With the reliable Bitians keeping what remained of the Empire in check, the young Kingdoms of the Elder Lands could finally devote themselves to fighting the malevolent r incursion. And thus, after years of it, the Elder Lands were consigned to even more bloodshed.
Jaron Edd, The Last War
Winter was the loudest, yet also the quietest. Lucan hadnt been told this contradicting wisdom by a hermit of the mountains or a wise scholar, but rather by his own sense of the hard season. Its winds were wild and vocal, yet its frigidity compelled silence and dreadful anticipation. Its snows, however uncommon, descended in serenity that none attempted to interrupt.
Throughout the season, farrs huddled around the warmth of their hearths, dipping into their stores; and in the case of the laboring refugees, dipping into the estates stores. Nevertheless, the winter months passed by without anything of note happening. And Lucan got to read in peace, when he was not perusing their ledgers with Thomas.
On the better days of the season, his father would force everyone out for training, making certain that they all stayed sharp. Lucan didnt mind it. After their last battle, he was more appreciative of any improvent in his skills.
By the ti spring impudently encroached on winters domain, every man in the territory was rearing to get up and do sothing. For even though days of rest and lethargy were a boon to any man, months of it resulted in a restlessness like no other.
The advent of spring was as bright as one would expect, the snows of the south lting and the hardness of the soil llowing, though it ca with the oddity of the canals water not rising as much as Lucan would have expected it. But regardless, he had other things to expect. Spring had co. Harvest would co. And the rchants would soon follow.
The warm feeling of the sun bearing down on Lucan without interruption was a welco one as he waited on his horse. His father was beside him. Hed mounted his bulldrake for the occasion. The animal was sleek, sowhat thinner than a horse, but higher, stronger, and more durable. Its scales were like purple ridges swept backwards, thick and oiled. It had two gray horns curved over its skull, which it could put to good use in battle. It was a majestic beast, that was for certain. No one, including Lucan himself, didnt wish for one.
Three of their n-at-arms accompanied them in a welcoming party. Thomas had even persuaded his father to wear sothing proper for the occasion.
They waited along the road west of the estate until they caught sight of their anticipated guests. A train of wagons snaked over a hill and down, guarded by both mounted n and others on foot. At their head, Lucan recognized Master Saltner, mounted on a steed more majestic than his own.
They were spotted by the caravan at the sa ti, and Lucan saw Master Saltner raising a hand in greeting from a distance. His father and he raised a hand in response.
The caravan advanced at a snails pace, or rather, that was what Lucan felt considering hed never traveled with such a large baggage train. Eventually, though, the caravan made it to them and ca to a halt.
Master Saltner urged his steed forward alone, until he was only a few trots away from them, then he lowered his head slightly to his father, though he didnt dismount. Sir Zesh. A pleasure to make your acquaintance at last.
The pleasure is mine, Sir Golan nodded at the rchant amicably. Welco to our estate.
My thanks, Master Saltner said. Forgive my daughter for not being able to greet you herself. I insisted that she ride in a closed carriage while we were on the road.
No harm done, his father said. You must be weary from your journey. You are welco to rest in our keep where we can break bread together.
Master Saltner readily accepted their invitation, and the caravan was led to camp outside the bailey, but their people were free to venture inside. Though a great portion of the caravan belonged to Master Saltner, a lot of lesser rchants accompanied and contributed to it. Lucan was curious about how it was arranged and decided that he would ask the rchant later. For now, he watched briefly as the small army of caravaneers began to raise their tents
The welcoming party, accompanied by Master Saltner and followed by Lilians carriage, rode into the bailey. Labor had recomnced, and n were working on the expansion. Not long ago, Sawyer had claid that he would be done within two months at the latest. After that, they would only have to wait for the mortar to dry on the foundations of the new buildings, but the workers would be free to continue their work on the canals until they were needed again.
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Lilians carriage ca to a stop before the walkway that led up to the keep. Lucan, his father, and Master Saltner stood by to receive her.
The carriages door opened and a maid descended first, curtsying to them then turning to help her mistress down, even though she didnt seem to need it.
Lilian wore a sky-blue dress with frills that complented her delicate features. She stepped down from the carriage, then curtsied properly towards his father first, A pleasure to et you Sir Zesh. His father gave her a pleasant nod. She then turned to Lucan and gave him a smaller curtsy.
