Trapped, page 15
part #3 of Treason and Truth Series
* * *
Twelve minutes later, Richardson interrupted Adeone and Arkyn saying Lord Teran had requested an audience looking particularly disgruntled. The reason for his mood became clear immediately. Wynfeld had refused to bow to his privilege and entitlement. Adeone tried not to let his private feelings on that show. He could have explained matters to Teran, could have dealt with the matter quietly but, instead, decided to get Wynfeld’s side of the story and so sent for him.
Half an hour later, Major Wynfeld entered the Inner Office, saluted and stood at ease, waiting. Adeone studied him for a moment but saw no hint of uncertainty. Wynfeld was confident that his actions had been correct.
“I hear you’re hunting for a new captain, Major.”
“Yes, sir, for the post we discussed in Tera when you were kind enough to promote me.”
Adeone nodded. “I wondered if that was it. I am told that you have forgone the tradition of the commission being bought. Would you care to explain why?”
“Certainly, Sire. It is because of the delicate nature of the work. I would rather have the best man in the post to serve Your Majesty than accept the highest bidder. I have told everyone who has approached me that all names will be considered but that I will not be bribed.”
Adeone regarded Wynfeld, his fingers steepled against his mouth.
Arkyn leaned forward. “Major, why mention being bribed? Has someone offered you money for yourself to accept their candidate or themselves?”
“Yes, Your Highness, they have done so.”
Arkyn turned to his father. “Your Majesty, the bribing of such high officials is a serious offence. Would you permit me to investigate the matter alongside the petitions?”
Adeone caught his son’s mood. “Would you reveal who tried to bribe you, Major?”
“If Your Majesty or His Highness asked me, Sire, I could do no other. Yet the uproar might be far out of proportion to the initial misdemeanour.”
“True. As a Lord of Oedran, Teran, do you think it a wise course of action?”
Teran never hesitated. “Your Majesty, I am no advisor, but I would say that it might have long-lasting repercussions.”
“Not quite as long lasting as finding out which members of my Court have tried to bribe officers of my army: lordships could be lost for it…”
“Then maybe it is better, Sire, to forget the whole matter,” suggested Arkyn. “Lord Teran has made his feelings known and Major Wynfeld has responded with an explanation that is acceptable.”
Adeone nodded. “I tend to agree, Prince Arkyn; however, I still have to decide whether to allow the Major to appoint a captain in his own way.”
Arkyn was grave. “We have never had cause to doubt Major Wynfeld’s decisions before, sir. If his appointment doesn’t work this time, then I’m sure the Major would be willing to try more traditional methods next time.”
Adeone crooked an eyebrow. “Major?”
“I’m more than content with that, Your Majesty.”
“Teran?”
“I see I have no option but to agree,” grumbled Teran.
Adeone said, “There is always an option; however, I think that the Prince’s suggestion is the best solution. Thank you, gentlemen. Major Wynfeld, I do want a word with you about the barracks. Lord Teran, I shall see you at Court soon.”
Teran left with a blank expression but easily readable body language.
“He’s not happy,” observed Arkyn once they were alone.
“No, but the threat of facing charges for bribery was effective. Well done, your audacity is remarkably well honed,” observed Adeone. “Wynfeld, choose whom you want for the job and if anyone else tries to bribe you start a list going. Sooner or later, they can take the consequences.”
“Sire, can I explain something? I’m not averse to commissions being bought. This one though is for the intelligence regiment and I’d rather no-one sneaks in funded by a traitor. I’ve a list of men who have put their names forward for a commission, new to the army; could I pass it to Your Majesty? Most I know nothing against, they seem good men: the sons of merchants, mostly. I’d like to see them in Your Majesty’s army.”
“I’m sure spots could be found for them,” remarked Adeone. “Pass the list along by all means, and give a copy to the General. We’ll keep an eye out as to which captaincies are becoming vacant in the provinces. If any turn up through the petitions, Prince Arkyn will let you know.”
