“One of Tarnstead’s lords is behind the attacks? Why in the seven hells would they do that?”
“Because disrupting trade means the king has to protect Salma better. In the last year he’s increased the number of men-at-arms he requires me to send him. Salma is one of the smaller cities in the kingdom, every time I lose an able-bodied warrior it weakens us further. The king has been consolidating his armies around the areas closest to the capital. Salma being the farthest western city hasn’t been a priority for him. With the bandit attacks, he will have to return my men, or face the wrath of his business partners in Venecia. It is frustrating for me because we really could use those men back, but I hate having to use the bandit attacks as an excuse to get them back.”
“So, the king reduces your ability to defend yourself and then grows frustrated with you when bandit attacks increase, further breaking your desire to be loyal to the king.”
“Exactly. And the king plays into their hands. He doesn’t trust anyone now and treats all the cities as being disloyal.”
“Will you revolt?”
Count Mavane sighed. “I’d rather not. War is never the best option, but my words fall on deaf ears. Soon, one or more of the other cities is going to press the issue and I will have to make a choice. I have been a loyal servant to the crown, but the king has changed.”
“It sounds like you have a complicated decision ahead,” said Nathan. He was very familiar with such decisions. His aunt and uncle had to make the tough decision to flee Balta and come to Solotine. The count’s situation was different but similar in that he was faced with a decision that would affect everyone in his territory. Every man, woman, and child in Count Mavane’s territories would be in danger if he made a rash or hasty decision.
“A very complicated decision, and I fear there is no right answer. Right now, all I can do is wait and prepare for the worst. Either an attack from the king, or from one of the lords that wants the kingdom for himself.”
“They don’t want independence?”
“Some do,” said Count Mavane. “But power is a seductive mistress. Once you start fighting for your own power, it is easy to keep fighting to increase it. There are at least three lords or dukes who could try to take the kingdom for themselves. The rest would likely be fine with independence or simply having a king that isn’t paranoid and overbearing.”
“And what of Elderwood? What does Tarnstead’s king think of your decision to grant me lands and allow a kingdom to be built so close to Salma?”
“The king is for lack of a better term, royally pissed off,” said Count Mavane with a chuckle. “But he can’t do anything about it without losing Salma as an ally. So, he privately bitches and moans about my betrayal, but his official position is that Elderwood is my problem. If you were to attack Salma, I would be on my own. Which is foolish. If Elderwood were to attack Salma, even the king couldn’t help. The capital is too far away and his reluctance to leave it anything but heavily fortified means even if I called for help, little would arrive.”
“You needn’t worry about Elderwood. We are glad to have a safe home and a place to rebuild. You should be more worried about Lord Zellox. I doubt he is done trying to build his empire.”
“I have no doubts he isn’t. But thankfully you and Balta dealt him a great blow. He may have taken Balta, but he paid a stiff price. His fleet was nearly destroyed in the process and he lost huge chunks of his armies. It will take a few years before he dares to think about Solotine.”
Nathan had to admit Count Mavane was probably correct. Lord Zellox wasn’t an immediate threat, but still a powerful enemy and one that had to be taken seriously. “Yes, I suppose you have much more immediate problems to consider.”
“Indeed, but enough about Tarnstead’s politics. I hear them every day. Tell me about Elderwood. It has been months since your last visit. I hear from traders the place is prospering. Your wall is already famous.”
Nathan smiled. He was proud of the wall. The Kingdom of Elderwood, had been built in a canyon nestled into the mountains with only one opening. Using magic, Nathan and his companions had built a huge stone wall blocking off the opening to the canyon, leaving one main entrance. If Lord Zellox, or anyone else, wanted to attack the kingdom they would have to go through the gates, which were thick and reinforced with black steel and magic. “Hopefully we never need to see how effective our defenses are. But yes, the wall is done now, and we are almost done building the castle. Our farms are all doing well, some have already produced their first crops, and our miners have had success finding decent minerals to be worked. Not the rich mines they had around Balta, but good enough to justify working them. Things are good. Everyone is happy to be safe and able to focus on work and not being attacked. Having Tarnstead as a neighbor instead of Morthon is quite a change.”
