Lords of Deception

by Christopher C Fuchs

  “Tell him I’m not taking visitors. I’ve only just arrived and require some rest.”

  “He is insistent, my lord. And I recommend you meet with him, if only briefly. We are now at war with the Rugens.”

  Arthan caught his breath. “What has happened, Serdot?”

  “Much, as I will tell you. But we need to move quickly. This messenger was sent by Vesamune. She has been under arrest at her residence by Duke Brugarn’s order. He will not let her leave the city.”

  “Lead the way, Serdot.”

  Serdot brought Arthan and Livonier to the waiting Rugen.

  “Greetings, Lord Valient,” said the Rugen man in perfect Donovar. “I am Wredegar, an assistant to Ambassador Vesamune. She has been made a prisoner in Eglamour despite diplomatic assurances between our kingdoms.”

  “Unfortunate,” Arthan said. “What do you want?”

  “May we speak privately, my lord?” Wredegar asked.

  Arthan looked at Serdot. “He is unarmed,” Serdot said.

  Arthan waved Livonier and the Clonmel guards out of the room, but indicated that Serdot would stay.

  “Thank you,” Wredegar said. “I have a message from Vesamune. On behalf of the Emperor of Rugenhav, she offers you her protection.”

  “From whom?”

  “We heard about the attempts on your life,” Wredegar said. “Vesamune sends her condolences. We wish to offer you our protection because we value your friendship.”

  “Are we friends, Wredegar?” Arthan asked. “A war has begun, if you haven’t heard. How would you protect me, even if I required it?”

  “The ambassador considers you to be the most reasonable high noble of Donovan, someone we can cooperate with to stop the war before it goes too far. The life of one Vilarwef rebel is not worth a war for us.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “My emperor is prepared to help remove your enemies so that you can better be of service to your kingdom, and the broader peace, in the footsteps of your father. My emperor respected Lord Maillard.”

  “Your emperor’s envoy to the Empire Alliance Council was not so respectful. Tell me, Wredegar, who does Vesamune believe my enemies to be?”

  “The king’s brothers, of course. And those who would deny the House of Valient its rightful place on the throne of Donovan.”

  “You mean a House of Valient under Rugenhav’s rule.”

  “In return for our assistance, my emperor would expect your partnership, yes.”

  “Your rulers are mistaken if they have pegged me as a traitor to my own people.”

  “Erech is a shadow of a king. You know, as do we, that it’s only a matter of time before one of his brothers takes the throne. And all of them wanted this war. Will you not work with us to avert more bloodshed?”

  Arthan thought about the vision of boldness he had had at Maillard’s tomb. He looked at Serdot, who gave a quick nod. “Everything you’ve said is true, though I do not agree with or accept the terms as you’ve presented them. However, I’m willing to hear what Vesamune has in mind.”

  “An exchange of letters, couriered only by Serdot and myself to maintain utmost secrecy. We want to know about Erech’s condition and be forewarned if his brothers make any attempt to crown themselves. From us you can expect to receive information about your enemies. We know Eglamour better than you do, including the mysterious killers.”

  “Are you saying you know the identities of the assassins?”

  “We have our strong suspicions.”

  “Most people believe the Rugens are to blame,” Arthan said.

  “The people on the street regularly heckled and threatened Vesamune for that reason,” Serdot said, “when she was still out in public.”

  “You must provide what you know about the assassins as part of this bargain,” Arthan said. “Otherwise, I’m not interes—”

  “Did you know that Lord Minister Edmond Reimvick of Wallevet recently visited the slums of the Borel District?” Wredegar interrupted.

  “Reimvick is a close friend of mine and a high noble of Donovan,” Arthan said. “He is not my enemy.”

  “You are clearly in need of our information,” Wredegar said. “Why would a high noble, even a gossip-hungry one such as him, visit the place where the riots against the king have their roots?”

  “Lord ministers go wherever they wish, and Reimvick is no rebel rouser. Borel has been a dangerous slum for many years. No one is surprised the riots began there after the Proclamation of Expediency.”

