IV. SPEAK YOUR WORDS
Dinner was served nearly an hour and a half later in the grand dining hall. The table was as long as a small cottage, and nearly as wide. The room was cavernous, with high arched ceilings decorated in thick ormolu and intricate yet superfluous carvings. The floor was marble and the woods were all dark, the chandeliers were great crystal behemoths with chains of pearls and diamond hanging from a ceiling that depicted the Elysian Fields in their warm splendor. Several orbs of light hung above the table as mages used their magic to serve the guests and change courses. A symphony orchestra was stationed on the second tier balcony, their music circulated through the room by shouting stones strategically embedded in the architecture.
The Queen and soon to be King of Duvachellé sat side by side at the tables head upon a raised dais, the dining hall even had special thrones for the occasion. Odell was simply yet elegantly dressed in velvet waistcoat and breeches; his bride to be however was in full compliance with Marquez’s unspoken law of ostentatious displays. Her dress was bleached wool, fitting for the season, trimmed in onyx fur with a great black hood of slick seal fur and satin lining. Her hair was done up and adorned with diamond, her ten-foot train was held by four young maidens, the train itself having silver and jeweled bobbles affixed to it. Her neckline was such that it plunged to below her navel in the front and back, held in place by a silver chain in the front that dangled even more diamonds. It was so deep that one could tell she had been waxed earlier in the day if they were in conversation distance. Her sleeves were not affixed to the dress, but affixed to jeweled armlets just above her elbow and were so wide at the cuff; one of her train carrying maidens could have likely crawled inside.
Being royalty, she outshined the other nobles present, though only marginally so. Órfhlaith wore her finest silk peplos and himation-a type of flowing embroidered shawl- in soft golds and ivory white, with her usual abundance of gold jewelry. Enyo looked like a completely different, civil woman. Gone was the bra and baggy trouser combo in favor of a form hugging chiton covered in stylized leaves and organic patterns.
Maleah looked sharp in her military uniform, a black leather buff coat and white wing collared blouse with frilled sleeves underneath. Donough, however, still refused to wear a shirt, and received constant stares from nearby lords and several bothered ladies. Aichlan was glad that Madden and Taryn had dressed up, though wondered why everything Madden wore was so pressed against his admittedly muscular form. The Admirals first mate, given the title of Captain Vans, was surprisingly well accustomed to such functions, and held a level of decorum that Francis should have been taking notes on. Had he been present, or rather, had he been allowed to attend. While likely unspoken, Aichlan was fairly certain Aislyn had a death warrant out for the old pirate should she cross paths with him again.
Clarissa and Séverin were on the opposite side of the table from Aichlan and his Colby-Nau officers, discussing policy and politics with Lucien and others of the Marquez division of The Order. She had saved a seat beside her should Eth choose to show up, not that he would likely want to associate with her present company. The rest of the conversations came as overlapping Elysian over the whisper weeds, indecipherable unless one chose to connect directly to the desired party. Aichlan personally didn’t really give a damn. As the palate cleansing sherbet was brought out after the first course he was ready to leave, though hunger kept him politely seated and nodding when addressed. He had to suck it up and play along for his armies, Clarissa’s and Odell’s sake. He couldn’t have another incident like when they first arrived screwing up all they had worked for. That didn’t mean he still didn’t search for that glove throwing bastard from Port of Romance, but was resigned to the fact that the man had gone into hiding. He certainly didn’t die in the last battle; that would have required him to have the backbone to participate.
“Are you enjoying the meal General Aichlan? You’ve been uncharacteristically quiet on your end.” Aislyn asked sweetly, eliciting several nervous chuckles from anonymous noblemen and women.
“Yes your majesty, it is indeed delicious.” And in fact it was. “I would take the time however to congratulate you on your coming nuptials.” Aichlan stood and lifted his empty chalice to be magically refilled. “To the Queen and future King of Duvachellé, may this union bring about peace and prosperity, bridging the undoubtedly two greatest kingdoms on the planet.”
Shouts of ‘Here, here!’ went up as all present clinked glasses where able, and nodded to those across from them. Aislyn smiled and raised her own glass, blushing as she met eyes with her husband to be. Aichlan drained his glass as Alice was escorted over by an usher. She was smartly dressed in a black satin bodice, with a broad, off the shoulder neckline and panned sleeves. Underneath she wore a flowing petticoat of silver, and an overskirt in shade of green that complimented her curled hair and eyes perfectly. Though fully appropriate for the occasion, her manner of dress infinitely more subdued than the dress of others present.
“Where have you been?” Aichlan asked as chants rang out for the engaged to kiss.
