Gods Above and Below (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 6)

by Loren K. Jones

  Rhovan glanced at his wife, then bowed to Stavin. “You are placing a lot of faith in us, Blessed One.”

  “I think it’s faith well placed,” Stavin replied with a slight smile. “You are, after all, a Kel’Aniston. I’ve purchased a warehouse from Nestal Zel’Aniston.” He smiled at Rhovan’s startled look. “I think you know the one. You are, of course, welcome to the living quarters above the offices. House Kel’Aniston is going to have four caravans dealing with long distance shipping, leaving House Zel’Aniston free to see to the local trade.”

  Sindal stood and bowed to Stavin, then addressed her traders. “Master Trader Stavin and I have entered into an agreement that puts House Kel’Aniston in a subordinate role to House Zel’Aniston. That does not mean that I will be running Kel’Aniston. It just means that I’ll be passing the longer trips, such as those up to Rey, on to House Kel’Aniston. I will also be calling on Kel’Aniston to supply extra wagons on occasion, such as harvest time.”

  Stavin smiled at Sindal for a moment, then turned back to his traders. “Eight of you, and eight Kel’Aniston guards, will be traveling to Rey with me so I can sponsor you to the guild. You’ll be returning with eight enclosed wagons that will be the Master’s wagons for the caravans. They will all have built-in hearths for the cooks.”

  One of the young women stood and bowed. “Your pardon, Blessed One, but I thought there were only going to be four caravans.”

  Stavin nodded. “Yes, but each caravan will have two Master Traders, and each Master will have their own wagon.”

  There were startled looks on several of the trader’s faces, including Sindal’s. She stood and bowed to Stavin. “Did we discuss this, Master Stavin?”

  “No, but you should probably get used to me doing the unexpected. I decided on the enclosed wagons just now when I realized that none of the wagons I commissioned were going to be suitable for cooking. I decided to supply each master with a wagon rather than each caravan because we might expand.”

  Karvik had been leaning against the wall and chuckled. When Stavin looked at him, he said, “I’m glad I’m not the only one you surprise like this.”

  Stavin grinned and then laughed as he replied, “You and everyone else.”

  * * *

  The next morning was a time for farewells. Stavin let Lord Arandar convince him to take all of the new clothes with him, and he’d purchased a pack horse to carry them.

  “Cousins, thank you for your hospitality. It has been a wonderful experience. Until we meet again, I wish you all good fortune.”

  Lady Sahrana stepped forward and spoke for her family. “Cousin Stavin, we have been honored by your presence. Fair skies and smooth roads to you and those who travel with you.” With that she stepped back and bowed deeply, and every member of the estate staff bowed with her.

  Stavin returned the bow, then led the way out of the estate. Sixteen additional riders fell in at the back of the group as they left the gates.

  The ride back to Zel’Kassel went smoothly. Their arrival, however, didn’t. One of the traders led them directly to the museum, and that’s where Mayor Sovana and her council found them.

  “Prince Stavin,” the mayor began, “were you just going to ride on without even taking your leave of us?”

  Stavin nodded and said, “Yes, I was. There is nothing left for us to discuss.”

  “His majesty will hear of the insults you’ve given us,” one of the councilors threatened.

  “And rest assured that he will hear of this incident as well,” Karvik replied.

  “Who are you to even address us?” another of the councilors demanded.

  Karvik drew himself up to his full height and looked down at the offended woman. “I am Major Karvik Kel’Carin of the Evandian Royal Guard, and Warleader Third of Kel’Kavin.”

  The councilor sniffed. “A Kel anything has no business addressing this august body.”

  Now another guardsman stepped forward. “I am Eldick Dahval Orvalan Zel’Karyn, Heir of Zel’Karyn.” He glared at the councilor who had spoken. “Would you care to challenge my right to address you?”

  The mayor looked startled, as if she had forgotten about Eldick, though Stavin was certain she would never forget or forgive the humiliation of being turned away by him.

  Now the traders stepped forward and glared at the councilors. “I am Feralan Zel’Aniston,” one of the young women said as she looked the councilor in the eyes. “Would you care to challenge my right to address you, Annavan Fel’Hostan?” The councilor closed her mouth with an audible click and backed away, shaking her head.

