Very well, Squire.
Sveta batted her lashes. Good to see you home, Squire.
Tal returned the obvious flirtation with a slight bow and smile, and fought down a sudden urge to laugh. The rooms above were no more his home than was the palace of the King. He had no home, at least he hadnt since the Duke of Olasko had sent mercenaries to destroy the land of the Orosini. As far as Tal could judge, he was the sole surviving member of his people.
Tal left the office. One quick glance around the street told him that the man who had followed him from the ship was out of sight, so he mounted the stairs next to the door, climbing quickly to the entrance to his rooms. He tested the door and found it unlocked. Stepping in he was confronted by a dour-looking man with a droopy moustache and large brown eyes.
Master! There you are! Pasko said. Werent you in on the morning tide?
Indeed, replied Tal, handing his jacket and travel bag to his manservant. But as such things are wont to be, the order of landing was dictated by factors of which I am ignorant.
In other words, the ships owner didnt bribe the harbourmaster enough to get you in early.
Most likely. Tal sat down on a divan. So expect the luggage to arrive later today.
Pasko nodded. The rooms are safe, master. Even in private, Pasko observed the formalities of their relationship: he the servant, Tal the master, despite the fact that he had been one of Tals instructors over the years.
Good. Tal knew that meant Pasko had employed various wards against scrying magic, just as he would have inspected the premises against more mundane observation. The chances of their enemies knowing that Tal was an agent of the Conclave of Shadows were small, but not out of the question. And they had sufficient resources to match the Conclave in dealing with opponents.
Since his victory over Raven and his mercenaries, avenging his own peoples slaughter, Tal had lived on Sorcerers Isle, recovering from wounds both mental and physical learning more of the politics of the Eastern Kingdoms, and simply resting. His teaching had continued in various areas, for Pug and his wife, Miranda, had occasionally instructed him in areas of magic that might concern him. Nakor the Isalani, the self-proclaimed gambler who was far more than that, instructed him in what only could be termed dodgy business, how to cheat at cards and spot others cheating, how to pick locks and pockets, as well as other nefarious skills. With his old friend Caleb he would go hunting. It had been the best time he had known since the destruction of his people.
During that period he had been allowed to glimpse some of the dealings of the Conclave on a level far above his station; and had thus gained the sense that the Conclave had agents numbering in the hundreds, perhaps thousands, or at least had links to thousands of well-positioned individuals. He knew the organizations influences reached down into the heart of the Empire of Great Kesh, and across the sea to the lands of Novindus, as well as through the rift to the Tsurani home world, Kelewan. He could tell that enormous wealth was at their disposal, for whatever they needed always appeared somehow. The false patent of nobility that Tal carried in his personal portfolio had cost a small fortune, he was sure, for there were originals in the Royal Archives on Rillanon. Even his distant cousin Lord Seljan Hawkins had been delighted to discover a long-lost relative who had been victorious in the Masters Court, according to Nakor. Tal didnt feel emboldened enough to ever visit the capital of the Kingdom of the Isles, because while the elderly Baron might believe that some distant cousin had fathered a lad who had some versatility with the sword, the possibility of Tal failing to be convincing when it came to small-talk about this or that family member made such a visit too risky to contemplate.
Still, it was reassuring to know that these resources lay at his disposal should he need them. For he was ready to embark upon the most difficult and dangerous portion of his personal mission to avenge his people: he had to find a way to destroy Duke Kaspar of Olasko, the man ultimately responsible for the obliteration of the Orosini nation. And Duke Kaspar happened to be the most dangerous man in the world, according to many sources.
What news? asked Pasko.
Nothing new, really. Reports from the north say that Olasko is again causing trouble in the Borderlands, and may be once more seeking to isolate the Orodon. They still send patrols through my former homeland to discourage anyone who might think to claim Orosini lands. Then he asked, What is the news in Roldem?
The usual court intrigues, master, and quite a few rumours of this lady and that lord and their dalliances. In short, with little of note to comment upon, the nobles, gentry and wealthy commoners turn their attention to gossip.
Lets confine ourselves to matters of importance. Any sign of Olaskos agents here in Roldem?
