowed. "What kind of deal?"
"The kind that gets you healed," I said smiling.
He sat down. "Alright, make your pitch."
“I'll heal your toe, and give you this," I showed him the healing ring. "This is an artifact, a healing ring. As long as you wear this, your toe shouldn't give you any trouble."
He chuckled. "If anyone but you had come in here with that story, I'd have you thrown out. Ok, I've seen the bait, where's the hook?"
"I need to furnish a mansion, every room. I don't expect you to give me the furniture. What I'd like, is all that furniture at your cost. And I need some used furniture now. A desk and chair, two sitting chairs, a tea table, a bed, bedside table, a washstand with pitcher and wash basin."
He thought a moment. "At cost?"
I nodded.
"And if the ring doesn't work?"
"I'II heal you again for free and pay full price for the furniture."
He nodded. "I agree to your terms," he said. I healed his toe and gave him the ring, which he put on right away.
"I'll take the used furniture now, and when the mansion is ready, I'll let you know, so you can visit to see what furniture is needed."
"How long before you'll need the furniture?"
"I'd guess six months to a year," I answered.
He nodded.
I put the used furniture in my stores book and returned to the Greyson estate. I started to put the furniture into my secret room, but I decided to leave it all in sitting room for now.
I was sitting at my diner fire when I felt Weaver enter the property. I set out another cup and waited. Though he wasn't trying to hide, he moved like a scout in the forest. Had I not been a mage, I doubt I would have known he was there.
"For a wealthy man, you live a spartan life," he said stepping into the firelight.
I smiled, pouring him a cup of tea. "Take a seat. Your family is well?"
"They are, thank you," he said sitting.
“What news?" I asked.
He took a sip of tea. "The King is dead."
"Long live the King," I finished the saying.
He half grinned. "Heart attack they say. The chamberlain fell down a stairway while running for help and broke his neck. A tragedy that," he said.
I smiled. "The political, and noble alliances have been turned upside down. Even among the thief’s guild everyone is vying for position, seeking advantage. It hasn’t been bloodless, though the Barber seems to be holding his own."
After taking a swallow of tea he continued, "The old king has been entombed, and the crown Prince's coronation will take place in two months. There were a few who contested his ascending to the throne, but they saw the error of their ways quickly enough. As far as I've heard, there will be no major changes within the royal court––though a lot of gold is changing hands."
"What of Duke Herald?"
"Oddly quiet. He and the crown Prince don't really care for each other as far as I can tell. Something happened back during the war, there's been hard feelings between them ever since. Oh, the duke supports him right enough. Betting money says the duke wants to marry his daughter to the crown Prince––after the coronation, of course."
I nodded, thinking. "Keep your ears open, I'll be here for a while." I tossed him a purse. He nodded, knuckling his forehead and left.
* * *
I sent a letter to Duke Greyson telling him that there was a place for them to stay when they arrived for the coronation. Moss raised large stone gate columns and put the Greyson name over the archway, with the Greyson crest on each column. I put the same crest on the gable face of the main house.
With Em's accelerated training pace, I began learning to manipulate and restore wood. Because we were rushing to get the estate ready for the Greyson’s arrival, Em helped me. Well, to be fair, she did two-thirds of the wood restoration. But I was learning fast with all the practice I was getting. I even added the Greyson crest in the wood of the main double entry doors.
Even using magic, it took us almost four weeks to finishes the main house, the guest house, stables, and the out buildings. I sent Master Wooten a message, telling him we had finished ahead of schedule and needed the furniture now.
He fussed that I was taking all his inventory, but in the end, he fulfilled our agreement. For the next two days, wagon after wagon of household goods arrived unloaded and left to get another load. I made him feel better when I bought rugs, curtain, dishes, pots, pans, and the other house needs from him for cash. I also completely furnished the guest house, which I also paid for in cash. Since the manor was now fully furnished, I moved my used furniture down to my secret room.
The city was in full swing getting ready for the crown Prince's coronation. Nobles were arriving from every corner of the kingdom. Caravans from all directions were arriving to cash in on the mass influx of humanity. Every inn, rent house, and vacant lot in the city was full. Visiting nobles asked for permission from Drake property to camp on its river front estates. Apart from the Greyson's river estate, Leo Daniels kindly gave his permission…for a nominal fee of course.
Sir Moss helped Jake and Keefer finish the Lark Grand Inn so it could take advantage of the boon the coronation presented. Not every room was completely furnished, but every room had beds and sitting chairs. The kitchen and dining rooms were fully furnished, fully staffed, and operational.
