Gods Above and Below

by Loren K. Jones

  Lord Javan’s voice took on a rhythm that made the exchange seem effortless, and soon Stavin was nodding his approval of a twenty-three-crown sale. All ten wagons sold for at least twice what Stavin estimated they were worth. Next came the contents of the wagons, and again the bidding was spirited.

  At the end of the auction the little caravan sold for three hundred and seventeen gold crowns, nine silver, and five sparks.

  Stavin shook his head in wonder. “That’s more than twice what I thought we’d get.”

  Feralan smiled at him as she replied, “That is because they weren’t just buying the caravan wagons and goods, Prince Stavin. They were buying a part of your legend. I’d bet a crown that every one of those wagons is going to be marked as having come from the caravan you rescued, and probably five or six more belonging to each of the Houses that bought these.”

  Stavin rolled his eyes as Karvik burst out laughing, slapping his thigh as his howls of laughter echoed off the building and across the caravansary.

  * * *

  Stavin had Karvik distribute the payment in equal shares to the rest of the expedition, but left himself out. That gave all thirty-nine of them six gold crowns, seven silver crowns, and six sparks. The traders and guards were openly surprised by his generosity, but the Royal Guards just smiled. They knew their prince’s habits by now. Karvik took the remaining twenty-two sparks and put them in the traveling purse that he’d been given him at the beginning of the summer. We’ve hardly used any of this. Stave keeps paying for everything himself.

  The next day, after a filling morning meal, Stavin returned to the Academy to continue discussing the ancient glyphs and the revelations he’d discovered about the Gods, Above and Below, and their influence on the people of the kingdoms.

  The sun went down far too soon for Stavin, but Varik’s arrival to relieve the watch was the signal that it was time to go. Stavin bowed to Master Zel’Nielson and the rest, and received their bows in return.

  “Masters, this has been a very pleasant interlude in my travels, and I wish I could stay longer, but my duty is drawing me onward. If it should happen that I can return, I will.”

  Master Zel’Nielson bowed deeply as she replied, “Prince Stavin, you are welcome inside these walls whenever you travel this way.”

  Stavin smiled and turned away, but his feet seemed to drag as he walked back to the Royal Bull. Lady Ava met them as soon as they entered the inn.

  “Prince Stavin,” she began with a bow, “I understand that you will be leaving for Rey in the morning.”

  “Yes, Lady Ava,” Stavin replied with a bow in return.

  “I would like to travel with you, if I may. Cimmaresa is old enough and skilled enough to manage the inn, and I think Alred might need a little extra moral support.”

  Stavin bowed and said, “We would be delighted. Will you be traveling by carriage?”

  “Horse. And I’ll only be bringing one servant with me.” She turned and signaled a woman forward. “This is Beatran Fel’Kanal, my matron. She’s also my bodyguard. Alred is as unreasonable as King Kalin when it comes to guarding the royal family.”

  Stavin looked at the woman and felt the familiar tightening of his muscles he experienced whenever he met a truly dangerous person. Just watching her walk toward them told him all he needed to know.

  “I am pleased to meet you, Beatran. I’m not going to bother asking how many knives you’re carrying right now. What level have you ascended to in Esvat?”

  Beatran smiled and bowed, then replied, “Adept, Blessed One.”

  Stavin grinned at Karvik. “Lady Ava and her matron will be joining us, Major.”

  Karvik bowed as he shook his head. “I’m not going to bother saying anything. It’s not like you can actually get into any more trouble than you’re already in. Although, as Lady Ava’s bodyguard, she is technically a royal guard.”

  Stavin nodded and laughed, then went upstairs to wash up before the evening meal.

  * * *

  Morning found the whole group in the saddle. Lady Ava and Beatran were both dressed in dark brown riding leathers, and Stavin eyed each of them carefully. They both carried six throwing knives in bandoleers and four daggers at their waists. Beatran wore the red belt of an Esvat Adept, and Lady Ava, much to Stavin’s surprise, wore the black belt of an Esvat Master.

