Count Viridian snorted softly and nodded. “A very good question, Aiden. Truthfully, antagonism is his forte. He is very skilled in his art, and I do call it art. Ambassador Carsh has been performing this same act for several decades and has accomplished quite a lot in that time. He is a master negotiator, but is uncompromising in his methods.”
“How does that work? Being mean and angry all the time?”
“It has worked for thousands of years, in one form or another. Thankfully, it is not the only way to get things done, but for a certain type of people it is a very effective strategy.” Count Viridian said softly, turning his severe features towards Aiden as they walked. “This type of negotiation requires a near lack of compassion for others, though not an entire lack. At the end of the abusive vitriol, there must be a small reciprocation of empathy, so the other party feels they have come out of the process with something in return. It is an unusual type of human nature, but it is, sadly, effective.”
Aiden grimaced. “That’s terrible. I still don’t understand how being abusive to someone works.”
Count Viridian was lost in thought as they approached the conference room. “Tell me, Aiden, when the Duke mentioned you were scheduled to open a gate to Caitrel within the week, but the Ambassador asked for it earlier, what was your reaction?”
“Well, when he first mentioned it, I thought that he could go stuff himself with a fish,” Aiden said slowly, trailing off as they walked.
“But?” Count Viridian prompted.
Aiden nodded, “Yes, but then the people of Caitrel would suffer. I’ve seen those soldiers. They were in a terrible situation. They can’t fight the enemy effectively, and if they try to run, their people will kill them. It is a terrible situation.”
“Exactly, young Aiden. And I am certain you would not wish to see your friends, the Duke and Duchess, suffer through more screaming by that man, yes? What would you suggest to be a good solution?”
Aiden frowned and nodded glumly, “I was just thinking how I should just do the gate early so he could get out of our hair.”
The Count smiled softly, nodding his head gracefully as he opened the door to the conference room. “And now you see the effectiveness of Ambassador Carsh’s methods. Most people do not wish to have conflict and negativity in their lives and will go to great lengths to remove it. Carsh uses these emotions to his advantage. I happen to know the man admires Duchess Ahnarad but uses this against her because he knows it will work. He cannot ever let her know his true feelings.”
Aiden made a face as they both sat down at the table. “That is one of the most terrible things I’ve ever heard of.”
“I do not disagree. I think the man is effective, but his methods have a tendency to cause others to rush. Rushing at the wrong moment can cause catastrophe. This plague of creatures is a good example. If we made the gates tomorrow without taking into account this new information, would these creatures flood out onto Reid, and in turn Terek and Riften?”
“That is a good point. So if I did the gate early, it might become a disaster. Or if I did the gate early, it could save Camp Swamp Gas from being overrun.” Aiden sighed, shaking his head for a moment before looking up at Count Viridian. “They are close to losing, though. Those men were almost without hope.”
“And that is what you should be thinking of, not Ambassador Carsh, but the situation. That is what is most important, Aiden.” Count Viridian looked up. “Ah, they are coming. You should be able to hear them any second.”
“I swear, if I ever get that man alone I will cut his toes off and feed them to him,” Ahnarad’s voice came from down the hallway. “I’m fairly sure that half of the Duchies will give me a medal for it.”
“Ha, I love when you get bloodthirsty!” Valeran’s voice said, followed by a heightened pitched yelp from Ahnarad.
“No! I want to stay upset, Dear! Stop that; I don’t want to giggle!”
Aiden heard several more eep’s and cries followed by both of them giggling as they walked through the door. Count Viridian watched passively, but Aiden couldn’t help but grin. Despite what he’d heard upstairs, the Ambassador hadn’t dampened their spirits.
As the couple sat down, Valeran gave his wife one last pinch before settling down. “All right Corenthus, do you think he was serious about Caitrel going to the other side?”