“Yes, it is. Hopefully it remains that way. And what about you Nathan? How are you?”
Nathan shrugged. “I’m okay. It is strange to be called Prince Stoneblood, but Avera insists on it. I understand the logic, and I know your feelings on the topic, so I accept it, but I don’t feel special, not royalty like Avera or Verin. I’m still a blacksmith’s son at heart I guess. I prefer sneaking into New Balta and working in the old blacksmith shop to sitting on a throne discussing how much corn stocks we have for the year and if we should send envoys to the western villages.”
Count Mavane smiled. “Titles can be a nuisance, I can’t remember the last time someone used my first name, other than my immediate family. But there is nothing wrong with your being a blacksmith’s son. Your talent, and your magic is tied to the earth. Using those skills and magic to create things is something you should always do.”
“You mean Count isn’t your first name?”
Count Mavane winked. “Maybe someday I will tell you. But you mentioned the western villages. I think it actually is a good idea, I’m surprised you haven’t done it yet.”
“Some of the rangers have been to the villages but they don’t say they are from Elderwood, they just go and trade for a meal and leave again. I am going to go myself when I return from visiting you.”
“Anything to get out of discussing corn stocks?”
Nathan grinned. “Exactly.”
“In that case, you will be glad to know I have an invitation for you. In three weeks Raumont will be holding a festival. Duke Bristol has asked me to invite you and your family.”
“My family?”
“Your aunt and uncle still have many business ties in Tarnstead. Outside of Progoh, the city of Raumont is the biggest trade partner for Venecia.”
Nathan nodded. He sometimes forgot how far his aunt’s business reach went. Before she ever became Queen of Balta, Avera had been one of the rich port cities’ most prominent business persons. That the Duke of Raumont would want to speak to her should’ve come as no surprise. “Didn’t Avera and Sharon meet with Duke Bristol before?”
Count Mavane shook his head. “As the crown prince of Elderwood, one might think you would know a little more about what is going on in your kingdom. Avera and Sharon have been here several times to meet with representatives of the other cities of Tarnstead. The last couple visits Aldwin Appleton has accompanied them.”
Nathan scratched his head. “I’ve been rather busy with building walls and castles. I pretty much leave the day-to-day organization of the kingdom to Avera. Aldwin is?”
“Aldwin is your ambassador to Tarnstead.”
“Oh, that is right. I remember now. Interesting fellow that Aldwin.” Nathan grinned at the thought of Aldwin Appleton being the ambassador. He had been a member of the Thieves’ Guild school along with Kiana Clairmont. Aldwin was a thief and a pickpocket, but the Clairmonts trusted him, and his street smarts made him very adept at reading people. The value of that trait could not be overstated. Lilliana Clairmont and Aunt Avera had been working with him, preparing him for the life of political intrigue which was as hazardous as any long con Aldwin had run before.
“Aside from being one of our biggest trading partners and the closest neighbor, Raumont is also the strongest of the western cities. If Duke Bristol wanted Salma, there is little we could do to stop him. There have been rumors the duke sees the kingdom falling apart and intends to gain from it.”
A king acting recklessly and powerful local lord looking to expand his reach, Count Mavane was stuck between a rock and a hard place. “You think my attending this festival is a good idea? It will help Salma?”
“Yes. Duke Bristol is a cagey man. He wants power, but he’s no fool. He will try to learn as much as he can about you and Elderwood before making any attempt at taking Salma. I’m sure some of his advisors look west and see us as low hanging fruit, ready for the picking. But Elderwood is a wild card. A large army, mages, and northern prince as its leader, makes it an enemy no one wants.”
Nathan nodded. He was starting to see why Count Mavane wanted him to attend the festival. “And if Duke Bristol saw what good friends we are …”
“He would be less inclined to attack Salma,” said Count Mavane, finishing Nathan’s sentence for him.
“In that case, I would be happy to attend.”
“Thank you. Make sure to deliver the invites to your aunt, she will know how to prepare for the festival.
