Endgames

by L. E. Modesitt Jr

  “And you were there?” Chaeltar’s voice was scornful.

  “He was,” declared Charyn, his voice like ice. “I wasn’t, but I’ve talked to a number of senior army officers who were, and every single one of them talked about that Antiagon Fire and about Maitre Alastar’s leadership and personal courage. He went out there and fought. So did most of the capable imagers. A lot of them died, and none of them were rewarded with golds. On the other hand, I do know that High Holder Ghasphar has made a great number of golds over the years, and that gold was earned partly by the deaths of imagers and sailors. But I don’t hear that he’s sailing on those ships or making that Antiagon Fire himself. I don’t see you out there, either. And no, I’m not there, either. But, unlike some, I’m not about to insult those who have risked their lives, or who still often do—and who’ve put their bodies between me and death.” In the momentary silence that followed, Charyn said quietly, “I support the Maitre’s decision, and I think we’ve heard more than enough about poor High Holder Ghasphar.”

  Chaeltar opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Fhaedyrk said firmly, “I think both the Rex and the Maitre have made the point clear. Ghasphar can take the risks faced by other shippers, or not, as he sees fit.”

  Even Hisario nodded, Charyn noticed.

  After a moment of silence, Charyn spoke. “I’d like to bring several matters to the attention of the councils, although one is certainly known to most, that being the recent flood of the River Aluse. It’s clear that repairs to the river walls in L’Excelsis will need to be undertaken. I’m having the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Administration look into how much can be accomplished this year with the funds available. Whether such repairs can be made will also depend if the water levels subside enough to make them practicable.”

  Calkoran immediately added, “There were also significant damages to the riverbanks and to piers south of Vaestora and north of L’Excelsis. There was even more damage around Caluse, according to High Holder Vorranyl.”

  “Lake Shaelyt overflowed and inundated the hamlet there,” added Elthyrd, his voice raspy. When he finished even those few words, he had to cough into a handkerchief.

  “Is there any possibility that you could provide more funds for river wall repairs in the future?” asked Calkoran. “The High Holders in my area have contributed to maintaining the riverbanks and walls, but there are few near the river on the reaches surrounding Talyon or Caluse. Vorranyl and Kurm are the only large High Holdings south of Aluse until you get close to Villerive, and there aren’t that many there.”

  “We’ll have to see what funds there are,” replied Charyn. “There might be more golds available once we finish with the Jariolans.”

  “Might be?” asked Khunthan.

  “If we don’t get more flooding, if the Ferrans don’t attack … if…” Charyn shrugged. “After being Rex for only six months or so, I can see that there’s always something that needs to be fixed or funded that no one expected.” After a brief hesitation, he said, “You might have noticed a sheet of paper in front of each of your places. It’s a draft of a possible change to the Codex Legis. It’s short. Please read it. Then we’ll talk about it.”

  Fhaedyrk was the first to finish, and he looked up sharply at Charyn, but did not speak. Jhaliost was the next, and he looked anything but happy. Calkoran nodded, but in a way that could have meant anything.

  When everyone was looking up and at Charyn, he said, “More and more manufactorages are being built, usually on streams and rivers. As some of you know, I’ve had a number of complaints about river and stream water being fouled so that downstream users cannot use the water in the way they used to … or sometimes not at all. I asked Minister Sanafryt what could be done to address the matter under existing law. The answer I received was that nothing could be done. He also pointed out that, in the current state of the treasury, I could not hire enough people to patrol the waters, even if a law existed to require keeping the water clean. Then I realized that, under current law, if one individual damages another’s property, the damaged person can seek redress. The draft you have would create the presumption that damaging another’s water is a form of damaging other’s livelihood. What are your thoughts?”

  “Why are you even raising this?” demanded Chaeltar.

  “I’m not. I’ve received a number of petitions on the matter, from both High Holders and from factors. The problem is simple. Right now, the person farthest upstream has the cleanest water, and he can do anything with it. He could have a huge hog farm and dump hog waste in it so much so that a weaving mill downstream couldn’t use the water. The water could be so bad that no one could drink it, or wash with it.”

