Herald of Shalia 5

by Tamryn Tamer

  The growth cycle itself was based heavily on the types of plants and how well the plants were cared for. Plants that were more magically potent took longer to grow than standard crops, although there were exceptions to that. Overall, it was extremely time consuming but much safer than hunting monsters and a much more effective way of harvesting specific plants.

  In order to encourage farming, the villagers of Filan were each given a decent amount of personal land which they could use however they pleased. Most of them chose to farm the land because a majority of the jobs posted in the village were for planting and harvesting specific herbs, vegetables, or fruits.

  The Durra villagers in particular loved agriculture. The dog-eared demihumans not only excelled at caring for plants but also rearing animals, mostly due to their love of meat. Their livestock included dozens of different animals that they raised to be eaten but ultimately horses and oxen were where they made most of their money. The horses could be sold virtually anywhere for a profit and the oxen were highly sought after by farmers looking to make their lives easier.

  Thanks to the peaceful life the village offered, as well as the villager’s acceptance of demihumans, Filan was extraordinarily popular. Which created some problems.

  Building houses was easy but due to the large amount of agriculture everything was fairly spread out and disorganized. In order to prevent a larger issue from forming in the future, Frost set up boundaries for each piece of land, relocated villagers, and created more infrastructure in the actual village for trading. Basically, everybody lived in the village and the plots they farmed were a fair distance away from their residences.

  Fortunately, having experienced the benefits of Frost’s changes, the villagers were completely on board with everything.

  The riverside village now had a massive central square that took up a large portion of real-estate and a second bridge had been built over the river to allow for a smoother flow of traffic to and from Zira. Various shops and stalls filled the area and traders from Blackwater regularly visited to purchase rare herbs, medicines, and wines made from the crops the villagers grew.

  It was a bustling peaceful village, which was somewhat ironic since it was operated by a bunch of former soldiers that spent most of their time drinking and celebrating.

  “Herald Frost! Welcome!” Sir Adamus shouted as Frost arrived in the village. “How’ve you been?”

  “Good,” Frost said, nodding at the strangely sober holy knight. “How have things been here?”

  “Peaceful as always,” Sir Adamus answered. “At least until a thousand soldiers made camp across the river. All of the guards available have been called up and several of the biggest Durra boys have been stationed at both bridges to dissuade any soldiers from crossing.”

  “What about Brynn? Has she arrived yet?” Frost asked.

  “Days ago,” Sir Adamus nodded. “We tried to get her to take some guards with her into the encampment but she insisted she go alone. That being said, we still do send people to the encampment with food and wine deliveries in order to check up on her. According to them she appears to be having a good time.”

  “Good,” Frost said as Witch slowly trotted through the streets. “Is Isaac still in Zira?”

  “Yup,” Sir Adamus groaned while walking beside him. “Ever since the pardons came through from the Grand Counselor our wives and families have been hounding us to return home. We tried asking them to visit us here but they’re not keen on it. Rumors have been circling that we’re out here getting drunk off of our asses and fucking demis. All we’ve been hearing is dishonor this and disgrace that. After Isaac is finished, I’m going to need to take some time to go set things straight as well. I’ll be fucking damned if my sister-fucking cousin gets my share of my inheritance because of some stupid rumors.”

  “They’re not too far off base,” Frost chuckled. “You and Isaac spend a lot of time getting drunk.”

  “We did while in the royal guard as well but nobody ever complained about it,” Sir Adamus laughed. “Anyway, we’ll get it all sorted.”

  “Any particular reason you haven’t just returned to Zira?” Frost asked. “I know a few of the knights that came with you left.”

  “Better work, less stress, more pay,” Sir Adamus said bluntly. “Not to mention that the boys dumb enough to return to their positions immediately got reassigned to Seera’s border. What did they think was going to happen? I warned them that a pardon wasn’t going to change the fact that they were suspected of treason but they didn’t listen.”

