Artesans of Albia: 01 - King's Envoy

by Cas Peace

  He strode to their table and sat down, shaking his head briefly at Bull’s inquiring look. Taran saw the big man frown.

  “How’s the Major?” asked Rienne, glancing up at Robin from red-rimmed, bleary eyes. “If she feels as bad as I do, she’ll still be in bed.”

  Robin gave her a quick smile. “She probably ought to be, but she’s not. I don’t know where she is.” Taran heard the concern in his voice and raised his brows. “She wasn’t there when I woke this morning. I even asked Emos—that’s her valet—if he’d seen her, but all he said was that she must be with the General. I’m a bit worried about her. I was going to check with Hanan at the infirmary when the reveille sounded.”

  Rienne was about to reply when the commons door opened again. The atmosphere was suddenly charged with expectation and the room filled with the sound of scraped-back chairs. Every man came to attention and saluted.

  General Blaine strode into the room, followed by Colonel Vassa. Both senior officers acknowledged the massed salute. Taran noticed that Robin was slow to lower his arm and was standing rigid, his jaw hanging open.

  When he took a quick glance at the door, Taran immediately understood why.

  Entering behind the General, neatly dressed in spotless combat leathers, eyes bright, hair braided and sword at her right hip, was Major Sullyan.

  Taran could see Robin staring at her, clearly stunned. She didn’t glance their way and her expression remained serene. He saw the Captain shake his head and even Bull looked surprised. The alcohol she had drunk the night before, thought Taran, obviously hadn’t affected her.

  The “at ease” order was given while Taran continued to gaze at Sullyan. She stood at the General’s left shoulder, legs slightly apart, hands clasped behind her back, her stance one of relaxed readiness. He thought he caught a glimpse of amusement in her eyes.

  His musings were interrupted by the General clearing his throat.

  “Gentlemen, one hour before dawn this morning, the scouts of Major Sullyan’s company returned from the south. The news they brought is not good. It seems that a large force of Andaryans has invaded our realm, targeting southern Loxton as well as the provinces of Arnor and Rethrick. They are showing no mercy and laying waste to all in their path.”

  There were angry mutterings from the assembled men.

  His voice gruff, the General continued. “Colonel Vassa will coordinate our opposition and he will take the bulk of our strength to the south. He will draw reinforcements from the local garrisons, as I will not strip Loxton of its defenses. In the meantime, Major Sullyan has been assigned the post of Acting King’s Envoy and she will mount an ambassadorial mission to Count Marik, our ally in the Fifth Realm. He may know the reason behind this invasion, and perhaps diplomacy can solve the problem before too many more lives are lost. Rest assured, we will cover all options.”

  Turning to Vassa, he said, “You have your orders. Instruct your commanders and report back to me in an hour. You too, Major.”

  Both saluted promptly, as did the assembled men. The General returned the homage and left the room. Colonel Vassa then began detailing his men. From what Bull had told him, Taran knew that Vassa commanded several companies of swordsmen and bowmen, as opposed to the mainly mounted men of Sullyan’s own command.

  The Major stood lightly at ease beside him until he was done.

  “That’s all, men,” he finished. “Go about your duties and I will join you at midday. Over to you, Major.”

  He turned and left, his men filing out behind him.

  Moving gracefully, Sullyan approached Bull’s table and leaned her back against the wall, hooking her hands through her sword belt. She regarded them with a level gaze and Taran couldn’t see a single sign of last night’s excesses. He noticed that Robin and Bull were studying her, too. From their expressions, they had found nothing amiss, either.

  “Well, gentlemen,” she said softly, “we have a real problem on our hands. The Pact has been well and truly broken. It seems something has given the Andaryans the idea that the time is ripe for invasion. We must do everything in our power to convince them otherwise.”

  Taran felt himself flush with shame. “Is it because of what I did?”

  She turned her glorious eyes on him and he felt the weight of her gaze. He feared her censure but she replied mildly, “That, my friend, remains to be seen.”

  Her gaze remained on him and he knew she was aware of the other question hovering on his lips. Clearly, she wasn’t prepared to help him with it.

  He forced himself to speak. “Is it possible … would it help … I mean, would I be permitted to go with you? Maybe I could do something to repair the damage … to make amends?”

  He heard Robin draw breath and expected a flat denial. Instead, Sullyan astounded him.

  “General Blaine has already granted permission for you to accompany us.”

  She turned to Robin, who looked shocked. “Captain, take Taran Elijah to the Quartermaster and have him issued combat leathers and arms. He will become one of us for the duration of this mission. Bulldog, go to the horse lines and have our mounts saddled. Tell Solet I will ride Mandias. Taran, I assume your horse has never been through the Veils before?”

