Path of Kings

by James Dale

  "Very good," de'Bracy nodded. "I shall return as quickly as I can."

  "Enlighten me Kirk," Jack said quietly as the young officer went off to see to the withdrawal. "Just how much is four hundred and fifty thousand Th'rakken?"

  "With that much gold the entire Dragon Guard could retire comfortably for the rest of our lives," Vanar grinned.

  "And two hundred?"

  "Young de'Bracy might make as much in a year. I know I will not, even as a captain. I suggest you think seriously about hiring an accountant at the earliest opportunity m'Lord," Vanar advised him.

  de'Bracy returned a few minutes later carrying a small, ornately carved wooden chest. Accompanying him was a tall, gray haired gentleman of advancing years.

  "Your grace," de'Bracy said, placing the chest before Braedan. "Allow me to introduce Ardras L'engle, First Officer of the House of Gilliheu. Mister L'engle, Sir Jack Braedan, his grace the Duke of Thonbor."

  "Your grace," L'engle bowed with a crisp snap of his heels. "We are honored to have you in our house."

  "Mister L'engle," Jack nodded. "My captain thinks I should hire an accountant to oversee the finances on deposit in your establishment."

  "Prudent counsel," L'engle agreed. "As fortune would have it, my brother-in-law is the administrator of a respectable firm only a block from here. I shall send for him at once."

  "I was thinking of someone more along the line of well... Richard here," Jack replied.

  "What?" L'engle gasped. "Your grace...Richard is...Richard is competent I admit, but such a large account needs the expertise of someone with more experience."

  "Everyone's has to start somewhere," Jack shrugged. "What do you say Mister de'Bracy? I'll start you out at say...oh four hundred Th'rakken a year. In gold of course."

  "Four...four hundred?" the young man stammered.

  "Not enough? Four fifty then."

  "Sir, really I..."

  "Five hundred and that's my final offer."

  "When do I start!" de'Bracy cried.

  "Today," Jack laughed, opening the wooden chest and extracting four leather bags. He passed two to Kirk and stuffed the other pair into the pockets of his vest, "Now. The first thing I want you to do is withdraw say…fifty thousand Th'rakken and start investing it for me. Pay yourself out of those funds if you want. Then have another thousand delivered to Count Arthol's estate. Mister L'engle, you have a fine establishment. It's been a pleasure doing business with you. Ready Kirk?" he asked, standing abruptly.

  "Ready m'Lord," Vanar grinned.

  "Welcome aboard Richard," Jack nodded, offering him his hand. "I'll want a report tomorrow on how you plan on spending my money."

  "Yes, your grace," de'Bracy grinned from ear to ear, shaking his hand vigorously. "Of course, your grace."

  "Come along Kirk. We've shopping to do."

  "Did it go well your grace?" Brian asked, handing Braedan Eaudreuil's reigns as the pair emerged from the lending house.

  "Very well," Jack replied, climbing into the saddle. "Kirk, why don't divided those two pouches among the Lions."

  "M'Lord? You realize this is almost four month's wages?"

  "Consider it a bonus. You've earned it haven't you?"

  "If you say so," Kirk grinned.

  Their first stop upon reaching the Circle of Wares was a fruit stand where Jack purchased several shiny, red apples for their mounts. When the flustered farmer argued he couldn't make change for the large gold coin, Jack was forced to buy two bushels and have them delivered to the count's stables. Next, they visited a knife smith where Jack bought a suitable replacement for the twin bladed dagger he'd left sticking in the eye of the sorcerer on the Sword of Urgiss. The only difference in this new blade was a dragon's head adorning the knife's pommel instead of the Brotherhood's death-skull. From there they it was on to a reputable tailor where Jack was measured for a complete new wardrobe.

  The last stop of the day was the jewelry tent of one Beoring Dels, where Jack purchased a lovely pair of matching, silver and turquoise bracelets for Therion and Lysette. He let Brian do the haggling, and when the negotiations were done, his pouch was lighter by five gold coins. As they were leaving, Jack spotted an exquisite sapphire brooch. The color of the precious stone matched Gweneveare's eyes exactly, and after much prompting he convinced Kirk to purchase the piece.

  "It's only money," he laughed, prying the three gold coins from Vanar's fingers. "Besides, just imagine Gwen's reaction when you give it to her?"

