by Rick Brown
“Lunch will be served soon. Whilhoit will be joining us.”
“Does that mean no breakfast?” Barad asked looking crestfallen. The staff came over and delivered breakfast for Barad and Bri. He looked elated as he dug into the bacon.
I looked from Barad to Bri again trying to make sense of what I had seen. She gave me a shy smile and looked back at her breakfast. Ok, it wasn’t my imagination then.
Lenux finally came out of his room and joined us. “What a night, eh?” he said as he sat.
More than you know, I thought to myself. The servants brought him over some food. Lenux was looking at Bri and Barad as if he could sense something was different but couldn’t put his finger on what it was.
“So what’s going on,” He asked.
“Well, Sergeant Whilhoit will be joining us for lunch at any moment, then hopefully we will meet with Max today.”
“Max is coming today?” Barad asked with his mouth full?
“Yes, and I am hoping to convince the guild to help us.”
“That’s a great idea,” Bri added.
"Alynon thought so. It was his idea."
“Ah, What it must be like to commune with a god,” Yagen said in awe.
“Well, don’t go bragging about it, it would be frowned upon by other gods.”
“Shame, but your secret is safe with us.”
There was a knock at the door, and one of the staff let Whilhoit in. He came over and bowed before me. "Your Highness."
“Whilhoit. There’s no need for such formality here. You are among friends. Please take a seat.”
"Thank you, Sire."
The servants came over and delivered his meal. They also took my empty breakfast plate and replaced it with lunch. I looked at Arthur and smiled as I started to eat. He smiled and shook his head.
“So, Whilhoit, though I’m pleased to see you, what made you request a formal audience?”
“Because I have a formal request to make.”
I leaned back, “Oh?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I have spoken to King Kendrick. We agreed that you need a proper guard. If you will accept us, my men and I would like to swear allegiance to you and Alsselya.”
I was shocked for the second time this morning. “You wish to become Alsselyians?”
“Yes sire, if you will have us.”
"Of course I will accept!" Well, this was a good start to the day. "This is wonderful news. Arthur, is there anything we need to do?"
“No, not exactly. Seeing that the whole population of Alsselya is in this room, there hasn’t been the necessity for a formal swearing of oaths. We just need to have the soldiers state that they swear allegiance to Alsselya.”
The Sergeant stood from his lunch. “Then, I, Albert Whilhoit do hereby swear allegiance to Alsselya.”
Everyone at the table cheered for him and clapped him on the back.
“Sergeant, you will be reporting to Barad, he’s the de facto head of security until a better title can be arranged.”
“Well then,” Barad said with a smile. “Finally something to work with, but Sergeant won’t do for someone leading the King’s personal security. I hereby promote you to Captain.” Once again there was a round of applause.
“So, Captain,” Barad continued. “Once you finish your lunch, please bring your men up to the suite. There’s a Barrack’s room by the door for your men. If it’s all right with the king, you should have the bedroom next to theirs.”
"Fine by me. Arthur, make sure Barad and the Captain get copies of my itinerary. Also, for now, let's get them some ready to wear uniforms. In the meanwhile, contact Crowler of Coneer. Offer him a retainer as tailor. I have a feeling we will need a lot of uniforms before this is over. Have our guards measured and send him the order."
“Why not have him come here?” Barad asked.
"Because if we can hire the Fox guild, we can start keeping people there. Where is Ryan?"
“I’m here,” Ryan said as he came through the door. “I’ve just been running errands.”
“Do we have a book with Alsselyian insignia’s in the office.”
“Oh yes, that information is well detailed.”
“Good. We will be sending an order to Crowler in Coneer. Send copies of the insignias to him so we can have them recreated. Let’s be proactive and order extras. Also, let’s order dress suits for the rest of you as well. We will be hobnobbing with nobles and must look the part.” With that everyone rushed off to do his or her parts. I sat back and took a sip of coffee. Privilege of being king.
