Blood and Water_The Lionheart Province

by J. R. Castle

  For now, Leon and his men occupied the Hall. At the end of each week, he called everyone from their work to gather for a reading of one of the King’s letters. While they dined on a shared meal, they’d discuss the contents of the letter and what it meant to each of them.

  Leon enjoyed the winter months, more than he ever imagined that he would. Though he longed to return home so he could begin his work as Regent, he was glad Riyah had suggested that he stay to help with the rebuilding.

  Spending time with the people who’d survived the rebellion did his heart much good and helped him realize the true importance of his work in Rodonal. His Regency was about more than organizing trades and officiating disputes. These people needed someone to guide them. Someone strong who’d offer protection and care from outside threats.

  His father’s focus had been on helping those towns that helped the capital city. Father hadn’t concerned himself with the affairs of the people who he was commissioned to shelter. He’d assigned other men to handle the commoners.

  Well, Leon would not let that happened again. He’d take the time to listen to his people. The doors of Town Hall would once again be thrown open for any seeking help or advice.

  He scratched at the beard that had taken over during his travels. One problem he faced was figuring out how to make sure the smaller hamlets weren’t forgotten again.

  He wished some of the Logorians would agree to stay on and help him oversee the smaller townships, but they refused, saying they felt uncomfortable being so far away from home. A particularly large Logorian warrior actually had the audacity to say the land reeked of discord and evil.

  One fact Leon had learned about Logorians was that although they were willing to fight against evil intruders, they refused to remain in its presence for long.

  A few weeks ago, the Logorian leaders had received word to abandon their hunt and return to Tarest. From there, half of them went home through the portal, while a few remained to aid Leon until Riyah finally returned. Those who remained made their disdain for the state of the Province quite clear. They refused to speak or acknowledge anyone who didn’t wear a medallion, and they would only lend their help to repairing the Meeting Hall and replanting a new White Tree to replace the one that had died during the Wizard’s time of control.

  Leon couldn’t help the condition of people’s hearts. He hoped to have an influence but knew it would take time and patience to get all of Rodonal back to Kingdom standards.

  A knock sounded at the door of his private quarters. “Leonard,” Koloman poked his head in as the heavy oak door slowly swung open. “I apologize for interrupting your time of quiet, but there are visitors here wishing to speak with you.”

  Leon closed the journal he’d been jotting notes in and tucked it into the desk in his sitting room. Should he invite the visitors in here or meet with them in a more public place? “Who are they?”

  Koloman blew out a snort of annoyance. “The Elderad is back.”

  Though he’d never be outright rude to a King’s adviser, his disapproval for Riyah’s very risky and opposing views were clearly apparent. To Koloman, those from Aloblase had no idea what it was like living ‘in the trenches’ as he liked to put it. Koloman believed and often suggested to Leon that he needed to rule the Province with an iron fist.

  If Koloman would have had his way, Leon would have driven every last person from Tarest and given the spare land to one of the more prosperous neighboring towns. Except he’d not taken into account, the nearest town was several days travel from Tarest.

  Leon hoped that by setting them back on their feet, they’d realize the error of allowing the wizards to enter their town, and not allow it to happen again. Leon planned to send more help when he returned home. Young men and women who wished to work the land or had talents with building or fixing things.

  They also needed a Healer and someone who was willing to help Prior Holand properly manage the Meeting Hall and teach the people about King Shaydon.

  Leon threw on his jacket and decided to meet Riyah and whoever had come with him downstairs. He wished to show off the progress they’d made so far, hoping the Elderad would be pleased.

  The Meeting Hall was a two-story, with guest rooms upstairs. He hurried down a narrow staircase near the back which landed him in the kitchen where dinner preparations were underway. After letting the cook know they’d have guests, he headed to the gathering room where Riyah looked out a tall window beside another cloaked man.

  “Riyah,” Leon greeted, extending his hand. “So happy to see you’ve returned.” Both men turned, and Leon froze, his hand falling to his side. He blinked, unsure of what he was seeing. Or who he was seeing. “Issah?”

