Something about the man’s grin was infectious, and Aaron soon found himself grinning too. “Anyway,” the sergeant continued, his grin vanishing, leaving Aaron feeling off balance, “point is, I never had any children or grandchildren of my own. My wife couldn’t have kids, you see, and after a while that didn’t matter either because she got sick of a fool husband spent all his time worrying about guarding other people instead of her and then off she went. What I’m tryin’ to say, Mr. Envelar, is that the princess … well, maybe I’m overstepping my bounds here, but I’ve always sort of looked at her like the daughter or granddaughter I never had. Like family. You understand?”
Aaron nodded slowly, meeting the man’s gaze, “I understand.”
“And any man worth the skin coverin’ him, well, he protects his family. Such a man, well, I guess he’d do just about anythin’ to just about anyone,” he said, leaning close to Aaron, not overly threatening but making his point clear, making sure they understood each other. “Man like that, felt somethin’ or someone was puttin’ his family in danger … well, a little blood wouldn’t stop ‘em, if that’s what was called for.”
“I hear you,” Aaron said, “and I wouldn’t expect it to.”
The sergeant nodded, seeing that they understood each other. “Anyway,” he said, and suddenly the menace and atmosphere of tension that had been filling the room vanished. “I didn’t come here to talk about history and old times. I came here as more of a warnin’ for ya.”
“That so?” Aaron said, “I’m feeling fairly warned.”
The sergeant laughed, “Oh, not about that. No, I mean about young Captain Francis. Far as I could see, he took a dislike to you soon as you and the others stepped in the dining hall, and you breakin’ his nose hasn’t helped matters.”
“What can I say?” Aaron said, “I’ve got a way with people.”
“Sure, you do,” the older man nodded, “just a real people pleaser. Anyway, I thought as I’d come warn you that the captain, he’ll be lookin’ for payback. The man isn’t the kind to let a slight go, and he’ll be after you sure as shit out of a bird’s ass. Won’t even be for the nose or not especially, but for the way you made a fool of ‘em in front of all those lords and ladies, in front of the queen too, in the bargain. He’ll be lookin’ for an excuse, waitin’ for you to mess up, give him reason.”
“How in the name of the gods did that fool get made captain, anyway?” Aaron said, “I heard you filled that role and not too long ago. What, didn’t put enough grease in your hair? Not enough sequins on your clothes?”
The older man gave a small smile, but he shrugged, “I’m sure I don’t know the mind of the queen, and I wouldn’t think to question her judgment. I’m a simple man, Mr. Envelar, and the truth is, I’m glad. If somebody’s ass has to be parked in a chair going over troop reports and listenin’ to the queen’s staff prattle on and on about security and costs and all, well, I’d just as soon it not be me. I’m gettin’ on in years, and I find that sittin’ for any amount of time wreaks havoc on my back. No, sergeant’s plenty good and more than a common man like me can usually hope for.”
“And the shows?” Aaron asked, “The sport, where your captain fights two men that’d be more at home with a shovel in their hands than a blade?”
The older man frowned at that, “There’s always a cost, Mr. Envelar. One thing I’ve learned with my years; there’s always a cost. Speakin’ of, I were you? I’d get your friend not to wander around, he can help it. The captain’s after you, but I don’t suppose he’d be much opposed to makin’ do with your friend, in a pinch.”
Aaron frowned, not sure what the man was talking about, “My friend?”
“Sure,” the sergeant said, “thin fella, looks like he’s set to break into a run somebody so much as looks at him sideways? Anyhow, Just a suggestion. Now, I’ll leave ya to it,” he said, starting toward the door. Then he turned back, his hand on the latch, “and Mr. Envelar? Don’t forget my advice, will ya? I’m no prophet or scholar, but a man don’t have to be able to see the future to know there’s a shit storm comin’ your way.”
“I got it,” Aaron said, “don’t fuck up. Thanks.”
The sergeant grinned, winking with his one good eye, “Don’t mention it.”
