NOVEL NEXT 567. ‘Had you been here…’
Elsanne Eikenaar
'Fair' Anne Burton*
'Jade Eyes'
'Lord's Blood'*
Little Royal Sister*
Queen of Veer's Gulf
'Had you been here…'
Queen Elsanne's allied forces' & sworn to her territories, other local leaders
Also local minor nobles, families & characters mentioned.
After her nuptials
Late summer 195NC
Scaldingport
Grand Duke, Rik De Weer, the One-eyed Rook. (Successful tourney knight, cavalry leader & war veteran. Rik took control of the Duchy after Gust abdicated the title right after Rudd's passing, but clashed with Elsanne who stayed in Scaldingport during the summer months.)
His Grace, Earl Gust De Weer, the Raven of Dawn. (Rudd's initial heir for many years. Feared for his brawn and skill knight, respected veteran war leader and campaigner in Eplas and Jelin. Gust was given the 'Earl of Veer's Gulf' honorific title by the Queen. Critically injured by an Issir officer named Voges, Gust fell into a coma right after his wedding to Elsanne and lost his ability to move after coming out of it as he'd suffered catastrophic internal damage to his organs. He remained bedridden and seriously ill in Scaldingport, inside Blackcrow's Pilar.)
Master Jasi of Dia, the 'Lord of Whispers' (A rumored half-breed, Lorian-Cofol Eunuch. Former slave and manservant to Elsanne on Eplas. Her first Advisor and new Master of Secrets after her ascension to the throne. Held a similar post under late Prince Radin.)
Sir Roland Klaas (A royal knight. Elsanne's bodyguard. Former squire for Sir Gust.)
Sir Vim Cramer (Desert Crows cavalry wing. He took over the leadership of the Desert Crows after Gust went down. Sir Jan Reuten who had control of the unit was forced into exile by Elsanne.)
Sir Adrian Hakker (with the Young Crows of Forestfort. Rik's childhood friend.)
Damian Varenhorst. (Late Sir Varenhorst's son, another of Rik's friends.)
Solt (A former slave and a Cofol of the desert. Sir Jan's long-time squire since his days on Eplas with the Desert Crows. With Sir Jan Reuten in exile.)
Captain Giel Kugel (Commander of the Old Spears.)
Her Grace, Lady Janneke De Weer (Former Queen of Regia)
Alistair II 'De Weer' Alden, the 'Blond Crow' also the 'Black Alden'. (Held claims to both the Grand Duchy and the throne of Greater Regia through his mother and father.)
Princess Patience 'De Weer' Alden.
Niclas Fliers (Late Sergeant Fliers son.)
Hubert Boss (Chamberlain of Blackcrow's Pillar.)
Sir Mart Nootveld (1st Disciple of the Knightly Order of Tyeus. A knight priest.)
Daan Bolte (Disciple of Tyeus. Late Sir Mael Bolte's nephew.)
Robert Van Durren (with the 'Eplas Foot' at 3Roads.)
Captain Madsen. (With Robert)
Toefort
Baron Mikel De Weer (Former High Treasurer of Kaltha)
Mandel De Weer (Toefort)
Duchess Arabelle De Weer of Raoz (Deceased. Duke Gideon's wife. Killed in Rida.)
Forestfort
Baron Axel 'Mudriver' De Weer (Former Gust's squire. Legitimized bastard of late Duke Rudd. A skilled fighter.)
Lady Ellen, of Forestfort. (Well-known and wealthy former Issir prostitute. King Theun's and Duke Rudd's past mistress. Axel's mother.)
Riet Kaiser (Kaiser's daughter worked at Grand Hostel, Rudd's last mistress. Fled to Forestfort to live under Baron Axel. She was pregnant with the late Duke's final bastard and would deliver Rudd the third in the spring of 196 NC. Axel took the boy and his mother under his wing making him a De Weer of Mudriver. The first in a long line of 'Mudriver' legitimized bastards.)
Rusted
Viscount, Ard De Moss (Lord Commander of the Duchy's army. In the field. Title became official with the Queen's order.)
