by Rick Brown
“Ugh, the wagon is so uncomfortable,” complained Lenux. Brianna nodded in agreement.
“Now now,” Barad said with a smile. “We can’t have the servants complaining.” Brianna rolled her eyes.
“And was it not the two strong guardsmen I saw walking their horses and looking like their mothers had just spanked them?” Lenux responded. We all laughed.
The next morning we re-hitched the wagons and started off again. That evening we arrived at another inn and stopped for the night. Once again we prepped the horses as the priests went into the inn.
When I entered and found Fathers Yagen and Jameson talking to one of the merchants that we’ve seen on the road. I eased up to them so I could overhear the conversation. Their security is my job, after all.
“You see fathers, since we are traveling the same way I thought you might like to join us. It will offer each of us a little more safety, being in a bigger group,” the stranger said.
“Well, let’s check with our head of security,” Father Yagen replied as he motioned me over.
I walked up to them, and the merchant stuck out his hand. "Hello, Name’s Randolf. I was just talkin' to the fathers here about our wagons joining up. There's not much crime between Coneer and Vennean, but a larger party would avoid even the most ardent bandits."
“Master Randolf, I’m Captain Eberon,” using my military rank and last name. “May I ask how many wagons you travel with?”
Randolf smiled, obviously glad to have a guard with a military background and not some hired sword. "We have six wagons and three guards." That was a reasonable number of guards for a caravan of that size. Especially on a route that is relatively safe. He was actually doing us a favor. Our two wagons were much more at risk than his caravan of six.
“That sounds mutually beneficial,” I agreed. “If the fathers have no objections...” I said looking to the priests.
Father Yagen smiled, "It would be an honor to travel with you, good master. We will meet you down here for breakfast before we leave."
The next day we set out as a much bigger party. We still kept to our wagons, as that was our responsibility. Now though, the risk was almost negligible.
On the morning of the fifth day after joining with Randolf's caravan, we started to smell the sea air, and that afternoon the city of Vennean came into view. The road gave us an opportunity to look down on the city from a hill. Vennean was a massive city that hugged the coast. You could see where the Raites River divided the city on its way to the bay. The masts of ships could be seen past the city walls. Many of the buildings were made of white clay that gave the city an appearance of shining. By late afternoon we had entered the city.
The Alynon priests decided to spend a night in the city and to send a note to the palace that they had arrived. The Ayishian priests went to their local temple to stay there. We said our goodbyes to Master Randolf and left to find rooms. Once we had settled into an inn Barad and I went to find the stable to return our horses. It was close to the gate we had just entered.
Once the horses were returned, we walked around the city. This was our first visit to Vennean. The map I had studied in Coneer did little to prepare me for the vastness of the city before me. At least knowing the major street names made navigating easy. We went to an area I knew had a bazaar. It was far bigger than the ones we had in Coneer. Being a port city allowed Vennean's access to items from all over. They had fine rugs and house goods. Many foods that I did not recognize. Spicy meats on a stick and hard candied sweets. There were minstrels and acrobats. Jugglers on stilts walking around a central fountain. There were people of all colors and fashions. It was exciting to see so many things that we had never seen before.
We decided Bri and Lenux could not miss out on this and went back to the inn to collect them. Father Pild also wished to see the city and came out with us. I enjoyed their reactions as we reached the bazaar. Everything we had seen in Coneer had been decidedly muted, not the extravagant nature of what was around us.
Bri was excited to find a vendor selling silk scarves, buying a couple of different colors. She pulled one scarf to cover all but her eyes and gave a Barad a look that made him blush. She laughed as she pulled it away, but Barad was still blushing. We tried a few of the new foods, and Lenux discovered he was a fan of the hard candied sweets. They were flavored and shaped like little fruits, only sweeter. Lenux purchased a bag and walked around sucking on them, making a slurping sound that Bri hated.
“Will you stop doing that!?”
"Doing what?" Lenux asked innocently, even though we all knew he was doing it just to annoy her.
“You know what! You keep slurping your candy!” She responded through clenched teeth. Lenux laughed but stopped slurping his candy.
Father Pild loved watching the jugglers. They were throwing fiery torches and knives. I hoped he wasn’t planning on incorporating that into our practice.
My nose tracked down a nut roaster. I bought a bag and shared with everyone as we continued walking. We came across a minstrel with a beautiful voice and stopped to listen to him for a while. He sang a somber song of a poor lady that was trapped in a marriage without love. Seems she found solace in the arms of a wandering minstrel. I could see why a minstrel would like that story. I noticed Bri took Barad's hand partway through the tale.
The five of us returned to the inn and enjoyed some wine before bed. We discussed with excitement all the things we had seen at the bazaar. It had been a long day, and Father Pild was the first to say goodnight, but we all followed shortly.
Chapter 15
(Lee)
The next morning an invitation arrived to stay at the palace. Accommodations would be made for the servants, and the bodyguards would be housed in the barracks. We packed up the wagons and made our way to the palace, Barad and I walking alongside the wagon wearing our new guard uniforms. The main road led to the palace. It was far more extensive than any of the other streets we had been on in the city. The city changed from shops and houses to mansions. We traveled up to the gate that was left open during the day. Beyond the gate, we could see the Palace of Vaelin. It was palaces really. There was the main palace that stood in the center of the property. Around it were other smaller buildings, probably for servants and administrators, as well as military personnel. We were greeted at the gate by a guard. After talking with Father Yagen, he sent a messenger for an administrator to see to us.
