----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
Lucius Alden,
‘Bloody Tiger’
Lord Lucius Aldenus the third,
Praetor Maximus,
Legatus ‘Omnis Legionis’
King Lucius III
Scorned Hearts
Part II
-Typhus-
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------
“This beauty is Placus milord and ‘blind’ Goff,” the horribly maimed Dosser said, the Ranger’s face stitched back together after he’d gotten a spiked flail scrap everything below the nose away. Not that the silent Goff stood much better with most of his hair missing and the misshapen cranium sporting a bronze plate under the sewn skin.
Lucius reached to shake both veteran men’s hands. “Regia shall remember your sacrifice gentlemen,” he told them soberly. “Know that I want you all to stay onboard as trainers.”
“Maybe until the summer milord,” Dosser replied. “Until the new recruits are fully trained. Centurion Slag is doing a good job.”
The Centurion was missing an arm –wearing a prosthetic in its place- and the other arm was barely working after the Dottore had it reattached. Lucius nodded not wanting to argue with the heroic survivors of late Kaeso’s unit. He glanced at Centurion Sorex and the former ranger –turned leader of the 3rd Legion’s slingers- shrugged his broad shoulders.
“Goff is a much better shot after that blow to the head,” Mamercus commented and Goff looked at him blankly but said nothing. Lucius wondered if the man had serious brain damage giving that some ‘bits & pieces of his brain’ were missing according to Dottore Marianus.
“You didn’t accept land in Cartagen,” Lucius noted and Mamercus grimaced.
“I’ll take the coin to buy more land in Croton sir,” he replied. “By the time I’ll retire the south coast would be too much for me likes.”
“Why Croton and not Asturia?”
“Better game, nice virgin forest and near enough to Storm Rest’s to visit the boys,” Mamercus explained. “Not much family left other than the unit.”
Lucius pursed his mouth knowing he still owed Sorex to at least find out what had happened to his brother. “Stay in the palace. I’ll have the guestrooms prepared,” he finally told them. “Mamercus I understand Marianus is on leave as well?”
“Yes sir the Dottore came along with us. If I can speak for the lads here, we’d rather stay in the city or with Mede’s grunts.” Sorex added sheepishly.
“Mede’s grunts?” Lucius asked and caught the young Cyrus Falx approaching.
“Only as a last resort milord,” Sorex elucidated. “We rather see the city.”
Lucius eyed the legionnaires sternly for a moment but it was mostly a friendly tease. “I take it you’ll stay out of trouble and venues of ill-repute then,” he told them and Dosser nodded a little too fast giving the game away.
“Your majesty,” the arriving Cyrus the second said. “Gaeta asked for an audience.”
“I just finished my meetings for the day,” Lucius replied. “I wanted to spent time with the family Cyrus. What is it about?” He asked seeing the expression on the Royal attendant’s face.
“Novesium, your majesty.” Cyrus replied. “The Consul is on his way,” he added.
“Eh,” Mamercus commented unenthusiastically. “I didn’t want to see ‘Old Oak’. Better we leg it Dosser whilst we still can.”
“Stay with Mede in the 2nd Century’s camp,” Lucius ordered them just in case and followed after Cyrus through the palace gardens.
-
3rd of Secundus (Alter) 195 NC
Late afternoon
Palace of a hundred windows
Maps Hall east of the Throne Room
Lucius glanced at the arriving Sirio Veturius. The scribe quickly found a nearby small table to deposit his scrolls and paraphernalia before taking a seat himself. His uncle had brought him along as the news had reached the Consul whilst on a visit to the Nattas villa where his nephew stayed with his wife.
“Gaeta was with Epolonius earlier,” Galio Veturius explained raspingly. “He’ll explain it further.”
“I’ll try my Lord,” the Cartagen officer replied with a grimace of discomfort and pointed the latest correspondence to the seating at the top of the larger conference table Lucius. “This is from Reganus’ office your grace. A report from Moon’s Haven and the Captain of Novesium’s guards is included. The larger second scroll is a preliminary assessment from Master Epolonius and the third, an order for Mayor Messor of Cartagen to take action waiting for your signature.”
“Who suggested this?” Lucius asked and stared at Galio.