***
Aaron was still sitting on the edge of the bed thinking about the sergeant’s warning, thinking about what reason Owen would have for ‘wandering’ as the older man had put it, when there came another knock at his door.
He rose and opened it, saw Adina standing there with the two guards that had been watching the end of the hall, their expressions not hostile, not really, but definitely not friendly. Serious and officious. “It’s time,” Adina said.
“Can it wait half an hour?” Aaron said, “I was just now getting a really good nap in.”
One of the two guards opened his mouth to speak, no doubt to spit some officious threat, but Aaron held a hand up, “Just kidding, fellas. Relax.” He followed them out to the hall to Leomin’s room next, the guards having to damn near break the door down before the Parnen—who they could hear snoring from the other side of the wall—woke up and answered. They went to Owen’s room last, and there was a startled yelp from inside as they knocked. Owen appeared a moment later, his clothes disheveled and wrinkled. Which, was to say, the man looked the same as he always did.
As the guards led them down the hall, Aaron dropped back to where Owen was walking. “Might not be such a good idea to go wandering just now,” he said, “we’re not exactly loved here, if you hadn’t noticed.”
“Wondering?” The thin man said, “I haven’t done any wondering, Aaron. I was asleep when you all came—and gave me quite a fright I might add,” he smiled his shy smile, shaking his head at his own foolishness.
“Really?” Aaron said, frowning, “One of the guards told me you’d been out. That’s strange.”
Owen frowned at that for a moment then nodded his head, “Aaah,” he said in realization, “yes, well, I see what it must have been. I had to visit the privy. When I get nervous,” he shrugged, embarrassed, “well. Anyway, that’s where I went.”
Aaron nodded satisfied, “Alright. Well, just be careful.”
“Of course,” Owen said, “but … we’re not in danger are we, Aaron?”
Always, Aaron thought, but he shook his head, “No, it’s fine. Just, if it comes up, hold it if you can, okay?”
Owen nodded, his eyes going wide in that owl-like expression again, “Okay, Aaron.”
“Good,” Aaron said, and then they had no more time to speak as they were led into a room of the castle, the guards posting up on either side of the door as Aaron and the others followed Adina inside.
A long table stood in the center of the room, two servants dressed in white tunics and trousers on either side. The queen sat at the table along with three others. One of them was familiar, though the young captain’s face could hardly be seen for the bandage on his nose, but the other two were strangers to Aaron. The first was an old man in gray robes, in his seventies or eighties at least, his head nearly bald, only wisps of pale white hair left, and the second was a man that, from what Aaron saw, could have been the young captain Francis’s twin, if he was ten years younger. And had a broken nose, of course.
One glance at this man, seated in his immaculate military dress uniform, his long dark hair going to his shoulders, sipping wine from a silver cup and glancing around the room as if everyone gathered were little more than bugs he’d deigned to show favor with his appearance, told Aaron all he needed to know. “Your sister really goes for a certain type, doesn’t she?” He whispered to Adina who nodded in turn.
The most interesting one to him was the old man seated at the table, and though his age would have made some think him infirm, there was a sharpness in his gaze, an intelligence, that couldn’t be found among the others. “Ah, sister,” Isabelle said, a slight frown on her face, “I am so pleased that you have been kind enough to grace us with your p
resence, if somewhat later than we had hoped.”
Adina frowned, “We came as soon as we were told you wanted us, your Majesty.”
Isabelle waved a hand dismissively, a forgiving monarch accepting the faults of those beneath her as expected. “Let us forget it. Now, that you are here, I think we had best hear what you have to say. You and your companions may sit. Though,” she said as they began moving toward chairs, “I wish it to be known that I will not countenance another such show of … of barbarism as we witnessed earlier this morning. Is that understood?”
The words were clearly meant for Aaron, but Isabelle was staring at Adina as she said it, apparently deciding Aaron wasn’t worth her attention—something he wouldn’t lose any sleep over. “Of course not, your Majesty,” Adina said, and Aaron and the others followed her lead, sitting down at the table.