A few minutes later, a chubby well-dressed man came waddling from the palace. It was a long walk, so we had the entertainment of watching him as he approached. As he neared, you could see he had unnaturally dark hair. Dyed according to Bri. It was combed over his head in little thin lines in a sad attempt to appear younger. He was huffing by the time he reached us at the gate.
After he caught his breath, he smiled. "Quite the stroll out here, this should be reserved for the younger men. I am Stiven Waith. An administrator for King Kendrick. I am here to see to your needs. I understand that you have two servants and two guards?"
"Yes, our servants are Brianna and Lenux. My bodyguards are Captain Eberon and Lieutenant... I'm sorry Barad, I don't know your last name," Yagen asked apologetically.
“Aldrick, sir,” Barad answered with a smile.
“Yes, and Lieutenant Aldrick,” Father Yagen replied smiling at Barad.
"Ahh. I wasn't aware your bodyguards were so esteemed. Originally we had bunks in the barracks set aside for them, but now that won't do at all. I will have rooms prepared for them in the officer's quarters. There will be rooms for your servants in the suite. If you will follow me, we will have someone come out and take your things to your rooms."
Father Yagen grabbed his bag and stepped down. I assumed it had the ledger in it. “Thank you,” he said. “I’ll carry this one.”
Administrator Waith nodded and started guiding us back to the palace. It was even bigger than I first thought. As we approached it towered over us. I looked at Barad, and he smiled back at me. As we had dreamed
of our futures, neither of us had thought about visiting the King's palace.
We passed through two massive double doors and into the foyer. It was obviously built to impress, and it succeeded. I have never seen such a bright room. At the front entrance and the two sides, there were large glass windows that let through enough light that was almost like being outside. The floors were a white marble with a red carpet running from the halls and up the stairs. The stairs themselves were magnificent. They were wide enough for a platoon to walk up. There might as well had been, because people scurrying everywhere. The palace appeared to be a hive of activity. Servants in scarlet livery were hurrying about on their duties.
Waith motioned us forward. He guided us up the stairs and through a hallway on the left. "This side of the palace is for honored guests, such as yourselves." As we followed him, he led us through a maze of connected halls until he stopped before a door. If I had not studied the plans for the palace, I would be lost.
"This will be your suite, fathers." He opened the door and led us inside. We were in a small sitting room. There were a sofa and two chairs in the center of the room sitting on a rug. Between them was a table. On the wall, there was a fireplace with another two chairs in front. I knew right away where the priests would be sitting while they visited here. They had found similar fireplaces to sit at in every inn we stayed. I could see a smile come across Yagen's face as he looked at it.
“The two doors on the right will be your rooms, fathers. The two on the left will be for your servants.”
"Yes, yes. This is more than adequate. Thank you, Mr. Waith," Replied Yagen. "By the way, I am expecting company from the Priests of Ayisha. They are staying in the local temple. Can you make arrangements for them to be shown here when they arrive?"
"Of course Father Yagen. I will make those arrangements. If you need anything else, there is a service pull cord on the wall here. You can just ring, and someone will check on you. Is there anything else?" Waith Asked. Yagen shook his head no. "Then gentlemen," Waith turned to look at us. "Let's see about finding you rooms in the officers quarters."
We followed the administrator through yet another series of halls. I was once again glad to have examined the layout of the palace. Otherwise, I would never be able to find my way back to the priests. After returning back downstairs, we came to a set of doors that Waith opened for us. We had apparently moved from the extravagance of the Royal Palace to the military building. The red rugs we had been following abruptly ended. The beautiful art and décor that we had the pleasure to view were suddenly gone. It was still the best military building I had seen, but it seemed drab compared to the palace.
Waith led us through yet another maze of halls until he stopped and knocked at a door.
“Come in,” said a voice from within.
Waith led us into the room. It was a large office with swords and shields used as décor. Looking at them, it was obvious they were for more than show. Each looked like an excellent weapon in its own right. There was a desk with a gentleman behind it wearing the rank of colonel on his shoulders. Barad and I both snapped to attention.
“Colonel Smith, I would like to introduce Captain Eberon and Lieutenant Aldrick. They are in the service of some priests staying in the palace. Can we find them adequate quarters while they are here?”
The colonel looked at us. "At ease, gentlemen. Yes, I'm sure we have rooms for them. Thank you, Stiven for showing them here." Waith nodded at his dismissal and left us with the colonel. "Captain Eberon, seems I’ve heard your name before. Haven’t you been serving at the border?” He said as he motioned the two of us to chair before his desk.
"Yes, sir. Lieutenant Aldrick and I just finished our three years of service there with the Fox guild."
“Yes, I thought so,” replied Colonel Smith. “Your name appeared on many a report. Congratulations on making captain in just three years. It says much about your capabilities.”
