Gods Above and Below (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 6)

by Loren K. Jones

  Lord Arandar came to the library less than a span later. “That’s a very dramatic effect, Cousin Stavin. I’ve had Rohdie’s old wardrobe taken to your suite. It’ll still take some sewing by your servants and ours to make them fit you. Rohdar had already started his growing spurt when the clothes were made.”

  “Thank you, Cousin Arandar. At least they’re too big. It’s a lot easier to take clothes in than to let them out.”

  Lord Arandar looked puzzled. “How do you know that?”

  Stavin chuckled. “I have two older brothers and three older sisters. Most of the clothes I grew up in were hand-me-downs or cut-me-downs from my brothers. The few that were made to fit me were made by my mother and sisters after I stopped growing.”

  “Indeed,” Lord Arandar said in a thoughtful tone. “I keep forgetting that you were not born a prince. In any case, the morning meal will soon be ready.”

  “Then let’s not keep it waiting,” Stavin replied. “I’ve been up since well before first light.”

  Lord Arandar turned away with Stavin right behind him. Lady Sahrana was already in the dining room and looked Stavin up and down critically.

  “Mariniva told me, but it’s still something of a shock. I’d love to see Sovie’s face when she gets a look.” She grinned wickedly. “And a few others as well. But for now, let’s get you fed so you can go change.”

  Stavin bowed and said, “Thank you.”

  Lady Mariniva came into the room and bowed. “Cousin Stavin, the staff is, well, curious. Would you mind if they came in to see you?” Stavin laughed, then nodded. Lady Mariniva led the way as every member of the estate’s staff filed through the dining room, pausing to kneel briefly before hurrying out of the room. Lady Mariniva finally took her seat and said, “Thank you, Cousin Stavin. Many of them were trying to see you, but were too afraid to approach.”

  Lady Sahrana was giving her granddaughter a very intense look. “I hope you were courteous enough to ask Prince Stavin’s permission to address him in that manner.”

  Stavin answered, “Since I have become a beggar in your house, playing on our relationship no matter how distant, I think it’s appropriate, Cousin Sahrana.”

  “Have I been left out again?” Lady Sahrana asked, looking at her son.

  Lord Arandar nodded. “Not intentionally, Mom. Cousin Stavin is in need of more clothing, and Rohdie’s old wardrobe is close to the right size.”

  “Oh!” Lady Sahrana said in surprise, “Is that what the noise in your suite was all about?”

  “Yes, Mom. Aran will be supervising the alterations after the morning meal.” He glanced at Stavin and grinned as he said, “We can’t have him walking around lit up like a glow bug all the time.”

  Lady Sahrana was obviously shocked, but Stavin just laughed. “Barvil once suggested that I wear my armor and carry the Sword of Zel’Hallan all the time so we could save on candles.”

  Karvik said, “It would have worked.”

  Lord Arandar are shifted his attention to Karvik and asked, “Major?”

  “The ‘Barvil’ Stavin is referring to is my father. The incident happened while we were pacifying Farindia.”

  Stavin chuckled. “Warmaster Kel’Carin and Karvik have been at my side in one way or another since my first expedition. That’s all been written down before. Let me tell you what I think about what happened during the last two days.”

  Stavin spent the morning meal explaining his feelings and conclusions to everyone. “... so I think your friend Dahn and I are going to be spending quite a bit of time together.”

  Lord Arandar chuckled. “Oh, yes. I’m sure he’s going to demand exclusive access to you for a moon or so.”

  Stavin smiled and shook his head. “I only planned ten days in Rey but, like here, I can stretch it to a maximum of fourteen days without disrupting my timetable. He’ll have to be satisfied with the few spans at a time between my meetings with the King’s ministers.”

  When the morning meal was completed, Stavin returned to his suite to find Aran in charge of eleven servants, men and women, who were there to alter the clothes to his size. Stavin reflected later on that it was a good thing he wasn’t bashful. The maids and valets dressed him in one outfit, pinned it to fit him, then stripped him to repeat the process with another outfit. Sometime during the morning four more men and seven more women joined them, along with seventeen boys and girls.

