The Andarian Affair

by Jones, Loren K.

  Stavin and Dahvin returned to their seats, and Dahvin grinned broadly. “Good bluff.”

  “I wasn’t bluffing, but I remember what you and Sarvan told me last year about the games in court. It would have taken a lot to get me to draw on him.”

  “You said you couldn’t use a sword,” Dahvin whispered in an angry tone.

  Stavin nodded. “Last year. I’ve had all winter under Warmaster Kel’Carin, as well as almost daily lessons from Warmaster Kel’Horval on the way down here.” Stavin grimaced slightly as he caressed the hilt of the knife. “I managed a touch against Charvil on the way down or he wouldn’t have let me wear it.”

  “Could you have really taken all three of them?” Lady Glora asked.

  Stavin shrugged. “It depends on how good they are. Besides, they weren’t armed.”

  “Yes, they were,” Dahvin said in a hushed tone. “Their canes conceal swords.”

  Stavin shrugged again. “I would have taken two with knives and the third with this silly thing.” He patted the jeweled hilt of the big knife and grinned at his friend. “I’ve killed real swordsmen with knives, Dahvin.”

  “We’re going to hit the practice ground tomorrow, Stavin.”

  The serving girl returned and Dahvin looked up. “Jaellan, I think we’ll eat here tonight. Are you serving the prime bison?”

  Jaellan bowed and replied, “We are, Lord Zel’Fordal.”

  “Then a thick rare slab for me,” Dahvin replied with a grin.

  Jaellan looked at Lady Glora next. “Medium for me, but not so much.” She spread her hands across her belly and sighed. “Some of us have to watch what we eat.”

  Jaellan shifted her attention to Stavin and he said, “I like meat rare, please,” in a timid tone.

  “I’ll be right back, lords and lady,” Jaellan said as she bowed and backed away.

  “Jaellan,” Lady Glora said before the girl could leave, “steamed vegetables and tubers for all three of us. And another round of drinks,” she added as she held up her glass. Jaellan bowed again and backed away.

  “I’ll bet a silver crown no one has ever said please to her before,” Dahvin said as he grinned at Lady Glora.

  Lady Glora let loose a most un-ladylike snort. “No bet.”

  “Did I do something wrong?” Stavin asked.

  Dahvin replied, “No, Stavin. Not wrong, but certainly unusual.”

  Lady Glora nodded. “Servants are to be commanded, not given requests. Requests are for friends and family.”

  “That would be very hard for me to get used to, Lady Glora,” Stavin said as he shook his head slowly. “I’ve had servants before, but commanding them was out of the question.”

  “How so?” she asked as Jaellan returned with their food and drinks.

  Stavin spent most of the meal explaining how the Kel’Carin family had come to be his servants and the complications that situation had engendered for the entire community. And what he’d done about it when they left on his first expedition. At the end, he said, “It was such a relief when Barvil won his fourth star and the council returned his honor. Then I could go back to just being me.”

  “That’s absolutely incredible,” Dahvin said as he gazed intently at Stavin.

  Lady Glora was nodding her agreement. “If anyone else told me something like that, I’m not sure I would believe them. You gave him back his entire household? You could have kept it and just released him and his family.”

  Stavin nodded as he chewed a piece of his meal. “I never wanted it, so giving it back was no hardship. And after the season we’d just had, I really didn’t need it. Besides, that’s Karvik’s house. I couldn’t even imagine taking it away from him, and I certainly didn’t want to.”

  Dahvin was shaking his head slowly. “Anyone else I’d call a liar, but you, my friend, I just have to call unique. How do you like the prime?”

  “This is so good,” Stavin managed to say between bites.

  “It’s the house specialty. They serve it every night.”

  Lady Glora had been looking at Stavin with her lips pursed and finally said, “We’re going to have several discussions about what your life is like at home, Stavin. From your comments, it is very different from what most of us assume to be true.”

  The rest of the evening was quiet, and the two men escorted Lady Glora back to the palace late. No one accosted them, and they went to their rooms after Dahvin and Glora had shared a long parting kiss.

