That night Rahlina collected Barvil and Stavin for a conference with Lord Davan. Both of them were shocked by the change in the elderly lord. He seemed to have aged ten years in just two days.
Lord Davan waved them to seats in his study, and spoke softly. "Warmaster Barvil, Master Trader Stavin, the tragedy of this season is taxing me terribly. I won't be here much longer. Live or die, I'm turning Zel'Vandar over to my son, Ahlic." He indicated a man of about Barvil's age sitting by the fire. "Stavin, you did more than you know for us this season. If you return next season, you'll earn Third Master's pay with any caravan you join. Just be sure to bring your vest." He paused as his once robust frame was wracked by a coughing fit.
Rahlina stepped forward then and both men smiled when they saw her vest. "I was granted my vest this morning. Uncle Ahlic decided that the last half of our voyage was sufficient indication of my fitness."
Stavin looked past Rahlina to Ahlic Zel'Vandar and bowed his head deeply. "She deserves it. She spent a lot of time teaching me what a Master Trader needs to know."
Lord Ahlic nodded, but remained in his chair. "That was part of our reason for granting her the vest even without Sahren's final evaluation. What she, and you, went through was a far harsher test than most of our masters ever face."
Barvil looked at Lord Davan then and bowed his head. "Lord Zel'Vandar, I would like to wait here for some of our other groups to return before heading home."
Lord Davan looked over at his son and nodded, so it was Lord Ahlic who replied. "You are welcome. We don't expect another caravan back for ten or so days, though. You returned fifteen days early, but returning at all was a remarkable feat given your circumstances. The Zel'Vandar bunkhouses will remain open to you and your people."
Barvil and Stavin bowed deeply, then Rahlina escorted them out.
The next morning Stavin approached Barvil. "Sir, I'd like to go into town and visit the gold merchants. Can I take Farval and Sharvit?"
Barvil nodded. "Take Orkahn as well, and go in full armor. You're still a very tempting target."
Stavin bowed and left without further comment. The four warriors marched through the city, but Stavin steered them away from the Gold Merchant's Chapter House, and toward the shop next door. "Not a word to Barvil or Karvik," he said as he turned to face his friends.
"What are you pulling, Stave?" Sharvit asked.
Stavin grinned and explained his plan to his friends. By the time he was finished, all three of them were grinning from ear to ear.
Chapter 29
THE WARRIORS HAD TO WAIT TWELVE days for the next caravan. It turned out to be the one mastered by Sahren's brother, Landon. Stavin found him the second day after they returned.
"Master Landon?" he said as he looked into the office where the master traders did their paperwork.
"Master Stavin," Landon said, motioning toward a chair. "I understand that you did well after you took over."
Stavin bowed his head. "I am sorry for your loss, Master Landon. Your sister was my friend, and it was my honor to bring her caravan home again."
"I suppose you're wondering about your delivery to Lord General Zel'Enred?" Landon asked. When Stavin nodded he continued. "I stayed around for a moment after I delivered the box, and your friend the general was doing a fine imitation of a child with a treat. He thanked me profusely, paid me a silver crown, then vanished into his quarters. The troopers were highly amused."
Stavin nodded his head deeply. "Thank you, Master Landon."
"Stavin," Landon began, then paused and cleared his throat. "Stavin, we all owe you a debt for what you did."
Stavin shook his head slowly. "Rahlina paid that debt by taking me under her wing and teaching me as much as she could. Kethlan and Sahren, Angeleese and Damlan, all of your family made what I did possible."
Stavin left Landon then and went to find Karvik. He wasn't surprised to find his friend eating. "You're going to get fat," he laughed as Karvik looked up.
"Are you kidding?" Karvik asked, then raised his shirt. His ribs were showing. "I must have lost two stone while I was down."
Stavin laughed. It was such a relief having Karvik back to normal. "Well, Warleader Kel'Carin," he began with a grin, "why don't we grab some company and go to the Stag for something better than sausage and cheese?"
Karvik said, "Help me armor up," as he stuffed the last of his snack into his mouth.
