Treason, page 6
part #1 of Treason and Truth Series
“It’s not a problem, Your Majesty,” replied Landis, evaluating his friend’s state and concluding it was better than expected. “What can I do for you?”
“Nothing serious. Apparently, I’ve acquired young Will Kadeem as a footman. Do you think he would cope as Arkyn’s manservant?”
“Yes. William’s trained him, but he has no experience of managing other servants.”
“Understood. I’ll have another talk with him and one with Arkyn. Thank you.”
“Is that all, Sire?” Formality was all very well to hide behind but it never fooled him.
Adeone noticed his friend’s concern. “Fancy setting the world to rights? I’m in need of a fellow reprobate because if Simkins finds out this was even vaguely work related, he’ll accidentally let the doc know.”
“Then I am, as always, yours to command.” When Adeone frowned, he took a mental step back. “Sorry. It’s not the time for levity.”
The King passed his friend a drink and they relaxed into comfortable chairs; Adeone glanced at Landis. It was how he always thought of him, a complete enigma sitting with a glass of mellow whiskey. Well versed in the art of wielding a sword and equally well versed in portraying himself as a man of leisure.
Landis studied Adeone with shrewd grey eyes. “How are you coping? If there’s anything I or Cornelia can do, you have only to ask. We’ll miss my cousin.”
Adeone swallowed. Formal and traditional outpourings would have been wrong from Landis. The simple statement that they were there was worth all the other condolences he had received.
“Thank you, Festus. I spoke to the Steward yesterday. Ira had planned everything but the date of the funeral for me.” Tears sprang in his eyes and he took a sip of wine to cover the moment.
Listening as Adeone talked about his life with Ira, Landis knew it would take a long time for him to find healing. Eventually, the King fell silent, drained and contemplative once again.
After several moments, Landis said, “Simkins told me one Sergeant Wynfeld saved your life. He has an interesting background.”
Adeone crooked an eyebrow. “You checked him too? General Paturn must have been busy. What did you think?”
“Reliable man. Unambitious. Discreet – Sharparu didn’t realise he’d worked for Uncle Macaria. Just gets on with the job. If anything, he’s probably underutilised because Sharparu doesn’t want to lose him.”
Adeone pulled a face. “He’s not now. I’ve given him the intelligence regiment to oversee when his leave’s up.”
“What about Fitz?” asked Landis, astounded.
“He’s going to the Rex Dallin with your nearsons and can guard them in relative peace and quiet. Whenever they return to Oedran, at least I’ll know there’s a guard I trust with them.”
“Return…? How long are they going to be there for, Sire?”
Adeone swallowed. “At least until they start their duties in earnest. I can’t risk them being in Oedran and they will be safe behind the protections there. Don’t tell me it’s a bad idea.”
“It’s an excellent idea, but I didn’t think you’d do it.”
Adeone glanced at him, then away. “I don’t want to. I’d prefer them here, but I can’t let them or Ira down now.”
“It’s not just your fight, Adeone. I know you think it is but it isn’t. I’m right beside you, always have been.”
“I know and I appreciate it, but I can’t rely on anyone else—”
“Sicla, death and damnation, Sire, didn’t I swear to protect your life with my own?”
Adeone snorted. “Not quite what I meant, though I do recall the oath and, you know, you’re not meant to curse in my hearing.”
“Traditions can be changed. So, please tell me if I, as your Chief Advisor and Defender, can’t support you and make sure you’re not killed, who can?”
“Traditions can be changed,” suggested Adeone, with the first spark of mischief that he’d felt in days.
“Oh, very amusing, Sire. That’s one way of avoiding answering.”
“I know. I got it off you, my friend.” A moment later, he enquired mildly, “Why isn’t Marsh on leave? He said you pulled him back.”
Landis considered what to say. Although Adeone seemed better than he expected, he hadn’t anticipated having to address Jenner’s sacking for a few days. “When I heard about Wynfeld, Sire, I also heard about your entry into Oedran. Jenner has chosen to retire due to the circumstances.” Seeing scepticism, he added, “Fine. I gave him the options of redeployment, retirement or court martial, sir. He clearly didn’t wish for demotion or to be court-martialled.”
