Varik shook his head and whispered, “Being a magistrate pays good.”
Stavin let loose a heavy sigh. “Yes, but you have to know somebody in the Ministry of Justice to get an appointment. That’s why you never see anything but Chosen magistrates.”
Varik shook his head but remained silent. Stavin was taking them out of town again, to the Kel’Aniston Trading House. When they arrived, Stavin gathered everyone together.
“My friends, I have a commission for Landon.” He held up the parchment. “This document makes Landon my representative on the Council, with my proxy so he can cast Kel’Aniston’s vote.”
Landon stood and took the document from Stavin’s hand and bowed. “Thank you, Prince Stavin. But why now?”
Stavin raised both hands to shoulder level in an armored shrug. “I’m not certain, but I think it’s going to be even harder for me to get up here now that Arandar has blessed me. At a guess, I’d say the demands on my time are going to double, if not more. I need a presence on the Council to speak for House Kel’Aniston on my behalf.” Turning toward the other traders, he smiled.
“Landon has my full faith and confidence concerning any and all issues pertaining to the management of the Kavadian Branch of House Kel’Aniston. This is really something I should have done a long time ago, but,” he paused to give everyone a bashful grin, “I liked having an excuse to sneak away for twenty or more days and come up here.”
Now he shook his head and looked at the floor. “But Arandar’s blessing is changing that. While I don’t want to re-establish Arandar’s temple in Twin Bridges, I don’t think I’m going to be given a choice. Someone, possibly even King Kalin himself, is going to make an issue of it, and I might not be able to say no.”
“Your pardon, Prince Stavin,” one of the younger traders said as he stepped forward and bowed, “but how can they make you do anything you don’t want to do?”
“The same way parents everywhere get their grown children to do something they don’t want to do: Guilt.”
“Against you?” the young man asked.
“Yes. Just because I have a title and glowing armor doesn’t mean my parents, including my adoptive father, can’t manipulate me. Even Karvik’s mother can still get me to jump with just a word.”
“Or a raised eyebrow,” Varik muttered.
Stavin laughed. “Oh, yes,” he agreed and looked around. “If there are issues that Landon doesn’t feel confident dealing with, he can still call on me. This just gives us a more active role in determining how Trade in Kavadia is going to be handled.”
“But what if something happens to Landon?” a young woman asked.
“Then I’ll designate someone else.”
Landon stepped forward and swept the room with a glance. His age was showing in his gray hair, but he was still a tall, muscular man. “Prince Stavin is not doing anything unusual. Half of the Houses on the Aravad Council are represented by traders from the houses rather than the owners. These procedures are as old as the council.”
Stavin bowed slightly to Landon. “I am planning on leaving in two days. If you have any questions, you know where we’re staying.”
Everyone bowed to Stavin, then he headed toward the door. His guardsmen formed up behind him and they left the compound. Stavin noticed that Kahndar was walking beside Varik, but he just smiled.
Stavin went to his room and laid back on the bed. The feeling of being watched was making him nervous. He looked at the ceiling and asked, “Is this really necessary?” There was no answer, of course.
A knock at his door made him sit up and say, “Come,” automatically.
The door opened and the guard said, “Prince Stavin, your presence is requested downstairs.”
Stavin could hear the sound of shouting and said, “Help me armor up,” as he started putting on his plate. The guard did as he was asked, and when Stavin was ready he fell in at Stavin’s shoulder.
The voices got louder as they descended, finally becoming a roar when Stavin was seen on the stairs. The entire royal guard contingent was formed up at the base of the stairs to keep dozens of people back.
A voice shouted, “Blasphemer!” and a pair of antique shears was thrown through the air, only to bounce off Stavin’s armor. That attack, however, was enough for the royal guards.
Karvik bellowed, “Protect the prince!” and the guardsmen advanced, their armored fists driving people toward the door like drovers herding cattle.
Someone screamed, “Lebawan take you all!” and something reacted. Power muffled the noise and suppressed the people, driving them to their knees in agony. Even the royal guards were driven to their knees. And so was Stavin.
