��Kar,” he yelled.
Hurried footsteps answered the call.
“Yes, my lord?”
“Has Duke Lucas arrived yet?”
“No, my lord.”
“Bring him to my study the moment he steps foot in the castle.”
Kar nodded and quickly backed out of the room.
Vogdo was waiting impatiently in his private study in the castle’s turret tapping his fingers on the finely wrought wood of the desk. Tonight would bring him one step closer to realizing his dream. He waited on Duke Lucas, the reigning Duke of Jortac, to arrive and confirm that the next phase of Vogdo’s plan was in place, but his patience was wearing thin. His empty wine glass was evidence of the time he’d spent waiting.
So many pieces to move, so much to control.
Vogdo stood up and walked to the window that afforded him a grand view of his lands. The castle sat high on a hill and could be seen from miles away. From his vantage point, he could look over his vast estate and admire the beauty of the land surrounding it. It was early in the evening and the first moon had risen, casting an iridescent glow over the formal gardens of stylized shrubs and trees that bordered Castle Vogdo. Exotic smells permeated the night air and added to the overall grandeur of the manicured grounds.
Looking beyond the gardens, his eyes traveled along the leagues of rolling plains to the shadowed base of the Sharellian Mountains. This was where the real power of the Vogdo dynasty resided. The mountains held the Vogdo family’s crystal mining operation and had been the basis for the family’s fortune stretching back for centuries. Tonight, though, the vista reminded him of the enormity of what he could lose if his plan failed.
“I shall be King; nothing will stop me,” Vogdo murmured clenching his hands into fists.
Vogdo maintained his base of power by employing spies to gather information throughout the duchies. The recent reports concerning the Duchy of Telkur were disturbing and had caused him to pause. The presiding Duke of Telkur, Duke Levon, had been enacting policies and espousing ideas that ran counter to the current system of rule. Vogdo was concerned that Levon’s present course might start a trend that would crack the very foundation of Otharian rule and ruin Vogdo’s quest to become King.
“Levon, why do you task me so?”
Duke Levon believed that all men were created equal and should be treated as such. He had begun to enact programs that would lift up the lives of his subjects, and the programs were being met with enthusiasm. Vogdo, however, saw these programs leading to the downfall of the royal hierarchy. Levon’s ideas were like a disease that threatened to spread throughout the entire kingdom, and it lay upon Vogdo to eradicate this infestation.
Hearing voices, Vogdo turned toward the study door. The door opened without a courtesy knock and Duke Lucas Jortac walked in. Lucas was a tall, powerfully built man with a no nonsense style. He had steel-gray eyes and brown hair peppered with white streaks. Never one to mince words, he strode directly over to Vogdo.
“All is set for tonight. The plan is in motion.”
“Are there any loose ends?”
“None; Avikar will be controlled.”
“See to it that nothing goes wrong. The plan must succeed tonight or we may lose everything. Levon must be disgraced in the most public way.”
“I know, Janus. You don’t have to remind me. I’m on my way to Levon’s celebration now. Will you be attending?”
“No, I will not suffer the company of that family. Levon has given me far more reason to grieve than celebrate.”
“I understand.”
“Send me your report as soon as the task is done.”
Lucas nodded, turned on his heel, and walked out of the study without another word.
Vogdo spent the next few moments thinking through his elaborate schemes. Tonight’s events would set his plans in motion at a far greater speed than he had originally planned. His apprehension about employing a worm like Avikar did not sit well with him, but he was the best opportunity to solve Vogdo’s greatest obstacle.
“Kar,” Vogdo said.
The servant scurried into the room.
“Yes, my lord?”
“I will not be attending the Telkur party tonight. Send my regrets, citing the burdens of office preventing me from joining in their auspicious celebration.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
“And bring me more wine. I will be working late this night.”
