Trapped, page 19
part #3 of Treason and Truth Series
“Good. Did you see anything?”
“No, sir.”
Adeone watched him blithely. “That’s not on, is it? I think you’ll have to go again with more expert help. How about I ask the head forester to take you out at night? He knows the best spots and will make sure you get to see something. He knows an awful lot of forest lore as well. Go out with him during the day, when you can. He can teach you how to track animals and, if you wish, how to hunt as well.”
Six minutes later, Adeone said, “Come, shall we go down for dinner?” Tain nodded and Adeone turned to Cal. “Is there anything you need?”
“No, sir, thank you.”
“You need a better sword,” said Tain.
Adeone looked at Cal steadily. “Do you, young Cal?”
“I’m not sure, Your Majesty. Something feels wrong with the one I’m using. Maybe if there’s another one not being used that I could try…”
“I’m sure we can find one somewhere. A swordsman, like any skilled man, needs the right tools.”
Cal whispered, “Thank you, sir.” Be grateful for what you’ve got was one of his father’s favourite expressions.
Adeone noticed the quiet tone and let it pass. “What had you got planned for after dinner?”
Tain replied, “Playing a board game, sir.”
Adeone smiled. “Mind if I join you?” He didn’t ask Tain but Cal.
Rather surprised, Cal said, “Not at all, Your Majesty.”
They’d reached the large antechamber and Cal held the door open for the King and Tain. Adeone entered and scanned the room. Elantha ran over. He swung her up into a hug. At eight years, she was getting heavy; his back twinged but he ignored it. Arkyn turned, seeing his cousin run across the room. He stopped mid-sentence, startled.
Adeone grinned at him. “I take it nobody told you I was here?”
Crossing to him, Arkyn said, “No, father, they didn’t!” glancing at Cornelia and his chuckling nearcousins.
His father gave him a hug. “I expected at least one of them not to keep the secret. I see I did them a disservice.”
Once the greetings were over, Adeone spent time talking with Arkyn. “Iris asked if you’d like Irvin’s company for the Anaparian Review.”
Arkyn smiled. “He’s attending the Advisors’ School.”
“So’s Julius and he’s in Macia. I’m sure something could be arranged. From what you told me, Irvin would enjoy the time in another city.”
“He certainly would, sir, and I’d enjoy his company.”
* * *
Tain rolled over, exasperated; his thoughts wouldn’t stop chasing themselves and it must be midnight. He didn’t want to disturb Elantha or Cal, but he shouldn’t stay in bed; he should find something to do until he was tired.
Entering the sitting room, he stood for a moment, disconcerted. His brother was sitting in the window-seat gazing at the stars.
Without moving, Arkyn said, “I won’t be long, Kadeem.”
Tain grinned. “You really shouldn’t assume.”
“What are you doing up?”
“Sleepwalking. What’re you thinking about?” asked Tain as he sat at the other end of the window seat.
Arkyn sighed. “Mother. Wondering what she’d make of me.”
Tain swallowed. “I often wonder the same thing. I mean, look at you, talk about disreputable.”
“Sorry, is there a mirror in front of you?”
“It might give me a better view.”
Arkyn grimaced. “I know the feeling.”
Tain laughed, then went pensive. “Father’s told me about uncle. Do you think he had anything to do with mother’s death?”
Arkyn gazed at the stars again. “No. Mother’s illness couldn’t have been created by poison. Whatever we wish, her time had come to join our ancestors.” After a moment, he said, “There is something so peaceful about the stars.”
Tain wiped his eyes. “Yes, it’s because they can’t talk.”
“That might be it. Have you ever thought of taking lessons from them?” asked Arkyn, pulling out his handkerchief and offering it to his brother.
Tain took it. “No, I shine enough without them.”
“Other than at archery.”
“I’m getting better. Not right on target, but at least I’ve stopped taking out birds.”
Arkyn laughed. “True. So why couldn’t you sleep?”
Tain bit his lip. “Does uncle really want to kill us? And to take over the empire?”
Arkyn shrugged. “Apparently so.”
