Dwarven Ruby

by Richard S. Tuttle

  Queen Marta saw several councilors look expectantly at Duke Everich and she smiled to herself.

  “Another serious issue that must be brought before this Council is the defense of the city,” the queen continued. “The world outside our walls is a very dangerous place. It is becoming more dangerous by the day. There are reports of fresh goblin attacks on the city of Tice. Those attacks so far have been unsuccessful, but we must be mindful of our history. A generation ago, Targa was beset by such attacks. I assure you that will also be true in the future. The Empire of Lanoir is also gearing up for war. While we do not currently border on Lanoir, my intelligence indicates that Emperor Hanchi has designs for world conquest. That, councilors, means that while the threat may not be imminent, we must realize that it is an eventuality. Complicating the situation are the hordes of rogue armies that will flee before Emperor Hanchi’s drive to the north. Those armies will be hungry and desperate for some fortification to protect them from the Lanoirians. Tagaret stands directly in their path.”

  Some of the councilors were whispering to their neighbors, and Queen Marta took the opportunity to match the faces of the councilors with the profiles that she had read about them.

  “Some of you may feel secure within our walls,” smiled Queen Marta. “You see the old wall which has stood for ages and the new wall which was erected within our lifetimes. Everywhere you go in the city, you see young men wearing the uniform of the Targa army. All of this makes you feel at ease. It shouldn’t. While the Targa army stands at six thousand strong, it is weak and untrained. The young lads who have the honor of protecting Tagaret, have not been given the training necessary to make them into a valid fighting force. Frankly, councilors, the state of the Targa army is a disgrace. I would be willing to wager that a determined opponent with as little as a thousand men could easily waltz right into this palace without so much as a single casualty.”

  The murmurs of the councilors was fairly loud at this point, assuring Queen Marta that many of the men in the room were aware of what had happened the previous night. Nothing could make the point clearer for her than the example she had set with her entrance to the city.

  “My own Red Swords are an experienced and disciplined force,” Queen Marta continued. “I propose to this Council that they consider placing the army under the control of the Red Swords. My men can train the Targa army and allow them to become prepared to defend this city. Without a proper defense, Tagaret is hopelessly doomed. The lives of untold thousands are in the hands of this Council. Owning a fine mansion and having dozens of servants will mean nothing to a councilor of a vanquished city. I advise you to take this issue very seriously.”

  Queen Marta sipped some more water and watched the councilors. Some were obviously glaring at her, and some were nodding. It was the councilors who were doing neither that she watched most closely.

  “I will not take up the time of this Council to enumerate the other problems that I see facing our country,” declared Queen Marta. “You have before you several critical problems already. They need immediate attention if we are to survive. I will make myself available to receive individual councilors if any of you wish to discuss these problems, or others that may capture your attention. Thank you for the opportunity to share my concerns with you.”

  The queen turned and left the room. Before she had gone more than a few paces from the door that closed behind her, she could hear the raised voices discussing her speech. The one rising over the others was the voice of Duke Everich.

  “There will be order in this Council,” shouted Duke Everich as he waited for the talking to subside. “Queen Marta has given us a few points to ponder. I do not think deliberations on these points would be helpful until each of us has had time to dwell upon her words for a while. In that regard, I see no reason to continue this Council meeting right now. What I suggest is that each of us retire to our homes or offices and think about the future of Tagaret. Then I think each of you should schedule a meeting with me. I will incorporate all of your valid thoughts into a policy to address the queen’s remarks, if they do indeed need addressing. When I have completed the proposed policy, we can meet again and vote on it. This meeting is ended.”

  Duke Everich immediately left the Council Chamber, but Duke Jiardin whispered in the ear of Duke Graves. Duke Graves nodded with a puzzled frown and left the room. He walked directly to Duke Everich’s office.

  “Thank you for coming,” smiled Duke Everich. “Have a seat. We have some old blood between us that must be taken care of now.”

  “Oh?” responded Duke Graves as he closed the door and sat down. “What is the matter that you are referring to?”

  “There is no need to be coy at this time,” replied Duke Everich. “We both know enough about each other to be frank in this discussion.”

  “Very well,” nodded Duke Graves. “I presume that you feel threatened by the return of the queen. Is that what this is about?”

  “Precisely,” nodded Duke Everich. “I know that you are trying to put together a coalition to unseat me. Now let me explain why that will fail.”

  “By all means,” Duke Graves smiled thinly, “enlighten me.”

  “You think you are using our two Sordoan councilors,” offered Duke Everich, “but I know that the reverse is true. Correct me if I am wrong here, but the idea for the two resolutions to return the queen originated from them. Am I correct?”

  “You are correct,” agreed Duke Graves. “What of it?”

  “You think that bringing back the queen will allow her to be influential in selecting my replacement,” continued Duke Everich, “but the truth is that she is here to seize power for herself. That means taking the power away from the Council and restoring it to the monarchy. Even if you ended up as head of the Council under her rule, you would have no real power at all. Plus, there is a greater chance that she would rather reward the two Sordoans who are truly working for her. Think about where that would really leave you.”

