The Silence Within (The Young Ancients: Tiera)

by P. S. Power

  Then, frustratingly enough, he didn't speak at all.

  "All right, out with it. Better we work on it now than let whatever it is hang over us."

  The man looked at the book, which was in front of Tiera and shook his head a bit.

  "The problem is with the conscripts. Most of them didn't have a choice except to leave home under penalty of prison, but some truly need the work. They're untrained, but we don't need that many military men and women at this time. It isn't actually our problem, being that Count Morris's debts and promises clearly aren't your responsibility, but this is leaving around ten thousand able bodied men and women at loose ends. They don't have a lot of skills either, or they wouldn't have opted for the military at this time. After all, no one sane and intelligent would want to go into battle barely trained and holding a pike against modern explosive weapons. Especially after the massacre in the Capital. Do you know of that?"

  Tiera nodded.

  "I was there. One in seven that died did so at my hand. Personally. I agree with your assessment on that score. So, what do you recommend?" She didn't have any thoughts as to what they should do, but Lawrence bit his lips, and seemed to steel himself again.

  "I suggest we give each a three gold mustering out payment. This will largely be spent by most, but some will use it to start new businesses, if they're the kind to do so. That would end up being about fifty thousand gold. Perhaps less, but I can't assure that. We have the funds, but, again, it also isn't our responsibility."

  Tiera thought about it for a long time, not speaking and finally came up with a counter offer.

  "How about this. They're mustered out already, and can go home, but if they agree to try and use the funds to start a business of some kind, we'll open an office and bankroll their efforts, within reason. That might cost more, but I feel no great need to pay for Count Morris's mistakes. If people have ideas we can help them. If not, and they just want an assured meal... Well, we might be able to find work for them, but it will pay what it does. Farm labor and the like?"

  That actually got a nod and the man modified it a little, so that the aid would be no more than ten gold maximum, and a break on taxes for the first year of business, which would be worth more to a lot of people.

  Then there was a minor border skirmish going on between two of her baronies. That turned out to be over the rather good looking husband of one getting the daughter of another Baroness pregnant. It was blowing up, since no one could see a way out of it. Count Morris had been ignoring it, since he'd been busy, trying not to die.

  It was early still, so she didn't just call up and try to manage it. Lawrence suggested they start the old fashioned way, with letters, suggesting gently that they not go to war over a thing that was already done. She agreed, mainly because she didn't know how to handle the thing any better than that, short of going in swinging, though she managed not to say that out loud.

  There were industry reports to look at too, and something called a "condition document" which was basically an assessment of the needs of the County. Lawrence had put it together for her, so that he wouldn't forget anything.

  "Ah..." Tiera grinned at the man. "A very important thing here... what the High Councilor get's paid." She thought for a few seconds and then shrugged. "I don't even have an idea what that would be. How about this, you set your own rate, and if, at the end of the year, I feel you aren't worth it, I'll take part of it back? I know that sounds mean, but it's just to keep you honest. Give yourself a fair wage and try not to take food from the hungry for it. You live in a palace after all, and your servants are paid out of the County funds, as well as their food and upkeep. If you need magic, let me know and I'll try to get it for you. Otherwise... well, Edith's new jewels have to come out of your wages, so keep that in mind. Also keep in mind that we have Truth amulets, so that means you'll be totally trustworthy, even if greed tries to take hold."

  The man smiled and bowed over the table.

  "Enough rope to hang myself?"

  She nodded, not wanting to admit she just didn't know what the rates were.

  "Plus a bit for a good, sturdy noose."

  She did have him take her to the chests of amulets and magics, which were still mainly full. He'd been starting businesses with people, which she actually owned, but people weren't lining up at the door yet, not realizing it was available. She got a few of the new style communications devices out and looking around the boxes actually found nearly a hundred clothing amulets in one, on the bottom. They were small and the chests weren't, so she'd totally missed them before. She pulled out half of them and handed one off to her High Councilor.

  "For you. So that you can always look ready for the job, even when I wake you at too early an hour." Rolling her eyes, she gave him several more then. "Edith and Jeffery too, as well as your servants, the main ones at least."

  There was more bowing then.

  She set the communications devices, showing him who each was for, which also had him bowing again. It was probably good exercise, but she wasn't certain a councilor needed to do it as much as he was. It was polite of him, so she didn't mention it, not really knowing the rules.

  "One for my man Clemance, the Butler at my house. One for Mrs. Holst and one for the house itself. That's the one that says County Baker, in case you need to use it. These are for Edith, Jeffery and your place here. You have one, so that should be enough to start with." Then they discussed getting them to her generals and the head of the County guard, so that they could keep up with her at need.

  "Not that anyone will bother you, Countess. But it's good to know the option is available."

  That was all they had to do, which got her back to her own place before noon, where she found Karen and Havar teaching a few homemaking students how to fight, or at least escape if someone grabbed them. They had shields, but, as Havar explained gently, they probably wouldn't be wearing them while having sex. Very few did, since a little bite could cause an activation and that would lead to lost teeth for certain, ruining the mood.