“That is difficult to tell, Sir,” Count Viridian said. “I would find it difficult to believe, considering they had front row seats to the atrocities in Revyek. However, if the Mourning Lords put enough pressure on Norpon, they could curb his difficult appetites, at least long enough for him to get his claws into Caitrel and Banum. With the food stores of Caitrel and the shipping harbors of Banum, that would be worth the effort.”
Valeran grunted and nodded. “That’s my thought as well. Everything I know about Hemel is he’s smart and will do almost anything to protect his people. I just hope he hasn’t out-clevered himself with this. He knows that Ahnarad and I detest Carsh.”
“Who is Hemel?” Aiden asked.
“Duke Caitrel,” Ahnarad said, patting Aiden’s arm. “It’s his first name, and yes he knows I have very real problems with Carsh. I don’t care if the man is faking everything, he still says the words.”
Duke Valeran snorted. “And has the gall to charge me for his stay at an expensive inn. Cheeky.” The Duke paused, drumming his fingers on the table. “So, what can we do about it or do we want to do anything about it? I don’t particularly love the idea of letting the man think he’s bullied me.”
Surprisingly, Count Viridian didn’t say anything but gestured to Aiden. It was a surprise, but Aiden took a deep breath. “I think we should do the gate faster. Not for him, but for his men. When I was over there at Camp Swamp Gas, those men were struggling. I’d like to help them, Sir.”
“What about the plague, or more likely those floating things?” Valeran said, looking Aiden in the eye. It was a strange feeling being treated as someone to come up with the solution rather than told what to do, but maybe this is what it felt like to be in fealty. Aiden vowed to himself that he would take up the challenge, and he did have some ideas.
“When I was in Caitrel, those things didn’t appear to have a lot of strength. They could push open tent flaps, but anything else was impossible for them. Once I was inside a building, they couldn’t get to me. Also, they floated a good three or four meters in the air. A normal sized doorway would keep them out even if it didn’t have a door, but we can’t do that with the Naiadens. Maybe if we make something with multiple doors?”
“A metal curtain of chain sounds like it would do the trick.” Count Viridian offered, stroking his chin. “The Naiadens would not be bothered by it, and it sounds like the Creatures would find it impossible to navigate.”
That sounds like a plan,” Duke Valeran suggested. “Lord Aiden, will you travel to Reid and speak to Carol about this idea? Take Gavin and Markam with you; Gavin has been moping about lamenting the fact he’s not accompanying Ashrak and Chari to Brun with me.”
Aiden blinked again but nodded. Yes, indeed, things had changed, he thought. “Uh, yes, Your Grace. I will do that this afternoon.”
“You’ll have to do it soon before your mother arrives, Aiden,” Ahnarad said softly, smiling at him encouragingly. “You have two or three days, but they can pass quickly. I know your Mother, Crean, and Jessop would all be disappointed if you are not here when they arrive. She has been most patient with us, but I suspect she wants to make sure we are not holding you in chains.”
Aiden was excited. He’d not been with his new family for several months now, and he was anxious to see them. Everything was still so new, and he wasn’t sure exactly what was normal, but excitement felt right. “I’ll go get Gavin and Markam. No time like the present unless there’s anything else?”
“No,” Valeran said, shaking his head. “Unless you want to make a gate and send the Ambassador to some deserted island? No? Then good luck to you, Aiden. I’m sure you will
find success.” The man waved his hands towards the door. “Go on, boy! It’s your first official mission. Don’t mess it up! If you need to speak to me, I’ll be on the Skywitch winging my way to Brun. We can talk on your newfangled com units.”
Aiden gave a hesitant bow, feeling the weight of his new status of fealty. It was curious, but he knew it was important. Leaving quickly, he went to find his friend.
Chapter 11
Aiden found Gavin and Markam in one of the small anterooms off of Gavin’s bedroom. They were inspecting Markam’s boots which looked painfully new and shiny. He had chosen black with green accents, a handsome combination.
