“Thanks Blair,” said Lyric before turning back to Sir Chestmire. “Allan, would you honor me by coming to dinner at Redfall tonight?”
Allan nodded. “On one condition.”
“What is that?” asked Lyric.
“That you let me buy you a drink,” said Allan.
Lyric smiled. “I suppose one wouldn’t hurt.”
One turned into three, as Allan, Blair, and Lyric shared stories. When it was time to return to Redfall, Allan joined Lyric. Together they walked to the Lamar family estates.
“You only entered the tournament just to help Sibylle?” asked Allan as they walked.
Lyric nodded. “Wouldn’t you? I mean I realize life is different for you nobles, but I would hate to be forced to marry someone just because the king demands it.”
“You are right. Things are different for us nobles. Marriage isn’t often for love. It is a way of strengthening alliances, securing territory, increasing wealth. My father is fair minded. I have some say in my own destiny. That is why I came to this tournament. Sibylle is young, beautiful and an alliance with her family would strengthen my families position. It was an opportunity to do right by my family and marry someone that I would have a chance at falling for in time,” said Allan.
“But you already have a title and wealth, why would you need more?” asked Lyric.
“Lands and money come and go. My family doesn’t have a lot of wealth. We have the name, but generations squandered their wealth away. Many of my relatives are simple trades people or run plantations. Many of the lords of nearby estates have eyes for our lands and by force or coercion would have them. Already some of my siblings have taken loans out with them. Traditionally such loans have a long lifespan, but some have broken tradition and demanded payment. It puts a lot of pressure on my father to find solutions to problems he inherited.”
Lyric now understood. Allan was much like himself. Where Lyric had entered the tournament to help his friend, Allan had entered to help his family. It seemed there was more to being a noble than just fancy clothing and money. “What will you do now?”
Allan shrugged. “Try to find a way to come up with the money father needs. Hopefully I can find something or father will be suggesting more marriages. Very few eligible royal ladies are as attractive and interesting as your Sibylle. Many royal bloodlines have too much inbreeding. The quest for pure bloodlines can have nasty side effects. Of course, everything will change with the return of dragons so who knows what is next for me.”
“Why do you say that? Why would dragons change everything?” asked Lyric.
“Because dragons returning is a polarizing event. Here on Droll especially, because many believe dragons are good, almost god like creatures while others see them as living demons to be destroyed in the name of the gods. It is why dragons had to leave in the first place.”
“What are your thoughts on dragons?” asked Lyric.
“I don’t know yet. Historians say that in the beginning dragons ruled the world and humans and the other races were their slaves. But history also tells of hundreds and hundreds of years where humans and dragons lived in relative harmony with short times of major strife in between. It was only the last hundred years where dragons haven’t influenced our lands. And we haven’t improved the world in their absences. There have been as many wars in the last hundred years as there were in the thousand before it. So, dragons cannot be blamed for all mankind’s problems. But now that dragons have returned there will be a time of change. What that change will look like I’m not sure. But my gut instinct tells me there will be a time of strife. The Sacred Blood and other factions that hate dragons still have strong influences in Droll and will not sit back quietly while dragons return.”
“You know your history,” said Lyric.
Allan smiled and nodded in agreement. “My family may have squandered its wealth in the last few generations but thankfully the family library remains intact. My family has collected documents and historical artifacts for hundreds of years. Knowledge is power is a family motto.”
When they arrived at Redfall, Izzy Lamar, Sibylle’s aunt, found them. “There you are Lyric. I was wondering when you would arrive.”
“Hello, Izzy. May I introduce Sir Allan Chestmire. Allan this is Sibylle’s aunt, the lovely Izzy Lamar.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” said Allan with a small formal bow.
Izzy smiled. “A pleasure to meet you as well, Sir Chestmire. Will you be joining us for dinner?”
“I hope you don’t mind, I invited him to dinner,” said Lyric.
“It will be perfectly fine. I will inform the kitchen that you’ll be joining us this evening. My brother and the rest of his guests are out riding now. But they will be back soon. Can I interest you men in tea and cookies?”
