by John Olsen
Gavin raised his voice for all to hear. “This man has a report on a prisoner revolt among our caravan on the road. It consisted primarily of supply wagons, the slow, the injured, and many of our prisoners along with a guard detail.” The council deserved the unvarnished truth, whether it reflected well or poorly on Gavin.
Mick turned and clasped his hands behind his back. Gavin watched Mick’s hands shake as he began his report. “The healthy prisoners left the injured ones behind and broke through the guards, then rushed the caravan. They used small weapons they hid from us. I reckon they thought all our crystal users had gone ahead with Baron Stoutheart, or they’d ha’ never done it. Captain Zachary put up a defensive wall around our injured, while Crystal Mistress Saleena Tanner, her father the Travel Master Tover Tanner and some of the common folk from the barony used crystals like they done with the big battle. I never saw who controlled what animals, but the whole cattle herd and half of the captured war animals turned on the army and killed every one of them what wouldn’t put his weapon down. We had two guards and four townsfolk killed, and five others hurt too bad to walk. Everyone else can make it here on their own. I can’t rightly say for sure that the ones who attacked the women and children were given a chance to surrender.”
He lowered his voice a notch. “Without Baron Stoutheart and the people he chose to lead us, we would all be dead. That’s two battles he’s won for us, and the second he weren’t even there. The surviving prisoners will get here with the rest of the caravan tomorrow. Tover writ me a list of the people who died.” He unclasped his hands, reached into a pouch, and handed a crumpled paper to Gavin before going to one knee to wait while he caught his breath.
Gavin flattened the paper carefully on his desk, and placed a hand over his heart as he silently read the names of those killed. More lives lost because of following him. More candles to burn in remembrance. More heroes.
He breathed again, unaware he had held his breath as he read. His people knew what to do, despite being left behind on their own. Saleena had distributed the crystals he left with her, and they hadn’t needed his leadership to pull through and survive. Somehow, they’d trained more people than he thought possible, or they’d taken a terrible risk to use multiple crystals. He couldn’t fault them for doing what it took to survive. He’d done the same on their behalf. None of his closest friends were on the list of the dead, but that didn’t make the tragedy any less personal, or any less his responsibility.
Baron Woed rose from his seat and came forward to stand before Gavin. He raised his hands in the air. “Female advisers? Peasants trusted to not rise up against you with crystal-trained war animals? You claim to have set aside the Accords. I can’t tell if you’re completely without guile, or if you’re the shrewdest man in the room. Perhaps you’re merely mad. For all I know, you’re all three. One can only hope.”
He turned to face the room with his back to Gavin. “The people need a person, a symbol to rally behind, and we have one at the ready. Crystals are useless lumps without pooka symbols. Likewise, people aren’t worth much without a symbol to join them together. None of us have a chance to overcome even a portion of Baron Stoutheart’s reputation among the people when this news of his second victory spreads. He trusts his people, and they are willing to die for him.”
Baron Woed took a deep breath, looked around the room and then continued. “That leaves us with two choices. First, we convict Baron Stoutheart by his own testimony and execute him for his admitted crimes, plunging the country into civil war as the people destroy everyone on this council for killing their hero. Second, we make him king, despite his crimes, and plunge the country into war with the other Crystal Kingdoms as they respond to the news. Who am I to argue with fate? I prefer the option where I stay alive longer. Perhaps the baron’s ingenuity will work on a larger scale as well.”
Gavin was stunned. He hadn’t recognized this group as the highest court in the land, able to both judge and execute him. He was on a knife’s edge.
If they didn’t execute him, how could they want him to lead the whole country? He was less qualified to lead Riland than he was to run the barony. He had stepped up to lead the barony, and then the battle because he had to. But the whole country? He shook his head. “The people deserve better than me. Can’t I step down and leave it all in better hands?”
Baron Woed leaned forward. “I’m afraid you misunderstand the situation. I doubt anyone here wants the mess you’ve made, or the dangers of leading Riland into war. That, and the will of the subjects in the city, will save your life today.”
Baroness Lightmore stood and addressed Gavin. “You, sir, are a poor judge of your own character if you believe the people deserve better. You have my support because I see you as our best option, not because I wish to hide behind you like a craven dog. Your heart is in the right place, and your love of the people is clear to me.” She retrieved an epee in a narrow scabbard from her adviser, strapped it about her waist with a practiced flourish and stood beside Baron Woed. She drew the fencing weapon and placed its wicked, unguarded point on the floor as she looped a small bag’s tie over the grip.
Baron Woed nodded to the baroness. “I’ll stand with you for a common goal, despite our differing opinions.” He drew his saber, held it point down against the floor, and hooked his own small bag of crystals through the guard, then tossed a challenging glare about the room. “Are you men and women going to join me, or shall we talk each other to death first? You must see by now we have no real choice.”
The remaining baronesses rose in a wave of unified support, followed by the barons who rose with varying alacrity. Within a minute all stood before Gavin offering swords and crystals in open rebellion against the traditions of the Crystal Kings.
If the gathered barons felt they had no choice, the feeling came to roost most strongly in Gavin’s heart. Despite his wishes, he saw no better way to protect the people and to keep them from fighting and spreading death and chaos.