That afternoon I received a message that Max had arrived. I sent a servant to see him up to the room. The big man looked around in awe as he lumbered in after the servant. Barad and I were sitting on the sofa and chairs, and I waved him over.
“What in the Hells have you boys been up to?” he said in a whisper. “Whose room’s are these?”
“Oh dear, where to begin,” I pondered. “It turned out that I was foreordained to join that job with Lenux. You see it was with the Priests of Alynon.”
“Aye, I knows of it," Max said still looking suspicious.
"Well, with their help it was uncovered that I am a long lost descendant of the royal family of Alsselya."
“Is that what you’re telling people? They’re going to discover the truth.”
“They already have. The King of Vaelin himself has accepted that I am the rightful King. He has also sworn to assist us with retaking Alsselya.”
“Their gonna take Alsselya back from the Dommerians?” He asked, now with interest.
“It’s true,” Barad validated.
“Not only that,” I continued. “I have it on good authority that your family were nobles in Alsselya.”
“That’s true, but how did you know that.”
“I have trustworthy resources,” I said with a smile. “How would you like to see your family line restored to glory?”
“And just what are you asking me to do.”
I stopped smiling and leaned towards him. “There’s a war coming Max. Vaelin has already declared they will be in. We hope to gather the other allies as well. Alsselya should also present a force. I want to convert the fox guild into a military force for Alsselya, with you as it’s general.”
Max leaned back and rubbed his head. “Taking on the Dommerians. What you talk about is a huge undertaking.”
“Yes, but it will happen regardless of what you say. I am not asking you to make a war, but to join it. Once the land of Alsselya is regained, you can remain as general of the military, if you like, or retire to rebuild your family’s estates.”
“That offer is a generous one.”
“And not one that I would make to anyone else but you. I have a lot of faith in you.”
“It’s a lot to take in boys…er, Your Majesty. I’ll need some time.”
"Of course. You can stay here. We have extra rooms, and I would like you to see the operation around us. There is a lot going on with building a kingdom from the ground up. I would like you to be a part of it."
I waved over a servant. “Please show Mr. Forsythe to a room, one with an office for conducting business.”
When Max left Barad looked at me. "Do you think it worked?"
“I think he’s interested. Right now his head is spinning. Alynon was right. He want’s his family’s estate back. I will issue that gladly if he will lead our men.”
Chapter 25
(Lee)
The next morning I received a lunch request from King Kendrick. Apparently, he had another lord lined up for me to meet. This time I asked Arthur to join me. His political acumen would come in handy. At the appointed time Stiven arrived to take us to the king. Captain Whilhoit had two men ready to act as escort. It felt silly considering that if something actually happened, I would have to protect them, but there was a protocol to follow. Besides, these men just swore themselves to Alsselya, and it would be insulting not to let them do their jobs.
Once again I was dres
sed in my Royal outfit. I had included a request in our clothing order for two more from Crowler. They were marked urgent over the soldier’s uniforms. Privilege of being the king.
“Your Majesty,” Stiven began as we were walking down the hall. “I’ve not had an opportunity yet to thank you for saving our lives at Lord Faluth’s. I don’t recall the last time I held a sword. If it had come down to actual fighting, I fear I would not have been much help.”
“And without the sharpness of your mind, we would not have survived here at the palace very long. You may not be a sword, Mr Waith, but you are a dangerous man all the same.”
“Well said, Your Majesty,” Arthur joined in.
"Thank you," he said as he nodded over his shoulder to me. "I appreciate the acknowledgment. Sometimes the abilities of us administrators are overlooked."
“So, who are we meeting today?”
“Today would be Lord Kaplan. He is another advisor to the king. We’ve researched the ledger closely, and we do not see anything tying him to the conspiracy. That and the king favors trust in him.”
“One could not ask for a better champion than your king. I myself can bear witness to that.”