Gel De Moss (with the Desert Crows. Commanding the Gray Cloaks- both mounted infantry and Old Spears)
Florentine 'Flo' Madan (Rich merchant.)
Hans Kaiser (Madan's business partner, Right hand man)
Hunter's Cot
(Also included Hunter's Path, Valk's Lands and the High King's hunting grounds)
Sir Stefan De Braal (Rudd's former Shield. Stayed as the Queen's advisor and elevated to petty baron of Hunter's Cot & Hunter's Path –given the surrounding lands belonging to the Valk. A powerful family.)
Sir Mandel De Braal (Lost a finger fighting Sir Reuten during the Queen's nuptials.)
Jurian De Braal (Stefan's youngest son.)
Anne-Marie De Braal (Stefan's oldest daughter.)
Remus De Braal (Anne-Marie's son.)
Sir Beren Kuik (veteran Knight loyal to the De Braal)
Janus Boult (veteran man-at-arms paid by the De Braal)
Stef Valk (His family stayed at Hunter's Path settlement with special permission from late High King Theun. Veteran Ranger. Executed for treason by Lord Rudd.)
Sir Rinus Valk (With Lord Anker Est Ravn beyond the Red Bridge.)
Loes Valk (Rinus daughter, former maiden of honor to Queen Elsanne. Prince Radin's 3rd spouse. Traveling with the Khan to Rida.)
Demeter Valk (Hunter. Executed for unknown reasons by Lord Rudd.)
Michel Valk (Hunter's Path. A carpenter. Stef's cousin.)
Dorothy Valk (Michel's young daughter. Saved by Gust who ordered Sir Beren Kuik to stand down. Rudd had ordered the Valk wiped out.)
Fort Tail
Hendrik de Jagger (with Jagger's rangers at Rusted)
Lode de Jagger (with the Desert Crows)
Fort Tongue
Mitch De Jaeger (with Jaeger's Rangers at Rusted. The Jaggers were a cadet branch of the Jaegers.)
Castalor
Duke Basten Van Oord (In Colle to inspect the damage to the town.)
Duchess Leonie De Weer (Castalor)
Sir Walter Van Oord (Lord Commander of the duchy's forces. Severely injured during the summer of 195NC. Returned to Castalor to recuperate near his mother.)
Lady Marleen (with the retreating Horselords)
Vice Admiral Faber (Visiting Deadmen's Watch and then Colle.)
Lieutenant Luke Faber (Duke Van Oord's adjutant. At Scaldingport.)
Desmond Boss (with his 'Winch Crossbows' mercenary company at 3Roads.)
Mikel Boss (Killed during Dhin-Awal's attack in late winter of 195 NC)
Wilhelm Struder (Killed during the battle at 3Roads. Ricard Struder his heir, released the control of 'Struder mercenary Company' to Christiana as compensation & wedding gift –the Struder kept paying their salaries- and she attached the men to Robert's 'Eplas Foot'.)
Captain Mads Struder (with 'Mads' Company attached to the Desert Crows.)
Lady Cristiana Struder (Robert's wife. At 3Roads.)
Deadmen's Watch
Lord Erland Van Oord (former Kaltha's Lord of Justice)
Albert Schalk (ex-Governor, killed by Lord Putra's forces)
Dell Schalk (Commander of allied Marine landing force.)
Colle
Baron Sigurd Bach (in Colle, former Master of Silence. A priest of Oras.)
Katers (A priest of Oras. Sigurd's Liaison in Elsanne's court.)
Floris Bach (Former Governor of Colle. Deceased. Married to Lissane Reuten, Sir Jan Reuten's oldest sister.)
Mayor Ron Bach (Late Floris' heir was Rudd's bastard with Lissane Reuten. Executed by Elsanne.)
Sir Teun Bach (A knight of the Royal Guard. Rudd's bastard.)
Lady Mona Bach (Floris' younger daughter)
Lady Petra Bach (Sigurd's cousin. Stans Reuten's wife)
Sir Stans Reuten (Sir Jan's father. The veteran knight was with the surviving Colle guards & rebels. Killed during the campaign to recapture Colle.)