“It is standard procedure sir,” the Consul replied. “The moment the lads in my office read Epolonius’ letter—”
“The Dottore is guessing here,” Lucius interrupted him still reading the reports. “Reganus doesn’t seem that alarmed about the incidents.”
“Your grace,” Gaeta intervened. “This is four families in the same neighborhood and sixteen cases in the refugees camp adjoined to their buildings.” He opened a map of the coastal city. “This west part had to be demolished and is near the docks. The original groups of diseased had been found near the east docks and the fields of Emerald River a week back. Most citizens had tried to seek water from the river until the repairs to the aqueduct were finished but as you can see everything points to a disease spreading from the low lands of the coast to the northern parts of the city.”
“The rains washed everything from the streets into the nearby fields and then the rivers,” Lucius murmured. “The water is undrinkable. Reganus should have gathered rainwater in the public cisterns. He had six months to do it!”
“Repairs haven’t finished yet. The richer neighborhoods to the west are self-sufficient but even they have been affected it appears.”
“How? They are not drinking foul water,” Lucius grunted and reached to read the Dottore’s assessment.
“It is not just a case of water poisoning sire.” Gaeta rustled. “Though it played its role.”
High fever and headaches, Epolonius had written in his tiny script underlining the crucial factors, discoloration of skin with black and rose colored spots even under the soles of the feet. Photophobia. Signs of encephalitis at later stages. Delirium.
“God damn lice,” Galio grunted from his spot and Sirio stopped writing to stare at the King’s table. “Broom n’ brush. Ye need to shave everything and leave dirty clothes outside. Avoid foul water.”
Lucius frowned.
“Where is Epolonius?”
“He is leaving tonight for Novesium,” Gaeta explained. “Asked for medics to escort him and an army detachment. Baron Nattas has already volunteered the ‘Reformed’ out of Moon’s Haven.”
“What in Tyeus’ spear are they?”
“Some sort of regulars sire?” Gaeta replied. “Former cutthroats or the likes?”
“What?” Lucius snapped with a glare.
“The Baron has an open invitation to get workers and manpower in Moon’s Haven. Eighty percent of those applying are usually on the run from other cities or the authorities in general.”
Lucius sighed in frustration not having the time to dwell on Storm’s shenanigans. The Baron always tip-toed the lines of the law to benefit himself but usually worked for the good of the realm. “The Dottore is sixty years old, can he tackle this problem Gaeta?”
“Mede should go with him,” Galio suggested. “They can reach Novesium within a week. Or we could use a ship to transport them there faster sir. Reganus promised to have the port up and running soon. You’ll need to issue an order for that and warn the crew. Gaeta will need all his guards to help Elysium Fort stop the refugees from reaching the Capital.”
Lucius licked his lips. “I take it Sula is notified?”
“We talked with Drusus.” Galio replied. “Paulus Sula won’t allow anyone to approach Demames.”
Gods.
“Are people already trying to leave the city?”
“Nattas says they are. It is a matter of days afore the news spread out of control sir.” Galio sat back on his chair solemnly. “Milord the city must be quarantined in places and as a whole afore it is too late.”
“The northern parts near the palace?” Lucius queried looking at the city map.
“Yes sir. Until the fever runs its course or expends itself.”
Kills everyone was the Consul’s meaning.
Lucius read the Dottore’s scroll again. “Clear signs of typhus.” He rustled looking at the sober faces at the table. “This is a Lorian city. The first thing we learn in school is to maintain high-levels of hygiene, secure clean water and keep excrement from our streets. How did Reganus mishandle this so much?”
“We are waiting on details but some things must happen immediately your Grace,” Gaeta intervened. “If Epolonius is wrong then we can adjust accordingly but we can’t risk to lose another week until then.”
“Marianus is with Centurion Sorex,” Lucius murmured and then rubbed at his forehead. “He knows as much as his tutor. Send him along.”
“You should keep a physician in the palace,” Galio said. “Familiar with your household.”
“The academy has a lot of qualified Dottori Consul.”
“Epolonius will take most of them with him,” Galio explained.
“Fine. Cyrus, find Ramirus.” Lucius ordered the waiting near the door palace official. “Gaeta… eh, I’ll need you to stick around.”
