“No, Lord, these are the people who hope to get a spot inside to see the Convocation,” the castle’s footman said while he helped Astov with the ladies.
“Do we just head in?” Karen asked.
“Of course,” the footman said. “A couple of the other nobles are already here.”
“Thank you,” Alburet said, offering his arms to Stacia and Fluff.
“My pleasure, Lord Darkhand,” the footman replied and stepped away from the carriage. “Have a good day, Lord, Ladies.”
Alburet could feel the eyes on them as they bypassed the line for the doors. The guards nodded respectfully, one of them opening the doors for them. Alburet returned the greeting.
“Do you need a guide, Lord?” a young man asked as the group entered the castle.
“We know the way,” Alburet said, glancing at the line of servants waiting in the hallway.
“Of course, Lord,” the man bowed his head.
Walking the hallways, Alburet could feel the exuberant emotions from the staff they passed, but felt something was missing. “Everyone’s happy today.”
“Their boogeyman is dead,” Karen said. “Who wouldn’t be happy about that?”
“Fair point,” Alburet conceded. After a minute, he realized what was different. “No one has had any anger, hatred, or disgust toward us.”
“Aye, none of them have looked at us sideways,” Stacia nodded.
“No bigotry against the Infernals,” Fluff murmured.
“It will be different,” Tiny rumbled.
“I think it will be,” Karen agreed. “I wonder what has been said of the raid?”
“I’m sure we’ll find out in a bit,” Alburet said. Arriving at the stairs that went up to the gallery, Alburet led his wives and minions to their seats.
“Lord Darkhand,” Berk greeted them when they approached their seats. “My thanks to you and your wives for helping Sir Jones make it through the raid.”
“We didn’t do anything of note,” Alburet said. “Marysue would be the one to praise more than us.”
“I shall be thanking her and Lord Stoutheart, as well,” Berk replied. “You’ll find the floor below less populated than the last time you were here. Your seat is still with the Ambassadors, though a new spot is being prepared for your House amongst the nobles.”
“Thank you, Berk,” Alburet said. “Ladies, enjoy the Convocation.” Giving each of them a kiss, he patted Bob and Tiny on the shoulders before he headed for the stairs.
“If there is anything I can do, on behalf of House Jones…” Berk was saying to the women as Alburet walked away.
Making his way to the guard station, Alburet gave the men there a nod. “Lord Darkhand, if you would surrender any weapons you might have on your person,” the Captain on the station said.
A brief pang of sadness hit Alburet as he felt the loss of both Mantoyas more sharply than he would have expected. Nodding, Alburet pulled his axe from his bag and set it on the table. “Of course,” Alburet managed to say, but his demeanor gave away his feelings.
“It’s a loss for us as well, Lord,” the Captain said. “Both of them were men that could be looked up to. Is it true that Indigo put himself between Stein and the King?”
“He did. It was a noble sacrifice,” Alburet replied. He was able to clearly see the moment in his mind. “Even knowing it was going to kill him, he bought the King time with his own body.”
“Just as his father did,” another guard added.
“Duty,” the Captain said solemnly. “You’re good to step into the room, Lord Darkhand… and thank you for standing beside the King. I never thought I would see the day when the city would owe Infernals thanks for the life of our King, but it is time to set aside old grievances and embrace the new world we have today.”
“It is, indeed,” Alburet said as he stepped past the guards and into the throne room.
“Hello, brother,” Wilbur said from just inside.
“I’m glad you survived,” Alburet said, giving Wilbur a brotherly hug. “Erin would have been devastated if something had happened to you. More than losing Deirdre hurt her already.”
“Yes,” Wilbur said. “Their father and a sister taken during the madness... Erin convinced me that it’s time to try to grow our family.”
“You’ll make a great father,” Alburet said. “Have you decided on a name?”
“We’ll name a girl after my mother, Jennifer. If it’s a boy, the first son will be Alistern. If we get lucky enough for a second, we’ll name him after my father.”
“With the family around to help, your children will be surrounded by love,” Alburet said as they walked across the room. “What about that rumor about you being made an Ambassador?”
Wilbur nodded, “Erin wants me to do it, and Jones was pushing the idea hard during our travel across the sands. Ambassador Theron has a ring to it, and Hammerhand seemed eager to work with me.”
“Because we owe your House, and ye be a good one in ye own right,” Hammerhand said from behind them. Alburet was surprised that he had not heard the Dwarf approach.
“I’m honored,” Wilbur said, giving Hammerhand a bow of his head. “I didn’t expect to see you today, Majesty.”
“Aich, I will be happy iffin we can find a way to restore my brother,” Hammerhand winced. “I be nay the one for the pageantry.” Sighing, Hammerhand rubbed his neck, “I be here to announce me replacement and to welcome the new Ambassador from Stormguard.”
Alburet chuckled, “You two will get along fine.”
“Aye, tha’ be me hope,” Hammerhand laughed.
