"Impressive," smiled Duke Graves. "Thank you for giving me confidence in my decision to utilize the services of the Koman Mercenary Company."
The mercenary nodded and withdrew from the carriage and ordered the driver to proceed to the steps of the mansion. By the time the carriage was halted in front of the mansion, a mercenary was present to open the door and escort the three councilors into the building. Two mercenaries waited in the sitting room and the councilors were invited to sit. Within moments, Konic Clava entered the room and greeted the councilors.
"Gentlemen," smiled Lord Clava, "it is an honor and a privilege to welcome you to my home. Would you care for some refreshments?"
"No thank you," Duke Graves smiled back. "Thank you for admitting us without notice. This is not an official delegation from the Council. It is more of a welcome to Tagaret. We understand that you are from Sordoa and have chosen Tagaret as a place with less strife than your homeland."
"Yes that is true," nodded Lord Clava. "Sordoa has become a desperate place these days. I have found Tagaret to be a wonderful city full of exceedingly nice people. Your welcome today has reinforced those warm feelings."
"Would you like a seat on the Council?" Duke Tredor asked impatiently while Duke Graves glared at his fellow councilor.
"The Council?" echoed Lord Clava. "I am afraid that I do not hold such high aspirations. I am sure there are dozens of likely candidates who have lived in Tagaret much longer than I. I am content to just enjoy your wonderful city."
"Tagaret is indeed a wonderful city full of benevolent people," Duke Graves interjected as he seized the conversation back from Duke Tredor. "It is the type of city that causes good people to want to offer their services as a way of contributing to those benevolent citizens. Don't you agree, Lord Clava?"
"Oh certainly," Konic nodded agreeably. "If there is anything that I can do to help the good people of Tagaret, I would be most agreeable. I am fortunate to be able to abide in such a great city. If you need a donation or a service performed, you have only need to ask. It would be unfair of me to reap the benefits of Tagaret without some contribution to it."
"Have you met many people in Tagaret that you knew before coming here?" posed Duke Graves.
"Not really," frowned Lord Clava. "Two or three people that I had known in Sordoa, but mostly Tagaret is a city of strangers for me. My business in Sordoa did not lend itself to dealing with people as far away as Tagaret."
"What do you think of our form of government?" interjected Duke Zalski. "There are not many cities in the world that are governed by a council."
"I find it fascinating," smiled Konic. "After thinking about it for a while, it makes sense. Put together a fair number of thinking individuals who are community minded and they should be able to work out even the most difficult problems. I think it might be a model for countries in the future."
"Providing someone does not try to force the Council into following his own agenda," commented Duke Graves.
"Oh goodness no," replied Konic. "No one man should attempt to destroy the cohesiveness of the Council. I hope you are willing to stand up to such tyrants for the good of Tagaret."
"Oh we definitely are," smiled Duke Graves as he realized how pliable Lord Clava was. "There was a bit of seriousness in the question of you joining the Council, Lord Clava. As a newcomer to Tagaret, you would not be influenced by events of the past. You would bring a fresh perspective to the Council, which just might be inspiring and thought provoking. You did say that you were willing to offer your services, did you not?"
"Well," murmured Konic, "of course I am willing to unselfishly offer my services, but I did not think you were talking about being on the Council. Would I fit in? Would the three of you guide me with your knowledge of the city?"
"It would be our pleasure," grinned Duke Tredor. "I can imagine how foreign this Council must appear to outsiders and we could help you immensely."
"Well I did extend the offer," frowned Konic, "and I am a man of my word. If you are willing to guide me, then I cannot refuse to do my duty."
"Excellent," smiled Duke Graves. "Of course your appointment is not guaranteed. We shall nominate you and try to gather support for tomorrow's vote. There are actually two openings. Do you know Lord Markel?"
