Pawn (The Pawn Series Book 1)

by Robin Roseau

  "Is it a good education?"

  "I run an excellent school. We do not have anyone from the upper edges of society, but we have children of merchants and crafters. The current head of the armorer's guild here in Marport is a former student."

  At that point, Ralalta spoke in Arrlottan to me. "Please be careful now, Yalla."

  I turned to her and nodded. It wouldn't do to insult this woman. Instead I turned back to the Colonel. "Colonel Geist. Um. Larden. Do you believe your budget for this is sufficient?"

  He offered a noncommittal gesture. "There is never enough money," he said. "I would certainly like more. But we are doing better than most countries. We take care of our wounded veterans, and we take care of the families of our dead soldiers. There isn't enough money to give them anything fancy, but as Wetta said, they are warm, fed, and receive an education."

  "Does anyone know what happens after they turn ten and eight?" I asked. "What sort of jobs do they get?"

  "We get some back in the military," said Larden.

  "And the guard," Keelara added.

  "We cannot teach the trades," Wetta said. "But we have some who have become clerks, and I believe two of my former students are employed here in the castle."

  "Lady Malta would know," Ralalta said.

  "The guild master you mentioned, Wetta... He must have learned his trade."

  "He wasn't an orphan, and he apprenticed with his uncle after leaving us. I believe he was ten and six, but that was before my time."

  "That is old to become an apprentice," Larden said. "My brother was ten and my sister only nine."

  "I'm sorry. I have no other details," Wetta said.

  "All right. Wetta, I think I already can predict your answer, but I have to ask. Lizzie said she is learning reading, writing, and numbers. Is that everything you teach?"

  She looked pained, but not insulted or angry. "You met Betsa."

  "Yes. Is she talking?"

  "Haltingly. I understand you had something to do with that."

  "I refused to let her point and say 'Horsie'."

  "We tried to be stern, but perhaps it took something she wanted far more," she said. "I thank you for your influence. Lizzie absolutely will not let Betsa out of her sight, and the two are nearly always touching. I was surprised you were able to separate them enough to take them each for a ride."

  "Has that altered?"

  "No."

  "And this is why Lizzie isn't really learning more."

  "We would teach her if we could."

  "Is Betsa learning anything?"

  "It's so hard to tell. She listens to everything we try to teach Lizzie, and Lizzie speaks to her, nearly constantly. I wonder if Betsa uses so few words to make up for the amount Lizzie uses, or if it's the other way around. And before you ask, it's Lizzie that won't release Betsa. We've tried."

  "I am not faulting you, Wetta."

  "I know you aren't, Yallameenara." Her words were said very gently.

  And then Ralalta said, "Yalla, do you need a minute or two?"

  That was when I realized I had tears crawling down my cheeks. I brushed them away. "No."

  I turned to the colonel. "Larden, if you could, what more would you do for the children that appear to be under your care."

  "Homes for those that don't have them," he said. "But how am I to do that? It's well and good to send them to Madam Harper, but the other children have homes to go to for holidays. These kids have no one."

  "I assure you, Colonel, we do not toss them out in the cold so we may take our own holidays."

  "I know you don't, Wetta," he said. "But do you disagree with my sentiment?"

  She sniffed once, but then said, "No."

  "Does anyone want to add to what Larden said?" I asked.

  At first no one spoke, but then Ralalta said, "I would give everyone a loving home if I could."

  "I'm almost out of questions," I said. "Wetta, what opportunities will be denied to your orphans that the other students have?"

  "Some of the outings have additional fees associated with them. And then there are things like riding lessons, but it appears you have done something about that."

  "I did for your children," I said. "But you only have a few." At that she nodded. "What type of outings?"

  "Most are to Marport," she said. "We arrange something monthly. Sometimes it is for a cultural event. Sometimes for a sporting event. Some of our children saw you in between a polo match some months ago."

  "Ah, that," I said. "If you are already sending some children, what does it cost to send more?"

  "Lady Yallameenara," she said bruskly.

  "It was an honest question, Wetta," I said. "I honestly do not know."

  "Oh. I'm sorry. There is additional transportation. Meals away from the school are more expensive. We maintain ratios of chaperones. Housing, when we stay overnight. Tickets to the events in question. You see?"

  "I see now. Thank you for explaining. So the amount?"

  "It varies, of course. Overnight is significantly more expensive. The theater is more expensive than a tour of a warship. You see?"

  "I see. So for the tour of that warship?"

  "I believe that trip was two crowns for the day, but that is two crowns we do not have when it is, well, the crown paying for it."

  "And the theater?"

  "If we attend a matinee, it is during the day, so it is only a half crown more for standing room, or two crowns for a seat."

  "A poor seat," I said.

  "A poor seat is better than no seat, Lady Yallameenara."

  "I suppose that is true," I said. "And overnight?"

  "Five crowns, typically."

  I did a little math. "That seems expensive."

  "The carriages must remain overnight, so we must pay for their hire, and the drivers. Plus for overnight trips, we must pay for more chaperones. And remember that most of the children who come to us are from families who can afford these fees, and our services assume that. The orphans who come to us have it better, at least in this way, than many children of Framara. And, if I might be so bold, they receive a better education than you may have received before coming to Framara."