  Caught off balance by the suddenness of events, Taran stumbled over his words. “No, I … how would you get a horse through a portway?”

  She didn’t reply. “Bulldog, select a mount for Taran.”

  She turned to Cal. “How strong is your link with Taran, Cal?”

  Taran started to reply but she waved him silent, her eyes holding Cal’s. The Apprentice shrugged and said, “Fairly strong, I think, after our practice session yesterday.”

  “Then I would like you to stay here as contact, in case of an emergency.”

  Cal nodded, frowning over the word “emergency.”

  Sullyan turned her attention to Rienne and her businesslike manner softened.

  “Healer Arlen, while you are here, would you be willing to be attached to our infirmary? I have a feeling we will need every experienced hand in the weeks to come. General Blaine has approved it and if you agree, I am authorized to offer you the post of Acting Captain for the duration of this crisis.”

  Taran could see that Rienne was totally taken aback. Cal too, was astonished. The Major however, hadn’t finished.

  “Of course, you will also draw a captain’s pay. I understand you are already acquainted with Chief Healer Hanan?” At Rienne’s slightly bemused nod, she continued. “Then if you would report to her, she will show you to the Paymaster’s office. He has been informed of your status.”

  She hesitated before adding, “Rienne, I would take it as a personal favor if you would consider yourself attached to my company. I like to ensure the best possible medical care for my command.”

  Rienne nodded again and Sullyan turned back to Robin. “Captain, when you see the Quartermaster, arrange billeting for Rienne and Cal. Make sure they get quarters large enough to accommodate Taran when we return. I think Bull has already been more than generous with his space. Now, if you will all excuse me, I must report back to the General. Meet me at the horse lines in two hours.”

  Bull and Robin snapped a salute and Cal followed them out. As Taran turned to go with them, he saw Sullyan place a hand on Rienne’s arm. The healer hesitated and Taran would have waited, but Robin called him and reluctantly, he left.

  Bemused by what had just happened and still more than a little hung-over, Rienne gazed inquiringly at the Major. She wasn’t sure whether she had imagined it last night, but now, despite her pounding head, it was undeniable. There was definitely a connection between them. She smiled; it was a good feeling.

  Sullyan smiled too. “Thank you so much for last night, Rienne, and for the little gift you left on my nightstand. Without it, I doubt I would have woken had the bugler stood by my ear. Willow, was it?” Rienne nodded. “Well, you have done wonders for my reputation. Did you see the look on Robin’s face when I came in? I am in your debt and
I do not forget my friends.”

  She dropped her eyes, appearing, thought Rienne, uncertain.

  “Rienne, I have heard what happened to you yesterday before you came to my room. I want to assure you that the matter has been dealt with. Morin is in the cells and Corporal Rusch has joined him for good measure. I have let it be known that you are under my personal protection, so there will be no more trouble of that nature. You should have no worries about your safety while you remain among us.”

  Rienne didn’t know what to say, her thumping head had prevented her from thinking about her ordeal the day before. Yet the fear would have returned, she knew, and she appreciated the trouble the Major had taken.

  “Thank you,” she said, “that makes me feel much better.”

  Sullyan smiled warmly and departed, leaving Rienne struggling with what she had heard. She was more than a little surprised.

  Rienne hurried to catch up with the others, excitement making her forget the ache in her head. She couldn’t deny it, she’d been missing her patients in Hyecombe and they would certainly be missing her, but this opportunity seemed to offer much in the way of compensation.

  Since enjoying Hanan’s tour of the Manor’s sophisticated facilities, Rienne had been feeling quite envious. Now she would get to use them herself, maybe even learn new skills and techniques. And she would be paid, to boot. She smiled. All of this had come about because she had blindly stumbled into Sullyan’s office looking for sanctuary. Instead, she had found a friend. That was well worth a pounding head and queasy stomach.

  When she finally caught up with them, Robin and Bull were discussing their amazement over the Major’s swift recovery from alcohol poisoning. Rienne hid a smile and swore a silent oath never to tell a soul her secret.

  They also discussed Taran’s astonishing inclusion in their mission. Taran, she could see, looked concerned and she wondered if he was worried they might resent his presence. However, they merely seemed surprised and she saw him visibly relax when Robin admitted this would be his first diplomatic assignment.

  “You’ve been on a few, though, Bull,” said the Captain. “What can we expect?”

  Bull shrugged. “Almost anything. Marik’s alright in a gloomy kind of way but he’s a reluctant ally and I don’t altogether trust him. Just keep your eyes open and be careful not to give offense.”

  “Why?” asked Taran.

