by Andrew Wood
Since opening their small business, the two young men had seen a steady flow of orders coming in, so much so they had even hired an apprentice. The orders from the crown alone would see them in work for months, and that did not include the orders they had received from the newly housed families. They had several set of tables and chairs to make, a few sideboards, various designs of desks, and even smaller items, such a bookends, ornate shelving and boxes. "You don't fancy a job Vanessa, by any chance?" asked Hunter. "Edward and I are inundated with work." Smiling, she politely refused, though the way she felt at the moment, she was tempted.
She left them and their new assistant, and bid them farewell. At least the guard she had saw fit to not enter the shop with her, and allow her some modicum of privacy. However, the minute she had stepped out the shop door, the large burly man, wearing the colours of the Royal guard fell in alongside her. She looked at him, "you're not making any friends here, you know that?" she said looking up at him. She thought she saw a flicker of a smile, but the strong jaw of the face showed little reaction.
For no particular reason other to annoy the man walking at her side, Vanessa decided to take a detour back to the keep. She deliberately turned randomly down areas that were not yet even marked out for building. Her plan sort of lost its impetus after about ten minutes, when she realised her legs would tire long before the guards. "Fine, we'll go back," she uttered, certain there was a smile that time.
She knew it was important to protect the royals, especially after the assassin's attempt on Luken's life, which had sadly killed that dear old man, Father Dagon. However, she did not see sense in her needing one; she was not a member of the royal family. She was just a plain old farm girl, yes, she was in love with the king, but she doubted anything could ever become of it. The people would want a woman of nobility for a queen, not some random from the middle of nowhere. She would attempt to talk to Caldar again, perhaps when he was not so grumpy.
As she entered the keep, her guard stood aside and let her continue onwards alone. She turned back and smiled at him, "thank you," she said in a sardonic tone. She was feeling rather sullen, with all the arguing and the thought that one-day Caldar would probably brush her aside for some beautiful young Lady of the realm.
"Are you okay Vanessa?" came the voice from across the corridor. She looked up and saw Caldar's younger sibling, the Prince Luken. He stepped up too her, somehow noticing something was wrong; he was certainly more perceptive than Caldar. She looked up at the young man's face, and having never really had a long close look, thought how alike facially Luken was to his brother. "Something is bothering Vanessa, come on let us have a drink and you can tell me about it," he ushered her toward the reading room.
She did not argue, and followed him down the corridor and into the room, before sitting on one of the cushioned couches. Luken sat beside, "I heard you arguing with Caldar before," he said straight out with it. She nodded, and burst into tears. He put a comforting arm around her, "Hey, things cannot be that bad." She looked up at him, with tears running down her cheeks and told him of her woes. How she felt she did not fit in, and eventually how she knew Caldar would one day push her aside for someone of nobility.
This had been the first time she had really spoke of her fears to anyone, and she suddenly felt very embarrassed for making such a fuss; especially to Caldar's younger brother. She stood and apologised for being silly, and went to walk away. Luken grabbed her hand, "You are not being silly," he said asking her to sit back down. "I am quite certain Caldar will not push you away for anybody. I can tell he loves you more than anything."
Vanessa was quite certain Luken was just trying to make her feel better, but listened anyway. "I know he does not care whether you are from a family of nobility or one that piles dung for a living," he added, making her chuckle. She looked at the young prince, "Thank you Luken, you are very sweet to say so." However, she reminded him the people would not suffer her for long. To which Luken told her, "Caldar was never one for following protocol. Listen Vanessa, I know I was not suppose to say anything. Promise me you won't tell him I said." She looked up expectantly, nodding. "Well, he was talking about asking you to marry him," he said.
Vanessa's jaw nearly dropped to the floor, "if he ever gets up the courage to ask that is." Luken chuckled, "you know, as big and tough as Caldar is, well he is afraid to ask." Vanessa looked a little confused, "why?" Luken shrugged, "I think he fears you may refuse. He care's so much for you, he is scared you will say no, and he knows that would destroy him."
Vanessa suddenly leapt up, wiping her tear stained face, "really? What a silly man. Thank you Luken, "she said kissing him on the cheek, "you are such a wonderful young man. I need to go and have a word with Caldar." With that, she quickly walked away, "You are not going to say I said are you?" Luken shouted after her, suddenly thinking he may have broken his brother's trust in him.
Straightening herself up, and making sure she looked presentable she entered Caldar's office. Vanessa did not bother knocking before doing so, and besides, she had important business. The King was sat in discussion with Levin, going through his daily rigmarole of signing papers. "Hello Vanessa," the young man said noticing her come in. She did not reply, but walked straight over to Caldar and sat upon his lap. "Err. I think I will wait outside," Levin said tentatively backing towards the door.