"I have met Lord Markel in Sordoa," nodded Konic. "He is an honest and thoughtful man. I did hear that he has since moved to Tagaret, and I really should look him up. If you are thinking of him for the Council, I would concur with you. He has always seemed a fair and unbiased individual, but you would have to guide him as you offered to do for me. I am afraid he also knows little about the ways of Tagaret."
"Perhaps we should speak with him also then," responded Duke Graves. "I think fresh voices in the Council only add to its greatness."
The councilors left Lord Clava's estate and proceeded to interview Alan Markel. Lord Markel was equally hesitant to serve on the Council, but eventually acquiesced. Satisfied with the interviews, the three councilors settled in the dining room at the Palace Shadow.
"Can we be sure that we are doing the right thing with these Sordoans?" questioned Lord Tredor.
"Not entirely," answered Duke Graves. "They are unknowns, but look at the alternatives. I think it would be hard to find nominees that would support us within the usual crop of seat-seekers. By being the first to approach the Sordoans, we gain their favor. Both men appear to be moldable and cannot but help our positions in the short term. Hopefully they will become long-term cohorts, but even the short-term gain is worth the gamble."
"What of Lord Wason?" asked Lord Tredor. "He seems to be viewed as favorable by many on the Council."
"We have three nominations between us," indicated Duke Graves. "I have no problems with Lord Wason. He does not appear to favor anyone currently and that is good from my perspective. I think we should try to get these two new Sordoans on the Council. If that doesn't work then we can back Lord Wason as an acceptable alternative. No doubt there will be some of the usual nominees offered up tomorrow and we should avoid them at all costs. We know that those people will be allied against us."
"I agree," nodded Lord Zalski. "It is a shame that it took a deceitful wench to unite us, but I think the three us can become a potent force on the Council."
"One that can rival Duke Everich and his allies," agreed Lord Tredor. "With the exception of Duke Everich, there is nobody else on the Council who can count on two additional votes. If these Sordoans work out, we will represent almost half of the new Council."
***
"They are not in their room," reported Tanya. "Their mounts are not in the stables either."
"It seems like every time we come to this city we lose some of the Children," frowned Jenneva. "I do not feel good about this."
"Arik and Tedi can take care of themselves," Alex responded. "If they are not in their room then there is a reason why. Still, the city is in a dangerous period right now. Did you check the Pawn Shop?"
"Yes," frowned Tanya. "Neither of them left a message."
"Well we should try to find them," stated Alex. "Tanya, you visit Fredrik. Perhaps they are trying to get him to return to our group. Jenneva, you speak with our friend from Grakus. There is a possibility that Arik was desirous of making contact, even if that is ill-conceived."
"Where are you going?" asked Jenneva.
"I will try the guild halls of the mercenaries," answered Alex. "They have many ears in this city and might be a good source of information."
***
"She is gone," reported Duke Jiardin. "There is a body in her sitting room and three packed bags at the base of the stairs. The body appears to be that of an assassin. There is also a throwing knife wedged in the wall. It would appear that the assassin failed, although I cannot tell you why."
"Perhaps it is for the better that she has fled," posed Duke Everich. "I do not trust Dalgar, and he was the one supporting her."
"Does he not also support Lord Wason?" quizzed Duke Jiardin.
"Your position is tenuous," posed Duke Jiardin. "The councilors that vaulted you into the head position have all expired during the Contest."
"It is only tenuous if any of the councilors band together," retorted Duke Everich. "So far we have managed to keep them sparing with each other. If they begin to join in alliances then we shall have to start eliminating them."
"Still you should seek to broaden your base," asserted Duke Jiardin.
"I agree," nodded Duke Everich. "Fredrik may be a start in that campaign, but I need something to bind him to me. Find out what matters to him. Find me something that I can use as leverage to make sure he follows my lead."
"He will not be easy to dispose of if he gets out of hand," reminded Duke Jiardin. "The Cidal Mercenaries guarding him are not likely to be bought off."
