Torches lit the Hall, flickering and casting shadows upon the cold stone walls. A large table ran along the center of the room, chairs arranged almost haphazardly left where they were after the Meet. Only five figures still sat at the table fit to host eighty, all close to the head of the table. Around the outside of the hall, Twelve men of the Phalanx stood guard with eight of the Duke-of-Zellit Highlanders, the ceremonial halberds and claymores gone in place of their preferred regular weapons. It was late, later than any of them really should have been worrying about any matters of state. The man at the head of the table dropped the letter he had received and let it float softly to the table. Sighing he sat back in the grand red cushioned chair. It had been the first of the missives that had been given to him, almost three days ago now, and he had simply been too busy to open it. That and it had the seal of the Patriarch on it.
Naii was not a Lumanist man; then again, neither was he a pagan man. Although he really should represent one of the faiths prominent within his domain, with him as one the opposite faction would despise him. So he was neither, and attended only attended a service if it was a particular holy day. Sighing again he felt his age getting to him. It was sowing season, the heat of the south still drifting in the room. Naii looked to his right, to his first-born, Brai, his Lord-Commander of the Army and the next to step into position of Grand Duke. “What do you think, son?”
Brai shrugged, he really had no idea what to do about it. One time the Patriarch sends word that churches are giving out food only to those of Lumanist faith, and then the next is that everyone can have it. Coupled with the letter from his sisters in Pandesia, he really had no idea what to make of it. “Good for them, is all I can say in all honesty, father. Really, one way or the other, it doesn’t affect us. We have ample food for all, God if we needed to we could probably supply the entire south.” Brai was a lumanist man although he knew he’d have to cut his ties once he becomes Grand Duke.
Across from Brai the man reached for his goblet and peered in, finally deciding it wasn’t worth getting the last of it he placed the goblet down and sat back heavily. “With this word brought back from the north, of Asamark and Therisylvania, it just seems to be getting worse.” He shrugged, picking up a piece of parchment brought to the Keep by a Captain of a trader vessel, who was rewarded for the information. “It has come to the attention of
his MAJESTY,” he spat, sitting back in his chair, “that cert-
ayne no
bile houses in
HIS domain are failing to
ABIDE by the commands of his
holiness,
the Patriarch, and are not acting as
goodlie-” he paused smirking a little, “Is that even a word? - Luminists ought to. Therefore, his
MAJESTY commands that those lords who worship pagan gods over the
ALMIGHTY shalt be stripped of all their titles, and exiled as heretics.
God Save the King.”
“Don’t mock him, Venner,” said Naii half-heartedly, knowing that Venner was teasing his brother as much as mocking King Wolfgang, as the man next to Brai muttered, “God save the king,
indeed.”
Naii looked up and frowned. Normally he wouldn’t have people speaking at the same time as him, but in these informal sessions he really didn’t mind, however that wasn’t what was troubling him. “My Lord Earl, what were you saying?”
Earl Haerul of the Free Cities coughed softly before speaking, “Nothing, m’lord, I’m just wondering what we would do if the Emperor commands this too?”
“Well,” shrugged the Grand Duke, while smiling, “I can only suppose Pandesia would muster the army, send its navy east, and call upon Crethir, Lpqy and us to support her unless the Emperor changes his mind.”
Venner nodded, “Yes, they would order us to defend against any seaborne incursions to the west while their all-powerful Navy sits outside Ivlendir.”
“And then,” finished Brai, “If civil war occurs, we’ll be required to defend the south as well as marching through the Vale to Ivlendir.”
The Grand Duke looked away, glancing at the guards around the room. The Phalanxmen in their slim armor, the hulking Highlanders... he tapped his fingers on the table, thinking. He glanced at the men around the table – his sons having at each other over what would happen, the Earl amused over the debate. Then his eyes stopped on the last member of their group, Baron Vairaz of the Vale and he immediately began ruffling through the letters piled on the table. “How easy is it to get a force of men through the Vale?” he asked Vairaz, his sons stopping mid-sentance.
Brai looked sharply at his father, “
What?”