  “Well, you warned them,” Frost said as they arrived in front of the bridge. The encampment on the other side was massive and mounted guards patrolled the area. “That’s a lot of soldiers.”

  “I thought so as well,” Sir Adamus said. “Which is why we’re being cautious. Anyway, if you need us over there for anything just…ah…who am I kidding? You’re not the most subtle when it comes to killing people. If something happens, I’m sure we’ll see or hear something.”

  “Fair enough,” Frost chuckled. “Anyway, good luck when you go to visit your family.”

  “Yup,” Sir Adamus sighed. “I’m just happy I’m not Isaac. His family were all really big fans of Herald Law so I’m sure he’s getting an earful for serving you and Princess Brynn Hilde.”

  “He’ll figure it out,” Frost said as Witch trotted toward the encampment.

  He scanned the guards wandering around the encampment and was surprised to see most of them in the high thirties and low forties. He expected them to be similar in level to royal guards but it seemed that despite their immense wealth, House Moray’s personal guards were a bit weaker.

  Frost guessed that it was more of an availability issue than a price one. King Leaucault probably had the pick of the litter and the rest of the nobles hired their guards from the leftovers.

  Their equipment certainly suggested that it wasn’t an issue of price. Their gear was extremely impressive despite being mass produced. His scans revealed that the quality of the equipment was beyond anything his villagers were capable of producing.

  The soldiers all wore identical chainmail tunics with green tabards depicting a golden chalice filled with treasure. The fact that their helmets, greaves, and gauntlets all matched led Frost to believe that House Moray mass produced them to keep costs down, just as he did in his own village.

  “Welcome Herald Frost,” a guard said, raising his hand as Frost approached. He was identical to the others except his helmet had a green horse-like ponytail on it. “Can you please wait here while we…”

  “No need,” Lord Thomas Moray said while approaching from behind. He was wearing several layers of dress clothing and a gem-encrusted scabbard hung from his belt. He had long dark hair pulled back into a ponytail and his eyes were a piercing blue color. “I’ve been waiting.”

  “Grand Counselor,” the guards all bowed their heads as Lord Moray passed.

  “Congratulations on the promotion, Grand Counselor,” Frost said, nodding his head at the man.

  “Thank you,” Lord Moray said while gesturing at Witch. “My men can take your horse if you like.”

  “I don’t mind but she might,” Frost said while hopping off the red mare. “It’d probably be better if she just stayed here.”

  “If that’s what you prefer,” Lord Moray said while nodding at his men to return to their positions. “If you follow me to my tent, we can go over the paperwork and get everything finalized.”

  “I’d prefer to check in with Brynn first,” Frost said. “And it’d be nice to at least meet Olivia before I marry her.”

  “Why?” Lord Moray asked, genuinely confused. “You need only sign the document taking possession of her and you’ll gain access to her wealth. And based on your reputation you’re not a man that particularly cares about who you take into your bed.”

  “It would be good to make sure she’s alive and in good health before I take possession,” Frost said with a chuckle.

  “Fin
e,” Lord Moray sighed while flagging an officer over. “Captain, go to my tent and tell the bank representative that everything will be finalized in Olivia’s tent.”

  “Yes sir,” the man said before running off.

  “Follow me,” Lord Moray said as he made a sharp turn and quickened his pace. “There are going to be ten pages in the marriage contract and all pages must be initialed and signed by both you, Olivia, and myself in order to finalize it. Once they are finalized a banker’s guild representative will transfer Olivia’s funds to your accounts and she will then be yours. You will want to read the contract and at any point during the discussion you can ask the representative for clarification or alterations since they’re the ones that drafted it.”

  “Alright,” Frost said. “And what about the marriage ceremony and…”

  “A ceremony is unnecessary,” Lord Moray answered. “As is consummation if that was your next question. Not only is my sister twice widowed but she is unable to have children so consummation serves little purpose. Her value is her wealth and the privileges bestowed upon her as a member of the Moray family. So, I don’t particularly understand why we’re wasting time with niceties when we’ve been waiting for days.”