Vogdo turned back to the window and reflected on the stunning vista below. This was how Vogdo saw himself: a master gardener, planting and pruning the gardens of life, eliminating the weeds that threatened to destroy the beauty of his world. He would employ his vision across all of Otharia, and its true magnificence would finally shine through.
Soon we shall see who truly is the greatest ruler of all time.
Excerpt from The Chronicles of Otharia during the reign of the First Vacancy:
Division I – The Rule of Otharia
Subsection III – The Duchies
Each duchy maintains its own system of local government and finance. Duchies are sub-divided into plots of land governed by a count or baron. The geographical characteristics of each duchy dictate their type of trade. Duchies with open plains were disposed towards agriculture and raising livestock while those with coastal ports relied on the fishing industry. As a consequence of these limitations, some duchies found themselves in financial straits while others enjoyed prosperity. The few duchies that were landlocked and held no tenable land developed into nations of tradesman and artisans offering their services nationwide.
Chapter 3 – The Banquet
Baron Avikar Kantos paced like a caged animal near the main entrance of the grand ballroom.
“Where is he?” Avikar fretted, wringing his hands together. “He must come tonight. He simply has to be here.”
The Telkur celebration had commenced in grand style. The doors to the expansive courtyard were thrown wide open to let the evening breeze waft inside, while bouquets of freshly cut flowers scattered around the room scented the air. It was a beautiful night to celebrate the 16th birthday of the royal Telkur twins, Darius and Dyla.
None of the pageantry helped Avikar stop worrying or sweating. He constantly wiped his face with his linen handkerchief, although nothing could help his dark hair, which was now plastered to his skull. He cursed himself for gaining those extra pounds as he unsuccessfully tried to adjust his jacket. His entire suit was so tight that he began to worry about sitting down and splitting the seams. He pulled down on his jacket again.
“Damn, I don’t need this on top of everything else,” he murmured.
Avikar scanned the crowd for the hundredth time.
Every peasant and no-name noble of the realm is here. Everyone, but the one person I need.
“Avikar, why are you scowling?” Lilliana asked, approaching the little man. “Today is a festive occasion, there is no scowling allowed.”
Caught unaware, Avikar immediately pasted on his best smile and bowed to the Duchess of Telkur.
“My Lady, how delightful to see you. You look beautiful tonight.”
“Thank you, Avikar.”
“My apologies, but I have grave matters on my mind this evening. I’m afraid I must speak to the duke about them.”
“Tonight? Oh Avikar, I‘m sure these are matters of great importance, but surely it can wait until tomorrow. Let Levon enjoy this evening without business.”
“I’m not sure that it can wait, my lady.”
“Well, make sure you don’t ruin the evening for him,” the duchess admonished, before turning her back to greet some late arrivals.
Avikar bristled at her rebuff, but brightened visibly when he saw who the late arrivals were coming through the door.
Finally.
“Lucas, how nice to see you,” Lilliana said. “Thank you for coming.”
Duke Lucas Jortac took Lilliana’s extended hand and raised it to his lips to plant a light kiss.
“Lilliana, always a pleasure. You look stunning as usual.”
Lilliana smiled warmly. Lucas released her hand and she looked at the young man standing beside him.
“You remember my son, Eclasius?” Lucas said.
“Yes, Eclasius, I’m so glad you came tonight. The twins will be happy to see you,” Lilliana said.
Eclasius Jortac bowed slightly. He was a gangly, blond-haired youth with an air of nonchalance in his stance.
“Thank you for the invitation, Duchess Lilliana. Your home is magnificent ...”
Avikar scurried up next to Jortac, practically stepping on Eclasius in the process, failing to notice that he had rudely interrupted the young man.
“My Lord, a word please?” Avikar said, wringing his hands.
“Ah, Baron Avikar, how nice to see you.”
Jortac leaned forward and whispered furiously in Avikar’s ear.
“You fool! No business talk. Carry out your orders as planned.”
Avikar nodded.