  Once Lady Glora was in her family’s suite, Stavin and Dahvin walked back to the Guard’s Barracks. “Dahvin, forgive me if I’m overstepping, but when are you going to marry Lady Glora?”

  “We’ve been officially betrothed for seven moons. I asked just after you left last year. In six moons our year will be completed and we can get married.”

  Stavin looked up at his tall friend and shook his head. “That’s a long time to wait.”

  “How long did you have to wait?” Dahvin asked.

  Stavin shook his head and chuckled. “A span. Maybe less.”

  “What?” Dahvin asked as he laughed.

  “We hold to the old ways,” Stavin said as he grinned up at the young lord. “I asked for Shari, Charvil said yes, then we went and told her about it.”

  “What if she didn’t like you?”

  Stavin nodded. “I gave her the right of refusal without reservation. But I knew she liked me before I asked. She and my big sister Sora are best friends. My parents were sure about us as well.”

  “So, by nightfall of the day you asked, you were married. That’s incredible.”

  They had reached their room and both busied themselves removing their armor. When Stavin had stripped down to only his bath-sheet, Dahvin shook his head. “You really are a tiny guy, Stavin.”

  Stavin grunted his agreement. “I haven’t grown more than a finger since I was ten. Damn fever.”

  “It’s a good thing everyone knows you’re so dangerous,” Dahvin said as he wrapped a bath-sheet around his waist. “Little guys get picked on. It’s a dishonorable thing to do, but it’s done.”

  “At home as well,” Stavin said with a sigh. Then he grinned. “But as you said, I’m dangerous. And fast.”

  They made their way to the bathing room, and Stavin was pleasantly surprised to find that the Royal Guards enjoyed plentiful hot water, as well as a variety of fine soaps. The night passed quietly, and Stavin found his bed to be as good as any he’d ever slept in.

  Chapter 10

  MORNING WAS ANNOUNCED BY A KNOCK on the door and a man’s voice saying, “Four spans till first light, sirs.”

  Stavin was up in an instant and dressed in his under padding a moment later. He was squirming into his mail when Dahvin’s sleepy voice asked, “What are you doing? We’re off watch.”

  Stavin looked over his shoulder, for the first time realizing that Dahvin hadn’t even started to get up. “I’m hungry.”

  “But why are you putting on your armor?”

  Stavin looked at him and shrugged. “I don’t have anything else.”

  Dahvin made a rude noise and rolled over, pulling his blanket over his shoulder. Stavin just smiled and continued dressing. He contented himself with under padding and mail, leaving his plate on the stand, then left the room as quietly as he could.

  Stavin made his way to the dining hall and through the serving line with nothing more serious than a raised eyebrow being directed at him. He sat at the officer’s table and began eating, but a man soon asked, “Who are you?”

  “Lieutenant Stavin Kel’Aniston.”

  The other man, another lieutenant, shook his head. “I didn’t think you’d be here. I thought you’d be with the lords and ladies of the court.”

  Stavin shook his head. “No one said anything other than we have weapon’s drill and physical training today.”

  “You’ve been assigned to Snow Cat?” a different lieutenant asked.

  “Yes, for the time I’m here.”

  “What’s that mean?” a capt
ain asked from the other side of the table.

  “It means he’s only going to be here for about twenty days,” Captain Zel’Astel said as he sat down. “His commander took another contract, and Lieutenant Kel’Aniston was assigned to me for the duration of his stay.” Focusing his attention on Stavin, he said, “I’ve made arrangements for you to demonstrate your skill with your weapon against some of our men. I couldn’t find a real Dragon’s Tongue, but the armory has cut down a good quarterstaff to match your Dragon’s Tongue as a substitute.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Stavin said between bites.

  After the morning meal, which Dahvin finally showed up for, Captain Zel’Astel had his men and women form up for exercise. It was a long bout, but Stavin had no trouble keeping up or completing the forms, even in his mail. Once everyone was breathing normally again, Captain Zel’Astel addressed his guards.

  “Most of you are aware that Friend Lieutenant Stavin Kel’Aniston has joined us. He is going to work with us on our defense against staff weapons, since that is his specialty. First, I’d like Sergeant Zel’Karyn to come up here and face off against the lieutenant.” There was a murmur among the guards as a tall young man made his way to the front.

