"You are a very dangerous woman,” Marak smiled admiringly. “We will get all of the money back that Tachora and Lashendo stole from Fardale and we will be free of the contracts which could devastate us."
"Yes,” agreed Kasa, “and we will be free to negotiate real contracts for the grain."
"See to it immediately,” ordered Marak. “We have a Council meeting now which I must attend. Let me know when to expect Tachora's request to travel to the city."
Lord Marak escorted Kasa to the door and then he proceeded to the Meeting Chamber. The room was already full with the members of his Council of Advisors and he hurried to his chair at the head of the table. Sitting down, Lord Marak extracted his notes from a pocket and took a few moments to scan the list of topics he wished to discuss.
Marak scanned the faces of the attendees and stopped when he saw the new Assistant Bursar sitting in the chair reserved for Bursar Tachora. “Assistant Bursar Mogry,” opened Marak, “where is Bursar Tachora?"
"He asked me to sit in for him,” Mogry explained. “He thought it would help me be a better assistant to him."
"Those may be his thoughts,” stared Marak, “but they are not mine. When someone sits on this Council I expect him to be here, not send a replacement. This Council will wait while you fetch the Bursar and relay my orders for him to attend. Do not tarry."
The red-faced Assistant Bursar rose awkwardly and scampered out of the Meeting Chamber. Lord Marak used the delay to review his list of topics.
"Forgive me, My Lord,” Tachora apologized as he took his seat at the table. “I thought the exposure would be good for Mogry."
Lord Marak simply nodded and turned his attention to Seneschal Pito. “Seneschal, can you bring the Council up to date on estate matters beginning with the rebuilding effort?” ordered Marak.
"Certainly, Lord Marak,” rose the Seneschal. “The rebuilding has proceeded faster than anyone could imagine, thanks to the efforts of many volunteers. We are just finishing the last three homes and people have already moved out of the barracks and into the new homes which are finished. There have been some minor complaints with the homes, but I am glad to report that they were resolved quickly."
Marak was pleased with the number of nodding heads around the table. The guilds who would normally object to the volunteer efforts had actually welcomed the help after Lord Marak volunteered his own time.
"The grain fields are erratic,” continued Seneschal Pito. “Some of the fields are growing better than I have ever seen them grow while others are dismal failures. There does not appear to be any pattern as to which fields will produce and which will not, although most of the producing fields are on the outskirts of the estate."
"Are we any closer to getting the yield we will require to fulfill our contracts?” Marak asked while covertly watching Tachora for any signs of reaction.
"No,” sighed Seneschal Pito. “We are getting more yield than expected from some of the fields, but we will still be far short of our commitments. I would like to add, Lord Marak, that the low yield is not due to the Fardale workers, but the soil. As most here are aware, I was very vocal in protesting your policy of freeing the slaves. I would like to acknowledge to everyone that I was wrong. Our workers’ attitudes could not be better, nor could their productivity. I have not witnessed one incident of laziness or indifference since the program began."
"Thank you for your acknowledgement, Seneschal Pito,” nodded Lord Marak. “What other items need to be addressed today?"
Lectain Zorkil rose to address the Council as the Army's representative. “Lord Marak, we are still having reports about Kywara sightings. It is never more than three at a time, but each sighting brings them closer to the mansion. The guards get nervous each time and I think it will ease matters if we ask them to keep their distance."
Marak smiled at his new Lectain while he wondered what the Kywara were up to. He had no reason to doubt Tmundo's word and did not believe the Kywara were a threat, yet they had to be coming closer for some reason. The Chula were known for avoiding contact with flatlanders, not walking up to their door. Perhaps it was time for Marak to pay another visit to Tmundo and ask him what he was doing.
"Lectain Zorkil,” decided Marak, “I want you to stay after the Council session and I will discuss this with you further. What other items do we have to discuss?"
"I have received a suggestion to reopen one of the fields,” contributed Bursar Tachora. “The field in question borders the Sorgan estate. Perhaps it can be of use in meeting our obligations."
"That field has very poor soil,” offered Mage Klora. “Lord Lashendo ordered it abandoned after the yield was so poor that he determined we were wasting manpower working it."
"If Lord Marak would permit it,” interjected Pachoma, a slave turned field laborer, “some of us would like to experiment with crops that may grow well in poor soil. This barren field sounds like the perfect place to attempt it. We would tend to it on our own time and the children could help."
"Excellent,” agreed Marak. “The field is open for anyone who wants to tend it during their own time. If you can come up with a saleable crop that is better suited to our terrain, it will be welcomed."
Several minor matters were brought before the Council and were easily resolved. Lord Marak dismissed the Council and asked Seneschal Pito and Mage Klora to remain. When the rest of the Council had filtered out of the room, Marak pulled a large map of Fardale off the wall and spread it over the table.
"Show me where the sightings have been, Lectain Zorkil,” Marak instructed.
Lectain Zorkil took coins from his pouch and started placing them on the map. Before he was done, the Seneschal interrupted him by pointing to three of the coins.
"When were these sightings?” Pito inquired as the Lectain continued to place his coins.
"They were all in the last week,” answered Zorkil. “Why?"