“Milord, I’ll get the 2nd Century moving,” Galio said getting up. “Also speak with Epolonius afore he departs.”
-
An hour later
image [https://i.postimg.cc/mkFxKZLv/Eagle-s-Nest-195-NC.png]
The Director of LID Vibius Ramirus looked even more tired than he did in the morning. Lucius paused reading a lengthy essay by Pliny, Epolonius’ famed tutor and physician, on the dangers of the typhoid fever and returned the manuscript to Sirio. He was sitting at the scribe’s table.
“One moment sire,” Ramirus said taking a seat at the bigger table. “I’ll have to go through some missives that just arrived.”
“Novesium?” Lucius asked pushing against his chair.
“Sabretooth Castle,” Ramirus replied. “Optio Damian Holt. The Horselords attacked.”
“How bad?” Lucius queried wearily and gestured for Sirio –who had reached for his quill- to leave penning the report for later.
“Indus is cut off in Moeras. Meertje docks at Smallake are controlled by the Khanate. They might swing north of the lake to hit Merenda’s rear.”
Lucius jumped to his feet and walked to the larger table. “Show me on the map.”
“Here,” Ramirus pointed at the spot.
“That’s Damascus’ area. What men does he have with him?”
“Auxiliaries. An Issir spear unit.”
“Marcus-Antonius keeps two cohorts in the center,” Lucius said and looked around to find a piece of coal to draw arrows. "What does Memon have in reserve?”
“Another group of Issirs sire.”
“Can Indus hold? If he does, the Khanate risks a march deep behind the lines. Unless it is to force Merenda to draw a cohort from the center,” Lucius murmured thinking it through. “Would Dhin-Awal brave an attack through the center? How is the terrain?”
“It rained obviously, lots of mud that probably hardened by now,” Ramirus replied and breathed out tiredly to work at his growing black beard with his fingers.
“You think it messed up with Marcus-Antonius traps and defenses?”
“Difficult to maintain holes in the ground when it’s pouring sire. The Lakes soil is soft in the summer.”
“The terrain still favors the First Legion. He stands on higher ground,” Lucius argued. “It’s a matter of whether they use the numbers to their advantage against Celsus’ machines effectiveness. Because that’s a lot of empty ground to march on while getting shot at from elevated positions.”
“They should know that though and are probably intent to fire back at Celsus a lot,” Ramirus noted. “Nothing we can do about that sire. In a week it might all be over.”
“Merenda loathes fighting on the back foot. He’ll counterpunch Dhin-Awal for certain,” Lucius insisted. “How did Indus lose control of the woods? He had rangers covering him.”
“This new crossbow unit had to get out of there as they are slow to return fire. The Khanate brought the bulk of their machines to the north flank and fired half a mountain of rocks. Leveled the copse there. The Granlake marshes protected Glycia from a similar treatment I guess. Celsus has a fine position but he’s fixed in place sire. He can’t intervene in the flanks.”
“Uhm. Can he break out of Visserhaven? Glycia?” Lucius asked seeing the army units’ move in his mind, taking positions or maneuvering. The enemy advancing in First’s right flank and threatening the center. “Damascus must hold to the last man,” he finally said raising his eyes and Ramirus’ returned the King’s stare unsure. Lucius rarely speak in absolutes. “So Glycia can move forward.” The King elucidated.
Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.
Sometimes you just have to sacrifice men.
Not a decision any commander should ever make willy-nilly but make it he should just the same.
Roderick had stayed back at the bridges for Faye and Lucius to escape. Merenda had heard the story from a glumly ruminating Lucius at least a dozen times.
“Sire, Damascus’ unit are young Issir recruits. The Khanate will probably rout them off of the field if they have cavalry available.”
Eh. Maybe but they’ll have to charge between unsecured flanks themselves.
Even if they did…
“They serve in the Legion now Vibius.” Lucius retorted gruffly. “I believe they’ll stay put.”
----------------------------------------
The ‘senior’ Cyrus Falx placed the goblets carefully on the table, then went to the large open window facing the east gardens to close the heavy curtains and keep the lit fireplace’s heat inside. Lucius always left a window open as extra ventilation and to combat some of the chandeliers and torch-stands smoke.