“That would be delightful,” said Allan.
Lyric, still not sure what his role as host included, suggested that they could sit in the courtyard.
“It is a perfect day for it,” said Izzy. ”I shall bring the tea to you shortly.”.
Walking into the courtyard, Lyric invited Allan to sit at one of the small tables that lined the outside of it. It was a secluded area blocked off on three sides by the wings of the Lamar home. Inside the courtyard was a variety of small gardens perfectly manicured and a large open green space in the middle. Lyric knew Sibylle used to train in the courtyard with her protector, Sir Robert Godefrey.
“You will have to forgive me, I know little about how to host,” said Lyric.
Allan smiled. “You are doing just fine, Lyric. The courtyard is lovely and a perfect place to sit and relax before dinner. My body is still a little sore from the thrashing you gave me yesterday. Don’t worry so much about being a good host. Lady Izzy and Lord Lamar are experience at this sort of thing, they will do the heavy lifting for you tonight. Just be yourself.”
When Izzy returned, she placed a small tray of assorted treats on the table and gave them both a cup of tea. “There you go, that should hold you over until dinner. Do you need anything else?”
“No, but if you aren’t otherwise occupied we would love your company,” said Allan. “We’d be delighted if you’d join us.”
Izzy looked at Allan then at Lyric. “Are you sure you wouldn’t like to be alone, boy’s talk and all that.”
Allan laughed. “After a couple of days of tournament, I’ve had more than enough man time. I would be delighted for the company of such an attractive young lady. And I know my new friend Lyric would welcome your company as well. He is nervous about how to interact with nobles. Perhaps your presence will ease his mind that he isn’t doing anything wrong.”
Izzy smiled. “In that case, I would be delighted.”
Izzy sat down. “What were you gentleman discussing before I interrupted?”
“I was telling Lyric how sore I am, and was complimenting the courtyard. It is rather lovely. It is rare to see such beautiful gardens in Droll. The little garden with the pond in the corner reminds me of Mandilla.”
Izzy beamed. “Thank you. The courtyard is one of my passions. Each little garden is meant to represent a different part of the world. The garden in the far north western has flowers from Solotine. The south western, flowers and shrubs from Balta. The Mandilla garden is one of the ones I can only guess to its accuracy. I’m told that the buwna lilies are prevalent there.”
“They are,” confirmed Allan. “You’ve done an excellent job with your gardens. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting a few of the countries myself and I recognize most of the plants. I have a small garden at my parent’s estate that I like to tend to when I visit.”
“Really? A famous swordsman with a garden? Not what I would’ve expected,” said Izzy.
Allan smiled. “When one is trained in death and destruction it helps to have hobbies that embrace life and beauty. Life needs balance.”
Lyric listened to the conversation between Allan and Izzy. Allan was at ease, polite and if Lyric wasn’t mistaken s
omewhat flirtatious with Izzy. Not that he blamed him. Izzy was a beautiful woman, and smart as a whip. Much like her niece, Sibylle. Lyric noted the casual yet polite way that Allan spoke to Izzy. It was like the way he spoke to Lyric and Blair in the pub, but more formal. If the rest of the nobles were as casual as Allan, talking to them would be easy. Lyric suspected that wasn’t the case. Tonight, would be a good way to learn to talk with nobles. Hopefully, he could go all night just listening to other’s conversations, but that was doubtful. One could only hope.
“Would you mind terribly if I made a suggestion for your gardens?” asked Allan.
“Goodness no,” said Izzy. “I have never left Droll so I can only rely on what I read and am told. Anything you can add to my knowledge would be well received.”
Allan smiled. “I only know a few of them well enough to know what I am talking about. Mandilla, Creyta, Mithbea, and Southern Solotine I am comfortable giving advice on. Mykoznia shares much of Creyta’s flora and fauna, but I doubt anyone from either country would admit it, they are so often at war. Mandilla and Mithbea have a few flowers and shrubs that are common to both. For example, the white cherry trees grow in both. You could easily add a few to your Mandilla garden.”
