“Very true,” the Contessa said. “I’m certainly not going to judge. Or, I wasn’t until I saw the blush creeping up your cheeks.”
Dodd burst into laughter, and soon the entire hall was laughing and joking with this new boss of theirs. Lex tugged on the shirt offered by Martin, all the while watching the Contessa. The Contessa glanced at Lex and offered a small incline of her head. Lex mirrored the gesture.
Perhaps they’d all misjudged her; Lex most of all.
Chapter 12
Allegra’s return to Borro was delayed by a week. There were simply too many fine details to organize. Serafina appointed Nathan as her new apprentice secretary. Nathan was Pero’s cousin’s son, a nervous, scrawny kid whose voice had only recently fallen and who looked like he was about to faint from starvation.
But for all of his ums and aws, he already had a solid reputation for thorough and complete work, so Allegra didn’t argue with Serafina’s request to hire him. He’d worked for the previous two Arbiters in various capacities, so he knew where files, ledgers, and other various archives were located better than anyone else. He was to remain at the Cathedral for several weeks to organize the paperwork before joining Serafina at Borro Abbey.
“Nathan, did you get that list together of abolitionists?”
“Yes, Your Ladyship,” he said. He fumbled about in the stack of books, letters, and pages in his arms until he found what he was looking for. “Here it is.”
Allegra examined the list, ignoring the sweaty fingerprint stains and a wine ring stain. Most of these people she knew by reputation. Some had approached her in the past for various types of help. She had given money and letters of recommendation when she could, but most had called for her to publicly stand up for mage rights or elemental rights, and she had politely turned them down. There was no doubt she would come to regret those past decisions. She planned to dig deep in her grovelling letters to all of them.
She smiled up at Nathan and said, “Thank you. Has the post arrived yet?”
“Yes,” he said and, again struggling, dropped several letters on to her desk from on top of his stack of papers.
“What is all that?” Allegra asked, motioning at the books in his arms.
“Journals and ledgers from previous Arbiter secretaries over the last two decades.” He handed over a significantly smaller stack of letters. “These are for you.”
“Do you think you’ll be able to find anything useful for me in the old notes?” Allegra asked absently as she opened the first letter. From the handwriting, she guessed it was from her sister-in-law. She glanced over it, confirmed that it was, and put it aside for when she needed a pick-me-up.
“Well, Your Excellency, I planned to, um, I could identify which situations have changed or remained unchanged. Then, um, we could prioritize which were in need of your intervention first. For example, erm, there might be easy ones that could quell unrest in localization areas, which would bring immediate, if temporary, secession of hostilities.”
She smiled tightly. “I think that’s the correct approach. Carry on.”
“Yes, Your Excellency. And, um, thank you for this position. It, um, means a lot to me to, um, work with you on such an important, um…thing.”
Allegra smiled. “You’re welcome.”
He stood there.
“Well, I have my letters to read.”
“Right. Sorry. I will go now.”
“Yes.”
It was several more seconds before he finally turned himself about to exit her appointed study.
The first three letters were of the same forced congratulations and general sucking up. The Bishop Samuel of North Wadesboro, a pompous old fool who had less depth than a glass of water, wanted to “continue, nay extend, the friendship between his peaceable little corner of the world and the mighty Cathedral where the Almighty himself looks down upon us all.” Of course, Bishop Samuel was a powerful slave owner who reportedly had his personal militia harass free mages. He enacted local ordinances on Cathedral property that all slaves be chained by the legs so to prevent escape. And the people adored him for it, because he was keeping them safe from the demon-worshipping mages. Bringing the word of the Almighty with leg irons. How predictable.
Allegra stuffed the letter into the journal labeled: For Future Considerations. Once settled, she would find some guards to pay the good bishop a visit.
The second was from her cousin, Katherine, the Grandest of Grand Duchesses. Kat’s letter passive-aggressively implied Allegra would need to hike up her skirts to get the job done. Ah, that’s what older, prettier cousins do, even into their forties. Somehow, the letter cheered up Allegra’s flagging spirits. Some things never do change.
Unsurprisingly, the third was from the Bishop of Borro. Father Michael wrote to say he had the servants improving the summer cottages to winterize them for Arbiter business. He did hint, however, that the cost of such upgrades would tax the abbey and “any assistance” the Cathedral could offer would be “greatly accepted and put to good purposes for the glory of the Almighty’s work.”
“Are you settling in well?” Pero strolled into the room and smiled. “How is my cousin’s son? Have you murdered him yet?”
Allegra laughed. “Nathan will be fine. He’s just…scatterbrained, I believe, is the right word.”
“That’s one word. So, how are you doing?”
“Did Rupert send you?”
“Ah, His Holiness is far too busy to something something blah blah blah…” Pero flashed her a grin. “I promised Katherine I’d check in on you.”
“Of course she’d send you. How is my emotional stability these days? I’m sure there are various people reporting back.”
Pero sat down. “Well, let’s be honest between friends. You have used that excuse for the last two decades.”
Allegra failed to withhold her grin. “Being a mage is a difficult burden for anyone to carry.”