There were no words. There was just a feeling of power that was more than Stavin had ever felt, even from Arandar. And behind that power was pain. It was gone in an instant. Stavin scrambled to his feet as soon as he could, looking around as his guardsmen did the same. Everyone was panting and pale, but functional. The people who had been screaming were now whimpering as they crawled for the door.
Karvik climbed the stairs slowly, using his arms to pull himself up the handrail as if his legs alone weren’t capable of the task. “Are you all right, Stave?”
“Yeah.” Stavin was catching his breath quickly. “What was that?”
“Arandar?”
Stavin shook his head. “I don’t think so. Arandar has been an overwhelming force every time He has touched me, but that was different. That was more powerful. And it was--Oh, Gods Below, Kar, I recognize it now. That was Esho-you-know. Aravad was part of Vaskan, and I’d bet there was an ancient temple of the Evilest One somewhere near here. We’re in the southern part of the city.”
“So you think He is the one who has been watching you?”
“Yes, and the rest as well. Kar, if there was a river here in ancient times, this could be Klamath.”
Karvik looked around, then shook his head. “No, Klamath was in an ancient lake bed. Aravad is in the high plains. No lake ever stood here. Nice idea, though.”
Stavin nodded. “But we know this was part of Vaskan, and Esho was worshiped here.”
“But why would He protect you?”
Stavin slowly descended into the common room and took a seat. “I don’t think He was. I was hit as hard as you were. I think it was the mention of Leb by one of his priests that caused that reaction. Arandar and the Gods Above don’t react to Sahren and Leb, but that doesn’t mean the Gods Below won’t. Especially if one of their temples was here.”
Karvik looked around and said, “All of you heard that. Watch your mouths and don’t mention the Younger Gods even in passing.”
Turning back toward Stavin he nodded. “Are you sure we need to stay two more days?”
Stavin nodded. “Yes, I think so. There are a few more matters of Trade to deal with. You can start getting the men ready. Find a hand of street-kids to give all of the horses a thorough currying. Except Tru. I’ll take care of Tru myself.”
Karvik gave Stavin a sour glance. “And how much are you going to overpay them?”
Stavin grinned. “You know me too well. A silver crown each, plus at least one good hot meal.”
“A spark would be more appropriate. Very well, I know better than to waste time trying to change your mind.”
After the mid day meal Stavin went out to tend Tru. She was openly glad to see him, and he saw why: Karvik was in the stall with his Chana.
“Taking care of your sweetheart, Kar?”
Karvik laughed and kissed Chana’s nose. “Of course. She’s the prettiest woman I know who Orana isn’t jealous of.”
Stavin shook his head as he laughed, then went to Tru. “How’s my darling?” he asked as he ran his hands down both sides of her neck. Tru nuzzled him, and he laughed as he brought out an apple. “You know I always bring you something,” he laughed as he twisted the apple in half for her. Tru munched contentedly as Stavin began currying her sides.
Stavin was almost finished when Karvik
whispered, “Stave, behind you.”
Stavin turned slowly to find six youths kneeling just outside Tru’s stall. They were evenly divided between boys and girls, though it was a little hard to tell with their heavy coats on.
“Have you completed your task?” he asked in a gentle tone.
“We have, Blessed Prince Stavin,” one of the older girls answered.
One of the boys added, “All of your pack-horses are curried, Blessed One. The royal guardsmen told us not to touch their horses.”
“Royal guardsmen tend to our own mounts,” Karvik replied.
Stavin had pulled his pouch out and was counting coins while he spoke. “Each of you step forward and hold out your hand.” Each child did, and Stavin placed a coin in each palm, then closed the hand around it. “Go home now. I’m sure your families are going to appreciate your efforts.”
“Blessed One?” the smallest girl said in a soft, frightened tone. “You made a mistake.” She held her hand out to show Stavin the gold Reynadian crown in her palm. All the children immediately looked at their coins, but there was no silver among them.
Karvik shook his head and sighed, then said, “I should have known.”
Stavin smiled and reached out, closing the girl’s hand over the coin. “I don’t make mistakes like that, child. Go home with your treasure and see that your family is fed.” Looking around he said, “All of you go home now, and let the Light of Arandar the Bright shield you from evil, and let the love of the Gods Above fill your souls.”