“I think the king has been richly rewarded for his trust in you. Here we go,” Stiven said as he reached a pair of double doors. There were already two guards on either side. My guards moved to the wall opposite the doors and to their position. I nodded thanks to them and followed Stiven into the room.
"May I introduce King Eberon of Alsselya and his Chamberlain Arthur Banning," Stiven announced as we entered the room. The King and his guests were seated at a small table that would sit just eight. To his right were Lord Kaplan and a boy next to him that must be his son. The two stood when we entered the room. The servants motioned me to the seat across from the king. Stiven sat to the king’s right, and Arthur sat next to me. Lord Kaplan and his son sat as we did.
“Your Majesty,” Kendrick began. “Allow me to introduce one of my advisors, Lord Kaplan and his son Edward.”
“Lord Kaplan, Edward. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty. Few have had the opportunity to meet you. I now have something to brag about,” he said with a smile.
“Can you really defeat a whole army?” Edward blurted out.
“Well, I don’t know. How big of an army are we talking about?” I said teasingly. The look on Edward’s face said he was ready to believe anything.
“Don’t believe all you hear. I fear that I could not defeat an army. If it weren’t for brave King Kendrick and his soldiers, we wouldn’t be here today. You should have seen the King standing with his sword drawn, ready to do battle. He looked like a true hero.”
“Yes, while you were out being one,” The king said smiling, “but I appreciate the gesture.”
The servants came forward and poured us all wine, with the exception of Edward who had his watered down. “So, the king continued. I heard you received an important visitor yesterday.”
I smiled. “The king is very well informed.”
“A man that trained half the forces in my army walks through my gates, I will hear of it. Did he accept your offer?”
“Not yet, but he hasn’t rejected it. You may not know this, but his family is from Alsselya, and they were nobles there.”
“Aha! I knew you had something. Good for you. If there is anything I can do to tip the scales, let me know. The man’s too good to be running a guild.”
"I will keep your offer in mind, but so far he's still here. That's a good sign. I noticed this morning he was spending time with Captain Whilhoit. Hopefully, he will catch some of the captain's enthusiasm."
“That reminds me,” Kendrick said. “Edward, don’t look King Eberon in the eye. He keeps bewitching away all my best people.” Edward looked a little worriedly at me until the king winked at him.
“Yes, I’ve even ordered extra uniforms just in case I can ensnare any other.”
“Actually, I am thankful for you. Men like Ryan have nowhere to go. They are good men too. Not generally as spoiled as the firstborns, present company the exception,” the king said to Edward who nodded back.
“It must be exciting,” Lord Kaplan said. “Building a kingdom from scratch. Selecting people for positions based on merit. I fear the promise of the parents doesn’t always translate to the offspring.”
“Yes, and at least for the time being, our people are small enough that I can still be involved with each person who comes on. It gives me an opportunity to know them inside and out.”
“Yes, I fear I have inherited some that are less than deserving,” the king acknowledged.
“Yes, like Lord Francis, the swine,” Lord Kaplan added. “He deserved what he got, but I wish we were able to question him first.”
“Well, he did question the king in holding Captain Hannen during our meal. Then when the king pressed, he was forced to admit he mismanaged his lands. I suspect it was the promise of a team of auditors that made him panic,” I explained.
"Ah yes. That would explain it. And to defend that filthy son of Lord Hannen, I have heard he is responsible for the murder of many promising military men. Strictly out of jealousy!"
“How is Lord Hannen, I haven’t seen him lately,” Arthur asked Subtly.
“Bah, the man is as insufferable as always. My apologies your highness for talking bluntly.”
“Not at all. I know of your disagreements with Lord Hannen.”
We paused the conversation as the staff brought in the food. The plates were loaded in roast beef and garlic potatoes. Once everything was served, I waited for the king to take a bit. Once he did, I dug in. The food we received in our suite was good, but this was delicious. It was some time before the conversation resumed.