“Are you saying wealth and consequence didn’t help ease the struggle?”
“Ah, Pero. You must come to Borro more often.” Allegra chuckled. “You and Father Michael could out argue each other.”
“Alas, my duties keep me here. What would Francois do if we all abandoned him?”
“I was merely asking you to visit, not run away with me.”
“Think of the gossip, though, if we did!”
“The cardinals would get no work done.” She smiled. “So, is this really just a social call?”
“No,” Pero said, and his smile faded. “I’ve come with the warning.”
Allegra cocked an eyebrow.
“Nothing sinister, I promise. Some of the abolitionists have decided not to assist you without certain assurances.”
“Such as?”
“They want guaranteed immunity for their actions. They want elemental rights combined with mage rights. They don’t want them discussed separately. They want you to speak, as necessary, as to the role of a mage.”
Allegra sucked in a breath. “You know I can’t promise any of that.”
Pero held out his hands. “Those are their demands.”
“Or what? They won’t help?”
“They won’t help you.”
“We’re all on the same side.”
“Are we?” Pero’s expression hardened. “What I see across from me is a woman who has refused for her entire life to do anything remotely public to aid mages. You were appointed to your position out of spite, and likewise you accepted out of spite. How can we trust that you won’t bury your head in the sand again whenever you are forced to recognize you are a mage?”
“I have never denied being a mage, and I resent your implication that I have done nothing to assist the cause. We both know I have funneled a significant amount of my personal wealth into emancipation.”
“No, Allegra. You have funneled your money into financially rewarding slave owners.”
Allegra rolled her eyes. “We have been ov
er this before, Pero.”
“And we shall go over it again. Buying slaves is not the answer.”
“The money also went towards helping get them set up in positions, finding them housing, all that,” Allegra said defensively.
“Some things never change,” Pero said. “I like you, Allerga. I don’t like your politics. They are…cowardly.”
“And I like you. And I think your politics are…dangerous.”
“So can I tell the abolitionists that you will be supporting their demands?”
“You can tell them that I will not abuse my positon and that I will act in accordance with my conscience.” She took a deep breath and said, “You can also tell them that their demands, in my eyes, are no different than the dozens of other demands, requests for favors, and veiled threats I’ve received this week alone. You know me well enough to know that I will not be cowed in to the corner and I am offended that you hadn’t the decency to convince them otherwise. Now, if there is nothing further, I have work to do.”
She watched Pero leave and frowned down at her letters.
“Is everything all right?”
Allegra looked up to see Captain Rainier standing in her doorway. “Captain! To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“I heard you and Pero arguing, and I thought I’d look in on you.”
Allegra smiled, even though it was a little weary. “Ah, don’t mind us. Tomorrow, I’ll receive a gift of molasses taffy and flowers, along with a note apologizing for his hot temper. Please, have a seat.”
“This argument has happened before, has it?”
“Pero and I have a lot in common, but his actions are governed by his faith, whereas mine by my sense of duty. Our end goals are the same, but we have very different opinions about how to get there. It causes conflict.”
“Why should you fight, since you are on the same side?”
“That’s a rather simplistic view.”
“I’m a simplistic sort of man.”
Allegra laughed. “I highly doubt that. Educated at…hmm…”
Rainier raised his chin to strike a pose.
“Oh, clearly Ostarium School for Boys. Then acceptance to Cornwallis University, where you studied religion. The law is too clever for you.”
“You wound me, my lady!”
“Am I wrong?”
Rainier made a face. “My brother closest to me in age was studying the law. We weren’t getting along at the time.”
“Ah, brothers.”
****
“Now, I believe I’m here to discuss your personal security, as opposed to my family history,” Stanton said easily. He had a busy day ahead of him, not to mention all of the packing he needed to do. He’d have to arrange for his valet to send his personal items ahead to Borro Abbey, as soon as the Contessa heard back from the Bishop of Borro.
And he needed to find a new valet, since his quit as soon as the words move to Borro Abbey were spoken.
She sipped her tea and smiled. “I apologize. I’m using you as a distraction from my duties.”
“I see you found some honey.” He pointed at the small jar on her serving tray.
“Ah, yes. Kia heard about my boycott and, well, she was very enthusiastic to help. She has a couple of mage friends.”
“How are the new servants working out?” He was genuinely curious.
“Kai and Calm Seas are fine. A bit young and chatty, so Nadira loses her temper some days, but overall, they’ll be fine together. Sandra and Malcolm hate each other, so that’s awkward, and Roosevelt leers at Calm Seas way too much for my liking. I’m leaving him behind to forward packages that come for me. He can read, so…”
“And the new staff?”
Allegra chuckled. “Staff! It’s strange, really. My brother looks after the day-to-day running of my estates, so I don’t really think of myself as having staff. But it’s all coming back to me rather quickly, and perhaps a bit too easily. I find myself having missed the intellectual challenges.”
“Watch out, Serna. The Contessa has a taste for power.”
Allegra chuckled again. “Just a taste, my dear Captain. Just a taste.”