“Now,” the queen said, “it appears that introductions are in order.” She held up a thick hand toward the captain, “Francis, of course, you’ve already met,” she said, and Aaron thought he detected the slightest bit of recrimination in her tone. Apparently, getting a broken nose and ruining the show she’d intended for her nobles wasn’t something the man would get a free pass on, inappropriate liaisons or not. For his part, the young man felt the disapproval too and though he nodded his head, what parts of his face the bandage did not cover grew a deeper shade of red.
“This,” the queen continued, her voice much noticeably sweeter as she turned to the man in the dress uniform, “is our wonderful and esteemed General Vander, a man,” she said with a withering glance at Francis whose shoulders seemed to hunch further, “who is known for not just his skill with a blade—although it is legendary—but also for possessing one of the most profound military minds in the whole of Telrear, possibly the greatest tactical genius of our age.”
The man gave the squirming Francis a smug grin before bowing his head low to Isabelle, “My queen, you are far too kind and, might I say, you are as radiant as the sun this day. I only regret that the observance of my duties did not allow me to attend the demonstration this morning. I heard,” he said, glancing at Francis again, “that it was quite elucidating.”
The queen beamed, “Oh, Vander, you speak like a poet,” she said, favoring him with a smile that held a promise. Gods help them both, Aaron thought, glancing between Francis and the general. Clearly, the two men were in competition for the queen’s affection, and he suspected that Francis had been held in higher favor until the incident earlier in the day.
Nobles always love to play their games, Co said in his mind.
Like watching two ham bones fight to be eaten first, Aaron said, shaking his head in wonder.
“And your third guest?” Adina asked.
Isabelle turned away from studying the handsome general with obvious reluctance, “Ah, yes,” she said, with none of the excitement in her voice that she’d shown when speaking of the general, “is Headmaster Mirmanon, a reputable scholar and the man in charge of running the university here.”
Not exactly a glowing introduction, Aaron thought, not when compared to the one given the others. Maybe not enough hair to warrant a better one.
“Gentlemen,” the queen went on, “this is my sister, Adina, and her … companions, such as they are.”
The captain and the general didn’t so much as nod in their direction, but the older man smiled, bowing his head, “Princess,” he said, his voice surprisingly strong for such a frail frame, “it is a great honor to meet you and your compatriots.” He nodded to each of them in turn as if they were distinguished guests.
“And you, sir,” Adina said smiling, “I have often heard the name of the scholar Mirmanon—my tutors made sure of it when I was a child.”
“Ah, forgive them, I beg, princess,” the older man said, smiling, “I’m sure they meant well.”
“There is nothing to forgive,” the princess said, “It is a truly hopeful thing to have such a wise and knowledgeable man as you among us, sir.”
“Yes, well,” the general said, rolling his eyes, “I’m sure that there are more important things to discu—”
“Forgive me,” Leomin said, staring at the older man with something like awe, “but Mirmanon, you say? As in, Fendar Mirmanon, the historian who wrote The Forming of Telrear and The Making of the Seven, the history of Aaron Caltriss?”
The old man smiled, “I’m afraid so, young man. I hope that you didn’t find them too boring.”
“Boring?” Leomin shook his head, “Mr. Mirmanon, I thought it was amazing. The best history of the time of Caltriss and the barbarian kings I’ve ever read—not that there are many, of course.”
The old man’s smile widened, “Well, sir, I do thank you very much for the compliment, though I suspect your enjoyment has little to do with my own poor skill and much more with the subject matter. They were exciting times.”
“Fairy tales,” The general sniffed, “stories for children to put them to bed at night.”
“I would think you’d enjoy them then,” the young captain said in a nasally, squeaking voice.
The general frowned at that and soon the two men were scowling at each other, the queen glancing between them, a smile on her round face, clearly pleased at watching the two men compete for her attention. “Putting all of that aside,” Adina said, “I wonder if we could get to the reason for my visit.”