  Duke Graves frowned for a moment before responding. “You are not telling me this so that I become a more informed councilor,” Duke Graves finally responded. “What are you planning?”

  “I am planning on staying in power,” chuckled Duke Everich. “If that means that I have to share some of that power with a previous opponent, then I am willing to concede that point. The real question is what your goals are?”

  “You are offering me a partnership?” inquired Duke Graves. “Pardon me if I act slightly suspicious. I can’t imagine you sharing power with anyone. What about Duke Jiardin? Does he know that he is about to be moved down the ladder?”

  “Was he not the one who delivered my request to meet with you?” retorted Duke Everich. “He is not thrilled about it, but he is wise enough to evaluate the alternatives and realize that it is the best option we have. As for you being suspicious, I would not expect otherwise from you. I do not take you for a fool, Duke Graves. In a perverse way, I have admired your opposition to me. You are the only councilor who has had the guts to plot against me. Why do you think I wanted to meet with you first?”

  “First?” echoed Duke Graves. “So if I refuse, you will make the offer to the others?”

  “Correct,” nodded Duke Everich. “All except the two Sordoans. They act like fools, but I have learned that they are the most devious of all the councilors. It is precisely because they act like fools that we are manipulated by them. I am sure that this thought has occurred to you before today.”

  “There is some credibility in what you are saying,” admitted Duke Graves. “The problem as I see it though, is that I would have to trust you for the partnership to work. Truthfully, I am not sure that I am capable of doing that.”

  “And it is supposed to be easier for me to trust a partner who has been actively plotting my downfall?” responded Duke Everich. “Let me explain why this partnership can succeed even without mutual trust. Start with the premise that the two Sordoans are advocating the return of the monarchy. That means th
at if either one of us wishes to rule the Council as it exists today, we cannot count on their votes. If we do get their votes, you can wager that it will cost the Council its overall role in ruling Tagaret. Are you willing to accept this premise for the sake of argument?”

  “I can agree that it makes for a valid starting point for the terms of this conversation,” agreed Duke Graves.

  “That leaves seven councilors, including you and me that will be involved in the struggle between us,” Duke Everich continued. “I know that I can count on four of them. I suspect that you control the other three, although Duke Tredor does tend to play both sides.”

  “He does at that,” frowned Duke Graves.

  “That clearly gives me the edge over you in any votes,” Duke Everich pointed out, “but four votes still does not give me a majority of the total nine votes available. This is where the Sordoans will divide and conquer. They will support you to oust me. When I am gone, they will then work to oust you. You have to understand that their end goal is to get rid of all of us. If you allow them to manipulate you with their support, you will only win in the very short term.”

  “Possibly true,” admitted Duke Graves, “but that leaves me around to fight another day. Who is to say that they would be successful in removing me?”

  “Look at the numbers,” smirked Duke Everich. “After you have defeated me, who do you think my three followers will support? My three followers plus two Sordoans equals five of the eight remain votes. Now you are gone too.”

  “That still does not explain how we can trust each other,” persisted Duke Graves.

  “But it does,” insisted Duke Everich. “Neither one of us can survive unless we join forces. We don’t have to like each other. We don’t have to trust one another. We just have to realize that without each other, we have nothing at all. We are forced to share power to have any at all. I can live with that. Can you?”

  “You are serious about this,” Duke Graves said as his eyebrows rose. “I thought you were playing a game to manipulate me, but you are really serious. How would this power sharing arrangement work?”

  “We will make all decisions jointly,” replied Duke Everich. “I assume that you can control Duke Zalski, but it is not important if you cannot. Duke Tredor has been playing us against each other. He has little choice in the matter once we have joined forces. Basically, what you and I agree on will result in seven Council votes every time. That, my friend, is power.”

  “How about the financial aspect of the partnership?” pushed Duke Graves.

  “The partnership will make you wealthier than you could ever imagine,” grinned Duke Everich.

  “So you have been taking money for yourself,” accused Duke Graves.

  “Of course I have,” chuckled Duke Everich. “You heard about the future of Tagaret from the queen herself today. What she said was true. In fact, she did not even elaborate on all of the threats facing Tagaret. There are many more than those she spoke about. The fact is that Tagaret is not going to survive. It doesn’t matter what we do as a Council. This city is going to cease to exist. Do you want to man the walls with the rest of the fools? Or would you rather fill your pockets with gold and escape before it collapses?”

  “I want to be a survivor,” smiled Duke Graves.

  Chapter 20

  Thieves’ Highway

  “Are you listening, Wylan?” Alex asked as the Rangers rode through the streets of Tagaret. “Wylan?” Alex repeated louder.

  “Oh, sorry,” replied Wylan as he snapped out of his fog. “I was just looking at the city. I have heard so many stories about Tagaret, but I have never actually been here. It is a grand city.”

  “It is also a dangerous city,” admonished Alex. “Keep your mind focused on what we are doing.”

  “I will,” nodded Wylan.

  “Jenneva, Tanya, and I will be staying at the Golden Sword Inn,” declared Alex. “The boys will stay at the Falcon’s Hood. Remember, if you get into trouble you can always go to the Pawn Shop and ask for a book about growing turnips in a sandy soil. They will arrange for someone to help you. I should be able to accomplish what I need to in Tagaret by the end of the day, so we will be leaving in the morning. Stay out of trouble and rest up for the journey.”