  That altered Kirk's opinion of their cost considerably.

  With their shopping done, the four men returned to Count Arthol's estate. It was getting on toward time for the evening meal and Jack left his Lions to go ready himself for dinner. On the way to his suite, he encountered Thain at the top of the stairs.

  "How was your visit to the House of Gilliheu?" Arthol inquired. "Did you find the account to your liking?"

  "It was...a tidy sum," Jack grinned.

  "And your shopping?"

  Jack showed him the bracelets he'd bought for Therion and Lysette.

  "Exquisite," Arthol nodded. "I trust you did not impoverish yourself?"

  "There's still a little bit left in the bank."

  "Good," the count smiled. "You'll need it to rebuild Thonbor. Spend your money wisely. Duke Lyonell's sweat...and blood went into making the duchy what it is today."

  "I will," Jack promised. "I've already hired an accountant to help me with it."

  "I know," Arthol grinned. "I thought for a second the estate was being overrun when that chest arrived earlier today. The House of Gilliheu must have sent over every guard they had with the young officer. He was Sir Bergen's son, wasn't he? Ricco... or..."

  "Richard," Jack corrected.

  "That's it," Arthol nodded. "Well, if he is anything like his father, he should serve you well. Their family has always had a head for figures."

  "How was your day sir?"

  "You mean the meeting with King Theros?"

  "If it's permitted to ask?"

  "It's no state secret," the count replied. "But then again, it's not something you should be discussing over mugs of ale at the Dancing Unicorn. A messenger arrived late last night from Ail'itharain. Apparently the Ailfar have been having some trouble lately with the grim'Hiru. King Cilidon knows we have been experiencing...activity here in the east and asked Theros to meet with him in Elvendale to discuss the possible connections. But you will be hearing all this soon enough. The king plans to ask you to accompany him to Goldenbriar."

  "Oh?"

  "Who better to shed light on this matter than someone who's recently escaped from the Iron Tower?" Arthol asked. "Don't worry my boy, the trip to Elvendale will not interfere with your plans to compete in Ljmarn Haelfest. It is only a few day's ride to the Golden Wood. And from there it is but a short journey to Immer. I promise you, once you see Woodhaven, you'll agree the detour well worth the extra miles. Ail'itharain is a wonder to behold. As are its people. I went there once as a lieutenant in King Tholger's guard. The memories of my visit to the Forest Kingdom are the most treasured of my youth."

  "Then I shall happily accept his gracious invitation," Jack nodded.

  "I would ask you do me this favor," Arthol grinned. "Please do no mention we've spoken of this when his majesty invites you along? The king likes his little surprises."

  "He certainly does," Jack agreed. “I won’t say a word, sir.”

  "Thank you," the count nodded. "Dinner will be served in about thirty minutes. Master Oetwil is preparing roast pheasant this evening. Oh yes...we are having guests so don't be late."

  "Guests? How should I dress?" Jack asked. He had nothing to wear but the clothes on his back and his Dragon Guards uniform until his new wardrobe was finished.

  "Informal," Arthol replied. "It will only be me and two others. It would not hurt for you to trim you beard again, however. Unless you plan on letting it grow?"

  "It is at that awkward stage," Jack admitted with a boyish grin. "See
you in a few sir."

  Arriving at the estate's private dining room precisely thirty minutes later, freshly shaved and groomed, Braedan discovered Arthol's two guests were none other than King Theros and Queen Elaynor. The count it seemed, also liked his little surprises.

  "Sire," Jack bowed. "My Lady. I hope I have not kept you waiting long?"

  "We are early," Theros smiled. "For a change," he added, with a wink at his lovely wife.

  "My Lord Thonbor," Elaynor beamed, offering her hand to Braedan. "We are pleased to see your injuries are healing nicely."

  "Thanks to Doctor Gallon," Jack replied, briefly pressing her fingers to his lips.

  "Maerdias is a dear," she agreed. "I do not know what we would do without him. He is with Thessa even as we speak."

  "Nothing serious I hope?" Jack asked, seating the Queen of Brydium.

  "Doctor Gallon assures us it nothing more than an upset stomach." Theros replied, waving away his concern. "Probably caused by something she ate. The girl certainly has strange appetites of late."