Always. But nothing out of the ordinary, or at least nothing we can see thats out of the ordinary. He builds alliances, seeks to do favours in exchange for social debts, loans gold, and insinuates himself in the good graces of others.
Tal was silent for a long moment. Then he asked, To what ends?
Pardon?
Tal leaned forward in his chair, elbows on knees. Hes the most powerful man in the Eastern Kingdoms. He has blood ties to the throne of Roldem hes, what? Sixth in line of succession?
Seventh, replied Pasko.
So why does he need to curry favour with Roldemish nobility?
Indeed.
He doesnt need to, said Tal, which means he wants to. But why?
Lord Olasko is a man with many irons in the fire, master. Perhaps he has interests here in Roldem which might require a vote of the House of Lords?
Perhaps. They ratify treaties enacted by the Crown, and verify succession. What else do they do?
Not much else, save argue over taxes and land. Pasko nodded. Given that Roldem is an island, master, land is of great importance. He grinned. Until someone discovers how to build dirt.
Tal grinned back. Im sure we know a few magicians who could increase the size of the island if they felt the need.
Pasko said, So, what are we doing back in Roldem, master?
Tal sat back and sighed. Playing the role of bored noble looking to find a better station in life. In short, I must convince Kaspar of Olasko Im ready to take service with him by creating a muddle here that only he can get me out of.
Such as?
Picking a fight with a royal seems a good choice.
What? Youre going to smack Prince Constantine and provoke a duel? The boys only fifteen years of age!
I was thinking of his cousin, Prince Matthew.
Pasko nodded. Matthew was the Kings cousin. He was considered the difficult member of the royal family; more arrogant, demanding and condescending than any other member of the Kings family, he was also a womanizer, a drunk and he cheated at gambling. Rumour had it that the King had bailed him out of very difficult straits on a number of occasions. Good choice. Kill him and the King will privately thank you while his executioner is lopping off your head.
I wasnt thinking of killing him, just creating enough of a fuss that the King would be unhappy with me remaining in his country.
I wasnt thinking of killing him, just creating enough of a fuss that the King would be unhappy with me remaining in his country.
Youd have to kill him, said Pasko dryly. As Champion of the Masters Court you could probably sleep with the Queen and the King would pass it off as a boyish prank. Why do you need all this bother? Olasko offered you a position when you won the tourney.
Because I wish to appear the reluctant petitioner. I would have undergone close scrutiny had I accepted his offer immediately after the tourney two years ago. If I were to appear suddenly requesting that position today, I would undergo an even closer examination. But if Im merely forced by circumstances to seek out his patronage, then my motives are obvious at least I hope they are.
While at Sorcerers Isle, I was prepared, to withstand a great deal of examination.
Pasko nodded. He understood what was being said. Tal had been conditioned by Pug and the other magicians to deal with any magic that might uncover his true allegiance.
But the circumstances of my seeking service with Kaspar must also be credible. Being in his debt for my life seems an obvious motive.
Assuming he can keep you off the headsmans block. Pasko rubbed his throat. Ive always thought beheading a barbaric choice. Now, the Kingdom hangs its felons. A short drop he snapped his fingers and the neck is broken, and its over. No mess, no fuss, no bother.
In Great Kesh, Ive been told, they have many different choices of execution, depending on the location and nature of the crime: decapitation, burning at the stake, being buried up to your neck next to an anthill, drowning, exposure, being pulled apart by camels, being buried alive, defenestration
What?
Thats throwing someone off a very high place onto the rocks below. My personal favourite is castration, then being fed to the crocodiles in the Overn Deep after having watched them first consume your manhood.
Tal stood up. Have I ever mentioned that you have a seriously morbid streak? Rather than contemplate the means of my demise, Ill spend my energies on staying alive.
Then, to a practical concern?
Tal nodded.
While I suspect Duke Kaspar would intervene on your behalf in such a circumstance the humiliation of Prince Matthew, I mean, not the feeding to crocodiles thing
Tal smiled.
isnt it going to be difficult for him to do so from across the seas?
Tals smile broadened. Nakor had intelligence from the north just as I left Salador; Duke Kaspar arrives within the week for a state visit.
