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The Challenge: Circle of Conspiracy Trilogy (Artesans Series Book 4)

Page 20

by Cas Peace


  There being no Master-elite, the only Artesan left was Sullyan herself. Her badge was markedly different to the rest. In order to acknowledge and reflect her mastery of all four of the fundamental elements, her badge contained all the characteristics of the others, to which was added the straight bar carrying curls of stylized Air. They were arranged one above the other over the Rovannon sun and crown. Cleverly incorporated around the disc of the sun at the cardinal points, each element was represented by its corresponding precious stone or jewel. Diamond for Earth, the iridescent jade-pearl for Water, a fire opal for Fire, and the rare and treasured zephyrite for Air.

  Zephyrite was a stone found only on the highest of mountains where the constant abrasion of the wind sometimes exposed veins of this curious gem. Due to its porous and crystalline nature, zephyrite emitted a strange and eerie keening when the wind blew through it. Usually greenish in color, it emitted a blue glow once the sun was down.

  Ozella was impressed with the quality of the workmanship. The badges had been made by the King’s personal goldsmith. Where Elias had obtained the zephyrite from, he couldn’t imagine, and the fire opal could only have come from Andaryon. Sullyan stood admiring her badge for a few moments before lifting her eyes to the King. Like the others, she pledged him her loyalty, but as she turned from doing so, her badge proudly gleaming above her left breast, Ozella was amazed to see every Artesan go down on one knee before her. Caught out, he hastened to do the same. In perfect unison, they accorded her once again the brow-lips-heart salute due a Senior Master. Even Blaine was doing so. Tears standing in her eyes, Sullyan returned their homage.

  Elias stood grinning behind her.

  *****

  Immediately after the ceremony, the inhabitants of the Manor not on guard duty assembled on the parade ground to hear the King’s address. Baron Reen, having deliberately boycotted the opening ceremony of the blasphemous College, was now shadowing Elias as usual. As he did so, he watched carefully for signs that Parren had managed to speak to Ozella.

  He flanked Elias as the King, along with Blaine and Sullyan, faced the assembled throng from the platform below the pavilion. An expectant hush fell over them as Elias raised his voice.

  “Men, you have doubtless heard by now that relations between Albia and Andaryon have once again been threatened by hostile action. This took the form of an attempt on my life, which occurred during our journey here yesterday.”

  Angry muttering rose from the assembled companies. Elias held up a hand and it died away.

  “The other incident you may have heard of occurred during a horse race at Port Loxton. This is not necessarily connected to yesterday’s events, and until it has been thoroughly investigated, I want no wild speculations as to who might be responsible. This is a royal command and I expect it to be obeyed.”

  As one, the men saluted their sovereign, indicating their obedience to his will. Unseen behind the King, Reen smiled faintly. He knew the damage was already done. Enough people had heard his condemnation of Sullyan, and that, coupled with the steps he had taken before they left Port Loxton, would ensure the spread of rumor. Not even a royal decree could stop it now.

  Elias continued. “What some of you will not have heard is that there have also been raids into Andaryon by Albians. At least two villages in that realm were wantonly destroyed. This displeases me greatly, as it is a flagrant and deliberate flaunting of my express orders. I am determined to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice, and I assure you, their punishment will be swift and decisive. I charge each of you with searching for those responsible. The Albians who were killed in the Fifth Realm were unmarked, and there were no clues to their commander or the reasons behind their actions. We do not yet know whether yesterday’s attempt on my life was in retaliation for the villages’ destruction, or for some other, unknown reason.

  “In order to assure Andaryon’s ruler of my continuing goodwill and utter condemnation of any hostile action between our realms, I have instructed Colonel Sullyan to mount an immediate ambassadorial mission to Caer Vellet. I have also authorized her to offer recompense for the destruction of the villages as a gesture of our good faith.”

  Reen narrowed his eyes and his mood soured. He would have to inform the Queen of this new drain on the Treasury. They were fortunate that Elias had not so far noticed the absence of the gold Sofira had cunningly liberated in order to purchase the raw materials necessary to manufacture the Staff. This was solely due to the fact that the Queen was effectively Albia’s Treasurer. Her control of the royal coffers, and the clerks who kept the accounts, would be sorely tested if this sort of charity was to be doled out with any kind of frequency. It was a development he had not foreseen.

