The sunny meeting room was eerily quiet. Like wind whispering in dry branches, the rustling of paper was the only thing audible. Combined with the grim pale faces of the four people going through a pile of documents, it carried the foreboding feeling that someone’s life would soon come to an end.
Leaning forward, Noah studied the Barons over his interlocked fingers. A small itch at the back of his throat made him cough and he reached for his wine cup. It took over an hour to inform them about the recent events involving the Red Hands, Lorelei, the slave trade, and Baron Rowell’s involvement with the illegal mine. Now, they were going through the reports carefully compiled by William, and, by the looks of it, they were finding the information highly disgruntling.
Clearing the lump in his throat, Noah put the cup to the side only for it to be silently filled by Nelly who stood like a shadow behind him. The old Marzbanati and Duncan were the only other people allowed in this meeting and it was for a good reason. Soon, the fate of the fifth baron of Norden was to be decided.
“Conniving little weasel!” Baroness De Vindur slammed her stack of papers on the table. “Why did you hide this from us until now? You might be the Duke of Norden but you still are held accountable before this council for matters concerning the wellbeing of our land and people.”
“I have to agree with Lady De Vindur.” Compared to her, Baron Firmon put his set of documents carefully on the polished wood, but his expression was just as enraged. “And by the look of the macabre decorations on Yalda’s gates, it seems that you have taken actions without consulting any of us.”
“Indeed, my lords.” Noah looked at them with a tranquil expression as if they were having a leisurely conversation about the weather or some other trivial matter. “I acted as swiftly as possible in order to minimize the damage to the land and people. You all know what devastation the Red Hands can cause if left to roam unrestricted. Besides, Baron De Mar, whose territory was the second victim in this ordeal, has been informed and participated in all relevant activities.”
“Marvelous!” Lady Sigurd glared at the silent Allen De Mar. “That still does not explain why we were not informed.”
“And to risk the information being intercepted,” Noah sounded hurt as he turned to her, playing the part of a wronged innocent victim. “What if a messenger bird were to fall into the wrong hands? What if Baron Rowell was to learn of our investigation.”
“I still don’t get where you find the connection between Rowell and the happenings in Yalda.” Baron Argente interjected in the conversation and scratched his beard. “The fact that he is involved with the Red Hands does not necessarily connect him to the crimes here and the attack on the Duchess. If we accuse him without solid proof, it might backfire. He has tight connections to the mainland nobility. ”
“Read the last two pages of the report, Lord Thomas,” Noah answered calmly. “My Shadows did more than just keeping an eye on dear old Elgar Rowell. They’ve found traces of a mixed-blood trading ring operating in his territory for over two years. And besides, the new drug that the Red Hands have been distributing, the “Angel’s tears”, has spread on the black market in Port Leon. The fact that we needed to dig so deep to even get this information screams of high-ranking noble protection.”
“Please, don’t jump the topic,” baron Firmon’s eyes looked like two narrow slits. “We have to discuss your own actions first, Duke Norden. You ordering public castration for the ones involved in the brothel issue without consulting any of us is too much. What would the people think…”
“Lord Harald,” a steel note found its way into Noah’s velvety voice, “does it perchance bother you that I have punished convicted criminals? One does get forgetful with old age, so let me remind you.”
“How dare you…”
“I am still the ruler of this land.” Noah’s cold voice cut him off. “I make the laws and I execute them. Informing you beforehand is… a courtesy I am willing to show but not obliged to follow. Maybe your dissatisfaction has something to do with the fact that some of those men were big merchants? Ones that had trading agreements with your barony?”
“Preposterous!” the old Baron paled. “Don’t you even dare to associate my house with any of those criminals! I am just worried that such excessive punishment might have a negative influence on Norden’s overall revenue. Most lords wouldn’t have killed the golden goose.”
“I have not killed any geese, just relieved them of some parts. Besides, I made sure to collect enough of their golden eggs to finance some smaller businesses to fill the gap.”