Pasko shrugged. In aid of what?
A little hand-holding for his distant cousin, I imagine, prior to doing something that might otherwise earn the Kings displeasure.
Such as?
We have no idea, but the north is constantly on a low roil, and Kaspar only has to raise the heat in one place or another for a kettle to boil over somewhere. Thats one of the many things I wish to find out.
Pasko nodded. Shall I draw you a bath?
I think Ill take a walk to Remargas and indulge in a long massage and tub there. Bring suitable clothing for an evening in town.
Where will you be dining, master?
I dont know. Somewhere public.
Dawsons? The former inn was now exclusively a dining establishment for the noble and the rich, and had spawned a dozen imitators. Dining out had become something of a pastime for those in the capital city.
Perhaps that new establishment, the Metropol. Its considered the place to be seen, I have been told.
Its a private club, master.
Then get me an invitation while I bathe, Pasko.
With a wry expression, Pasko said, Ill see what I can do.
I must be seen in public so word will spread Im back in the city, but I need to be alone tonight when I finish supper and return to these quarters.
Why, master?
So I can find out whos been following me since I left Salador, and whats on his mind.
A spy?
With a stretch and a yawn, Tal said, Probably an assassin.
Sighing, Pasko said, So it begins.
Nodding as he headed for the door, Tal said, Yes. So it begins.
Fog shrouded the city. Mist hung so thick it was impossible to see more than three feet ahead. The bright lamps at each corner of the merchants quarter were reduced to dim yellow spots in the distance, and even the occasional lantern beside a tavern door became just a faint pool of light across the street. There were places on long streets where no light was visible, and the senses were confounded, distances were meaningless and the entirety of the universe was murk.
Even sound was muted. The taverns he passed offered just a murmur of voices rather than the raucous cacophony normally heard. Footfalls were a soft grinding of heel on caked mud rather than a clatter of leather on stone.
Even so, Tal Hawkins knew he was being stalked. He had known that the instant he had departed Lady Gavorkins home. He had lingered over dinner at the Metropol it had taken only minutes for Pasko to gain an invitation on behalf of the owner of the establishment for the Champion of the Masters Court to dine as his guest and Tal had left with a free membership in the club. He had been impressed with the decor, the ambiance and the service. The food was only just acceptable, and he planned on having words with the chef, but he could see this club business might be a useful enterprise.
Roldem lived on commerce more than any nation in the east, and this new club was in a location where nobles and wealthy commoners could come together in casual surroundings to socialize in a fashion impossible to imagine anywhere else in the city. Tal suspected that over the coming years fortunes would be lost and titles gained, marriages arranged and alliances formed in the quiet interior of the Metropol. Even before he had finished dining, a note from Lady Gavorkin had been handed to him, and Tal judged it as likely he would encounter his stalker on his way to her townhouse as he would back to his own. He had not, however, been accosted by whoever followed, and had spent a pleasant two hours, first being scolded for his long absence, then being ardently forgiven by Lady Gavorkin.
The lady was recently widowed, her husband having perished in a raid against a nest of Ceresian pirates operating out of an isolated bay off Kesh. His service to the Roldemish Crown had garnered Lady Gavorkin a fair amount of sympathy, some guarantees of a modest pension in addition to her ample estates and holdings, and an appetite for a new husband as soon as the proper mourning period had been observed. She was childless, and her estates stood at risk if the Crown decided that another noble would better able manage them. Ideally, from the royal perspective it would be ideal that Lady Gavorkin, Countess of Dravinko, should marry some other noble who was favoured by the Crown, which would tie up two loose ends nicely.
Tal knew he would have to sever all contact with Lady Gavorkin soon because he would never withstand the close scrutiny reserved for those marrying into Roldemish nobility. A minor squires son from a town outside a distant Kingdom city who was socially acceptable as an escort for galas and festivals was one thing, but someone who wed the widow of a recently departed war hero was another matter entirely. Besides, being tied down to anyone, even someone as attractive as Lady Margaret Gavorkin, held limited appeal for Tal, her substantial wealth, holdings, and energetic lovemaking notwithstanding.