“Getting ready, did I miss anything?” A servant pulled out Alice’s chair for her and she took a seat. “Thank you.”
“Not really.” Aichlan raised his hand for two more glasses of wine to be brought over.
Ashe waved as she swallowed a mouthful of food. “Good tae see ye Alice.”
Alice smiled back as the first course was presented. “I trust aichlan has behaved himself.”
“Aye, so far.” Ashe watched as a second glass of wine was placed before Aichlan. “Better drink that slowly lad, cuz it’s all yer getting’.”
Aichlan grumbled and took a small sip before setting the glass back down.
“You can get your kiss tomorrow!” Aislyn shouted playfully, her cheeks a cute shade of red.
The response however didn’t go over well with the present company, and the chants continued, with one drunken nobleman hopping on the table to lead the cheer. Aislyn hid her face and sipped on her wine. Seemingly having had enough, Odell stood and motioned for the chants to subside.
“Alright, alright, that’ll be enough of that.” He said in remarkably good Elysian, he must have the best tutors in the nation aiding him.
“Thank you darling.” Aislyn said, apparently not having had the patience she seemed to hold.
Odell lifted her chin with his finger, and looked her in the eyes, meeting her surprised expression with a sheepish grin. Without warning he leaned in and planted a timid smooch upon her lips, growing more confident even as she resisted. After a moment she accepted, and even returned his passion. The room was silent as the two lovers pulled each other close, seemingly oblivious to the crowd.
“Get a room, your majesties!” someone shouted jovially as the kiss was on the verge of becoming obscene.
Laughter erupted as they pulled apart, equally embarrassed and aroused. Aislyn chewed on her lower lip as she took her seat awkwardly, unable to resist stealing glances at the man she would be marrying. Odell on the other hand crossed his legs for fear of expressing how much he enjoyed the moment, and downed a glass of wine before ordering another. Fortunately for them, conversation quickly drifted back to whatever topics were being discussed prior. Undoubtedly, someone somewhere was discussing how a farm boy of Aes Sidhe like Odell got the gorgeous Princess Aislyn to fall for him, especially when countless others of notably higher breeding could not.
“General Aichlan,” Aichlan looked up in vain to see who it was who addressed him. “Wonderful toast I must say.”
“Why thank you…” Aichlan still couldn’t discern who was speaking to him.
The man chuckled, realizing the issue. “Duke Ives Laurent of Gardenia, along the Sorn border?”
“Ah yes, of course, thank you Duke. And I must say you are doing a stand up job dealing with the Dusk born filth that plagues that region.” Though necessary to flatter these people, Aichlan still felt like vomiting.
“Yes, but it is an endless fight I am afraid. Until we can stop that fiend Osric and reseal the gate.”
Aichlan nodded, though it was likely the man couldn’t see the gesture, as he recalled the duke was sitting towards the head of the table on Aislyn’s side whereas he was towards the middle on Odell’s side.
Aichlan traced the rim of his wine glass with his finger, intent on saving it for the meal. “Have you gathered any new intelligence in that region?”
“I am afraid not, I sent some men to rendezvous with your Sorn lass, though they haven’t returned.” The Duke sighed ruefully. “I should hope she is alright.”
Aichlan covered the whisper weed and looked to Alice, who nodded slowly before responding. “We weren’t able to talk long; she was dealing with something but wouldn’t say what.”
“Hmm. I see.” Aichlan removed his hand from over the weed. “Yes, she is alive and well, though this news is rather disconcerting.”
“Perhaps you should send more men?” A woman interrupted, and if he was correct, she was a landowner who had several hundred-armed men that once served her dead husband, and was only present due to her vocalization against Laelianis during his short reign.
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“I am afraid that is not an option.” Aislyn broke in. “Please forgive my intrusion, I couldn’t help but overhear.”
“By all means your majesty.” The Duke hurriedly offered. “I happen to agree with you.”
Aichlan felt sick, just a moment ago he said he had sent men out, and from his tone would likely have sent more. “Oh? And why is that your majesty?”
“Though we have secured the parts of the kingdom Laelianis abandoned, our forces are still stretched thin. And we don’t know when Osric will decide to strike again.”
Aichlan rolled his eyes in disgust as he poked at the scraps on his plate. “So you propose we just hole up here and wait for it?”
“Well, not exactly.” Aislyn said hesitantly, annoyed at having been spoken to so familiarly in a public setting, even if it was Aichlan. “But I can’t sacrifice the defense of my kingdom and her people.”
“With all due respect, your Majesty, Osric has what he came for, he will not return.” Conversations had died down, and now all eyes turned to Séverin. “He is barricaded somewhere in Sorn, or possibly even made it into Alfheim by now.”