“Forget about all that!” Baron Argente, raised his voice, his palm landing on the table. “Even if we want, we can’t glue their nuts back on so this is all history. More importantly, how are we going to deal with that dog Elgar?”
“There is no need to rush the decision,” Noah said nonchalantly, enjoying the sour face of Baron Firmon. “He will land into the dungeon as soon as his foot steps through my door.”
“I beg you to reconsider, my lord.” Allen De Mar coughed and eyed his liege. “Attacking a guest that you have invited breaks the sanctity of hospitality and it might send the wrong message to the rest of Norden’s nobles and even more so to the Binshi.”
“Indeed!” Harald Formon perked up, emboldened by the young knight’s statement. “If you can do that to a baron, then what about the smaller burg-lords serving under us? The mainland nobility already sees us as savages. This will be the last straw in ruining Norden’s and your reputation.”
“As much as I don’t like it, I’ll have to agree.” Baroness De Vindur scoffed. “I never expected such an immature decision from the Duke after being in power for fifteen years.”
“My, my!” Noah’s eyebrow arched and an evil glint filled his eyes. “For a second time today, you seem concerned for my wellbeing, dear Barons. I am truly blessed by the Two Gods with such diligent retainers. If it wasn’t for these statements, I would have thought that you are too busy with petty tasks to care about your duties.”
As everyone in the room gaped at him, Noah waved his hand and Duncan silently put a new stack of papers on the table. His lips stretched in a wry smile as he savored the confusion and the small signs of uneasiness he could detect on the faces of his retainers. Slowly lifting his cup and taking a sip as to prolong their agony, Noah picked up the first paper.
“Baron Harald Firmon. As I have said, there are records of trading operations between your barony and some of the convicted criminals from the recent trial. This raises the question of how accurate your judgment is and whether you are still fit for the position of baron.
“My lord, I can explain! I didn’t know!”
“It seems that the worries around the continuation of your bloodline have preoccupied your attention to the point where you care neither for the origin nor the quality of the items you are purchasing or the people you are making deals with. I might support free commerce but you are well aware of my one requirement – no connections to slave trade. The men I have convicted have not only participated in illegal activities in Yalda but also supply goods to families involved in the mainland slave market. You have neglected your duty by foregoing thorough background checks.”
Noah kept his eyes fixed on the old noble who was sitting there gaping like a fish out of water. Then he picked up the second sheet of paper.
“Baroness Sigurd De Vindur. We are all well aware of the great loss your family suffered seven years ago. I also personally greatly appreciate your efforts at hunting the Red Hands. However, you have gone too far. You and your men have burned down six Binshi hunting camps this winter under the pretext that they might be harboring cult members.”
“I never spilled innocent blood.” Lady Sigurd’s lips became a thin line. “They refused to willingly let us check them for cult-marks. We needed to use intimidation.”
“And how many Red Hands did you find?”
“None,” she replied quietly.
“You used excessive force; destroyed the homes of clans residing in your territory and entitled to your protection. How do you think this would influence our relationship with the Binshi?”
If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.
“I paid them compensation fees…”
“Enough excuses!” Noah’s fist slammed on the table. “It shouldn’t have come to this in the first place. You can’t act on rumors alone. You can’t destroy people’s homes because there is unconfirmed gossip of Red Hands being sighted. A grieving mother might be allowed such impulsiveness. But you are not simply a mother. You are the ruler of the De Vindur Barony. You have a responsibility not only to your dead son but also to the people in your domain.”
Baroness De Vindur lowered her head and her tightly clasped hands shook. Noah left her to her own thoughts and reached for the last paper.
“Baron Thomas Argente. I have valued your military prowess through the years and I know you are an upright man. However, I am disappointed in your way of handling crime in your territory.”
“To be honest, I am a bit confused by this statement, my lord.” Lord Argente furrowed his brows. “Any criminal we catch is put on trial and punished in accordance with the law. I have never pardoned an evildoer or convicted innocent people, nor have I given an unfair punishment unbefitting the crime.”