The girl backed away with a look of pure worship on her face, then turned and ran out of the stables with the rest close behind her. Karvik laughed.
“That will feed their families for quite a while, Stave.”
“As intended,” Stavin answered.
“It’s also going to enhance your legend. But you shouldn’t have done it.”
Stavin shook his head. “Why not? At least this story will be close to true.”
Karvik shook his head. “Not that, Stave. You shouldn’t have done it because now everyone you meet is going to expect a gold crown.”
Stavin laughed, then turned and caressed Tru’s neck. “What do you think, Tru?” She shook her head, then nuzzled his face. “Well, at least you think I’m right.”
Karvik shook his head as he closed Chana’s stall. “I need some hot kava.”
Chapter 35
THE DAY WAS JUST BEGUN WHEN Stavin led his men out of Aravad. It was cold enough that he’d purchased a large wool blanket for each horse and they made a surprising sight as they left the city.
Karvik was still laughing about it as the sun illuminated the group. “You couldn’t have at least gotten them all the same color?”
Stavin laughed as he looked back. The blankets on the pack horses were plain, un-dyed wool, but the rest were in every imaginable color. Tru was covered in a delightful pink, while Chana was in bright green.
They traveled at a brisk pace, making far better time than usual. Four days delivered them to the Evandian border. The border guards passed them in silence after confirming Stavin’s identity, but their expressions said volumes. And apparently quite amusing volumes at that.
Stavin kept them at a brisk pace until they reached Kolovad late the second day in Evandia. Their reception was not what Stavin wanted.
“B-B-Blessed One,” the guard at the city gate stammered.
Stavin sighed. “Yes, Guard.”
“Prince Stavin, welcome home,” another voice said, and Stavin looked around to find a tall army captain striding toward him.
Stavin nodded in acknowledgment, but Karvik answered. “Captain Zel’Nervan. Now that’s a surprise.”
Stavin turned toward Karvik and asked, “Kar?”
Karvik laughed. “He was a fresh lieutenant with the pacification force.”
Stavin looked surprised and said, “Oh. Captain Zel’Nervan, we’re in need of a large inn.”
The captain bowed deeply and replied, “I will be happy to escort you, Prince Stavin. The Alder Tree Royal Inn is almost all the way across the city, but it is the finest Kolovad has to offer.”
“I didn’t know Kolovad had a royal inn.”
Karvik answered, “I didn’t either, but it makes sense. This was one of the ancient imperial roads. I bet if we found a map from that era there would have been a complete series of royal inns between Twin Bridges and Aravad, just like the ones between Twin Bridges and Moravad.”
“And up to Saravad in Farindia and Deralvad in Andaria. And towns around each of them.” Stavin shook his head sadly. “We lost so much after Dandarshandrake left us.”
Karvik nodded, but didn’t say anything. It was an old wound on the souls of all their peoples. Everyone who had once called the Luxandian Empire home had lost so much.
The Alder Tree Royal Inn was one of the smaller, ancient inns. Stavin guessed that it was as old as Kolovad itself, and was probably at the heart of the original city.
Captain Zel’Nervan led Stavin up the steps just as a panicked-looking woman came out of the doors. “Prince Stavin, I am so terribly ashamed. I received no notice of your arrival. I have but poor fare to offer you.”
Stavin shook his head as he replied, “As long as it’s hot it will be fine.”
Captain Zel’Nervan said, “Prince Stavin, this is Innkeeper Delinda Fel’Kanis.”
“Innkeeper Fel’Kanis,” Stavin replied, “we need to see to our horses. It’s too cold to leave them without cover. Can your stable accommodate them?”
“Your forgiveness, Prince Stavin, but no. We can only provide for twelve horses.”
The captain stepped into Stavin’s line of sight and bowed slightly. “The Army stables can accommodate the rest of your horses, Prince Stavin.”