Gavin rose and faced each, in turn, starting with Baroness Lightmore. He took each sword and bag and returned them with a firm clasp of hands.
As he reached the last, he said, “You will need your crystals and your swords. It is I who must give crystals to you, especially if we are to restore order and defend ourselves from further invasion. We will stand together against aggression.”
Baron Perandi raised a hand for Gavin’s attention, and then said, “Baron Stoutheart? This is not even close to how it is normally done, but it appears we will have to be flexible about such things as we move forward.” Several cheers rose, confirming the statement.
Rider Faven called the noisy group to order with a loud blast on his whistle. Once the chatter died out, he said, “We have addressed the most critical items, and have little time to waste. You have your assignments. We will reconvene after the coronation and treaty are complete. This meeting is adjourned.”
Gavin returned to his table to stand between Draken and Faven, the shock of the rapid change of events seeping into him. He stared at the desk as his mind raced to figure out the next step.
Draken said, “The bets cancel. I don’t owe you anything, Faven.”
Gavin looked up, brow furrowed. “Bets? What bets?”
“I bet Master Draken,” Faven pointed with a thumb, “that you would gain a majority on the first vote.”
Draken replied, “And I bet him that before you were done talking, you would destroy the whole process.”
Gavin shook his head in dismay. “Can I outlaw gambling?”
* * *
As with all bureaucracy, plans did not flow as smoothly as Gavin had both hoped and feared. He wanted everything resolved with the upcoming coronation and treaty, yet felt panicked at the responsibilities being placed upon him.
Even with all the changes, some things were the same. One of his jobs was to be seen by the people, but it was now within a more secure environment. The courtyard of the palace was open to all who didn’t mind being di
sarmed before entry. One crew hung banners between pillars on an elevated walkway that bisected the courtyard. Another set up chairs all around the perimeter. They were in a rush to prepare for the open-air coronation to be held late the next morning. Within the castle, tailors worked in shifts to prepare clothing suitable for a coronation.
Gavin understood the rush. He didn’t like it, but Riland needed someone to sign a treaty with the Graven Kingdom.
Another complication arose with the rules about who would sit where. Castle staff assured him everything was under control, but the rules mystified him. All Gavin knew was that King Ithan was to be an honored – yet well-guarded – guest, seated in one of the most prominent positions.
Another area had been set aside for the families of Adrian’s men who had been held prisoner. Gavin hadn’t been there for the reunions, but he had hand-delivered candles to the families who lost husbands, fathers, and brothers in the war.
The visiting, freshly-minted barons and baronesses were to be seated prominently as well. It was not lost on Gavin that a gathering of nearly every baron in the kingdom could be turned into a target again, so security was tight.
Captain Zachary nodded to Gavin across the courtyard, and Jase shadowed Gavin everywhere. It was like the guards never slept, watching over him every moment. Although Zachary still wore a sling from the fight with the prisoners, he and Captain Haverson traded off shifts supervising the palace guard. The merged forces of palace guards and the barony guards were a formidable force.
Saleena and Willem searched the edges of the palace wall across the courtyard as if they hunted for something. Willem pointed and took Saleena by the hand to hurry over and inspect some intricate carvings on the castle wall.
Even in the short time he’d known Willem, the boy had filled out physically from his improved diet and seemed taller and more self-assured. Now that Willem no longer had to hide and cower, or appear insignificant to avoid trouble, his visage changed for the better every time Gavin saw him.
Gavin still felt the pain of unexpected change and loss at seeing Saleena with Willem, yet he knew they were a wonderful team when it came to training, even though they were far too young in the eyes of his growing contingency of counselors and advisers. They made a great couple, too. Gavin strode over to them where they stood near the wall.
As Gavin approached, he heard Willem say, “It’s not perfect, but they should be able to hide in the carvings and decorations with no problem. I could even take them along one of the little passages up to the downspout gargoyles.”
Gavin was right behind them when he said, “What passages?”
Saleena jumped, and then glared. “Taking sneak lessons from Adrian?” She held on tight to Willem’s hand while they looked over the exterior of the building.
Willem gave up trying to free his hand from hers. “Sir, I need a place to station the cats during the ceremony. They should be out of sight, but with easy access. These walls have channels and passages the cats can climb through.”
“That would put them away from the action. Have you checked to see if you can place them under the seating? There may be time to fashion custom seating that’s mostly enclosed to hide them. Come to think of it, under King Ithan’s chair may be the perfect spot.” Gavin grinned at the thought.
He paused, thinking back on when he received the report of the prisoner attack. This was the first time he’d seen the pair since their arrival because of all the demands on his schedule. “You know, the two of you did great work defending the people from that prisoner breakout. I had no idea you’d trained so many people. It’s been hard for me to step back and let people do what they’re good at without feeling like I’m dumping all the work on them.”
Saleena spoke after a couple of false starts. “We didn’t train more people. Da and I agreed that he should try more than one crystal. I know you said not to, but we figured out the pattern to it, and knew it was risky to have so few guards over so many prisoners.”
Gavin frowned. “He could have died. Was that his first attempt?”