  "Pickles and ice cream," Jack nodded.

  "Iced cream?" Elaynor inquired curiously. "I do not believe I am familiar with the dish."

  "No? Then I will have to make it for you sometime," Jack promised, and described for her how it was prepared.

  "It does sound quite...interesting," Elyanor smiled hesitantly, giving him a look clearly suggesting she was reconsidering his sanity.

  "You'll never look at a cow the same way," Jack grinned.

  "All this talk of food is making me hungry," Theros said. "Where's this roast pheasant you promised us Thain?"

  "I was but waiting for our tardy duke," Arthol smiled, summoning the servants.

  Gweneveare led them in, directing the setting of the table with stern looks and raised eyebrows. When everything was in its proper place and the food was laid out to her satisfaction, the young hostess personally poured the wine for the four diners. As she bent over to fill Jack's glass, he noticed a familiar turquoise and silver brooch pinned on the right shoulder of her gown.

  "That's a lovely bobble," he remarked causally. "It's new isn't it?"

  "Mind your own business," she muttered quietly, blushing with embarrassment.

  "What was that about?" Theros asked when the servants had departed.

  "It seems Gweneveare has caught the eye of Duke Jack's young Captain Vanar," Arthol explained with a playful grin. "From the look of that brooch, things seem to be getting serious."

  "How wonderful," Queen Elyanor smiled, "It is passed time she found a suitor worthy of..."

  "This pheasant is excellent Thain," Theros interrupted before his wife could begin planning their wedding. "My compliments to Master Oetwil. Oh, excuse me dear, I didn't mean to cut so rudely. You were saying?"

  "I was saying," Elyanor continued, "I am pleased she's finally found someone like Kirk Vanar. He's so much like his brother. Polite. Well mannered. He would never dream of being so boorish as to interrupt a lady while she is speaking. Unlike someone who will remain nameless."

  "Who would dare do such a thing?" Theros inquired innocently.

  Elyanor chose to ignore the barb, but the twinkle in her lovely blue eyes promised her royal husband would definitely receive a refresher course in manners when they were once again in the privacy of their own quarters. The remainder of the meal passed with quiet conversation as they spoke on several subjects; the progress of Braedan's injuries, his research of the Prophecies of Aaracus, the upcoming engagement gala at Ambassador Thongril's. By unspoken agreement however, no mention of anything remotely connected to the week-long period of martial law found its way into their talk. Especially the disappearance of Valarius Th'lann and the tragic fire in the Circle of Services. Theros was terribly embarrassed by how he'd handled the entire affair, and would just as soon forget those painful few days had ever happened. Not to imply he had any thought on shirking his responsibility for what had occurred. He'd already met with all of the dead fishermen's families to express his heartfelt sorrow at their loss, compensating their survivors out of his own treasury. By some accounts more generously than several deserved. That fact was another matter not open for discussion.

  When the last remains of dinner was cleared from the table and tea was served, Theros finally addressed the reason for coming to Arthol's for the evening, extending his invitation to Jack to accompany him to Ail'itharain for counsel with King Cilidon of the Elves.

  "I'd be delighted to travel with you to Goldenbriar sir," Jack replied. "I've heard the home of the Ailfar is something to behold."

  "Then it's settled," Theros smiled. "We shall depart for the Forest Kingdom in two days."

  "Two days?" Jack asked with some surprise. "Why so soon?"

  "You will understand my husband's urgency when you see Woodhaven," Queen Elyanor smiled. "There is no place on earthe which can match the beauty of Ail'itharain."

  "If you are worried your armor will not be completed before we depart," Theros assured him, "I have already spoken to Sennaca and he's promised me tomorrow afternoon you will be outfitted with a suit fit for a king."

  "Two days," Jack mused. "If I'm going to be ready to travel so soon, I'm going to have to do some more shopping."

  "Speaking of shopping," Theros grinned. "Thain tells me you've finally gotten around to visiting the House of Gilliheu. Rumor has it there is a large sum of money deposited there in your name."

  "It seems Thonbor qualified for some kind of obscure tax refund when it passed into my hands.“ Jack grinned. "Funny how no one thought to mention anything about it until this morning?"