Lady Lissane Reuten (Floris' widow. Jan's older sister. Exiled from Kaltha by Elsanne.)
Femke Reuten (Died of the 'White Fever' around 194)
Sonja Reuten (both girls were Sir Stans youngest twin daughters with Lady Petra Bach, Sigurd's cousin. Married in Castalor.)
-
21st of eighth month of the year 195 NC
Blackcrow's Pilar
Grand Duchy of Scaldingport
Queen Elsanne in council
Stefan De Braal's face, marked by wrinkles and the heavy wear of time, maintained its sharp, critical look as Mikel De Weer, the Baron of Toefort and Elsanne's financial consultant, explained the complexities of managing two distinct economies. The untaxed modest profits of Cameltoe Peninsula and the Pirate Reefs on Eplas –which Elsanne directly controlled, and the structured higher-ceiling taxed riches of two duchies drown in bureaucracy and a divided as much as unwilling to risk their lives for more war, civilian population.
'It has gone on', as Mikel had put it earlier –a cultured version of his now late older kin- in his speech, 'for far too long, your grace.'
The war, was his meaning.
"So the duke of Castalor, politely asks the Queen for a year to restore some of Colle's capabilities and repair our ability to supply the armies beyond the 3Roads," Mikel finished, the bald spot on his head shining with sweat and sat down.
"Lieutenant Faber," Elsanne said, staring at the young Issir naval officer and Duke Van Oord's adjutant. "Have I not placed Colle's Barony under Castalor? Baron Sigurd signed the papers in front of witnesses and swore an oath that pleased Castalor a lot, I believe."
"You did, your grace," Luke Faber replied rising from his chair. "The Duke merely attempted to caution against a move against the capital too soon in his letter, for fear we might overextend ourselves."
"We are in Kaltha," Elsanne argued. "How can we not supply an army across North Greenforest? And this is an opportunity. Jaw Castle is still held by Holsman and Verner and Timor's army was last seen moving towards Eagleport. Baron Stefan?" She probed to butter up the old Shield and he nodded adding with a curt rustle.
"Timor retreated and the Khan's ship left the port, your Excellency. The road is open."
Ah, old and trustworthy Stefan. Rudd's people were worth their salt.
In this Gust had been a bit too cautious.
"The Khan left," Elsanne repeated knowingly and paused for the slow-moving Hubert Boss to refill her cup with cold tea before continuing. "Back to Eplas. Lord Anker won the war, but that doesn't mean he should be allowed to enter the capital first."
"General Pourem controls the city," Sir Adrian Hakker said abruptly, Rik's man in the Council, and Elsanne sipped some of the tea in silence and signed for Hubert to add some honey to it. It annoyed her that Rik opted to not be present when she was and the familiarity his friends were keen in her presence. "My Queen, the Horselords will defend it," the knight added sensing he had gone too far.
"I thought you forgot your manners, Sir Adrian," Elsanne scolded him in a friendly voice. "Still, even if they do, what good will it do them? We smacked them repeatedly and even when they succeed they are forced to abandon their gains. They are cut off on foreign land and control a hostile city."
"The city is gutted, most of the refugees have joined Lord Anker or flooded Castalor, you grace," Sir Adrian insisted. "Without the Khan present, a good general could muster a defense. He has nothing to worry about from Lord Anker with a big river in between them and we must—"
"Enough Sir Adrian," Elsanne cut him off. "If the good Duke wishes to argue with us, he can do it outside of session in relative privacy. We are family," she added with a smile and several of the men present nodded in understanding. Sir Adrian seemed willing to argue the point, but eventually gave up and returned to his seat.
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Good.
"How good is this Pourem?" Elsanne asked an hour after most of the officials had departed, the oppressive atmosphere of the large tower souring her mood. At least the old thick walls kept the heat away somewhat.