2
The map covered all of Southern Solotine, from the remote western villages to the far eastern cities of Glenmore and Crasmere. On each of the cites of Tarnstead were small flags, colored to show who they would support if the Kingdom fell apart. Salma and Tarrin were marked with red flags, showing they would likely remain loyal to the king. Mournfield was marked in yellow as it would follow Blackpool. Crasmere, Glenmore, and Bellmore were marked in black. Each more likely to declare independence than to follow one of the other lords. But the three marked in black were not certain, Bellmore had strong ties to both Progoh and Blackpool, and the two western cities Glenmore and Crasmere could also join Blackpool if they thought it necessary. The only city marked in blue was Raumont.
Captain Vatkin swore as he studied the map. No matter how he looked at it, Raumont was alone.
“You don’t like my map?” asked Duke Bristol as he entered the war room.
“The map is excellent, Milord. It is the situation that caused me to swear. We have no allies.”
“We are the biggest and strongest city in Tarnstead,” said Duke Bristol.
“Yes, Milord, but that doesn’t mean much if we go into battle and lose. The king still has the largest army and it would take more than one or two cities breaking off before we would be stronger.”
“Tarnstead doesn’t need to be broken up. It needs a strong ruler. Once King Parth is gone, I would be a natural replacement.”
“Tell that to Blackpool. They would separate the eastern cities.”
The duke scowled. “That damned Shaw Kimberley. He’s a fool.”
“Fool or not, Lord Kimberley has a formidable army and a strategic stronghold. No one can hold the eastern cities without holding Blackpool. And King Parth has made an enemy of him. Shaw’s father might have accepted defeat and sworn servitude to King Parth, but Shaw grew up watching his grandfather rule the eastern lands. If they revolt; Tarnstead will never be a unified kingdom again.”
“You doubt me?” asked Duke Bristol. “You think I am not worthy of ruling Tarnstead?”
“Milord, you hired me because I am an excellent military strategist. I’ve spent the last two years learning this kingdom and all the different players. I’ve traveled to every city, learned their strengths, their weaknesses, and the local attitudes. Would you rather I kiss your ass or tell you what I believe to be true.”
Duke Bristol’s eyes darkened, and he clenched his sword. “If you weren’t so valuable I’d cut out your insolent tongue. Yes, I want your honest opinion.”
“Very well, Milord. It’s my belief Tarnstead is doomed. King Parth has alienated all the lords, and the eastern cities were never comfortable being part of Tarnstead to begin with. Blackpool will declare independence, and King Parth will go to battle. The only way King Parth wins is if we give him all our warriors.”
Duke Bristol shook his head emphatically. “That will never happen.”
“Which is why the Kingdom will fall. The eastern cities will be a new kingdom, or several small ones. That is beyond our control, but if you attacked King Parth while he is fighting Lord Kimberley. We could gain Tarrin, and Salma, possibly Bellmore as well.”
“That would be a reasonable sized kingdom. I could live with that. But what of that damned Elderwood?”
“They are a concern, and why we are working on a diplomatic solution. If we can convince Count Mavane to join us, then Elderwood shouldn’t be a problem. But we must do it very carefully. Count Mavane is a traditionalist. He’s tried to convince King Parth to change his ways, but that hasn’t worked. If anything, I suspect Count Mavane will declare himself neutral.”
“Count Mavane is another damn fool. Granting lands to that upstart northern prince.”
Captain Vatkin shook his head. “No. He is loyal, and too trusting, however he is anything but a fool. Count Mavane’s friendship with Nathan Stoneblood is what allowed Salma to open trade routes to Northern Solotine. Salma is prospering because of it. And when Balta was defeated, Count Mavane took potential threats and made them allies. That is not foolish at all. It is just inconvenient for you.”
Duke Bristol waved his hand in the air as if brushing the comment away. “Tell me about this Prince Stoneblood.”
“I haven’t learned much about him yet. Only that Duke Evollan attacked his village and then the Duke’s men killed the boy’s parents, who were both of royal birth, hiding in the small village. From there the boy went north and then to Balta. If rumors are true, he’s a formidable warrior and some sort of mage.”
“Formidable? He’s a boy, what sixteen, maybe seventeen?”
“I’m not sure, but boy or not he’s still the son of Soron Stoneblood, and the grandson of Theron Stoneblood. Stonebloods come out of the womb dangerous. And his time in Balta was spent with Verin Albet, a dangerous warrior in his own right.”