“Will we head directly back to the abbey, or did you want to make a slight detour?”
Allegra’s mouth twitched. “I believe we’ll be stopping by our dear friend, the Magistrate of Montfort, to investigate. Just as a random check, of course.”
“Of course. Should I arrange for extra guards?”
“That might be wise,” Allegra said. “Come, join me.”
They snacked on slices of tea cake and sipped tea while they went over various other plans. Allegra didn’t want to punish those with families, and insisted that coming to Borro was voluntary. She also insisted on bringing the Consorts’ immediate families who wished to move and promised to find them housing in the town of Borro. She couldn’t guarantee that there would be enough room at the Abbey for even all of the consorts, but she felt a small garrison in the town itself might actually do well to keep ahead of any situation.
“I agree. Would you like me to assign people or did you have any one in mind?”
Allegra shook her head. “I’d prefer if Dodd remained at the Abbey.”
“I don’t see a problem with that. Do you want Lex in the town, then?”
“Actually, I wanted to speak to you about him.”
Stanton squared his shoulders. “Is there a problem?”
“Not at all. Pero and Rupert, and actually a number of cardinals who don’t even like me, believe I need a small security detail at all times. I think it’s unnecessary, but I’ve relented. I was wondering if Lex would be good for the job.”
“Lex would probably enjoy the challenge.”
“Good. I’ll work out the details with Lex once we’re at the abbey. I might need the Consorts or guards to do occasional tasks for me. Who will I need to clear that with? You?”
“Please. If I’m not available, Dodd or Lex can handle things.”
“Good.” Allegra looked at him over the rim of her cup, smiling as she drank.
“What?”
“Will you make time for your Arbiter to continue these mid-day visits?”
“I will make the time, Your Excellency.”
Transitions
Montfort County
Near the Cartossa-Amadore Border
The plan unfolded flawlessly. The stew and ale had been adequately altered, and those who didn’t ingest too much were already snoring off the effects. The hearts of the gluttons had most likely stopped by now. Walter preferred not to leave behind corpses, but it was the fault of the greedy, not his, that they consumed too much ale and stew. They could have left some for the mages or the low servants. Then, no one would have died and the plan would have failed.
With the full moon illuminating their way, the small band of rebels made their way to the camp of dead, dying, and unconscious men. One of them found the keys and unlocked the chains that barred the small coal mine’s entrance.
With the door closed behind him, Walter chanced to light the lantern. Most of his men would remain outside, in case any of the guards roused. Walter crept down the ladders, stairs, and walkways, following the faint glow of a lantern down in the bowels of the hand-dug pit.
Walter took the final lift down, his lantern flickering. Blank, dirty faces stared back at him. Then, confusion when they realized they did not know him.
“I’m Walter Cram,” he whispered. “I’m here to get you out. Come quickly.”
“You’re that mage,” one of the dirty-faced men said.
“I am. Now, hurry before the guards awake.”
A woman lay on her side, moaning. “What’s wrong with her?”
One of the other women shook her head sadly. “Arrived a few days ago. They’d hurt her bad. Don’t know who she is. She’s not gotten up since. Not right in the head no more.”
“Can she walk?”
“Both legs br
oken, sir. They threw her down here, waiting for infection to kill her.”
“Can medicine or healing help her?”
The woman shook her head. “I think she’s well past any help other than the Almighty’s.”
“All right, leave her. Everyone else, let’s go.”
“But…”
“If she’s going to die anyway, there is no purpose in the rest of us dying to rescue her,” Walter said sharply. “If you want your freedom, let’s go.”
“Cram! Hurry! Some of the guards are waking!” a voice shouted from up above.
“You heard him!” Walter shouted.
Moving back up the mine shaft was tedious work. He waited until the others made it back up. He took one last look at the broken woman on the ground. Another nameless nightmare to haunt him. Another tableau to fuel his hatred, as if he didn’t already have more than his fill.
Once he exited the mine himself, an all too common scene was unfolding before his eyes. Some brutally enacted the justice denied to them with stones against skulls. Others ran, no thought to being barefooted and nearly naked. Others stood unmoved, too shocked for their flight instincts to work.
Maybe it would have been kinder to have killed the guards with the drugs, but then these people would never have their vengeance.
Once the bloodlust was sated and the realization of freedom began to dawn upon the terrified, Walter summoned up his will. The earth shook under their feet and then the mine collapsed in on itself.
It was the ninth this month. He’d not even made a dent in Cartossa’s evil.
Chapter 13
Montfort County, Cartossa
The first order of business was to return to the abbey. With the horses and carriages packed, they began their journey back to Borro. Allegra travelled with a holy writ basically granting her immunity from local laws and proclaiming that she acted with the authority of the Holy Father and the papal office. One of the main reasons she’d waited was because Allegra was convinced she’d be arrested by some petty noble on her journey otherwise.
She also travelled with the authority to arrest and detain anyone committing a various list of crimes that boiled down to anyone contravening the laws of the Cathedral. Since their law was supreme, Allegra had every intention of using religion for her own gains.
The Demons We See Page 17