“And yet you still lack an intelligence network suitable for the needs of a barony.” Noah’s finger tapped on the table. “My Shadows have dug around the black markets in Westgate and other major cities in the Argente Barony. The dangerous drug that was recently discovered in Yalda has been spreading throughout your territory for over half a year. Were you aware of that?”
“No.” The old warrior looked mortified.
“At least better than knowing and withholding the information.” Noah lay the paper on the table. “I have instructed my people to spread the recipe of the Duchess’ antidote to the pharmacists throughout Norden. I will also send some Shadows to establish and train a new information network in the Argente territory.”
“You are too lenient, my liege,” said Baron Argente, his booming voice subdued to a whisper.
“Indeed I am.” Noah looked at the guilty faces gathered around the table. “Don’t worry, I am not going to punish you. Your concern for my reputation in the Baron Rowell case has touched my heart and shown me your loyalty.”
As he was saying this, Noah could feel Duncan shifting his weight behind him. Although unable to throw a glance over his shoulder, he was sure that the old knight was chewing on his lips and trying not to laugh. Indeed, it was such a magical thing to see all gloomy faces brighten up almost instantly. Revenge sure was such a sweet thing.
“My dear Barons,” Noah continued, “since you disprove of me detaining Elgar Rowell upon arrival, I believe that the only solution would be to apprehend him before he enters Ildemar. Duncan, do we know his whereabouts?”
“The Shadows report him a bit over a day away from here,” the old knight answered calmly. “He is riding a carriage along the main road accompanied by his son and five knights.”
“There you have it,” Noah clapped his hands. “I expect you to apprehend and deliver him to me as a convict before he reaches the walls of my castle.”
“As you order, my lord!” Thomas Argente was the first to respond. “We will organize our escort knights immediately. They will depart in less than an hour.”
“You have misunderstood me, Lord Thomas.” The evil spark burned brighter in Noah’s eyes. “I am not ordering your knights to do this. I am ordering you, my barons. You will go out and bring Elgar to me, proving your loyalty to Norden.”
“T-this is insane!” Baron Firmon stuttered. “They are seven people and only the four of us!”
“Three to be precise.” Noah glanced at Allen De Mar who managed to retain his composure. “Sir Allen hasn’t seen his family in a long time. It would be cruel of me to separate them again after such a brief reunion. Don’t worry, I will still give you two of my own knights. With seasoned warriors like Lady De Vindur and Lord Argente there is nothing to worry about. The force would be more than adequate to deal with five knights, a fat old man, and a boy without unnecessary casualties.”
“Are you trying to kill us?” Lady Sigurd asked in a surprisingly calm voice. “Is it because we offended you and that woman? Are you risking the future of Norden because of that?”
“By the Gods, no!” Noah smiled brightly at her. “I have trust in your abilities. Besides, you are forgetting something, dear Baroness. While you go out hunting vermin for me, the future of Norden will remain safe and sound behind Ildemar’s walls.”
With that, the meeting ended. Paler than ghosts, the barons stormed out of the room, leaving Noah and his people alone. In the silence that followed, Neli cleared her throat.
“Was it wise to literally threaten to take hostage their children and heirs?”
“When did I do that?” Noah gave her an innocent look and walked towards the door. “I only said that I will keep them safe as a good host should. I can’t influence how they interpret my words, can I?”
Shaking her head, she followed him together with the grinning Duncan as they exited the room.
After slightly more than an hour, the courtyard of Ildemar was full of life again. Five energetic horses were plowing the ground with their hoofs, awaiting their riders. Standing atop the stairs leading to the main entrance, Noah looked at the grim faces of the three people inspecting their mounts. All three barons were equipped with armor but whereas Lasy Sigurd and Lord Harald had opted for full plate, Lord Thomas had donned a chain mail under his surcoat.
A light clanking sound coming from behind alerted him of the arrival of the last two hunters. Noah turned around and his eyes rounded for a split second before he regained his composure.
“Allen, what are you doing here?”
“I hope you will allow me to participate in the hunt, my lord.” The knight looked straight at him. “If the De Mar representative is absent, this might drive a wedge between the barons.”