  He tugged himself out of his thoughts, for Elias was still speaking.

  “I have also authorized the Colonel to investigate the raids into Andaryon, as well as those into our realm. While she is away, General Blaine will organize the rest of you to watch for and counter any further raids into our land or threats to our person. I need not remind you that the capture of any such raiders is preferable to their deaths, as information about the identity of their commanders is paramount.

  “We intend to send a clear and unequivocal message to whoever is behind this flagrant breaking of the treaty that we will not tolerate their actions, and we will certainly not allow such base tactics to endanger our trade alliance. I have every confidence that you will do what you can to support my will in this.”

  A few of the men raised a cheer, which quickly spread. Elias acknowledged the cheers before dismissing the men, pleased by their show of support. Reen stood behind him, a small smile on his face. The King’s last statement about not allowing recent events to sour relations with his outlander friends would be tested to breaking point when Reen implemented the next stage of his plan.

  His gaze fell on the pale features of young Lord Ozella, whose unease was clear to see. It then transferred thoughtfully to the smug face of Captain Parren. Reen knew he would have to contrive to speak privately with his associate before Colonel Sullyan set out for Andaryon. He now had a very important message to pass on.

  *****

  Before Sullyan spoke to those who would accompany her to Andaryon, she had another matter to address. Once Blaine and the King had excused her, she sought out Tad. She found him where she expected to; at the horse lines, seeing to Robin’s mount. The tow-headed youngster had attached himself firmly to Robin and often performed duties more befitting a squire than a cadet. It was an unprecedented situation and not entirely appropriate, but Robin didn’t have the heart to refuse his service.

  The boy was grooming Robin’s horse, but he stopped and stood to attention when he saw Sullyan approaching. She was aware that she always overawed him, and the fact that she was married to his hero gave her an added aura of mystery in his adoring eyes. He snapped a slightly shaky salute, which she nonchalantly returned. He stayed at attention until she released him.

  “Stand easy, Cadet. I have come to ask you a question, if I may.”

  Tad’s wide eyes betrayed his disbelief that she was asking his permission.

  “Come walk with me, if you will,” she said, glancing meaningfully at the stable lads nearby.

  Tad looked their way, noting their curious stares. Laying aside his brush, he fell into step beside her, his bearing indicating how important he felt.

  They walked out of the stable yard and along the track leading to the breeding pastures. Until they reached the open fields, Sullyan held her peace. Tad did likewise. It was only when they were well out into the pasturelands that she turned to him and spoke.

  “Tad, I would like you to tell me what you can recall of Baron Reen’s behavior when he accompanied the King on his last visit here. The day Major Tamsen achieved his Mastery.”

  Tad glanced at her, hesitant. “I was honored to be chosen to serve at the King’s table that day, Colonel,” he said. “The Hierarch’s page, Norkis, told me what to do. He served the Kin
g and the Hierarch, while I served the others. I really liked Norkis, Colonel. Why is it that some people dislike demons, I mean, Andaryans, so much? They’re really not that different to us.”

  Sullyan agreed and smiled at Tad’s innocent confusion. “There are some in Albia who believe that outlanders should not be classed as people at all, Tad,” she said. “There are even those who still refuse to believe that the other realms exist, incredible though that is. And prejudiced people will latch on to any difference in order to justify their hatred: color of skin, tone of voice, the shape of one’s eyes, to name only some. They feel threatened by anyone who does not conform to their idea of normality, and try to deny them their place in life. Take the current distrust of Artesans as a case in point. But carry on, Tad, if you will.”

  “Well,” said the youngster slowly, “the King and the Hierarch and General Blaine talked during dinner. Mostly about the differences between our realms, and what we might be able to learn from each other. But Baron Reen hardly said a word the whole time. I noticed that he kept watching the Hierarch through half-closed eyes, and he had a very strange look on his face. You know, Colonel, he reminded me of the way the stable cats watch a rat before they pounce.”