“Forgive me, my lord. You’re right, no business tonight.”
Jortac turned away from Avikar and offered his arm in escort to Lilliana.
“Shall we go inside, my lady?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
The duke and duchess walked away, talking amicably. Avikar stood unmoving, a rictus smile frozen on his face.
Eclasius, knowing his father’s nature, had no doubt that he had dismissed the Baron out of hand. He was glad to know that he wasn’t the only one who suffered from his father’s rudeness.
Avikar felt Eclasius’ eyes on him.
“What are you looking at, boy?”
“Nothing much.”
“Then move along.”
Eclasius shrugged and wandered inside the ballroom to a table filled with delicious cakes and miniature pastries. He watched Avikar scurry into the ballroom toward a group of guests surrounding Duke Levon.
Pompous ass, Eclasius thought.
Hurrying into the ballroom, Avikar furiously tried to smooth his jacket again. His nerves were on edge, and Duke Jortac’s rebuke had not helped. He was so focused on reaching Levon that he didn’t notice the young woman directly in his path until he bumped into her and nearly knocked her down.
Trinity Kantos felt strong arms steady her from behind while she stared at her older brother.
“Avikar, didn’t you see me standing here? What’s the big hurry?”
Avikar stopped. He looked at Trinity being supported by their younger brother, Ronal.
“It’s none of your business where I’m going,” he snapped.
“Avikar, no need to be unpleasant. You nearly knocked Trinity over. Calm yourself; this is a celebration,” Ronal chided.
Avikar glared at his siblings. He had no time for them tonight. He had important business to attend to. He reeled in his anger and gave Trinity a stiff bow before continuing to cross the ballroom. He stopped a few steps short of Duke Levon to collect himself and think about Lucas’ last words.
There can be no mistakes now.
The words pounded in his mind as he remembered their first encounter. That was the day he had made possibly the gravest mistake of his life. It didn’t seem that long ago.
***
The message had been cryptic.
I have an interesting business proposal for you. Come alone. Lucas Jortac.
Avikar was intrigued, but hesitant to respond. He wondered about the secretive nature of the message. Worry set in immediately. Had Lucas Jortac somehow found out about his smuggling deals with the gypsies? Had he found out about his stealing from the royal Telkur treasury? Who had informed on him?
Avikar read volumes into the simple request until he had no choice but to meet with Duke Jortac.
The meeting time was set. Avikar insisted that it be held in a bar on the seedy waterfront district under his control. When Jortac readily agreed, Avikar knew something wasn’t right.
On the appointed day, Avikar walked into the bar. It was dark and dirty inside. There were a few patrons already there and Avikar found a disguised Jortac sitting at a corner table. He hurried over to meet him.
Jortac spoke softly.
“Baron Avikar, thank you for meeting me.”
Avikar slipped into the other chair at the table.
“My Lord, what’s this about?”
Jortac paused to take stock of the little man.
“It is about you, of course. You and your future standing among the royalty of Otharia.”
Avikar looked around the room. There were a few sailors at the bar, but no one was close enough to hear their conversation.
He leaned forward.
“What are you talking about?”
“Avikar, I represent a group of nobles who call themselves the Red Alliance. We hold a different view of the relationship with our subjects than your Duke Levon. His programs of enlightenment and equality are counterproductive to our very existence, and we believe that you stand with us.”
Avikar breathed in sharply.
“My Lord, you are misinformed. I’m an avid supporter of Duke Levon and his programs.”
A sly smile curved up the corners of the Jortac’s mouth.
“Please Avikar, drop the pretense. We know you’re in league with the gypsies and have set up a smuggling ring down here on the docks. We know that you despise Levon. We’ve been watching you for some time now.”
Sweat started to bead on Avikar’s forehead. The conversation was not going well. He wrung his hands under the table.
“A smuggling ring doesn’t prove I’m disloyal to my duke.”
