“Well, well.” Averan drummed his hands on the table. “I had a feeling things would go well for you. But…it sounds like you had a better time than even I expected. Things really are looking up for us two eh? Imagine us both with women? Sounds a bit mad doesn’t it.”
Sandorn smiled, “It does really, though I wouldn’t be so sure of anything just yet, we still have some ways to go before we can relax truly.”
Averan rolled his eyes before raising two fingers. “For two minutes Sandorn, for two minutes can we not worry or fret about something or other? Look at you, strutting about the place, it’s very clear that you had a night without worry the previous, you needn’t pretend to be plotting away when it’s just me.”
“I am not plotting away. Nor am I strutting about the place. And you can hardly talk, following Alisha around all over the place.”
“I do not follow her. If anything she follows me. And anyways that’s what happens when two people are in love, it is not something to be scoffed at Brother, King or not.”
Sandorn looked around the room as if perplexed, “In love? You are in love? With a girl you met, what, a week ago?”
Averan shrugged, “Six days. Love does crazy things.”
Sandorn looked at him with clear irritation but said nothing. Averan pretended to examine his fingernails. He was always the one person who could get under Sandorn’s skin. He scratched at his nose to cover his smile.
“I might marry her.”
Sandorn clicked his teeth, “Yes, you might, you might also marry someone else.”
“Fine then, I will marry her.”
“Will? Should I hold you to that?” Sandorn raised a brow.
“Well, okay I probably will marry her. One can hardly predict things when it comes to love.”
“Either way I’m sure Alisha will be blessed to have a husband such as you.”
Sandorn scratched his nose just as Averan had before, Averan examined him closely.
“Yes….actually she would.”
“What about you?” Averan asked.
“What about me?”
Averan wiped a hand down slowly over his face. He breathed in deeply and smiled.
“What about you and the lovely Lady Liniseh? You seem rather keen on her from what I can gather.”
“Well it will depend, let’s see-”
“What tomorrow will bring, yes, yes. Because planning and love always go so well together.”
“FINE, fine. If you must know then… yes I will go about things proper like after all this is settled down. She may be older, but forty one is not so much, not for Chimerean blood. Her House is one of prestige and power, and she has been a strong supporter of our cause.”
“And she looks like a Goddess.”
Sandorn raised his hands in agreement, “And she looks like a Goddess,” he repeated.
Averan sat back in his chair, he put his feet up on the table.
“Imagine Brother, Gorias will be ours, hells the outer cities too. Everywhere we go people will know our names. The Inner, the Outer, we can go where we want, how we want, and when we want. You know, once we do get everything under control, I’m going to do a tour, me and Alisha. Oh Brother I can not wait, I really can’t.”
Sandorn smiled, “Nor can I Averan, nor can I.”
They sat in silence then, a pleasant silence, Averan was content in his own thoughts and Sandorn seemed similarly content with his.
“Well, it is about time we brought the others in. We’ll do it in the throne room for effect.” Sandorn eventually broke into the easy silence, “Might as well do it now. Wendon and the Cap will want to be back in the tunnels again before dark. It was already a struggle getting them down there and back out. The Cap it seems is not a fan of enclosed spaces.”
“I’ll go get Lear or Grend to round everyone up. Shouldn’t take long.”
Averan got up and dusted himself down. There were still two days until the New Order went on the attack. Already he was restless. Bounding up he headed for the doors, Sandorn waved him off, he’d already gone back to whatever scroll or map he had been looking at from the morning.
Outside Grend and Lear were keeping guard.
They both bowed low on seeing him, “Prince Averan.”
Both of them spoke in perfect unison as if they were actual formally trained guards. As they held in laughter Averan threw a lazy kick at Grend who happened to be nearest to him and with his hand slapped Lear across the back of the head.
“Well I’m glad to see ye are having fun. Where’s Sarvth?”
“He’s off this morning, his turn.” Grend explained, “Probably down below in the servant's quarters somewhere. Found himself a pretty lass from the kitchen.”
“Or so he says,” Lear added, “hard to know with Sarvth sometimes.”
“True enough,” Averan said. “Look Grend, go find someone to cover for you here and then inform Lord Dranar and his Family that King Sandorn wishes to speak with them. Get Wendon and the Cap while you’re at it. I’ll go find Fenadorn when you get someone to take over here.”
“Right, I’ll grab one of our lads from the guardhouse.”
Grend stopped up abruptly after only a few steps and turned slowly, he clicked his fingers, “When you say Lord Dranar and his family, I suppose that means Alisha too then does it? I don’t mind calling on her at all, I just want to be clear.”
Averan clicked his fingers back at Grend, “Ahhhh….no. I’ll get Alisha Grend, though you already knew that.”
Grend winked at him, “Just checking.”