The Grand Duke rolled his eyes, “Vairaz, how easy is it to – ha!” he cried as he found the letter he was looking and reading it again. His eyes darted from left to right as he read the neat script before he continued, “ – easy is it to get a force of men through the Vale?”
The Baron was a late addition to the group, but a well needed one. The Earl and the Baron - along with the Baron’s father, the Margrave Nsre - had arrived at the same time; unfortunately the Margrave was called back after the Meet due to some pressing matters in the Northern March. So the Baron stayed in this informal council, privy to secrets he wouldn’t have known before. At 26, Baron Vairaz Nsre of the Vale was not an important man. He was to be the next Margrave, however his 48 year old father was no closer to dying than Vairaz was, and thus all the man had was the small title to the most northern fief in the Grand Duchy. However, in recent years the Baron had been more times around the Empire than nearly any other noble in the Empire.
Vairaz shrugged, “Depends how many men, sire.”
“My Lord, or Lord will do just fine,” waved the Grand Duke before sitting forward, “Say, something like a Marshle?”
The Baron’s face twisted slightly in thought. Three thousand men, commanded by a Knight-Marshal, and the Vale was not an easy place to go through. Countless dangerous animals lived there, plus brigands and any number of criminals. “Such a large group..” he ‘hmmed’, “Not easy with a large party, the baggage train would get caught up easily.”
Naii nodded, tapping his fingers. No doubt his sons thought he was seriously considering invading the capital. “What about a small party – say, a twenter?”
Vairaz smiled and nodded. “Much easier, si- lord,” he corrected himself, “If you send, maybe a centente at a time in a different direction they could hunt for their food, carry what is needed.”
Now the Grand Duke shook his head, “It’s good you are thinking ahead, but no, only a twenter.” He looked at the Heir, “Lead by your son, in fact.”
Brai’s eyebrows rose sharply, “Dannik? Why?” Dannik was his first-born and a Knight-Captain of the Duchy of Zel.
“Aye,” nodded Naii solemnly before rising and passing the letter to Brai, “With a twenter of guards. It should be sufficient, should it not, Baron?”
“For the Vale, lord? If I had not already said it would, I would say it was not. If only because he is your grandson, not because he is incapable.”
But this time Brai shook his head as he read through the correspondence from a Sverqi in the Capital, “No, he will go,” he muttered before turning to his father, “Who sent you this? It is not addressed to us.”
The Grand Duke smiled and indicated with his hand towards Haerul and Brai lifted an eyebrow.
The Earl’s eyes shifting left and right before he leaned forward and, in hushed tones, asked, “Lord, with the guards here?”
Naii’s mouth formed a small ‘o’ before he covered it with a hacking cough, “I fear my health is not what it was before winter.” He snorted softly, remembering that many of the people here, guards included had caught the Cough over winter, and he just hadn’t got over it. “I fear that I should not worry about matters of state at this unfitting hour, we will talk about this in the morning.”
Venner smiled, “It is morning, father.”
“Ah, well...” muttered the Grand Duke, before clapping his hands. “We will continue this in my study, then. At least there it is more comfortable and considerably better for my health.” Placing his hands on both arms of the chair and he stood, gathering what papers he could carry before Brai placed an hand on his arm, and the Grand Duke remembered where he was.
Previously, before during the winter months up around his study on his own he would be more than happy to carry things around himself, to draw water and other menial tasks. But here, out in the open infront of the guards, he had to be the Duke of the third largest dominion in the Empire. Clapping his hands, he called the pages forward and indicated to several documents he wanted brought to his study, before he broke away and walked over to one of the guards – a Phalanxman.
“What is your name?” Naii asked.
“Gyre du Venderwalkn, sire. Earl-of-Freci’s Phalanx,” replied the guard calmly, however inside he was shaken.
Naii turned back to Haerul, “One of your’s, eh?” The question had a double meaning.
“Aye, lord, one of mine.”
Naii turned towards the Corporal of the Guard, “Corporal?”
A boot came crashing down, “Sire!”
“Tell the Knight-Lieutenant that I expect to see the full guard assembled on parade tomorrow morning one bell after waking,” he ordered.
“Aye, sir!”