“You are too clever for your own good.” Noah sighed and patted his shoulder. Then he turned to the second knight. “Aiden, I expect you to keep them safe.”
“I will do my best, my lord.”
Saying their goodbyes, the two men joined the group. As everyone mounted their steeds and was about to depart, another spectator arrived. Noah could hear the soft rustling of skirts long before their owner appeared but somehow he instinctively knew who the person was. Or maybe his wish was just strong enough to become reality. Turning around, his eyes finally saw what his heart had hoped for.
Dressed in red, Lorelei stepped into the sunlight looking like a sparkling ruby. No, Noah thought that comparing her to a warm flame suited her better. His eyes lingered on the strand of hair that had escaped her headdress and now cascaded down her beautiful neck.
‘Fool! What are you thinking!? You were going to treat her as a friend! You made up your mind!’ he chastised himself, trying to suppress his racing heart. Luckily, his dark complexion hid the redness that had started to spread to his cheeks.
Hands behind his back, Noah cleared his throat and warmly welcomed Lorelei who returned his greeting in kind. He saw her gaze drifting to the departing horsemen and a crease appeared between her brows.
“May I ask Your Highness what is going on?” she said politely but there was a shadow of worry in her voice.
“Nothing much.” Noah gave her a reassuring smile. “Our guests have just decided to go hunting.”
“Armed with swords and in full armor?”
“The wild beasts in Norden can be quite vicious, my Duchess.”
“And the Duke as the host has no intention to accompany his guests?” From her tone, it was obvious that she didn’t buy a word.
“I am planning to let them have a head start.” He pointed at one corner of the yard where Duncan and Gregor were just leading out three new horses.
Lorelei’s expression turned even darker at the sight of the two men and the shimmering chain mail peeking under their surcoats. Almost instantly, her eyes returned to him and scrutinized him from head to toe. There was little doubt that she had noticed his own mail under his black garments.
“What kind of prey requires such level of protection?”
Noah could see her face getting paler as she asked and his heart traitorously jumped in delight. She was worried for him! It was so strange to feel guilty and happy at the same time. He took her hand and planted a kiss on it.
“Don’t be too anxious, dear wife. We are just going to hunt a fat vermin. It won’t take us more than two days.”
“I…” she hesitated, the red on her cheeks deepening, “I hope that you won’t be reckless, my lord.”
“I am never reckless, my lady. But if anything were to happen, I know a capable physician to patch me up.”
“I refuse!” Lorelei abruptly pulled her hand away. “I’ve never had a more violent patient than Your Highness. If the Duke meets with a mishap, he should look for someone else to deal with the aftermath.”
She hurriedly turned around and disappeared in the maze of Ildemar’s corridors. Noah looked dazed after her. His fingers touched his lips that still carried the memory of her warm little hand.
A heavy paw landed on his shoulder making his knees bend and Duncan’s roar assaulted his ear.
“The-he, have you love-birds whished each other farewell? Ah, young blood!”
“Stop fooling around, old man,” Noah snapped back and went for his black steed, throwing a look over his shoulder. “Oh, and so you know, you’ve still got some of Nelli’s lip rouge on your face.”
“What…? You…?” the old knight stuttered and hurriedly rubbed his right cheek, accompanied by Noah’s devious laugh.
Grumbling and pretending to be offended, Duncan jumped on his horse. Noah saw Gregor giving the old knight a wink and pursing his lips like he wanted to kiss him.
“I swear, both of you have no respect for your elders!”
“I only admire your vigor, Duncan!” The young Binshi grinned at him and turned to his lord. “How do we proceed? Are we going to trail them or do you prefer to take the shortcut and reunite with the Shadows first?”
“The shortcut.” Noah loosened the reigns and guided the horse with his knees to a leisurely pace. “After all, I want us to have the best spot to observe the prowess of our hunters.”
“I wanted to join them too,” murmured Duncan and gave a light tap to his mare.
“But if you did, where would the challenge and the educational effect be?” Noah shrugged and led his small party away from the security of Ildemar’s sturdy walls.