  Lady Ava saw Stavin’s expression and chuckled. “Bea is my Cho’San, Prince Stavin. She’s been instructing me in the art of Esvat since she came to my service ten years ago, just after my husband’s death. I will never be an Adept, but I can defend myself if I have to. And it keeps me slim so I don’t have to have new dresses made all the time.” She ended with an impish grin and a giggle that would have sounded more appropriate coming from her granddaughter.

  Stavin chuckled and shook his head, saying, “You and Shari would get along marvelously.”

  The group traveled at a brisk pace through the day, reaching the next town well before sunset. Lady Ava led them to the Royal Stag Inn and introduced Stavin to the innkeeper.

  “Prince Stavin Zel’Andral, Blessed of Arandar, allow me to introduce Innkeeper Hevana Fel’Corvalas.”

  The woman fell to her knees and placed her forehead against the floorboards, as did everyone in the common room. “We welcome you, Blessed One,” she said loudly.

  Stavin smiled as he replied, “I thank you for your welcome, Innkeeper Fel’Corvalas. Please rise.” He looked up and addressed the room in general, “All of you, please rise.”

  The innkeeper and her customers slowly climbed to their feet, watching Stavin and his guards warily. Innkeeper Fel’Corvalas bowed again to Lady Ava as she asked, “How my I serve you, Lady Ava?”

  “Place Prince Stavin in the royal suite, Hevana. I’ll take the other room on the top floor. His guards will be sufficient protection for both of us.”

  The woman bowed to Lady Ava, then again more deeply to Stavin, and then turned away. A few quick words to her staff sent them scurrying around the inn.

  Innkeeper Fel’Corvalas returned to bow to Stavin again. “The royal suite will be ready in a few moments, Blessed One. May I offer you refreshment?”

  Stavin nodded. “Yes, I’d like a beer, please. And one for Major Kel’Carin as well.”

  “At once, Blessed One. Please choose a table of your liking and I will be right back.”

  “Hevana,” Lady Ava said to catch the innkeeper’s attention, “for us as well.”

  The innkeeper looked stricken for an instant, then fell to her knees at Lady Ava’s feet. “I beg your forgiveness, Lady Avannala.”

  “It’s all right, Hevana,” Lady Ava said softly. “Just go get the beer now.” Lady Ava watched her go then guided Stavin to a table. “She’s usually not that impressed by rank, but you are an exception.”

  Stavin nodded as they took their seats. Lady Ava chose to sit across from Stavin. That put Beatran at Stavin’s left hand, and made Karvik shake his head in mock-sorrow.

  “King Kalin would never approve of this.”

  Stavin chuckled. “Don’t be so sure. Kalin has earned his brown belt. He’d probably be trying to entice Beatran to come be his Cho’San. Cho’San Kel’Nestav has his black belt, but admits that he’ll never earn red.”

  Beatran bowed her head as she commented, “Your King Kalin sounds like a remarkably practical man, Prince Stavin.”

  Stavin nodded as he replied, “He is that. He’s been on the throne for more than twenty years, but he insists on keeping his sword skills as sharp as his blade. Esvat is practiced more for discipline and mental focus than for combat in Evandia, but there are those who learn it as a backup defense in case of trouble.”

  “And you, Prince Stavin?” she asked as she looked him in the eyes.

  “Exercise and discipline only,” he replied with a grin. “The combat techniques of the Farindian Royal Guards are ingrained bone-deep in me. My first reaction is to grab my Dragon’s Tongue.” He ran a finger down the weapon’s haft. “Knives after that
. And then this silly thing.” He patted his big knife.

  “You don’t like your short sword?” Beatran asked in a curious tone.

  “Not really. The Warriors of Kel’Kavin use swords, but they are always long swords like Karvik’s.” He nodded toward Karvik. “I tried, but I’m just too small to properly handle a blade that size.”

  Karvik grinned. “You have one sword you can handle.”

  Stavin grinned. “Yeah, and it’s too bad it tried to take over every time I picked it up.”

  “Prince Stavin?” Lady Ava asked.

  “The Sword of Zel’Hallan,” he replied with a small grin. “Every time I drew it the dragon magic took hold, driving me to do things I never would have tried without it. Allowing me to do things no one could ever do without it. But the price was high. The personality of the dragon came with the power, and I became a person I didn’t like.”