Turning back to Gyre, Naii gave a second order, “I expect to see you and four of your most trusted comrades after parade.” Turning away, Naii left the dumbstruck man and joined the rest of his council at the door, which looked just as dumbstruck as the Phalanxman.
The walk to Naii’s study was a quiet one, giving him time to think about what was happening. His sons did not know about the Earl, and neither did the young Baron. Naii had a soft spot for the young Baron; he was like a grandson to the old Duke. Ever since his father had given Vairaz the Barony, he had been privy to more secrets then even his two Dukes. In all honesty, Naii trusted the his two Margraves more than he trusted his Dukes. The Margraves were military men, not those ambitious with power such as the Dukes. Margrave Nsre commanded the North and a sliver of the east where the Forts were. Margrave Xiou commanded the far north, the border with Raven’s Perch. The Grand Duchy had not seen war for – Naii looked off at the tapestry on the wall, hoping that one of them would jolt his memory. He went past four until the fifth reminded him –
The Battle of Xioq, Hundred and Twenty years ago, he sighed. It was the last battle with Raven’s Perch where the Free City Phalanxmen re-enforced the besieged Stronghold via the river, with the Zel Highlanders and the Xiou Marshal supporting from the land. Gods, that was a battle from the legends, and since then, with the Free City treaty, the Phalanxmen have been an integral part of any significant force.
Then they had arrived, his irrelevant thoughts taking up much of the walk. The guard posted outside saluted the Grand Duke and opened the door for them. The Grand Duke entered followed by his council and lastly two pages that were carrying the files he requested. Dismissing them, he sat down heavily behind his desk and indicated the rest of them should sit.
“I’ll stand, thanks, I’m not used to this sitting for a long time,” said the Baron.
Brai snorted, “No doubt, with
all the hard work you do for harvest.” The Vale was hardly a agricultural region, being able to produce not much more than what they need. The young Baron stared daggers at the Heir as he continued, “So, father, Earl,” he nodded at them both, “Why do we need to be up here?”
Naii sat back in his chair, as did the Earl. “I probably should have told you this before...” he muttered before rifling through some of the papers on his desk and handing them to his first-born, “Take a look for yourself.”
Brai took several of the leaflets of paper and looked at them, gradually his eyes got wider, and looked sharply up at his father, “Treasury reports, messages to and from the Capital, missives from El-Eal to churches... what is this? This, these... whatever they are, they are illegal.”
His father snorted, “If they were illegal, would we have them.. wait, no, we probably would, and they probably are in some hidden backwater law.” Rising out of the chair slightly, he leant forward and picked up the goblet of warm water mixed with ground beans recently sent from Pandesia, coffee they called it. “No,” he continued, taking a refreshing sip of the coffee, “No, this is all thanks to the Earl. You see, for years, the Earl, his father, and other hidden people in history have been serving the Grand Duchy in a way not known to you, or your brother. I’m fairly sure no one but me and the Earl know of his...
other duties.” The Grand Duke missed the glance between the Baron and the Earl as he got up and approached the bookcase behind his desk. Pulling out a large volume, he reached in and there was a small
click, and then his arm went in further that the bookcase appeared to be thick. His arm soon returned, intact, with a small book in hand. Replacing the larger volume, he turned back to the group, lightly throwing the book at the Earl. Then he looked at his sons who still had confused looks upon their faces.
“The Earl,” he continued, after a time, leaning his arms over the back of his chair, “is our representative in the Free Cities, but his relationship as a Free Citizen allows him to be almost anywhere without prejudice. No, he is not only our representative, but he is so much more. Given the missives in your hand, can you not tell? He is my Spider, my spy master.”
Brai’s eyebrows shot up, “Spy master? Why would we need one, we are not in a time of war?”
“Are we not?” asked the Earl, “Is not every House plotting their own position to power? Given the Eligibility of the Emperor’s daughter, the way to the Imperial household, does not every House with a son present themselves as eligible bachelors. Gods, even the King of Chulainan has proposed a son to marry your beloved niece, Saanya. I have people working with the Imperial Pigeons and Fast Riders, and I know much of the communications that head out of the Capital.”
