The Andarian Affair

by Jones, Loren K.

  Charvil smiled as he bowed. “He’s my son-in-law. I’m certain. That does not, however, count the wagons in Evandia. That’s just the wagons he has here and in Kel’Kavin.”

  “Those Trading Houses that the king awarded him,” another of the Councilors muttered. “We should have considered that. Do you know what he’s doing with them?”

  “Two of them were involved in the textile trade,” Charvil answered with a slight bow, “and his manager in Valovad, Corrine Fel’Carvin, is going to continue those contracts as well as she can. The third was a general merchandise trader like Zel’Vandar. That house has been liquidated and the wagons sold or traded for the cargo wagons he needs here.”

  Lord Zel’Kaudell stood again and spoke in a puzzled tone as he said, “I know that name. Is she associated with Madam Elain Fel’Carvin?”

  Charvil bowed his head, then replied, “She is, Lord Zel’Kaudell. Her real name is Elain Fel’Carvin the Seventeenth. The younger Elains go by their middle names until they inherit the, um, family enterprise. It avoids confusion. The current Elain is her grandmother.”

  “Does Friend Stavin know who and what she is?” a woman halfway down the table asked.

  “He does. He and the elder Elain are friends, and King Kalin was the one who arranged for Corrine to manage the House for Stavin.”

  A man at the far end of the table stood and bowed slightly to Lord Zel’Kaudell. “I have a question, if I may?” he waited for a nod of permission before addressing Charvil. “Everything else aside, is Master Stavin going to try and enter into the Kavadian textile trade?”

  Charvil shook his head as he replied, “I don’t know, Sir.”

  The man looked at Lord Zel’Kaudell with his head tilted to the side. “The Wool Weavers are going to be very interested in this young man if he can give us a wedge into the Evandian textile trade.”

  Lord Zel’Kaudell smiled as he nodded his agreement, and noted the nods around the table. “I think all of us are going to be interested in young Master Stavin. Very interested.”

  Chapter 45

  THE ELDERS RETURNED TO THE CARAVAN near sundown. They didn’t say much, but the looks of satisfaction that each of them wore said enough. Charvil caught Stavin’s attention and waved him over.

  “Stavin, Lord Zel’Vandar is sponsoring you to the Aravad Traders’ Council. Zel’Vandar has a property that they are going to sell to you for storing your wagons and animals. They seemed to be anxious to keep our business.”

  Stavin grinned. “I imagine they were.”

  “There’s more,” Charvil said, causing Stavin to tilt his head curiously. “They are going to approach you about trade with and in Evandia. Especially the textile trade.”

  Stavin nodded. “That’s good.” When Charvil looked surprised, he grinned even wider. “It means I can bring Corrine in on this as well. She’s much more experienced than I am.”

  Charvil chuckled. “You should have seen their reaction to finding out who Corrine really is. Your friend Elain is well known up here. And, judging by the expressions of some of the people on the Traders’ Council, feared.”

  Stavin grinned widely at his father-in-law. “If we weren’t friends, I’d be afraid of her, too. Fel’Carvin is one of only five major crime families in Evandia. She’s really more powerful than all but a few of the Chosen clans. King Kalin thinks it’s funny that she and I are friends as well.”

  The evening meal was close to a festival for the warriors. Good food from an inn, and a cask of decent beer, made everyone happy. Even so, Charvil set guards around the camp. Stavin was among the last set.

  Sunrise was met with a morning meal from the same inn that had provided the evening meal. The warriors were still eating when Lord Ahlic arrived, looking for Stavin.

  “Good morning, Friend Stavin. Are you ready to negotiate an agreement for associate membership in the Aravad Trader’s Council?”

  Stavin bowed deeply. “Yes, Sir.”

  Lord Ahlic smiled. “As you were no doubt told, Zel’Vandar is sponsoring you. We own several properties that we are not presently using, and one will do nicely for storing your wagons and animals through the winter. The house burned down long ago, but the warehouse is in good shape and the pasture will comfortably hold over a hundred animals.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Stavin answered. “What is this going to cost me?”

  Lord Ahlic smiled slightly. “We’ll settle for ten gold crowns. We owe you a great deal, but that is the minimum we can sell it for. Otherwise it would be a gift, and we’re not allowed to do that. Not if you’re going to keep Kel’Aniston as a separate house.”