  Karvik was nodding his agreement. “The magic made him vicious. Mean. But Arandar took care of that.”

  “I thought the Evilest One was the reason,” Lady Ava murmured.

  Stavin nodded. “In part, he was. I encountered His priests two years before I took up the sword, and He had to have affected me to some extent, but the big changes were from the combination of the two dragons’ magic. This glow,” he nodded toward the mail on his arm, “is as bright as the sun when I hold the sword. Or so I’m told.” He glanced at Karvik. “I couldn’t see it.”

  Karvik looked at Lady Ava and nodded as he said, “We could see that glow in the mid day sun. He was actually hard to look at.”

  “And the physical toll was high as well. I almost collapsed every time I let go of the sword. One time I did collapse and I could barely get out of my bedroll for three days.”

  The innkeeper returned with their beers, and Karvik automatically picked up Stavin’s. Lady Ava looked at him and asked, “Food taster as well, Major?”

  “Yes, Lady Ava. The King’s Healer placed the spells on me several years ago. We mean no insult. We trust the royal inns, but King Kalin’s orders apply everywhere.”

  “Not in the Bull.”

  “Not obviously, no,” Stavin answered. “And not in Lady Sahrana’s estate in Aniston, either. But he always eats first when we’re not someplace we trust.”

  Lady Ava nodded as Beatran took her beer and sipped. “We do as well, even in our royal inns.”

  Stavin chuckled, then his expression changed as he looked toward the door. “Here we go again.”

  Lady Ava looked over her shoulder and frowned. “I’m afraid there’s no way of avoiding them, Prince Stavin.”

  Stavin nodded as seven splendidly dressed men and women hurried over to their table and knelt.

  “Prince Stavin,” the man in the lead said, “we welcome you to Riverside. I am Lord Mayor Chillicoff Zel’Almont, and these worthies are the city council.”

  Stavin nodded his head deeply, but didn’t stand as he replied, “I am pleased to meet you all. Have you met Lady Ava Zel’Kellie?”

  The mayor and his councilors looked surprised for an instant, but covered it quickly. “Lady Zel’Kellie, welcome back.”

  Lady Ava smiled bitterly. “Greetings, Chillicoff.”

  The mayor looked like he wanted to say something else to her, but resolutely turned back toward Stavin. “Prince Stavin, how long will you grace us with your presence?”

  “Just the night,” Stavin answered. “We’re already behind schedule. We were supposed to be in Rey tomorrow.”

  “Is there any way we could persuade you to stay longer, Prince Stavin?” one of the women asked.

  Stavin shook his head. “No. The delays we’ve already encountered may be excusable, but making the king wait just to discuss Arandar’s blessing with you would not be.”

  The mayor’s face twisted into a bitter expression, then he bowed his head. “As you say, Prince Stavin. If we can do anything for you, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

  Stavin again bowed his head and said, “Thank you. If you will excuse us now, I would like to get cleaned up before we eat.”

  The mayor and council stood and bowed deeply, then left without another word. Stavin turned toward Lady Ava and tilted his head to the side. She explained, looking him in the eye the whole time.

  “When my husband died, he tried to get Alred to marry me off to him. Without asking me.” She grinned at Stavin’s wince. “Alred knows me better than that. When I found out I informed Chillicoff, in small, unambiguous words, just how long he would have lived afterwards.”

  Stavin grinned as he asked, “How long?”

  “Until I got within arm’s reach.”

  Chapter 15

  THE EXPEDITION LEFT BEFORE DAWN. STAVIN and Beatran bracketed Lady Ava as they rode.

  “We shouldn’t take more than seven days to reach Rey at this pace,” Lady Ava said as they passed through the gates. “Even with stopping every night in the royal inns.”

  Lady Ava’s prediction was correct: seven days later they reached the mighty Golden Gates of Rey.

  “Gods Above,” Stavin whispered. The famous Golden Gates of Rey were set across the road, hung from a massive white marble arch, but no walls extended to the sides. There were guards, however.

  A man in an elaborate uniform stepped forward and held his hand out as he said, “Stop there. No armed parties are allowed in the city.”