Stavin nodded. “Very well. Tru and the horses from Karvik’s team will remain here. The rest will go to the Army stables. Lieutenant Kel’Horval,” he turned and made sure Varik was paying attention, “see to it that all the horses are properly cared for. Let the Army handlers see to the pack animals.” Turning back toward the captain, Stavin said, “Please escort them to the stables and invite your commanding officer and his staff to join me at the evening meal.”
The captain snapped to attention, then bowed. “At once, Prince Stavin.” He led off with two-thirds of the royal guardsmen behind him, and Stavin turned his attention back toward the innkeeper.
“There. Now where are your stables, Innkeeper Fel’Kanis?” The innkeeper silently bowed, then led off around the building. Stavin led Tru behind her, and Karvik led his men behind Stavin.
Stavin dismissed the innkeeper to return to her kitchen, then took his time stabling Tru. He saw to her food and water first, then gave her a thorough currying.
Karvik saw what he was doing and asked, “How much time are you giving her?”
“Two or three spans. Long enough to get food from some of the other inns we passed.”
Karvik chuckled and continued tending his Chana. When Stavin was finally satisfied with Tru’s coat he draped the blanket over her and tied it under her neck and belly. All around him the rest of the royal guardsmen were doing the same.
When everyone was ready, Stavin led the way to the inn. The common room was deserted except for the balance of the royal guardsmen and the innkeeper.
Innkeeper Fel’Kanis rushed toward Stavin saying, “Prince Stavin, I have a somewhat larger selection to offer you now. May I serve you mutton stew, roast bison rump, roast duck, or shredded goat in a tangy sauce?”
Stavin looked at Karvik, then said, “Roast bison.”
Karvik added, “With vegetables, and bread and butter.”
“And hot kava,” Stavin added. “It’s too cold for beer right now.”
Karvik grinned as he said, “Never thought I’d hear you say that.”
Stavin laughed and led the way to a table that put his back to the wall. Karvik joined him, as did two of the younger Chosen guardsmen. The innkeeper arrived with their meal and set it in front of
Stavin and Karvik, then accepted orders from the others. All around the common room the royal guardsmen were placing orders with the servants. Soon the only sound was that of men eating.
Karvik said, “It’s only been six days since Aravad. They act like they’re starving.”
“They act like they’re eating something they didn’t fix themselves,” Stavin replied around a mouthful of meat.
Karvik laughed. A disturbance at the door turned out to be a group of fifteen officers led by Captain Zel’Nervan.
The captain led the way to Stavin’s table and bowed. “Prince Stavin, please allow me to present General Bardal Zel’Fordan.”
“Uncle Bard?” a voice asked, making the general turn around.
“Av?” the general asked in a stunned tone. “Is that really you?”
Sergeant Zel’Fordan smiled as he took his uncle’s forearm. “It’s wonderful to see you again. When did you take command?”
“Eight moons ago,” the general answered, then turned back toward Stavin and bowed. “I beg your pardon, Prince Stavin.”
Karvik took the initiative and looked at the two privates who were sharing their table. “Would you young lords excuse us?” Both men stood and bowed, then left with their plates and mugs.
Stavin gestured to the now empty chairs and said, “Please join us.”
Sergeant Zel’Fordan bowed slightly and said, “I’ll see you later, Uncle Bard.” Then he bowed to Stavin and backed away.
The general took the chair opposite Stavin, and a colonel took the seat opposite Karvik. The general introduced the colonel immediately. “Prince Stavin, this is my chief of staff, Colonel Jefral Zel’Kerlan.”
Stavin nodded to the colonel, then turned his attention back to the general. “General Zel’Fordan, I suspect you’ve heard the rumors.”
“That you’re the Blessed of Arandar now, on top of everything else? Yes, we’ve heard the rumors.”
Karvik said, “They’re true.”
Both officers glared at Karvik. Stavin laughed at their expressions and said, “Only at the heart of the matter, my lords. I have been blessed by Arandar the Bright. I did fight and defeat the Blessed of the Goddess of Terror. Don’t mention the Gods Below by name, Arandar doesn’t like it. But the rest of the ridiculous minstrel tales are just plain old lies.”
Gods Above and Below Page 33