"General Birka's of Dia Castle, right hand man," Jasi replied waving Katelyn away. "Born in Sadofort, had made a name of himself as a mercenary, leading caravans through the desert and fighting rebel Horselords in his youth. Birka hired him to lead his mercenaries and he did a great job organizing the units for him."
"I don't remember him from Dia," Elsanne pointed out.
"Pourem was recruiting men in Sadofort during that time. He's a workaholic and not easily deterred," Jasi replied. "It depends I suppose. Shortly after Prince Atpa arrived there they had to leave for Merchant's Triage, but we missed him during the campaign. I think the Khan asked for Pourem specifically to join the reserve force officers' core. It's a praise on his skill. He's well regarded."
"A mercenary general."
"A Vizier now apparently. Sam Phanti gave him the title. A pill of death masqueraded as reward," Jasi elucidated. "But he's capable. Already fought against Merenda and was at the initial landings at Colle. Mutobo's marines and the horse leader Timor are with him. Both are experienced, but Pourem is the most known entity."
"Can we buy him off?" Elsanne asked indifferently.
"Phanti made him the Lord of Issir's Eagle in a sense. If he wins, Pourem gets to keep it," Jasi explained further. "A poison pill."
"He'll fight."
"Probably. Jade Eyes shouldn't worry herself with him," Jasi continued. "He can't survive without reinforcements. It all depends on how well is the Khan and if he isn't who is running the show now. This might be difficult to predict with the Prince heir being so young after Atpa has been pushed aside. If it's Phanti, then this might be a future problem. The first advisor was instrumental in organizing the campaign, along with Tahu-Nefer and Osase. With the late Besa Nafi, they were running the day-to-day decisions for the Khan, but Phanti holds the more power."
Curse you Phanti.
"Vynia's son will be the next Khan," Elsanne said and stood up to walk near the eunuch.
"Radin got his wish in a sense," Jasi replied and watched her face with penciled eyes.
"In a sense?" Elsanne asked with a frown.
"Atpa is a nasty adversary mistress. A snake hidden in the grass is more dangerous when it stands slighted," Jasi elucidated and she nodded absentmindedly. "Any word from the Zilan?" He asked sensing her troubled thoughts.
"Nothing yet. They operate in a very different timetable," Elsanne replied. "Very detached."
"That's one way to put it," Jasi commented and moved the army figurines on the large map opened on the table.
"I can't believe Loes bedded him," Elsanne puffed out, pressing a hand at the opening of her dress.
"Radin was sleeping with all the slave girls in Dia," Jasi replied. "It's the Eplas way."
The Queen pursed her mouth annoyed, thought of throwing a caustic retort, but the thin frame of the new Duke appeared at the entrance to the main hall and she paused to watch the sinister-looking, one-eyed Rik approach them.
"Queen Elsanne," Rik bowed sharply, with a glance at Jasi who returned his greeting with a bow of his own. "Master Jasi. A hot day for so heavy a makeup layer. Folk around here don't favor the look."
"Not every skin shines the same, your grace," Jasi replied. "Or can take the feel of leather."
Rik's eye narrowed, the Crow nobleman was clad in a fine leather and plate armour, but Jasi's taunt was directed to his black-leather eye-patch covering the scar and the old damage to his face.
"Leather suits our Duke," Elsanne intervened. "But his absence was noted earlier."
"I've been apprised, your grace," Rik replied. "Adrian told me you'll move against the capital."
"We can match what Pourem has in the field, and then some," Elsanne said and walked near the taller Duke. "Sir Adrian was very rude again. Had I known he'll turn out so naughty, I'd have favored Sir Lennox during the games. I lost a good shawl that day."
"You favored Adrian to spite Gust, your grace," Rik reminded her. "It sort of worked. Gust was disqualified."
"I never understood why."
"The hastilude's cloth fence isn't supposed to be crossed. The rules are set beforehand," Rik replied tensely. "Gust crashed through it to reach Sir Lennox and get it back. Had to pay for the damages."
"It wasn't clear to us," Elsanne retorted with a glare. "This familiarity is giving people the wrong ideas Rik."
"Adrian objected to the notion Pourem would surrender the city, my Queen," Rik deadpanned. "He wasn't being facetious."