She did not wait for it to close, and was already planting a huge kiss on his lips. "What was that for, "he gasped coming up for air."Caldar," she said firmly. He looked into her eyes, "yes dear?" Vanessa took a deep breath, "marry me." Caldar was lost for words; it was he, who was supposed to be doing the asking. What sort of man was he? He put his finger on to her lips, "I think I am supposed to be the person asking the question." He lifted her off, and he knelt down on one knee as she stood, "Vanessa my sweetheart, will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
As the tears rolled down her cheeks, she nodded profusely. They exchanged hugs and kisses, and would have maybe been more if not for the fact Levin knocked on the door, asking if it was safe to come back in. Vanessa looked at Caldar, "don't worry, there is no rush. Let us get the city sorted first then we can go ahead." Caldar agreed, "If that is what you want." She nodded back, "besides, you need to go and ask my father for his permission first," she laughed.
Chapter 21.
Jak Corley watched as the Murati recruits joined in with those of his own. So far, there had been no conflict between the two groups of any significance. There had been one or two snide remarks on the others abilities, aside from that the two factions had mixed together quite well.
As far as skills went, his own were far better with bows, with swords, they were probably on a par, though each used different variations of the weapon. The Murati did not use lancers as his own men did, though they did have mounted riders who used short spears. On first look, he had thought these a waste of time. They could not be thrown but a fraction of an arrow, and it was too short to be used as a lance.
It was only when he had seen the way the Murati used the weapon, which had changed his mind so greatly. He watched in awe as another pair of Murati riders, thundered their horses forward toward the large Orlac sized target. Once they were within twenty paces, they stood up slightly on their stirrups. Leaning back and launching the spears, before veering away from the target. This appeared to enable them to get a good powerful strike, but remain far enough away, so that they were not in danger themselves; should that be a real Orlac they were attacking.
The two short spears thumped into the wooden target, penetrating deep into the wood. The next two riders were only a few seconds behind the first set, and another after them. Within a short time, six of the Murati spears were all stuck in the centre of the target. Jak pondered, and never being one who felt he was too old to learn, or to proud to ask another's opinion, he leaned over towards Dane. "I think that would be a good method of attack against Orlacs, What do you think Dane?"
The youngster looked over at his
mentor, "I think your right Captain. Perhaps we could get our lancers to train using them," the youngster added. Jak agreed, he had just been thinking the same thing. "I'll think on it. Then we'll have to try and persuade the General to come and see." It seemed even the recruits from Corlan appeared impressed by their young Murati counterparts. Many of them stopped their own training to watch. That was until the guards assisting the Captain quickly got them back to work.
Caldar was in his office, having his daily meeting with Galliss, Darak and now Levin as well. The youngster continued to amaze, and had just briefed them of his latest idea. He suggested the goods in the warehouse that were not required for use by the crown, to be sold in bulk to retailers in the city. He gave examples, that the inns and taverns could purchase the ales and wines, and possibly, amounts of the tobacco. The Textiles and silks could be sold to tailors and so on. Naturally, the crown would make a profit on each sale, with the proceeds going to the treasury.
They discussed the idea between them and thought it was probably the best way forward. It would also insure the crown did not have warehouses full of items they did not need. Anything that added coin to the treasury was always welcome, and Levin suggested doing the same with all imports from other nations purchased by the crown, when the situation arose.
Darak handed the King his latest report. His brother Aric had collected a majority of the taxes due from the southern part of the country. This, when it arrived would boost the coffers a little, though not substantially. He also gave him a long-term forecast, which he had been working on for some days. By the time of the year-end, the treasury would have been depleted by half of its gold. This sounded worse than it really was, as by then, it was hoped most of the building costs of the city would have been accounted for.
In the more remote regions of North Corlan, circling high above the ground flew a large eagle. It continued soaring upwards on the currents of warm air, far away from the troubles that cluttered the land below. It had been following its targets for some time, out of their sight and out of their reach. Watching them moving amongst the narrow tracks, in a long narrow winding line, like a dark giant snake.
The eagle circled around once more, its eyes surveying the ground far below. On the Isle of Kelan, the old wizard Sandred, centuries old if stories were true, sat with his eyes closed. The images of the great bird appearing in his mind, as if he were the one flying high amongst the clouds. Swooping lower to get a more detailed look and dropping down to just a few hundred feet. The long dark shape became more detailed, as he could now see it was not one long creature. It was hundreds of single beasts, huge dark haired and vicious, these he knew from experience were Orlacs.
He had observed them leaving the land, from which they were conceived. He had watched as they passed over the Ulga Mountain range and into Corlan. The creatures had then surprised him, by showing intelligence. This he knew was a very unnatural feature for an Orlac. These were being led by a couple of larger different coloured beasts, the sort of which he had not seen before.
Normally once the beasts had reached Corlan, and travelled out of range from their Master and creator to control them, they would have split into smaller hunting packs. These would then have all darted off in different directions, hunting out anything or anybody to eat. These new creatures apparently kept the others in line, as they all stayed in formation as they travelled.
Lifting upwards on another warm air current, the flight path of the eagle altered, to mirror that of the creatures far below. The Orlac had deviated several times from the route he would have expected them to take. It now only dawned on the old wizard why they were moving in such a way. The beasts were avoiding all the main tracks and roads. The only reason for this, as far as he could deduce was to stay unseen. These creatures were travelling a much longer route than necessary, and if they remained unnoticed, they would catch their target unawares.
