Marcus came over and looked at the paper.
“Interesting, I seem to recall the last time we saw one of these. Quite a while ago.” Marcus said.
A startling loud knock sounded at the door and three merchants were ushered in. They all wore expensive clothes and jewelry that showed off their wealth.
Riza slung his good arm over my shoulder and guided me to them. “Trade Masters Vind, Mont, and Secta. This is Gryff a soon to be knight of Fernlan. I owe him favors. How often do you hear me say that my dear Trade Masters?”
“Almost never,” Mont replied.
“Good so you know you are to only take five percent on these transactions. The three of you work out this list of four pages. The last is a list of items for sale. I will be buying the orc head and parts for potions and spells. Send the boar head to the King, let him buy it for research. Should fetch a good amount seeing as how few have been studied. The rest of this stuff try to get a good deal. Oh, and this is a list of livestock. Gather all these items and animals in the roost yard for the day after tomorrow. Any questions, find the answers. Gryff and I will be busy tonight and tomorrow evening.” He told the merchants.
“What will be keeping us so occupied my lord,” I asked.
“That is the spirit. We will make you a Vin citizen here shortly, of course after you are fitted for a new outfit. Would be improper to knight you in your armor that has a hole in it.” Riza said.
“A set of clothes besides this armor would be welcome. I can pay, have you seen the coins I arrived with, most comment on them.” I dug out my purse and handed it to the Duke.
“As if crafted by the gods themselves. You are not paying the merchants with this are you?” The Duke asked.
I got the larger communal purse off my belt and handed that to Trade Master Mont since he seemed to be in charge of the three.
“You are a man of many surprises. Last question before I send you off. How did my punch not knock you down? I threw that punch with the power of purple aura potions distilled with orc bones. Part of the reason I am buying the bones from you. Did you drink some potion before our meeting?” The Duke asked.
“I have the purple aura, and no... Not from drinking a potion. As I am told, I have the kind of aura only mentioned in legends.” I said casually.
The Duke raced past the trade merchants, hauled the two guards and the servant into the war room and slammed the door. “You are all sworn men to me. I will show no mercy in this regard. This will never be spoken outside this room, not to a wife, a whore, a father, a son. No one. If you do I will send Marcus or even I may come for you. Test him.” He ordered the healer to test my aura.
It was the same man who had healed my cheek and he approached cautiously. The whole room was silent as they watched him place a hand on my shoulder. I felt the awkward probe of my aura.
“It is the brightest aura I have ever seen. And yes, it is purple. If it were red I would say his aura was so bright he could burn cities with ease. This man is very dangerous in my opinion my lord.” The healer stated.
“Good, we need extraordinary men at the moment healer Leo.” Duke Riza said.
CHAPTER 7
I wore a white tunic that hung loose against my body. It was plain, simple, and I loved it. The tailor had fit me in a pair of tan leggings, he complained endlessly about my size. Everything had been custom made by the tailor and his team.
It felt nice to be in regular clothes instead of armor and kilt. An added bonus was I now had undershorts, they were soft and comfy. I tried to avoid the thick belt around my waist but something had to carry my purses and hold the pants up.
I had been given a soapy bucket for a quick scrub down. I enjoyed being clean and in new clothes even if the style was basic.
That is how I was presented as the Duke had me bend the knee.
“Dear nobles, ladies, and good people of Lakeland. Before me kneels Gryff of Redland. Soon to be Sir Gryff Knight of Fernlan. The citizens of Fernlan send a request that I knight him. Exactly like I was knighted so long ago with a petition by the people. For me, it was saving my village during a skirmish raid. For Sir Gryff, it was for bringing them from the brink of starvation and asking for nothing in return. It is with great honor I shall knight this man.”
Duke Riza proceeded to take his sword from both my shoulder and said the words of my knighting. It was official, I now belonged to Fernlan and my title was Sir.