  Karvik rode forward. “We are Evandian Royal Guards escorting His Royal Highness, Dragon Blessed Senior Warmaster Prince Stavin Markan Karvan Do’Kalin Ne’Aniston Zel’Andral, Blessed of Arandar.”

  The man took a step backwards in shock, but his discipline held as he shook his head. “I beg the Blessed One’s forgiveness, but my orders are firm and only the king himself may countermand them.”

  Lady Ava rode forward and said, “Guardsman, send a messenger to the palace and inform my brother who is here.”

  The guard’s eyes bulged when he finally realized who she had to be, and he bowed deeply before turning back toward the city. He needn’t have bothered; A man on a horse was already riding away at a gallop.

  A man in an even more elaborate uniform walked forward and said, “Lady Ava, welcome home.”

  Lady Ava’s head bowed just a little before she replied, “It is nice to be home, Jardel. When did Alred give the order about armed parties?”

  The man bowed before saying, “There was an incident about twenty-three days ago. Late one night an armed force hired by Lord Zel’Parten caught someone they thought had been taking the children. Instead of turning him over to the king to be questioned by a Truth Seer, they tied his arms and legs to four separate oxen and slowly pulled him apart, one pace at a time.” The guardsman paused as Lady Ava buried her face in her hands. “That night three children were taken.”

  “And Lord Zel’Parten?” she demanded.

  “The king ordered him to pay restitution to the man’s family. It turns out that he was out late that night because his wife is pregnant and had a craving for pickled carrots. Lord Zel’Parten will be supporting her and her children for the rest of their lives.”

  Lady Ava started crying, and Stavin rode forward to offer what support he could. As soon as he passed his guards all of the men at the gate and a large number of people inside the city went to their knees. Stavin hardly noticed.

  “Lady Ava, what can I do?” he asked softly, reaching over to cover her hand with his.

  “Do what you came here to do, Prince Stavin: Stop this madness before it becomes any worse.”

  Stavin looked at the now-kneeling guard and commanded, “Tell me what you know about these incidents.”

  The guard told him almost exactly the same things as Master Zel’Nielson’s scholars had. The details took long enough that the messenger returned to the gate before the man finished.

  The messenger rode through the gateway and bowed in the saddle. “Lady Ava,” he began with another deep bow from his saddle, “His Majesty requests that you bring the Blessed One to the palace. And he
emphasized that it is just a request.”

  Lady Ava grinned at Stavin. “He learned not to order me around when we were children. It was painful, and took several examples, but he got the idea.”

  Stavin laughed. “I really wish I could introduce you to Shari.”

  Varik was close enough to hear and added, “She treated Kahn about the same way.”

  Lady Ava grinned, then led them into the city. Karvik motioned Varik forward, and he rode to Lady Ava’s side as his men took up guard positions, riding single-file to either side of them.

  Beatran gave the formation a critical look, then nodded in satisfaction to Varik before facing forward again, scanning the crowded streets for any sign of danger.

  Stavin was shamelessly looking around, noting the sights as they passed. He saw huge monuments off to the north. They were so tall he could see them over many of the buildings.

  Stavin nudged Karvik and pointed. “Bet you a crown those are the temples.”

  “No bet,” Karvik replied.

  The ride was a long one. Rey easily covered twice the area of Twin Bridges. The palace was larger as well. It was not a single building. Rather, it was a complex of buildings connected by enclosed walkways between the upper floors.

  A platoon of Palace Guards met them at the gates. “Lady Princess Avannala, welcome home,” the captain in charge said as he bowed. “His majesty is waiting for you in the royal suite. The Visitor’s Suite is being prepared for the Blessed of Arandar.”

  “Prince Stavin Zel’Andral, Mikan,” she corrected softly. “He is a prince of Evandia first.”

  The captain bowed. “Yes, Lady Princess Avannala.”

  Lady Ava bent forward and said, “Just because you’re my half-brother doesn’t mean you can get away with that, Mikie.” The captain grinned and bowed, then swept his arm around in an invitation to pass into the palace.

  Lady Ava led them around the side, between two buildings, and into a set of stables that had a familiar feel: in this, at least, the palace matched Twin Bridges.