“Hmm. Agreed.” Aichlan begrudgingly admitted. “I have a sizable force stationed in Sorn, I will not pull them out, nor will I send them to their deaths. My only option is to reinforce them until we can mount an attack. They will be our best line of defense.”
“There is a certain soundness to his arguments your majesty.” Duke Ives conceded. “We do need to take a more aggressive stance, and then there is the alliance.”
“They do not plan upon leaving Elysia until the first thaw. Do you suggest we wait in a hostile environment until they arrive?”
“Well, no your majesty…I was…” The duke flustered.
“We need to set up a foothold in the region.” Aichlan said, rescuing the floundering Duke. “A base of operations to coordinate our attacks. He is in Sorn; there is nowhere else for him to be unless he fled to Lyresia or Agrardya, and both of those options are highly unlikely.”
Aislyn toyed with a necklace as she stared across the massive table in Aichlan’s direction. “Very well then Aichlan, what do you suggest?”
Aichlan ignored the Queen’s tone and dropping of his title. “We send a battalion to aid her, or at least a company. They capture a city, hopefully recruiting some survivors as well. From there we can mount our attack.”
“Sounds brilliant, I think we should give it a go then.” Odell said cheerfully, oblivious to the reproachful glance from his bride to be.
Aislyn watched Aichlan with a gaze that sent shivers down his spine. No doubt the words poised on her tongue and swirling about her pretty head would cause even Francis to blush.
“Hmm.” Aislyn took her husband to be’s hand in her own and stroked it as she attempted to mask the rage simmering within. “Who do you suggest lead this expedition?”
Aichlan paused, he actually hadn’t thought the issue through that far yet. “I haven’t actually given that issue much consideration…”
“Someone swift would be in order.” Ives added in a helpful tone. “Does your army have no mounted men?”
Aichlan looked to Maleah, who seemed oblivious to the proceedings. “I do in fact, but the majority of them are already in Sorn, their commander actually joins us this evening. Maleah.”
“Hrm?” she grunted, barely looking up.
“What is the status of your remaining men?” Aichlan repeated, clenching a napkin with white knuckles.
Maleah sighed as she played with something upon her plate. “Ready whenever, why, do you need them?”
“Yes, Captain I do.” Aichlan loosened his collar and smiled embarrassedly to the other nobles, watching intently.
“If I may, general,” Séverin interjected. “Her forces are hardly sufficient to do what you request.”
“If their majesties wish it, I would be willing to fortify her forces with my own.” Ives added cautiously.
Aislyn rested her head upon her hand. “It depends upon how many.”
“I have about fifty men left.” Maleah added, finally participating in the conversation.
“Then no.” Aislyn said definitively.
“I can bring her numbers up to company levels.” Aichlan blurted, taking offense to Séverin’s smug grin. “There are reports of a mercenary company in the region.”
“Oh really…” Alice mumbled with a grin.
“I do not feel it wise to send Captain Maleah into battle with untested units, not to mention untrusted, assuming of course they even exist.” Séverin countered sternly.
“I have heard rumors of this group as well; they were the cause of a few small disturbances at local taverns and brothels.” Ives said. “Though in these times such things are common nowadays.”
“I will not have my sister put into such a situation. And again, there is no guarantee they will even hire on with you General.”
“Or that you would want them.” Aislyn added.
Aichlan picked up his fork and tried to maintain his composure by focusing on the main course of venison steak, asparagus, and roasted potatoes covered in a thick gravy was set before him. Aislyn was against him leaving because he represented power under her control. Séverin was another matter. Sometimes it seemed he wanted things done his way or not at all, but other times he could be quite cooperative. Such actions reeked of ulterior motives and after all of the betrayals he’d suffered thus far, Aichlan was not about to leave himself open for another. Then again, it could just be that he was concerned for his sister. A sister who was an officer in this army and was subject to the hardships associated with that rank. Séverin would just have to get over it.
“I have sent some men to search them out; we are in the process of negotiations now.” Aichlan lied, the humor of which was not lost on Alice. “This is the last obstacle, well, that and the issue of price but I believe that can be resolved soon.”
Séverin shook his head obstinately. “I do not believe my sister should be sent on such a suicidal mission.”
Aichlan was ready to jump on the table and throttle the man.
“But it would be perfectly fine to send another?” Alice snapped in a rare fit of anger. “Is not Captain Maleah a member of this army?”
Séverin ground his teeth, shooting daggers with his eyes at Alice as silence hung between them for several moments. “She is. But—”
“And as an officer of this army,” Alice continued, ignoring his protests. “She is subject to the chain of command is she not?”