Jake, Keefer, and I walked through the Grand Inn's entry, admiring what we had done. Guests were already renting rooms and eating in the dining room. "Lady Lark would have enjoyed see this," I said.
They nodded. “Aye, she would have,” Keefer said.
“I have a need that I know little about," I said. "Duke Greysons and his family will be here any day now. The manor is completely furnished, and ready to receive them, but I have no household staff. So, in truth, I’m not ready to receive them. The estate needs to be completely staffed and functional. But not by just anyone, I don't want a house full of spies and thieves."
"How large a staff are you thinking?"
I shrugged. "You tell me."
"For a grand manor?" Jake asked.
I nodded.
They stood thinking, then started ticking off positions. "Groundmen, stablemen, footmen, coachmen, butler, housekeeper, maids, cooks, watchmen, and a major domo. It might be best to get your major domo first. How soon do you need them?"
"As I said, the Greysons will arrive any day now. So, I need them sooner rather than later."
They nodded. "Let us do some checking, and we’ll see what we come up with,” Jake said.
I nodded, looking around the dining room. “Since I’m here, I think I'll try the new cook’s offerings."
"You won't be disappointed," Jake said, showing me to a table. I had the fish and vegetables. Jake was right, the food was excellent. Looking around at the number of people eating here, I had a feeling The Lark Grand Inn was going to be a money maker.
* * *
Breaking my fast, I considered the staffing problem. It had been a few days since I had asked Jake and Keefer to find staff for the manor. I was concerned that I might have to seek other options. I supposed someone in the capital hired out staff as a business, but then you didn't know what you'd get. Of course I supposed they had their standards. Well, I'd do what I had to do to make sure all was ready before the Greysons arrived.
I was about to leave when my perimeter spell told me someone had entered through the front gate. I stepped to the front to see who it might be. Through the windows I saw a nice carriage coming up the lane. I waited, watching through the window as the coach stopped in the courtyard. The carriage door opened, and a well-dressed man of late middle years stepped down.
He gave the manor house and the grounds a look, I had the feeling he missed little in that glance. He stepped to the door and knocked.
I opened the door, to greet my guest. Seeing him closer, his skin had a weathered look which reminded me of Keefer and the lads. Seaman, I thought. He was giving me the same appraisal that I was giving him.
"Sir David Slinger, I presume?" he said.
"Mmm, I'm sure I did. So, your plan is to kill me and take my fortune? Is that how you rule over your kingdom? I’m shocked to see how you treat your people."
"You understand nothing, peasant," the King shouted. "Were you not a mage, you'd still be eating with the pigs. You think of only yourself, I must think of the whole kingdom, and the kingdom needs that fortune. We have yet to recover from the gold we spent on the war five years past."
"Come now...sire. Let's be honest here, very little of that money will go into the kingdom's coffers. You plan to keep the lion's share for yourself because greed is your motivation for everything. Greed for money, and greed for power."
The King drew his dagger and threw it at me, my dragon enhanced reflexes caught it and instantly launched it back, burying the blade into the chamberlain's throat. He grabbed at the knife trying not to die, sliding down the wall bleeding out.
"Now, where were we?" I asked. "Oh yes, your problem is you think just because you are King you can do anything you want, and no one will challenge you. My problem is, will the kingdom be better off, or worse off, if I kill you?"
"I am your King," he shouted.
"Not my King, you gave that up when you conspired to have me killed. Besides, there will be another King after you're dead."
"Who? Claudus the bookworm? He's as naive as you. He has no stomach for the hard decisions. The kingdom will fall apart, and every kingdom on our border will see weakness and attack. I'm the only reason a peaceful kingdom exists. I'll make you an offer, and you’d better take it. Leave now, leave the capital. But if I ever see you again, I'll have your head."
I nodded. "And I assume I’ll have to leave all my wealth?"
"It was never yours; you didn't earn it."
"True, but it was gifted to me, not you."
"Consider it the price for your life."
"Is that your final offer?" I asked.
He nodded, sneering.
I nodded in return. Quicker than his eye could follow I stepped to the chamberlain's body, drew his knife from his belt, and plunged it into the King’s throat. His eyes went round trying to understand what had just happened.
"I decline your offer. We’ll see how the crown Prince does as King."
I grabbed his arm as he reached for me and threw him on top of the chamberlain’s body where he died.