The king looked at Lord Kaplan’s son. “Edward, I need to speak some business with your father. Would you mind getting a tour of the palace while we talk?”
“May I see the stables?”
Kendrick laughed. “You may.”
One of the staff came forward and led the boy away.
“There’s a reason we wanted to speak with you today, Lord Kaplan. King Eberon arrived to Vennean with some disturbing news. He brought evidence of a conspiracy with some nobility within Vaelin and Dommeran.”
"What?" the Lord asked, aghast by the news. "Who?"
The king signaled to a staff member who brought the ledger out and placed it in front of Lord Kaplan. “My gods!” cursed the man as he flipped through the pages. “These houses, they all seem to lead back to Lord Hannen. I wouldn’t think even he would sink this low.”
“The trouble is,” Arthur added. “That while they lead to Lord Hannen, they do not directly associate him with the conspiracy.”
“His wife’s house is in here. We all know that they are but a puppet of his.”
“Yes, but common knowledge is not evidence,” Said the king.
“We do have a witness that can associate Lord Hannen with Pelen, the Dommerian agent. Would that help when combined with the other evidence?” I asked.
"Unfortunately, it would just be his word against the witness. Everything else is purely circumstantial."
"Then we are back to where we began. If we arrest these..” Stiven began before he was interrupted by a knock at the door. The king quickly took the ledger and handed it to a staff person who whisked it away.
“Yes?” The king asked.
One of the guards opened the door. “Your Majesty, Lord Hannen is here.”
The king took a quick glance at me, “Show him in.”
In walked a tall, broad-shouldered man. It was the first time I had seen Lord Hannen. He had steel-gray hair and dark eyes. His short, well-groomed beard was peppered gray and black. He walked in with a red cape over his shoulders.
"Your Highness, I apologize. I wasn't aware you were in a meeting." The smugness about the man showed that he knew exactly what was going on. "May I be introduced to your guest?"
“Of course,” Kendrick said with a fake smile. “This is King Eberon of Alsselya and his Chamberlain Arthur. You of course already know Lord Kaplan and Stiven Waith.”
"King Eberon! It is a pleasure to meet you finally. It is unfortunate that the unpleasantness with my son would taint our meeting before it could even happen. I hope we can move past that," he said as he extended his hand.
I stood to face him, taking his hand in a crushing grip. “No one knows what the future hold, Lord Hannen,” I said. Continuing the charade of civility. He was using just as firm a grip back on me.
“Well then,” he said as we released our grips. “What is this meeting about? Maybe I can add something in my role as advisor.”
"It is nothing. I thought it might be beneficial to introduce King Eberon to some in the court. Hopefully we can have future business with his kingdom." King Kendrick explained.
"If I may, Your Highness, what business could that be? No offense King Eberon, but right now the entirety of your kingdom is in a suite down the hall. Alsselya has nothing to trade. The land was lost centuries ago. Meanwhile, we have offers of friendship from Dommeran. They need many of the materials we have here. Vaelin could be a wealthy kingdom within a matter of months."
“Vaelin is already a wealthy kingdom, and do you forget the constant attacks on our borders!” The King argued.
“Your Majesty, those are just outlaws on the borders. Once trade is opened up with Dommeran, I am sure that would cease.”
“There is another need,” I said quietly.
“And what is that?” Lord Hannen said with a sneer.
“Balance. The world requires balance. For Gorath’s greed has shifted that balance. It is disrupting nature itself.”
“Ahh, the religious argument. I wasn’t aware you were a zealot, King Eberon.”
“Enough! I will not allow you to insult my guest.”
"Of course, Your Majesty. I apologize. I just wasn't aware of the king's views on faith."
“Don’t forget, I share those views. I am a believer in Ayisha.”
“Yes, Sire. I recall our many stimulating debates on the subject, and I mean not to offend, just advise. The path you pursue could lead to an expensive and bloody war. I am just looking out for our people. Many of whom would perish if such a course was taken.”