"Pourem will be surrounded," Elsanne argued. "We will march on Eagleport and take it. Pourem will lose his courage when he see us cross Uxrid River."
"Who will lead the army?" Rik asked directly. "Sir Walter is badly injured."
"Desmond Boss. Our dear Hubert's kin."
Rik searched for the chamberlain and located Hubert napping at a corner table west of the throne. "Boss is a defensive general. He failed in all his attacks, was pushed back and then doggedly defended fixed positions. Why not Robert?"
"Robert is controversial," Elsanne replied.
"In what manner?" Rik argued not dropping the matter. "Boss will have to assault the port with the sea controlled by the Khanate's navy and the two bridges exposing his east flank. Pourem can cross Eagle's Bridge and attack him directly or loop around via Reinut's Bridge and hit his rear."
Elsanne had heard all this from the others. It was like everyone thought she was slow or unable to comprehend strategy, when she had carved a road from Eplas to Jelin with way less. While some of the minutiae might elude her since not all her time was spent war gaming with the boys, Elsanne could instinctively understand politics.
If Anker entered the capital first, then all the Black Duke's sins would be brushed under the rag.
"We'll take Granlake first," Elsanne countered.
"You'll need a second army," Rik insisted. "A third to keep an eye on the bridges. What if Pourem stands firm? It's a walled city."
Uhm.
"Pourem can't defend Eagleport. He'll fall back behind the capital's walls and then give up. It might take some posturing, but I'm the better option for him. Anker lost all his sons in this war and he'll have Pourem's head nailed on a spike afore the surrender ink dries," Elsanne replied warningly. "We went through this Rik. In your absence."
"The walls are still there, your grace."
"The north gates were destroyed and only partially rebuilt, dear Duke."
"To reach the north gates Boss has to march in front of all lot of wall and the west gates towers, fair Queen," Rick countered with a smirk, a younger Elsanne might have fallen for. "He won't risk it. Put Robert in charge."
"Forget Robert. He can guard the east bridge or stay near Granlake."
"You don't have the manpower to siege the city, nor the artillery. You can't starve Pourem out if he can use the river's delta to receive supplies and the capital's countryside, its sheer size, might make this a months-long siege."
"Your point being?" Elsanne hissed now angry with him.
"We might run out of supplies first, your grace," Rik replied.
"We could suffocate the defenders. We have ships too," Elsanne argued.
"The pirates staged a raid on Deadmen's Watch, if you challenge the Khanate's heavies in open waters, the brothers will run or get wiped out," Rik's voice had hardened. "The idea looks good only on paper, your grace."
"You'll move the army, allow Viscount Moss to march towards 3Roads. They'll join with the Castalor forces under Desmond Boss and Robert's Foot. That's almost six thousand men and we can still use the mercenaries on Granlake to control the lake and free up more troops," Elsanne paused seeing Rik shaking his head. "I understand you wanted your sister to have Forestfort, but Axel was the right choice. Her kids are not yours Rik and you might thank me in the future. You can still get married."
"We have very different views on family, your grace," Rik replied acerbically. "But this is still a military matter. The supplies move two or three times slower than the army, especially with heavy weapons dragged behind."
"Axel is sending us two hundred horses from Forestfort. Put them to good use. And has raised almost six hundred soldiers already," Elsanne informed him.
"They'll never be ready in time and we've got enough animals to feed already. Only the one road though and the summer season is melting away. You'll burn a season's harvest for the siege and pray it won't last more than that because the citizens don't like getting hungry. Ask Castalor or Colle. And why is Axel not training more cavalry? Forestfort has the best stables in the whole Duchy!"
"Enough with the questions. They are too expensive. His soldiers will suffice," Elsanne retorted angrily. "And I can hear you just fine Rik."
"I beg yer pardon, your grace. Still, allow me insight into your thoughts. Against who?" Rik said guardedly after he stood back with a grimace. "If it's for Merenda, the legion will roll over them. He can field twenty year veterans, has a firm hold on supplies through his relations with the locals and has even married the Baron's daughter to avoid sleeping in camp is the word."