  “Leave the law alone,” suggested Basalyt. “Let people work it out.”

  “The Rex has a point,” interjected Khunthan, much to Charyn’s surprise. “There are parts of Khel where the only sources of water are a few streams and rivers. There aren’t any laws, but the custom is much the same as what the Rex proposes. Most of the time, there is so much water in old Bovaria or Telaryn that no one has to worry, but if there are more people and more manufactorages…”

  “Why is this our problem?” asked Fhaedyrk.

  “It’s not,” replied Charyn. “But it will be, sooner than you think. Two of the petitions before me are asking that I do something about bad water being caused by an upstream user. In one instance, the upstream user is a factor, and the one damaged is a High Holder. In the other, the reverse is true. Whatever I do will upset someone. If I do nothing, the same thing will happen. I can’t fairly rule just for High Holders or just for factors, can I?” Charyn looked around the table. Although no one spoke, he could see his question had dismayed all of the councilors. “Likewise, if I rule for the downstream users, both factors and High Holders will be upset, and the same will happen if I do nothing or if I rule for the upstream users.”

  “Then why are you bringing this before us?” asked Fhaedyrk.

  “Because you all asked to have a greater role in deciding how Solidar is governed. That doesn’t mean just the easy decisions. It also means hard decisions that will affect everyone.” After a long pause, Charyn asked, “Or would you prefer that I just hand out decisions as I see fit so that you all can blame me?”

  At that, Elthyrd laughed. Unhappily, the laugh turned into a long coughing fit.

  Charyn waited.

  Finally, Elthyrd said, slowly and carefully, “We did ask for a greater role, did we not?”

  Fhaedyrk nodded. “This was not what we anticipated, however. Still…”

  Charyn nodded. “I’m not asking for an immediate decision. I’d like each of you to take the draft with you and to consider it. Share it. Get the opinions of others. Then, next month, when we meet again, perhaps you will have better suggestions. This is not an overwhelming problem. Not yet, but the way manufactorages are growing … it will be.”

  Fhaedyrk looked to the other High Holders, then to Charyn. “That seems most reasonable.”

  “Now,” declared Charyn, “there is one other matter I would hope all of you will keep your eyes and ears open for. Over the last month or so, I’ve received reports about an unusual set of occurrences…” From there he went on to describe the reports about the activities of the True Believers, ending with, “These reports have come from not only choristers, but from various senior officers, and from all over most of Solidar, with the possible exception of Khel. Given that every anomen is essentially independent, the rise of a militant united alternative version of the faith of the Nameless disturbs me.”

  Charyn watched as the councilors exchanged glances.

  Finally, Harll spoke. “I’ve heard about the True Believers. I don’t know any, but they had a big meeting last summer in a little town called Gahenyara. They built their own anomen there, and they said they were going to build another in Cloisonyt, maybe one in Montagne after that.”

  “Then it’s just another faith,” declared Basalyt dismissively. />
  Maitre Alastar cleared this throat, loudly.

  “Yes, Maitre?” said Charyn.

  “Any faith that begins by using force to run out choristers and take over anomens isn’t just another faith. Fifty years ago, no one in Caenen had ever heard of the Duality, and most of Caenen worshipped the Nameless. Today the Priest-Autarch of the Duality rules Caenen, and there are almost no living worshippers of the Nameless in Caenen … and no High Holders, either. The ancient Naedaran civilization here collapsed after the followers of Erion kept attacking them. Any faith that can gather adherents to commit violence is something to be watched.”

  “You sound like a most devout follower of the Nameless, Maitre,” said Chaeltar. “I wouldn’t have guessed.”

  “I’m scarcely that devout, but there’s a great deal to be said for a faith that encourages thought over beliefs imposed by force.”

  “Belief is for those who have nothing else,” suggested Jhaliost.

