Now the corporal was flummoxed. Hal’s question distracted him from the orders he could barely read. He glanced at the signature and seal at the bottom and handed them back. ‘No, no one’s said anything about promotions.’
‘Probably just a couple more days,’ suggested Ty.
The drivers were all mounted up and Hal said, ‘Do me a favour. We’re new here and with all the mess at the muster points it would speed things along if a familiar face came along. What’s your name?’
‘Herbert,’ said the corporal.
‘Ride with me to the western gate and help us get this mess outside the walls.’ He pointed to the piles of manure beneath the wagons. ‘And when I get them where they’re supposed to go, I’ll be sure to mention to Captain—’
‘Bennet?’
‘Yes, Bennet, how helpful you were and ask, polite like, why you haven’t received word of the promotions yet.’
Corporal Herbert’s expression changed completely from one of suspicion to gratitude. ‘I can do that. Thank you, Sergeant!’
Hal indicated Ty should run back to the final wagon, and then told the corporal that he should get up on the other side of Jeremiah. Once everyone was ready, Jeremiah started off and the others followed.
The chaos of the morning had died down somewhat, but there were still many armed men in the streets. They came to an intersection to turn west and found a half-company of soldiers blocking the way. Herbert shouted down, ‘Corporal Soams! What’s this?’
‘Just put down a bit of a riot, Herbert. What are you about?’
‘Orders from the chancellor. We have to take this freight outside the walls. Do us a favour and help clear the way, will you?’
The second corporal shouted orders and formed up his men, clearing the way for the wagon train. They moved purposefully towards the closed western gate. Herbert stood up and shouted, ‘Soams! Have one of your lads hurry along and open the gates!’
They moved quickly through the city with the escort. As they reached the last part of the main west road, a cloaked figure leaped up onto the last wagon, startling the driver. Ty glanced over and smiled. ‘Lady Franciezka, joining us?’
For the first time since Ty had known her, she looked surprised. ‘You knew I was in Salador?’
‘I thought that was you skulking around when Hal was making his introduction to Jeremiah. With all due respect to your rank and ability to cut out my heart without flinching, you’re a very hard lady not to notice.’
Keeping the hood pulled forward, she said in the High Roldemish tongue, so the driver couldn’t understand her, ‘You’re a lot more like Jim Dasher than your father at times, you know that?’
‘I’ll take that as a compliment,’ he answered in the same language.
‘Well, Jim has spent enough time training you that it would be hard for you not to think like him.’
Ty’s expression barely held, surprise hovering.
‘There’s not a lot about Jim’s operations I don’t know,’ she said, patting his shoulder, then added with a wry expression, ‘and not a lot about mine he doesn’t know.’
‘If you say so,’ Ty offered in neutral terms. His relationship with Jim Dasher had been one of the most closely held secrets in Ty’s life. Even his father did not suspect that Ty was Jim’s agent.
‘Where are you heading?’ she asked, again speaking the King’s Tongue.
‘Darkmoor, or at least these wagons are going there. Hal and I will stop at the Fields of Albalyn.’
‘Good,’ she said.
They both fell silent as the wagons came to a halt.
The captain at the gate came over to Herbert and said, ‘What have we here, Corporal?’
‘Orders to move this from the chancellor, sir.’
‘Let’s see them.’
Hal handed over the orders to Herbert who handed them down to the captain, who looked annoyed as he said, ‘I can hardly read this scratching.’ He handed it back and looked at Hal. ‘Who are you?’
Ty and Franciezka both tensed. Hal said, ‘I’m just in from Bantree, Captain. Just promoted.’ He pointed to Herbert. ‘Someone needs to find out what happened to Herbert’s orders.’
‘What orders?’
‘Everyone’s getting a promotion,’ said Hal. ‘With all this militia … why, there might be orders coming to make you a major or even a general, I don’t know. Can we be on our way now?’
Diverting the captain’s attention with the suggestion of a promotion seemed to do the trick. He waved them along and said to his own sergeant, ‘I’m heading to the castle to speak with the knight-general. Watch things for me.’
As Hal drove past the confused-looking sergeant, he shouted down, ‘Make sure these gates are closed tight when we’re through, and don’t let anyone else out without written orders!’ He patted Herbert on the shoulder and said, ‘Better get back!’