I bent down and took the healing ring from the chamberlain's finger and dropped into my pouch. As an afterthought, I moved the King and opened the chamberlain's shirt to bare his upper body. I freed his left arm from his shirt. Concentrating allowed me to raise a dark priest's symbol under his arm. Then I redressed him.
I repositioned the King and looked around to make sure I hadn't missed anything. Satisfied, I merged back through the wall. I removed the spells from the King's office, then threw my voice back into the office, "Guards!" I shouted.
The guards burst in, taking in the scene. They started shouting for the captain of the guards, then checked to see if the King was alive. I'd let them make up whatever story they wanted to explain what they found. I shrugged; it was now the crown Prince's problem. Or should I say, the new King’s.
Chapter 18
I decided to stay out of sight, out of mind for a while. But I didn't need to go into hiding, especially because I knew that might look suspicious. I left the castle by the drainage tunnel and went to the Lark guest house.
I didn't know what fallout may come from the King and his chamberlain apparently killing each other, but I didn't want to assume anything. I took a bath, changed clothes, and went to bed. Just before dawn, four men came to the front gate, and Keefer's men met them. Shortly thereafter, they came to the guest house and banged on the door.
I waited a moment before I got up and went to the door. "Who is it?" I asked.
"City watch on orders from the King. You are summoned to the castle," someone answered.
I opened the door in a rush, "Who's hurt?"
"I don't know Sir Mage; we were just sent to get you."
"I'll be out in a moment." I dressed and we headed for the castle quickly.
When the castle came into sight, it looked like half the army was standing guard. I looked at my escort frowning. "What's happened?"
"Let's just get inside Sir Mage. Someone with more rank will explain, I'm sure." I nodded and we hurried along. We were stopped at the main gate's guard house.
"Where did you find him?" a sergeant asked my escort.
"At the Lark's guest house, just as reported."
The sergeant nodded. "You’re dismissed, return to your normal duties." My escort nodded and left.
"What's going on sergeant? Who needs healing? It must be bad to summon me at this hour. And why is the army..." I didn't finish the question. "It's not the King, is it? Take me to him."
The sergeant nodded and led me into the castle.
"Don't overdo it," Em said. "This is not the theater after all." I don’t know what she meant, I thought I was doing rather well.
I was led to the King's office; the door was closed. The guard outside opened the door a bit and spoke to someone inside. Receiving an answer, the guard opened the door and let me pass. The crown Prince, and the magistrate were inside, when I saw the King lying on floor, I did what every healer would do and rushed to his side. I checked both bodies, of course they were long dead. I stepped back and looked at the magistrate and crown Prince. "What happened?" I asked, looking confused.
"It appears they killed each other," the magistrate said.
I looked back at the fight scene, then back at them. "Yes, but why?"
"We’re not sure," the magistrate said. "Is there anything odd about them, or the office, anything at all that you can tell?"
I looked slowly around the room, then stood looking at the bodies. I waved my hand over them causing a blue area around my hand for their benefit. I acted as if I was looking closer.
"Help me move the King," I said. The magistrate helped me move the King aside. I waved my blue lit hand again, then opened the chamberlain's shirt. I moved him about as if searching, then lifted his arm exposing the dark priest's scar. I stepped back, pointing at the scar, saying nothing. I'd let them draw their own conclusions.
"The King must have discovered that Rucker was working with the dark priests and confronted him." The magistrate said kneeling to look at the scar.
The crown Prince was nodding. "Sir David, you are not to speak of this to anyone. My father died of a heart attack and nothing more."
I bowed. "He did indeed, Your Highness."
He dismissed me, with his fist clenched. “You may go.”
I bowed again and left.
* * *
I went back to the Lark guest house and broke my fast. I put on the guise of Moss and headed for the Greyson's new riverside estate. I spent all day walking the grounds, to see how much work need to be done. I checked the perimeter wall, gates, guest house, main house, stables, out buildings, pier, and the river retaining wall. Everything needed repairing, especially the river retaining wall, and pier. Of the buildings the guest house needed the most stonework repair.
I saw evidence that people had camped just off the pier on the grounds, and in the guest house, and outbuildings. I cast the same spells we had at the Lark house estate to protect the property and warn me of any trespassers. Though with Em's dragon sound spell, I doubted there would be any intrusions.
I cast a spell over the property getting rid of all the harmful insects, rodents, and snakes. I cast a spell over the building to get rid of the dust, debris, and keep it that way.