Adeone’s eyes narrowed. “You dismissed him.”
“Yes,” admitted Landis. “If you think I’m going to sit by and watch you be left exposed then you’re mistaken, Sire. Jenner’s actions weren’t acceptable.”
“I left him behind, Landis! I didn’t care—”
“Which is why I didn’t pursue the option of trying him for dereliction of duty, sir, though, as your Defender, I could still have done so as Jenner didn’t ensure guards were waiting for Your Majesty at the city gates. Simkins actually came to see me. It’s not just assassins that worry us, it’s accidents as well. If Pursuit had stumbled and you’d been thrown, who knows how long it would have been before you were tended. Threats don’t have to be intentional either, as Wynfeld’s actions proved. You need to be far more careful.”
Adeone examined the goblet in his hand. “I need some freedom, Festus.”
Landis pursed his lips. “I know and that’s not at issue, but rides like the one you made aren’t wise. Arkyn and Tain could have lost you as well as Ira that day. Next time there won’t be an excuse; I’m having all your stables, including the mail routes, scoured for Swiftfoots for your guards.”
Adeone, who didn’t know whether to be angry, amused or thankful, said, “That at least saves me a job. Has Jenner enough security to not be bribed?”
Landis snorted. “He has. I did check, especially as he voluntarily resigned.”
“There’s an expression about being caught between magic and the explosion that might be apt here.” Adeone let out a long breath. “Do you have any other observations about my ride and return to Oedran or have you finished berating me for the time being?”
Landis saw the mixed emotions and dullness that had returned to his friend’s eyes. “I think that’s all for now, sir. I wasn’t going to raise it at all for a time.”
“So, it’s my fault for asking?”
“Never that. A king can never be at fault.”
Adeone’s eyes narrowed again. “There are days, Landis, when I could quite cheerfully throttle you.”
Landis chuckled. “That would rather ruin the illusion of complete trust we’ve been building.”
Adeone snorted. “I can still trust you as I throttle you. I’ll consider what you’ve said, I promise. Just give me time. It wasn’t a normal day.”
“No, it certainly wasn’t. I saw Ira that morning. She specifically asked to see me.”
“Why?” enquired Adeone carefully. “I know you were close but…”
“To make sure I’d still have your back, no matter what came. I did my best to reassure her. Do you want to know what her reply was?”
“Go on.”
“Traditions can be changed,” said Landis, lips twitching.
“I’m glad she never lost her sense of humour. I’ve decided her funeral will be on Septadai. Arkyn and Tain will be there. If you think any of my nearchildren will cope with it, they are welcome to come.”
“Thank you, sir. I’ll discuss it with Cornelia. I’ve letters from the twins for all of you.”
“Give it a few days and they can see each other, certainly before the move to the Rex Dallin,” said Adeone. “Though Tain’s formed a friendship with one Calumiel Galdwin. His father’s one of your tenants.”
“Are you worried about it?”
“Not at all,” replied Adeone. “Quite pleased, in a way. It’ll be good for the boys to have different friends. The nearcousins are all close, but I can see Tain needs someone else and Arkyn certainly needs respite occasionally. He’s always kept an eye on Tain, as he did on Ella, but he shouldn’t have to.”
“Won’t it be awkward with the boys living in the Rex Dallin?”
“I’ve been thinking of seeing if Master Galdwin will let Cal join them. From my one encounter with him, I can’t imagine it’ll be easy but there could be advantages.”
“You’re asking a father to give up his son, Adeone…” pointed out Landis, troubled.
“I know and I don’t do it lightly, but I think the friendship is strong. It feels like ours did in the early days. Mutual without fear.”
“I must have been a talented actor,” said Landis pointedly.
“You faced down my father,” retorted Adeone. “That took guts.”
“Or stupidity. Just because father and he didn’t get on, didn’t mean we couldn’t.”