The now-completely-won-over corporal said, ‘Thanks, Sergeant! I won’t forget this.’
Trying hard not to laugh, Jeremiah said, ‘I’m sure he won’t.’
Once the gates were closed behind them, Hal shouted to Jeremiah, ‘As much speed as these poor horses can manage, if you please.’
‘We’re going to have to rest them soon and find some grazing. Those idiots starved them for almost a day. Still, they’re good animals and will bounce back.’
‘How long?’
‘We should graze them for at least an hour, two would be better, and then we can push on after sundown for an hour or so. By tomorrow they’ll be as good as new.’
‘If Squeaky and his lads do their part, no one will be looking for us until after that, so I think it’s a safe bet.’
‘There’ll be some patrols between here and Prince Edward’s line,’ said Jeremiah.
‘I can still show orders, and if it comes to a brawl, how are your lads?’
‘Fed up to their gullets with anything to do with the Duke of Salador. They’ll fight.’
‘We’ll try to avoid that if we can,’ said Hal. ‘How do you think the wine fared?’
‘Not good,’ said Jeremiah. ‘But it’s not been especially hot. The jostling along the road’s doing it more damage, I’ll worry about how it’s holding when I get somewhere we can sell it. First thing is to get home.’
‘Yes to that,’ agreed Hal as they moved away from Salador.
An hour and a bit after dark found the wagons unhitched along the banks of a small stream that cut across the road at a well-tended ford. The water only came up to the wagons’ hubs, so it was easy enough to manage, but there was enough grass on both sides of the stream and the road that the horses could crop until full.
Hal had been surprised to find Lady Franciezka with them, but after a moment’s consideration of who she was in the scheme of things, he decided having her appear just about anywhere should come as no shock.
Hal organized the camp, set up sentries, and then came to where Ty and Franciezka were sitting near the fire. In low tones so the drivers wouldn’t overhear, Hal said, ‘Care to tell me what you were doing in Salador, my lady?’
She looked at him and said, ‘As a matter of fact I do. Let’s say that for the moment we’re allies and I need to be moving in the same direction.’
Hal was silent, then said, ‘So Roldem will either back Edward’s claim or stand apart.’ He studied her face. ‘You’re telling Edward the King of Roldem will recognize his claim,’ he stated flatly.
‘How did you arrive at that conclusion?’ she asked.
‘If Roldem was standing apart, you wouldn’t be personally carrying word. A messenger would have been sent to Oliver’s camp outside Rillanon and another would have landed in Salador, told Arthur he was there, and been given diplomatic passage to Edward.’ He sighed. ‘You’re carrying a message that Oliver and, by extension, Arthur do not wish Edward to hear.’
She was silent for a moment, then said, ‘You’re smarter than you look.’
Ty grinned.
Even without her usual go
wns and make-up, in the flickering campfire, the Lady Franciezka Sorboz was one of the most stunning women either young man had seen. They both knew she ranked far higher in the king’s court than was made public.
‘What news of Roldem?’ asked Hal.
Ty and Franciezka both knew he was asking after the Princess Stephané. ‘The royal house is in good order, now that the traitors have been unmasked. It seems our three inhuman … whatever they were, had more dupes than willing allies. A few heads were taken, but mostly it was a boring procession of apologetic nobles again pledging their loyalty to the Crown.’
‘The princes?’ asked Ty.
‘Back to their duties. Your friends are on their ships or in charge of their armies as the case warrants, and …’ She looked at Hal. ‘The princess is safely in the bosom of her family.’ Trying to make light of it, she added, ‘After all your adventures, I’m sure she misses you two rascals.’
If Hal hoped for anything more, he kept it to himself. He asked, ‘What of Jim Dasher? I’m surprised you didn’t just get a message to him and let him tell Edward about Roldem’s position.’
‘I would if I knew how to find him,’ she said. ‘But I have no idea where he is, so it fell to me to bring word to the prince. I was doing fine, but stayed one day too long in Salador. So instead of being at some inn along this highway, ready to see Prince Edward, I found myself in a city under martial law conspiring to find a way out.’