Sandred released the link with the magnificent bird, and opened his own eyes. The image before him returned to that of his study. He was certain there was only one target that these beasts could be heading for, and he needed to warn them of what he knew. Maybe if they had enough warning they could perhaps turn it to their advantage. Firstly, he needed to find out more about the new intelligence the beasts appeared to have found. An Orlac in its current state was a very dangerous creature; one that could think and make skilful decisions could well be a complete game changer.
In New Easton, Sarena had once more deposited the contents of her stomach. Luken was beginning to worry, this had not been the first morning she had done so. Showing his caring nature he ushered back to the bed, and tucked her back in. "I am not a child Luken," she remarked as he did. He however, was having none of it, and had already ushered Taylor off down the corridor to fetch Dareen. As loving and caring a husband as he was, he did not wish to clear up her mess.
Dareen did not seem too bothered about being summoned to clean up, and cast them a big smile as she got to work. Luken placed his hand on his wife's forehead, feeling for some fever, "You appear okay," he said, sounding as if he knew what he was talking about. "Perhaps I could try my skills on you to see what is wrong." Sarena sat back up, "will you stop fussing, and No! You are not experimenting on me. As far as your skills go Luken you could just as well burn me to a frazzle as do any good."
Crest fallen, he dropped his head and turned to his son, "women," he shrugged. Dareen stood up, now finished with her cleaning of Sarena's mess. "I am thinking the lovely princess is not feverish your highness. Being sick in the morning is a sign she may well be pregnant. Of course only time will tell." The colour suddenly drained from his face, "bloody hell," he uttered, "pregnant."
Taylor stood alongside his dad, "bloody hell," he mimicked. Luken gave his son a nudge, "oh! Watch your mouth, you are not allowed to say words like that." He turned to his wife, who looked just as shocked as he did. "Sarena, do you think you might be?" She just looked at him, "how the hell do I know. Oh! Luken wouldn't it be marvellous if I was pregnant." Luken nodded, "of course, but let us keep it quiet for now, until we are certain," he said looking at his son in particular.
Taylor climbed up on the bed, "mum, you are pregnant?" he asked. Sarena nodded, "Maybe, it makes sense. Oh I do hope so." Taylor gave her a hug, "so do I," he said softly. "Mum? What is pregnant?" he said innocently. Sarena giggled, "Ask your father," she said, "it's his fault."
After getting up, the family sat around the breakfast table, the talk about nothing but Sarena's possible pregnancy. "So if mum is pregnant, she has a little baby inside her tummy?" Taylor asked seeking confirmation he understood all this correctly. His father nodded, "so how did it get in there, and how is it going to get out?" he continued with the questioning, wanting to know the circumstances of this strange occurrence. Luken looked at Sarena, seeking help with his rather pitiful explanations. "It is just in there, and when it's grown a bit, it will come out...somehow. Taylor stop asking silly questions, we are not even sure your mum is pregnant. Remember say nothing to anybody until we know for sure." Taylor pouted; he did not think he was asking stupid questions. How else was he supposed to know things if he did not ask.
Sarena dropped her spoon, "oh, the pendant" she said excitedly, "it's warm." She quickly removed it from around her neck, and held it in her hands, "Hello Sandred," she said making the link with the old man. "My mum is pregnant!" shouted Taylor, knowing the old man could hear what the person holding the pendant could. "Taylor, what did I just say," his dad scalded him. "Oh dear, I will tell him straight away," Sarena said suddenly looking greatly concerned.
Standing and telling her husband she needed to see Caldar, they all quickly followed her out of the room and across the corridor. Knocking on the door and allowing themselves entry, they found Caldar and Vanessa having their own breakfast. "Morning you lot," the king greeted them, "and for what do we owe the pleasure of your intrusion," he added jokingly.
Before Sarena had chance to speak, "mum is pregnant," Taylor, b
lurted out. Luken just put his face in his hands and shook his head, before tapping his son around the back of the head, "Taylor, you really are unbelievable." Caldar and Vanessa both stood excited, "oh that is great news." Sarena, though thankful for the congratulations, spoke firmly "that is not the reason we came."
They all listened, as she described the brief discussion she had just held in the other room, using the Pendant. Sandred had asked her to tell the king that an army of Orlacs appeared to be heading their direction. They were still some way off, but he was keeping an eye on them and would talk later.
The change in mood from jubilation to one of concern was immediate. Caldar, always one to make light of a situation stood and walked over to Luken. "Nice work little brother, you certainly did not hang about," he said patting him on the back, in an attempt at re-lightening the atmosphere. "Come on you lot, we can deal with a pack of Orlacs. Let them come, we will be ready for them when they do." The others did not quite share his air of optimism, though tried rather weakly to join in with it.
Luken kneeled down to his son, "Taylor I thought we just agreed to keep the fact mum 'might' be pregnant a secret, for now at least." The boy looked at him, "I know dad, but you will keep going on about it." Luken thought this boy was surely not for real, "just don't tell anyone else, okay?" Taylor nodded, and patted his father on the shoulder, "I've got it. I am not to tell anyone mum is...'might'," he changed the wording, "be pregnant."