“You should go stand in a pail of water for a few minutes, then walk around the castle,” Gavin said, as the larger boy frowned. “You know how new boots are, Markam.”
“They’re pretty comfortable, Gavin. I’m not sure I’m going to need to,” Markam responded, kicking one of his toes against the ground. “Feld did a good job, as usual, though it was awfully strange to stand there waiting for that gummy stuff to dry.”
Aiden raised his eyebrow quizzically as he came into the room. “Gummy stuff? Why would you need gummy stuff to make boots?”
Both of the boys turned to him. Gavin gave him a welcoming grin though Markam only gave him a polite nod. Aiden considered him for a moment, still uncertain how to approach Gavin’s bodyguard. He was always polite, but Aiden couldn’t help but think Markam would always view him with some level of suspicion. Markam wasn’t paranoid, he was just wary towards anyone but Gavin.
“Aiden! Good to see you. We were just debating if Markam needed to break in his new boots, but he doesn’t think so. To answer your question, Feld uses an unusual technique to make a shoe pattern. He makes you wear a sock and then coats it with some glue. When it hardens, he cuts it off of you and then has a perfect pattern for your feet! Quite ingenious.” Gavin grinned, looking sideways at Markam. “I hope you’re right, Markam, because if you get blisters, I am not carrying you.”
Markam frowned but didn’t’ say anything. Instead he began walking around Gavin’s room experimentally. Aiden and Gavin watched him for a few moments before Gavin turned to him.
“So! What can I do for you, Aiden? Please make it interesting. I’ve been bored the last few days. Staying in the castle all the time to avoid the Scratchers is terrible.”
Markam grunted and shook his head though he didn’t look up. “That and your Father is leaving soon. It’s much easier to guard you here, Gavin.”
“Well, about that,” Aiden began, earning a look from Markam. “I am here to get you two to come with me.”
“Oh? Where?” Gavin said, perking up though Aiden noticed Markam’s sour look.
“To Reid. Someone named Ambassador Carsh came in today and your Mother and Father didn’t like what he had to say. Do you know him? I guess he’s from Caitrel.”
Gavin and Markam both nodded, with Gavin giving a low whistle. “Yes, everyone knows him. Well, not everyone,” Gavin said apologetically to Aiden, “but a lot of people do. They call him the Vipershark of Caitrel. No one likes when he shows up.”
“He made some pretty aggressive demands about getting troops out to help his people. Thought he was a complete jerk about it, I’ve seen those troops and happen to agree with him. Your father,” Aiden said, wiggling his eyebrows, “gave me an official mission to work with Carol and build a gate to Caitrel.”
“Oh ho! An official mission?” Gavin jumped up and grabbed a vest that was laid across a chair, quickly slipping it on. “I’m in! Let’s get out of here before someone comes to their senses. Come on Markam! It looks like you will have to hope that your new boots won’t leave you with blisters!”
Markam shrugged and moved to follow the two boys as they left the room. “At least it’s Reid, and I won’t have to worry about Scratchers.”
The gate to Reid had been placed within the castle’s walls close to the barracks and workman’s sections, kept under heavy guard. However, when they worked their way out into the courtyard, there was a steady stream of armed men moving away from it. Gavin and Markam immediately became concerned.
“What’s going on?” Aiden asked, stopping with his friends to watch the soldiers pass.
“I don’t know, but there’s Stelios,” Gavin said, leading them towards the burly guard captain. “Let’s ask him; he always knows what’s going on. I hope nothing is happening in Brun. Father already has half the navy down there, if he has to pull more soldiers, that’s not a good sign.”
Stelios was grim when they walked up, but gave them a half smile when he recognized who it was. “Hello, boys, have you spoken to the Duke yet?”
Gavin and Markam shook their heads, but Aiden answered. “I did just a few hours ago. He wanted us to go to Reid. Did something happen in Brun?”