  Aran explained, “Lady Sahrana sent for every tailor and seamstress in Aniston, Blessed One. They don’t know why you need a complete new wardrobe; they just know that they are getting a chance to serve the Blessed of Arandar. I’m sure they and their apprentices will be bragging of this day for the rest of their lives.”

  Stavin rolled his eyes and sighed deeply, but ended up laughing. “Make sure I get a chance to thank each of them individually.”

  Aran bowed deeply as he replied, “As you command, Blessed One.”

  It was just before mid day when Stavin was presented with twenty-one very nice outfits that fit like they had been made for him. As requested, Aran led each of the seamstresses and tailors to his side for a moment before they left. Even the apprentices received a smile and a kind word before they were led away by their masters.

  Finally, the crowd in the suite dwindled to just Stavin, Varik, and Aran’s staff. Aran bowed and asked, “What shall we lay out for you, Blessed One?”

  Stavin looked at his new wardrobe for a moment, then picked out a bright gold silk shirt and deep golden pants. “I think these will do for meeting the priests, priestesses, and scholars.” Aran bowed, then motioned his helpers forward and Stavin was dressed in just a few moments.

  Stavin nodded his approval as he looked in the mirror. This should impress them. Turning to Varik he asked, “What do you think?”

  “Impressive. Impractical, but definitely impressive.”

  Stavin chuckled as he started toward the door. “Thank you, Aran. Thank all of you, and please convey my thanks to the rest of the staff as well.” Aran and his assistants bowed deeply as Stavin left the room.

  In the dining room Stavin found all three of his hosts present, and they bowed as he entered. Lord Arandar looked him over and nodded.

  “That outfit is very appropriate, Cousin Stavin. Every priest, priestess, scholar, and scribe in Aniston, and quite a few from Zel’Kassel as well, are waiting for you.”

  Stavin winced. “How many?” he asked in a soft, timid tone.

  Lady Sahrana just laughed for a moment before saying, “Only fifty-seven of them, Cousin Stavin.”

  Stavin covered his face with both hands for a moment before saying, “This is going to take all day.”

  “And probably tomorrow as well,” Lady Sahrana agreed.

  Lady Sahrana’s estimate was much too conservative. Stavin spent three and a half days being questioned and tested as to every aspect of his encounter with the Gods Above. His conclusions were discounted where they weren’t outright rejected.

  Stavin kept his temper in check until the Priest of Arandar said, “Your thoughts on this are really irrelevant. You’re neither a priest nor a scholar.”

  Stavin half-rose from his seat as the room fell silent. “You arrogant ass,” he growled. “You think that because I’ve actually done something in my life that didn’t take place in a temple or university that my thoughts are irrelevant? I’ll remind you that you are not the one who felt Arandar’s touch. These discussions are over.” With that he finished standing, straightened his shirt, and turned away.

  The priest drew himself up to his full height and demanded, “Who are you to speak to me in that manner?”

  “He’s the Blessed of Arandar, you arrogant ass,” one of the priestesses snapped back.

  The priest turned on her and shouted, “You will not speak to me in that tone.”

  “I’ll speak to you however I want to, Delan Bel’Jastal. Prince Stavin is the true Blessed of Arandar, not you.”

  The room dissolved into a shouting match, but Stavi
n continued out the door. Lady Sahrana was walking toward the noise, but stopped when she saw Stavin.

  “What got them all stirred up, Cousin Stavin?” she asked.

  “I got fed up with being told that what I learned directly from the Gods Above isn’t as valid as what’s been written down by those who never felt their touch.”

  Lady Sahrana shook her head. “Fools. If you are through with them, I’ll send them on their way.”

  Stavin nodded and continued on to the dining room for a cup of kava. It wasn’t long before he heard Lady Sahrana ordering people out of her house. Varik peeked around the door frame and turned to grin at Stavin.

  “She just escorted that priest out. I get the impression that he’s afraid of her, because he apologized the whole way.”

  Stavin chuckled and sipped his kava. When the noise had subsided, he went back to the library to find Lady Sahrana speaking with one of the priestesses.

  “Prince Stavin,” she said as soon as she saw him, “allow me to introduce Amely Zel’Aniston, Priestess of Arandar.” Stavin bowed his head as the priestess bowed deeply to him.