  “Humor me Grand Counselor,” Frost said as they walked into a clearing with a large tent at the center. All of the other tents were set up a fair distance away and a group of armed women guarded the perimeter.

  “Halt!” A tall woman shouted as six women moved to block them. They were all wearing handmaidens’ outfits of varying colors but were also armed with daggers, swords, and spears. The tall women stepped in front of them and slammed a large wooden spear into the ground. “We will ask our lady if she’s prepared to see…”

  “Don’t speak to me wench,” Lord Moray interrupted while walking right past the woman, brushing her aside as if she were nothing. The women gripped their weapons but it was obvious that none of them could act against the man without severe repercussions. Not only was he a nobleman, but due to his time as a royal knight he was much higher level than the women. “The bank representative will be along shortly. If you attempt to waylay them as well there’ll be consequences for you and whatever family you might have.”

  “Sorry,” Frost shrugged at the women as he followed Lord Moray.

  “Olivia, I’m coming in,” Lord Moray shouted as he pushed aside the curtain covering the tent’s entrance. “Your husband is with me.”

  Lord Moray entered the tent without waiting for a response and Frost followed behind him. The tent was spacious and surprisingly luxurious, rivaling many of the inns he’d stayed in. The room was filled with clothing racks and several large storage chests along with a spacious sitting area. One one side of the tent, there was a massive canopy bed set up with sheer fabric hanging from it, offering some privacy.

  Brynn was laying on a comfortable oversized sofa with her head on Olivia’s lap as the dark-haired beauty stroked Brynn’s hair. Several empty wine bottles covered the small table in front of the women.

  “Nice of you to finally show up handsome,” Brynn said with a wide grin as she continued resting on Olivia’s lap. His petite wife’s face was bright red and she’d clearly been drinking all day. She was dressed in a surprisingly casual pair of pink silk pajama shorts and matching lace camisole. The raven-haired princess smiled at Olivia. “See, I told you he was sexy, didn’t I?”

  “Hildy…” Olivia mumbled as she averted her gaze.

  “Olivia,” Lord Moray snapped. “Is this how a Lady of House Moray behaves?”

  “I’m sorry my lord,” Olivia said quietly as she gently removed Brynn from her lap. The azure-eyed woman rose from her seat and offered a polite curtsy. “I apologize for my poor manners. I am honored to meet you Herald Frost. I am Olivia Svala Moray. Please forgive Hildy for her condition. I’m afraid she overindulged. I hope the negotiations finalized smoothly.”

  “Hildy?” Frost smirked as he stared at the red-faced bard.

  “We haven’t signed anything yet,” Lord Moray responded while shaking his head at Olivia. “Herald Frost wanted to meet you first. Based on this shameful display I wouldn’t be surprised if he backed out.”

  “I see, very well,” Olivia said while staring at the ground. “I profusely apologize for my conduct Herald Frost. I will endeavor to improve my behavior.”

  “Your behavior is fine,” Brynn said as she climbed to her feet.

  “Hildy,” Olivia whispered while shaking her head. “You’re embarrassing us.”

  “Olivia,” Lord Moray gestured at her. “Herald Frost wished to see what he had purchased. If you would?”

  “Yes, my lord,” Olivia answered as she slowly turned for him.

  Frost found Olivia’s appearance surprising. She was nearly his height which was extremely rare for a woman in general, let alone a woman in Nivara. As she turned away from him, his eyes focused on her ass which was surprisingly generous given her slender waist. Her breasts were similarly substantial and her legs were extremely long. Overall, her proportions rivaled Lysandra in terms of perfection and he could hardly believe she was only nineteen.

  Even more surprising was how similar she looked to Brynn. She had the same raven hair, although Olivia’s was longer and professionally styled, and the same gorgeous cobalt eyes. Her face was slightly more mature and certainly fiercer than Brynn’s.