  "Well, that is certainly true," I agreed. "But it is fair to point that out." I looked around. "Does anyone else have anything they want to say?"

  Again Ralalta waited. When no one spoke, she asked, "I would like to know where you're going with this. I don't think you're done, are you?"

  "I'm not. I do not believe I can help every orphan of Framara, but I am in a position I can help two, and possibly several others."

  Ralalta smiled, but only for a moment, hiding it when I looked at her.

  "Your Majesty, may I?"

  "If you're going where I think you are, yes, you may."

  I turned to Wetta. "I would like to sponsor Lizzie and Betsa. I will supplement the amount the crown pays you. I would not tell you how to do your job, but I would like them to have the opportunities you feel are appropriate."

  "That is very gracious, Yalla." She inclined her head.

  "When coming to Marport, if it would help, I would be willing to make myself available."

  "Lady Yallameenara," said Wetta. "You have duties."

  "I may not always be available, but I will try." At that, she nodded. "Wetta, if not for the complications of this specific case, would Lizzie be offered music?"

  She frowned. "Probably not."

  "Why not?"

  "Each music student must have her own instrument, and the cost."

  "I understand. I believe I can fund one instrument for any of your orphans who show a willingness to apply themselves."

  "That is very generous."

  "Used instruments, Wetta," Juleena said. "In good condition, but inexpensive."

  "Of course," Wetta said.

  "When appropriate," I added, "such a student graduating from your school could take her instrument with her, if she would continue to play. If not, she could donate it for a future student. If
you have any particularly gifted students, then it may be appropriate to obtain a better instrument. I will rely on you."

  "Of course, Lady Yallameenara. I understand entirely."

  I turned to the queen, who was watching me carefully. She smiled again. "You're still not done."

  "I do not have the authority to offer what I next want to offer."

  "Propose it, and we'll see," she replied.

  "Wetta, have your students ever toured the palace?"

  "No, they have not."

  "Your Majesty?"

  "Coordinate with Lady Malta," the queen said. "Wetta does that have value?"

  "Absolutely," she said. "We can include it when teaching government and law."

  "I would accept small, select groups to some events that are normally closed," the queen said carefully. "I will make sure Malta knows the type I mean, and you may coordinate with her, Wetta."

  "Thank you, Your Majesty."

  The queen was still watching me. "More?"

  I nodded. "Wetta, do you believe Lizzie and Betsa would be better served staying under your care for holidays, or mine?"

  "Yallameenara, do you have any idea what you're offering?"

  "Probably not."

  There were chuckles at that.

  "It would not do to let them think you were a sort of foster mother, Yallameenara. I do not believe you will be as free with your time as you are offering."

  "Yalla's future is unclear," said the queen. "You may not make this promise, Yalla."

  "Can I promise friendship?" I asked.

  "That you may promise," she said. "But you will need to tell them from the beginning that you do not control your destiny." She turned to Wetta. "An occasional holiday. Not every holiday. At least not yet. That may change. Let us try something short." She turned back to me. "One that doesn't have a ball associated with it. I am almost certain the children would not be prepared to attend, and I would not part with you. Nor will I let you expect the servants to see to their needs."

  "Of course," I said. I smiled and turned back to Wetta. "What do you think?"

  "I think you are very generous and gracious," she replied. "I'd like to talk to one or two of my instructors, but I believe it would be good for the children to be exposed to other opportunity."

  "Very good," said the queen. "Yalla, I am sure you are done now."

  "One more? Please?"

  "Very well. Yes?"

  "I would like to host an event here. I would like some of the other such children invited, so it should be an appropriate event."

  "This is not the proper venue, Yalla."

  "I want to also invite those members of society who are in a position to sponsor more of these children," I said.

  Ralalta pursed her lips. "You are onto something, but you're not all the way there," she said. "I do not believe we need to hold these discussions with everyone else." She turned to the colonel. "Larden, how do you feel about what was discussed here?"

  "I am heartened," he said, "to see such care coming from within the palace."

  "Keelara?"

  "I agree with the colonel." She inclined her head to me.

  "If the two of you have nothing further for us, I'm sure you have duties."

  Colonel Geist turned to me. "Do you have more need of me?"

  "I presume Keelara knows how I can reach you. If I get my way, I may need your help finding the children."

  "Of course. I would be happy to help."

  "Thank you, Colonel." I turned to Keelara. "Thank you for helping."

  "You are welcome, Yalla."

  We waited for them to depart the room before the queen turned to Wetta. "Without discussing the particulars, what is your impression of Yalla's basic goal?"

  "She's not the first to try this. It sticks for a while, but only a while. A few children receive help, maybe permanently, maybe only once or twice before someone's attention wavers and she moves on." She looked at me for a moment.

  "That's fair," I said. "That's more than fair. But I suspect at least for the financial aspect, I could set aside a fund somewhere you could draw on, even if I am distracted by other duties."

  "I can help with that," Juleena said.

  "The palace is the wrong venue for your event, Yalla," the queen said.