Lilian, he greeted her.
Master Lucan, she smiled sweetly.
After a brief pause, his father spoke, Shall we? He gestured towards the keep and looked at Master Saltner who was throwing an eager look at their modest keep. If Lucan didnt know the man could build one twice as sizable, he wouldve thought him a well-dressed pauper.
His father led the way, with Lucan behind him and then their guests. They led them to the main hall where his father had had a sumptuous al prepared for the occasion.
Sir Golan soon seated himself at the head of the table and invited their guests to be seated on his left while Lucan took a seat to his right.
His father soon took the first bite, which was a gesture that invited everyone else to follow. Their guests dug into their al and there were a few monts of silence before his father started polite conversation.
Your caravan is cause for pride, Master Saltner. Only a skilled man can keep such an undertaking together.
You flatter , sir, Master Saltner said with a smile that stretched his hawkish features. Its only hard work and so good fortune. What is to be admired is the state of your fief. It is thriving, and that is proof of a wise and prosperous rule indeed.
His father gestured at him. Lucans contribution to this prosperity wasnt a small one.
Ah, to be at such a young age and possessed of good intellect, Master Saltner said. Im more and more reassured. He turned to Lucan. I assu with the Wildern incursion, you have seen battle too?
Yes, Lucan said, nodding with pressed lips. It was a bloody affair, but sotis we must reckon with unpleasant things to protect that which is pleasant.
Wise words, the rchant said, glancing subtly at his father. Words worthy of soone of high stature, wouldnt you say, Sir Zesh?
The implication wasnt lost on Lucan. The rchant seed eager to discuss aspirations, perhaps to ascertain if they were of the sa mind on such matters. Lucans father was silent for a mont, chewing on his at, then after so thought he said, One can only fulfill their duties with honest effort and appropriate zeal, only then might they be justly rewarded.
Might? the rchant asked softly.
Might, his fathers firm voice answered.
The al was reaching its end as they spoke and the servants' removal of their plates was all that filled the silence that followed. His father had had a pair of the baileys residents brought to the keep to help the lone servant they had in preparation, cooking, and serving.
Soon, fruits; nuts glazed with honey; and citrus juice were served on the table, thankfully keeping everyone busy.
Master Saltner seed to be deep in thought before he spoke next. Well, if one were to put great wealth atop all of that, then sir, perhaps that may lead to surer results?
Lucans father took a mont then nodded noncommittally.
Though Master Saltner continued. He seed to rearrange his thoughts and then began again, Word has it that your stay in the capital wasnt without its excitent. One might find cause for concern in such a thing, considering the Kings decree. Of course, Im only a simple rchant, uneducated in matters of court. Perhaps you could enlighten ?
Lucan's father humd, not the smooth sound of any other man, but a subtle growl that only those familiar with him knew to be of annoyance. The King has made his decree. We will abide by it, as any loyal servant ought to do. Theres nothing more to say on the matter, for his majestys word is one and all.
Master Saltner raised a drink to his lips before letting his whispered words slip out into the quiet of the hall. No trouble with his highness then?
Sir Golan sighed. Master Saltner, Im a man who prefers potent words over twists and loops. If you were to indulge my preference, you would find it appreciated.
Very well, the rchant said, his tone solidifying and his posture straightening. I must say that if you have made enmities in the capital that are above a man of much wealth but little stature such as myself, then this affair may prove disastrous for my household. For instance, if he who is to beco King after his majesty, long may he reign, was to harbor animosity towards you, then that animosity would extend to and mine once we are tied with matrimony. And that I cannot bear, forgive .
Lucans father shook his head. No such enmities were made. His highness, the crown prince by the Kings decree, is no adversary of mine; rather, he is to be my King, and when the ti cos, I shall swear fealty as any loyal vassal should. Any misapprehensions that might have muddied the waters during our last visit have been cleared for all to see.
Thank you, sir, Master Saltner said with a cordial smile, for giving peace of mind. Im certain of your honesty, for word of your honor precedes you.
Sir Golan nodded.
Well, on to more pleasant matters, shall we? The rchants jovial tone broke the chill that had seeped into the hall.
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