"Whatever. I want him gone, but can't have them marching through our lands and not see some troops defending them."
Rik sighed deeply and stared at Jasi who was still moving the painted figurines with the small flags and crests on the map. He frowned and moved near the eunuch to see what he was doing better.
"That's…" Rik gulped down and returned his eye on the pouting Queen. "…a spearfish."
"Is it?" Elsanne queried innocently. "I don't like fish, have barely any knowledge on them."
"The other army," Rik murmured and run his hand over his combed back hair. "You didn't contact Charles… you did," he said and walked towards the old throne. It was his, but with the Queen present and using it, Rik had been forced to stand aside. I mean he could have attended still, but he was too prideful to fully accept she now stood over him. They all liked her as a young bride, to bed and rule over, but as their Queen, only Gust was man enough not to feel intimidated.
"The Van Durren situation took a strange turn," Elsanne said in a reconciliatory manner. "Traditionally the blame lays with the Van Calcar who always make a mess of things, but this calamity may still turn to our advantage. If we alleviate Charles arguments with Robert, then we'll have an army to use."
"You gave Colle to Van Oord, what did Charles asked for?"
"We are still discussing the matter," Elsanne replied. "Robert shall return to Badum and Charles can have the marshes to Eagle's Nest. Riverdor controls two of the Shrines effectively. Logic dictates… and history for that matter that we need Riverdor."
"More than Badum. Good grief. Gust would have stopped you," Rik said pursing his mouth.
"I'm looking to help Robert out, as much as it is possible," Elsanne retorted. "And if Gust was here, he'd have taken the army to the capital without any fear or delay."
Elsanne stormed her quarters half an hour later, closely followed by Sir Klaas, while Jasi remained behind to go through their plans with the glowering Duke Rik and smooth things over. This family is so difficult to please, she thought frustrated and plopped down on an Eplas-style round couch with big pillows she had installed.
Katelyn entered offering a brief smile to the silent Sir Klaas and brought a carafe of orange juice from the kitchen for her. Elsanne was on a diet to get her weight under control. A crow came to land on her open window and examined the room with black beady eyes for anything of interest. It didn't stay long though and with a curse the crow flew away.
"How is our boy?" Elsanne asked Katelyn and the Issir maid chuckled before replying.
"The little prince is sleeping, your grace."
"Um, you aired the room?" Reinut had fouled his bed two days in a row due to a summer cold.
"Everything was changed," Katelyn reassured her.
"I'll go see him," Elsanne said and her maid nodded briefly. "The Dottore left?"
She was speaking of Gust. Her husband's room was next to little Reinut's.
"It's an hour since," Katelyn replied.
"Time flies. Trying to get them to do what's right is not easy," Elsanne told her with a glance at the stoic Sir Klaas standing by her door.
"More fool them, your grace," came the maid's reply.
"Aye," Elsanne murmured and heard Jasi enter, the eunuch's brightly-colored red and yellow robes bringing some fanfare into Blackcrow's Pilar dull quarters.
"He's having a meal," Jasi informed her.
"Did he say anything after I left?"
"Not to me. De Braal came with Sir Hakker and his boys Mandel and Jurian."
"What did they talk about?" Elsanne queried.
"Logistics."
"I can't. We'll use the repaired wagons and the mercenaries…" she paused. "Anyone spoke with Wyncall?"
"His tongue took the rot and had to cut it right off again," Jasi explained. "So he only writes brief messages. Martel can talk, but can't walk and uses a looted chariot to move about."
"Eh, can they take Granlake so I can free up Robert?" Elsanne asked with a grimace.
"Moving them costs more than moving Robert's men," Jasi informed her.
"Aye, but they are fast and effective, also completely neutral," Elsanne argued. "I need Robert to move down the King's Forest towards Eagles Nest. Force Merenda to retreat and go back to Regia."
"You want Charles to use Meertje."
She nodded. "But he wants the way cleared."