  Sullyan grinned. She could just imagine the predatory look on the Baron’s swarthy face.

  Tad continued. “Anyway, after dinner Baron Reen moved as far from the Hierarch as he could, but he also seemed to want to stay very close to the King. It was almost as if he thought the Hierarch might pull a knife on the King, and he didn’t trust him an inch. But King Elias wouldn’t have invited him or dined with him had he feared the Hierarch, would he, Colonel?”

  “Indeed not, Tad,” agreed Sullyan, pleased with Tad’s quick and enquiring mind. He was developing observational skills that would stand him in good stead both as an Artesan and as a soldier.

  “After they all went into the pavilion,” said Tad, “I went out to the parade ground to be ready to hold the Major’s horse when the honors were given out.” His eyes shone at the memory. “I was so surprised when he was promoted, Colonel. Almost as much as he was, I think. Did you know they were going to do that? Had you asked the General—? Oh!” Tad’s face turned crimson as he remembered her circumstances that day. “No, you couldn’t have, could you? I’m sorry, Colonel.”

  “Never mind, lad,” soothed Sullyan, laying a friendly hand on his shoulder. “I am pleased that your memories of the day are happier than mine. All turned out well in the end. I was as proud of Major Tamsen as you were, for both his achievements. Now, what else do you remember?”

  Dragging himself back from embarrassment and hero worship, Tad said, “I was watching the Major trying to break the General’s Firefield, but I do remember seeing the Baron’s face once. He was staring hard at someone, but it wasn’t the Major. I remember wondering who he was looking at, but I never did see who it was. And then the portway opened, and you appeared on the parade ground, and all I could see and hear were the men and their cheering.

  “I moved nearer the pavilion to get a better view. I stayed watching while you completed your test, and while the Hierarch confirmed you as Senior Master. After you, the General, the King, and the Hierarch left the pavilion, I was just about to go back for the Major’s horse when I heard a strange noise. I went round the back of the pavilion to see what it was. It was quite funny, really, although I didn’t laugh at the time because it wasn’t polite. But the noise was coming from Baron Reen. He was on his knees in the grass, puking his—oh, I beg your pardon, Colonel, I mean he was being very sick all over the ground.”

  “Was he indeed? And then what did he do?”

  “He got to his feet very slowly and wiped his mouth. He looked awful, all pasty and greenish. I thought he couldn’t have eaten something bad because no one else was sick, and Chief Cook Goran was very particular that day about who he let into the kitchens. But whatever it was didn’t go away, because the Baron still looked ill and was very shaky on his feet. I wondered whether I ought to help him, but he didn’t look like he wanted help. And I didn’t like him, Colonel. There was something… not right about him. Do you know what I mean?”

  She smiled. “I do indeed, Tad. You have been most helpful. Now, I have heard promising reports lately of your progress from both Major Tamsen and Captain Elijah. They are impressed with your diligence. If you carry on as you are, it will not be long before you are ready to be confirmed in the next rank.”

  The boy’s eyes widened and he stammered his thanks.

  “And how is your weapons training?” she asked, recalling a comment of Robin’s that because Tad was a year younger than most of the other cadets he was having problems keeping up with his fellows.

  The youngster’s face fell. “Oh, not too bad, Colonel. I am trying.”

  “I am sure you are,” she soothed. “Remember, you can ask any of us for extra tutoring if you feel you need it. We would not see you fall behind the other boys.”

  Tad’s mouth gaped. “Any of you, Colonel?” He clearly found it impossible to believe that either of his idols would bother to instruct a mere cadet in the art of swordplay.

  She grinned at his stunned expression. “You are an Artesan, Tad, not just a cadet. You are one of us now, and we look after our own. Never forget that! Now I must prepare for my meeting with the Hierarch. But, Tad,” and she caught him by the shoulder, “keep your wits about you over the coming weeks. These are troubled times and everyone must stay alert. I do not for one minute think that raiders will attempt to attack the Manor, but we cannot be complacent. If you hear or see anything suspicious, mention it to someone more senior. You will not be rebuked or laughed at if you are wrong. It is often the little things that those of us with more weighty matters to consider often miss. Remember, you are part of a team, young Tad. We all have our part to play.

