She had to admit, he was rather skilled with his words, his letter, sealed with his freshly made Royal insignia was pleasant enough but left little doubt as to what was expected of her and Arann, and perhaps more importantly what would happen if she did not comply. She thought back over his words, ‘Harfrigh has informed me of some lingering embers from your land's last political upheaval, we must hope those embers do not re-alight.’
Saoirse tossed the letter to one side and closed her eyes, breathing deeply.
One false move, that was all it would take, then Harfrigh would stake his claim, using his own pompous pawn no doubt. I should have had my cousins killed, each breath they take threatens mine own.
Harfrigh however was at least a barely hidden threat, she knew what he wanted. Brandubh on the other hand, he would not have betrayed Breogan and risked it all for a mere sharing of power with Harfrigh under the watchful Milesian eye. He had more that he did not show, he’ll need to be watched too, if the Milesians don’t get to him first.
Saoirse swept back a loose strand of hair and took one last look in her Venetiar mirror. She had chosen a refined dress for today’s guest, a gift from her father on her sixteenth name day. A dress of pale purple silk, lacy but somewhat reserved. It had been ever so slightly big for her back then, now however it fitted her perfectly, highlighting exactly what she wished. Not that it mattered, by all accounts General Hortensia was more like to be excited about a perfectly accurate ledger account than that of a woman’s body, even that of one others deemed desirable. Though it did no harm to prepare just in case, it could after all have been mere hearsay, the man kept his private life outside the courts more private than most.
There was a heavy knock on the door, “You ready yet? Aoife says I’m not to barge in.”
Saoirse got up and pulled the door open to reveal Aoife and Cara outside. Aoife oohed and awwhed at her, “Oh but you do look lovely. Even a man as tedious as the General can’t be unmoved by such beauty.”
Cara snorted, “I imagine he will give it a fair try.”
Saoirse made her way out past them into the hall. “Has he arrived then?”
“He has, him and some of them strange beastly guards he keeps. The Milesians are a queer people, all civilised society on one hand and twisted inhumane experiments on the other.” Cara spat the words out shaking her head all the while.
“Best not mention that to him though,” Saoirse pressed, “with the others all busy at Belvoir it is the Accountant General that runs Aileann’s affairs.”
The guards at the door to the throne room stepped aside as she entered, “We need him onside.” She added quietly as she made her way to the dais.
Tomás stood alongside the high seat already, soldierly as ever. Saoirse had barely gotten herself seated before the herald announced the arrival of General Hortensia.
He shuffled in flanked on either side by his Brutari guards. Their presence was no surprise, though the rest of their number had gone with Tifar and Maximo, Hortensia was said to always keep at least two by his side. The beasts guarding Hortensia were of the Beari branch it seemed, they hardly had a need for their warhammers with claws as deadly as theirs. Saoirse couldn’t help herself glancing into their faces, since she had first seen them on her trip to Carthaga four years past she had never felt at ease around them. Such humanlike features and expressions did not sit well on bodies such as theirs, inhumane indeed. She pulled her gaze to Hortensia smiling, “General.”
She gave a quick curtsy before returning to her seat. He gave a responding slight bow shifting the documents in his hand to his left hand side.
Saoirse had never met a man who so well fitted his moniker. Everything about the man was bookish, she almost expected dust to rise from him everytime he spoke as if like the turning of old forgotten pages. Tall and thin he peered at her over his wide rimmed glasses, his fine, elegantly designed attire was no doubt as costly as any on Aileann but he hardly looked comfortable in its embrace.
“General Hortensia, on behalf of myself Earl Ni Chonaill and the people of Arann I welcome you to my keep, you are a most pleasing guest at this time of change.”
“Am I?” Hortensia smiled seemingly amused, “I am honoured that you feel so, Arann is a land that attracts much interest, both for its city and lands but also its rulers.”
“It does indeed, all of which is not without good reason, it is a most interesting land.”
He nodded solemnly. “I see you have men awaiting command in the courtyard, if I am not mistaken some 512 soldiers.”
“You are not mistaken.” Down to the exact number in fact.
He took a step forward and gazed up to the painted ceiling far above him.
“A modest number is it not? Arann can raise some 4000 men if needed I have been informed.”
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“It can yes. If needed. Brandubh however in our correspondence stressed the need for speed and representation rather than numbers, of which they already have many.”
“Did he? Well then it is understandable. And the others? When shall they be assembled. The other 3488 men, or are they otherwise engaged?”