"Not very eager to please Jade Eyes is this Duke. Another one," Jasi noted. "You had better success with knights and princes."
"Jasi," Elsanne warned the eunuch. "Charles has the numbers and the gravitas to end the war for us."
"Taking Issir's Eagle will do it," Jasi pointed out. "Anker seems unable to regroup for another attack across Chinos River."
"Lost too many men," Elsanne said. "Despite having Uher's Light at his disposal."
"No word on the alchemists yet," Jasi informed her and the young Queen puffed out too tired to continue. "You don't have to do this every day."
CAW! A crow croaked outside her window and soon others followed.
"I can't hesitate, less so cower," Elsanne told him, feeling the ache return to her stomach. "He never did."
Despite the open windows, small as they were, Gust's bedroom smelled of sickness and medicine. But for the armor stands and the shields on the walls, no other decoration adorned the large bedchamber. A small balcony gave the room's occupant a view of the city of Scaldingport, boiling under the summer's heat. The winds coming from the Scalding Sea bringing the heatwave up Patience Plateau and even the massive granite tower. Even the crows kept their travels to a bare minimum, opting to fly back and forth during the night hours. Wherever the black birds went when they were missing.
Gust couldn't use the balcony and he hadn't moved from his bed for many weeks now. Months. He mostly slept, drenched in sweat and feverish in the company of the Raven. The large bird had nested on a corner table, under the austere altar to Tyeus and the incense candles burning there.
Despite the soft breeze ventilating the third floor room, the air was suffocating.
"Had you been here with me," Elsanne said hoarsely holding the still man's large hand with hers. "Everything would be so much easier. You never had to talk much to get your point across, even if some people misunderstood it initially. I can't prove Antoon had no other son and I can't win a bigger battle than Lord Anker. People shall always be guarded to fully support my cause and the Khan will never capitulate to a woman. Whatever I do, must be twice or thrice more impressive than my enemies."
She placed her hand on Gust's warm skin after reaching out to feel his forehead. Katelyn had swept the man's hair back, but it had become wild and lengthy, even as the man himself had diminished due to illness. With only one functioning lung and a compromised heart, Gust was hanging onto life by a miracle or perhaps the Raven's magic. The latter was what Elsanne believed, and she cast a tearful glance at the scowling massive bird.
"Do something," she pleaded. "Bring him back to me," Bugs talons scratched the surface of the table, digging deep into the wood and its beak clacked once as if in frustration. "What you wanted I did," she continued raspingly. "Where is my reward? Is this how the Others treat those serving them?"
Bugs flapped its wings and stared at the open balcony as if contemplating whether to fly away or not. Curse you, Elsanne thought her sadness replaced with anger.
"Ash covered hooves, gory rocks and wailing ringdoves," Bugs croaked abruptly and snapped its beak towards her. "When this hint of jade moves," the bird continued in its unpleasant inhuman voice. "To the capital."
"I don't care," Elsanne hissed and made to move against the large bird that leaped from the table and walked awkwardly on scratching the tiles talons towards the balcony, only to realize that she couldn't as Gust's fist had closed around her smaller hand to trap her there.
A stunned Elsanne settled back onto the edge of the spacious bed, anticipating the man to stir once more, but it quickly dawned on her that he wouldn't. It was merely a reflexive response to either the bird or her voice, not an indication that her wounded husband was on the verge of awakening for real. Her greatest dread, naturally, was the possibility that there might come a moment when Gust would cease to move even that little.
Or breathe laboriously.
An hour later, Katelyn came to find the Queen but paused outside the door once she heard the frequently-used Queen's sniffling words and didn't move to disturb the grieving Monarch until well after she had finished.
'You are my solemn warden, my knight of all dawns.
Tonight you don't get to perish. You don't get to slip away. I forbid it!'
-
Samblar
Ah, this is a terrible place, Samblar thought pausing to catch his breath under the massive tower's thick shadow. It had taken him two back-breaking hours to navigate the long road from the port itself, up the incline of the plateau, ever surrounded by Issirs and cutthroats. Best use the words in a sentence together.
Issir cutthroats.