The ancient palace official turned around and paused with a constipated-look on his wrinkled face. Lucius raised his eyes from the reports he was poring over, messages from merchants visiting or returning from Novesium, ship captains and other Regia officials, even a couple of intercepted missives towards Lesia and Kaltha.
“Yes, dear Cyrus?”
“Your majesty, Petty Baron Nattas is here. He arrived just afore dinner,” Cyrus announced stiffly.
“You’ve kept him waiting?”
“He deserved it sire.”
Lucius nodded with a small smile. “Bring him in.”
“The Consul talked with Nattas already,” Ramirus informed him from his side of the table.
“The Baron always keeps the better parts to use himself,” Lucius countered and watched the hobbling on his expensive cane Storm Nattas enter the small hall with a forced polite expression on his aged familiar face. Storm was over forty now and some grey hairs had appeared on his well-combed thick dark hair. He thanked the guards and knights at the door, warmly greeted ‘his old good friend’, the chamberlain’s reaction to the praise icy at best and then limped towards the large table where Lucius had just had his dinner.
“Earnest salutations King Lucius,” the nicely dressed in a velvet blue and green redingote Nattas bowed deeply, using his cane to prevent himself from plunging headfirst for the marble tiles. “Good health and fortunes to you my liege, especially given these trying times. May all this unfortunate ‘n foul epidemic migrate to your enemies’ halls and wipe them out afore the month is over.”
“Let’s leave the curses out of it Baron,” Lucius grunted austerely.
“Apologies your grace,” Nattas replied quickly. “I got overly excited in your magnificent presence after the long tortuous wait. Old Falx’s tricks worked their magic, so let’s lay the blame to his feet as well. He-he. Director Ramirus I’m hearing great things about your work. Congrats to thee sir.”
Storm couldn’t help himself with the praise even after all these years. In a sense though the Baron was half-right. You can’t be too mad to a man that grovels in your presence or supports you vocally even if it’s not a hundred percent genuine all the time.
“No grievances reached your attuned ears Baron?” Ramirus queried tauntingly. Another man present not exactly enamored with our good Nattas. Lucius was probably Storm’s best friend in the palace alongside Sirio.
“Some. It is expected Director,” Nattas replied with a shrug. “Mayhap use less men in uniform?”
“I’ll take it under consideration Baron,” Ramirus retorted stiffly.
“Storm what is Reganus doing?” Lucius intervened. “The man should have prioritized the city’s hygiene given the recent catastrophe. Instead he allowed it to spread and now we might lose control of the situation completely.”
“The workload overwhelmed him,” Nattas replied and found a chair to sit across from Lucius and Ramirus. “He had around four thousand homeless civilians after the fire my Lord. They had stayed in the city to protect their ruined homes and properties. Bigger city, badly managed by Ursus already and overpopulated to begin with. The rains came early and caught him by surprise.”
“I’m hearing excuses,” Lucius grunted. “He was there during the campaign for the position of Mayor and knew what was needed.”
“Your grace, you are correct. I’m not defending him. The fault lies with Reganus. I was just stating the facts.”
“How did he get the landowners to vote for him?”
“It was a close race,” Nattas replied evenly. “Luck was involved.”
“The local favorite, a rich oil-producer Paulus Tidus vanished. His family is still looking for him,” Ramirus added and Nattas nodded.
“Ursus old friend, he had endorsed him through his son. Mayhap it rubbed some people the wrong way?”
Lucius stared at Nattas. “What people?”
“Patriots. Friends of the rightful King of Regia,” the Baron retorted with a politician’s smile.
“Is the man dead?” Lucius asked in a rigid manner. “Was there foul play involved?”
“My guess is the man got drunk and fell in the river. One of the rivers,” Nattas replied indifferently. “Reganus had done a decent job in Moon’s Haven and got convinced he could do a better one in Novesium. Got overcome with a lust for power I suppose. I told him that bigger jobs come with bigger responsibilities.”