“Always so loud,” Woodbinder said as she glided across the floor, her dress regal and elegant. “A pity that we couldn’t entice young Lord Theron into being our Ambassador. Though I did find a suitable person who I’m looking forward to working with.”
“You’re too kind,” Lady Carter said, following Woodbinder. “I was surprised that you asked me. My House wasn’t the best regarded in the city.”
“Your family showed its true face with your brother,” Woodbinder said. “I’ve paid attention to your bearing since you became the head of House Carter. I look forward to your blooming as any flower does when given the right soil and help.”
The comment could have been taken a number of ways, but those hearing it only took it in a positive manner. Alburet could feel the underlying emotion behind it. Rather than interject into the moment, Alburet let it pass, but was curious why Woodbinder felt angry.
“Last, it seems,” Wildmane chuckled as he approached them. “The Pride Leader survived, thankfully. However, today will be my last day with all of you. I will be returning to her side as she lets her daughter take over the position. My nephew will be coming in the next month to take my place here.”
“It looks like I’ll be losing two friendly faces,” Woodbinder said, smiling warmly at Wildmane. “Please give her my regards, and express my happiness that she was able to survive,” she said, the bitterness she felt buried under years of poise.
“My nephew will be more to your liking,” Wildmane said. “He is serious, and wishes to make the entire world a better place. Not a useless layabout like me.”
“You always gave us a calm and easy-going point of view,” Woodbinder replied. “I’ll miss you and Hammerhand.”
“Aich, tha’ be true for me, too. I’d rather stay, but…” Shaking his head, Hammerhand’s hands clenched. “Have ye heard anythin’ from ye scholars?”
“Not yet, but they are looking into it,” Woodbinder assured him.
“Seems I’m running behind a number of people today,” Gerald said as he crossed the room. “Ambassadors and soon to be departing Ambassadors, it was an honor to fight beside you.”
“Aye, lad, ye did good,” Hammerhand said, offering a hand to Gerald. “Ye be welcome in me home iffin ye come tha’ way.”
“I’m sure my wife would like to meet you, as well,” Wildmane said.
“The Court would like to thank you, i
f you can make time in the next few days,” Woodbinder added.
“I’m honored, and will try to meet with all of you later to arrange just that,” Gerald replied.
Conversation slowed, but the room was beginning to fill up, which meant it was time to find their way to their seats. “Al, tomorrow night?” Gerald asked.
“Dinner, our place,” Alburet agreed.
“I’ll let Marysue know, but I’m sure they already have,” Gerald replied, motioning toward the friends chatting with each other in the stands.
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Alburet chuckled.
Two new High Priests entered the room from behind the throne. The one wearing Justice’s regiments tapped his staff once they had taken their places. “Attention! Take your places, as His August Majesty King Tyr Justiceson the Third is soon to appear.”
Everyone who wasn’t already in place hurried to their seats.
After a minute, the Priest slammed his staff into the floor again. “His August Majesty King Tyr Justiceson the Third comes. Stand and know that Justice still shines upon the world,” the High Priest of Justice intoned.
All eyes turned to watch the King approaching the throne. His stride was slow while he took his time to look over the nobles who remained, as well as the crowded viewing area. Reaching his throne, Tyr stood tall before he took his seat. “Sit. This Convocation has now begun.”
Tyr gave everyone a few seconds to take their seats before he spoke again, “People of Stormguard, I can start with joyous news: Stein is finally dead, as are all of his major aides. Yesterday marked a day that shall be celebrated every year in commemoration.”
The crowd went a little nuts, cries for the King, Justice, and more filling the room. Tyr let them have a moment, his reserved demeanor cracking slightly as a hint of a smile touched his lips.
“Silence,” Justice’s High Priest called at the King’s gesture, and the noise from the crowd died away.
“Now, the sad news. We lost many people to the dark days that plagued us during Stein’s reemergence. Some of you might have lost a loved one to the madness that briefly gripped our world. I ask you to speak to the guards at the Stockades, if you have. The reason is that there will be memorials built over the next few months. One will memorialize the citizens that lost their lives during this time. I hope it will help bring some closure to your lives. This memorial will be where the first attack against a citizen took place, the location where the Dead Man Inn once stood. The second memorial will be for those who lost their lives in the fight to reach and purge Alctriuz. This memorial will be placed on the land once occupied by the former House Carradine’s manor. A public park will surround the memorial so that everyone can pay homage to those who lost their lives.”
Tyr gave the crowd some time to process his announcements, as people had been growing steadily louder as he spoke. After a few minutes, the High Priest called for silence again.
“I know a few of you are wondering why those locations, and a smaller number of you are wondering where you will train with the Dead Man Inn gone. Necromancers and Summoners, both of whom were among our staunchest allies, trainers are available for you at the Dark Lord’s temple, which will be expanding in the near future. No longer shall the Crown tolerate discrimination against these two classes. Long have we held old grudges against them, and it is time to let the past die with Stein. The first casualty of the citizenry was none other than Alistern Crowley, the long-standing trainer of Summoners. He will get special mention at the memorial.”