“Oh. Father thinks that I can stop him.”
“I know. Does it bother you?”
Tain sighed. “Yes, because I can’t. I don’t know anything—”
“Glad you admit it at last.”
“Ha ha. I meant about what he’s doing, how I could stop him—”
Arkyn considered that. “Do you think I knew anything about the reviews before I went to Terasia?”
“You knew more about that than I know about this.”
“It’s why you’ve got lessons with the judge, Tain. You’re twelve, you’re not meant to know everything. Surprising though that might seem to you.”
“I follow your fine example, brother.”
Arkyn grimaced. “That’s only going to get you into trouble. Are you still worried about being justiciar?”
“Yes. Are you about being king one day?”
“No, I’m not worried; I’m stoically terrified.”
Tain smiled. “Glad it’s not just me. I know I won’t ever grasp the law.”
“Give yourself chance to grasp things slowly. Don’t expect to wake up one day knowing everything. I’m sure the judge would tell you it’s taken him a lifetime to know all he does.”
Hugging his knees to himself, Tain covered his bare feet with his night-tunic. “He already has, but surely more is expected of me.”
Arkyn gave a non-committal jerk of his head. “Perhaps, but you’ll have lawyers to help.”
“Or hinder. Have you got your advisors yet?”
“Most of them. To tell the truth, I’m nervous of them.”
Tain said, “You’ll be fine, Arkyn. Terasia gave you the Memini’s Manuscript, so you can’t be completely hopeless!”
“Damned by faint praise.”
“But it wasn’t faint, Arkyn, was it? They gave you the manuscript. What an honour is that!”
Arkyn groused, “Not them, idiot, your comment!”
“I’m your brother; does that mean I’m meant to be complimentary?”
“No, thank Alcis, because that would work both ways.”
The door opened, and Kadeem entered. In answer to a raised eyebrow from Arkyn, he enquired,
“Would you like a hot drink, Your Highness?”
Arkyn smiled. “I think I would. Tain?”
Tain nodded. “Please, Kadeem. If it’s not too much trouble.”
“No trouble at all, Your Highness,” replied Kadeem with a smile.
“What’s it like, having a manservant?” asked Tain once he’d gone.
“Not so different to Maria looking after you. No, I suppose that’s wrong. It is different but nothing I can put into words. Kadeem’s more philosophical than Maria ever is for a start.”
Tain laughed. “Yes, I’ve noticed.”
“What have you been up to today?”
“The same as ever. I like Judge Tancred but Advisor Spellen’s very different to Ewall.”
Arkyn raised his eyebrows slightly. “Yes, isn’t he? Not quite so laid back, and that’s saying something. Ewall wasn’t informal by any means. Spellen knows his stuff though.”
Tain sighed. “Why can’t we have an easy life?”
“They don’t exist.”
Tain bit at his lip. “Can’t we run away from it all? I’m actually scared of the law. I shouldn’t be, but I am.”
Arkyn shook his head. “It’s not the law. You fear the unknown, like me. I suppose we’ve both got to get to know it.”
Tain went quiet and gazed out the window once more. After a couple of minutes, he murmured, “For what it’s worth, I think she’d have been proud of you.”
Arkyn smiled sadly. “She’d certainly have been proud of you. I suppose we have to try to be the men she always hoped we would be.”
Tain nodded but, before he could reply, Kadeem had re-entered with two steaming beakers of milk and honey and some biscuits to dunk in them.
The brothers moved over to near the fireplace. The warmth of the drink combined with the fire meant it wasn’t long before both Arkyn and Tain were yawning. Tain fell asleep.
Arkyn watched him fondly. “I’ll be with you in a minute, Kadeem; I’ll just get Prince Tain to go to bed.”
“Allow me, sir, it would be a shame to wake His Highness.”
Arkyn opened the door to the night nursery as Kadeem carried Tain in. Quietly he drew back the covers so that Kadeem could put Tain down and was touched by how carefully his manservant tucked his brother in.