“Yes, she is, but I merely suggest she is not fit for this task.” Séverin replied, feigning cordiality, and poorly at that. “Why not send one of the Colby-Nau?”
Aichlan threw his napkin down on the half-eaten meal. “Because I am General and it is my prerogative Mister Séverin.”
The two locked eyes in a battle of wills, one Séverin was fated to lose. Somehow the man had gotten a reputation in the city, but Aichlan was notorious for not giving a damn. All other conversations had become hushed or ceased completely during their exchange, causing Aichlan to flush red with anger. He was still trying to piece together his shattered reputation after the incident in Laelianis’ war council. Being seen as a hothead was one thing; being seen as an incompetent leader whose own soldiers disrespect him in public was another entirely.
“I see.” Séverin conceded with a slight dip of the head.
If he saw fit to play some spy game and assassinate him in his sleep, then Aichlan wished him luck in the endeavor. He wasn’t about to be made a fool of in some newly crowned and power hungry Queens haughty court however. Aichlan held Séverin’s gaze, stealing glances at the face of others through his peripherals, they too watched with bated breath. Oddly enough, Clarissa seemed to be preoccupied with something else entirely.
“When and where General?” Maleah lazily swirled her fork in her barely touched meal, sounding as if the conversation were putting her to sleep.
Aichlan waited for Séverin to look away before answering. “I can acquire the new units within the week, your majesties.”
“Is that your way of saying the decision is ours?” Aislyn prompted before taking a sip of wine.
Aichlan loosened his collar and took a drink of wine. “If it pleases your majesties.”
“…It does. Captain Maleah shall embark in…a week and a half from today, which should be the first week of Bloomsun.” Aislyn turned and smiled at her husband to be. “Darling, how many men do you suggest we lend to General Aichlan’s cause?”
Odell nearly choked on a hunk of bread at the shock of being addressed. “Well, that depends…”
Aichlan shifted in his seat, uncertain of the Queen's motives; surely she knew Odell had no clue as to the standing of the Duvachellé army. “Depends upon what, your highness?”
“Well, whether you require mounted men or not for starters.” Odell replied in a confident manner unlike his usual boyish bravado. “We only have but two battalions in reserve, and there is a shortage of mounts, I’d say only forty percent actually have them.”
“I see…and infantry?” Aichlan stammered, surprised but now knowing why Aislyn gave the floor to her fiancé.
Odell shook his head. “I’ve recently sent a brigade to Vargas, they will help secure the port and resume trade, as well as the more important task of escorting our Colby-Nau allies to Eefrit. You yourself know how perilous that journey is, especially now.” Odell sat back and took another bite, thinking as he chewed. “But speed is of the essence isn’t it? Perhaps…A company, yes, I believe we can spare a company of mounted men. What say you dearest?”
Aislyn smiled and patted Odell’s hand. “Yes, I believe that shall work nicely.”
Aichlan wondered when the hell this change in roles and demeanor came about. Surely these two weren’t the same kids he caught stealing a ride on Francis’ ship. Were they? What did Aislyn do to Odell? The uneducated farm boy he’d grown accustomed to seemed to rapidly vanish each day.
“I have a stable upon my properties near Ophelia, some of them were malnourished, but they are recovered now. I would be willing to donate them for this cause.” From the tone of the duke’s voice, he was equally surprised by the king’s kingly knowledge.
“Then it’s settled,” Aichlan said with rare exuberance. “I shall begin preparations immediately.”
“No need to rush General,” Aislyn turned a stunning smile to her groom once more, “there is still the wedding to attend tomorrow.”
Aichlan did not respond, he had disabled his whisper weed to continue his meal in relative peace. He glanced up to see if Séverin were looking in his direction, oddly dismayed when he saw that the man was deep in conversation with other nobles. Aichlan found himself liking that man less and less. His coddling of his sister was one of many issues that needed to be addressed. It was most disappointing as she actually had the potential to be a somewhat competent officer.
Maleah was a skilled warrior, able to protect both Alice and Ashe from the raid on the palace just months ago; her major flaw aside from laziness was lack of awareness regarding her troops and fellow soldiers. That wasn’t to say she was completely oblivious to the others, more that she proceeded as a one-woman army. Her soldiers moved in a free for all manner more often than not, or they simply followed her as a massive horde. Most ineffective for a Cavalry unit, but fortunately she was learning tactics from Taryn’s constant nagging and berating.
Aichlan turned as Ashe placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. He returned her smile, unaware that she pilfered part of his steak with her other. He looked down to find the juices and an otherwise empty spot on his plate were a slab or medium rare rib-eye should have been. She smiled again, her mouth full as juices ran down her chin. Aichlan laughed aloud as he wiped them away with a napkin and gave her a kiss.