Adeone snorted. “Traditions can be changed. If young Master Calumiel can’t adjust, I wouldn’t force him to stay. He could visit home…” He hesitated. “I can’t see Tain suffer the loneliness I did. I know Arkyn’s there, but I don’t want their relationship to be soured by the fact they only have each other. Tain and El aren’t as close as I hoped they might be. Arkyn’s duties will start in the next couple of years…”
Landis sighed. “All right. I’ll see what I can do as well. I wouldn’t mind if you wanted the twins to be there for a short time to help them adjust.”
“Would you think me rude if I said I dread to think what state Ceardlann would be left in?”
Landis chuckled. “No, I’d think you know your nearchildren. I won’t be offended if you’d prefer them not to be there. I can understand it if you’d rather the valley remained private.”
Adeone shook his head. “It’s not that, Festus. You’re all dear to me and, although I joke, I know the twins wouldn’t destroy the house. Tain will be a justiciar one day and I can’t help thinking that he needs to mix with a wider range of people. Also, I watched him and Cal closely today. I think he’s good for Tain in a way that the twins can’t be because of our friendship and the relationships between the FitzAlcis and lords.”
Landis began to understand what Adeone was trying to say. That in Cal, Tain could have a friend that had nothing to do with the world of privilege and that, for someone who would later dispense justice, would be invaluable.
“Well, if you ever want Ceardlann’s peace overrun with mayhem and practical jokes, let me know and I’ll send the twins along, whilst enjoying a breather.”
Adeone crooked an eyebrow. “I don’t know why you sound so long-suffering, Festus. They’re your children in every way.”
“I find I have more sympathy with my father these days,” admitted Landis with a quirky grin, turning the conversation onto their own past antics.
Chapter 10
LADY AMARA
Pentadai, Week 12 – 26th Lowal, 19th Lowis 1209
Macarian House – King’s Bedchamber
THE FOLLOWING MORNING, Adeone looked up as his administrator knocked and entered. Having heard the commotion of an arrival, the King took in his administrator’s appearance.
“Should I be worried, Richardson?”
“Lady Amara wonders if Your Majesty has a moment.”
That explained the harassed look.
“Of course. Do show her in.”
“I’m in already,” replied Amara. “Thank you, Richardson. I’m sure you’ve much administrating to do.”
Adeone waited until his administrator had left before pushing himself to his feet. “You shouldn’t do it, you know.”
Amara snorted. “Does them good, Sire. Come here…”
He accepted the hug she gave him with a lump in his throat.
“Simkins said you collapsed a couple of nights ago. Why didn’t you send for me?”
“Talking to anyone was beyond me by the time I realised how bad I was, aunt. I wasn’t thinking about anything that didn’t require immediate attention. I’m sorry. I know how much you care.”
She accepted a drink from him and sat down, arranging her skirts with a precision he knew to be wary of.
Eventually she said, “The boys?”
“Coping as well as you might expect. No, that’s wrong. Better than you might expect. Tain’s found distraction in a new friend and Arkyn… Well, he’s finally talked out some of his worries. He’s devastated but coping.”
“And you?”
He eyed her sideways. “Much as you might expect, aunt. I’ll miss her every day.”
“Yes, it gets you like that.”
He studied her. “I wish you’d had more time with Uncle Ewart.”
“There’s never enough time when you love people as we do, little Adeone.” After a moment, she said, “That’s enough sentiment for now. We need to talk.”
“There was me thinking I’d escaped remonstration for now,” observed Adeone dryly.
“I didn’t say anything about remonstration, nephew. Her Grace’s passing has changed things—”
“I—”
“Don’t interrupt. It’s changed things. Are you going to marry again?”
Adeone was momentarily speechless. “Lady Amara, my wife’s funeral hasn’t even happened yet!”
“No, it hasn’t. Unfortunately, the Court, your Court is already speculating, so get used to being asked and think about your reply. Marrying for love, as we did, is a luxury and you may not be able to afford it.”
