by Rick Brown
Her brows furrowed in an adorable manner as she leaned in. “You’re going to be a king, Lee. Tell me what you see.”
"Oh. Well, first we need to address Ealinhart. It needs to be reopened. As we saw, the buildings are in disrepair. There won't be any trade in the condition they are in," I started.
“Dig deeper, Lee,” she encouraged with those big brown eyes. “What will Alsselya be?”
I tried to follow where she was leading. Be? I thought. “I don’t understand. It will be a kingdom.”
"Lee, Alsselya of old has been erased by Dommeran. You are not adding some paint and calling it ‘fixed,' you are building a kingdom from scratch. An opportunity no other has had in modern times. So, what will this place be?"
"Alsselya may have been beaten, but it has not been erased. It was a place of peace, where peoples of all types came together. It was one of the innovations that the world could only hope to follow. It had art and writings. It was a kingdom that led. That others could only hope to follow," I argued passionately. Erased! Alsselya would never be erased!
“There it is,” Abi smiled, leaning forward to kiss me. “There’s the passion I was hoping for. You shall make a great king, Lee.”
While I sat there, stunned, she stood and started to leave. “I’m going to write my letter to Mary.”
I sat in shock as she walked away and closed the door to her room.
"Quite the young lady," Arthur stated as he sat across from me.
“Eavesdropping, Arthur?” I accused.
“Of course, My Lord. It’s what all good Chamberlains do. That young Lady, she is quite impressive.”
“That she is,” I said with a smile.
Arthur smiled. “I see, very good, Sire. I just need to know the status of these sorts of things.”
“Sorts of things?” I asked.
"My Lord, next to Kendrick, you are the most important bachelor there is. The only thing protecting you is that none of the young ladies know you exist, other than a few in Vaelin. Soon, you shall be known in every kingdom. To be honest, I think the gods have had a hand in this, and I appreciate that. It would be too much for this old man to find you an appropriate one."
“I’m sorry, an appropriate what?” I asked confused.
“A queen, Sire. You shall need a queen,” he replied.
"Arthur, Abigail and I are just friends, we aren't engaged," I started to explain. He quickly held up his hand.
“Of course, Sire, don’t worry, these things work themselves out,” he answered with a cryptic smile, then he got up and left me as confused as before.
Looking for some sanity, I walked over to Barad and Brianna. My friends were sitting together on the couch, Barad gripping one of the bottles of wine. "I see you were able to wrestle a bottle from the servants," I said as I sat across from him.
“She put up a mighty fight, but I bested her and took my prize,” Barad joked, raising the bottle in victory.
“Quite the conquest there, soldier,” Bri teased as she took the bottle to refill her glass.
"Yes, I may have this bottle mounted on the wall," Barad continued. "Like one of Lord Faluth's trophies."
“You’re welcome to do that,” Lenux said as he and Whilhoit joined us. “Me, I think I’ll go back for that dragon skull. Now that’s a conversation starter.”
“It’s too heavy,” Whilhoit reminded. “You’d need a massive wagon to move it.”
“That’s ok,” Lenux admitted. “The scales will make a nice trophy. Maybe I’ll have them made into a chair.”
“Be mindful to sand down their sharp edges,” I added as I waved my glass before Brianna to refill. “Otherwise, it will be a rather uncomfortable place to sit.”
“See? Lee can look at an issue and come up with a solution for it every time,” Barad complimented.
“I’d have to for us to remain friends all these years,” I joked.
Brianna nearly spit out her wine as she laughed. "I wish I had that talent," she said, still smiling.
“When did this turn on me?” Barad asked as he feigned being injured. Sliding down in his seat and pulling his blond hair over his eyes.
“I was forced to defend my helpless servant from whom that bottle was pilfered,” I replied.
"Oh, fair enough then," He said as he pulled himself back up and brushed his hair back. "A small price to pay for such a fine wine." With that, he took the bottle back from Brianna and downed the last dregs.
Finally, we had a night where we could all relax again and enjoy the company of friends.