  Stavin’s eyebrows drew down as he looked up at the lord. “I don’t understand, Sir.”

  Lord Ahlic took a deep breath and explained. “Friend Stavin, according to your Elders, you are not interested in becoming a full member of the Aravad Council. As an associate member, you have to have a sponsor, and that is where I come in. I cannot, however, simply give you a property like the one we are discussing. In order for the transfer of ownership to be legal, a reasonable sum must change hands. If we didn’t, then Kel’Aniston would be considered a client of Zel’Vandar, not a separate House.”

  Stavin nodded his understanding, even though he was frowning in confusion. He said, “Yes, Sir,” as he came to attention once again. “May I see the warehouse?”

  “Of course,” Lord Ahlic laughed. “I wouldn’t expect you to buy it sight-unseen. Come along.” He waved toward the gate of the caravansary and Stavin joined him.

  They hadn’t gone five steps before Barvil, Karvik and Charvil joined them. “Going somewhere, Stavin?” Charvil asked.

  “Yes, Sir. Lord Ahlic is going to show me the warehouse he’s offering to Kel’Aniston.”

  Charvil nodded. “We’ll go with you.”

  Stavin didn’t roll his eyes, but it was an effort not to do so. “I think I’m safe with Lord Ahlic, Sir.”

  Charvil smiled. “I think so as well, but I am not going to explain to Shari why I let something happen to you. Your big sister is another reason to keep an eye on you.”

  All Stavin could do was nod and say, “Yes, Sir.”

  “Your family should be involved, Friend Stavin,” Lord Ahlic said as they continued to walk. “If nothing else, they can help you look over the property.”

  It was a long walk to the Zel’Gavak property. The estate, because that was what it really was, was located on the northern side of Aravad. There was a large, long warehouse that looked like a pole-barn that had been walled in, a stable, and a large pasture. All that remained of the manor house was a pair of chimneys and a stone foundation.

  Lord Ahlic motioned toward the warehouse as they approached. “We’ve used the warehouse to store wagons before. The roof and walls are sound, but you might consult with a mage about renewing the anti-pest and anti-rot spells. They are at least ten years old. The stable was meant for twenty horses at most, but you’ve plenty of pasture for the rest of your animals. Your father-in-law,” he glanced at Charvil, “said you have twenty-six wagons. Twin teams?”

  “Yes, Sir,” Stavin answered immediately. “I have a total of fifty-two mules.”

  “There shouldn’t be much trouble then,” Lord Ahlic said as he looked around. “The only issue I can foresee is where your caretakers will live.”

  Stavin said, “I’ll have something built,” as he looked at the remains of the house, “or pay an innkeeper to feed and house them for a year.”

  “That could be very expensive,” Lord Ahlic commented.

  Stavin shrugged. “I’ve spoken to a few families in Kavinston. What I’d really like to do is find someone who has their vest but no House of their own. Someone who can use the wagons through the spring and summer, and bring us our supplies at the thaw and after harvest.”

  “You’re looking for a manager like Corrine,” Charvil said as he looked down at Stavin.

  “Yes, Sir. I have two more years with the expeditions, and there are some other consid
erations as well. We also have to see to Andaria and the annexation before I can devote the necessary time to House Kel’Aniston.”

  Lord Ahlic was looking at Stavin with an odd expression. “Rahlina warned me that your mind works in strange ways. There are numerous Masters who have no House of their own. Most of them don’t own much more than a single wagon and team. You could easily hire the men you are talking about for ten or fifteen percent of the profits from your caravans.” He let loose a harsh bark of laughter. “Even Zel’Vandar has more Masters than caravans.”

  Stavin bowed slightly. “Yes, Sir. Rahlina explained it to me, and we,” he glanced at Karvik and Barvil, “saw why it’s important to have more than one Master with a caravan.”

  Lord Ahlic sighed. “There is that.”

  They had been walking as they talked and went into the warehouse. It was a cavernous building, easily as tall as a three-story house inside. There was a wide central aisle and side wings with lower ceilings as well.

  Stavin was muttering as he looked around. “Add a second floor. Maybe a third. Add some windows. Arrange the wagons along the sides.” He looked around and smiled. “This will do nicely.”

