Back From Chaos

by Yvonne Hertzberger

  One of the first things Argost had done, after giving orders to his senior officers, was to commandeer the castle and prepare an apartment there for Gaelen, next to the guarded room Marja occupied. The great hall now served as an assessment area for returnees.

  “My lord, you asked me to stay alert for possible attendants for the Lady Marja. It seems two of those who previously attended her have returned to the castle. I will have them brought to you if you wish.”

  Gaelen laughed. “Would they be named Brensa and Nellis, perchance?”

  Argost’s eyebrows rose in surprise. Then he, too, smiled broadly. “It seems you are ahead of me, my lord. Those are indeed the names of the young women. Have you met them?”

  “Brensa is with my lady now. I daresay theirs was a most happy reunion.” Gaelen chuckled at the memory of his encounter with Brensa. Seeing the questioning look Argost gave him Gaelen related how he had met Marja’s maid.

  “Well played, my lord.” Argost chuckled at the tale.

  Gaelen felt relieved to see his friend relax. Another test passed. He started to rise, but another idea came to him, and he sank back into his chair. “One more thing, my friend. It strikes me that you will need men to fill positions, both in the guard and to run the castle. You will need servants, stable hands, blacksmiths, horsemen. Speak with Lady Marja. Take Klast and another spy to observe, and Erland to write down the names of those she thinks may be trusted and those she suspects cannot be. The information may prove invaluable. I will remain away, so that she may be less guarded in her speech.” Gaelen stopped a moment to think. “And did you not tell me that Nellis has a man? Perhaps he should be present as well as the two women. If her man can be trained as an informant, perhaps he and Nellis should stay behind when I leave.”

  “Yes, my lord. Her man’s name is Mikost. His arm received a bad burn during the attack. I will order him to come.” Argost stopped and Gaelen saw him hesitate. “What shall I tell Lady Marja when I see her? She will expect you to be present.”

  Gaelen took off his seal ring and handed it to Argost. “Tell her I had not the time to prepare her. You will know what to say.” He gave Argost a confident smile. “Lady Marja is astute enough to understand the value of cooperation.”

  He rose again, this time opening the door and leaving the chamber, Argost at his heels. As they strode out together, Gaelen added, “I will delay my departure a few more days, so that we can interrogate those Lady Marja suggests may be useful together. I want Klast there as well. I must take him with me when I leave. His opinions will be helpful in placing the men and their families.”

  As Argost strode in the direction of the barracks, Gaelen returned to the castle. He wondered what they would learn from Marja. He expected she would be angry that he had not told her Argost was coming.

  ~17~

  INTERROGATION

  Marja rose abruptly, with a rush of fear, when her door opened, and Argost and three men filed in. Her heart continued to pound as she watched Erland seat himself at the small table with his writing materials and the two spies take up positions in the corners facing her chair.

  With more courage than she felt, she demanded, “What is the meaning of this intrusion?”

  “My lady,” Argost handed her Gaelen’s seal ring, “Lord Gaelen regrets he did not have the opportunity to prepare you.”

  Before he could finish, Marja spied Mikost following the others in, holding Nellis by the hand. As soon as Nellis spotted her lady, she broke away and rushed to her. Marja fought tears as they embraced. Mikost hurried to stand protectively beside them. Marja quickly got herself under control and saw that Argost remained standing, waiting to take back the ring.

  She gestured to Mikost that he and Nellis should stand behind her. With more confidence than she felt, she said, “It is all right, Mikost. These men will not harm me.” She turned back to Argost. Examining the ring, she handed it back.

  “Explain, sir,” she ordered, hoping her voice did not betray her fear.

  “Lord Gaelen has need of information, my lady. He regrets that he cannot be present and trusts that you will tell us what you can.” Argost had given her a small bow as he spoke. Now she watched him scan the room until his eyes fell on Nellis. “This will take some time, lady. If you will permit, I will send for another chair for Nellis.”