Chapter 35
(Lenux)
Too much wine last night, I thought to myself as I struggled out of bed. It had been a long time since we were able to enjoy a bottle of wine, and it felt like I overdid it. Sitting in my bed, I could hear people moving around in the main room. Even here, in the depths of Dearthmoon Mountains, I often felt overwhelmed by the information my mind was receiving. I appreciated what Alynon’s Tear had gifted me with, but it didn’t mix well with a hangover.
I felt around my table until I found the flint and candle. With a quick flash, I was able to light my bedroom. Grabbing my eyepatch, I set it over my right eye. I still felt self-conscious that people were staring at it, even my friends.
Today was the day that the Spellion envoy would be arriving to witness Orlik’s crowning. Lee had indicated that he wanted me in his party. Likely we would all go, but I knew my ability to hear things would give him the edge he was seeking.
With a sigh, I grabbed my Alsselyian uniform the staff had cleaned for me yesterday. I smiled when I looked at it. Even with my scar, I looked dashing in blue. Getting dressed, I finally made my way out into the main suite.
Lee and Arthur were already sitting at the table discussing government business. I found it all boring to listen to, but the biscuits and gravy made it all worthwhile.
Taking a seat, I gazed upon the fabulous breakfast. It seemed like we’ve been living off rations for too long. Besides, for whatever reason, I found the greasy food helped my stomach recover from the wine.
“Morning, Lenux,” Lee greeted as I sat down.
“Good morning, Lee. How did you sleep?” I asked as I grabbed up some bacon.
“Like an infant,” he said with a smile. “It has been a long time since we had any wine.”
The thought made me grimace. “Oh, don’t remind me, I’m still trying to recover.”
Lee laughed. “I thought sneaks were trained to drink their prey under the table and still be sound enough to perform their task.”
“I must have missed that class. Besides, you and Barad are twice my size. It’s not a fair comparison,” I defended.
“Fair enough, so long as that talent of yours is still working,” Lee agreed.
“Yes, I heard about this,” Arthur said as he turned to me. “I am sorry young man for your injury, though now it does give you quite the heroic look. Can you tell me about your enhanced hearing?”
“Well, it’s really just that. I can hear what is happening in other rooms. When we are outside, I can tell if soldiers are approaching from miles away,” I said as an explanation. Really, I had not figured out a way to adequately explain what I felt. Hearing was just the best translation.
“I see,” Arthur said, though his expression said otherwise. “Let’s do a test. Do you see the staff talking over there?” he said as he pointed to a man and woman talking in the corner. “Do you hear them?”
“Yes,” I said as I started to listen. “Oh dear. Apparently, she suspects that he was in another maid’s chamber last night and isn’t happy about it.”
“Eh, well,” Arthur said uncomfortably. “That’s unfortunate. I’ll deal with that later. Thank you for the demonstration, young man.”
“Sure,” I answered nonchalantly as I continued to eavesdrop. This was better than some books I’ve read.
People shuffled in and out as everyone prepared for the formal introductions with Spellion. Orlik sent a messenger that the
delegation had arrived and was freshening in their rooms. Arthur had wisely sent some of the wine to Orlik so he wouldn't be embarrassed by having nothing to serve his guests.
Soon, Lee ordered everyone to meet in the main suite. Each of us was wearing their Alsselyian Blue uniform, except Farloc, who was wearing his green tunic. I couldn’t help but overhear Lee telling Farloc to stick close to him over the evening. I could see the gratitude on Farloc’s face. He still was not comfortable in our human parties.
Finally, a messenger arrived that Orlik was ready for us. Lee led our group as we followed the Dwarven messenger back to the party. From what I had overheard, this would not be the grand ball like we had in Vennean. Instead, we would be meeting the Spellion delegation over dinner.
The messenger led us to a pair of doors guarded by two dwarven guards. With a nod from the messenger, they opened the double doors wide. We paused for a moment as the messenger stepped inside.