  Lord Ahlic chuckled, drawing his attention. “You think on your feet, Friend Stavin. That’s an excellent quality in a Master Trader.” He waved toward the stables. “You’ll have to arrange shelter for more of your animals. Someplace to store fodder for them will also have to be arranged.”

  Stavin was looking at the stables, but his eyes were slightly unfocused. “Expand to the sides. Lean-tos.” He looked back at the warehouse. “Store the fodder in the wagons.” He blinked and smiled up at Lord Ahlic. “I need to talk to some builders, Sir.”

  Lord Ahlic laughed and led them back into town. They went to the Zel’Vandar House first and finalized the contract between Zel’Vandar and Kel’Aniston. Stavin paid the ten gold crowns for the property, and received the deed in return.

  The four warriors ate the mid day meal with the Zel’Vandars, then Lord Ahlic led them to the Woodsmen. House Zel’Sycamin was owned by another ancient Clan, and had been named for a type of tree that had grown in the hills around Lux. The butler led them directly to Lord Valtan Zel’Sycamin. The lord smiled and approached Ahlic immediately.

  “Ahlic, it’s good to see you. Is this young Master Stavin?” he asked, looking at Stavin’s golden armor under his Master Trader’s vest.

  “It is, Valtan. He needs some building done on the property he just bought.”

  Lord Valtan looked at Stavin and bowed his head slightly. “What can House Zel’Sycamin do for you, Master Stavin?”

  “Sir, I want to add two floors inside the warehouse. Make it into something like a two-story house, with the open warehouse on the bottom.” He paused and shrugged. “I guess that makes it three stories, doesn’t it? I also want to expand the stables out to the sides to accommodate about sixty mules and horses.”

  “I am familiar with the property. What you want to do is quite feasible. But not inexpensive. I’d estimate at least one hundred and twenty crowns.”

  Stavin looked at him and countered with, “Seventy-five.”

  Lord Valtan shook his head. “This is not negotiable. I’m not going to make much, if any, profit. I’m sure Ahlic can confirm that, if you wish. You see, Master Stavin, we want you here for many reasons.”

  Stavin took a moment to think, then said, “Very well, Lord Zel’Sycamin. I will have to go to the Gold Merchants.”

  “Friend Stavin,” Lord Ahlic said softly, “I think you have made an excellent decision. And Zel’Vandar will be paying close attention to the work to ensure your investment is given the attention it deserves.” He looked at his childhood friend and smiled. Kel’Aniston might be new and unknown, but Zel’Vandar was a power to be respected in Aravad.

  They left House Zel’Sycamin and Lord Ahlic said, “Friend Stavin, I must leave you to your own devices now. I have a meeting with several of my fellows to attend.”

  Stavin and the others bowed deeply to Lord Ahlic. “Thank you for your assistance, Lord Ahlic.” Lord Ahlic returned the bow, then hurried away.

  “It’s nearly time to pick up the supplies, Stavin,” Barvil pointed out, and they returned to the caravansary. It only took a few moments to hitch the teams, then Stavin led them to the Grain Merchants.

  It was nearly dark by the time the wagons were loaded. Once they returned to the caravansary, Charvil set extra guards. Stavin was again on the last set, and once again watched the sun rise over Aravad.

  All of the warriors devoured the morning meal like ravenous wolves, then hitched their teams. The sun was no more than three spans above the horizon when Stavin led them out of the caravansary and Aravad. He stopped briefly at House Zel’Sycamin and almost casually counted out the full one hundred and twenty crowns, and smiled as he bowed to seven members of the Builder’s family. Lord Valtan returned the bow with a smile of his own.

  “Rest assured, Master Stavin, that we will provide you with everything you’ve paid for.”

  The caravan made it back to Kavinston in just thirteen days. Fortunately, there were plenty of willing hands to unload the wagons, so all the drivers had to do was park the empty wagons and let the teams loose in the pasture.

  Chapter 46

  STAVIN FOUND SHARI IN THE CLASS room, and Marina was there as well. This class was made up exclusively of twelve-year-old girls, and Stavin froze at the doorway. He cleared his throat to get Shari’s attention and said, “I’m back, Shari. Hello, Princess Marina.”

  Shari walked over to the doorway and kissed him, then put her hand on his chest. “Go get cleaned up. We’ll be along in a little while.”

