Ludvic Hammerfell entered the meeting room and sat down in a broad, heavily cushioned chair. The room was packed with old wooden carvings and sculptures that gave it a rustic charm. Duke Poleus entered after him and took his seat opposite the Honour Guard. "Tell me, Ludvic, what news from Dunhelm?"
The heavy framed Honour Guard spent a quick moment admiring the exquisite works before he answered, "Nothing!" in frustration. "That's the whole problem. I spent weeks there waiting for Zephra to make a move, but his armies have stayed in Precedin. His men have been rebuilding the city. It appears as though they intend to stay there a while," he added in harsh tone. "With all the time that he has given us we have been able to fortify Dunhelm so heavily that it will probably take longer to sack than Precedin did."
Duke Poleus knew that he was not speaking literally. "You sound disappointed. Should you not be pleased that Zephra has not begun to attack the outlying cities?"
"Do not twist my words, Andre. It is indeed fortuitous, but the whole thing doesn't smell right. We must be missing something."
The Duke angled his head to the side. "It does seem strange. Do you think that Zephra plans to attack from somewhere else?"
Ludvic ran his hand through his thick hair. "No, Precedin is still his best choice. I believe that there is something distracting him from this campaign. Strange things are happening in Kovi. I have no doubt he has his hands all over them."
"The land's best disciples have been sitting in council for endless nights discussing this topic, Ludvic. If they can find no answers, then you should not worry yourself by seeking a solution."
Ludvic's eyes narrowed. He knew that the Duke, a disciple himself, was mocking him. "Sometimes the simplest serf can find more answers than the King's own advisors," he replied meaningfully.
A smile graced the Duke's unshaven face and he decided to keep any future comments about Ludvic's abilities to himself. "Then Dunhelm is well prepared for the inevitable?"
Ludvic propped himself up. This was his element, his turn to fight back. "They are not as well prepared as they could be, Andre. The Andronian army is still sitting idly by in its garrison, wasting time and money on whores and dice. Your men should be out there at the forefront, protecting Feldom."
The Duke, in deep thought, pursed his lips. "I do not believe that the King has sounded the call to arms yet. Obviously he believes that there is no need for the West to go to war."
"Do not play me for a fool!" spat Ludvic, banging his fist against the arm of his chair. The Duke's brow shot up in surprise at Ludvic's outburst and he shifted back in his seat. "You know what power the Maloreichar hold. If Dieter does not sound the call, then we will. Damn the consequences!"
"Risking civil war?"
"There will be no civil war when the nation realizes that its oldest enemy is breathing down its neck with fire and sharp steel in hand," retorted Ludvic. "It is a matter of time until we force the West to take part in the fighting."
"Until that day then," said Andre smugly.
"Have your fun now, whilst it lasts," replied Ludvic. There was a long moment of silence as both men composed themselves. "Now what of the spies you sent north."
"Four returned. The other two are most likely dead," answered the Duke, with little remorse in his tone. "Your fears are confirmed. Baldoroff will not make piece with Dieter. If anything, the King's demand for Baldoroff to swear fealty to the Castaneda bloodline has only made him more resolute. Auldney is an unpleasant place at the moment."
Ludvic's head fell into his hands. "That feeble minded fool," he whispered. Ludvic had left the frozen city of Auldney for one reason, and only one; Baldoroff. "Then he will continue his plans to form the nation of Durraas?"
Andre simply nodded.
"What did your agents find out in Polthney and Larthstone?"
"Duke Relmus and Panteleon have gone mad with fear," replied Andre. "They are both cowering in their throne rooms with Baldoroff, Dieter and Zephra surrounding them with ultimatums."
"Hmm, A position I do not envy," commented Ludvic with a cringe. "Did you find out which way their loyalty is swaying?"
The Duke pulled a wafer from a silver platter at his side and took a small bite. "It is a case of whoever can promise the greatest chance of survival. I feel that the two cities have become the centre point of a three way struggle. It is certain that there will be fighting in the cities soon and I believe that Dieter, who can promise the two dukes the most protection, will gain their allegiance." Andre then noticed Ludvic eyeing the silver platter and offered the Honour Guard a delicacy.
Ludvic unceremoniously grabbed a handful and tossed them into his mouth. Through a splatter of crumbs he said, "I will send word to Errollan. Hopefully we can bring them to our side. We cannot afford to have them join Baldoroff. The North has long kept its dealings private, but they are still our brothers. We cannot allow them to be corrupted by the foul ideals of a mad tyrant."
"What will you do about him?" asked Duke Poleus, wincing at Ludvic's barbaric eating habits. Andre was a man of culture and sophistication. The same could not be said about his current guest.
Clearing the last remnants of pastry with a careless burp, Ludvic sank back into his chair. "It is quite simple. The formation of Durraas must be stopped."
"One of my agents learnt something you might find interesting," mentioned Andre. Ludvic motioned for him to continue. "It appears that Baldoroff has contracted a sickness of the lungs. He does not have long left."
Ludvic's eyes lit up. "How long?"
"Do not get too hopeful. He may still have a few years in him."
"Damn!" yelled Ludvic.
The Duke's expression turned cagey and he leaned in close to Ludvic. "If someone were clever they would think of a way to use this sickness to their advantage."
Ludvic lowered his brow in confusion, then the comment dawned on him. "That would be a risky thing ventured."
"But there is much to gain," replied Andre.
"I fear that you may be right," replied Ludvic. His face turned deadly serious and he rose from his seat. "I think I will need to deal with this problem straight away. Baldoroff must make peace."
Duke Poleus rose from his own seat and shook Ludvic's hand. "We may not be the greatest of friends, Ludvic," The Honour Guard smiled, knowing well that they were two completely different men. "But your worth to Feldom is unquestionable. If anyone can pull this off, it will be you."
"If you suddenly find yourself in the midst of a civil war, you will know that I have failed. I ride to Auldney," announced Ludvic. "Home," he whispered to himself as he left the Duke's chamber.
Dawn of the Valiant (The Valerious Chronicles: Book One) Page 112