“Robart Holt had forwarded him the coin to finish up the drainage network. He had the reports and was aware of the damage. This isn’t a simple matter of a bigger than expected job, but gross incompetence Nattas!” Lucius paused to calm himself down. “People are dying with nasty boils and in complete delirium. The markings on their skin black and foul-smelling. Epolonius wrote a diatribe that this is a clear case of the typhoid fever. Typhus! All gods, never has a stupider & philistine politician of shady peasant stock and no perceptible skills or charisma, elevated himself in so narrow a timeframe in this kingdom’s history!” He grunted angrily and then breathed out. Lucius reached for his goblet staring at the Baron frustrated.
“Your grace, I couldn’t prevent him from running. I’m busy trying to find someone to cover his position in Moon’s Haven.”
“Have you got a candidate?” Lucius asked hoarsely.
“Grin.” Nattas made an apologetic gesture seeing Lucius’ unamused expression. “It’s a surname. The man works for me your grace.”
“Like Reganus did?”
“Reganus was a native captain turned politician after I was granted the title. He never worked for me,” Nattas replied calmly. “I don’t know him that well.”
Lucius found this very hard to believe.
“Who does?”
“Moore and Sudi worked with him. They are business partners in a couple of meaningless local projects,” Nattas replied with a grimace.
“How is the wine business?” Lucius queried with a glance at Ramirus who penned the names down on a scroll.
“Very minor associates I should clarify,” Storm added noticing Ramirus’ actions afore replying to Lucius’ query. “I’m not having the best of seasons your grace but I always remain optimistic.”
“I gather the competition is stiff?” Lucius asked.
“The talk could turn lewd if I attempted to describe it but your grace is right,” Nattas replied.
“Do you have smugglers mooring at Moon’s Haven?” Ramirus asked directly.
“Of course not! I keep a tight leash on the port activities there. It’s a small port. But let’s be real here dear Director, I’m usually away for much of the time and even loyal people can be bought out or succumb to corruption. Still you need to penetrate much larger ports in order to move the quantities that flooded the markets.”
“You know about that?” Lucius asked a little curious.
“I drink the stuff. Reluctantly at first.” Nattas smiled. “But I can’t find fault at the quality.”
Lucius nodded and pushed back on the chair thoughtfully. “We’ll need your help in Novesium Storm,” he told him finally.
“Your grace I’ve instructed my people to construct a camp east of the city,” Nattas replied readily. “They screen the people leaving Novesium, keep them quarantined for some days and if no symptoms appear they release them. Many have found safe refuge in Moon’s Haven. I’m footing the expenses of course.”
“Epolonius shall be there shortly,” Lucius said with an appreciative nod. “See to assist him in any way possible.”
“I have a Dottore at the site already but he’s welcomed.” Nattas replied with the thinnest of smiles. “Numerius Baro. A pupil of his. Talented bugger. Got me out of trouble once already.”
“What trouble?”
“Someone had tried to kill me some years back. Again,” Nattas said and glanced at the interested Ramirus. “They failed.”
“Did you find out who was responsible?”
“Not yet,” the Baron replied evenly. “But I’m watching my diet these past years.”
“We might have an answer on who murdered Jeremy soon,” Lucius said taking the opportunity.
“Didn’t Laudus do it your grace?”
“It appears so but mister Hik will tell us who gave the order Storm,” Lucius replied and had some more of his wine.
“My guess is either the bastard that’s exiled or the ruffian in your dungeons my Lord,” Nattas offered clasping at the cane between his legs with both hands.
“We’ll see whether that’s the case,” Lucius commented. He didn’t believe Doris Alden was involved after talking with Miranda. Ursus didn’t have a clean opportunity as he was already imprisoned by then. It was still possible to have made the call but unlikely. Of course the Baron knew that -so it made little sense for him to direct Lucius’ attention to the two known conspirators.
“Lear Hik might try to gain your favor,” Nattas added seeing Lucius’ skeptical look. “He’s on the outs with the Mclean and hunted by bounty hunters.”
“Not anymore,” Lucius said evenly and Nattas stood back a little surprised. “The Mclean withdrew the reward.”
“In exchange for what?” Nattas retorted a little tensed. “Your Grace,” he added with a grimace of discomfort.
“We don’t know yet,” Ramirus replied from his spot. “Hik isn’t exactly forthcoming. He likes to operate outside official channels. Risky, but it also keeps leaks from springing.”
“Sometimes the careful man runs out of luck Ramirus,” Nattas said in a friendly tone. “And takes his secrets to his grave.”