  Now Master Trader Fel’Kasten stepped forward and spoke down at Stavin as he said, “Prince Stavin, you lied to us.”

  There was suddenly an island of silence around the entire party. Stavin looked at the councilor and spoke in a mild tone as he asked, “Is there a reason for that insult, Councilor Fel’Kasten, or did you just decide that today is a good day to die?”

  Fel’Kasten took a step back and said, “You can’t claim insult against a member of the city council,” in a haughty tone.

  “Councilor,” Stavin replied in a low tone, “as a member of the Royal House of Zel’Andral, and a Scion of the Royal House of Zel’Darvin, the only people I can’t claim insult against are members of other royal houses, and even then, there are limits that no one can exceed.”

  “And it will be my honor to challenge you on my brother-in-law’s behalf,” Varik said as he stepped forward to look down into Fel’Kasten’s eyes, “should he decide to claim insult against you.” He was tall enough to look down at the councilor, and Fel’Kasten looked frightened.

  Fel’Kasten stepped back as he babbled an apology, and Mayor Zel’Tessel turned to Stavin. “You can’t--”

  “There are few things I can’t do, Mayor Zel’Tessel,” Stavin replied, “and fewer I won’t. Especially now.” Faced with someone they could not intimidate, the city council backed away, then turned tail and hurried down the street.

  Stavin turned around to find Master Scribe Fel’Dansel waiting for him with a slight but definitely wicked smile on her face. Stavin bowed slightly and said, “Master Scribe.”

  “Prince Stavin,” she replied with a deep bow, “that was highly amusing, and long overdue. Please come in and we’ll see how the collection reacts to your armor.” She bowed deeply and indicated that Stavin should precede her into the building.

  When Stavin entered the exhibits, the entire collection lit up. A bright glow emanated from every artifact, and Stavin nearly had to shade his eyes from the kaleidoscopic images he faced. Bright shafts of red, green, gold, blue, and violet light burst forth from every artifact. Stavin’s armor also lit up, turning him into a brightly glowing figure in the dimly lit museum, like an avatar of Arandar the Bright himself.

  Stavin glanced at Karvik and saw that he was shielding his eyes with one hand, just peeking between his fingers. Varik and the rest of the guardsmen, and the traders and Master Fel’Dansel herself, were similarly trying to preserve their sight, so Stavin quickly led the way out.

  Once they were out in the sunlight again, Stavin bowed to Master Scribe Fel’Dansel. “Thank you. That was truly extraordinary.”

  Master Fel’Dansel bowed very deeply. “Prince Stavin, I have never seen the collection react like that. I am honored that you came to see us.” She bowed deeply again.

  Stavin bowed his head. “Until we meet again, I wish you and your museum well, scribe-to-scribe.”

  With that simple parting Stavin led the way to the horses and mounted. Ten guardsmen led the way out of town, and Karvik fell in at Stavin’s side as the rest formed up behind them.

  “You know, Stave, I’d love to see their faces if they found out you could do that without wearing your armor.”

  Stavin sputtered with laughter for a moment, then finally managed to say, “Shut up, Kar,” as they passed the gates of Zel’Kassel.

  Chapter 10

  STAVIN BREATHED A SIGH OF RELIEF once they were
out of Zel’Kassel’s territory.

  “I think we can relax a little now, Kar. We’ve got at least twenty-two days of travel to reach Rey on the Glimmer.”

  “Yes, and every bit of it through the mountains where bandits have the advantage,” Karvik pointed out.

  Stavin laughed. “It’s not all mountains, Kar. From the map, it looks like we only have one real mountain pass to cross.”

  Karvik shook his head. “I asked the traders. The land between here and Rey is mostly hills and mountains, with just a few valleys. That’s why Trader Sindal said oxen for the wagons. Remember?”

  Stavin nodded. “I remember. All right, but let me have some time alone.” He smiled slightly as he stared at Tru’s ears. “I’m still coming to terms with everything that’s happened.”

  The expedition traveled fast and unmolested for three days. The first town they reached was a small farming village with the descriptive name of Big Red Rock.

  They arrived late in the day and the gates were already closed. Karvik pounded on the gates until someone finally came to the watch-post above the right gate.

  “Hey there, leave off!” a voice shouted before they saw the man. “The gates is closed and they’s staying closed less’n ya got good reason fer me ta open ‘em!”