* * *
The warriors waited three more days before heading out. Two more caravans returned during that time, so it was a large contingent that left Aravad. The single wagon Stavin had bought was joined by three more. They were older wagons, but not much cheaper, and the teams cost just as much. Stavin also had to make another trip to the Gold Merchants before they left. Barvil didn't even hesitate before he granted permission, and Stavin took the same three warriors with him as the first time.
Thirty wagons rolled out of Aravad early the next morning, and continued unmolested north to Markavia Cross. Of the forty-four warriors that the four groups had started with, only six had been lost. It was a blow to Barvil that his group had lost the most, and he allowed the other veterans to lead, choosing to stay back and watch instead.
Fourteen days after leaving Aravad, four wagons and thirty eight warriors reached the gap in the Kel'Kavin crater wall. "Ho, what's this?" a voice shouted, and soon four men walked out to greet them. "What are you bringing home this time?" one of them asked.
"Just some extra supplies for the winter," one of the other veterans replied.
The sentries passed them through and signaled Kavinston. Literally hundreds of people were waiting as the warriors returned home. It took a while for the shouting to die down, and the families who had lost their sons and husbands drifted away to mourn in private.
Stavin was out of his saddle as soon as he saw Shari, but he stumbled to a stop when he saw the bundle in her arms. Shari smiled and uncovered the baby's face. "Stavin, meet your son, Karlin."
Stavin stepped forward cautiously and looked at the sleeping face of his first child. "He's perfect," he breathed, then smiled up into Shari's eyes. "How are you?"
"I'm fine. A little tired, maybe. He eats a lot." She grinned and looked down at her child. "He is sleeping more, now."
Stavin carefully took her in his arms and kissed her, then kissed the top of the baby's head. "I had another good season, Shari."
"How good?"
"Warleader Fifth with forty-nine kills."
Sharindis smiled broadly, but remained calm. Little Karlin was a light sleeper. "How much did you bring back this time?"
"A lot," he answered. "It'll wait. We brought back another wagon load of supplies. Unfortunately, we didn't bring back Marvat, Vardik, or Aldric."
Sharindis caught her lip between her teeth. Vardik was her cousin, and they had been close when they were little. "You didn't get hurt again, did you?" she asked in a shaky voice.
"Yes, but nothing like last year. It will wait." He turned to find his parents and siblings surrounding them.
Marinis was the first to react to his scar. "What the hells happened to your face?" she blurted out.
"Your face?" Shari asked, moving closer.
"It's all right," Stavin assured them. "It wasn't very deep and my eye is fine."
"How did it happen?" Sora asked. She was holding her son and smiled when Stavin craned his neck to see the baby.
"An ax. It didn't make it much past my helmet, and Rahlina killed him with my Dragon's Tongue when I went down."
Sharindis asked, "Who is Rahlina?"
"The granddaughter of Master Trader Sahren. She's got her own Master Trader's credentials now."
Barvil chose that moment to raise his voice. "Listen up! We've got to unload these wagons before everyone disperses."
Karlin and Noral both awoke with squalling cries, and Barvil was treated to a pair of poisonous glares from their mothers as he cringed from the noise. He smiled apologetically and said, "My apologies, Shari. Sora." He c
ringed again as Karlin let out a particularly shrill scream.
Karvik let go of Orana enough to say, "Stave, take Shari and the babies home. We'll deliver your stuff once everyone else is done unloading."
Stavin nodded and led Sharindis away while Sora and the rest of his family followed behind them. Once they had settled in the family room and both babies were happily slurping at their mothers’ breasts, Stavin told the story of his second expedition.
Karlit and Marinis sat in stunned silence as Stavin told the tale of the cursed amulets, and what he'd done in order to get them cleansed. Marinis wiped a tear from the corner of her eye when he was done.
"Oh, Stavi, that's horrible," was all she said.
"It took me a long time to come to terms with it. King Kalin seemed to understand, and Marina said I had only done what I had to. But still," he paused and shook his head.
"Don't you mean Princess Marina, son?" Karlit asked.