  “Blessed One,” she began, “I beg your forgiveness on behalf of myself and my fellows. Delan Bel’Jastal has always claimed that he was the Blessed of Arandar, but he was never touched as you were.” She paused and shook her head. “He is half-convinced that you are going to replace him as the senior priest in this temple.”

  Stavin took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “Why does everyone always assume I’m after their job?” he asked the room in general.

  “In general, Blessed One,” the priestess answered, “it’s because you’re better qualified than they are. And in this instance, you most certainly are.”

  Stavin shook his head sadly. “Maybe when I leave he’ll be reassured. Until then, I think it’s better that he stays away from me. I may not have all the anger I arrived with, but I don’t take being spoken down to or dismissed as irrelevant well. Not well at all.”

  Karvik looked at him and grinned. “At least you didn’t challenge him for insulting you.”

  “Thought about it,” Stavin muttered.

  Karvik shook his head. “You know what the king said.” Lady Sahrana was once again looking exceptionally curious, so he explained. “King Kalin ordered Stavin not to issue any challenges, and to refer any challenges he received to me or Varik. As touchy as he was a few days ago, especially about his knowledge as a scribe, he would have challenged that fool.”

  “And I would have faced him,” Varik said softly. “That’s family honor.”

  Stavin chuckled. “And your second red stripe.”

  Varik smiled and shrugged. “Even the worst storm brings rain to the fields.”

  Chapter 8

  “INDEED,” LADY SAHRANA SAID AS SHE nodded to Varik. “Cousin Stavin, Sindal came by yesterday to discuss trade, but you were still involved with your religious discussions. Would it be convenient for her to come back after the mid day meal?”

  “Certainly,” Stavin agreed with a bow. “I always welcome the chance to talk to someone sensible.”

  Sindal Zel’Aniston arrived a span after the mid day meal. Her bright, dark-copper colored hair was tied back in a no-nonsense bun, and she was wearing a dark green dress under her Master Trader’s vest.

  She bowed deeply to Stavin as soon as she entered the library. “I am honored that you would see me, Blessed One.”

  Stavin laughed, surprising her. “Can we please put that aside for a while, Cousin Sindal? We are both Master Traders for the purpose of these discussions.”

  She inclined her head slightly. “If that is your wish, Master Stavin. Sahrana and I have already discussed the Zel’Kassel Council’s proposal.”

  “I thought she would. She warned me about establishing a base of operations there, so I’ll be establishing one here, with Lady Sahrana’s permission, of course.” He paused to grin at her. “My thoughts were to place a branch of House Kel’Aniston as a subordinate to House Zel’Aniston.”

  “How subordinate?” Master Sindal asked.

  “Almost completely,” Stavin answered, and then explained. “It is my understanding that you prefer not to ship long distances. I was thinking, based on Cousin Sahrana’s comments, that House Kel’Aniston could see to that.”

  “You are thinking of supplementing us rather than competing with us?”

  Stavin bowed slightly and said, “Yes.”

  A lot of tension drained out of Sindal’s posture at his answer. “I was afraid we were going to be fighting over customers.”

  Stavin chuckled. “I think Counselor Fel’Kasten was hoping we would. I thought it would be better for you to keep your established trade and add some wagons from Kel’Aniston for the long-distance trade. What I don’t know is how many wagons we need.”

  Master Sindal was quiet for a moment, and then she said, “Twenty.”

  Stavin nodded and wrote a note. “Very well. What type, open cargo or enclosed?”

  “Open cargo. Large ones. Most of the goods going north are big, bulky items like furniture.”

  Stavin again wrote a note. “When I go, or perhaps when we go to the wainwrights, I have an idea. In Lux I saw a large wagon with an enclosed seat. It took up about three cubits of the cargo box, but had two bunks behind the driver and a third over the driver’s head.” Stavin grinned at her thoughtful expression. “I already sent instructions back to Valovad to have some of my wagons modified like that.”

  “So, they are like an extended trader’s wagon. That would certainly be better than sleeping on the ground or in a tent,” Lady Sahrana observed from the side.