The queen sighed, “Very well, sister,” she said, “but might I recommend that, in future, you learn patience. It is very crass to demonstrate such haste.”
“Forgive me my crassness,” Adina said, her voice flat, “but I would think you and those others gathered here would be as interested as I—considering that the news I bring could very well see them all dead by the end of the year.”
That got their attention, each head swiveling to Adina. The queen, of course, sighed again, shaking her head, “Oh, sister, but it seems you did not lose your penchant for exaggeration when you lost your kingdom. Pity.”
“I do not believe it exaggeration,” Adina said through gritted teeth, “to say that Belgarin and his men will soon be marching, bringing an army several times larger than your own against you or Ellemont. For my part, I suspect he will come here first as Ellemont’s mountain presents its own challenges for any conqueror.”
The general let out a laugh, draping one of his legs over the arm of his chair, his posture a studied one of casual disregard. “Belgarin, is it? Forgive me, Adina—if I may call you Adina—but we are not overly concerned with that oaf and his machinations.”
“You may call me princess,” Adina said, meeting the man’s gaze, and Aaron couldn’t help but notice the way the general’s eyes took the opportunity to wander over her. “And perhaps you should be concerned, general. My sister Ophasia, and my brother Geoffrey did not take Belgarin’s machinations as you call them seriously either—they’re both dead now, of course. As is my brother Eladen,” she said, and Aaron could hear the emotion in her voice, tightly controlled, “though he did take them seriously, he is dead anyway.”
The general sighed as if bored, “Yes, well,” he said, looking to the queen, “it is truly a pity that your brothers and sister were slain and, had I been there, I would have ensured their safety. Alas, I was not. Still,” he said, turning back to Adina, “it must be said that they did not have the power that my queen does. Isalla boasts the most powerful army in all the world, princess. I only hope that Belgarin is foolish enough to come and meet us in the open field. His rabble will be cut down by our soldiers, and we will end whatever threat he poses once and for all.”
“Rabble?” Adina said, incredulous, “Is that what you think of them? Understand,” she said, turning to her sister, “that Belgarin’s troops are not to be underestimated. These men have fought in battles against Eladen’s army as well as my own. They are battle hardened with more practical combat experience than any other fighting force that currently exists. Including,” she said, turning back to the captain, “your own.”
&n
bsp; The captain scoffed, turning to the queen, “My queen, I assure you there is no cause for fear here. Your mighty legions would deal with Belgarin’s own in short order, I assure you, should he be so foolish.”
“Well,” Aaron said, unable to help himself, “they’re certainly shiny enough. If it turns out to be a fashion contest, I’m confident that Belgarin will slink away with his head between his legs.”
“And your name, peasant?” The general sneered.
“Aaron. Aaron Envelar, but we can introduce ourselves properly later, if you’d like.” He nodded his head at the bandaged guard captain, “Francis and I have already met.”
“Perhaps I’ll take you up on that,” the general said, “until then, why not mind your betters—”
“Enough,” The queen bellowed, “Enough. You explain to your man, sister, that I will not tolerate any more indecency in my presence. I keep a dungeon ready for such things, and I can always find space if necessary.”
Adina sighed, “Sister, I didn’t come here to argue with you or to start a fight. I came to speak with you about what we need to do—what we have to do, if we want any hope of standing up against Belgarin’s armies.”
“Oh?” Isabelle asked, “and who is this we you speak of sister? There has been much talk of my army but none of your own. Oh, but that’s right. You don’t have an army any longer, do you? And what is it you think you know, dear sister, that my general, knowledgeable as he is in the art and tactics of war, does not?”
“I will tell you what I know,” Adina said, “Belgarin is coming—whether today or tomorrow, I don’t know, but make no mistake, he is coming. When he does, he will bring an army much larger than your own, an army experienced in warfare, and he will not stop until he is the only royal left to claim the throne.”
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