"That is why you need to find me leverage," retorted Duke Everich. "It is going to become harder to eliminate opponents with all of these mercenaries in town."
"Perhaps the Council should ban the use of mercenaries," suggested Duke Jiardin. "We have the army to protect us."
"That is not a bad idea," granted Duke Everich. "Tomorrow's meeting is not the time for it though. We must work on gaining the votes needed to assure its passage first. Besides, with the rate the mercenaries are charging, it might be good to wait a while until our opponents pockets are much lighter."
When that happens, you will have many votes for banning the mercenaries," nodded Duke Jiardin. "Everyone will want to be free of the financial burden of maintaining mercenaries, but nobody will want to give theirs up if the others get to keep theirs. You do seem to have a knack for lining up your objectives."
"That is why we will rise to greatness," grinned Duke Everich. "The time is fast approaching when I shall be crowned King of Tagaret."
"What of the three councilors that lowered their hands in the meeting?" questioned Duke Jiardin.
"Those three are fools," chuckled Duke Everich. "If they were gullible enough to fall for Niki's plans then I ought to be able to bring them over to my side. I will be interested in seeing whom they nominate tomorrow. I assume they are scrambling to find a replacement for their beloved Niki. The councilors that were not persuaded by Niki concern me more. They will be harder to manipulate."
"It might be a good idea to eliminate a few of them before they hire mercenaries of their own," offered Duke Jiardin.
"I was thinking the same thing," smirked Duke Everich.
Chapter 7
Zackary
Tanya halted Frea at the gate to Fredrik's estate and observed the Cidal Mercenaries guarding the estate. She scanned the faces of the gate guards and smiled when she saw Craggy near the gate. Craggy also saw Tanya and saluted by placing his right fist to his chest. He hurried to the gate while saying something to his fellow mercenaries. Amidst the murmurs, Tanya heard the slap of three more salutes as Craggy swung the gate open. Tanya knew the salutes were not of deference, but an act of respect for a comrade, and she rode through the gate. The gate swung closed as Tanya leaped off of Frea and greeted Craggy, placing her hands on the outside of his shoulders.
"You look as big and mean as ever," grinned Tanya. "How is life in Tagaret?"
"This is a good assignment," smiled Craggy. "I see you are passing yourself off as a lad again."
"It does tend to make me unremarkable," grinned Tanya. "Have there been troubles for you here?"
"Not really," frowned Craggy, "but things are getting tense. There was an assassination last night. We have already sent a message for more men to be assigned to Lord Wason. Two new mercenary companies have opened shop in Tagaret and that usually means that they are needed, so somebody is expecting trouble."
"Sound logic," nodded Tanya. "Have you seen any of my fellow travelers?"
"No," replied Craggy, "but I am not usually at the gate."
"Well I should pay my respects to Lord Wason," smiled Tanya. "Maybe I will have more time to visit another day."
"You were right about the soft caps," Craggy called as Tanya mounted Frea and headed towards the mansion. "They are greatly respected."
Tanya grinned at his comment as she halted at the steps of the mansion and dismounted. She left Frea untied and knocked on the door. A mercenary opened the door immediately and ushered Tanya into the building.
"I thought I recognized the approaching lad," grinned Fredrik as the mercenary closed the door. "Come into the sitting room. I would like to know how the rest of you are doing."
Tanya smiled and nodded although nobody had spoken to Fredrik since the day he had deserted the Alcea Rangers. The Rangers could only guess as to Fredrik's motives for leaving and how he truly felt about them.
"How are you doing?" Tanya asked as she took the seat that Fredrik offered.
"I am doing well, I suppose," answered Fredrik. "I am sorry for leaving the Rangers the way I did. I know that if I shared my plans that everyone would have tried to stop me. It seemed best to just leave quietly."
"Why did you leave?" asked Tanya.
"Niki was determined to leave," frowned Fredrik. "I did not know how much she was mixed up with Dalgar at the time. I guess things did not work out as I envisioned they would."