He stared a moment later and sighed. "I too originally made my name protecting that front. I know it is merit and persistence that are rewarded out there. It's where real leaders are made. Here at the palace, however, it is different. You boys deserve to be given the heads up I never was." Barad and I glanced at each other and back at the Colonel. "Merit has very little to do with advancement here. It's all politics. Young lords with their rank purchased by their daddies." He said with a sneer. "It is difficult to keep discipline amongst a bunch of boys that believe they are entitled to everything. I want you two to watch your backs. If I recall your name from reports than others will too. They will see you as peasant upstarts who will need to be brought to heel."
I frowned but nodded. I had read about this in my political books. They didn’t mention it in the military, but it only made sense with many lords serving in their youth.
"Thank you, sir. Consider us forewarned," I said nodding to him.
The colonel nodded. “With that out of the way,” He reached behind him and tugged a pull rope. “I will hand you off to Captain Trigg. He is a good man that you can trust. He will see you to your quarters.”
With that, a young man entered the Colonel's office. He was maybe just a few years older than me. Barad and I both stood. "You called sir?"
“Yes, Captain Trigg, this is Captain Eberon and Lieutenant Aldrick. They will be staying with us a while. Assign them some quarters for their stay.
"Yes, Sir. Gentlemen, will you please follow me?" He led us down the hall and through another before he stopped. "Captain Eberon, you can have room thirty. Lieutenant, you can take thirty-one."
"Thank you, Captain. Would you mind showing us where the mess and training areas are?" I already knew from the plans, but it would be unusual for someone visiting for the first time to already know their way around. After the Colonel's warning, I didn't want to do anything to stand out.
“Of course,” he smiled. “Follow me.”
We went back to the main hall and continued down from the Colonel’s office. “Have you served the Colonel long, Captain?” I asked.
“Just for a year, but I’ve come to respect him quite a bit. He doesn’t play the games that some do,” he said, giving us a bit of a curious look.
"Yes, he warned us of that. Do not worry, Captain. We are not here to make a name for ourselves. Lieutenant Aldrick and I are no longer on active duty. We are simply here guarding two priests."
He gave us a genuine smile. “Thank gods. It will be good to have some real people around. It seems that anyone you talk to around here will have ulterior motives for what they say. My connection to the Colonel protects me somewhat, but some still try to entangle me into their schemes.”
As we neared some open doors, the sounds of swords striking could be heard. As we approached, he pointed out the open space. "This is our training area. Here you will find everything from practice swords to bow and arrows with target dummies." Seeing the training grounds made me smile. I looked forward to practicing again after a week on the road.
“The mess hall is just down this way, would you mind if I joined the two of you for lunch?”
“Not at all,” I said. “Please lead the way.”
The mess hall was cafeteria style. We gathered our food and moved to the officer’s table. The room was large. Looking around I saw many soldiers, but few officers. Captain Trigg saw me looking around. “Many officers like to dine outside the facility.” I guess that makes sense, them mostly being lords with money. “I would not recommend accepting any offers to dine with them,” the captain said as a warning. “It merely gives them an opportunity to corner you for their games.”
“Cheery place you’ve got here, Captain.” Barad piped in.
“Yes,” Captain Trigg replied sarcastically. “All the comforts of home, if you grew up in a war zone. And please, when it’s just us call me William.” He added with a smile.
"Glad to hear it, William," I answered with a smile. "After leaving the front, I thought I escaped all the pomp. I'm Lee, and this is Barad." He n
odded to each of us.
"You came for the Dommeran border?" We nodded. "No wonder you seem so normal. Unfortunately, you haven't escaped pomp. To the contrary, you have entered a place where there is nothing more important than pomp. I would especially recommend avoiding Captain Marcus Hannen. He seems to think once he entered the military it became his. These Lords, they try to throw their weight around. His father is Lord Hannen, the king's top advisor. Many complaints have been filed against his son, but it seems none ever reach the king."
From there the topic moved to less menacing things, and I found I enjoyed William's company. After eating our lunch, he made his goodbyes and left. Barad turned to me, "Maybe I don't want to work in a large city after all. Seems too complicated." I had to agree with him. "Want to hit the training area before we go back to the priests?" I did.
We made our way back to the training yard. There were only a few people there, all enlisted soldiers. I didn't see any officers. Barad and I found two practice swords and started going through our routine. It felt good to finally return to swordplay. We didn't get many opportunities on the road. As we continued, a few of the enlisted soldiers started to gather around. We have been doing our practices at the temple for so long that I had forgotten the techniques we were using would look alien to everyone else.
One of the men approached as we took a break. “Excuse me, Sir? May I ask what those moves were?” Since Barad and I were wearing our guard uniforms, no one would recognize us as officers.
“Yes Sergeant…”
“Whilhoit, sir.” He responded.
I nodded to him. “Sergeant Whilhoit, they are an ancient training technique from Alsselya. Would you and your men like to learn a few moves?” The sergeant and a few others nodded.
“Line up!” I yelled as I went back to my battlefield character. Barad stood off to my side and behind me, falling into his old position. I nodded to Barad who stepped forward. Protocol must be observed after all.