“This is a time for celebrations. Clear the hall of the seating area. Bring in the food, music, and wine. Let us have a ball tonight!” The Duke proclaimed.
I rose to my feet and the Riza pulled me with him to the war room. The solid doors closed and Cedric the clerk waited for us with papers. The Duke took the sheets and turned to me.
“These are your official documents of knighthood. I took care of the cost of the documents for you. Before I hand them to you, what do you think of being the Baron of Cern?”
“That it is an awful idea. No offense. I know nothing about the city, it is in a dire situation, and I wouldn't know where to start to fix it. At first, I thought Fernlan would be a detriment to me. Yet I saw my actions had positive impacts I could directly witness. I wasn't a big person making a tiny impact as I would have in a city. I was able to swell bellies, bring smiles, and add a roof over some heads. So respectfully, I intend to stay in Fernlan.” I said to him.
Riza nodded and handed me my documents. “I had hoped you would say that. I need men who do not crave power and understand their situations. I am making you an Earl. Do not appear so sad. It is because of the crown. If I did not make you an Earl, then the King would have, or the Emperor. You will rule three tiny villages in the middle of Horde infested wild lands. Something only a warrior would want to rule.
“Being an Earl also gives you the power to order people around and to some degree, respect. It should make hiring, managing, and retaining personnel or adventures easier. Having one person in charge of three villages ensures cooperation. Your orders are as follows. Inspect, secure, and give a detailed report of Xiq and Straddleback. Then do a thorough recon of the area and send a detailed report. Finally, if you are able, I want you to take the fight to that orc settlement you said the griffin spotted. It stands to reason the crown came from there. Removal of it may lead to the crown never being replaced.”
I did frown when he said he was making me an Earl. I was less conflicted with the decision when he explained it to me. I was planning on exploring those villages anyway. Now if I was in control of them I could use them to benefit Fernlan and the realm.
“You honor me greatly my Duke, and I will have to trust your wisdom in such matters of politics. I did bring a list of personnel I would be needing, which will get longer if am to manage multiple villages.” I reached into my belt, grabbed the folded personnel list, and handed it to the Duke. I took his documents and placed them on the table to sign. I was now an Earl.
“Tonight at the ball there will be many ladies seeking your attention. I am going to hide the fact that I made you an Earl for now. I advise you to do the same. The first chair that sits behind me is of my late wife Margret. She was my love, a wife of my choosing and not of politics. It would mean a lot to me if you tied your fate to mine by picking one of my seven daughters of marrying age. I would like the one you choose, to be exactly that, one of choice rather than forced. I will let them know I would like one of them find you worthy. A few of my daughters would be far more aggressive if they knew of your new title. So enjoy yourself, if do select one of my daughters, I can have one of my young sons promise to marry your adopted daughter. It is the least I can do.”
“Thank you, my Duke. I am still adjusting to some of the customs of Vin. I am aware humanity is recovering its population and that women greatly outnumber men. I have accepted my fate in the greater scheme of things. I shall enjoy tonight as a lowly knight. Tomorrow I would like to do some shopping and training if able. I thank you for your hospitality, h
elp, and the title.” I said to the Duke.
“Ah, here is your purse back. I would not be so freely handing it off. I found one of these platinum coins inside it. These are markers from the Emperor’s treasury, they pulse red when touched. It is said they are magically infused by the Emperor himself. They are worth a thousand gold pieces. If we, upper nobles need to exchange large sums of gold we do so through these markers instead of stacks of gold coins. It helps keep down on banditry. I will convert this and open an account with the treasury for you... For a small fee of course. Between this, your purse, and the goods you sold have amassed a small fortune. Not as much as a Duke has, but more than enough for an Earl of the wild lands.”
“I wondered what that coin meant, I thought maybe ten gold. Good to know I didn't trade it. If you will excuse me, I will go check on Lily and enjoy the ball.” I said taking my leave.