  "Be thankful you found out about it at all," Theros chuckled. "The Ministry of Treasury is notoriously slow about returning gold once it has been deposited into Brydium's coffers. Take my advice and spend your...refund wisely, my Lord Thonbor. Such tax laws may only be taken advantage of once."

  "He's already seen to it," Count Arthol informed the king. "Duke Jack went and hired Sir Bergen's youngest son away from the House of Gilliheu to be his accountant."

  "Good for you," Theros laughed. "I’ve had my eye on you Richard for some time. Oh well, my loss. Though it lessens the pain knowing Thonbor will have him looking after its purse strings. Jack, you're doing splendidly. And you didn't want me to make this pirate a nobleman." he chided, turning to his wife.

  "Gentlemen," Queen Elaynor smiled. "I think we shall depart before the Dragonslayer finds himself sleeping in the stables tonight."

  "What did I say?" the king asked. "What?"

  "If you know what is best, you will bid thy host good night and nothing more," the queen replied.

  "Good night all." Theros bowed. “Jack, I advise you to quickly order your affairs. We will be leaving Brythond on the morning following Thoniel and Lysette’s engagement ceremony.”

  “I’ll have to speed up my tailor,” Jack shrugged, “but I’ll have everything ready. Thank you again for inviting me along, sire. I have wanted to meet more of the Ailfar since my days with Alnordel Iranahil in Brimcohn.”

  “It would do you well not to mention his name in Goldenbriar,” the king advised him. “He is something of a pariah amongst the Ailfar.”

  “I will avoid it if possible,” Jack nodded. “But perhaps they should rethink their opinion of him. He is a scholar and a true gentleman. Or Gentle-elf?”

  “After meeting you, Lord Thonbor,” Queen Elaynor smiled. “I am have come to the opinion there were perhaps many of your Brotherhood who may have been…misjudged? Pity they came to such a terrible end, despite their chosen livelihood.”

  “A pity indeed,” Jack sighed.

  Chapter Eighteen

  What could it hurt

  The next morning when Kirk Vanar came to Jack's room to go over the day's schedule, Braedan informed his captain of King Theros' invitation to accompany him to Ail'itharain and of their imminent departure from Brythond.

  "I shall begin making preparations at once," Kirk nodded.

  "You don't have
to come," Jack said. "A company of the king's horse will be escorting us. I should be safe enough."

  "Are you ordering me to remain behind m'Lord?" his captain asked, unable to mask his disappointment.

  "No," he replied hesitantly. "I just thought...well things seem to be moving along nicely between you and Gweneveare. I wouldn't want to interrupt your courtship." Jack had searched all night for a reasonable excuse to leave Kirk and the Lions in Brythond. Only a year ago Harry Reese was the only man he could truthfully call his friend. Since his forced...retirement from the military, loneliness and isolation had become a way of life for him. But here on another world, he had re-discovered the joy of companionship. Tarsus. Dorad. Kaiddra. Alnordel. Even Maelcain and Cil’lena. Though he had known them for less than a month, he counted Kirk, Cyran and the rest of the Lions as more than soldiers of his guard but as friends as well. He was through with placing his friends in danger because of who he was, through with seeing them hurl themselves in harm’s way because of the blood flowing through his veins. Losing friends was a hundred times more painful than all the years of solitude he had endured. If it was at all possible, he was going to avoid such pain with the Golden Lions.

  Kirk however, was obviously unaware of this decision.

  "I swore an oath to you," the young captain said quickly. "To go where you go. To fight where you fight. If you think a woman would cause me to abandon you my Lord..."

  "It's not that Kirk," Jack interrupted wearily.

  "And what about the men?" Vanar continued. "Would you dishonor them so? Have they not served you well?"

  "Of course, they..."

  "Then I will hear no more of this leaving us behind," Kirk said firmly.

  "But..."

  "The Golden Lions go where you go!"

  "Okay. Okay." Jack relented with a sigh, his plans to keep the Lions from danger crumbling before his eyes. "Forget I mentioned it."

  "Ail'tharain!" Kirk smiled triumphantly. "I shall inform the men at once. Brian will be thrilled!"

  "It can wait. Right now, you and I are going to the palace to see Master Sennaca. Unless you want to argue about that too?" Jack muttered.