  They weren't good, but they mainly tried, which was nice to see. Sherri was out there, working against Karen, and failing to escape, since the bigger woman wasn't making it easy for her at all. The Baronetta kicked her in the shins, which didn't do much either, Karen being used to pain.

  "So, if that doesn't work, what next?"

  It was clear Sherri didn't know, but to demonstrate Havar walked over to Tiera and grabbed her right wrist. She had to hold her shield off for it, but managed in time, since she understood a demonstration when she saw it.

  "Kick to the shin." Tiera delivered it. It wasn't the move she'd have used first, but she angled correctly to turn it into a nerve strike, and explained what she was doing. Havar didn't let go, but shifted his weight back. "Apply leverage against the thumb, using your arm." She got free, since she was stronger than the rest of them, even though it still took work and a bit of skin. "If that doesn't work, pull into the person and hit them in the eye. Pick one and focus all your force on it.

  She pulled the move, but did it for real, which made the Baron scream and let go, the girls all gaping at them.

  "Kick to the groin. And then a blow to the throat. It's overkill, but if you don't have a weapon, which was the exercise, you can't give anything to a bigger attacker." She did those too, then explained how to kill the downed man. She got out a healing amulet though and used it on him, since she'd done some real damage.

  Havar stood and nodded to Sherri.

  "Sir Karen won't give as easily to a blow to the groin. Do what Tiera did."

  That didn't happen at all, the tall thin Baronetta actually being kind, but she did the right moves, and actually got Karen to let go, scratching her face in the process. She was gasping at the end of it, from the exertion and a fear of having hurt someone. That was real enough, and a good reason to practice like they did. You had to be willing to do damage in a fight, or you'd probably lose.

  It was a little odd, since Tiera had com
e in ready to spend her entire day working on things for her new people, but her advisor was actually so on top of things she was nearly useless. A few decisions were given to her, but they were minor enough. It was, she knew, pretty normal. Even Tovey had told her that ruling wasn't half as hard as people made it out to be. Mainly delegating tasks, and handling a few major problems per year.

  He also mentioned that she might not want to spread that around.

  The house staff had cool drinks for them ready to go and a meal waiting, as well as offers to draw baths for those that needed them, which was more than a bit of a hint, and also not needed, since everyone that had stayed was a noble of some sort, and had that one down. Tiera took the chance to call Clemance over and find Mrs. Holst, since they were the ones needed for the time being, and not directly in charge of the meal. The Butler, it turned out, was to be there while they ate all the time, to make certain it all went well, but it was just a light luncheon. That meant only five courses, rather than a lack of things to eat.

  Tiera smiled and showed them the communications devices first. That took a few minutes, and even though there were clearly enough of them, they both seemed scared when she handed one to each of the two. Wide eyed at least, and drawn around the mouth. She didn't understand the reaction herself. It wasn't a bad thing, she didn't think, and really, they seemed grateful at the same time, so it wasn't anything like that.

  It was Mrs. Holst that explained the thought to her.

  "Countess... Many high magics are forbidden to those of low station. Shields and powerful weapons, as well as some other things. Is this really..."

  Tiera blinked.

  "You know, I have no clue at all. Why don't you get in touch with... Hmmm... Prince Alphonse would know I bet. He won't be at luncheon until later in the day, either. Go ahead and do that." It was done, since she'd given an order, but Tiera was pretty sure that Mrs. Holst was also about ten seconds from passing out, from the lack of color on her face.

  "Alphonse here, how may I help you?"

  "Um, Hello, your... Prince Alphonse. This is Wanda Holst, I work for Countess Baker as her personal servant? She's... gifted the Butler, Clemance, and I with these devices, but we aren't nobles, so..."

  Tiera was a stupid head that didn't know things like that, but Prince Alphonse didn't need to hear anything else at all on the topic. He didn't even pause in his answer.

  "Perfectly fine. Anyone that can get one of these is allowed it. They're very handy. Always best to check that kind of thing however, if you aren't certain. I'll double check myself, with the King. One moment." From the words, he was actually asking, which got Richard on the device less than ten seconds later, and it sounded like Karina crowding in too.

  "Yes, that's well within the law, and I have no plans at this time to change it. A very good point. I should codify that. Not to be rude, but do you know where Countess Baker is at the moment?"

  "Right here. It's just that we're neighbors, so I thought I'd let Mrs. Holst and Clemance try the devices out. Clemance can call Tor next. I have a report on the County though. Do you want that in writing? I think I get some time this afternoon and can drop it off on the way back. Things are actually looking well enough right now. A minor dispute in the north, over a pregnant daughter, but the food supplies are good and there are no reports of the Gray Plague. The rest are work programs, new businesses and so on. Mainly things I'm doing. We had all those conscripts that are going home now, since we don't need thousands of completely new people under arms yet. I am returning the forces to their prior strength, over time."

  That was mainly for economic reasons, not military ones, but it never hurt to be prepared and her new forces weren't. She herself had run most of them ragged and done almost whatever she wanted to them for over a week once, after all. That was partly due to superior magic, but some of it was poor planning.

