Eldick nodded. “Shouldn’t take long then. Someone stay here so the rest don’t pass us by. We’ll track down the prong-horn and bring it back.”
Cartal pointed to the trees and said, “There’s a stream. Good tasting water, a lot better than that well.”
Everyone dismounted and went to the stream, drinking their fill right beside their horses. In a few moments Eldick silently mounted and took Cartal’s reins while Cartal started tracking his kill on foot.
The chase turned out to be a long one. The blood tapered off until all of them had to dismount and search for it. They had walked deep into the countryside, and after a time found the ruins of a large structure.
Eldick held up his hand to stop the others and walked forward alone. He traced the outer foundations, then looked at the straight lines that must have been interior walls. The building must have been a Chosen family manor judging by the size of it.
Looking around, he saw mounds where he would have expected to find barns and assorted outbuildings. Movement made him turn back toward the rest of the men and point.
Everyone turned and headed toward where he had pointed and they converged on one mound in particular. As soon as they did, the prong-horns broke cover. Cartal ran forward and rounded the mound to find the doe struggling to rise. He drew his sword and slashed down behind her head, severing her spine. Then he cut her throat to bleed her out.
Eldick was at his shoulder in an instant. “Well done, Cartal,” he said as he patted the younger man’s shoulder. “Very well done. We’ll finish dressing her out.”
Cartal nodded and stepped back. He was looking around, exploring the ruins, when a glint of sunlight off something in the dust caught his eye. It took him a moment to find it, but he eventually pulled a jewel-encrusted golden necklet out of the dirt. He used his water bottle to rinse it off, then walked back to the others.
“Look at this!” he said excitedly.
“That’s beautiful,” one man said while another asked, “Where’d you find it?”
Cartal answered their questions, and soon only he and Eldick remained by the animal. Eldick reached over and ran one finger across the back of Cartal’s treasure.
He whispered, “Someone died wearing this.”
“What do you mean?” Cartal asked.
Eldick pointed. “It’s uneven. This side should be a finger longer and have a clasp. Mom has several necklets of this style that have been handed down for generations. It’s cut in the right place to have been around someone’s neck when she was cut down with a sword.”
Cartal whispered, “Gods Above. I wonder what else happened here?”
Eldick shook his head. “Probably something bad. But that was a long time ago, and we have something to do right now.” Looking around he raised his voice and snapped, “Mount up!”
All the men returned to their horses immediately. The prong-horn had been quartered, and four different men tied the quarters on their saddles. Cartal’s horse was loaded with the head, with the heart, liver, and kidneys wrapped in the hide.
The ride back to the road went quickly. Just three spans of easy riding returned them to the trees to find the rest of the group waiting.
* * *
The return of the hunters so late in the day made up Stavin’s mind for him. “We’ll camp here and have some fresh meat. The water in that stream is going to be welcome in the morning.”
“It’ll be welcome tonight as well,” Karvik said. “I’m going to wash.”
Stavin and the rest of their men were nodding their agreement as they fetched their buckets. Having no one to be bashful around let every man strip down--except Varik and his team. At Stavin’s questioning look he said, “When another team is dressed again.”
It didn’t take long for everyone to bathe. Even warmed by the sun, the water was too cold for anything but a quick sponge-off. Still, everyone was feeling much better by the time the meat was cooked.
Cartal brought the necklet out and showed everyone what he’d found. When he showed it to Stavin he said, “Prince Stavin, there’s something engraved inside it, but I can’t read it. Would you try?”
Stavin looked at the underside of the jewelry and tilted his head to the side. “It’s in Ancient Glyphs, but they’re done very elaborately, like what you’d expect to see on a--” He paused to chuckle. “Like you’d expect to see on something that was being presented to someone. Let’s see. I read it as, For my darling Jerlain on your ascension from Youth to Woman. Someone gave this to his daughter when she turned twenty.”
Cartal timidly pointed at the back and said, “Eldick thinks she was cut down with a sword. It’s damaged right there.”
Stavin looked at it carefully, then nodded. “He may be right.” Stavin thought for a moment, then said, “I’ll buy it from you.”