* * *
Once in his own bedchamber, Arkyn said, “I haven’t helped my brother’s fears tonight.”
Kadeem passed the Prince a night-tunic. “I’m sure you have, sir.”
“I’m not. He fears the future so much.”
“It’s understandable, sir, and, if you’ll forgive me, you have also feared the future over recent years – even in a small measure still do. Is it, therefore, unusual that His Highness also worries about it?”
“Do you mean that if I hide my feelings, he’d be less anxious?”
“No, sir, I didn’t mean it like that. I was trying to say that, as brothers, Your Highnesses are likely to share certain traits,” explained Kadeem.
“I suppose that’s logical,” admitted Arkyn. “Do you think Prince Tain will ever become reconciled to what his life will be?”
“Over time most people become reconciled to their lives, sir. I’m sure His Highness will be no different. It is primarily a case of having the support of those around us which helps. Can I get you anything else, sir?”
Arkyn sighed. “No, thank you, Kadeem.”
“Then may your dreams be pleasant, Your Highness.”
Chapter 28
SLOW DEATH
Pentadai, Week 4 – 26th Cearal, 5th Middis 1212
Anapara – Raven Hills – Black Hills House
SCANLON PACED AROUND HIS STUDY at Black Hills, frowning so deeply that no-one dared stay in the room with him. Events at the Palace went beyond belief. If the man responsible wasn’t before him soon, there would be more repercussions.
Two hours later, a tentative knock at the door revealed three of his household and between two of them another man.
Scanlon simply snapped at that man, “Well?”
“Nothing of interest, Greatness.”
Scanlon drew himself up; his tone cold, hard and sneering. “No. I know that. I have already been told that. I have already been told what happened; what a complete and utter bloody mess you made of things. I told you to search the lockers! I didn’t tell you to destroy the locker room or the captain’s office. I didn’t tell you to make it so obvious that the King had to be involved. Who were the two men with you?”
The man, swallowing, named them. Lord Scanlon never wanted the names of people who did the jobs he needed.
Scanlon sneered. “One was your son? Your only son?”
“Yes, Greatness,” replied the man, barely audible.
“You shall watch as he is executed for the fiasco. You needn’t plead, it has no effect. Bantling, make it slow and painful. I’ll watch. Then castrate the other two. If they don’t have the balls to do a job well, then they won’t have balls for anything else. I will not tolerate stupidity and lies!”
It was cold hearted and level toned. Only a fool would have tried to reason with him. Bantling bowed as Scanlon turned away. He’d never witnessed such a rage before.
The father of the condemned was carried out; Bantling also left, though someone would have to calm down Lord Scanlon. Random executions wouldn’t help, but nothing would talk Lord Scanlon out of this one. It would have to happen and remain as private as possible. There was no doubt word would escape, and a healthy fear of Lord Scanlon was wise. He didn’t forget and he didn’t forgive, and anyone messing up his plans would suffer. Bantling made sure the cellarer knew what had to be done and left. He didn’t like Lord Scanlon’s methods, but it was far too late for him to escape. If he left, he would immediately be hunted and found – there’d be no escape from the scryers. A slow death wouldn’t cover what he would suffer for running away. He couldn’t escape, couldn’t run, couldn’t hide. Lord Scanlon got absolute loyalty or people were tortured. If he, Bantling, were to kill himself, that wouldn’t make any difference. Lord Scanlon would make his family suffer. He shivered, remembering the tone Lord Scanlon had used; he didn’t care about anyone or anything, but he got what he wanted. There wouldn’t be another disaster for a long time. Great Alcis, he had to hope there wouldn’t be. Suborning people into becoming traitors wasn’t easy. Blackmail and threats didn’t always work. Every man was different, and every approach had to be devised carefully. Then there was the other scheme that the Justiciar had brewing. Getting a man of the right calibre for that one would be difficult and challenging. He didn’t have long, and Lord Scanlon knew he hadn’t found anyone yet. Then there was the information the Justiciar wanted. It was getting dangerous. He had to complete both or find out what it was like to suffer one of Lord Scanlon’s more inventive punishments.