  "I can get it in writing and everything? I would like that, but you can go at your leisure, having given me the report already. It sounds much better than I feared. When people stop talking to me, I always have to assume the worst."

  Then he tried to do that long, drawn out and very correct goodbye thing, but Tiera decided to try and move past it, if at all possible. It took valuable minutes out of her day.

  "Oh, not to be annoying, but I need to get onto a conversation with Austra and possibly Lyn Red. We need to get these devices out to everyone else too... I don't really have time yet. I can't..." She knew a person that probably could. Her own brother. The one that owned a Fast Transport service. "Actually, let me see what I can come up with. So no need for me to visit tonight? That would be good. Unless some of you want to come here for dinner?"

  That got a panicked look from the help, even as Karina chimed in from the side.

  "That sounds lovely. Are you serving at nine?" That was the Capital's norm, but this wasn't there, it was Bakersville. She looked at the others and smiled sweetly, as Clemance muttered that they normally ate the late meal at about six, but that it wouldn't be enough time.

  "Let's plan for earlier than that? Say seven-thirty? Be warned though, this might end up being sandwiches in my bedroom. I'm putting the staff here on the spot. I mainly want to keep things interesting for them. Casual dress however, for real." She double checked, but it was just going to be school friends of hers and Karina. That would be more fun. The others had all left already, but a few were headed back to Lairdgren that night, with her.

  When Karina disconnected, she clapped once, happily, and bowed to the two wide eyed and slightly put out looking people in front of her.

  "Seven and a half hours. I think you can manage in that time. If not, I did warn her about the sandwich option. This is Princess Karina, so keep that in mind." She smiled, since of all of them, Karina was the one most likely to not care at all what she got that way.

  They bowed while walking backwards, a thing that was discordant and out of balance, then scurried away at the door, though they took their communications devices with them. Rolling her eyes, Tiera called out.

  "Come back, we aren't done yet!" She sounded playful and they both did come. The whole thing seemed a bit overdone, to her way of thinking. It was just a meal after all, and while they'd want to do a good job, they didn't have to be perfect. Not yet. She hefted the bag in her right hand, that had held the communications devices, it clattered a tiny bit, the focus stone tiles inside tinkling like wind chimes.

  She pulled one out and handed it to her personal assistant.

  "You were looking for clothing amulets for the staff? This is fifty here. If you don't need them all, please pass them back. Others in the government will want them."

  Then, after making sure they were released, they scurried again. Never truly running, but so close to it that it almost counted anyway.

  Then she just had to wait for everyone to come down for the mid-day meal. She had a sitting room near the main dining space, just for that purpose, with a wide door, so that you could see when people arrived. Given that, she was able to be there as soon as the others came down. Not a minute after they all sat, the food started to arrive, meaning they were being spied on. That was a servant thing, of course. They knew everything about you, including how many times a day you used the restroom. As long as they didn't sell the information, she didn't care.

  They had roasted pigeon, stuffed with olives and spices, as well as several other dishes. She ate it, but to her, if she were going to get a choice, pigeon wouldn't have been it. The dessert was nice, just being a mix of berries on top of a small sugar cake.

  They all made appropriate small talk, and the homemaking girls were all very proper and polite. Karen was too, but Havar and Mitchell kept trying to talk about "Men's topics" which didn't get a lot of interest from the rest of them. Sherri and her friends tried really hard to pretend they were interested in combat techniques at least. It was almost cute. Especially when one of the girls, one that had called her a Doretta, more than a few times as they passed in the commons, f
lipped her hair and asked Mitchell if he had a date to the student dance at the end of the week.

  "Oh, no. I..." There was no graceful way out of it for him, which Tiera understood suddenly. Not that he wanted out, or was being rude, but something was off. "I can't dance."

  The girl, who she thought of as snooty bob-hair, but was actually named Felicia, smiled weakly and looked away. That caused Mitchell to look absolutely horrible. Tiera thought she understood. It wasn't, as the girl thought, that she was being put off, but that he really didn't know the dances. She didn't either for that matter, which was probably a point, since she'd eventually be expected to. Court functions had a lot of parties and there were several large balls given each year. In fact, if she had the right idea, she'd be expected to put her own together at her Capital house, which for the time being was either Tor's place, or Timon's, not having one at all herself.

  It was Karen that interceded, but so gently that Tiera nearly missed it all happening.

  "That's true, he can't do the dances at all. He's coordinated enough, but from back east. They have their own style out there. It isn't the courtly version either, so that might be a problem."

  The trick there was that Mitchell had to make it work, if he wanted it too. Anything could be said, really, but if he made a counter offer that seemed like he wanted her company, it would mean he wasn't just being picky. Snooty bob-hair was decent looking in her own slightly goofy way, and certainly not someone that should be ignored for the reason of appearance. Tiera didn't like her, but Mitch wasn't her.

  He rallied then, smiling a bit.

  "If... I could get some lessons, then it would be great fun, Felicia. I don't have a lot of time, but as long as you don't mind having your toes stomped all night long..."

  She smiled, relived it seemed, rather than happy.

  "That would be wonderful. I can show you the right moves, later if you'd like? After the meal, I mean."