  The Prince of Alburnium stepped forward and greeted him with a warm embrace. “Greetings, Son of the King. I was just admiring the improvements you’ve made to Tarest in the past couple of months.”

  Leon ducked his head at the Prince’s praise. He hoped his face wasn’t as red as it felt. Compliments were seldom heard in his family. “I appreciate you saying so, Sire. And I’m pleased you’ve graced us with this unexpected visit. What brings you here?”

  “Dinner.” Issah chuckled. “I can smell the delightful aromas from the kitchen. Do you suppose you could entice those who seem to have leadership qualities to join us? I have a few things I’d like to discuss with all of you.”

  “Yes, Sire.” Leon turned to Koloman. “Would you bring Elder Holand, Kit, his son, and the Mason family. I’m sure Mikel will wish to accompany his parents, and I suggest you allow it or he’ll kick up a fuss.”

  Koloman scowled but wouldn’t dare argue with him in front of the prince. Leon already knew how he felt about allowing children to be included in grown-up matters. The Adviser bowed and departed quickly.

  Issah’s hand rested on Leon’s shoulder. “How goes it with Koloman? Riyah fears he’s too reluctant to let go of your father’s ways.”

  “That’s the truth, Sire.” He led them into a sparse library room after sending one of his men to let the kitchen staff know of their additional guests. “But, when he advises me, I usually realize I need to do the opposite of what he says.”

  Issah’s lips pressed together, despite how they flickered upward on the edges. Merriment danced in his earthy brown eyes.

  When he spoke, though, his tone remained somber. “Take care, Leonard. I understand your reluctance to bring discord to your court, but a negative tongue is like a weed in a garden. If it’s not plucked early, it’ll seed and continue to spread until it chokes out the good plants.” Issah’s hand fell to his side. “I know you’ve been raised to respect your elders and those who are in a higher position than you. But I have set you in the highest position available in your land. Take care where you seek counsel. Be sure the advice you receive lines up with my father’s decrees for the Kingdom.”

  “Yes, Sire, I understand.” With a nod, Leon smiled. “I plan to reassign him when we return to Rodon. I brought him so that Mother wouldn’t have to deal with him while I was away. I thought it better to keep him in my sight, but he is a bitter weed, that is for certain. I’ve been so grateful for Riyah’s calming presence, even if I’ve questioned him a time or two.”

  He turned to the Elderad and bowed. “I do hope you’ll forgive me, my friend. I let my own limitations cloud the reasoning of your advice. I forgot that where I was weak, you are strong and had already devised a way to take back this town.”

  Riyah returned the bow. “No hard feelings, Leonard the Lionhearted. We understand that the process of becoming qualified for your assignment takes time and expect the occasional errors in judgment. But our mistakes are often our greatest teachers.”

  Leon sat heavily in one of the chairs. “That is good to hear. Koloman said your abrupt departure was from your annoyance over my inability to adhere to your plan.”

  A silent look passed between Issah and Riyah, but one that seemed to speak something only they understood.

  Issah patted t
he arm of Leon’s chair. “Did Koloman recall his own disdain for fighting to retake Tarest?”

  Leon considered Issah’s words and shook his head. But now that the Prince mentioned it, Koloman was completely against wasting time with the village town. He blew out a long breath, leaning into the comfort of the chair. “I see what you mean, Sire.”

  Maybe it was time to begin reassigning the old fellow to a new line of work. He’d need to think it over. He didn’t wish to dismiss Koloman completely. He had served his father faithfully all those years.

  “Maybe he needs to make another trip to Aloblase, sire. If only I could find a reason enticing enough—”

  Issah’s brow rose. “I’d prefer if he came of his own free will. I’m trusting that you will be a good influence on him, son. You have it in you to be a great leader. Trust in yourself. And trust in my good judgment.” His wink caused Leon to laugh and shake his head.