“Really? I didn’t know they shared similarities. That is fascinating.”
Allan nodded. “Mithbea has a diverse landscape, deserts, jungle, mountains, and coastal. Mandilla is coastal with rain forests with a mountainous interior.”
“You are well traveled,” said Lyric.
“Yes, I spent a few years as a representative of Queen Bexa of Mandilla. In fact, I was little more than a fancy bodyguard for her son, but I had an official title and all the perks. It was a good way to establish contacts around the world.”
Allan and Izzy continued to talk about flowers, and shrubs. Lyric silently listened, half of it he tuned out as he had no idea what they were talking about. Mostly he just listened to the way they spoke. The language they used. The rest of the time his mind drifted between dragons and girls.
A servant came out to address Izzy. “Excuse me, Miss Lamar, Lord Lamar and his guests have returned. Dinner will be served shortly.”
“Well, gentlemen, I must go make sure our other guests are okay. Please make your way to the dining room. Lyric you know the way.”
“Till we speak again,” said Allan.
Izzy smiled. “I won’t be long, and I shall make sure you are seated next to me so that you may continue to dazzle me with your knowledge of flowers.”
Izzy left them alone.
Lyric turned to his new friend. “Are you ready for dinner?”
Allan laughed. “Readier than you. You look more nervous for dinner than you did entering the fighting ring with me.”
“I am more nervous. I know how to fight. Speaking with nobles is scary.”
“Nonsense. No noble is so special that you need be nervous. Relax, and don’t forget you are the dragonblood, and winner of the tournament. You are the most interesting person in the room in their minds. Don’t be bluffed into thinking you are not worthy of being there with them. Besides, if any dare to offend, you can always challenge them to a duel.”
Lyric looked at Allan wide-eyed. “Are you crazy! I can’t do that.”
“Perhaps but they don’t know that. Trust me, they will be polite if not kind.”
“I hope you are right,” said Lyric as he stood up. “By the way, is it me or are you and Izzy somewhat flirty?”
Allan smiled. “Now that you have won the prize of marriage I am once again allowed to speak with beautiful women without guilt.”
Lyric shrugged. “You’re welcome?”
Allan laughed. “Come on, let’s go eat.”
At the dinner table was Lord Lamar, Sibylle, Robert Godefrey, Lord Walden, Sir Hawkins, and another lord that Lyric didn’t recognize.
“There’s my boy,” said Lord Walden as Lyric and Allan entered the room. “Between Sibylle beating Sir Hawkins and Lyric defeating Sir Chestmire I may be the richest man on the isles now.” Lord Walden then sheepishly looked at the two defeated warriors. “No slight to either of you men intended.”
Allan laughed. “I don’t think either Sir Hawkins or I need take offense. Sibylle and Lyric have been trained by two of the best: Blair and Robert are former champions. And I don’t know about Sir Hawkins, but I think these tournaments are a young man, or woman’s game. I felt old and slow on the second day.”
“I’ll second that,” said Sir Hawkins. “And I’m not ashamed to have lost to a young woman like Sibylle. Like I was telling her father during our ride, her form is perfect. I would go to war with Lady Sibylle any day.”
“Let’s hope it never comes to that,” said Robert Godefrey.
“Speaking of war,” said the lord that Lyric didn’t know. “What do you all make of the return of dragons? Will it bring war to the kingdom?”
“Well, Lord Martelle, I think that depends on the king. If he remains calm and isn’t rash, I see no reason for war. Droll has been home to dragons far longer than it has man. There is no reason we cannot live in harmony,” said Sir Hawkins.
“I agree,” said Lord Lamar.
“What about you, young Lyric? Do you think dragons returning is a good thing?” asked Lord Martelle.
Lyric smiled. “So far I think it is. If they hadn’t I wouldn’t have beaten Sir Chestmire. But to be honest, I don’t know much about dragons, and I don’t know what would cause a war.”
A few of the people around the table chuckled at Lyric’s remark about beating Sir Chestmire, including Allan himself.