Chapter 29
INSPECTION AND GUARDING
Imperadai, Week 5 – 4th Tradal, 11th Middis 1212
Administrative Quarter – Barracks
GENERAL PATURN AND MAJOR WYNFELD met Prince Arkyn at the gates of the barracks hoping the inspection would go well. Once the initial pleasantries were over, they walked through the barracks passing several men, all smartly turned out with clean jupons or tabards, polished greaves and breastplates; so, when they passed a raggedy and ill-dressed man who saluted, Arkyn raised an eyebrow at Wynfeld.
“One of the intelligence regiment, sir, going out on duty.”
Arkyn stopped and jerking his head at the soldier summoned him. “What character are you meant to be assuming?”
“Dock worker, Your Highness.”
“Then next time, grab your cap from your head; only a soldier or guard salutes. If you’re dressed in character, be that character. Also, you’ve no river mud on your boots and no knife in your belt. Your belt would be better to be old rope than that fine leather. A few pointers that might keep you alive.”
The soldier swallowed. His eyes flicked to the Major’s blank face then back to Arkyn. “Thank you, sir. I’ll sort it.”
As they carried on down the corridor, Wynfeld remarked, “He was also wearing a signet ring.”
“I thought I’d said enough, Major. Was that set up?”
“No, sir. I’ll make sure they’re not that lax again.”
“Good. General, I think we’ll start in the training yard. What training is taking place today?”
Paturn inclined his head slightly. “Hand to hand combat, Your Highness. Men of the training regiment against another regiment.”
Arkyn surveyed the sanded training yard with interest. The Major motioned to Captain Edmonds, who gave the order to halt, before shouting the men to attention. It took them several moments to adjust to Arkyn’s presence. When they did, the salutes were exact.
Arkyn nodded in thanks. “I shouldn’t stop your training. Please, carry on.”
Edmonds saluted and gave the order to continue. Arkyn’s sharp eyes swept across the men and eyed their skill with scepticism.
He turned to the Major. “Which half are the training regiment?”
“Those with the armbands, sir.”
“Hmm. I’m not convinced by their skill. Either they’re purposefully letting blows through or they need training themselves. General, is this the only training area?”
“For this, yes, Your Highness,” replied Paturn stolidly. “It holds around a hundred men. The small yard is more for officer practice.”
“Where are the stores?” enquired Arkyn.
“Other side of this yard. Between here and the parade ground, sir.”
“We’ll go there next, if we can do so without interrupting the training.”
The General hesitated. “Sir, our itinerary—”
Arkyn cut across him, “I’m inspecting the barracks, General. Surely you wouldn’t try to prevent me from seeing an area?”
The General stood straighter. “Not at all, sir.”
“Good. Then maybe you’d care to lead the way.”
At the stores, the Prince asked, “Do you have all you need, Sergeant?”
The sergeant in charge said, “Mostly, sir, if there wasn’t something to moan about, it wouldn’t be the army.”
The General glared at him, Major Wynfeld gave a polite cough but the sergeant didn’t look abashed.
Arkyn said, “Quite, there is always something; however, I’m assuming, possibly incorrectly, that you have no major concerns about the state of your stores?”
“Your Highness, you’re correct. I have no major concerns. Other than the fact the Major is now eyeing me like his new hobby.”
Arkyn chuckled. “I’m sure he can appreciate your honesty. Carry on.”
“Sir.” The sergeant saluted and watched Arkyn leave, swearing in the privacy of his head. He’d be on fatigues for a month for that slip up.
Once out of hearing, Arkyn said, “Leave the sergeant be, Wynfeld. Nerves can be many things.”
“Sir.”
“I mean that, Major. It’ll worry him far more, for a start.”
By the time Arkyn returned to the General’s office, both Paturn and the Major were wondering what the Prince’s report to the King would be. From working with his Prince in Terasia, Wynfeld knew that whatever Arkyn said or commented on during the inspection, the report would be an honest and astute summation of his views and would probably be more positive than the General currently expected.