  “But Reimvick went alone and disguised. We’ve been watching him since he privately threatened Vesamune at court. He said her days were numbered and that our emperor would soon fall to ancient forces.”

  “That doesn’t sound like the Reimvick I know,” Arthan said. He noticed Serdot fidget, something his friend never did. “But I will consider what you’ve said.”

  Wredegar stood. “Thank you for your time, my lord. I shall leave you in peace. If you agree to speak with us, simply send a note to the ambassador.”

  After Wredegar had departed, Arthan turned to Serdot. “From the beginning, please.”

  “The Avaleaus reneged on ransoming the Durgensdil rebel leader, a man named Geras Vilarwef, to the Rugens. Lord Asteroth accepted some of the ransom money but gave a deceased Geras to the Rugen Warden of Havelbern. The Rugens responded by invading Donovan.”

  “The Rugens have been raiding border towns for weeks,” Arthan said. “How is this any different?”

  “They destroyed the city of Gardwerp, my lord, and took possession of the two border castles, Torgsbad and Sernpert. They were all short sieges. Asteroth fled to his capital at Cantrileme, from which he plans to counterattack.”

  “No word from Rowan?” Arthan asked.

  “No, I’m sorry. What’s more, Brugarn has announced a full-out war, claiming Erech demanded it.”

  “Did he?”

  “No one has seen the king for some time, not even Waldemar. Erech has been locked away up in his tower, said to be drugged to sleep away his depression.”

  Arthan sighed. “I was gone too long…”

  “My lord, regarding what Wredegar said about Reimvick, I fear he may be right. I cannot vouch for Reimvick going to the Borel District, but I found the remnants of an alchemical laboratory in his quarters here in the palace. I was able to secretly enter with Garion’s key.”

  Arthan shook his head with confusion. “There must be some mistake…”

  “The key only worked in his door. What’s more, I spoke with someone who witnessed Reimvick destroy the laboratory after our discovery of Garion, probably to hide any evidence of his involvement.”

  “The House of Reimvick has been a staunch ally to the House of Valient for generations,” Arthan said. “Raymond and Edmond were both friends of Father. Edmond Reimvick has been nothing but a trustworthy and wise friend to me.”

  “I spoke with him myself. He showed signs of deception when I spoke about Garion.”

  “Who is your witness who claimed to see his laboratory?”

  “My lord, you know I prefer to closely guard—”

  “You’re accusing a high noble of being involved in multiple murders, Serdot. As Marshal of Inquiry, I’ll not go after him unless I know the details.”

  Serdot reluctantly recounted finding Princess Milisend in Reimvick’s apartment. Arthan listened intently. “So the rumors about her were true,” he said. “Amusing…”

  “I believe what she told me,” Serdot said. “Regardless, several undeniable facts remain: Garion had a key to Reimvick’s chambers, those chambers held a secret laboratory, and Reimvick destroyed the laboratory after we caught Garion. And Garion was also from Wallevet. He studied at Bredahade Academy before joining the Crownblades.”

  Arthan nodded. “Yet another link to Wallevet. Raymond was the first one assassinated…Serdot, did you ever find out anything on the youngest Reimvick sibling, Arasemis? I met him on the
road to Eglamour.”

  “The hermit of Thorendor? No, I have—”

  “Serdot! What did you say about Garion at Bredahade?”

  “He previously studied at the academy there…”

  “You once told me Arasemis had been kicked out of his professorship there many years ago,” Arthan said. “Reimvick must have recruited Garion.”

  “Or Arasemis did…”

  “How did I not see this earlier? Arasemis acted peculiar, telling me he was coming to Eglamour to sell wine. He must be involved, too. Now both brothers will be in the capital.”

  “Which means they are planning something big. The start of war with Rugenhav cannot be a coincidence.”

  “How do we proceed, Serdot?”

  “I’ll continue to watch Reimvick closely. I think he’s been preparing a place for assassins to shelter in Borel because there’s no good reason for him to go there. But I’ll need to confirm that, in case the Rugens are part of this conspiracy.”

  “Conspiracy to do what?”