“Prince Orlik of Olingard. I am here to announce King Eberon of Alsselya and his party,” the messenger called out to the room.
Stepping inside, I saw that most of the table was already filled. Orlik stood at the end of the long table with Lillia and Prince Henlark. The party from Spellion were all dressed in white robes. They stood on the right side of the table. First, was a tall gentleman. His short gray hair combed back. Next to him was a pretty blond girl, her hair tied up in a ponytail. Lastly, to her right, stood a large man. His dark hair left loose over his shoulders.
"Ah! My friends! It has only been a couple of days, but I've missed ya," Orlik greeted with a smile. Walking around the table, he gave each of us a hug.
“Orlik,” Councilor Lillia called, motioning back to his seat with her eyes.
“Ah yes, that protocol ya told me about. Sorry,” he mumbled as he made his way back to the table.
I tried to hide my grin. I pitied anyone trying to teach Orlik protocol. "I'd like to introduce you to the delegation from Spellion. This is High Priest Lodken of the Church of Mannoth. Next to him be Priestess Kayla and Priest Guin.
“Priest?” I heard Barad whisper to Brianna. Luckily, no one else could have overheard. He had a point though. Other than Father Yagen, I had not seen a priest as large as Guin.
"It is a pleasure to meet you," Lee said with a smile. "Allow me to introduce my party." With that, he went through each of us in introductions. I could hear a slight gasp from Priestess Kayla as Farloc was introduced. It seems elves were not common this far south, or anywhere other than Illiner.
"A pleasure to meet you, King Eberon," Lodken expressed. "You and your staff. King Kendrick has sent messages to our King about your situation. It is nice to put a face to your name. You and your remarkable team. We have heard great things."
“Thank you,” Lee acknowledged as he came to stand beside his chair. “I feel honored.”
“Go ahead,” Orlik stated as he plopped into his chair. “No need to stand around.”
Each of us sat once Orlik and King Eberon took their seats. Quickly, the dwarven staff started to bring around some wine. I winced as I smelled the same drink that made me ill last night. I reached past it for some water.
“Ha! No stomach for wine?” Priest Guin commented as he watched me.
“Just feeling a little tender tonight,” I admitted.
The priest smirked as he took a big swig. “It’s not Spellion’s, but it’s not bad.”
I found I was taking an instant dislike to the big priest. It seems humility was not one of the pillars of Mannoth's religion.
“So,” Father Pild said from beside me. “What temple do you belong to?”
"Hansner, Spellion's capital," Guin replied.
"Ah. I haven't visited that temple. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to visit soon," Father Pild replied with a smile. Guin just nodded back.
“Mannoth’s temples have names,” Father Pild whispered under his breath. No one else would be capable of hearing him but me. “They don’t just go by the city. Don’t trust him.”
I gave a slight nod, acknowledging that I heard. So, this priest is a phony. I wonder why? Most people would worry about this, but as a spy myself, I felt intrigued.
“So, what happened to your eye?” Guin asked.
“Fighting a werewolf,” I answered casually.
“Ha, sure,” Guin said as he shook his head. “Likely in bed with the wrong man’s wife.”
I shrugged, ignoring the insult. If this was their spy, we had nothing to be concerned about.
Down the table, I could overhear Lee's conversation with Lodken was just as dull. Nothing but platitudes being shared. This evening seemed to be going nowhere. Spellion could have at least sent some representative of the government along. Just sending their church was an insult to Orlik.
Not that the dwarf seemed to mind. He was happily chattering along to Lodken. Lillia next to him was much more aware. Here political instincts were more acute than my friends. Instead, she merely smiled and nodded to the conversation.
Lee sat quietly as well. He seemed suspicious of the Spellions. Quietly, he held his wine without drinking any. That was nothing like the Lee I knew.
Dinner was served, and everyone seemed happy to enjoy the meal and ignore the awkwardness in the room, myself included. I glanced at Brianna who caught my eye and shrugged. Neither of us knew what was going on.