Brai sighed at the mention of his niece, Saanya Tarquilya-Alcedina. Her father, his brother, Fallis had died in a hunting accident in Prinzwood eleven years ago. Brai had not been particularly close to Fallis, however Gaden was – his yet unmarried brother. It had severely affected the youngest of the four brothers to a point where many of the du Zealan had only seen Gaden once or twice since then. Now that the Grand Duke had given Gaden permission to marry out of love, rather than political gain, he had stop coming to Kz’Sver altogether.
“I see your point, my Lord Earl,” he muttered as a solid knock came through the thick door. The young Baron looked at the Grand Duke, who waved permission.
“Yes?” asked the Baron, before taking a leaflet of paper and closing the door. Turning back to the group he shrugged, “Didn’t say a thing, what an odd fellow.” Turning the note back and forth he raised an eyebrow, passing the paper to Haerul, “Its –err, in a foreign language. I believe this is your name, my Lord Earl.”
The Earl smiled as he read it, “Yes, quite.” He passed it to the Heir, “Correspondence from my people in the south.”
Bari frowned as his eyes ran over the page, “I can’t read this, nor can I put the language.” He passed it across to Venner who concurred.
“It is good you can’t,” responded the Grand Duke, “Only very few can, it is a language my good Earl has created. He’s created several, actually – a very resourceful man.” He looked at the Earl pointedly.
“Ah, very well,” he coughed before reciting the message he had memorised, “ ‘Magna assembles, Pandesia retorts with force on the border, Lumanist’s attempt to win over Reg.’ ”
“Reg?” asked Venner.
The Earl nodded, “Aye, the Princess Regent.”
The Grand Duke sighed, “I’ll pen an offer of support in the morning, but we are getting off track here. We were talking about the Vale, and my lord Earl brought up a good point about the Emperor’s daughter.”
The Baron, who had been quiet for a time, nodded and spoke up, “Aye, the Vale. Yes, if you were sending a twenter through the Vale, they would have little trouble - only the animals and the occasional brigand.”
The Grand Duke’s fingers put a beat out on his desk as, in his other hand, he re-read the letter that started this lengthy conversation. Finally sighing, he turned to his first-born. “Your son, Dannik, he is of marrying age. As is the Emperor’s daughter. He will go through the Vale, accompanied by the good Baron here as well as a twenter Bodyguard made up from my own men.”
“My son, to marry the daughter of the Emperor?” murmured Brai.
His brother snorted, “No, to see if he is fit to marry the daughter of the Emperor.”
Brai’s eyes shone as he still murmured, “It would make me brother to the Emperor..”
The Earl glanced sidelong at the Grand Duke, almost sighing.
The Parade Ground was bright as the armor of the Grand Dukes two cenete of guardsmen stood upon the paved ground which accounted as the Parade Ground. The light blue ceremonial armor of the Phalanxmen combined with the white-gold tinged Highland breastplates and the mottled green uniform of the rangers mixed throughout the bright polished men-at-arms and his red-golden contingent of twenty knights. He knew the armor was not gold, just polished that way, but it was still none-the-less impressive. Two twenters of spear and one of halberds gave them a strong background, as the Phalanxmen displayed the best of their weapons. Of course, if it came down to a real fight, they could no doubt use these weapons, however they were mainly used for ceremony.
“Sir!” bellowed a voice from below as the Serjant-in-Chief marched out proudly and saluted the Knight-Lieutenant who commanded the Guard. “Grand Duke’s Household Guard, Upon the Roll: Two Hundred; Upon the Parade: Two Hundred; Absent: Zero!”
“As you were!” replied the Knight-Lieutenant.
They were close to the end; almost all of the Keep had come out to see the spectacle. Not often did the Grand Duke request a formal Parade, but when he did it was a sight to see.
“Dis-missed!” bellowed the Knight-Lieutenant. As one the column of troops rotated pivoted right on the ball and heel of their feet followed by a resounding crack as two-hundred boots came down simultaneously. Then all at once the two Squires which served as the head of the Cenete began calling out simultaneously, “Front Rank by the—” “—middle rank –” “—right wheeling—” “—MARCH!” Somehow in the confusion both cenete managed to set off at the same time, and wheeled off the parade ground.