  “Where is the Falcon’s Hood?” asked Wylan.

  “Arik can show you the way,” Alex responded. “He can also explain where the Pawn Shop is in case you get separated. Let’s split up now.”

  Alex turned at the next intersection. Tanya and Jenneva followed him. A few minutes later they arrived at the stables for the Golden Sword Inn. Alex secured a room for Jenneva and himself while Tanya got her own room. As soon as everybody was settled in, Alex left the inn and proceeded to the Sword and Shield Inn. He asked for a room overlooking the street, using the name Kyle Agrat. He was shown to a room. Just a few moments later, the door opened and a man entered and sat on the floor near the window.

  “You are becoming a regular visitor,” grinned Larc. “Perhaps we should offer you a long term rate.”

  “Tagaret does seem to be in my path a lot these days,” smiled Alex. “What news do you have for me?”

  “Queen Marta entered the city last night,” grinned Larc. “Without a single casualty, I might add.”

  “Excellent!” remarked Alex. “I had not expected it so soon, but I am pleased with the news. How is the Council taking it?”

  “She addressed the Council this morning,” informed Larc. “It is too early to determine what will happen. Tensions are high throughout the city though. Word is spreading swiftly throughout the city. A few are rejoicing, while others do not seem to care. The city is in a bad way, Alex. I have never seen it this bad. Not even after the Sordoan attack and the Collapse. There is no food and no work. Businesses are closing because they cannot afford the taxes. There is a lot of talk among the citizens of leaving the city, but they are afraid to. There is no safe place for the people to go. Riots are becoming a daily occurrence and the army deals harshly with them. Gangs of children have formed to steal food, and I do not mean a loaf of bread. These are organized gangs who hijack food shipments, even wagons bound for the Royal Palace itself. It is only a matter of time before Tagaret self-destructs.”

  “You paint a grim picture, friend,” frowned Alex. “I can see now why the queen entered the city earlier than planned.”

  “That was not the only reason for changing the schedule,” continued Larc. “Colonel Salvo almost discovered our operation in the city. A Red Sword corporal, named Sydar, made a mistake. He was being interrogated along with his sister when David Jaynes managed to get them released. The fear was that sooner or later, Colonel Salvo would find out what was going on.”

  “That would have complicated things a great deal,” nodded Alex. “It is just as well. The third gem for the Sword of Heavens was found. There are now clear skies over Lanoir.”

  “That is excellent news,” responded Larc. “Where are you off to next?”

  “Tor,” frowned Alex. “We are searching for the Shield of Oykara. Let me know if you uncover anything about it.”

  “Never heard of it,” declared Larc. “You should be wary of Tor. The people in that region are not very friendly. There are also many reports of dragons up there.”

  “Those humans are from another Universe,” nodded Alex. “I was through that area a few years back looking for the Children. They do not care much for strangers, but they did not appear openly hostile.”

  “You also have a message from Oscar,” added Larc. “He wants to see you. He said to bring Jenneva and the children with you.”

  “All of the children?” asked Alex. “I am not even sure where all of them are.”

  “He was not specific,” shrugged Larc. “I would just go see what he wants. If it involves the children, you can always go back.”

  “Well, I can take most of them with me,” replied Alex. “I do not want to spend much time in Tagaret this trip, so I think I will do as you suggest. Do you ha
ve anything else for me?”

  “This letter came for you just after you left the city the last time,” offered Larc as he handed the envelope to Alex. “I opened it and shared the contents with Oscar. It was from Arik and Tedi in Dalek.”

  “Old news then,” nodded Alex as he stuffed the letter in a pocket. “I should see what Oscar has for me.”

  Larc nodded as he rose and slipped out the door. Alex waited a few minutes before leaving the room.

  * * *

  “Look at this,” Wylan called from the window.

  “What is it?” Arik asked as he laid his sword and bow on the bed.

  “I am not sure,” Wylan answered. “It looks like a bunch of young thieves are planning on stealing a wagon.”

  Arik walked to the window and gazed out. A group of about forty children were standing in the alley below. They were looking towards the bakery across the street and the wagon that sat outside of it. The wagon was being loaded.

  “I had heard that there were food shortages in the city,” commented Arik, “but children should not have to resort to thievery. Maybe they are just playing around.”

  “I don’t think so,” frowned Wylan. “Everyone in the common room downstairs was talking about it. It sounds like these children are heroes to the people. The army has been trying to hunt them down.”

  “Why should thieves be heroes?” questioned Arik. “Stealing is not noble.”

  “They do not take the food for themselves,” continued Wylan. “They steal it for the families without any food. They will be hanged if they are caught.”

  “This is the state of the city that I am to inherit?” scowled Arik. “Forcing children to risk death to feed the hungry? Perhaps our time is better spent overthrowing the Council than traipsing around the countryside to please the Sword of Heavens?”

  “You should not talk that way,” frowned Wylan. “The Sword of Heavens is the only chance the world has. Without it, every city will end up like Tagaret.”