“No, it’s not Brun,” Stelios said, his voice getting deadly serious. “Trelakor and his people are in trouble. They made it to the East coast with no issues, but once they made it to Ravenwood Cove, they were ambushed by some creatures. We don’t know much, yet. They were fighting when Trelakor called and apparently one of their four ships was starting to sink. As it is, it will take us about an hour in the skimmers to get there. Valeran wanted you to come with us. Grab your weapons and make sure you have on your armored shirts. Get to the skydocks as quickly as you can. We’re leaving as soon as we can.”
Aiden and Gavin nodded and raced back to Gavin’s room to get his sword. Aiden, as a matter of course, kept his shirt and walking stick with him but Gavin didn’t usually carry his sword around the Castle. Still, it didn’t take them long to race back to the rooms and then make their way to the skydocks.
When they arrived, the place was busier than Aiden had ever seen it. Amidst the sea of Terek soldiers, there was a small pocket of Stelios’ guards lined up and waiting to board one of the skimmers. They could see Duke Valeran conferring with the dark-skinned Captain, with Ashrak and Chari standing near them.
“Father!” Gavin said as they came up. “Stelios told us that Trelakor was in trouble. How can we help?”
Duke Valeran turned as they walked up. “Good,” he said, “you made it. I was afraid you’d already been off to Reid. I need you three to observe what is happening. You especially, Aiden. Trelakor says he’s never seen these beasts before and he’s seen everything in the ocean. I need you to determine if there is anything un-natural about them,” The Duke said, raising his eyebrow and wiggling his fingers, “if you know what I mean?”
“Do you think it is the same as the creature that attacked the fishing boat that washed up in Reid?” Aiden asked.
“Honestly? I’d bet my beard on it,” Valeran said, frowning. “Trelakor told me they look like some strange cross between a crab and a slug, and they are big! Larger than a man and they are having trouble keeping them from climbing the sides of their ships. I’m sending the Stormdancer and two smaller skimmers with a hundred men. Aiden, I had them load up your skimmer onto the deck of the Stormdancer, just in case.”
The three boys and Stelios nodded. Stelios began loading his men onto the Stormdancer, but Gavin, Aiden, and Markam went over to Ashrak and Chari, who were getting ready to start off on their adventure.
The friends looked at each other as if drinking up each other’s presences for a long walk in the desert. They were parting for an undetermined length of time. Chari came over and gave Gavin and Aiden hugs, while Ashrak hovered, looking grim.
“And here I thought I’d finally be able to leave you in the dust, Aiden. Going off to become a Duke just isn’t as exciting as battling monsters.” Ashrak said, grinning while Chari came back to him and wrapped her arms around his waist. She rolled her eyes slightly, but instead of smacking him she just hugged him as he grinned his roguish smile.
“Yeah, well, just don’t turn back into the old Ashrak once you get all heady with power,” Gavin quipped, grinning back at his tall, white-haired friend. “Seriously, if I get a call from Chari, Aiden will make a g
ate to your bedroom, and we’ll come in and beat you with butter socks until you stop whatever it is you did.”
They all laughed while Ashrak shook his head ruefully. “What if she just makes it up because I ate the last cookie off the platter?”
“I don’t think they care what you might have done; they just want to beat you with a butter sock.” Markam broke in, his even voice almost startling Aiden. “I bet they don’t even actually ask Chari what you did, so keep that in mind.”
“Wow, I didn’t know you could joke, Markam,” Ashrak said, wide-eyed and grinning incredulously. “Good point, though.”
Chari nodded and gave Ashrak a superior look. “Yes, keep that in mind. I have my secret hit-squad. It will keep you healthy.”
Ashrak nodded and kissed her cheek. “Yes, dear!” Ashrak turned, winking at them all and pantomimed speaking behind his hand. “See, I’ve been practicing! Duke Valeran said that is the most important two words a husband can know.”
The Glimmer Steel Saga, Boxed Set, Books 1 - 4 Page 73