Cartal looked at his prince and said, “With all due respect, Prince Stavin, not a chance.” He shook his head and grinned. “No amount of gold could offset what my girlfriend would do to me. She reaches her majority just after mid-winter. And while her name isn’t anything like ‘Jerlain’, she’ll no doubt be pleased just the same. You see, she’s a scholar like you. The fact that it’s so old will make it even more precious.”
Stavin slapped him on the shoulder and said, “Good man. The love of a good woman is worth more gold than the world holds.”
* * *
It took two more days to reach a real, modern Kavadian town. It was located on a large plain, and they could see it for many spans before they reached it. The gates were closed, but that was to be expected: this was, after all, Kavadia.
They stopped well short of the city walls and only Varik rode forward. He was still more than a dragon from the gates when a voice shouted, “That’s close enough. State your business.”
Varik shouted back his answer as he’d been coached. “Master Trader Stavin of House Kel’Aniston seeks an inn for the night.”
“Of what guild?” the voice shouted back.
“Kavadian. Master Stavin is a member of the Aravad Trader’s Council.”
“Why does Master Stavin need so many guards?” a different voice asked.
“Because he is also Prince Stavin of Evandia, Minister of Trade.”
“Come forward with your hands in plain sight,” the first voice commanded. Once he was just a few horse-lengths from the gates a small, man-sized door opened and a man stepped out.
“Introduce yourself,” the man commanded.
Varik bowed his head slightly. “I am Lieutenant Varik Kel’Horval of the Evandian Royal Guard, Senior Sergeant of Kel’Kavin.”
The man looked at him suspiciously. “Is it true about Prince Stavin? That he’s the Blessed of Arandar the Bright?”
Varik nodded. “Yes, it’s true, though he prefers to be addressed as Prince Stavin or Warmaster Zel’Andral.”
The man looked past Varik and said, “Please invite Prince Stavin forward while I have the gates opened.” At Varik’s nod he turned away and went back through the door.
Varik rode back and reported everything to Stavin and Karvik. Stavin nodded, then said, “Let’s go.” The entire group rode forward in formation. The gates were open, so they rode straight through. A crowd stopped them just inside the town.
A tall woman stood a pace in front of the rest, and she bowed when Stavin reined Tru to a stop. “Prince Stavin, Master of House Kel’Aniston, welcome to Prairie Home. I am Mayor Juliana Zel’Beardan.” She paused to bow deeply once again. “Behind me are the members of our council,” she paused and glanced back before continuing, “along with just about everyone else who lives here.”
Stavin bowed in the saddle before replying, “I am pleased to meet you, Mayor Zel’Beardan. We are seeking an inn for the night.”
The mayor gestured to the side. “Be welcome in our inn.”
Stavin nodded and turned Tru toward the building. The sign proclaimed it ‘The Leaping Frog’ and showed a frog flying through the air. On the porch, a man came forward and bo
wed.
“Prince Stavin, I am Norbert Zel’Beardan, owner and innkeeper of the Leaping Frog.”
Stavin looked at the mayor and got a slight bow in return. “My husband.”
Stavin bowed his head. “I am pleased to meet you. I need a room for myself, and rooms for twenty-two of my men. The rest will be on watch.”
Norbert bowed deeply. “At once, Prince Stavin. If you would care to have a seat, my girls will bring you refreshments.”
Stavin smiled slightly and shook his head. “We have to see to our horses first. Where is your stable?”
The mayor said, “Surely your men will see to your horse.”
“They would if I asked,” Stavin agreed, “but it is our tradition to see to our own mounts. Besides, Tru gets testy if she doesn’t get enough attention.” Stavin scratched Tru’s neck and asked, “Don’t you, girl?”
The mayor bowed, then led the way around the inn. There was only room for six horses in the stable, but the paddock was big enough for the rest. Stavin led Tru into the stable and put her into a stall, then saw to her needs. He was aware of the mayor watching him, but he took his time. When all the horses were fed and watered, and at least rubbed down if not curried, Stavin walked over to the mayor.
Bowing his head, he said, “Thank you.”