  Olivia wore a full-length black gown with a fur trim that wrapped around her shoulders, showcasing her ample cleavage and long elegant neck. Frost couldn’t help but think Brynn looked almost childish compared to the mature beautify standing in front of him.

  “I hope my appearance is satisfactory,” Olivia said after finishing her turn.

  “I’ve seen that look before,” Brynn chuckled as she playfully smacked Olivia’s ass. “He definitely approves of you.”

  “Hildy, please stop,” Olivia whispered as she glanced nervously at Lord Moray.

  “Don’t be so uptight Olivia,” Brynn said. “You’re lucky. It’s been ages since he’s looked at me like that.”

  “That’s not true,” Frost replied. “I look at you the same as I always have.”

  “Say that while wearing this,” Brynn said while holding her middle finger up to remind Frost of her enchanted ring.

  “Give me the ring and I will,” Frost said defensively.

  “I’d rather not be involved in your squabble,” Lord Moray said while gesturing at his sister. “Are you satisfied with Olivia?”

  “Do you actually want to get married?” Frost asked while staring at the woman. Her eyes were those of somebody that had already resigned themselves to death and it wasn’t as though he wanted another wife. “I’m fine cancelling the arrangement if you like.”

  “Ha,” Brynn laughed while shaking her head. “Too late for that handsome.”

  “I’m afraid that’s not an option,” Lord Moray said. “We made an agreement and that you would take my sister as your wife. If you fail to honor that agreement then I will be forced to respond to the insult.”

  “Respond to the insult?” Frost glared at the man. “Is that a threat?”

  “Yes,” Lord Moray said without flinching. “And make no mistake Herald Frost, I won’t be fighting you head on. I will go after the finances of every person you’ve ever associated with. They will find themselves in precarious positions as their vendors cease working with them and their landlords evict them. They will curse your name as they’re forced to choose between starving to death or selling themselves into indentured servitude.”

  “Do you think I would allow that to happen?” Frost asked while staring into the man’s eyes.

  “No,” Lord Moray answered calmly. “I believe you would act out. But I would use my new status as a member of the Grand Council to hide in the capital. By the time you reached me I would have hurt hundreds of people you love. And, assuming you did eventually reach me, you will have murdered a member of the Grand Council in the capital. King Leaucault would be forced to respond and t
he other branches of House Moray would be happy to loan him the money to fund his expedition. It’s just ridiculous. Why are we even speculating about this? Because my sister isn’t jumping for joy at the prospect of marrying an elf-fucking degenerate. Tell me Olivia, can you handle the shame that comes with marrying this man?”

  “I am honored to assist in the formation of a bond between Herald Frost and House Moray,” Olivia said while bowing deeply toward her brother. She turned to Herald Frost and forced a smile. “Herald Frost, Hildy’s various rants have given me some insight into your personality so I understand and appreciate that you are concerned for my well-being. Please, let me put your concerns at ease. I was given to my first husband at the age of twelve and he was nearly fifty years old. I was married to him for a little over a year before he passed away and I returned to my family. I was married to my second husband at the age of fourteen. He was a seventy-nine-year-old nobleman. That marriage lasted three years before my husband passed away. I was a dutiful wife to both of my husbands and will do my best to please you as well.”

  “About your husbands, how exactly did they die?” Frost asked while watching both Olivia and her brother’s reactions.

  “My first husband was murdered while I was away from home,” Olivia said quietly. “My second husband died of old age. I understand that as the sole beneficiary of their estates their deaths are suspicious. But I assure you that I had nothing to do with their deaths. The political capital those men offered my family was worth far more than their assets.”

  “I can’t say for certain that she didn’t kill them,” her brother said indifferently.

  “I can,” Brynn said while wrapping her arms around Olivia. Her ring emitted a vibrant green glow as she squeezed the finely-dressed woman. “Olivia isn’t capable of killing somebody.”