Late in the afternoon I set up camp in what had been the sitting room of the main house. I lit a mage fire in the fireplace and made a meal of gruel with jerky and hot tea. After I ate, I sat staining into the fire letting my mind wonder.
"We need to speed up your training," Em said.
Ok, how do we do that?
"I'll cast a stronger dream spell on you which will make time there pass faster. Overall, you'll spend more time in the dream world."
How much faster?
I felt her shrug. A year in the real world will give us roughly five years of learning time in the dream world. The good thing is, as before, you won't suffer from lack of sleep. You’ll be able to continue work during the day."
"Oh, OK, I can do that. I guess we'll be starting tonight?"
"Correct."
I nodded, finishing my tea, I cleaned my camp site, and went to my sleeping mat. It seemed like I had just laid down when I found myself in the dream world. I couldn't tell any difference between this spell, and the previous one, and I woke the next morning after a full night of training feeling fully rested.
I sent a message to Keefer by a passing boy, telling him where I was should anyone be seeking me. I gave the boy a copper and off he ran.
I didn't venture off the Greyson estate, but I could tell the capital was in an uproar. I'd keep to myself and let the royal, and political storm blow itself out.
I spent the first week restoring the foundation and stonework of the perimeter fence, and gates. Then moved on to the main house doing the same. Once the main housed stonework was restored, I made a hidden passageway and underground room like I had done in the Lark guest house.
The second week, I connected a tunnel from the hidden room to the drainage tunnel. I started working on the retaining wall along the estate’s riverfront, and pier. I put mage lights up on the pier to let people know that the estate was now occupied.
I was now ready for some furniture, so I went to see Master Merchant Wooten. I figured his toe had had enough time to start hurting him again. I went into an alley by woolen's store as Moss and exited as myself. I was right, he was walking with crutches again.
"Sir mage, it is so good to see you again," he said.
I chuckled, "I bet it is, and by the looks of that foot, you did not follow my advice."
He smiled sheepishly.
"As it happens, I come to offer you a deal."
His eyes narrowed. "What kind of deal?"
"The kind that gets you healed," I said smiling.
He sat down. "Alright, make your pitch."
“I'll heal your toe, and give you this," I showed him the healing ring. "This is an artifact, a healing ring. As long as you wear this, your toe shouldn't give you any trouble."
He chuckled. "If anyone but you had come in here with that story, I'd have you thrown out. Ok, I've seen the bait, where's the hook?"
"I need to furnish a mansion, every room. I don't expect you to give me the furniture. What I'd like, is all that furniture at your cost. And I need some used furniture now. A desk and chair, two sitting chairs, a tea table, a bed, bedside table, a washstand with pitcher and wash basin."
He thought a moment. "At cost?"
I nodded.
"And if the ring doesn't work?"
"I'II heal you again for free and pay full price for the furniture."
He nodded. "I agree to your terms," he said. I healed his toe and gave him the ring, which he put on right away.
"I'll take the used furniture now, and when the mansion is ready, I'll let you know, so you can visit to see what furniture is needed."
"How long before you'll need the furniture?"
"I'd guess six months to a year," I answered.
He nodded.
I put the used furniture in my stores book and returned to the Greyson estate. I started to put the furniture into my secret room, but I decided to leave it all in sitting room for now.
I was sitting at my diner fire when I felt Weaver enter the property. I set out another cup and waited. Though he wasn't trying to hide, he moved like a scout in the forest. Had I not been a mage, I doubt I would have known he was there.
"For a wealthy man, you live a spartan life," he said stepping into the firelight.
I smiled, pouring him a cup of tea. "Take a seat. Your family is well?"
"They are, thank you," he said sitting.
“What news?" I asked.
He took a sip of tea. "The King is dead."
"Long live the King," I finished the saying.
He half grinned. "Heart attack they say. The chamberlain fell down a stairway while running for help and broke his neck. A tragedy that," he said.
I smiled. "The political, and noble alliances have been turned upside down. Even among the thief’s guild everyone is vying for position, seeking advantage. It hasn’t been bloodless, though the Barber seems to be holding his own."
After taking a swallow of tea he continued, "The old king has been entombed, and the crown Prince's coronation will take place in two months. There were a few who contested his ascending to the throne, but they saw the error of their ways quickly enough. As far as I've heard, there will be no major changes within the royal court––though a lot of gold is changing hands."
"What of Duke Herald?"