  “Very well, Issah. I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed sitting and talking to you like this.”

  By the time the hostess announced that dinner was ready, Koloman had returned with a group of people following behind. When Elder Holand realized who their guest was, he fell to the ground and buried his face in his hands.

  “My Prince,” he wailed. “My Prince, I failed you. I failed my town, and I failed King Shaydon by turning a blind eye when the interlopers came to town to trade with us.” His shoulders shook with his sobs. “How can I stand before you now?”

  Issah was out of his seat and crouching beside the Elder. “Dear Holand, you are not alone in your guilt. Rise up, my friend. Son of Shaydon, dry your tears. We heard your pleas for help, and it came, did it not?”

  Elder Holand sat up and wiped his trembling hands across his face. “Y-you heard, Sire? I-I didn’t know what to do. At first, they were only passing through, you see. Then more came and some actually helped us in little ways.”

  Issah listened. Not once did he chastise or condemn. When they all shared their stories, Issah asked, “Do you realize why we ask you to not allow them to enter your town? Is the truth clearer now that you’ve experienced the consequences of letting your guard down?”

  They all nodded.

  “Will you be as trusting next time?”

  The men traded questioning glances with each other, then Kit shrugged. “We were struggling so, my Prince.” His gaze leveled at Leon. “The old Regent seemed to have abandoned us. We had no word from Rodon, no Messengers with news from the Province, and no more trade from our neighbors. It was like we…disappeared.”

  Leon bolted from his chair. “I must apologize on my father’s behalf, Elder. This will no longer be the case. You are indeed a member of Rodonal, with as much importance as the grand cities of Osas, or Aster.”

  Elder Holand shook his head. “They are fine, thriving cities, my liege. We cannot and never will compare.”

  Riyah, who remained seated, added, “It is not your size, but your heart. Are you ready to turn your hearts back to your King and your Province? If so, we are here to help. Issah has a plan if you’ll listen and open your hearts to what he is offering. Despite how strange or unusual it might sound at first. Are you willing?”

  Leon and Issah stood side-by-side, waiting for the town leaders to decide. He could tell a couple of the younger families seemed a little worried. Holand grasped his medallion that hung beneath his yellow tunic. “I am willing to listen, Sire. I know the future of Tarest depends on it.”

  “Very good,” Issah’s smile was contagious. “Let us sit and dine while we discuss how we will revive your town, my dear friends.”

  Later that evening as Leon wearily made his way back to his rooms, Koloman followed on his heels grumbling over the decisions that had been made that evening. “A Faun will live here? In the Meeting Hall? Teaching the…children? And conducting the weekly services?”

  Leon spun on his heels to face the staunch old man. “Tawkins is a fine instructor. I was in a few of his history courses. I’m excited that he’s willing to come and manage the care of this place. He is wise and kindhearted.”

  Koloman snuffed at Leon’s declaration and folded his arms across his chest. “What about the…dwarves? I…I can’t even imagine what your father would say if he knew you’d allowed—”

  “I’ll not hear one more word about what my father would have thought. This town is in this condition because of his negligence, Koloman. So do not lecture me about his standards. His way of doing things is over.

  “The dwarf families are master builders and will help repair the remaining damaged buildings and construct new, and better homes. They’ll pave the streets with white stones to protect it.” Leon rubbed his forehead. Along with his exhaustion, he was also suffering from a headache.

  Leon shook his head over how many little warnings he’d missed during his travels. “Why hadn’t I realized these two important things were missing from this province? The lack of White Roads between the towns. And…I must be blind to not have realized there are absolutely no creatures in Rodonal. None! They’re thriving in Aloblase and many of the other Kingdom towns. Why, when I studied in Radiance, half my teachers were centaurs and elves. How could Father have allowed this to happen?”

  Koloman scowled. “We have no need for them, boy! They’re a waste of—”

  “Do not ever call me that again. Am I understood, Koloman? You’ll address me by my name or my title.”