The courtroom was now a loud ballroom. A small band played music while people mingled. I was greeted by many new faces as I traveled around the room. I searched for Lily to no avail. I went over to the food table and ate a lot. I was hungry and ignored the looks I received for eating so rapidly. I kept at it in a hurry, hoping to avoid most conversations.
“Sir Gryff if I may have a moment.” Lady Ona asked from behind me. With her stood a tall young man that bore a clear resemblance to the Duke and Ona. The young man shook my hand. “This is my son Eagin. I told him of the plight of Fernlan and how you brought Lily to us starving and looking for sanctuary. He assured me right away, that he would be willing to help her transition here at Lakeland. If they got along well enough maybe marriage one day.”
Eagin was eight or maybe nine. It was nice of him to be so kind and gave me hope for Lily. “If this is true, then I would most welcome this news. Lily is my daughter and I would be very comforted if she had such a fine lad as yourself looking out for her. You would absolve your mother of a favor she owes me. So do not take this task lightly Sir Eagin.”
“I will not Sir Gryff, I will be a noble host and we will prove most hospitable.” The young man shook my hand again and his mother led him away. Checked that box. Got Lily a nice home, potential husband, and didn't have to marry anyone. So far this Lakeland trip was going very well.
I went back to eating food, my hunger finally starting to slow. Lily entered the ballroom looking exactly like a princess should. She wore a pretty pink dress, her hair straight and clean. She still had the skinny face with rosy cheeks. The Duke's daughter... Bella, yes it was Bella, from earlier was holding her hand and walking her toward me.
“Father, this is Lady Bella. She is kind, sweet, compassionate, and I adore her. She took me to get fitted for this lovely dress and I cried so hard with happiness when I got to wear it. I am a lady here, not a dirty girl on the street and I couldn't be happier.” Lily told me. I kneeled down to her and gave her a big hug.
I was about to make a comment about how happy I was for her when the little girl's eyes widened immensely.
“Behind you!” She screamed.
I felt blinding pain in my back. The likes of which I could never have imagined. I instinctively rotated my body with speed. The dagger that was lodged in my back tore more flesh as I moved. My attacker did not have the time to withdraw it.
I used my right arm to pin the man's wrist under my armpit. I used my leverage to savagely snap his bones. I then smashed my forehead into his face. Screams rang out all around.
“Attack, Attack!” “The Vault, to the Vault!”
I didn't know what was going on but my attacker was down on the ground. I scanned the area for any other threats but found none. The mass of people were in a hysteric fit. I even saw one merchant leap from the balcony.
I closed on my downed opponent and staggered from my wound. Blood flowed freely from me and I wobbled ready to fall over. Lady Bella rushed to my side and placed a hand over my gaping back wound. Her aura flowed into me, I welcomed its presence with closed eyes. I felt the tear knit together and finally close. Lady Bella collapsed but I caught her before she crashed into the floor.
My attacker had regained his feet and was attempting to flee. I gently set Lady Bella down and charged the man down.
I pushed him forward to knock him to the ground and he bellowed in pain. He attempted to catch himself with his one good arm but my push was powerful. Crack, his other arm broke. He was delirious with pain and I found the sweet spot of his jaw to knock him out with a swift punch.
With my opponent down and out, I did another scan of the room. The Duke and a dozen guards arrived panting with exertion.
“This one stabbed me in the back, I think he thought the wound was fatal. I subdued him for you, well for everyone really. Your daughter Bella saved me from bleeding out. I didn't get any information from him but he is alive.” I rapidly told the Duke. Adrenaline still pumped through me.
“It was a two pronged attack. I knew the crown being seen by the nobility would cause issues. I don't fault you but that crown falling from your sack in public display was dangerous. I will send it to King Horus tonight via griffin. There are humans who seek favor with the Horde and they are not without merit. Returning the crown to the Horde would probably result in a great reward. Luckily we stopped them from gaining entry to the vault. I am sure when we interrogate this man he will not know who hired him, or why you were a target. Welcome to politics. Guards escort this man to the dungeons. Stick him in one of the torture chambers.” The Duke said.