  Princess Marina seconded those instructions. “Dahvin and I will be joining you for the evening meal, Stavin. We need to have a discussion about some news I received while you were gone. Now excuse us. This is a women’s class.” Marina gave him a slight push, and he retreated down the hall as the room erupted in giggles.

  Stavin was clean and properly dressed by the time Shari and Marina led Sallin and Dahvin into their little house. Sallin handed Karlin over to Stavin, then went to the kitchen to begin fixing the evening meal.

  Stavin nuzzled Karlin, making him laugh. “Oh, Karli, you’re getting so big!” he said in delight, and laughed again as Karlin grabbed at his hair. At two and a half, Karlin was a big boy in his daddy’s arms.

  “Welcome back, Stave,” Dahvin said as he walked into the library. Stavin had commissioned a long, low table and five comfortable chairs for their library because of the number of impromptu meetings that were being held there. Stavin and Shari shared a bison-hide upholstered love seat with Karlin between them, while Marina and Dahvin each chose over-stuffed chairs opposite them.

  “How was your trip?” Shari asked as they settled down with their hips touching.

  “It went well. We have a warehouse, stables, and pasture in Aravad for the wagons and mules. I also arranged for living quarters for about thirty people to be built into the top of the warehouse for our caretakers and the guards that the Elders are going to assign to winter there each year.”

  “What did you find out about the missing men?” Dahvin asked.

  “Conscripted by the Andarian Army.”

  Dahvin and Marina shared a look, then Marina spoke. “Stavin, I received a message from my father not long after the wagons left. The Andarian Army is still entrenched on the banks of the upper Zel’Horgan. They have fortified their position and are all but daring us to dig them out.”

  “We aren’t willing to spend that many lives,” Dahvin continued, “so it’s come down to a battle of wills as much as men.”

  Stavin sighed and shook his head. “This is disrupting the entire region. Does King Kalin have any ideas on how to break the stalemate?”

  Marina nodded and let her eyes drop. “He wants you to do it.”

  “Me? Or the Warriors of Kel’Kavin?”

  “You, Stavin,” Marina replied, looking into his ey
es again. “Specifically, Stavin Dragon Blessed. The Andarians are more superstitious than we are about the status of the Dragon Blessed. One of the leaders of their army is Shovar Zel’Hallan.”

  “Amarna’s grandfather,” Stavin said softly.

  Marina nodded. “He has a sword that’s like your Dragon’s Tongue. It’s blue, though. Deep blue, like a mountain lake, but it gleams like metal. Supposedly, it will cut through any armor, and the man inside it.”

  “Does King Kalin expect me to fight him?” Stavin asked in a harsh whisper. At Marina’s nod, he cursed. “Has anyone ever pitted two Dragon Gifts against one another? Do we have any idea what would happen?”

  “No, we don’t know, Stavin,” Marina admitted. “What we do know is that Shovar is on the high side of fifty, though he’s said to still be a formidable warrior. He was a Swordmaster of the Eldinvale School before he was Dragon Blessed.”

  “A challenge,” Stavin said as he looked at the wall behind Marina and Dahvin. “Champion to champion, with the fate of the kingdom in the balance.”

  “I’m sorry, Stavi,” Marina murmured. Dahvin led her out of the house while Stavin and Shari huddled against one another. They all knew what the outcome could easily be.

  * * *

  Princess Marina summoned the Elders’ Council early the next day. When they were seated, she looked each of them in the eye and ended up staring at Chief Elder Kel’Kaffrey.

  “Gentlemen,” she began softly, “Evandia is in crisis. It is my father’s wish that Stavin Dragon Blessed go south to face off against the Andarian Army as Evandia’s Champion. It is his hope, and mine as well, that we can avoid slaughtering thousands of men by presenting Stavin as a challenger to their champion.”

  “You’re sending Stavin to his death,” Charvil all but snarled as his eyebrows came down in anger.

  Marina said, “We hope not,” as she looked down at the table and clasped her hands in front of her. She looked at the Council and focused on Chief Elder Kel’Kaffrey again before continuing. “It is because of this that I am doing something now that we had hoped to avoid doing at all.” She turned and motioned Dahvin forward, and he handed her a scroll. “This parchment changes Stavin’s name to Zel’Andral. He is now a prince of Evandia, and as of this moment he is my heir.” She paused as she looked around, and irreverently wondered how long they could continue sitting there without breathing.