After dessert, there was more inane, useless conversation, until Lee finally said it was time for our group to retire. None too soon, as I was bored just staring at the supposed priest across from me eat his food with his fingers. There was no challenge at all in this group. Spellion had sent their idiots to represent them at Orlik’s coronation.
It was not until we were on our way back to our suite that I felt we were being followed. Somewhere hidden in the dwarves behind us, someone watched. I carefully walked up next to Brianna as we walked down the halls.
“Can you believe that?” she asked. “What an insult to send that group.”
“Maybe not,” I answered carefully. “We are being followed.”
“Do you see them?” she asked intently.
“No, I can just feel them, but they are there, I am sure,” I stated. I couldn’t describe it as hearing this time, since we were in a crowded hall. Still, I knew someone was there. “When I get a chance, I’ll fall back and see if I can identify them.”
Brianna nodded. “I’ll get the others to crowd together some. See if we can’t cover for you.”
As we turned a corner, I stepped behind one of the massive columns that supported the giant arched ceiling. I sat quietly in the shadow as I watched my friends move away. Soon, a hooded figure, hunched over to imitate the height of the dwarves, passed my location. Silently, the spy continued past me as they followed my friends.
They crept through the crowd, keeping just out of sight of the Alsselyian group. The spy was good. Even knowing where we were going, I found it difficult to keep an eye on the person. Finally, I saw my friends disappear into our suite. I watched the spy as they took a position across from the entrance, blending into a dark corner. I carefully found a spot that I could watch from and made myself comfortable.
The watcher was careful never to expose their face, but they continued to snoop from the shadows. After a few minutes, the spy and I saw Orlik and Lillia go into the suite. We sat for an hour as the person continued to watch. The spy sat so still, that I had to watch carefully to pick them out of the darkness. Finally, Orlik and Lillia left. The spy and I stood our ground for another hour until they finally left their post.
The watcher seemed well versed in the layout of Olingard as they made their way down the halls until I had no idea where I was. If not for my advanced ability, I would have lost them for sure. The spy moved silently through darkened halls and shadows. Seeming invisible, even in well-lit areas. Finally, the they came to a stop before a door. They made one last glance around the hall. It was enough to see what I needed. I watched as Priestess Kayla disappear into the
room.
Chapter 36
(Max)
Private Gerral chose a good route up to the manor. After the long ride from Coneer, the last thing I wanted was to ride across rough terrain to this dinner. Seemed a damn waste of time, entertaining the nobles. Worthless, the lot of them. Sadly, as head of the Fox Guild, I had to listen to their complaints about incompetency in my people that I knew didn't exist. Nobles just like to complain.
And just maybe, someday I’d be one, I thought as a smile crept across my face. It all seemed so fanciful, us pushing Dommeran back across its borders and retaking Alsselya. But, what if we could?
The manor of this Lady Itchard was similar to many country manors. Not as grand nor fancy as the ones you’d see in the city. Usually, the nobles would keep the country estates simple. They liked to pretend it was like camping when they stayed in their thirty-room mansions with a staff to see to their every need. Rumor was, this Lady was different. Only came up to the city when necessary.
Finally, I dismounted off my horse and handed her over to the grooms. I took a moment to stretch my back that stiffened over the ride. Damn horses, if I could only just walk where I needed, I would. Riding was too hard on this old body.
“Good evening, General,” The butler greeted. “Lady Itchard is in the study. Follow me please.”
“Lead on,” I said, waving towards the house with my gloves.
I was surprised as the butler led us through the house. The usual elegant and expensive decorations that adorned the homes of the nobles were absent. Instead, I found an austere foyer with little adornment.
We followed the butler down the hall until he turned and opened a door, standing aside so we could enter. As I stepped in, I was awed by a massive library. Books of all sorts lined the walls. In the center of the room was a table with a giant map covering the five kingdoms on it, Alsselya included.
“Hello General,” Lady Itchard stated as we entered.
“My Lady,” I said with a nod. “On behalf of King Eberon, I’d like to offer thanks for you graciously allowing our men to camp on your property.”