  Marja nodded coolly, waiting. Something important was about to happen. At the last, her eyes moved to the tall man standing relaxed and apparently indifferent in the far left corner. This one she recognized. He had been present with Gaelen when his offer had been presented. Now she remembered why he had seemed so familiar. He had spent time in her father’s court, a hanger-on, the kind who curried favour with those most likely to benefit him in some way. The kind who did not work for their bread, and who slunk around to take advantage of court intrigue for personal gain.

  Marja bristled, then caught herself and walked over to stand purposefully in front of him. As he moved his hand casually toward his sword, Mikost made to stand between them. She held out her hand to deter him, eyes never leaving the man’s face, and said calmly, “It is all right, Mikost. He will not harm me. He knows I am unarmed.” Her eyes never left the man’s face.

  “I have seen you at my father’s court,” she challenged him icily.

  He gave a small nod of acknowledgement, and Marja thought she detected a ghost of admiration cross his face. Then she decided she must have imagined it, as he looked as impassive as before.

  “You went by the name … Terban, I believe.”

  He nodded slightly again, and this time Marja knew she had not mistaken the momentary quirk of approval.

  “What is your true name?” she demanded, holding his gaze levelly.

  Terban kept silent until she heard Argost say, “Tell her. We are allies now. We must show some trust”

  “My name is Klast, my lady,” the man replied evenly, eyes never leaving hers, expression still inscrutable.

  “And where were your loyalties when you sat at my father’s table and enjoyed his hospitality?” She could barely control the cold fury in her voice as she realized just how easily she and her father had overlooked him as inconsequential. He had been there to spy all along.

  “My allegiance has always been to Bargia, my lady,” he replied, still expressionless, still meeting her gaze steadily.

  As Marja’s anger mounted, Argost broke in, his voice smooth and calm. “My lady, Klast has been one of only a handful of informants that has the complete trust of the House of Bargest. Distressing as it must be for you to hear, his information was instrumental in our successful attack on Catania. His loyalty is beyond question. Sometimes it is necessary, in affairs of state, to do things that are objectionable. The House of Cataniast is no more. It is time to set aside old loyalties. We have all sworn allegiance to the House of Bargest now.” He spoke bluntly.

  She recognized the ploy. He hoped to shock her back to her weaker position. She determined he would not see her back down. She, too, could play that game. She could refuse to speak at all, but that, too, would tell him something. She must tread carefully.

  Marja bridled. “So I must show trust for this spy. What will you do, in your turn, that shows trust in me? I am your lady now … and his.” She put as much disdain into her voice as she could, and jerked her head back in Klast’s direction.

  “My lady, Klast has earned our trust over many years of loyal service. Our purpose today is to listen to you. For now that must be enough. Please be seated, so we can begin our discussion. This posturing achieves nothing. We all want what is best for Catania. The information you can give will help make that possible.”

  “I trust this not. Why did Lord Gaelen not inform me of this interrogation?” Marja practically spat it out, holding her chin high.

  “My lady, I am here at the suggestion of Lord Gaelen. He gave me his seal as proof.” Argost gestured to the ring again. “He had no time to tell you personally. We decided only this morning, and
we have much to do before Lord Gaelen returns to Bargia. The information we desire from you is of the utmost importance for restoring order here in Catania.”

  He paused, then added, “Perhaps I have been remiss in not explaining our purpose more thoroughly. The information you provide will allow us to place men of Catania in key positions, men who are familiar with the land and the people, men who may be trusted not to betray yourself or Lord Gaelen. Lord Gaelen is well aware that he has not enough men to rule here without the assistance of the people of Catania. He has great admiration for your political acumen and hopes that you will be willing to assist us.” Then he waited, silent.

  “And what is the purpose of having your spies here? It reeks of mistrust.” Marja was not about to drop her show of anger yet. Argost would have to do better than that.

  “A good question, my lady.”