Saoirse gritted her teeth, he asks many questions.
“They are being assembled as we speak, for when and if they are needed. As I have said. But let us hope they are not.”
Hortensia’s eyes moved constantly, never resting, he looked all around muttering words of admiration to himself.
“It is an impressive Keep. I can only hope that the Garrison of men chosen for Arann are able to adequately represent such a fine seat of power.”
“I am sure they will manage.”
“Yes, yes I am sure they will. Which brings me to my next point.” He stopped himself speaking and took a moment, opening and closing his mouth. He smiled, “There has been some minor changes to our prior correspondence which I felt best to convey to you in person.”
Saoirse raised a brow. “Minor details?”
“Yes, the previous number allocated to Arann for its newly formed Milesian garrison was 100 was it not?”
“It was.”
“Yes, well the matter has been discussed and Earl Harfrigh has wrote to me rightly pointing out that as the neighbouring settlement to Belvoir it is therefore a far more vulnerable target for any reprisals. By that sound logic it has been decided that 200 and not 100 will be given over to Arann’s Milesian guard.”
He paused and looked deep into her eyes, “So as to help ensure Arann’s safety, and to guarantee no ill-tidings seep inside its walls.”
Saoirse eyed him wearily. “Reprisals?” she asked bewildered. “From who exactly? The Druaidíi are being dealt with as we speak are they not? Who else should I fear then? I sit surrounded by allies. Do I not?”
“The Druaidíi are being dealt with, yes. But it is always advisable to err on the side of caution I’m sure you’ll agree, lest we come to regret it.”
He smiled at her, all mouth no eyes, “We are agreed then?”
Whatever it takes she reminded herself. She clasped her hand together aggressively. “Yes, if it is deemed in Arann’s best interests then I would be remiss to object, and as its ruler and leader I must always do what is best for Arann.”
Hortensia gave a quick bow, “I am most pleased to hear you say so, I will have those 200 men ready and assembled before I leave the city.”
“You will not stay the night?” Saoirse made sure not to look pleased, keeping her face emotionless.
The accountant almost looked downcast, “Alas no I am afraid duty calls. I have yet the cities of Farias, Murias and Findia to visit to ensure a smooth transition, Arann was merely my first step. Another time perhaps.”
“Yes, perhaps.”
He waved a document in front of her. “I have here the recruitment papers. As you’ve no doubt been informed the Empire will be fashioning an Aileann legion. Don’t worry it will only be 100 men at first, from each of the 12 High Earls, yourself included. More shall be added at a later date. I won’t bore you with the details, you can digest them yourself at your leisure.”
He tapped his head lightly, “Oh yes I should stress however that the Emperor has requested the first legion to be ready by next month’s end, giving you ample time I’m sure you’ll agree. The Empire may soon have need of good fighting men, and none could doubt the bravery and skill of the Partholóns.”
Saoirse gripped the high seat tightly, she swallowed bitterly, smiling.
“It shall be done. The Emperor shall soon learn the strength and value of Aileann’s people.”
Hortensia nodded his head shrewdly. “That he will. Well then My lady, I thank you for your time and look forward to our future cooperation together, in whatever form that may be.”
Saoirse stood, “Tomás shall see you and your men out.”
Hortensia gave a last final bow and began to follow Tomás out, his beastlings in tow.
Saoirse waited until the last echoes of the Great Door shut before she allowed her mask to fall, she scowled. It had been a long time since she had felt so powerless.
“Cara”
“Yes?”
“I wish to take a tour of the city, I would see myself these Milesian guards we have been so fortunate to receive. Have the horses prepared and an escort readied.”
Cara nodded and made her way out to the courtyard. Aoife looked at her concerned. “They seek to anger you, to make you lash out. Do not let them win.”
Saoirse released her held breath. She smiled, “I know, do not worry, I would not have Arann taken from me so easily. Come we have much to think on.”
Nothing cleared her mind like a canter through the streets, garrison or not the city was still hers. She retired to her solar to quickly fetch her sword belt, she felt better with it on her body, though it would take more than steel to navigate her way through the obstacles which lay ahead.
Her father had told her as much, “Spears and swords may win one power but a composed mind and solid foundation keep it.”
Let the people see her in the streets, from their homes, their shops, their taverns. 200, 300, a 1000 Milesian soldiers it made no difference, Arann remained Connaill and would stay as such. She would do whatever it took to keep it so. Whatever it takes.