Controlling his temper, Adeone said, “I’m not discussing this. No. I’m not. I know what you’re saying but I’m not. Sicla.”
Her gaze scorched him. “Ira’s death put your life and your sons’ lives in even more peril.”
“So would remarrying. What’s more, this hypothetical wife would be in peril also.” He stopped, considered, ruminated and concluded, “In peril from whom, aunt?”
“Scanlon.”
“How?” He watched her face, her worried face. “I didn’t think you knew. I tried to keep you out of it.”
She snorted. “Haven’t you learned anything about me in all these years? That is never going to be successful. So, you can either tell me your troubles or I can discover them from others, who I must admit merely confirmed my suspicions.”
“Others being?” He sighed at her withering look. “Fine. Can’t blame me for trying to find out who is—”
“Protecting your back, defending you?”
“Landis. Of course, it would be. He’s feared you for years.”
She chuckled. “I do my best. Young Festus merely confirmed my suspicions. So, what are we going to do about it? Moving the youngsters to Ceardlann is sensible, but it doesn’t protect you.” As Adeone glanced at his desk, she frowned. “You’re not escaping this conversation, nephew.”
“I don’t want to,” he replied, quite truthfully. “A moment.” He rang for Richardson, asking for privacy until he was alone again. Sitting back down, he said, “How much do you know about Scanlon’s aims, aunt?”
“Just that he’s working to remove you and your sons.”
“I don’t want you caught in the middle.”
After a moment, she enquired, “Who said anything about the middle? I cannot sit by and let our family descend into anarchy. How do you see Scanlon now? You wouldn’t be the first king to disown family.”
Adeone hesitated. “I might not be able to forgive him his schemes, the fact he wasn’t here when father died but he’s my brother. He will always be my brother, aunt.”
“Do you have any evidence he’s trying to murder you?”
“Not direct evidence, but he’s definitely plotting. Aelia told Ira she was worried that Scanlon had lost reason a few years ago but Chapa confirmed that he’s sane. Scanlon won’t see Chapa these days and has employed his own doctor.”
“Yes, I heard about that. He’s a fool. Chapa’s good. So, what are you going to do about this little problem?”
“I’ve always admired your habit for understatement, aunt.”
“Stop prevaricating.”
“Fine.” Adeone considered. “First, I’m going to make sure my sons are safe, and Elantha, for that matter. I won’t have him use them as pawns. I’ve also appointed a new captain for the intelligence regiment. I’ve briefed him but will let him settle in before I see if I need to do more.”
“Whom have you appointed?”
“One Wynfeld. Used to work here when Ira was young—”
“Doesn’t mean he’s loyal or right for the job.”
Adeone snorted. “Shall I send him along for you to check? He cared very deeply for Ira; I could see it when they were talking. I think it will help keep him loyal to us.”
“You really can be too trusting at times. That’s your mother in you. Keep an eye on him until you’re sure.”
“Oh, I think Landis will do that. It saves a lot of awkward questions.”
“Good. Now, why haven’t you moved against Scanlon if you’re so sure he’s after your life?”
Adeone considered how to phrase it. Eventually, he said, “I do not want to plunge the empire into civil war and cause thousands of deaths. Scanlon is good at manipulating situations to his advantage. Always has been.”
“There are other options: assassination, arrest and trial—”
“Are we really going to sit here and talk about my brother, your nephew, like this?”
“Better than doing it elsewhere,” observed Amara.
“True. I won’t have him murdered, aunt. I just can’t do it. Any murder is morally outrageous and I won’t be that sort of king. I will never take a life that way. It would make me as bad as him. What’s the difference? Murder is still murder.”
“Isn’t execution murder?”
“In a manner of speaking, but generally we’re removing dangerous persons, would-be assassins—”
“Or traitors,” interrupted Amara softly. “He is plotting your overthrow, Sire. That is treason.”
“Yes. I’ve been talking with Judge Tancred over recent years about the issue. He informs me I can arrest Scanlon but unless Scanlon confesses, which he is never likely to do, then the only person who could try him would be—”