  Stavin dismounted, signaling his men to do the same, then moved up beside Karvik. It was already dark enough that the glow from Stavin’s armor was pronounced.

  “Goodman,” he shouted, “we seek lodgings for the night for ourselves and our animals.”

  “Ha! And why should I trust you?” the man shouted back. “You look like a band of bandits to me.”

  They could finally see the light from a candle-lamp shining in the window and soon the dark silhouette of a head showed as well. “Show me some--Arandar be blessed! You’re him! Arandar’s Blessed himself!” The man vanished immediately, but almost before he left the window the sound of wood grating on wood came from the gates. Both gates soon began moving outward, and Stavin and his people backed away.

  Ten men were pushing the gates open while an eleventh man was hurrying out. He dropped to his knees and placed his forehead against the ground at Stavin’s feet.

  “Blessed One, forgive me,” he begged. “I had no way of knowing it was you.”

  Stavin laughed. “Stand, goodman, and let’s all go inside. The day was long and hot, and we’re parched.”

  The man scrambled to his feet and backed away, bowing repeatedly. “At once, Blessed One. This way please, Blessed One. We have two inns for you to choose from, Blessed One.”

  Stavin laughed and shook his head as he walked forward. Looking to the side he said, “Major Kel’Carin, send some men forward to check both inns. We’ll put the Traders and their guards in the smaller one, the rest of us will take the bigger one.”

  “Yes, Prince Stavin,” Karvik replied. “Lieutenant Kel’Horval, Sergeant Zel’Fordan, take your teams forward and check the inns.”

  Both men snapped, “Yes, Sir,” and headed forward at a fast march. Their teams followed, leaving Stavin with Karvik’s team and the traders as guards.

  Stavin was looking around and stopped momentarily, then headed toward the center of town. In what was probably the town circle was a boulder the size of a large barn.

  Stavin nodded and said, “That’s definitely a big rock.”

  The man who’d met them bowed and said, “That is the rock that gives our town its name, Blessed One. When Arandar rises, you’ll see that it’s made of rose granite.”

  “I look forward to seeing it in Arandar’s light,” Stavin replied with a slight smile.

  The inns were both small, and Varik was standing on the porch of the larger of the two. “This is the better inn, Prince Stavin. It’s going to be crowded, even with one team on watch.”

  Stavin nodded. “Very well. Where are the stables?”

  “Around back,” Varik answered, pointing to the left.

  Stavin and the remainder of the guardsmen went around the inn while the traders and their guards headed toward the other inn. The stables turned out to be a lean-to in a simple paddock. Stavin sighed and stroked Tru’s nose.

  “It’s alright, girl,” he murmured. “At least we’re safe in a town for the night.”

  A young boy came running and skidded to a stop, dropping to his knees in front of Stavin. “I’ll tend to your horse, Blessed One.”

  Stavin smiled at Karvik as he shook his head. “Stand up, young one. I’ll tend my Tru, but my pack-horse needs attention.” The boy bounced to his feet and bowed, then took the pack-horse’s lead and took her to the side.

  Stavin grinned at Karvik as he shook his head. “I don’t think he can handle the packs. Have someone help him.”

  Karvik nodded and signaled one of the younger privates over. “Help the stable boy with Prince Stavin’s packs. Bring them inside and keep an eye on them. We don’t want any souvenirs falling off.”

  The guardsman, a young Warrior with three fresh white stripes on his shoulder, bowed and said, “Yes, Warleader Kel’Carin,” then went to collect Stavin’s packs.

  Stavin and Karvik turned their horses loose and put their saddles on the fence, then turned toward the inn. The door opened before they reached it, and a woman bowed deeply.

  “Welcome to the Crowing Cock Inn, Blessed of Arandar. I am Mistress Lantan Fel’Rowan, owner and innkeeper.” She bowed again, indicating that Stavin and Karvik should go ahead.

  Inside, they found the common room full of royal guardsmen and a few civilians. One man rushed toward Stavin and almost ran into Karvik’s sword.

  The man screamed, “No!” as he fell to his knees.

  Karvik pointed his sword at the man’s chest and shouted, “Do not run at my prince!”

  “Forgive me! Forgive me! I only wanted to greet the Blessed One!”