"Oddly quiet. He and the crown Prince don't really care for each other as far as I can tell. Something happened back during the war, there's been hard feelings between them ever since. Oh, the duke supports him right enough. Betting money says the duke wants to marry his daughter to the crown Prince––after the coronation, of course."
I nodded, thinking. "Keep your ears open, I'll be here for a while." I tossed him a purse. He nodded, knuckling his forehead and left.
* * *
I sent a letter to Duke Greyson telling him that there was a place for them to stay when they arrived for the coronation. Moss raised large stone gate columns and put the Greyson name over the archway, with the Greyson crest on each column. I put the same crest on the gable face of the main house.
With Em's accelerated training pace, I began learning to manipulate and restore wood. Because we were rushing to get the estate ready for the Greyson’s arrival, Em helped me. Well, to be fair, she did two-thirds of the wood restoration. But I was learning fast with all the practice I was getting. I even added the Greyson crest in the wood of the main double entry doors.
Even using magic, it took us almost four weeks to finishes the main house, the guest house, stables, and the out buildings. I sent Master Wooten a message, telling him we had finished ahead of schedule and needed the furniture now.
He fussed that I was taking all his inventory, but in the end, he fulfilled our agreement. For the next two days, wagon after wagon of household goods arrived unloaded and left to get another load. I made him feel better when I bought rugs, curtain, dishes, pots, pans, and the other house needs from him for cash. I also completely furnished the guest house, which I also paid for in cash. Since the manor was now fully furnished, I moved my used furniture down to my secret room.
The city was in full swing getting ready for the crown Prince's coronation. Nobles were arriving from every corner of the kingdom. Caravans from all directions were arriving to cash in on the mass influx of humanity. Every inn, rent house, and vacant lot in the city was full. Visiting nobles asked for permission from Drake property to camp on its river front estates. Apart from the Greyson's river estate, Leo Daniels kindly gave his permission…for a nominal fee of course.
Sir Moss helped Jake and Keefer finish the Lark Grand Inn so it could take advantage of the boon the coronation presented. Not every room was completely furnished, but every room had beds and sitting chairs. The kitchen and dining rooms were fully furnished, fully staffed, and operational.
Jake, Keefer, and I walked through the Grand Inn's entry, admiring what we had done. Guests were already renting rooms and eating in the dining room. "Lady Lark would have enjoyed see this," I said.
They nodded. “Aye, she would have,” Keefer said.
“I have a need that I know little about," I said. "Duke Greysons and his family will be here any day now. The manor is completely furnished, and ready to receive them, but I have no household staff. So, in truth, I’m not ready to receive them. The estate needs to be completely staffed and functional. But not by just anyone, I don't want a house full of spies and thieves."
"How large a staff are you thinking?"
I shrugged. "You tell me."
"For a grand manor?" Jake asked.
I nodded.
They stood thinking, then started ticking off positions. "Groundmen, stablemen, footmen, coachmen, butler, housekeeper, maids, cooks, watchmen, and a major domo. It might be best to get your major domo first. How soon do you need them?"
"As I said, the Greysons will arrive any day now. So, I need them sooner rather than later."
They nodded. "Let us do some checking, and we’ll see what we come up with,” Jake said.
I nodded, looking around the dining room. “Since I’m here, I think I'll try the new cook’s offerings."
"You won't be disappointed," Jake said, showing me to a table. I had the fish and vegetables. Jake was right, the food was excellent. Looking around at the number of people eating here, I had a feeling The Lark Grand Inn was going to be a money maker.
* * *
Breaking my fast, I considered the staffing problem. It had been a few days since I had asked Jake and Keefer to find staff for the manor. I was concerned that I might have to seek other options. I supposed someone in the capital hired out staff as a business, but then you didn't know what you'd get. Of course I supposed they had their standards. Well, I'd do what I had to do to make sure all was ready before the Greysons arrived.
I was about to leave when my perimeter spell told me someone had entered through the front gate. I stepped to the front to see who it might be. Through the windows I saw a nice carriage coming up the lane. I waited, watching through the window as the coach stopped in the courtyard. The carriage door opened, and a well-dressed man of late middle years stepped down.
He gave the manor house and the grounds a look, I had the feeling he missed little in that glance. He stepped to the door and knocked.
I opened the door, to greet my guest. Seeing him closer, his skin had a weathered look which reminded me of Keefer and the lads. Seaman, I thought. He was giving me the same appraisal that I was giving him.
"Sir David Slinger, I presume?" he said.