  Captain Zel’Astel turned to Stavin. “The good sergeant is our watch sword champion. I’d like to see how you do against him with a staff.”

  Stavin bowed slightly as he said, “Yes, Sir.” He retrieved the staff from near the door while the sergeant was picking up a practice sword. They met in the circle, and Stavin bowed slightly once again. “When you are ready, Sergeant.”

  The sergeant struck immediately, but Stavin was ready, intercepting the strike easily and striking back. The sergeant sprang back as the bottom end of the staff struck his knee. “If that had been a Dragon’s Tongue, you’d be short a leg. Again.”

  This time the sergeant launched a flurry of strikes that kept Stavin busy for a moment, but when the tempo slowed, Stavin struck again, driving the end of the staff into the sergeant’s belly, but he pulled the blow so it did little more than startle the man. “You’re gutted and slowly dying.”

  The sergeant was looking back and forth between Stavin and his sword with a puzzled expression on his face, but he attacked again almost immediately. Stavin demonstrated the extra power that two hands on the staff gave him and drove the sword from the sergeant’s hand. He jabbed to land a light touch on the sergeant’s chest and said, “You just died.”

  Captain Zel’Astel was shaking his head slowly. “I never would have believed it if I hadn’t seen it.”

  Lieutenant Zel’Fordal stepped forward and came to attention. “Sir, permission to speak.”

  “Say what’s on your mind, Lieutenant,” the captain replied.

  “Sir, Lieutenant Kel’Aniston is an expert with his weapon of choice. While Sergeant Zel’Karyn has won thirteen bouts as champion, Lieutenant Kel’Aniston has killed forty-nine men in combat.”

  “Forty-nine?” the sergeant asked in a stunned tone, then hurriedly added, “Sir?”

  “Yes,” Stavin answered.

  “In what span of time?” the captain asked.

  Stavin snapped to attention before answering. “Two summers with the expeditions, Sir.”

  Captain Zel’Astel shared a look with his men, then nodded. “Perhaps you will be able to teach us something. I wasn’t sure of the wisdom of teaching our people to defend against staff weapons, but you just scored three unanswered strikes against the best swordsman in the section. Dahvin,” he said, pointing to the side. Lieutenant Zel’Fordal retrieved Stavin’s Dragon’s Tongue and brought it to the captain. After examining it for a moment, he held it aloft.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” he said loudly as he looked at his guards, “this is what you are going to learn how to defend against. The Andarian Army still uses Dragon’s Tongues, so there is a chance that you will one day face someone like the lieutenant, though we can only hope they are not as skilled. Gather around the circle and pay close attention.” Turning to Stavin, he said, “Lieutenant, begin again with the sergeant. If you can, explain what you are doing and why, as well as how to counter your attacks.”

  The captain couldn’t have given Stavin a better opening, and he engaged his Lecturing Scribe mode as he ran through the attacks and counters with the sergeant. He spoke almost continuously for the rest of morning, but by the mid day meal he was nodding in approval as he and the sergeant sparred once again. The sergeant didn’t land a blow, but he managed to keep Stavin from landing a blow for nearly a span.

  Stavin stepped back as the sergeant grimaced and shook his head. “That was very good, Sergeant. Most real combat is over in just a few breaths. That’s something that you,” he raised his voice to the onlookers, “all of you need to remember. When it’s for real, don’t spar. Kill your opponent and move on. Don’t waste time and energy being fancy.”

  “That is advice that only a true combat veteran could give, people,” Captain Zel’Astel said in a loud voice. “Listen to it. Dismissed.” The captain smiled as he put a hand on Stavin’s shoulder. “Return your weapon to the armory and come eat. After seeing this demonstration, I think you’re going to be a very busy young man while you’re here. All of the watch sections are going to need the same instructions.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Stavin said, snapping to attention. He retrieved his Dragon’s Tongue from Dahvin and the two lieutenants walked to the armory.

  “That was impressive, Stavin,” Dahvin said once they were alone. “I thought the sergeant was going to get you a few times, but you kept him off easily.”