Tyr again paused to allow the crowd to discuss what he had said. Alburet held back the emotions that swirled in him, but part of him thanked the King for what he was doing.
“It is time to thank our allies, those that stepped forward to help us put our past to rest. Ambassadors, you shall be first,” Tyr said after silence had restored again. “Ambassador Wildmane, please come forward.”
Wildmane walked out to the middle of the room, head held high. “What can I do for you, Justiceson?”
A small ripple of amusement went through the crowd at Wildmane’s relaxed air.
“You were with us for the entire raid. Time and again, you went into the vanguard to lead the attack. We thank you unreservedly. As we are aware of your more relaxed attitude to life, I present you with ten bottles of your choice from my private stock.”
Wildmane grinned, “I’ll gladly accept that. I’ll be putting them to good use soon. Since I’m on the floor, it’s a good time to inform you that this is my last day as Ambassador. We will be sending a member of the family who likes the pageantry associated with court.”
“We shall look forward to their arrival.”
Once Wildmane had taken his seat, Tyr called Woodbinder to the floor. “Ambassador Woodbinder, it is with heavy hearts that we offer our condolences to your family for their loss.”
“Thank you,” Woodbinder said stiffly.
“If we can do anything to aid your people, we will do so, but we shall still bestow a personal honor for your steadfast courage during the raid. I have had my friend bring a gift,” Tyr motioned to Ioaniss, who approached from his seat. “Please accept the Belt of the Woodland, with our heartfelt gratitude, for standing beside us in our time of need.”
Woodbinder’s stoic expression faltered, “We had thought that belt lost. Where did you find it?”
“It was in the vault under Peace,” Ioaniss said.
Taking the belt with care, Woodbinder touched the leather with reverence. “I shall take this to my family and reaffirm our ties with you, King Justiceson.”
Hammerhand was next to be called out onto the floor. “Hold it right there,” Hammerhand said first, forestalling the King. “I be wantin’ only one thin’; a way to restore me brother. Do what ye can to make tha’ happen and we be good. I should tell ye since I be provisional King, we be sendin’ a new Ambassador, me nephew Dumadin Shieldbreaker. He should be here in a day or two.”
Tyr nodded, “We are saddened to hear about your brother’s plight. I shall task House Jones to look into the matter. Your new Ambassador shall not be the only new one between our nations. Lord Theron has accepted my appointment of him to your court.”
“Aye, good lad,” Hammerhand nodded. “We will accept him.”
“That leaves us with one last Ambassador to speak with before we move onto the others we need to acknowledge. Lord Darkhand, please come forward.”
Alburet stepped forward, bowing respectfully to the King when he reached the middle of the room. “Sire, how might I help you?”
“You have already,” Tyr replied. “You helped us multiple times. From the moment you entered this city for the first time through the moment Stein fell dead, you have been a nexus that has helped us. You saved my own life a few times during the raid, most notably by giving me an item that literally saved me from death. Beyond that, you helped save my oldest friend,” Tyr nodded to Ioaniss. “No matter what I say or do, I will forever feel as if my life is indebted to you.”
The crowd exploded into muted conversations at what the King had said. Tyr had the High Priest call the room back to order.
“Majesty, I’m a Two-souled and I will be stepping away from this world shortly. I would absolve any debt you feel you owe. I would ask for minor things, and hope that you will accept them as enough.”
Tyr looked over the nobles and the crowd for a long moment before he nodded. “I shall, but I reserve the right to do more, as is my right. What would you ask of me, Darkhand?”
“I ask that you elevate my sister-in-law, Marian Crowley, up to a minor House. I can attest that she is a good woman, who was raised by a good man.”
“House Crowley… is she not your heir for House Darkhand already?” Tyr said.
“She is, but I would ask that House Darkhand be allowed to fade while House Crowley rises, Sire. Long have the Crowleys done all they can to help the Crown by trying to guide Summoners and Necromancers along the right path.”
“Very well, I shal
l have the paperwork to create House Crowley drawn up, and have them merged with your own House, which will become defunct when you leave. What were the other requests?”
“The Dark Lord will be replacing me as Ambassador. I would ask that you accept my replacement, Lilith Crowley, with as much respect as you have for me. Lilith raised four beautiful daughters with the help of her husband, one of which died during the raid fighting beside us. Deirdre Eveningstar, wife of Chris Eveningstar, was Deirdre Crowley.”
“If she is appointed by the Dark Lord, I shall accept her,” Tyr agreed.
“You’ve already stated that Necromancers and Summoners will be accepted in the city without prejudice, which is a great boon, Sire. I can ask for nothing else, unless it would be to help the Dark Lord when he tries to present Ambassadors to the other nations.”
Gamer for Love (Alpha World Book 8) Page 55