  Stavin patted Karvik’s arm as he stepped past him. “Who are you, Goodman?”

  “I-I am Mayor Ardath Fel’Salva, Blessed One.”

  Stavin nodded. “Stand, Mayor Fel’Salva. Do keep in mind that I am a prince of Evandia and my royal guardsmen are tasked with protecting me at all times. Is there something I can do for you, Mayor Fel’Salva?”

  The mayor stood and then bowed deeply. “Prince Stavin, on behalf of myself and the town council, I wish to welcome you and your party to Big Red Rock.”

  Stavin bowed his head and replied, “Thank you for your welcome, Mayor Fel’Salva. We will just be staying the night.”

  The mayor bowed deeply again. “Blessed One, we have no temple here. Are you going to establish a temple of Arandar the Bright in Big Red Rock?”

  Stavin exchanged startled looks with Karvik and Varik, then turned back toward the mayor. “No, Mayor Fel’Salva, I’m not. That is not my mission. We are just passing through on our way to Rey on the Glimmer.”

  The mayor bowed deeply, then backed away. He didn’t say anything, but it was clear from his posture that he was disappointed.

  Stavin sat at a table, and Karvik, Varik, and Sergeant Zel’Fordan sat with him. A young girl of about thirteen came to the table, wringing her hands nervously, and asked, “What do you desire, Blessed One?”

  Stavin smiled. “Beer for all of us.”

  The girl bowed again, then backed away, keeping her eyes on Stavin until she bumped into the wall. Then she turned and went behind the bar.

  Varik chuckled and shook his head. “That girl is absolutely terrified of you.”

  Stavin’s mouth twisted into a bitter grimace. “Shut up, Var.”

  Varik chuckled at having gotten a rise out of Stavin. “She’s going to spill our beer,” he sighed as he stood up. “I’ll go help her.”

  Stavin shook his head. “Keep your seat, Var. Remember those tailors and seamstresses, and their apprentices? Let the girl earn a few bragging rights by serving ‘The Blessed of Arandar.’ I have the feeling I’m going to learn to like that title about as much as I like being called ‘The Dragonblessed.” Karvik chuckled, as did Sergeant Z
el’Fordan.

  The girl returned with four large ceramic tankards of beer and she very carefully placed them on the table. Stavin reached over and touched her hand as he said, “Thank you.”

  The girl dropped to her knees and kissed the place where Stavin had touched her. She whispered, “You honor me, Blessed One.”

  Stavin said, “Let the Light of Arandar the Bright shield you from evil, and let the love of the Gods Above fill your soul. Go on now, you have others to serve.” The girl looked up at him, then stood, bowed deeply, and went to see to the guardsmen.

  “You better be careful, Stave,” Varik said as he sipped his beer. “You’re going to have people lining up to be blessed by you.”

  “You’re not funny, Var.”

  * * *

  The night passed quietly. Karvik let Stavin have a room alone. There really wasn’t room for both of them in any of the rooms on the inn’s upper floor.

  Late in the night a silent figure crossed the inn common room, making for the stairs. The royal guards were, as always, too alert for that.

  “Halt where you are,” Varik said in a stern tone.

  The figure stopped and turned a pair of big brown eyes toward Varik. “I was--I was going to the Blessed One,” a soft, feminine voice replied.

  Varik looked at her carefully. “You’re the serving girl, aren’t you?”

  “I am, Lord.”

  “What’s your name, child?”

  The girl swallowed and bowed her head. “Sahrielian, Lord.”

  Varik nodded and asked, “Why are you going to see Prince Stavin, Sahrielian?”

  She stared at the floor as she replied, “I was going to offer myself to him. My virtue.”

  Varik almost burst out laughing. “Child, he wouldn’t take you,” he answered softly. “It would be dishonorable. Besides, he’s my brother-in-law. Oath or not, I’d have to challenge him for dishonoring his vows to my sister.”

  She was still staring at the floor as she asked, “Not even to honor Arandar?”

  Varik shook his head. “No. And that wouldn’t be honoring Arandar the Bright. Stavin told me that the Gods Above are the Gods of our better nature. You should save that gift for the boy you marry.” The girl turned away as Varik watched. Around him the men of his team were nodding their approval.