“It is our honor, Prince Stavin. Would you care for something to drink now?”
Stavin nodded and went to a table that let him put his back against the wall. Karvik, Varik, and Sergeant Zel’Fordan joined him. When the mayor came to his side, Stavin said, “Won’t you join us, Mayor Zel’Beardan?”
She smiled and replied, “Actually, Prince Stavin, I’m here to take your order. My daughters Carissan and Julissan will serve your men.”
Stavin smiled and said, “Beer for all of us.”
The mayor smiled and bowed slightly before turning away. She returned moments later with heavy, capped tankards.
Stavin looked at the tankards and asked, “Why are there lids?” as he tilted his head to examine it closely.
“It’s an ancient design,” the mayor replied. “Long ago the roofs were made of thatch instead of shingles, and were usually rife with bugs of every sort. Food was kept covered to keep bugs and less savory things from dropping in.”
Karvik chortled. “Remember that inn down in Luxandia?”
“The inn where the beetle dropped into my stew?” Varik asked. “I remember it very well.”
The mayor smiled, then turned away. As soon as she did, Karvik sipped his beer. “Not bad. Not bad at all,” was all he said.
Stavin reached over and took Karvik’s beer, then took a drink. “It’s like that Andarian beer we had a few years ago.”
Everyone was enjoying their beer or wine, so Stavin relaxed. Karvik nodded his approval and leaned back. “This is nice.”
Stavin nodded and leaned back as well. “Indeed. When the mayor comes back I’ll ask about supplies.”
The mayor came by with her husband in tow. “Prince Stavin, what can we prepare for you?”
Stavin asked, “What do you have that’s already prepared?”
“Nothing fit to serve to a prince,” Norbert replied, “begging your pardon, Prince Stavin.”
Karvik said, “We’re mostly warriors, and the few Chosen among us are getting used to common food.”
Sergeant Zel’Fordan smiled at Norbert as he said, “It’s taken some getting used to, but we’ve adapted.”
Norbert still looked unsure, but the mayor bowed and said, “We always have a big pot of stew of some kind on the fire. Currently it is goat.”
“That sounds good,” Stavin replied as he looked around.
Varik nodded. “Bread and butter?”
“Of course,” the mayor replied.
“For all of us then, or at least the four of us,” Karvik said, then added, “If you have anything else, the men can order what they want, just please, don’t go to any trouble on our account.”
The mayor was looking stunned, but her husband was nodding. “That matches the stories I’ve heard about Stavin Dragonblessed.”
The mayor and her husband withdrew, and returned in moments with a tray laden with bowls of stew and a trencher loaded with bread. Their daughters were serving the guardsmen at the same time.
The stew was thick and smelled wonderful, and both the mayor and her husband hovered close by, waiting for Stavin’s approval. When Karvik was the only one to eat they looked concerned, then insulted when he passed his bowl to Stavin.
“Prince Stavin, I assure you--” Norbert began, but Sergeant Zel’Fordan stood and bowed to stop him.
“Innkeeper Zel’Beardan, we mean no insult. King Kalin ordered Major Kel’Carin to test everything Prince Stavin eats or drinks, even water from a stream. He has the Food Taster spells on him for that purpose. Even in the palace in Rey his food was tested. And Prince Stavin can’t countermand those orders.”
“Name yourself,” Norbert demanded in a haughty tone.
The sergeant stood straight and bowed slightly before saying, “I am Avellin Zel’Fordan, second son of Lord Cavael Zel’Fordan, Lord of Zel’Fordan in Evandia.”
Norbert looked stunned and softly asked, “What are you doing as a mere sergeant in the guard?”
“Guarding the life of the royal family, as Zel’Fordans have done since the time of our first king. In addition, my family owes Prince Stavin a personal debt of honor.” He gave Stavin a twisted grin. “Even if he denies the debt.” Stavin blushed and shook his head. He didn’t bother to rehash the old argument about Ehrwan.
After they had eaten, Stavin approached the mayor. “Your pardon, Mayor Zel’Beardan, but we are in need of supplies. Can you provide a guide to Prairie Home’s Traders?”