Yeah, Lucius thought.
“A truly careful man,” Ramirus replied borrowing the Baron’s friendly tone as well. “Accounts for such an event my Lord.”
-
> “Bring out thy dead!” The masked medic yelled whilst ringing his bell ominously. An also covered assistant knocking on doors and checking in side alleys, large stick in hand.
>
> “Fucking hell,” the Mayor cursed wiping his face under the long mask. A crude hood with holes at the eyes basically. “Where’s everyone Mister Moore?”
>
> Are ye plaguing kidding me Reganus?
>
> “Maybe they boarded the ships?” Moore grunted mockingly looking about them all tensed. You don’t want a boil-covered sick civilian bursting out of a corner and grabbing you. It was why Moore had his blade out and had instructed the lads of the ‘Reformed’ following them to have theirs out. No sticks and fancy bullshit like that pansy Baro instructed. Just cut the motherfuckers down. Kill them dead afore they infect you.
>
> “The ships left the first week,” Reganus replied and groaned in frustration. “We just need to clear this neighborhood out. Then we will have most of the docks operational again.”
>
> “How are you going to do that?” Moore asked a little perturbed. He glanced at the two big piles of bodies tossed before the customs warehouse. “Those that stayed at the docks are dead. Might want to start the corpse burning earlier today. While the weather is holding.”
>
> “Not before we get any potential survivors out,” Reganus insisted. “We can’t have people seeing us burning corpses Moore.”
>
> “Mate… listen, people that could still walk on their own two feet have already left the premises. Did them little good. We picked them up where they dropped and few reached the palace,” Moore explained. “Those that stayed with their sick families… also have long departed this cruel realm in a sense. Ayup. Else someone would have appeared by now.”
>
> “BRING OUT THY DEAD!” The medic roared sounding a little desperate now, while Moore stared in Mayor Reganus sunken eyes.
>
> “I needed more coin in order to finish in time Moore. You bastards forced my hand,” Reganus grunted in protest sounding strangled. “This isn’t on me!”
>
> “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Moore replied callously and touched the tip of his blade on the Mayor’s belly. “You fucked up Reganus. Now is the time to assume full responsibility and you shall find friends to plead your case. Save you even. This is the Chief’s message to you. Refuse and you shall burn with those poor fuckers, cursed for yer crimes by all.”
>
> “What about the true numbers?” Reganus croaked pulling away from the sharp weapon.
>
> “Just write down the known names. Leave young kids out. Keep those with property. Fuck the refugees and the unknown tourists. You tour the country in winter, prepare to take the plaguing shaft between them buttocks,” Moore replied with a grimace of disgust seeing a dead woman looking at him from an open window. Black splotches on her decaying bloated skin and white maggots in her eyes. “The Baron said to keep the number under half a thousand come hell or high water. We’ll make sure the new Dottore agrees.”
>
> “You can’t hide the bodies—”
>
> “You can, if you burn them thoroughly and dispose of their remains. Don’t play the virgin you son of a bitch! We are fucking professionals. It’s what we do!” Moore snapped cutting him off midsentence. “We have less than a week so you need to work hard Reganus, else you’ll have Tidus’ fate.”
>
> He turned to one of his men and whistled loudly to get his attention. “Hey Mick! Grab a couple of lads ‘n get that ugly dead broad out of the god darn window!”
>
> Fuck’s sake! Moore thought with a shiver. The woman was giving him the creeps.
-
“Whoa, you seem pretty tired,” Faye noted and came to sit at the edge of the table before him. She reached to taste the wine in Lucius goblet. “Nice. Pretty warm weather outside, don't ye think? Hey, I’m talking to you Alden.”
“Um,” Lucius murmured thinking on his earlier discussion with Nattas and Ramirus. “How is Logan?”
“Torcal McKee left for Kas right after Mede marched out,” Faye replied and run her fingers through his hair. “So he dealt with that. Mounts, supplies. Heard about Novesium by the way.”
“Where?”
“Visited Cartaport in the morning.”
“What’s the word?”
“People dying. Thousands,” Faye stared in his face. “How bad is it?”