PART 2
Chapter 21
ON THE ROAD
Cisadai, Week 3 – 16th Cearal, 16th Cearcis 1212
Palace – Service Courtyard
THE FOLLOWING DAY the carts were packed, the Rex Dallin drivers would be waiting at the ford, their charges were safely together and Simkins and Kadeem had been released to attend to the moving of personal possessions to the Rex Dallin.
Lips twitching, Kadeem said, “What would we do without moments such as these, sir?”
Simkins snorted. “Come on, let’s go. The sooner we’re there the better for us.”
Kadeem swung himself up in to the saddle of his horse and nodded to the draymen. “Ready? Come on then.”
Simkins, mounting his horse, smiled to himself. The young manservant of Prince Arkyn had certainly changed since he’d started in the King’s Household. There was an assurance that Simkins recognised as being the result of travelling abroad with the Prince. Once they were through Oedran the guards with them halved and Simkins caught up with Kadeem.
“So, how are you? How’s the household?”
“Same as ever. I think Thomas and Alan are anticipating a break whilst we’re in the Rex Dallin. Or they will be until they see the list of jobs that I’ve left for them.”
Simkins laughed. “Cut them a bit of slack. They’ll work better for it.”
“I do. They both worked hard in Terasia, especially Alan. He’d make a good manservant; I don’t think the Prince’s household will keep him long.”
“You’d be surprised, there’s more status to being a footman to a prince than a manservant to a minor lord.”
Kadeem grinned widely, turning slightly in the saddle. “I’m sure I can’t imagine what you mean, Simkins.”
Simkins eyed him. “That’s the first time you’ve not called me ‘sir’, are you getting complacent?”
“Not really, I just thought if I was going to be sarcastic, I might as well be informal.”
Simkins laughed. “I think His Highness has had an effect on you.”
“I think it might be mutual, sir.”
A short while later Kadeem said, “How’s your family? I’ve not seen them in a while.”
“They’re much the same. I’ve got to find Harry and Hazel a position soon. They can’t live at home all their lives.”
“I wouldn’t have thought there would be much trouble in that, sir.”
“No, but it’s putting them somewhere where they aren’t at risk, so to speak. It’s a shame His Majesty isn’t setting up a household for Prince Tain this year. I flatter myself but I think Harry could do well in it.”
“I’ll keep an ear open.”
“Thank you,” replied Simkins.
“If it wasn’t for you, sir, I wouldn’t be Prince Arkyn’s manservant.”
“I loathe to correct your flattery but it was your actions that brought you to the attention of the King.”
“Someone still had to tell him who I was,” observed Kadeem, “and I can’t believe the knowledge simply arrived straight in his head.”
“You have learnt a lot recently. I hear though that Prince Arkyn’s satisfied with you.”
“I hear the King is with you, sir.”
Simkins took the hint. “Sorry. Have you found a masseur?”
“I’m getting close. There are a couple who have come forward. The Major is currently checking them for me.”
“Shouldn’t you talk to Beaver about such checks now?”
Kadeem made a noncommittal movement with his head. “His Highness trusts the Major; it is better that it is his name on the report.”
Simkins absorbed the information with interest. “The Major seems to have come far since he first appeared.”
“We all have it in us, sir.”
“That was annoyingly philosophical, Kadeem. We don’t all have it in us to rise from sergeant to Major of Oedran in three years!”
“No, because we’re not all in the army. Is it only three years? It seems longer. I became the Prince’s manservant at about the same time. It makes you wonder what the next three years will bring, doesn’t it?”
“No. I’d rather not think of the future. Live for the day, especially in current times. Have there been any more attempts?” enquired Simkins.
Kadeem hesitated. “Not provable but it’s amazing how, sometimes, when plans are changed you hear of an incident occurring.”
“Yes, it is. Be careful in Paras.”
“I intend to be. Did you enjoy travelling with His Majesty?”