  Marja heard admiration creep into his tone, and allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. She would show him she could not be trifled with.

  Argost continued. “They act as my ears and eyes. They leave me free to concentrate on the questions, while they remember the details, names, and stories that Erland has not enough time to record. They have done this work long, lady, and are very good at seeing what is not apparent. Their impressions will assist us in understanding the information you provide. I assure you it shows no lack of trust in yourself, or indeed your companions, who have shown themselves above reproach.”

  “I see. It seems I have no choice then, if I may also be considered above reproach. This is a test. So be it. Ask your questions. But do not delude yourself into thinking you have gained my trust. Lord Gaelen will hear of this. I will not submit to such treatment again.”

  Argost ignored the bait. “Thank you, my lady. May we begin?”

  Marja sat down and nodded curtly. “You may.”

  For the next three spans, Marja, with the help of Nellis and Mikost, told them all she could remember of the people connected to Cataniast’s court, the guilds, the army officers, as well as any other person or group of any consequence who had lived in Catania prior to the invasion. To Marja’s dismay, she discovered that many of those she had considered loyal were among the slain. Those she had not trusted had fared less badly.

  She was not the only one disappointed. Argost’s brow seemed to crease more deeply every time they discovered that a good man had been killed. She understood that his job would be more difficult with this imbalance. Throughout the entire procedure the two spies spoke not a word.

  By the end, Marja developed a grudging respect for Argost, and he seemed to have relaxed somewhat with her as well. Marja had demanded that food and drink be brought about halfway through, noting that Nellis needed to eat.

  When they were finished, Argost addressed Marja a last time. “I thank you, my lady. The information you have provided will prove most valuable to Catania and to Lord Gaelen. Now, if you wish it, Lord Gaelen has agreed it will be safe for you to tour the castle. He wishes you to satisfy yourself that all is as he has told you, and to see if it jogs any other pertinent memories. But, he insists that one guard remain at your door to make sure no one gains entry, and that the other, as well as these two men, stay with you. Your friends may accompany you, if you wish.”

  Marja was elated but answered formally, “Thank you, Argost. I do indeed wish to see the castle.” Then, seeing how tired Nellis looked, she added, “But Nellis will stay behind to rest.”

  Argost nodded agreement. “When you have finished, my lady, please send Mikost to me. I wish to offer him a position.”

  Marja simply nodded assent. She must ask Mikost what he had seen and heard, and caution him not to trust too quickly.

  ~18~

  THE TOUR

  While Nellis rested, Marja led Brensa and Mikost through the castle. There were so many people Marja wished to hear news of. Who had lost husbands, sons, suitors? Who had been injured, and who had lost others of their families or their homes? It greatly relieved Marja to see many familiar faces among those in the kitchen, the laundry and bustling about the large halls, putting things back to rights as best they could. She greeted each familiar person warmly. She listened to their stories, offered condolences and did her best to make them feel like things had returned to normal again.

  One woman she recognized from her work in the kitchen wept. “Oh my lady, I fear what may become of us. My man lost an arm in the attack, and me with a babe on the way. How will we survive? What work can he do now?”

  Marja promised to speak to Gaelen. Surely work could be found for him when he recovered, even with only one arm.

  Almost without exception, people greeted her with joy at her survival. Unlike her late father, Marja had always enjoyed the respect of the people. She took careful note of those who greeted her less warmly. The information might prove useful later.

  When Marja entered the kitchen, Cook, her favourite member of the castle’s servants, crowed her delight. “My lady! You are well!”

  Marja’s eyes pricked as they embraced. Cook had never married and so had no children of her own. Perhaps that made the bond between them stronger.

  They had always been close. After Marja’s mother died of a fever when she was just nine, Marja had found a welcome refuge in the kitchen. Cook had always listened to her woes and kept treats for her favourite member of the lord’s family. The kitchen had become a haven where Marja could escape the suspicion and scheming that was such a prominent aspect of court life under Lord Cataniast. Even now, the familiar aromas of bread, onions and venison calmed her. She could almost believe things remained as they had been. Only the missing faces reminded her what she had lost … that, and the hovering guards.