  “Your father would never stoop to allowing creatures into Rodonal, Leonard.” He spat out his name as if he’d bitten into a rotten piece of fruit. “And for good reason. Why—”

  Leon held up his hands. “Stop right there, Koloman.” Anger blazed up like fire eating away a pile of dead branches. He’d need to temper his emotions and remember to keep a civil tongue. But that did not mean he’d stand another minute of being chastised by one of his advisers. “First off, this is no longer my father’s Province.”

  Koloman took a step backward as if Leon had smacked him across the face.

  “It is mine to…care for… and I see things quite differently than he did.” He’d almost said ‘rule’ and had decided while listening to Issah speak with the town members, he would not rule as his father had. He’d serve his province and do so to the best of his abilities.

  “There are going to be many changes.” He continued, gripping the banister for support. “I’ll no longer tolerate your constant debates and chastisements. You’ll address me with more respect. I’m not a boy you can order around anymore.”

  A darkness passed over the old man’s face. His words came out like broken bits of ice. “What are you saying, my Liege?”

  This was the moment he needed to stop talking about what to do with Koloman, and actually do something about him. All through the meeting, the elder Adviser made his disapproval evident, though he didn’t have the gumption to contradict the Prince of Alburnium. Koloman wasn’t daft, that was for sure, but he was a snake that lurked in the shadows and trailed behind Leon, hissing his displeasure over the decisions that had been made and making him feel like a fool for the changes he wished to make.

  “I’m saying, Koloman, that you were a faithful adviser to my father, but I have new ideas and different plans. I fear you’ll not approve of the direction this Province will start taking. Perhaps it’s time we found you another position.”

  “You are dismissing me?” his voice rose as his soft hands curled into tight fists. His normally aloof features creased into a dark scowl that left shadows around his eyes. “Me? After all the years I’ve given to serving your family? You think you know everything, don’t you? Isn’t this always the way with youth? Always so brash and arrogant in their beliefs. You know nothing of the true governing of a Province. This filthy blight of a town took and took from your father, giving nothing in return. And now, they’re taking more. The leader falls on his face and begs forgiveness for shirking his duties and we’re supposed to accept it? To forget it ever happened? Well—”

  “Qu
iet your tongue. Now you are speaking against the Prince’s wise judgment. And if you are not for my King and his Son, then you are against them. And against everything I stand for.” Leon moved to the step above his adviser and turned his steely gaze down on him. He’d not be moved on this. Koloman was showing his true heart and Leon didn’t like the inky blackness tainting it.

  “If that is the case, Koloman, you are definitely excused from your position. I’ll not take one more speck of counsel from you.” Leon turned toward his door, his hand resting on the handle before he stopped himself. He’d not wanted his anger to rule his words.

  “Koloman,” he said, still facing the door. “I do hope we can work this out. Go and rest. It’s been a long, tiring day. In the morning—” when he turned, he realized the man was gone. “In the morning, we’ll talk again.”

  He hoped that would be the case.

  Unfortunately, the next morning when he joined the other elders and the new members of Tarest in the dining area, Riyah informed him that Koloman had packed his belongings and taken a horse out of town early that morning.

  Leon sank into a chair opposite his guardian. “Is this a good thing, Riyah?”

  The Elderad clasped his hands together beneath his chin. His penetrating gaze locked on Leon. “Time will tell, my friend. Time will tell.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “He’ll be here any day,” Asmita banged her fist on the table, unsettling the milk pitcher. She screeched to the waitstaff to hurry and clean up the mess as she continued her rant. “We must have everything in place. And I, of course, will have to organize the welcome feast for him. I do hope he’s not fussy like…”

  Dadda held up his hand, stopping her tirade. “We’ll not know until he arrives, no sense worrying ourselves, my dearest. Relax. The butcher is honored to provide one of his finest pigs. We’ll roast it in the common. I have some young boys digging the pit already. And, scouts are patrolling the main roads into Goia. They’ll alert us the moment they spot the Regent’s caravan approaching.”