"You love her?" Tanya asked softly.
"I think so," Fredrik said sadly. "I don't know. Maybe I just feel the need to watch over her. Whatever the source of the feeling, it has not worked out well. Dalgar intentionally separated us and urged Niki to invite suitors. She loves her new role and really thinks that Dalgar will make her a queen. Can you forgive me for deserting?"
"Are not the mercenaries from Cidal sign enough that we hold no animosity towards you?" queried Tanya.
"They are at that," smiled Fredrik. "I heard about your match with Craggy. He speaks of you often. I would have loved to have been there when you fought him."
"You miss the travels?" inquired Tanya.
"I do," admitted Fredrik. "I know my bodyguards are necessary in Tagaret, but at times I just wish I could be alone. I remember our days on the trail rather fondly. We learned a lot and became a family. That is something that I have never had."
"But you are likely to become a councilor tomorrow," offered Tanya. "At your age that must be a great achievement."
"It is a great achievement at any age," nodded Fredrik. "Unfortunately they don't last long in Tagaret. I do not think the Council really has the best interests of Tagaret on its mind though. It appears that it is an organization mainly interested in its own survival. I can find little comfort in being on such a council."
"You could refuse the offer," suggested Tanya.
"I have been thinking about it," admitted Fredrik. "Dalgar and Duke Everich think they have their claws into me. They are dangerous men to cross. I thought I would have time to think about it more because I knew that they would get Niki on the Council before me, but I did not expect two openings on the Council at the same time."
"Do you think Niki has a chance at it then?" inquired Tanya.
"It is almost assured," nodded Fredrik. "She has Duke Everich's backing and those he can command. She also has many suitors who think they stand alone in capturing her love. She will have the votes to get on the Council. I fear what comes after she gains her seat. Many will find out that they have been led into believing things that are not true. It is not safe to cause such feelings in this city."
"Have you seen Tedi or Arik today?" asked Tanya.
"No," Fredrik shook his head. "I did not even realize that you were in the city. I have not seen any of the Rangers since I left the group. Are they missin
g?"
"Well, they are not where they are supposed to be," conceded Tanya. "I was hoping that they came to visit you."
"I would not think they could even find me," frowned Fredrik. "How did you know where to find me?"
"I just asked people where the famous Cidal Mercenaries were," chuckled Tanya. "You seem to have started a trend in Tagaret."
"Actually, I have you and Alex to thank for that," responded Fredrik. "I have increased the number of men twice already. My men advised me to increase the number when the Grakus Mercenary Company came into town and again when the Koman Mercenary Company opened shop. I just sent another request after the assassination last night. This city is getting ready to have a blood bath. I do not think that Captain Grecho will continue my protection for long without some compensation. I may be forced to join the Council just to continue my bodyguards."
"If Grecho requires payment," offered Tanya, "I think the Rangers can help. We do not expect him to go out of business to fulfill his part of the bargain. I wish there was a chance of extending the protection to Niki."
"That will not happen," frowned Fredrik. "I offered her the first men that you sent up and was quickly rebuked by Dalgar. He does not want anyone around her except himself. I am not sure he even trusts his Black Devil cohorts with Niki."
A mercenary entered the sitting room and whispered in Fredrik's ear. Tanya watched as the color drained out of Fredrik's face.
"Niki is gone," Fredrik shakily told Tanya. "There is only the body of an assassin in her mansion."
"Gone?" echoed Tanya. "How do you know?"
"I sent this man to her house to offer her congratulations on tomorrow's vote," answered Fredrik. "He found her mansion deserted except for the body."
"There were also three packed bags at the foot of the stairs," added the mercenary, obviously accepting his master's choice to share information with Tanya.
"So she left in a hurry," Tanya surmised. "That means that she escaped, Fredrik. Do not give up hope yet. I wonder if Arik and Tedi might have been involved somehow. That would explain their disappearance."
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