"Yes, Sir. But after the assassination attempt, Princess Marina told me not to be formal with her in private anymore. Lord Dahvin Zel'Fordal said the same thing."
"What assassination attempt?" Shari asked.
"I'm getting ahead of myself a bit. Anyway, we headed south early and ended up in Barren's Bridge." He told them about the attack, and there were tears sliding down his face when he told them about Kethlan and Sahren. Then he told them about Valovad, and his voice took on an iron-hard tone.
"I founded the Kel'Aniston Trading House so I could bring the caravan home. I came close to slaughtering those fools. Then we went to Twin Bridges again, and I got between the king and an assassin." He opened his saddle bags and pulled out his cape. "I was made a lieutenant in the Evandian Royal Guard as a reward. The king said something about giving me the Zel'Candan titles and lands, but I guess he could see how frightening that was to me, so he just gave me the commission instead."
Stavin continued his story until there was a knock at the door. Karlit answered it, and found Karvik waiting. "I've brought Stavin's wagon and goods. The other three wagons should be here soon."
"Four wagons?" Karlit asked as he looked at his son.
"The first wagons of the Kel'Aniston Trading House, Dad."
Stavin joined his father and brothers unloading the wagon. The other three arrived while they were working, and the four of them drove the wagons around to where the town kept their supply wagons. "You're going to have to pay for feeding your mules through the winter, Stavin," Karlit said as they unhitched the teams. "You're only allotted feed for one horse."
Stavin nodded. "I know."
The next day Stavin joined Barvil and the rest of his companions facing the council. Another group was there before them, and Stavin suppressed a laugh when he saw Harner. The big youth, with his big plans and bigger mouth, had a single white stripe on his shoulder. He also had a nasty scar across his face, running from the corner of his right eye to the corner of his mouth.
Barvil led his men forward and recited their kill totals, ending with Tavan. "Tavan Kel'Vorash claims six kills and his first red stripe," he concluded as Tavan laid out the weapons of the men he'd killed.
Charvil had sat in silence through the whole proceeding. Now he leaned forward and glared at his cousin. "Are we going to start the competition again, Bar?"
"I think we are, Char," Barvil agreed.
Charvil grinned. "Then I guess I'll be the one taking him out next spring."
Barvil chuckled. "Well, you are behind by one."
Chief Elder Kel'Davin shook his head slowly. "Haven't you two outgrown this yet?"
Both men grinned, then laughed. "Apparently not, Sorval," Barvil answered.
"Well, I have. You two can work out the details with whoever takes over as Chief Elder. I've served my time, and now I'm going to retire gracefully."
"You'll be missed," Barvil said as the other Elders nodded their agreement.
Chapter 30
STAVIN WAITED UNTIL THE NEXT DAY before he took his family over to visit the Kel'Carin household. Sahrena met them at the door. "Welcome, my friends," she said as she smiled. "Shari, let me have little Karlin," she continued, and Sharindis let her take the baby. "Oh, you're growing so fast!" she cooed, and Karlin burbled up at her.
Just a few moments later there was another knock at the door. Karvik looked at his mother, then went and opened the door. Charvil and Nahrana walked in with a smile, then they both laughed when they saw Sahrena.
"I told you she'd be holding the baby," Charvil said to his wife, making everyone laugh.
The door had hardly closed before there was another knock. This time it was Karlit and Marinis. "Come in, please," Karvik said, stepping aside to let them pass. He looked outside to see if anyone else was coming before he closed the door this time.
Barvil had joined them by then and was looking around curiously. "What's the occasion, my friends?" he asked, and everyone looked at Stavin.
Stavin stepped forward, but he was facing Sahrena, not Barvil. "Sahrena, six years ago, when Shari lost her vision, Barvil went to the low lands and bought her a magnifying crystal. Nahrana tells me that she hasn't seen your diamond and emerald brooch since then. Karvik confirmed that Barvil sold it to buy Shari's crystal. I wasn't able to find your brooch to return it to you, so I had this made instead." He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small wooden box. Marinis came forward and took Karlin so Sahrena could hold the box.