  “Because the Andaryan social structure is different than ours, and it’s easy to make a wrong step. The other thing you have to remember is their attitude toward women. In their eyes, females are only there to propagate the species. They hold no lands or wealth, or power of any kind. Including ours.”

  Rienne frowned. “No power at all? There aren’t any women in the nobility?”

  Bull shook his head. “Andaryans place great store in physical and metaphysical prowess. Generally nobles rise no higher than count unless their power is strong. The metaphysical kind is prized above all, and since the Artesan gift only passes through the male line in the Fifth Realm, it effectively precludes all women.”

  “So why is the Major accepted as the King’s ambassador?” asked Taran.

  Bull grinned wickedly. “Count Marik has had, er, personal experience of her skill at arms. She’s proved herself equal to him or any of his swordsmen. She’s widely respected in the province of Cardon and I would bet there are plenty of other commanders who are aware of her reputation.”

  He sobered. “But still, even she has to abide by Andaryan customs. My advice is to take your cues from her. Just hope and pray that Marik doesn’t have any balls or banquets planned—they can be murder.

  “Now, I’d better go. I’ve got to pack and get down to the horse lines. I’ll see you later.”

  Robin guided the others to the Quartermaster’s office. Rienne felt a bit embarrassed that they were getting their own rooms, but it seemed to be easily arranged. There was a small vacant suite of rooms fairly close to Bull and Robin’s, and it even had an extra room that Taran could use.

  “It’ll feel strange not staying with Bull,” she said. “What can we do to thank him for his hospitality, Robin?”

  The Captain laughed. “Oh, that’s easy. Get him another bottle of liquid poison. I’ll send a runner to Milo’s, if you like.”

  Taran was issued combat leathers by Quartermaster Adyn and Rienne was happy to accept the light blue clothing worn by the healers. Taran was also allocated a russet dress uniform for formal occasions and Rienne shared his astonishment when he, too, was assigned a temporary captain’s rank. They stepped into a curtained-off area to try on their new clothes.

  “Not bad for civilians,” said Robin when they re-emerged, “but I know which of you looks best.”

  Rienne blushed under the handsome Captain’s gaze. She felt very smart in the trim blue uniform and luckily Cal thought so, too.

  Robin obviously caught his admiring look because he said, “If I were you, I’d keep an eye on some of the junior officers, Cal, my lad.” Cal looked startled and Rienne blushed even deeper. “Just remember, both of you,” continued Robin, “you hold rank now, however temporary. Don’t do anything to bring it into ill repute.”

  Rienne and Taran assured him they would be careful. The Quartermaster then presented Taran with a light sword, which the Journeyman buckled onto his sword belt. Rienne was surprised to see Robin take a small and sturdy crossbow, the sort that could be used on horseback. From the way he handled it, she could see he was very familiar with it.

  “We’d better go pack,” Robin said.

  He glanced at Rienne, giving her a special smile. “Will you two be alright while we’re gone?”

  She nodded. “We’ll be fine, Robin. I’m almost looking forward to it. Have you any idea how long you’ll be?”

  “Could be anything from a couple of days to a week, I imagine, depending on what Marik can tell us. But we’ll keep in touch and Taran can practice his link with Cal so you’ll know what’s going on. If you have any problems while we’re away, go to Hanan. She’ll know how to sort it out.

  “Come on, Taran, we’d better pack. Sullyan hates to be kept waiting.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Taran packed quickly and helped his friends move what little gear they had into their new quarters. The rooms were bare but clean and he watched Rienne bustle happily about, planning how to make the place more homely.

  Soon, Robin appeared at the door to collect him. Taran took an apprehensive leave of Cal and Rienne but he knew they would be fine until he returned. He was less confident about his own safety.

  His pack over his shoulder, he fell into step beside Robin. They made their way to the commons, where Robin collected a pack of supplies, probably ordered by the Major. Young Tad fetched it for them and saluted proudly as he handed it over. Both men returned his salute and Taran made a fair job of it, which drew a smile from Robin.

  “Good luck, sirs,” called Tad as they waved a farewell.

  On reaching the main outer doors, they stepped out into an autumnal day bathed in pale sunshine. There was a definite chill in the air and Taran thought he’d be glad of the warm cloak in his pack.

  When they arrived at the horse lines, Bull was already there. His pack lay on the ground next to a large military-style saddle and he was engaged in an animated conversation with a tall, thin, middle-aged man who sported sandy hair and a sullen expression. Bull stood next to a stocky bay stallion that was half-dozing, one hind leg propped. There were only two other stallions beside it, a darker bay and a chestnut with a white face. All three looked powerfully strong.

  As he and Robin came closer, Taran realized the conversation was actually a heated argument.