The Grand Duke turned to his wife, his beloved of forty-three years, “That was wonderful, was it not?”
She nodded, rising from the chair that had been set out for her next to her husband’s, “Quite. I haven’t seen them parade in a while.”
The Duke nodded slowly, rising from his own and joining his wife as the slowly retreated from the small raised podium put in place for them. They chatted for a few minutes about meaningless things, about Darrik and the Vale, before Naii squeezed her arm lightly. “I have some small matters to attend to before I break my fast. I will join you presently.”
Salia curtsied, “My Lord,” and they both broke out in smiles. She hadn’t done that since... well, neither of them could remember.
Parting their own ways, the Grand Duke moved off towards the barracks where he was to meet that Phalanxman – Gyre – and his men, along with Baron Vairaz and his grandson, Darrik. It was not a long walk, and he had time to compile his thoughts. He mused over whether or not the man, Gyre, would choose those of his kind, of Phalanxmen, or he would choose wisely over the different units. When he arrived, he found he was not disappointed. There before him, was Baron Vairaz chatting away happily with two Rangers. Next to them a Highlander sat happily chatting away with a Light Horseman, Gyre, the Phalanxman, and his Grandson, Darrik about the importance of the two-handed sword. The Highlander saw him first and began to rise before Naii waved him down, “No need to be so formal.”
Nodding to the various ‘Sire’s and ‘M’Lord’s he stood next to his Grandson, “Right, most of you will be wondering why I’m here – why you’re here for that matter.” He lightly squeezed his grandson’s shoulder before continuing, “Gyre here chose you because you are good men. I chose him because he was a hidden man – an unknown to me, however not unknown to my most trusted council. It’s the best that some things remain hidden, and all-in-all, protecting this young man is one of them.”
He paused for a second before going on, “The Knight-Captain here will be heading to the capital, however not the long route. No, you, as his body-guards along with him and the good Baron, will be going through the Vale.”
“M’lord,” coughed the Highlander, “With all due respect, Highlander’s are not good fighting horseback, as I understand the way through the vale is easiest.”
“Nor are we, lord,” put in the other Phalanxman.
“Aye, that is so, but if you could not ride you would not be here. If you must fight, dismount then, but it is simply a matter of time... and a trial to test this young lad.” Looking at each of the soldiers he continued, “So, to make up the bodyguard, you men will choose three more that you trust with your lives. This will give you all experience working with who you do not on the norm.” Twenter’s were rarely broken up, and units were often forged together for life.
“You will leave tomorrow, and it is a one-hundred and eighty mile journey, I suggest you get preparing,” the Grand Duke said before he turned and left the thoughts churning in the men’s minds. There was more than that, than hopefully winning the hand of the Empress-to-be. Nay, Naii could present a hundred reasons, but he wanted someone in the north that could provide credible information, and no doubt the Earl Haerul will add someone to Dannik’s party. The proper Imperial Courtly education is just a bonus.Walking back to his study he felt the notes against his chest that rested on his inside-jacket pocket, and changed route to head to the Steward’s Room. Opening the door, the stewards hardly had time to get out of the chairs before he was gone, with orders left to send one message south by Light Messenger as soon as possible, and the other to be sent north via six Imperial Pigeons.
One thing that was not stated in the council meeting by his sons, or by the Earl or Baron, was why they resorted to a message addressed to another dominion. Naii didn’t trust the Pigeons, since it had been implemented he had not received a single message on time, sometimes not at all. Someone was out to get the Grand Duchy. Who was the question, not if.
To my Honoured Brother and Liege His Serene Highness Prince Castamir IV Tarquilya-Alcedina, Lord of Pandora, Prince of Pandesia, Grand Admiral of the Southern Seas, Lord of the Southlands, Warder of Prinzwood and Sovereign of the Southern Cities, and my honoured daughter, Princess Berúthiel Tarquilya-Alcedina.