Sahrena opened the box and caught her breath. Nestled in blue velvet was a heavy gold amulet, with the Kel'Carin glyph picked out in emerald chips, and circled by diamonds. "Oh, Stavin," Sahrena breathed. "Thank you so much, but I can't accept this. This should go to Shari, or your mother."
Stavin chuckled and looked over his shoulder. Marinis, Nahrana, and Sharindis had pulled similar amulets from inside their dresses. Marinis' amulet had the Kel'Aniston glyph picked out in ruby. Nahrana's amulet had the Kel'Horval glyph picked out in sapphire. Sharindis' amulet had the Kel'Aniston glyph in diamond.
"You sneaky little bastard," Karvik muttered from where he was standing with his arm around Orana.
Stavin chuckled. "We had time in Aravad, and I couldn't think of anything else to do with them, so I had a goldsmith melt them down and remake them."
"Stavin I--" Sahrena began, but her voice failed her and she turned to bury her face in Barvil's shoulder.
"You are very welcome, Sahrena," Stavin said, then left with the rest of his family. Once they were outside, he chuckled and said, "She took that better than I thought she would."
Now it was Charvil's turn to laugh. "She's not as tough as she can appear sometimes, Stavin. It's an act to hide how sensitive she really is."
Everyone laughed, then went their separate ways.
* * *
Stavin returned to his work in the Archive, but he had new duties as well. Instead of reporting to practice every third day, he reported to the practice ground to teach. Barvil, as the new Warmaster, met him when he arrived the first day.
"Stavin, you'll be teaching again this winter. Only two of our first-year men were lost last season. Aldric you know, and Orval Kel'Jordan. We want you drilling this year group all winter. You'll have a little help," he continued, motioning to the side, "to give the boys a proper education." Stavin looked over to find Karvik grinning at him. "You two are an inspiration for our boys. Teach them to fight smart, like you two do."
Stavin snapped to attention, then bowed deeply. "Yes, Warmaster Kel'Carin."
Karvik joined him then, and the two walked forward together to face the boys who were in their final year at the academy. Stavin stopped with Karvik just behind his right shoulder and addressed his students.
"This winter, Warleader Kel'Carin and I will be teaching you all we can about how to survive your first season. You already know how to use a Dragon's Tongue. What we will be teaching you is how to avoid your opponent long enough to apply what you've learned."
Almost as one, twenty-three voices shouted, "Yes, Warleader Kel'Anis
ton!"
* * *
Several storms had already left a cubit of snow on the ground when twelve men made their way up the road to the Kel'Kavin crater. As they neared the ancient Fort Kel'Kavin a voice called out, "That's far enough. I think you took a wrong turn somewhere along the way."
They all stopped, then one man rode forward and shouted, "I am seeking Kavinston, in the Kel'Kavin crater."
A door opened and a man walked out to face them. "It would appear that you didn't take a wrong turn. What can I do for you?"
The man threw back his riding cloak to reveal the uniform of an Evandian Royal Messenger. "I have a message from King Kalin to Lieutenant Stavin Kel'Aniston."
Three more men had come out of the old fort now, and the eldest came forward. "Can we deliver it to him, or do you have to do it in person?"
The messenger smiled slightly. "My instructions are to deliver this message to Lieutenant Kel'Aniston in person."
All four of the guards were nodding. "I thought so," the eldest said, then turned to speak to the others. "Send a message for them to expect a messenger, and that we'll need extra provisions for twelve men tonight."
"Your pardon, but what do you mean?" the man behind the messenger asked.
The elder replied, "We don't allow armed men into the valley. The messenger can go talk to Stavin, but the rest of you have to remain out here."
"I am Lieutenant Markil Kel'Jandar of the Evandian Army. You can't just--"
"I am Warleader Third Darak Kel'Norlan," the elder interrupted, moving his own cloak aside to reveal two hollowed stars. "If you want to play rank games, Lieutenant, that would make me a colonel. You and your men will remain out here as our guests in the old fortress. Or, you can remain out here and camp in your tents. The choice is yours. You will not, however, enter the valley."
Traders and Traitors (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 2) Page 25