  Stavin nodded. “More secure as well.”

  “And more expensive,” Trader Sindal said with a thoughtful expression on her face.

  Stavin nodded with a rueful expression. “The wainwright I talked to was charging more for one of these than for a fully enclosed wagon,” he admitted.

  “How much are you looking to invest in this venture, Cousin Stavin?” Lady Sahrana asked.

  “At least enough for twenty wagons and teams. How much will depend on the wainwrights and livestock traders.”

  Lady Sahrana was nodding as Stavin spoke. “We have two wainwrights here in Aniston, and by we, I mean they are also cousins. As for teams, we can probably see to that as well. Do you want mules or oxen?”

  Stavin said, “Mules,” at the same time Trader Sindal said, “Oxen.”

  “Oxen?” Stavin asked.

  “Yes,” she answered. “Mules are faster, but the route north crosses several mountain passes that need more strength than mules provide, unless you opt for four- or six-mule teams.”

  Stavin was writing as he said, “Oxen then. Is there a Chapter House of the Gold Merchants in Aniston?”

  “No,” Lady Sahrana answered. “You’ll have to go back to Zel’Kassel for that.”

  “It will wait. Sindal, are you thinking of one or two caravans?”

  “Four,” she answered with a grin. “Five wagons each with three caravans on the road all the time.”

  Stavin shrugged. “Then I will need at least eight masters.”

  “Eight?” Lady Sahrana asked.

  Stavin told the sad story of how and why House Kel’Aniston had been founded. “It was excessively inconvenient not having a second Master along so I could leave the caravan for a while.”

  “Reynadia does not have that rule, Cousin Stavin,” Trader Sindal said as she looked at Lady Sahrana.

  Stavin shrugged. “I’d still prefer to have two Masters with every caravan. Luxandia and Coravia do have that rule, and you never know how far a caravan will have to travel.”

  “As you wish.” Trader Sindal smiled as she nodded her head deeply.

  “Masters are something else I am going to need your help with, Master Sindal.”

  “How so?”

  Stavin smiled. “I’d like to keep this in the family if I can. Does House Zel’Aniston have someone who is close to getting their vest
who I can sponsor to House Kel’Aniston?”

  “We have several, Master Stavin,” Master Sindal answered, “from both Clan Zel’Aniston and Clan Kel’Aniston.” Stavin looked curious, so she explained. “Our Masters are almost always from Clan Zel’Aniston, and our guards are always from Clan Kel’Aniston. The wagons are driven by Fel’Anistons and Bel’Anistons, and we always bring along a strong young Del’Aniston for each wagon. Sometimes, though, one of the guards develops an interest in trade and we sponsor them to the Guild.”

  Stavin grinned and said, “Sounds familiar.”

  “Indeed,” Master Sindal agreed with an answering grin of her own. “Right now I can think of five young Zel’Anistons who are ready for their vests, and two not-so-young Kel’Anistons. That only leaves us one short, but I’m sure I’ve forgotten three or four.”

  Stavin sat back and nodded. “That will do. You’ve already answered my next question, which was going to be about guards, so I guess the next question has to be where my base of operations is going to be.” He turned toward Lady Sahrana and found her nodding.

  “I have been considering that question, and I have an idea that might work. Cousin Nestal has a large warehouse that he wants to sell.”

  Trader Sindal was nodding. “We looked at it once, but it was too big, and he wanted too much for it. For you, however, it might be just right.”

  Stavin was shaking his head slowly. “I really need to go see the Gold Merchants.”

  Lady Sahrana shook her head. “It’s too late to get there and back today, Cousin Stavin.”

  “Tomorrow then,” Stavin agreed, and then looked toward the door and called out, “Var?”

  Varik stepped into the room. “Yes, Prince Stavin?”

  “We’re going to Zel’Kassel tomorrow morning. There and back again. Have both day-light guard teams ready in the morning.”

  Varik bowed and said, “Yes, Prince Stavin,” then stepped back out of the room.

  Looking at Sindal, Stavin asked, “What bond does the Traders’ Guild demand for Masters’ Credentials?”

  “One hundred gold crowns, Master Stavin,” she answered.