I bring you, by our Light Horse, one of the only messages hope to be secure. I no longer trust the Imperial Pigeons due to some severe delays in messages from the Capital reaching me. I, through means of intelligence from various sources, am only barely aware of what happens in the far north. That, and this ‘Heathen League’ our Honoured Daughter and Son have created. We request that you do not take such a drastic action that your hand will be forced unto war.
We have also noticed that the Lpqy have been amassing on your border, and wonder if there is such a way we can mediate such a conflict? We have the food we can send south to the starving if you have so much as a need.
On the note of food, our next caravan will be coming south presently, upon with there is grain, barley, rye; the amounts of which are attached for your stewards. In note of rumours drifting to us, we are also willing to fill any quota required upon the Most August Principality.
Lastly I have two requests on behalf of, firstly mine, and secondly mine household. Due to.. Interference with the Imperial Pigeon, as stated above, I am of lack of news of the Capital. Could you, by perchance, alert myself to the happenings within the Imperial Court, and secondly alert the Capital on your next missive, as I am unsure should my pigeons arrive at the Imperial Coop. Secondly, my household has fallen in love with that bean you call ‘coffee’, by chance could you send some north for us to present to our Lords. I’m sure it will bring pleasure to your Knights and plantation owners once the contracts for a regular supply are sent south.
With Love and Regards,
Naii du Zealan,
Grand Duke of Sverq, Duke of Dz'Sver, Duke of the Zellit Mountains, High-Lord Admiral of Brejj, Keeper of the Sveree River, Warden of the Free Cities, Grand Master of the Vellite Order.
To Ealdred II of Ifelin, called the 'Wrathful', Emperor of Oltiryngard, Lord of Ivlendir,
My liege, I have good news and bad news to send north to you. Firstly, my Grandson, the Knight-Captain Derrik du Zealan, will be presenting himself in no more than ten days at your Court. He will be travelling via the Vale, and will arrive at the head of the Corrant River in approximately six days. I fear I have been severely lacking in giving him a proper, courtly education, offering only what I can provide in my humble keep. I am sending him north to experience the grander spectrum of the Empire and for him to present himself as my figure in your court for a year, upon which time he is free to leave and continue onto the Allitrom University, return home, or stay in your court as a courtier.
Also, sire, why must I send one to your court to stand in my place? I fear betrayal of the pigeons, flying to a third party or someone capturing them and sending on others, and thus my decisions answers to your questions or other thusly urgent requests cannot reach you. No matter how, I have not been requiring the messages sent to me from neither the capital, nor many other Dominions within the Empire. I have my own men searching within Sverq for a traitor. If he’s here, I assure you we will find him, and we will bring him to justice. Until such a time, messages will be sent to Dannik via a different route, several infact, to ensure that it somehow gets to you.
I’m sure my grandson will look forward to meeting the Imperial Family.
Ever Faithful,
Naii du Zealan,
Grand Duke of Sverq, Duke of Dz'Sver, Duke of the Zellit Mountains, High-Lord Admiral of Brejj, Keeper of the Sveree River, Warden of the Free Cities, Grand Master of the Vellite Order.
Baron Vairez broke from the laughing group, and strode off to the armory. He had but hours to find what was necessary and return, lest he not get the practice and feel of any weapons he had chosen. Despite being in the Keep, the Baron kept his Ranger cloak with him, albeit a more flashy, courtier design. He could still be recognised by any member of the Keep as a Ranger, however he had a kind of style. Not to mention he was beautiful – well, no, handsome was more the word. As he swaggered past some giggling, red faced maids, a shadow caught his eye.
“My lord Baron?” whispered the shadow, it’s voice like a harsh wind through trees.
He knew that voice. “M’lord?”
“You are going to Ivlendir with the Knight-Captain?” It was more a statement then a question. “I do trust you will follow your duties.”
“Of course, m’lord, you can count on it,” he replied, continuing to walk along as he heard some footsteps rounding the corner ahead.
“There you are!” cried Dannik, “I thought you went to the armory.”
Vairez smiled, holding his arms out, “This place is huge to a backwater Vale lad like myself. I simply got lost, is all.”
Dannik chuckled, and turned back the way he came with the Baron now in toe. Vairez was anything but what he appeared, inside he was shuddering.
God, I hate that voice.