There.
Black-skinned like the thieving Mori-Zilan, as superstitious given they had built a city on top of what was clearly an old sacred site of the Others. He could see the many birds patrolling the skies, or sitting at the edge of rooftops and examine the humans doing their business.
Several birds noticed him strolling up the narrow cobblestone roads, despite his best efforts to remain polite and respectful. In a city that wasn't in a good mood due to the heat and recent developments. A king in the north and a Queen in the south. Pirates pretending to be nobles.
It came as no surprise to him, the Issirs had remained warlike and murderous in their ways. Well, they weren't as many Uher-fanatics in this city as was the case with their colleagues beyond Chinos River, but then again that didn't mean they weren't fanatics.
Period.
"It's late," the guard at the gates barked seeing him resting under the shade. "If you don't have business in the palace, best move along now mister."
"What palace is this?" Samblar asked a little perturbed as other than the ugly tower he couldn't perceive anything close to one.
"Eh? Are you stupid? Uh? Or could it be ye are a turncoat?" The Issir guard growled and walked towards him aggressively. "Sergeant!"
"What is it?" A man was heard from inside the tower's gates. "God damn it, I told you to be polite. The Queen is inside!"
"I was tasked to offer my services to the Queen," Samblar said quickly and tended his hand to the guard, who stared at it as if it was dipped in shit. "Officially."
"Uhm," the Issir guard grunted, eyes narrowing under the rim of his conned helm.
"I'm Samblar," he introduced himself. "I have a scroll here," Samblar went to reach inside his cloak but the guard snapped his spear forward, almost took his eye out. "Gods and Beasts!" The Zilan cried out frustrated dodging spastically. "What barbarity is this?"
"Alright Rupert, step aside," another human said, dressed in a fancier armor and rushed down the stairs of the tower. "Get that spear out of my face!" He barked when the guard span around almost decapitating him. "What's the matter wit you? You look all wound up!"
"Sergeant Fliers, sir," the guard croaked and pointed at the disheveled heavy-breathing Samblar standing up after his acrobatics. He had gotten in touch with his athletics lately. No better motivation than having a zombie hacking at you with a big blade. Aye. "Look at them ears. By the gods' grace!"
Samblar reached with a hand to fix his hair and tried to keep his long ears from stirring too much so as not to spook the nervy guard.
"Eh," Fliers said after clearing his throat. Kept working at it for a while and then spat a fat blob of phlegm down with a frown. "Fucking hell. Pardon the manners, mister…"
"Samblar," the Zilan repeated patiently. "Of Samblar & Ryfon—"
Fliers stopped him. "The other… guy, told us to expect a Dottore. Is yer other colleague with you? We have to close up the gates soon."
"I'm a merchant," Samblar retorted a little affronted, but sighed deeply and added. "I'm alone and here to perform the task. My partner is away and I had my Ostrich stolen from me in Riverdor. Alas, I had to walk from the port—"
"Right," the human cut him off. "A merchant ye claim. Of medicine?" Fliers checked on his credentials some more.
"Leather. Shoes, belts, jackets… ehem, pants and panties."
"What's that?" The guard asked a little interested.
"Well, I don't know…" Fliers murmured. "Are you any good with medicine? We have a couple of Dottori on the task already."
"Hah-ha." Samblar chuckled and then got serious seeing the two men eyeing him soberly. "Human Dottori is a common joke back home," he explained with a nervous smile.
"Right," Fliers said pursing his mouth. He gave a nod with his head. "Come inside… mister Sable."
"Samblar. The other name is a cake," the Zilan corrected him and Fliers stared at the guard sternly.
"Rupert. Search him and then get mister Samblar inside. He says another funny word, you run him through," Fliers ordered and then wiped his dark and sweaty face afore casting a final glance at the setting sun. "I'll go inform our Queen she has visitors."
Vile cutthroats and uncultured Barbarians, a miffed Samblar thought cursing Aquilan inwardly for getting him involved in yet another challenge and raised his arms after he dropped his bag down for Rupert to search him.
The things we do for our country.