‘Well, luck smiled on us all,’ said Ty.
‘Clever lad,’ said Franciezka. Looking at Hal, she added, ‘If you ever decide being a duke isn’t enough excitement, I think Jim could turn you into a fair agent.’
‘Somehow I doubt it’s fun all the time.’
‘It’s never “fun”,’ she answered, ‘but sometimes it is entertaining.’
‘Still,’ said Hal, ‘too many people got a good enough look at us to ever try anything like that in Salador again.’
‘As I said, smart lad.’
‘We should reach Albalyn in three days,’ said Hal.
‘Good,’ said Franciezka. ‘I’m going to turn in under one of those wagons. Anyone have an extra blanket?’
‘Let me go see,’ said Ty.
When they were alone, Franciezka said, ‘For your ears alone, Hal. I am sorry for the loss of your father.’
He nodded. News of his father’s death hadn’t reached him until after he left Roldem with Ty to safely smuggle the Princess Stephané and her companion, the Lady Gabriella, to Rillanon.
‘As a duke of the Kingdom, you rank high enough to carry this message to Edward. King Carole will recognize Edward’s claim and reject Oliver’s. His majesty fears that with Oliver on the throne, his ties to the Eastern Kingdoms put the Duchy of Olasko at risk, and more, pose a threat to Roldem.’
‘What concessions does the king desire?’ asked Hal.
She paused and smiled. ‘As I said, you’re smarter than you look. At least one state marriage between Roldem and the Isles; two would be better. Prince Grandprey is the only brother not currently wed, so that would mean he needs to find a highly placed duke’s daughter, and Stephané needs to be wed to an equally high-ranked duke.’
Hal hid his pain on hearing that. He might be a duke, but even if Crydee was still in the possession of the Kingdom, by eastern standards he would be a rural noble, one only noteworthy due to a distant blood-tie to the Crown. Without a duchy he was a duke in name only and would rank lower than many eastern earls and even a few barons in terms of political power and wealth. He swallowed his bitterness; all he could say was, ‘Well, assuming there are any dukes left alive without wives, I’m sure Edward will give his blessing. What else?’
‘Nothing else. Both kingdoms are too scarred from the mauling Lord John Worthington and his twins in Kesh and the Isles inflicted to have much left to give in land or property. Besides, the marriage of two royals to Isles nobility sends a strong message to Kesh and the Eastern Kingdoms that no one can attack either nation without response from both. That, in itself in these times, is ample. Now, I’m for sleep. I suggest you do as well. We’re not safe until we see Edward’s camp ahead and no one behind.’
Hal nodded. Ty returned with a blanket from one of the wagons and gave it to Franciezka.
They watched her go, and then Ty said, ‘Which watch?’
‘I’ll take first,’ said Hal. Ty didn’t argue and turned in, leaving Hal alone by the fire. As hard as he tried, he could not take his mind off Stephané. The thought of her wedding another left him with a terrible, sinking feeling in his stomach.
Two days later, they could see the banners of Edward’s camp on the ridge ahead. Hal stood up to see better and when he sat back down, said, ‘Every banner of every lord in the west is flying. A few from the east, too, from what I see of the colours.’ He indicated a cluster of banners near the side of the road. ‘I see Malac’s Cross, Durrony’s Vale, and a couple I don’t recognize.’
Hal paused as they came a little more into view and said, ‘Timons …’ He stopped. ‘Now I see why Salador is moving against Silden. If Timons has already declared for Edward, Arthur faces potential attack from three sides.’ He was quiet for a moment. Then he said, ‘Damn.’
‘What?’
‘Edward has enough strength of arms to win if he seizes the moment, but he doesn’t have enough votes in the Congress.’
‘Seems to me if he wins the war, who votes for what doesn’t matter.’
‘Maybe,’ said Hal and he fell silent.
They reached a checkpoint and Hal jumped down from the lead wagon. He and Ty had disposed of the tunics and tabards the day before, so now they resembled swords for hire again. A sergeant wearing the livery of Krondor, a dark-blue tabard showing an eagle over a mountain top, held up his hand. ‘What’s this?’
Hal donned his ducal signet. ‘I need to speak with Prince Edward.’