The mayor bowed as she replied, “I will bring them here, Prince Stavin. There are two Trading Houses represented, one a grain merchant and the other a cloth merchant. We have a thriving wool industry here.”
Stavin bowed his approval and was soon facing two men and a woman. “Prince Stavin, I am pleased to present Master Traders Ahlvin Fel’Brendan, Sohvanis Fel’Kenthan, and Jaspan Kel’Kaudell.”
Stavin bowed slightly and turned his attention toward Jaspan. “Master Jaspan, I believe I know two of your cousins.”
Jaspan bowed, but he was grinning as well. “No, Prince Stavin, you know two of my sisters.”
“You’re from Aravad?”
“I am,” Jaspan confirmed with a bow.
Karvik said, “This seems a bit far afield for a secondary base, Master Kel’Kaudell.”
“It is, but it isn’t,” Master Jaspan replied with a smile. “We are on the way home to Aravad. We got caught in Rey and weren’t allowed to leave until Prince Stavin solved their problem.”
He turned back toward Stavin and bowed again. “Thank you for dealing with the problem so quickly, Prince Stavin. I didn’t want to spend the winter there.”
Stavin bowed his head, then turned toward the other traders. “Good Masters, we are in need of grain, meat, and cheese to continue our journey.”
Master Fel’Brendan bowed. “It would be an honor to deal with you, Prince Stavin. I’ve heard you’re an accomplished trader. Now, what quantity are you seeking?” Stavin and Master Fel’Brendan settled into a round of bargaining that left everyone who hadn’t seen him in action before thoroughly impressed.
“Three gold it is,” Master Fel’Brendan said in a sorrowful tone.
Stavin laughed. “Don’t look like that. You got a fair price for your goods.”
Master Fel’Brendan bowed and said, “And so did you, young Master Stavin. One I never would have believed had it not been me you were bargaining against. I’ll have your supplies ready to load at first light.”
Stavin bowed and handed over three gleaming golden coins. “As agreed.” They were Reynadian crowns, not Kavadian, and Master Fel’Brendan smiled when he saw the coins. Reynadian crowns were about sixteen percent larger than their Kavadian counterparts. He left the inn wi
th Master Fel’Kenthan at his side.
Master Kel’Kaudell was stroking his chin as he looked at Stavin. “I’ve heard a lot of stories about you, Prince Stavin. You’ve just confirmed the most outrageous of them. Would it be possible to convince you to ride with my caravan?”
Karvik said, “That would slow us down quite a bit.”
Master Jaspan grinned as he said, “I have an excellent cook.”
Stavin looked at Karvik and grinned. Karvik took a deep breath and shook his head. “You’re the one who has to explain it to King Kalin.”
Stavin turned toward Jaspan and bowed his head slightly. “We would be delighted.”
Jaspan bowed deeply. “We’re hitting the road again just after first light, Prince Stavin.”
“Then so are we,” Stavin said. With that the trader left the inn, and Stavin turned his attention back to the mayor.
“And on the subject of trade, what is our stay going to cost me?”
Norbert looked offended and said, “I’ll not take a blessed spark from the Blessed of Arandar.”
Stavin looked around and said, “Please, I insist. We’re an expensive lot to feed and house.”
The mayor turned and grabbed her husband’s arm, and they had a heated but whispered discussion. When she turned back, she bowed.
“Prince Stavin, we will accept a silver crown for each of your men, but allow us the honor of hosting you. That would be our duty to you as a prince, even if there were no other considerations.”
Stavin bowed, satisfied with the price and their reasoning. The sun had gone down and he soon caught himself yawning. “Time for bed,” was all he needed to say. Within moments he was upstairs in a nice, comfortable room.
Karvik nodded after he searched the room. “You’re alone tonight. My team is taking the watch.”
Stavin nodded, then let Karvik help him out of his armor. He was asleep almost as soon as his head hit the pillows.
A knock on the door woke him, and Varik’s voice said, “It’s four spans till first light, Stave.”
“I’m up,” he said as he struggled to his feet. “Come in and help me armor up.” Varik did as he was asked, and soon Stavin was ready to go.
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