Duke Bristol spat in disgust. “You sound like you admire the boy.”
Captain Vatkin shrugged. “Underestimating one's enemies is a good way to die. Nathan Stoneblood has had more than a few people underestimate him because of his youth. He’s proved them all wrong. If Elderwood can’t be made into an ally, I will kill him. But that is a long way off. There is much to do before we worry about Elderwood.”
“I’m told you had invitations sent to him and the Albets for the festival. Perhaps a good time for an assassination. Get them out of the picture,” said Duke Bristol.
“That is an option we are preparing for. But first I want to meet the boy, and to have you talk to Count Mavane. See if we can gain their alliance without bloodshed.”
Duke Bristol grunted. “I don’t care how you get it done, but Salma will be mine one way or another.”
3
“Who goes there?”
Nathan looked up at the guard on the wall. “Nathan Stoneblood.”
“You damn idiot,” said another guard. “Open the gates. Prince Stoneblood is back.”
Nathan chuckled as he entered the gates to the entrance of the canyon. It wasn’t the first time he’d been stopped at the gates. Many of the fighting men had never seen him in person. Nathan refused to be a public figure and avoided wearing any insignia identifying him as being royalty. Having some sense of privacy and independence meant he occasionally had to wait at the gates to be recognized by someone who knew him. It was a small price to pay as far as Nathan was concerned.
The guard rushed down from the wall and greeted Nathan. He looked sheepish as he tried to explain himself. “My apologies, Prince Stoneblood, I didn’t know it was you.”
“No apologies necessary. You were doing your job. I’d be displeased if you had just let me in. What is your name?”
“Brian Wellborn, Milord.�
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“It is a pleasure to meet you Brian Wellborn. Are you one of Verin’s men?”
“No, Milord. I was a soldier in Balta, I spent most of my time in the villages though. Our paths never crossed, otherwise I would’ve recognized you. Sorry again for questioning you.”
“You wouldn’t be much of a guard if you didn’t question everyone you don’t recognize. Have there been any troubles while I’ve been away?”
“No, Milord. Things are quiet. A few traders but nothing out of the ordinary,” said Brian Wellborn.
“Good to know. Keep up the good work on the wall, Brian.”
The soldier stood stiff and gave Nathan a short bow. “Thank you, Milord.”
Nathan moved on from the walls into the canyon valley. It really was impressive how much had been accomplished in the short time since the people of Balta had come to make the canyon their new home. New buildings were constantly being built. If a person had a bakery in Balta, they were building a bakery in Elderwood. It was a real community effort to rebuild and everyone was participating. Some businesses didn’t make sense to rebuild, and many citizens had died during the attacks, so the city was smaller than Balta had been, but it was starting to look like a city again.
Spotting Sharon, Nathan waved at her then crossed the new city street to greet her. “When did you get back from Venecia?” Sharon had become Elderwood’s official representative to the port city by accident, but she’d done a fine job so far.
“We got back this morning, I am just heading up to the castle now.”
“Perfect timing. I’m just returning from Salma. How was your trip?”
“Productive. Avera was correct. Since we left Balta, there has been no trade there. Lord Zellox and his Morthon army can hold Balta, but they have no farmers or miners. All our old trading partners are desperate to replace our old goods. They will take anything we produce.”
Nathan nodded. Avera understood trade in a way he never would. She was the perfect person to organize Elderwood’s commerce. “Excellent, I don’t want us to have to count on Tarnstead for trade. The more trade we send south and north the better.” Nathan had been the one who encouraged Count Mavane and his grandfather, Theron Stoneblood, to start trading, now Elderwood could also send goods north. Elderwood was in a great location for trade, being just off the main route from Venecia to Salma and right beside the mountain pass into Northern Solotine. The problem now was producing enough goods for trade. The mines had barely started producing, and the farms were still growing their first few crops. The berry pickers who lived in New Balta were among the only ones not having to start from scratch. It would take a few years for Elderwood’s economy to mature, but they were off to a promising start. “Any other news on Balta?”
Treachery in Tarnstead (Stoneblood Saga Book 5) Page 2