  “And that is why a violent faith that appeals to such is the most dangerous,” replied Alastar. “With nothing to lose, they’re willing to believe almost anything.”

  “I’d also like to point out that, when properly trained,” added Vaelln, “the best troopers are often from the poorest backgrounds. If these True Believers gather the poor and train them, that could result in another kind of revolt.”

  “All I’m asking,” said Charyn, “is for all of you to be aware that these True Believers might be a problem and to inform me of anything that may occur with them.”

  “We can do that,” agreed Fhaedyrk.

  “Does anyone else wish to bring up anything?” Charyn studied those around the table. “Then we’ll meet again on the eighteenth of Erntyn.” He stood and stepped back, watching as everyone filed out, wondering as they did why Elthyrd hadn’t brought up the problem with the damage to factors’ warehouses and goods.

  When the two stood alone in the study, Alastar said, “The True Believers may be a problem, but they’re a result, not a cause.”

  “What do you think the cause is?”

  “The same reason why the factors are having their stocks of manufactured goods destroyed.”

  “What do you know about that?” asked Charyn, curious because the matter hadn’t come up at the meeting, and he hadn’t discussed it with Alastar except in passing.

  “There have been two reports in the newssheets, and more than a few instances beyond those.”

  “But Elthyrd didn’t mention them when I asked if there were other matters for the councils.”

  “The factors may not want others to know the size of the problem,” suggested Alastar.

  “That would mean it’s far larger than they’re saying.” After a pause, Charyn added, “You never did say what the cause of both might be.”

  “The growing dissatisfaction of crafters and poorer workers. The factors’ interests are aligning more with those of the High Holders and against those of crafters and workers, and some of those workers and crafters believe that the choristers are supporting the factors and High Holders.”

  “I’d thought that some workers and crafters might be behind the destruction of goods, but attacking choristers?” Charyn had a good idea why some choristers might well be attacked, but he wanted Alastar’s reaction. He thought about mentioning the white belts, but decided against it until he knew more.

  “Some choristers are every bit as enamored of fine garments and food as High Holders and wealthy factors.”

  “Iskhar doesn’t seem that way, but I could see that with Saerlet.” Charyn wasn’t so certain about Refaal.

  “Iskhar isn’t, but I’d concur with your thoughts about Saerlet.” Alastar smiled. “I need to be going. We’ll see you at fifth glass.”

  “I’m looking forward to it.”

  After seeing Alastar out of the Chateau, rather than return to his study, Charyn made his way to the music room, where he spent more than a glass at the clavecin, before heading back up the grand staircase to his study, where he read several more petitions, pausing more than once, as he hoped Alastar might come up with a recommendation for a personal scrivener.

  A half a quint before fifth glass, he was in the receiving parlor near the main entrance. He assumed that Maitre Alastar and those from Imagisle would arrive first. Instead, the first coach to appear was not a gray and silver one from Imagisle, but a dark blue and silver one. Moments later, High Holder and Lady Calkoran stepped through the entry, where Charyn met them. He noticed that Saelya had the same slightly honey-colored complexion as her husband, one they shared with Alyna and Malyna. Pharsi blood.

  “Your Grace, I hadn’t expected…” began Calkoran.

  “This isn’t a formal dinner, but more of a family affair, if of an extended family.” Charyn inclined his head to Calkoran’s wife. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Calkoran … but might I call you Saelya?”

  A quick quizzical look flashed across the High Holder’s face as his wife smiled and said, “Of course, Your Grace.”

  “Charyn, in private, and this is private.”

  “I have the feeling that you received a certain missive,” continued Saelya, “since few know my given name, and since I haven’t ever been in L’Excelsis before.”

  “I did indeed, and was most pleased that it arrived.”

  “I wondered…” offered Calkoran, with an amused expression.

  At that moment, Aloryana hurried through the doors, then caught herself and advanced more decorously toward her brother.

  “Aloryana, I’d like you to meet High Holder and Lady Calkoran.” Charyn looked to the pair. “Aloryana is not only my lovely sister, but also an imager.”