‘You do, do you?’ began the sergeant, a burly man with a suspicious eye.
Hal held out his hand. ‘I’m Henry, Duke of Crydee.’
Upon seeing the ring, the sergeant’s attitude changed at once.
Hearing the title, Jeremiah looked down from his driver’s seat with wide eyes.
Hal smiled and said, ‘Safe journey home.’
‘Yes … your grace.’
‘Let these wagons through. They’re heading home for Darkmoor.’
‘Yes, your grace,’ said the sergeant. ‘I’ll send word to his highness.’
Hal beckoned for Lady Franciezka and Ty to come with him and followed the sergeant while a private sprinted up the hill to the prince’s pavilion.
Moments later, they were standing before the massive pavilion, where a grey-haired man wearing a simple soldier’s tabard of Krondor waited. Hal knelt. ‘Majesty.’
The older man put his hands on Hal’s shoulders and raised him gently. ‘Not yet, my young friend.’
‘Lord James sent me,’ said Hal and then he introduced his companions. ‘Lady Franciezka brings a message from King Carole, and I think it’s a welcome one.’
‘Good,’ said Edward, his blue eyes taking in the beautiful noblewoman from Roldem. ‘Your reputation does not do you justice, my lady,’ he said, extending his hand to lead her inside the pavilion. ‘Lord Henry,’ he said, ‘there is someone here who will be most glad to see you.’
Inside the tent Hal saw a collection of nobles, men of rank from every quarter of the west and a few from the east, gathered around a massive table on which rested a battle map of the region. Nearby one familiar face lit up in delight at seeing Hal.
Martin took one step to reach his brother and embrace him. ‘You’re alive!’
‘As are you,’ said Hal with a laugh. ‘When did you get here?’
‘A few days ago, with tidings from the Grey Towers.’
‘You two catch up later,’ said the prince. ‘We have much to speak of, but first …’ To the assembled nobility, he said, ‘Gentlemen, Lady Franciezka Sorboz, envoy of Roldem.’
; Lady Franciezka curtseyed then said, ‘My king sends you greetings, Prince Edward, but as a brother king. He recognizes your claim and will support you in any way Roldem can, short of armed intervention.’
Edward smiled. ‘As long as he’s not sending a similar message to Oliver, we welcome his support.’
An uncomfortable laugh greeted the remark, but Franciezka said, ‘No such duplicity … this time, your majesty.’
‘Highness will do,’ said Edward. ‘I’m uncomfortable with claiming the mantle; I’ll wait until the Congress of Lords bestows it.’ He looked at the map. ‘If Carole does nothing more than move a few ships around to make Oliver think twice about sailing his army to the mainland, that would suit us fair.’
‘Highness,’ said Hal.
‘Yes, Duke Henry?’
‘Salador moves against Silden.’
‘What?’ said one of the other nobles, while muttering erupted all around.
Hal walked over to the map and pointed. ‘Bas-Tyra sends this,’ and he handed him the letter given to him by Captain Reddic. ‘Chadwick of Ran has moved to join with Oliver.
‘Arthur of Salador fears a pincer movement from Timons, Durrony’s Vale and Malac’s Cross, so he moves against Silden to clear the road. I suggest Oliver wants to land his army at Silden before Bas-Tyra can march, move to take Malac’s Cross, then come at you here from the north.’
The prince studied the map. ‘Fair assessment.’
Martin motioned to Hal that he wanted to speak, so while the prince and his advisors considered the significance of the King of Roldem’s message, and Bas-Tyra’s pledge, Hal moved to the door and the two stepped outside.
‘What news?’ asked Hal. ‘Brendan?’
‘Well enough, last time I saw him. But I sent him off on an errand.’
‘Where?’
‘Sorcerer’s Isle.’
Hal’s eyes widened. ‘Why?’
‘Because we’re going to need magicians, a lot of them: there are things happening in the west that make this war here trivial.’
Hal didn’t wish to know what his brother meant by that, but he stood and listened while Martin spoke of the Star Elves and their troubles. When Martin had finished, Hal suspected he was right, and that what was happening in the west would determine if this coming conflict between Edward and Oliver had any significance at all.