“True, but you talk too much with your gypsy friends. You see, you’re not the only one the gypsies trade with.”
Avikar’s eyes widened.
“You trade with the gypsies? But, that’s against the Grand Council’s decree. You could be stripped of your title and your lands if your dealings were discovered.”
Jortac nodded.
“Exactly, now you have leverage over me. I admit this only to prove how serious the situation has become. The Red Alliance has a proposal for you. A proposal that has far-reaching consequences. A proposal that will benefit you and all of our fellow nobles.”
“A proposal? What proposal?”
“We want you to disgrace Levon and Lilliana and make it look like they were the leaders of your smuggling ring.”
Avikar jumped out of his seat.
“What!? Are you mad? Why would I consider such a thing?”
Lucas tugged on Avikar’s sleeve.
“Sit down, you’re attracting attention.”
Avikar reluctantly took his seat.
“I’m sorry for my outburst, my lord; you startled me with your proposal.”
“Understandable. Shall I continue?”
Avikar saw no other choice and nodded.
“The Red Alliance will guarantee that you’ll be appointed the Regent of the Telkur Duchy when they are stripped of their titles.”
“Regent? Really?”
“Yes, we have the votes on the Grand Council to make that happen. You simply have to follow the plan we’ve devised for you.”
“You have a plan?”
“Of course, Avikar. We have a well-thought-out plan that cannot fail. But, we need your help to pull it off.”
“Regent, huh?” Avikar said, more to himself than to Jortac.
Jortac knew an intrigued man when he saw one, and he pressed his advantage.
“Of course. In return for being named Regent, we would require you to stop all the programs that Levon has instituted for his subjects.”
Avikar paused, suddenly unsure of this proposal.
“Why do these programs concern you so?”
Lucas continued his narration, drawing Avikar in deeper.
“Think about the long-term consequences of such programs for a moment. If every peasant has the opportunity to become educated, what will become of the working masses that our system depends on?
What will become of us? The relationship with our subjects is based on their need of us, their dependence on us. We provide their means of survival, their means of protection, their means of trade, and the very laws that keep the peace.”
“True; I understand you so far.”
“If they think they can care for and govern themselves, they’ll begin to think that they no longer need the royalty. Chaos will ensue and reign supreme. We cannot allow this to happen.”
“You can guarantee that I shall become Regent?”
“Yes, we can guarantee that.”
Avikar sat back in his chair trying to digest everything that Jortac had told him.
“I agree with your reasoning, but I’m not sure I can do it. You should find someone else. I want to be Regent, but disgracing a reigning duke is beyond me.”
“Avikar, without you our plan will not work.”
“I’m sorry; I can’t do this, not even for the regency.”
Jortac watched Avikar squirm under his gaze. After a few moments, he realized that Avikar would not budge.
“I’m sorry you feel that way, and it’s a shame what will happen to you now.”
Avikar’s body snapped to attention and he looked around the room for hidden assassins.
“What do you mean? What will happen to me?”
“Nothing so droll as an assassin’s bullet. I mean that I can only guess what will become of you once Levon finds out you’ve been stealing from the royal treasury, bleeding it dry from the reports I’ve received. I’m sure he’ll be most unhappy.”
Avikar blanched.
Jortac pounced.
“Avikar, this can be turned into a favorable situation.”
Avikar slumped in his chair, defeated.
“How?”
“You must start thinking about the long term. If you continue to bleed the treasury, how will the duchy pay its debts when you are Regent? You control the books; you can show how costly Levon’s programs are. The books will show how he borrowed and leveraged his realm to pay for them. Levon will be disgraced, so no one will believe him. With no money to pay the debts, the duchy will be bankrupt and Levon’s children will be forced to forfeit everything to pay the creditors. As Regent, you can petition the Grand Council and offer to pay off the debt in return for being crowned duke. The Red Alliance will ensure you have the proper number of votes in the Grand Council.”
The Quest for Nobility Page 2