“No. We started a day or so after you left and found Adrian. We were going to tell you.”
Gavin ran his fingers through his hair. “So, that’s why he looked ill. This is no good. I can’t have you bypassing me and hiding what you do. If you disagree with me, fight for what you believe, but please don’t hide it. I can’t have the top two trainers in the kingdom running around behind my back.”
Saleena said, “Despite our saving everyone, you’re telling me that I have to get you to agree with me first? That’s hardly fair.”
Willem said, “Wait. Top two?”
Gavin ignored Willem. “You want to talk about fair, Saleena? They’ve set me up to become king, so they don’t have to take the blame for the coming war. I get to be the target of the remaining Crystal Kings. How is that fair?”
Fair was nice, but he needed trust more. “Who else besides you two could train our people to defend against the invasions we’ve already been promised by King Ithan? We don’t have time for anyone else to become the experts you already are. You may not know military tactics well, but you have the control side down better than anyone. If you can train people to control a group of animals without killing them, we’ll need that advantage. I also expect the two of you to spend time working for the good of the kingdom as advisers. Even more, I need you both as friends. I have to surround myself with people I can trust to protect me from the ones who I can’t trust.”
Gavin placed a hand on each of their shoulders. “Please. I want the two of you to be friends I can count on, friends I can always trust, and friends who will tell me when I make a mistake. We need to be honest with each other, especially when you disagree with me. I don’t know everything and don’t always know what’s best. You proved that.”
Willem grinned. “Thank you, sir. You’ve given me much more than I could ever expect.”
Gavin returned the grin. “And you’ve become critical to the defense of the kingdom. No pressure.”
At the nearby archway into the castle, the voice of Master Quincy carried out to them. “Baron Stoutheart took my advice to heart and distributed the grain among the people, while I accepted the personal burden to bring whatever remained. I made that sacrifice for the people.”
Willem’s smile faded and turned to a well-contained rage. Between clenched teeth, Willem said, “That leech did no such thing.”
“Remember, Willem. Friends trust friends. This is one I can handle. At our next council meeting, I will call attention to the details of our evacuation. Would you mind me calling upon you to fill in necessary details?”
Willem gave a reluctant nod.
Gavin peeked around the corner in time to see Master Quincy walk into the castle with Baron Perandi. If Gavin guessed right, Master Quincy would have a hard time convincing that particular baron of anything at all.
* * *
“Do I have to wear all this?” Gavin was dressed in more finery than he knew existed. He waited for his cue to make his way to the courtyard outside the palace. Music and singing filtered into the waiting area inside the chapel. Upholstered chairs covered in detailed embroidery sat near an exquisitely polished table. Where they had found the delicately scented flowers this late in the fall was a mystery. The finery of the room bothered Gavin as much as his ceremonial robes did.
Draken grinned at his discomfort. “The people insist. How can you inspire their admiration in punctured, dirty armor and muddy boots?”
Gavin fidgeted. “I’m hungry. Can’t this wait?”
Draken rolled his eyes. “The courtyard is full, and the program is underway. If it’s any consolation, Lindy has taken over the kitchen and organized a banquet for several hundred of your most devoted friends and enemies. She’s cooking for you as well, so you’ll be fed before the day’s out. But first, the coronation.”
It had been a minor coup to arrange for Brother Cleo to perform the coronation ceremony. There was no telling what
sort of politics had come into play among the religious hierarchy, and Gavin had no desire to learn how they had come to an agreement. He had even less desire to interfere in the process. All he knew was that it had been decided quickly and without fanfare or any sign of discord.
Tover had come in earlier and shared a detailed report with Gavin concerning the second battle. Gavin could have done without the descriptions of men trampled and torn apart by the large war animals under Tover’s control.
Adrian said, “My spies reported back on the footmen I led away from the main army.”
Gavin turned to stare. Adrian hadn’t been in the room a few moments earlier, and the door to the courtyard remained closed.
Adrian continued as if he had been part of the conversation the whole time. “The enemy scouts figured out that the rest of their army was under guard, so they beat a hasty retreat. They’re ill-equipped and will suffer on their trip home, particularly since that path has been cleared of people, crops, and game. With your approval, I’ll have a group monitor them all the way to the border. The Graven commander and enemy forces we release with the treaty can join them.”
Gavin nodded. “Do it. Watch them from a distance unless they stray, and protect the locals as needed. Make sure they know you’re watching, but not how many are with you.”
“You didn’t expect me to be straight with them, did you, sir?”
Tover brightened. “Another bit of good news is that the badger passed the crystal from King Ithan’s bear, and it’s in fine shape. Now that it’s been cleaned, that is. It wasn’t broken after all.” He dangled the crystal on a chain.
Gavin shrugged to settle the odd formal clothing, and then said, “Good. I’ve got the master crystal here, so I’ll wear it for the coronation and the treaty ceremony. That should be a nice piece of symbolism that won’t be lost on King Ithan.”
Tover became much more somber, clearly with more on his mind. “Also, about Saleena. I know the two of you were always close friends. She’d do most anything for you, good sir. I don’t want her to get the wrong impression from you.”