  “My lord, I think it’s clear. They’ve targeted the lord ministers at a time when the king is most vulnerable. Someone—the Reimvicks, the Rugens, Brugarn—is trying to overthrow Erech and take the crown.”

  “You don’t think they are recruiting those skilled assassins from Borel?”

  “Borel is a pit, my lord, and it’s only gotten worse with the riots. It can be a haven for all types.”

  “Do you think the Rugens are involved?”

  “It’s possible. They’ve certainly been planning for war. Perhaps they were going to make an attempt on Erech’s life before Asteroth forced their hand on the border. But if we’re to take Wredegar’s claims at face value, Reimvick’s private harassment of Vesamune suggests they’re not involved. But that may be what they want us to think. This is a complex game, but one you can play for your benefit—and the kingdom’s—if you play it carefully.”

  “It’s not a game, Serdot, but the future of our people. Watch Reimvick. I want to know every detail. I’ll think about how to approach the king.”

  “My lord, I think you should be giving thought to how to do this yourself. The king’s mind is so muddled and Brugarn has all but officially supplanted him. As Marshal of Inquiry, your authority is still significant as long as Erech is alive.”

  Arthan nodded solemnly. “I will think on it. What else have I missed since—”

  “My lord!” Livonier said, returning to the room. “A messenger has arrived with word from Rowan.”

  Arthan took the letter and read aloud to Serdot.

  Dear Brother,

  I wish to apprise you of events here at the border. Things have moved quickly, and it’s been difficult for me to discern where they are going next. So much is uncertain.

  The borderlands of Alpenon and Gadolin are now the scenes of daily fighting. The Rugens are slowly taking towns and cities. Lord Asteroth tries to be everywhere at once because he doesn’t trust his commanders. But it’s wearing on him, and we lack reinforcements.

  What’s more, the Durgensdil rebels have become more daring with their attacks, and more effective. They recently took Gaton Castle, which had been Asteroth’s primary base from which to raid rebel positions in the Brindthum Mountains. One loss among many, and for that, Asteroth blames a lack of support from the king and Brugarn.

  Finally, you’ll recall my informing you earlier about Asteroth’s catching of Rugen spies. The only one to survive his violence, a woman named Etzel, has come to view me as her only hope. I have visited her many times, hoping to learn something of use. She confided that assassins traveled from Austveeden into Donovan, and that they will be gathering in Eglamour. If I free her, she has promised to tell me more. But she remains in Cantrileme, so I do not see her much now that we rove the borderlands.

  I pray your newfound authority as a favorite of the king will help bring this growing chaos to an end, but not before we bloody the Rugens’ noses a bit.

  Rowan Valient

  Melsard Town

  “Assassins massing in Eglamour,” Arthan said. “Too bad this Etzel is in Cantrileme. Regardless, I think it’s clear the Rugens are part of what Reimvick and Arasemis are doing.”

  “But it’s still odd,” Serdot said. “If the Rugens were behind two attempts on your life, why would they go to so much effort to secure you as a potential partner?”

  “I’m confused by it all too, Serdot. Remember the Blackhoods were in Mordmerg, and they seemed to clash with Father’s assassin, that Marlan fellow. Those Blackhoods were Donovards. None of this makes sense…” Arthan rubbed his brow. “Perhaps I just need a rest after traveling.”

  “This is what I think, my lord. We’ve all but nailed down Reimvick’s treachery, and I will seek further proof. The Rugens may be backing him, but none of the assassins have been Rugen, nor Blackhoods, as you pointed out. The assassins have all been wall-running alchemists, which does not fit Rugen methods. Once we get our hands on Reimvick, more of these pieces should fall into place.”

  “Keep at it, then, but we need answers soon. The king, if he’s still coherent, will expect the Marshal of Inquiry to have answers. And I have another task to pile onto your plate.”

  Arthan drew Adrithayn, laid the sword on the table, and unfolded the letter Maillard had left for him about the alchemical sword. He let Serdot read it, then told Serdot how Adrithayn had absorbed the assassins’ poisonous cloud during the ambush at Hullen.