“Not as bad as rumored thank the gods,” Lucius assured her. “We caught it early. About a couple of hundred have succumbed to the disease though. Efforts are underfoot to cordon the infected areas and evacuate the survivors. A terrible number still. Eh, I’m still waiting for Gaeta to return with an update.”
“Was that Nattas’ carriage? He’s was talking with Sirio in the yard,” Faye said softly. “Hey, come to my quarters. I’ll put Roderick to sleep and Ralph is dropping unconscious early.”
“I’ve promised Monica to visit her.”
“Didn’t you already whilst I was missing hmm? I have agents in yer court husband.”
“Who do you have?”
“A maid?” Faye replied with a toothy grin.
“Just went by to see the twins. She wants me to stay the night,” Lucius explained and then grimaced as he’d completely forgotten about his young wife. “Damn it.”
“She has visitors and I find her sudden change in desires annoying,” Faye griped. “Didn’t you say she likes women or some akin rubbish? I knew ye were lying Alden. What a bunch of bullshit!”
“I wasn’t. People really do have such inclinations Red,” Lucius explained tiredly. “There’s no end to what someone will like or enjoy. Men, women, Folk, children, animals even.”
“What?” Faye slapped his shoulder. “Stop twisting me tits, hah-hah! That’s pretty sick actually.”
Damn it Red.
“It’s not funny and it is a sickness according to many scholars. Curable supposedly. Anyways some can find pleasure with a combination of the above or all.”
“The last lass from my village that went after a big bear, people say the bear ate her.” Faye replied narrowing her eyes. “Yer words are leading me towards a new meaning here Alden.”
Lucius let out a deep sigh. “Don’t let the big bear eat you.”
“I won’t.” Faye retorted and jumped down. “What’s the deal with the half-breeds?”
Lucius stared at her unsure. “How do you know… the west wing is locked?”
“I saw them in the kitchens,” Faye replied with a cute frown. “So I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She stooped near his face with a grin. “Forget about the skinny bitch, let’s roll about on the table. Me blood is boiling.”
Lucius chuckled at her serious and flushed expression, his deep-blue eyes drifting over the redhead’s shoulder to spot the figure of Cyrus Falx the elder emerging from the shadows. Some of the torches had gone out. Two other figures were standing behind the old chamberlain and slowly came into view as they approached their table. Sir Sabinus who stood guard at the other door –leading to the throne room- snapped to attention alerted, his plated elbow banging at the wall behind him.
Boom.
I saw them in the kitchens, Faye had said and Leirda bowed her washed-out brown mane once, her eyes glowing in the gloomy candlelight. Liquid silver turning a shade of gold and then painted all green, afore turning a frozen dull gray.
“Your majesty,” Falx droned in his clear Cartagen accent. “This woman claims to have information vital to the throne.”
Lucius narrowed his eyes just as Faye turned around to look at their visitors and Sir Sabinus marched towards them from the distant door, boots thudding on the marble tiles.
“I took a nap and it made my heart snap,’ Leirda explained in a singsong voice. ‘For I had a vision I should have fully allowed to play out perhaps. If I speak you’ll lose the children and if I don’t you’ll lose a wife. Seeing you two together, I now fear you wouldn’t mind the latter.”
What manner of unsettling nonsense is this?
Lucius pursed his mouth irate, teeth clenched tightly and furious with the peasant girl for attempting again her blasphemous and idiotic game. “How did you get out? Sabinus call the shift sergeant here!”
“You need to act mighty general,” Leirda retorted instead. “Raise the alarm.”
“Your grace!” A heavy breathing Sir Sabinus grunted reaching them.
“Arrest those two rascals,” Lucius ordered harshly. “Use chains this time.”
“Lucius wait,” Faye intervened placing a hand on his chest. “I can sense she’s a clairvoyant.”
No she isn’t. She’s just brazenly trying to position herself near the throne for personal profit. It’s the oldest scheme in the book.
Lucius turned to look at his northern wife frustrated at her bucolic understanding of the world at times but a sudden ruckus prevented him from saying anything. First the east corner bells were heard clearly from the open window and then one after the other, the other watch towers of the palace complex followed suit. The bells signaling monotonously and in the same pattern.
Not in the joyous pattern that was to announce the festival’s start but in alarm.
And distress.
----------------------------------------
----------------------------------------