I went over to Lily and Lady Bella as the Duke gave orders and tried to calm the masses. “My lady, your healing was vital, I cannot thank you enough. I am in your debt.”
“If you and your daughter would be so kind as to escort me to my quarters I require rest, good Sir.” Lady Bella said. It was then that I got a good chance to study the Duke's daughter.
She had blonde hair that was in a long braid. The length reached almost to her butt. Which was shapely, she was a short woman with nice curves. A medium bust on a healthy woman with a nice complexion and sparkling blue eyes. It was different for me to judge a woman who was not starving but I definitely liked what I saw. Based on her looks, and the fact I had only seen three of the Duke's wives I did not know who her mother was.
I picked her up as if I was carrying her across a threshold. She muttered for me to let her walk when Lily soothingly placed a hand on her arm. She accepted her fate and guided me to the eastern wing of the palace. We passed numerous closed doors before she told Lily to open one for us.
“Place me on the bed please Sir Gryff. If your daughter stays with us it will not be improper for you to be in here with me.” I placed her in the bed after Lily pulled back the covers. Lily got into the bed and snuggled with her. “I would like to get to know you better Gryff. Lily speaks so highly of you that you have given me interest. I must admit, you are the talk of the city with the ladies in waiting. Not many new faces show up, nor are any as handsome as you. If they heard how nice and caring you were from Lily you would thank me for hiding you away in my room.” Bella said with a light chuckle.
I grabbed a reading chair and brought it over to the bed and we began talking. We talked until Lily fell asleep, then chatted some more. I learned that she despised the politics of court. That she yearned for a simpler life with less pressure on her. She asked about Fernlan, Velia, Pipi, and if there were others. I got to explain how rough it was in Fernlan, but that I was working on improving it. She scrunched her nose when I told her of the dirt, filth, and starvation. She gave inspirational and reassuring words when it came to improving the village. I even got to hear about how she always wanted to try farming but such things were considered beneath her station.
Then the topics shifted to anything and everything. I learned she loved painting, some of her work hung from the walls. There was one rose she drew that I really liked. We talked about learning and reading, then of children and hopes. That she had always helped raise her younger siblings, and that one day she hoped to
have a house full of children. She talked of funny stories of days past and we laughed quietly to ensure we did not wake Lily.
Her eyes drooped eventually and she asked for a goodnight kiss. In some weird way, I had been stabbed, healed, and then lured on probably the best date I have ever had. I felt a real connection to her by the time she went to sleep.
There was a large animal rug by an empty fireplace that I crawled onto to fall asleep.
∞∞∞
I was awoken by a soft shake from Lady Rain. She informed me it was improper for me to sleep in the same room with an unmarried lady. I was escorted to my own residence in the same wing. I bid Lady Rain a good night. The candlelight helped me find the pot for a pee. I was tired and on edge, but still missed the signs. I slid into the bed and felt naked flesh.
“About time,” A young woman who had the looks of Lady Rain and the Duke said to me.
I was not in the mood. Not in the slightest. The last thing I needed was a woman audacious and wild enough to sneak into my bed naked. I firmly deposited the naked maiden, well probably not a maiden in that sense, over my shoulder and opened the door. The Lady Rain, stood there shocked. My guess was she had her ear to the door. I gently plopped the young woman down beside her and promptly closed the door and used a sliding bar to lock it.
“I will be marrying Lady Bella if she will have me, so you can let the other ladies know I am taken,” I said to the closed door.
“You can marry me too. I am what you deserve, she is weak and soft. I am strong, adventurous, a good fighter, and a griffin rider like you. You do not need a wife who cannot protect you, you need a woman to watch your back.” The unnamed lady declared. Fun times in the palace. I was exhausted so I walked away from the door.
“Goodnight,” I said loudly with hostility. I climbed into bed and promptly went to sleep.
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