  “Remarkable,” Serdot said as he studied the blade.

  “You dabble in alchemy, don’t you, as a widsemer?”

  “Enough to supply myself with a few pouches of cloaking dust for quick escapes,” Serdot said. “And, of course, a few acids and solutions for letter opening, resealing, lock picking, and, well…” Serdot smirked sheepishly.

  “Go on.”

  “I’ve also used sleep candles on occasion to slip into rooms I wouldn’t usually be welcomed into.”

  “You’re more of an alchemist than you’ve ever let on, my friend. And it’s perfectly fine. My father’s letter has opened my eyes to an unseen world.”

  “A shamed world,” Serdot said. “Alchemy is still widely perceived as dishonorable, underhanded work, even for widsemers.”

  “I’ve thought about it, Serdot. I count your secret skills to be among the most honorable, for they can spare many lives and grief when used properly. I wish to know more about this chemina arcana and this sword. I consulted Master Pelinaud back in Rachard, and he told me to find a respected historian here in the capital by the name of Danleri. Do you know of him?”

  “I do not, my lord, but I shall find him.”

  “I want to better understand this blade and the things Father wrote about. As you read, he believed it would be in my best interests to do so.”

  “And I agree,” Serdot said. “I’ll bring this Danleri to Clonmel when I find him.”

  84. RODEL

  Auch Tenoshun, Lundwynland Ministry

  Bloomfade, 3034

  “We should have gone around this city.” Rodel wished he had spoken up sooner. He liked Marlan and trusted his judgment, but he should have listened to his own instincts this time.

  “We have to look the part. It would have looked suspicious for two wine merchants to avoid Auch Tenoshun,” Marlan said. “It’s a major exchange for the trade to Almeria, via Quayrond.”

  “But then we wouldn’t be in this situation,” Rodel said.

  They watched as the guard came back. “I relayed your request, and the magistrate denied it,” said the guard. “You’ll have to leave your goods here and take your case to the magistrate yourself, if you wish.”

  “Our lord will be displeased,” Marlan said. “This is no time for—”

  “There’s a war in the south, and the king’s new proclamation also demands the tax on such goods,” the soldier interrupted. “Take it up with the magistrate.”

  Rodel and Marlan exchanged a look
. Rodel knew Marlan was not about to give up the barrels with their mechan armor hidden inside.

  “Give us a moment to collect our papers,” Marlan said to the guard.

  Rodel followed Marlan off the bench and into the canvas-covered wagon. They scrambled across the tops of the barrels looking for the ones marked M and R.

  “Do we have time?” Rodel asked.

  “We have a few moments before they get suspicious,” Marlan said.

  “I’ll need more than moments to affix my thigh rods and levers,” Rodel said.

  “Get your mask helmet on first,” Marlan said.

  The pair hurriedly pried off the barrel lids and brushed away the packing cloth. Piece by piece they donned their mechans. Marlan’s shroud armor was the easier fit and he had already loaded the alchemical cartridges in his arms and breastplate back at Thorendor. Rodel finished clasping one of his internal crossbow mechanisms in his arm before reaching for his helmet.

  “The guards are talking,” Marlan said. “Almost time.”

  “Where are we going to run to?” Rodel asked.

  “We’ll escape the city. Back through the gate we entered.”

  “We can’t run all the way to Eglamour, Marlan. Certainly not in these suits.”

  “We’ll have to find a boat. The river from the north of the city empties into the Torfnabruk. From there we can sail up to the Orbruk. It’s a tributary that will take us most of the way. We’ll make for land at Aughreim, just a day’s walk from the capital. We know Arasemis and the others were going to Borel District. We’ll be late, but we’ll get there.”

  “You in there!” a guard shouted. They could hear him walk to the rear of the wagon. “Finding papers or drinking wine?”

  “You finish up and I’ll stall them,” Marlan said, pulling a lever on his arm. A blue liquid coursed through the external veins of his armor. Then he drew his alchemical sword.

  Rodel nodded as he worked to affix his thigh rods, peering at Marlan through the crystal-lensed slits of his mask helmet.