  “I was holding back there at the end,” Stavin admitted. “He was doing so well that I didn’t want to discourage him. Any of my students from last winter could have killed him with ease.”

  “If you were really fighting, how long would he last?” Dahvin asked.

  “Long enough to know he was going to die. About as long as it takes to draw a breath.”

  * * *

  After the mid day meal, the tailor’s apprentice came looking for Stavin. “Your pardon, Friend Stavin,” he said with a deep bow. “Master Fel’Hordan requests your presence so he can check the fit of some of your clothes.”

  Stavin looked at Dahvin, then nodded and stepped toward the apprentice. “Is there anything else I need to be doing right now, Lieutenant Zel’Fordal?”

  “No, Lieutenant Kel’Aniston, go ahead and see if the good tailor can get you something for tonight. Princess Marina wants you to join her for the evening meal.”

  Stavin bowed slightly, then walked away with the apprentice. At the tailor shop, Stavin stood where and how Master Fel’Hordan requested. “There now, Friend Stavin, this will fit you nicely. Yes indeed.”

  “Master Fel’Hordan, is there any way something could be ready today?” Stavin asked as the tailor and his apprentice removed the pinned clothing from his back. “Princess Marina has invited me to dine with her tonight.”

  “Oh, indeed! Yes, we can’t have you wearing armor to sup with the princess,” Master Fel’Hordan said. “I’ll need you to stay here for a short time, though.”

  “I’ve been told that I’m not going to be needed anytime soon, and Lieutenant Zel’Fordal knows where I am if something comes up, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

  The tailor and his apprentice were joined by two young boys, and they sewed very rapidly as far as Stavin was concerned. Much faster than his sisters. They concentrated on just three pieces of clothing: a vest in deep blue velvet, a shirt in peacock blue silk, and black trousers that were going to fit Stavin like a glove. Fortunately, he’d purchased new boots from Jorvan Kel’Chamlin at the end of the winter, so all they needed to be presentable was a quick shine, which Master Fel’Hordan had one of his younger apprentices do once the vest was completed.

  It took most of twelve spans to complete the garments, and Master Fel’Hordan was smiling broadly as Stavin put them on the last time. “Yes, that will do nicely,” he said as Stavin stepped down.

 
; Stavin looked in a mirror and had to agree. “I look like a peacock,” he said with a laugh. “I should fit in with the young lords just fine.” Stavin had the tailors help him back into his armor for the walk back to the palace, much to Master Fel’Hordan’s chagrin, but he wasn’t about to go walking the streets dressed like that. Someone might see him.

  He returned to his room and found Dahvin already dressed in a fine outfit. “Were you able to get something to wear to Marina’s little party?”

  Stavin nodded. “Yes, and I look just as much like a peacock as you do,” he replied with a laugh. “I’ve got to wash up first. The tailors didn’t say anything, but I caught a whiff of myself a few times. I should have washed after working out with the sergeant.”

  “Well, hurry. She doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”

  Stavin took a quick rinse in the bathing room and then got dressed. Dahvin was nodding in satisfaction once he put his boots on. “Very nice. You still look like a child, but at least you’re a nicely dressed child.”

  Stavin looked up at him and shook his head. “It’s a good thing for you that I like you so much, Dahvin.”

  The two made their way to the princess’ suite and were passed through without comment by the guards. Several people were already there, including Sarvan and Ehrwan.

  The princess was the first to see them and she smiled broadly as she walked over to them. “Stavin, you look wonderful,” she said as he went to one knee. “I told you that you don’t have to do that anymore.”

  “Yes, Your Highness, but I don’t know who everyone here is,” he said as he glanced around. “I don’t want anyone to think I’m showing you any disrespect.”

  “You’re among friends here, Stavin,” Sarvan said as he and Ehrwan joined them.

  “He’s cautious,” Dahvin said as Glora walked over and grabbed his arm.

  “He’s gorgeous,” she said as she looked him over. “Master Fel’Hordan does good work.”

  “You went to Master Randav?” Ehrwan asked in a delighted tone as she smiled widely. “He’s father’s favorite, though he overcharges outrageously. But he does do good work.”