"My Lord,” sparkled the Seneschal, “I said there was no pattern to our fields that are producing well. I was mistaken. Lectain Zorkil has placed a coin on each of the producing fields. Only the last three represent fields that are performing poorly. Is it possible that the Kywara are doing something to enrich the soil of our fields?"
"If they are,” added Mage Klora, “they are better mages than we are."
"No disrespect intended, Mage Klora,” smiled Marak, “but I think that is exactly what they are doing. I suspected as much during the meeting. I requested that Tmundo help us with our fields. At the time I was requesting that he teach us how to improve the soil and he flatly refused. I think that after watching our peaceful efforts to improve ourselves, he has decided to help us covertly. Lectain Zorkil, you will issue orders for all Army personnel to wave at the Kywara whenever one is seen. They are not to be interfered with in any way. Let them walk right up to the mansion if they wish. Mage Klora, if you should happen to be around during one of these sightings, take a bucket of fresh water out to the Kywara visitors and offer it to them. Let them know that they are welcome and appreciated."
"As you wish,” Mage Klora replied.
"Lectain Zorkil, Seneschal Pito, that is all,” stated Marak. “I think we are finally getting somewhere."
After the two had left, Marak turned to his head mage. “Klora, I want to start meeting with your group everyday if you can spare the time from your other duties. Twice a week is not enough and we have a lot of ground to cover."
"The mages will be thrilled, Lord Marak,” she replied. “We would also like to step up our schedule, but were afraid that you did not have the time available. Should we meet this afternoon?"
"Yes,” Marak replied eagerly. “This afternoon and every day from now on. I think we are making excellent progress and this news about the Kywara mages helping us spurs me on."
"Let me go inform the others, then,” declared Klora. “We will meet you there as always."
* * * *
"Why haven't we had word from Fardale?” demanded Lord Ridak. “I don't lik
e the lack of communications."
"I can only assume that Lord Marak's men are running into the same problems as we are,” offered Lord Marshal Grefon. “We have already lost three messengers to the bandits and a fourth who barely escaped with his life."
"We have never had bandits in this area before,” complained the Lord of the Situ. “Why have they chosen such an inappropriate time to plague us? You should take a Corte into those hills and wipe them out."
"I do not wish to risk that many of my men to such a minor inconvenience,” Grefon replied. “Besides, it may be better to have them as an excuse for being out of touch with your new young Lord. When Lord Marak runs into trouble he won't be able to call on us for help. That will make his incompetence more readily apparent. We need to concentrate our efforts on Raven's Point. If we intend to push the Morgar border back this fall, I want to be ready for it. We have already given up one Corte to Fardale. We should not waste another chasing bandits."
"Very well,” conceded Lord Ridak. “I suppose you will not be planning to draw any troops out of Fardale for our push towards the Morgar."
"They won't be needed,” determined Lord Marshal Grefon. “Troops from Stony Brook and River's Bend will be sufficient to accomplish our goal."
"I am still concerned about Lord Quilo getting involved,” confided Lord Ridak. “If Lord Saycher calls upon his Organila ally, our whole plan could collapse. We could even be in danger of losing territory at Raven's Point."
"Lord Quilo may rant and rave at the Lords Council, but I doubt he will send troops,” speculated Grefon. “If it looks like he might, we will push forward and take all of Lord Saycher's holdings. We can then negotiate about how much of it we will be willing to give back. After we are done with Raven's Point, we can concentrate on your Lord Marak."
"Yes, yes,” smiled Lord Ridak, “that does sound appropriate. The troubles at Raven's Point will be another reason why we couldn't watch over Lord Marak and his dealings. No one will fault us for his failings."
* * * *
Marak strolled along the road on his way to meet with his mages for their daily session. The sessions were held in a field that was no longer cultivated and was situated in an area of the estate, which was seldom visited. Nobody other than the mages knew about the daily sessions and Lord Marak preferred to keep it that way. So it was that Marak registered no small amount of shock when a black clad man stepped out of the bushes before him, blocking the way. The two men stood measuring each other for some moments before Lord Marak spoke.
"Who are you and what do you want?” Marak demanded while watching the black clad man's hands for any sign of him reaching for a weapon.
"You can call me Fisher, Lord Marak,” the man smiled, “and what I want is a moment of your time."
Marak glanced up the road towards his meeting spot with the mages and quickly returned his eyes to the black clad man. “You appear to know me,” declared Lord Marak, “and yet I am sure we have never met. I will grant you your moment, but I want to know more about you before you leave."
"I will make no guarantees,” smiled Fisher. “I have come to find out more about you. You are doing things with your estate that have never been done before and I want to know why."
"You are rather bold to question a Lord about his affairs on his own estate,” ventured Marak as he moved his hand closer to his sword hilt. “It is I who should be interrogating you. Who sent you here?"
Fisher laughed and lowered himself to the ground, placing his back against a tree. “Sit and talk, Lord Marak,” Fisher chuckled. “I know you are fast and strong with your weapons, but I have not come today to test your mettle. Besides, you may find me a match for your skills, Omunga Stars and all."