Lord Martelle pressed on. “Surely you must have an opinion. After all, you are dragonblood. You will be a key figure in dealing with the dragons.”
“Or a target for the Sacred Blood,” added Sir Hawkins.
“A target?” asked Lyric. “Surely you jest.” Lyric hoped he was jesting.
“No,” said Lord Martelle. “Sir Hawkins is correct. Anyone associated with dragons is a possible target for the Sacred Blood. That you are a confirmed dragonblood during the return of dragons makes you a likely target.”
“It is a good thing this estate is well guarded, and has two of the finest warriors on the isle,” said Sir Hawkins.
“Three,” said Sibylle. “Unless one of you gentlemen want to challenge Robert Godefrey and see if he isn’t capable anymore.”
“Three of the finest warriors,” said Sir Hawkins. “I am in no condition to test the master after the pupil put me on my backside.”
Everyone laughed at the joke and the conversation turned to other areas, but Lyric’s mind stayed on the fact that he might now be a target? Did that mean Sibylle would now be in danger because of him? And the rest of the people on the estate? It was a troubling thought.
“I’ve heard enough talk of dragons and wars for one night,” declared Lord Lamar. “Sir Chestmire how is your father these days?”
“Troubled,” said Allan. “Our crops are failing. The soil is poor and needs a break but we can’t afford to rotate our fields. Our ventures abroad keep us afloat but each year the challenges grow greater.”
“Your family’s lands were never much to speak of,” said Lord Lamar. “I’ve always admired how well you do with so little. Are the Falbrans not helpful in assisting you?”
“I’m afraid Lord Falbran has been more than helpful, he holds loans against much of our land. Unfortunately, he has started calling those loans in.”
Lord Lamar frowned. “That isn’t very neighborly.”
“No, but it is strategically wise,” said Lord Walden. “The Chestmire lands are poor when it comes to crops but Lord Falbran doesn’t have those issues. He just wants to expand his base of power. He would be the most powerful lord in Southern Droll.”
“Will be,” corrected Allan. “I’m afraid it is going to happen, at least half of our lands will be forfeited at the end of the month.”
“What about your people?” asked Sibylle. “The farmers and your father�
��s men-at-arms?”
“As distasteful as it is, we will head abroad. There are always wars to be fought and our warriors are well known.”
“We should talk after dinner,” said Lord Lamar. “I have use for both farmers and warriors. Would your father consider an arrangement where you work and patrol my eastern lands?”
Allan grinned. “I can say with certainty that is something we could consider. I have full authority to barter on my father’s behalf.”
“Excellent,” said Lord Lamar.
“You will have to be careful,” warned Lord Walden. “The king will not be pleased by this deal. I think he favors Lord Falbran.”
“The king is already displeased with us. The tournament not going the way he wanted has left him in a foul mood. I am well aware of the king’s displeasure and frankly I couldn’t care less,” said Lord Lamar.
“He’ll probably just increase your taxes,” mused Lord Martelle. “That is his favorite hobby as of late.”
Lord Walden grunted. “Isn’t that the truth.”
After the dinner was over, Lyric and Sibylle headed to her quarters. Lyric still wasn’t ready to call it their quarters yet.
“Father is pleased. Your decision to invite Sir Chestmire to dinner seems to be a hit.”
Lyric laughed. “Luck. He happened to be at the bar when I went to see Blair. We started talking and hit it off.”
“How did your visit to Azina go? Did you learn anything?” asked Sibylle.
“I learned I still have no magical powers. For the son of a mage I am distinctly inept at magic, even with dragon powers I still can’t do even the simplest magical tasks.”
“Perhaps that is a good thing,” said Sibylle. “Trying to learn about regular magic and dragon magic at the same time might be complicated.”
“I suppose. But I have no way of learning about dragon magic, and I’m not looking to go find a dragon. Did you see how big that one that flew across the yard was? There is no way I want to get near one.”
Dragon Magic: Lyric's Curse 2 (Dragonblood Sagas Book 4) Page 3