  "The track isn't," I said.

  She paused for a moment then asked, "Wetta?"

  "We've had outings there before."

  "Do you believe the children would behave?"

  "They are children," she said. "I would suggest it would be a mistake to bring nine hundred children together and expect them to be anything but wild ruffians, but you could bring much smaller numbers."

  "How small?"

  "Twenty, and you would want to keep them occupied. They will not be good at polite conversation for more than a few minutes."

  "Would any of them be able to ride?"

  "Some. Not many."

  "Well then, we'll just have to plan accordingly," I said. "And perhaps arrange for significant oversight."

  I took on a faraway look, and the silence was broken only when the queen said, "Yalla..."

  "Oh, sorry. I was thinking we could ask for volunteers to help," I said. "And then invite one child per volunteer. We could pair them up, you see? Oh, I should have asked Keelara and Larden if any of their men would want to help."

  "I'm sure they would, at least some," said Juleena.

  "So, if there is someone in charge of each child, then they can't wander off or cause too much trouble. We would invite only as many children as I can find volunteers."

  "That would work," Wetta said.

  I turned to the queen. "Would people come? Would they help?" I didn't wait for an answer. "What if..."

  She sighed. "Yes?"

  "Could we have an event here, after the children go home? The price of admission is you must sponsor a child."

  The queen laughed. "Do you have any idea what events here cost to put on?"

  "No food. No alcohol."

  She paused. "Talk to Malta. Find a way to pay for it. But I'm going to tell her you need to cover the entire cost, and you're not going to be pleased when you see how much."

  "You'll attend?"

  "Yes."

  "And you, Princess?"

  "Of course."

  "May I invite any staff from the palace to volunteer that day?"

  "That goes through Malta as well," said the queen. "And it's on their time. This is not an official part of their jobs. I don't know how many you'll get, Yalla."

  "I'll be there, and I'll get Muranna to be there. That's already two."

  "No," said the queen. "You can't manage an event and a child. And you know Muranna is going to be helping you, so you are still at zero. When do you want to do this?"

  "We have to wait until spring. Late spring or early summer."

  "What will you do if the weather is poor?" Juleena asked.

  I sighed. "I don't know."

  "You need an answer before you go too far down this path," Juleena said.

  At that, I nodded.

  * * * *

  For now I'll say this. With Juleena's help, I established a fund. And I would not be the only one to sponsor the lost children of Framara. For the rest of my time in Framara, this became one of my responsibilities, and I am proud of what I was able to accomplish.

  Betsa and Lizzie both learned to ride. Lizzie showed no musical aptitude, but Betsa did.

  Suitors

  "You have letters, Lady Yallameenara."

  "I do?"

  "Three," she said. "I set them there." She pointed to the edge of my dressing table. So, while she worked on my hair, I examined the three letters.

  It wasn't clear whom they were from, and so I opened the first.

  Lady Yallameenara,

  I have heard of events from your celebration of ten and eight. I understand my name is only one of several possible suitors put forth, and that you accepted all but one. I am a blunt woman, not at all like my eldes
t brother, and he would be quite taken aback by the contents of my letter.

  I would enjoy an excuse to travel to your city, but I would not do so under the pretense of paying court to you if you are uninterested in my attention. I have heard you are a good, honest woman, and I will trust you would not offer false hope.

  I have heard much of you, or at least what is known publicly, and I admit I am intrigued. It may be that we would not suit each other, but I believe it would be an intriguing meeting. Of me, I will only say I am educated and adventurous. I sit a horse well, and I believe that may be important to you.

  Kindly yours,

  Larien of Alteara

  "Well, well," I said.

  "What is it?"

  "One of my suitors, the ambassador's younger sister."

  "I've heard she's a beauty," Mellara said.

  "Where did you hear that?"

  "Um. I may have heard the ambassador speaking to someone."

  I laughed. "So she could be as ugly as a cow. But she says she sits a horse well. Would you like to read the letter?"

  "That wouldn't be appropriate, Lady Yallameenara."

  "Pity," I said. Then I turned to the next.

  Lady Yallameenara,

  I would like to call on you. Perhaps you are available mid-morning tomorrow.

  Drendick

  "Hmm. No accolades to my beauty," I said. "No boasts of his daring do. Quite a dull letter, really," I said.

  "From whom?"

  "Drendick. It's a good thing I only know of one, although I don't have a clue how to return a reply."

  "That is why you have me," Mellara said.

  "Well, I'll draft something shortly. Mellara, he wants to call on me, but I certainly can't invite him here. Where does he expect us to meet?"

  "Perhaps you could accept him in the library," she suggested.

  "Excellent," I said. "Next."

  Yalla,

  I have been invited to a small dinner party this Friday evening. Would you care to attend with me?

  Malta

  "Well," I grumped. "And Lady Malta is equally brief in her letter. Tell me, Mellara, does it seem like our first meeting with a new suitor should be to a dinner party?"

  "Oh, she should call on you first, for tea and conversation."

  "Exactly," I said. "I do not believe Lady Malta plays this game well, and you know what a traditionalist I am." Mellara snorted. "Do we have paper?"