  Cook revealed with some pride that Lord Gaelen had spoken to her personally when she had come to resume her position. It seemed she was quite taken with him and thrilled that he and Marja were now joined. Cook had been one of the few who had known of the previous request for Marja’s hand. Marja had confided it to her, as well as her disappointment when Cataniast had declined.

  “It is a match meant to be,” Cook enthused.

  Marja had to smile at her ebullience, secretly hoping to Earth she was right.

  All through her reconnaissance, the guard stayed by her side, and the two spies moved about silently, observing but seemingly not part of the retinue. Marja wondered how many actually noticed their presence, they blended in so well. As bodyguards they were certainly more effective than the one who hovered so obviously at her shoulder. Marja’s appreciation of their usefulness grew as she watched how skilfully they went about their work. She vowed to be more vigilant of them in the future.

  Marja felt elated to be out of her chamber and to reconnect with the people she had known. It relieved her to find that the death toll appeared much lower than she had expected. Since everyone who knew her wanted a moment of her time, it took about three spans before she had toured all her old haunts. By then darkness had fallen, and it was time for the evening meal. She and Brensa went back to her chamber, tired but more content.

  ~19~

  WHO IS GAELEN?

  After the rigors of the day, fatigue dictated that they retire early, Nellis back to her shared room, and Brensa with Marja, to share her bed until Gaelen returned. Brensa drifted off quickly, but it took some time before Marja succumbed. When she finally slipped into a fitful doze she had come no closer to resolving her dilemma.

  Marja knew that, as Gaelen’s new wife, she would be expected to lie with him when he returned. He had not come to her the first night, possibly because it had been so late he had decided to let her sleep. She tried to sort out her feelings about him. On the one hand, he had been part of the family responsible for invading and conquering her homeland and killing her family. Yet Lord Bargest’s motivation for the invasion appeared justified in the wake of her own father’s treachery. That was how imbalances in power were resolved. It was the traditional way of things.

  And Gaelen himself
had spared her own life without hesitation. More, he had offered her an honourable union, with higher status than she would have received had she wed him at the time of the original offer. She somehow felt she ought to be grateful.

  He had treated her people with fairness thus far, though with an iron hand that brooked no dispute. This, too, she understood as necessary under the circumstances. He would lose control if he showed weakness. As it was, his amnesty brought suspicions of poor judgment. Yet many of her people had come back to their homes and occupations, free to take up the threads of their lives. This had imbued an air of optimism rarely heard of in a conquered people. The mood tended to be much in Lord Gaelen’s favour, at least among the Catanians.

  In his contacts with her, too, he had been most circumspect, firm yet unambiguous. He had been honest with her and had kept his word, both to her and regarding her people. He had restored her attendants to her and had increased her freedom as much as he deemed possible … though she wished to challenge him more on that score. Just as important, and now she smiled to herself, Cook liked him. And Cook had always been a good judge of character. And he was handsome, she had to admit, and charming when he softened.

  Marja found herself wanting to believe all would come out well. Since Gaelen was to be her husband, she wanted to let the relationship develop freely into the kind of bond all women dream of. What was stopping her? Partly, a sense of duty to her slain family, she realized. It felt wrong to fall into the arms of the enemy.

  Second, and perhaps more important, was that she still did not quite believe Gaelen could be trusted. There had been so little time for her to ascertain his character. Would he remain true to his word? Would he continue to rule with the good of her people in mind? Her experience of her own father, turning into a suspicious autocrat who grew completely out of touch with the needs of his people, made her cautious of bestowing trust too soon. She remembered his promise to wait until she was ready, the offer of fowl’s blood. That had been most unexpected and showed a willingness to compromise.