  “Now, the Major might need his horse again soon, so you had better go finish your duties.”

  Tad snapped a smart salute and said, “Good luck, Colonel.” She could feel him staring after her as she left to prepare for her mission.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The Baron accompanied the King back into the Manor, but Elias dismissed him firmly at the door to Blaine’s private suite. He tried to protest this exclusion, citing the Queen’s instructions, but Elias was having none of it. There was nothing Reen could do, and Hyram’s presence outside Blaine’s door put paid to any notion of eavesdropping.

  He returned instead to his suite and wrote a hasty note to the Queen, then roamed the corridors trying to work out how to get Parren alone. Fortuitously, he saw the sullen Captain walking toward him. As Parren came closer, Reen hissed, “I need to speak with you urgently. Where can we go and not be disturbed?”

  Parren raised his brows. He had clearly not expected Reen to speak with him again before the King left the Manor. After a moment’s hesitation, he said, “There’ll be no one in the commons at this hour, so it should be safe enough. I’m on an errand for Colonel Vassa right now, but I’ll be free to meet you there in fifteen minutes. Do you know the way?”

  The Baron nodded and moved on, not wanting to be seen talking to Parren. The less contact he had with the officer the better, but this matter couldn’t wait. He strolled down to where the King’s runners had their quarters and dispatched his message to the Queen. He was unsure of Elias’s plans for returning to Port Loxton, but if Parren could accomplish what Reen required, stage two of his plan could get underway.

  *****

  On the way to her rooms, Sullyan called on both Taran and Bull to ask them to accompany her on this latest mission. Bull accepted the order easily, but Taran seemed reluctant. For a moment she even thought he might protest, but he held his peace and she didn’t have time to question him. She put his reaction down to uncertainty in the light of the current situation, but it preyed on her mind as she hastily packed. When she heard the light tap at her door she half expected it to be Taran, but instead her visitor was Rienne.

  Smiling a
welcome, Sullyan resumed her packing while Rienne sat on the edge of the bed. Sullyan could sense that the healer had something on her mind but was content to allow her to speak in her own time. Rienne watched her friend with a slightly puzzled frown.

  “Brynne, have you heard the latest rumors going round the men?”

  Sullyan glanced up. “Which rumors? There must be half a dozen at least, by now.”

  Rienne shook her head. “I’m not talking about the attempts on the King’s life. I’m talking about you and Taran.”

  That got Sullyan’s attention and she immediately stopped what she was doing. “Tell me.”

  Rienne’s expression was wary. “You won’t like it.”

  “Would this have anything to do with why Taran was less than pleased to be told he is coming to Andaryon with me?”

  Rienne lowered her eyes. “Probably. There’s a nasty rumor going round that you and Taran have slept together.”

  Sharp anger stabbed at Sullyan. “What? Who has been saying that?”

  Rienne stared at her, startled by her furious reaction. “It was started by the men from Port Loxton,” she said slowly, “and Lieutenant-Major Denny in particular. He seems to think he has proof.”

  Sullyan’s emotions changed from furious to hurt to stony. “Does he indeed? And I suppose Taran has heard these malicious lies?”

  “I’m afraid so. I don’t know if Robin has, though. Taran was going to speak to him as soon as he got the chance, to tell him it’s all nonsense, but he wasn’t looking forward to it.”

  Calmer now, Sullyan said, “No, he would not be. But he is unlikely to get the chance before we leave, as Robin is on duty for the rest of the day.”

  She sighed in sudden irritation. “Oh, I am so tired of these constant rumors. They have followed me all my life. Where this particularly nasty one has come from, I cannot imagine. Denny is no stranger to gossip, and the juicier the better, but he has never spread outright lies before. Not concerning me, anyway.” She eyed her dark haired friend. “Rienne, would you speak to Robin for me? He will not heed the rumors, of course, but I would not like him to hear them first from the men.”

 

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