“Yes,” admitted Simkins. “It’s nice to see the empire but only when we reached our destination. The travelling part I’ll happily leave. Terasia, Gerymor and Serpent Isle are the worst by far. Though Serpent Isle isn’t, in a sense, too bad because most of the trip you’re on board ship. Paras is a week and a half at an easy pace. I liked Areal and the Low Plains, they’re a couple of days. Tradere’s not too bad, only a couple of days more.”
“They sound better… Of all the places we stayed at on our trip to and from Terasia I liked Amphi – the stress of moving slipped away there.”
Simkins smiled. “That’s because the Governor of Areal has years of experience of the FitzAlcis descending. You don’t need to inform him of anything other than current wishes. He knows all the protocols and follows them seamlessly. Arriving in Tera this time was pleasant. I found that I needed to do very little there.”
Kadeem nodded. “Warning would have been appreciated but we had been there for some months already.”
“It was more than that. I think Lady Wealsman’s influence was marked and Lord Wealsman’s of course… Hang on, who’s this?”
An older gentleman rode up – ignored the guards and manoeuvred his horse into step with Simkins and Kadeem – saying, “You know my inn actually rattles when you lot pass by?”
“We’ve not passed it yet,” said Simkins. “Morning, Fitz. How’s life?”
“Somnolent. Can’t get used to retirement. Thought I’d come for a bit of mayhem.”
“Are you telling us you don’t enjoy it?” enquired Kadeem amused.
“I’m saying that sometimes I wish there was something more. I’ve had years of traipsing around after the FitzAlcis. It’s a matter of honour that they don’t traipse without me.”
Simkins said, “They’re not traipsing far. How’s the inn?”
“All right. I suppose I’m getting used to it,” replied Fitz. “Whether the locals are getting used to me is another matter.”
“The amount of times that you’ve sat in front of the bar, they should have been used to you years ago.”
Kadeem chuckled to himself and listened as the two friends and former colleagues bantered. He glanced over his shoulder, nothing amiss with the carts. It wouldn’t be long before they were at the Pillars of Alcis, the entrance into the Rex Dallin. There, they had to change drivers, normally farmers from the valley helped. After that, they had to get to Ceardlann and unload. The carts would remain there until the FitzAlcis had arrived. They’d then return to the Pillars and the waiting draymen would take them to Oedran. Would Fitz continue to Ceardlann or return to his inn, so that the draymen could have a drink whilst they waited? It was one reason the inn existed in the lonely village, whose road led to a place few could enter. It was there to provide accommodation and victuals to FitzAlcis staff who couldn’t enter the valley but had to be close. Was that why the King had wanted Fitz to run it? Having a friend and former guard captain watching and listening, picking up the gossip, would be invaluable, and Kadeem began to wonder about how crafty the King could be.
Chapter 22
CHASING RABBITS
Midday
Oedran – Galdwins’ House
LATER THAT DAY, Calumiel Galdwin was moodily playing with the stew on his plate when a voice hailed for attention in the shop. He looked at his father.
“They can wait, we’re eating. Stop playing about and get it down you.”
Cal returned to his food and had taken a spoonful when a voice he recognised said mildly,
“Excuse me for disturbing your meal, Master Galdwin; I wonder if I might have a word?”
Cal jumped up so quickly he almost fell over. He hurriedly bowed.
King Adeone watched the fair-haired lad, amused. “What’s the hurry, young Cal?”
“Won’t you sit down, sir?”
Adeone glanced at a simmering Master Galdwin.
“No, thank you, Master Calumiel. I have been sitting all morning and will be in the saddle this afternoon. It’s better that I stand. The Princes are outside.”
Realising the King wasn’t going to be leaving without speaking to him, Master Galdwin nodded and watched Cal leave in search of his friends. Madam Galdwin chivvied her other children out, leaving Adeone and Master Galdwin facing each other.
“I’ve been informed you sent for Calumiel a few weeks ago,” said Adeone. “Might I enquire why?”
“It was a private family matter, sir.”