  Saelya inclined her head. “I’m pleased to meet you, Aloryana. I’ve heard most favorably about you.”

  “Thank you. Whoever said that was likely being kind, but I appreciate it.”

  Behind Aloryana were Alastar, Alyna, Lystara, and Malyna.

  Charyn gestured to them and said, “And I believe you know this group, at least by name.”

  “I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting either Maitre Alastar or Lystara in person,” said Saelya.

  “Well … now you have,” said Charyn. “I thought we’d repair to the anteroom adjoining the music room for a moment. I’ve been informed that Aloryana wishes to take Lystara on a quick tour of the Chateau. Anyone who wishes to accompany them certainly can. It’s rather familiar to me, and I will remain in the anteroom with the refreshments while anyone who chooses to accompany Aloryana may do so.” Charyn looked to his sister. “Anywhere in the Chateau proper except my study.”

  “Yes, Charyn.”

  No sooner had everyone reached the music anteroom than Charyn and Alastar were left by themselves.

  “Dark lager?” asked Charyn.

  “Please.” Alastar smiled. “I’ve seen enough of the Chateau. It was kind of you to open it to the others.”

  Almost immediately, a server appeared with a beaker of dark lager and a goblet of the white Tacqueville for Charyn.

  “Thank you,” said Alastar.

  Charyn nodded as he took the wine, then said, with a slight shrug, “Aloryana wanted to show Lystara, and I thought … Besides, the Chateau feels rather empty at present.”

  “Your brother isn’t here?”

  “He’s spending most of Agostos at Ryel with Mother. I hope he’s learning something about running a High Holding.”

  “He’s your heir, right now, isn’t he?”

  For Alastar to ask that question told Charyn that the inquiry wasn’t a question at all. “He will be for a time, I’m sure, since I’m not in a position to rush into finding a wife.”

  “Then perhaps he would prefer to be here.”

  “He doesn’t seem happy when he’s here, either,” replied Charyn. “I thought he might be happier knowing he’d have his own holding when he came of age, but that didn’t please him, either.” Charyn shook his head. “Part of that might have been that I told him he needed to learn a
bit more about running a holding before I’d be comfortable turning it over to him. I thought that might give him some incentive, since it’s just a bit more than a year before he turns eighteen. That just made him mad.”

  “Hmmm … it doesn’t seem as though he likes the position he’s in.”

  Charyn understood that as well. “He doesn’t. That’s why he’s at Ryel for now.”

  “That may be the best you can do. Your mother is quite a woman.” Alastar looked toward the anteroom door, where Calkoran was entering. “You’ve seen enough?”

  “The ladies indicated that my presence was less than welcome.” Calkoran smiled genially.

  “Wine, lager, or ale?” asked Charyn, gesturing toward the sideboard where a server waited.

  “I’m of the same persuasion as the Maitre.” Calkoran accepted a beaker of lager and turned to the other two. “I’ve never been here before. In fact, I think the first High Holder Calkoran was the only one to see the Chateau after the imagers rebuilt it. He was a Khellan marshal, you know, before he served under the first Maitre. That was when he was a commander before he became Maitre. That’s the family legend, anyway.”

  “That much is true,” said Alastar. “I read some of the early history when I first became Maitre.”

  “I read some of it as well,” said Charyn. “That’s how I found out that Alyna and Malyna are distant relatives, very distant cousins, I suppose.”

  “They are?” Calkoran raised his eyebrows. “So you weren’t being humorous when you said it was a family gathering of sorts.”

  Alastar laughed softly. “He may have been being humorous, but there’s truth behind the humor.”

  “A distant truth,” admitted Charyn.

  “Might I ask, before the ladies return, why you include the Factors’ Council at these monthly meetings?”

  “Because, as a group, they have as much power and wealth as the High Holders, and I don’t want another conflict. The more they’re included, the more both sides can see the problems, and, I hope, the more we can work together.”