Marak blinked at the sudden realization that this stranger knew a good deal about him. It was not so much the mention of the Omunga Stars, as their use was being taught to the Army in Fardale, but Fisher appeared to know how Marak would react to his every movement. His sitting down was meant to put Marak at ease and it almost did, but Marak knew how well a man could attack from a sitting position. Marak studied the man and his black outfit. His clothing was perfect for stealth and covert actions. He carried a double-edged sword like the one Marak practiced with, but it was in a sheath on the man's back, which seemed very practical. Fisher's body seemed to be all muscle, but he was not a very tall man, nor would one notice his fitness unless one was looking for it. His black uniform was covered with pockets and pouches and Marak imagined what those pouches might hold.
Fisher sensed Marak's hesitation and spoke. “You asked to see me, Lord Marak,” Fisher smiled. “I don't normally meet with a client, but I am curious. I pressed Kasa for details about you, but I am afraid she sees with a woman's eyes, which was not sufficient for me. There is really very little known about you other than your Army career."
Realization dawned on Marak as he realized that this was Kasa's spy. “Why are you trying to find out information about me?” quizzed Marak. “I thought we were paying you to investigate someone else."
"I thought you would be more pleased with what I have turned up on Bursar Tachora,” frowned Fisher. “Perhaps you are a hard man to please. Why have you freed your slaves?"
"Your information has been excellent,” admitted Marak, “assuming it is correct."
Fisher feigned shock at Marak's words. “Every word is truth,” admonished Fisher. “If I ever pass you questionable information, it will be noted as such. Why have you freed your slaves?"
Marak stared at the man, trying to determine his motives for asking that question. He knew very little about this man whom Kasa rated so highly, other than the fact that he did not reveal himself to his clients. Yet, here he was. “I abhor slavery,” Marak finally answered. “People should not be owned like wasooki. If you expect people to work for you, you should treat them with respect for the job they are doing. Now, why have you broken your rule about meeting with clients?"
"Fair enough,” agreed Fisher. “You intrigue me, Lord Marak. I have done work for most of the Clans in Khadora and you are definitely not a typical Lord. I am curious about what makes you different and what you plan to do with your newly found powers. I do not meet with clients because I may be working against them the following month, so none of them should know what I look like. From what I have discovered about you so far, I do not think I would be willing to work against you. What are your plans for your Situ estate? Are you just another lackey for Lord Ridak? Or are you planning to change the very nature of life in Khadora?"
Marak felt satisfied enough about Fisher's reasons for meeting him to sit down himself. “I am not the lackey Lord Ridak believes,” Marak admitted. “He may get me in the end, but the people of Fardale are free of Situ rule. They no longer owe any allegiance to Lord Ridak. Where all of this is leading, I do not know. Life in Khadora is unfair for most of the people. A couple of hundred Lords rule the country and treat everyone else like dirt. I plan to change as much of that as I can before they get me. When I am done Khadora will have a new class of people, free men with no allegiance to any Lord."
"Won't they have allegiance to Lord Marak?” inquired Fisher.
"In the beginning I will require it,” admitted Lord Marak, “but eventually I will be gone and with me will go the need for their allegiance. Why is this so important to you?"
"I have a decision to make,” exposed Fisher. “My family was killed by one of Khadora's fine Lords. I have devoted my life to avenging their death. I started to gather information on this particular Lord and found out that I was very good at what I do. The selling of my services provide the funds I need to avenge my family. The information I gathered on you makes me set my sights on a finer goal. I share your feelings about Khadora and would love to see things changed. If you are successful, my original goal will be met anyway. The country can not change without the death of the Lord I seek to kill."
"Who is this Lord who has wronged your family?” Marak asked.
"It is bette
r at this time that you do not know,” declared Fisher. “I am not yet convinced that you will succeed with your plan and I would not want this Lord to know he is hunted."
"Fair enough,” understood Marak. “Now that you know where I am headed, will you still perform tasks for me?"
"More than you know,” chuckled Fisher. “If you are amenable to taking me into your confidence, I will work for no one else. I can be of much more help to you than you know. For example, I know that the bandits who are blocking runners between you and Lituk Valley are not bandits at all."
"Not bandits,” frowned Marak. “Then who are they and why are they stopping my runners?"
"They are actually soldiers of the Sorgan Clan, one of your neighbors,” informed Fisher. “Lord Quavry has cut you off from Lituk Valley for some reason. I don't know the reason yet, but I will find out. We will talk again soon. I have some things to do and you have your mages waiting for you."
"How did you know?” Marak asked shockingly.
"I heard them talking while I was waiting for you,” chuckled Fisher. “There is also a package for you behind the large tree over there. I know you will appreciate it as few men would."
Fisher rose and disappeared into the foliage. Marak got to his feet, shaking his head. Never did he have a meeting so bizarre and, yet, Fisher could prove to be an extremely important ally. Something about Fisher made Marak want to trust him. He knew the man's trade required leaving people with just that impression, but Marak felt his was more than that. He walked over and retrieved the long, paper-wrapped package and hurried to his appointment with the mages.
Young Lord of Khadora [Forgotten Legacy Book 1] Page 13