“Will your private affairs now allow him to return to the Rex Dallin?”
“I don’t mean to be disrespectful but—”
Adeone’s tone, although still calm, took on another dimension, “Galdwin, I believe we had an agreement.”
“Yes, sir, but his mother misses her eldest. That is the long and short of it. Cal needs to learn the business too. He is my heir and of the age to learn it.”
“Yes. I would remind you that whilst my sons are at Ceardlann I do not get to see them.”
“Yes, Sire, but I suppose the difference is you could visit them if you chose. We can’t visit Cal.”
Shaken, Adeone said, “You have caught me out in an inexcusable fault, Master Galdwin. Richardson!”
A couple of moments later, the administrator had left writing materials and been dispatched to the Palace to fetch two True Dallins, and Adeone faced Master Galdwin.
“I will allow yourself and your wife entry to the Rex Dallin whenever you wish it to see Calumiel. Your other children also will be allowed entry whilst they are under cisan-age. I hope that sets your mind at rest.”
Stunned, Master Galdwin still managed to grumble, “It does and it doesn’t, you could say. There is still the slight problem of him learning the trade, sir.”
Moving Cal’s abandoned plate aside, Adeone sat ready to take notes. “What are the important aspects of your trade that can be learnt outside of the shop?”
Galdwin paused but registered something in the King’s manner that told him to answer honestly – after all, his uninvited guest could call on every expert in the empire.
Adeone made copious notes whilst Master Galdwin detailed everything from fibres to finished cloths, from supply to sale. He filled two sides of parchment and asked for clarification on several matters before wiping his pen clean saying, “Apart from the fact I found that a fascinating insight into a trade I know little about, I have a proposition to make to you…”
Disorientated, Master Galdwin sighed; he knew the King’s propositions of old and hadn’t expected him to grasp the subject so quickly.
“…It comes in two parts. The first is that I will appoint and finance a tutor for Calumiel to teach him all those skills he can learn away from the shop, if you wish you may have a say in that tutor but the man will have to meet the same strict standards set for my sons’. The second part is that Prince Tain will soon spend more time in Oedran, shadowing the courts. Master Calumiel will return here during these periods to learn anything else he needs. Will you accept that?”
Master Galdwin considered. If the King meant it, Cal would be more than a match for anyone. He made up his mind. He might not like being involved with the FitzAlcis, but he’d accept it for the good of his family.
“Yes, sir; I don’t see how I can refuse.”
“Thank you. I would not have Tain grow up alone.”
“But, Sire, he would never be alone, surely. For a start, Lord Landis’ children are currently living with you.”
“I’m afraid, Master Galdwin, that he will be very much alone. Arkyn has been taking over the Provincial Reviews and is therefore travelling. I can’t have Tain in Oedran and Ceardlann is, by its nature, isolated. His Lordship’s family are living with us but only for a few months. Tain needs a confidant; Lady Elantha is too young and too close to the source of the problem to be that.”
“The problem, Sire?”
Adeone swore gently. “Forget I ever said that, please, Master Galdwin; it was an unguarded utterance.”
“Certainly, sir, but I take it you are referring obliquely to the fact that your brother is getting, shall we say, dangerous?”
Adeone stared at him, “Master Galdwin, how—”
“It is relatively common knowledge he isn’t content as Justiciar, Sire. For Oedranians at least, you might as well proclaim it. I’m sure we had one of his men in here one day, trying to catch me out selling silk cloth against the law.”
The two men stared at each other with an unprecedented understanding between them.
Adeone said quietly, “That is the true reason you are reluctant for Cal to be with my family?”
“When my cousins disappeared, Sire, I lost my closest friends. I don’t want him to suffer like that.”
“Master Galdwin, please believe me when I say I do everything I can to make sure your son is not in danger – as much as I can do for my own children and niece.”
“I believe you. It’s just hard to accept my eldest might be in danger.”
At that moment, Richardson reappeared; Adeone passed Master Galdwin the two True Dallin.