Averan tried but failed to hold his laughter at his friend’s face, he turned back to Lear, “I should have sent you instead. Anyhow, tell me all about our dear Sarvth’s new lady, it’s only right seeing as how ye know all about me.”
Grend’s replacement didn’t take too long arriving, a fresh recruit just recently approved into their new Royal Guard by Fenadorn, he looked about the same age as Averan himself. He clapped the young man on the shoulders as he got into position, the boy had a vice-like grip on his spear and Fenadorn’s training was evident in both his manner and stance.
Averan wasn’t sure it was such a good idea leaving him alone with Lear, as fine a swordsman as Averan had ever seen Lear was nonetheless quite rough around the edges. The formal customs and traditions of the palace guard would take a while to take hold on him. Still, Lear had plenty to teach, some of it good, Averan was sure the new man would feel at home sooner rather than later. He left them with a Royal wave that he’d been practicing and made his way out into the Palace complex. He headed towards the Council chambers first, he knew he’d find Fenadorn there.
He was right. The old protector was busy, surrounded by a host of the Household Guards he was instructing them just when and where they would be emerging two days from now. The Household guards would be up first, meeting up with their respective Houses before heading to the Fountain. Fenadorn wanted to personally make sure all of the men reached their home Manors safely and undetected. Averan kept to the back of the room at Fenadorn’s back. He did not want to intrude on such an important matter. Fenadorn was always particular about such things. He hated untimely interruptions. Fortunately, it seemed he was finishing up, giving the final instructions and orders for the men to carry out. Only when he dismissed the men did Averan think to come up beside him. He picked up one of the glass jars left on the table and casually flicked it up in the air.
Fenadorn moved unbelievably fast to catch the jar as it fell. His eyes wide he exhaled deeply.
“Don’t…..touch Averan.”
“What?” Averan put up his hands defensively, “Bit particular about a jar aren’t you? Must be a damn good wine.”
“It is not wine. If you must know it is lighter oil, for the torches. There are over a hundred of them lying about in the cellars. I thought we might use them.”
Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.
“Use them? How?”
Fenadorn shrugged, “To protect the palace, to burn enemies, fire is one thing Chimeras don’t particularly enjoy.”
“To be fair Fenadorn if you are talking about lighting them on fire and burning them then nobody particularly likes fire. I still don’t see when we could use them.”
“Nor do I, but they are good to have.”
Averan laughed, “If you say so, some man to think ahead I’ll give you that. Anyways, it is time for the meeting. Sandorn is waiting at the throne room, the others will be on their way to him now.”
“Good, we’ll walk back together then.”
“Ahhh,” Averan licked his lips, “yeah well first I have to get Alisha and then I’ll head back. Probably better you head on in without me, don’t want to be waiting about for us.”
“I see,” Fenadorn finally looked up from the table, “Alisha is your new lady then is she?”
“Yes, and a very fine new lady she is. She’s lovely Fenadorn.”
“I’m sure she is, I just wonder about timing. For you and your Brother, he especially should really know better.”
Avern was nodding in agreement but stopped on contemplation.
“Wait why especially him? Why should he know so much better than me?”
Fenadorn didn’t even have to say it, a slightly raised brow was enough.
“Alright fine, and how the hell do you know about Liniseh, she’s-”
“Lady Liniseh.”
Averan sighed, “Yes ok Lady Liniseh, how the hells do you know about her?”
“Averan how many times have you tried to keep a secret from me? You and Sandorn both.”
“Many,” admitted Averan.
“And how many have you gotten away with.”
“None,” Averan conceded, though in truth there were plenty of things he’d gotten away with. And plenty of things Fenadorn didn’t know that they knew about him also. Fenadorn was not so unpopular with the ladies himself, Averan remembered how shocked he and Sandorn had been after following him one night to a busy tavern of the underground. Fenadorn had seemed to know each and every one of the people gathered there. And the owner had thrown her arms around him as if he had been some sailor just returned from overseas.
“Look, there will be time for all that after. But we will need to discuss it all. Together.”
“Yes Fenadorn, I do agree.”
“Good, now go and attend to Lady Dronian.” Fenadorn put a hand on Averan’s shoulder as he went to head off. “And by that I mean go and get her for the meeting, don’t attend to her in any other way.”
Averan rolled his eyes, “Okay Fenadorn yes, I’m not a complete deviant. Despite what you might think.”
Fenadorn gave him a playful shove and that was it, Averan went quickly to Alisha’s chambers, he didn’t want to keep Sandorn waiting.
Her guards didn’t bother stopping him, Alisha had made it clear that Averan was welcome at any time.
He knocked on the door three times and waited patiently. Alisha didn’t take long to open. Averan smiled seeing her, she was dressed in one of her summer dresses, this one an intricately designed piece in her House colors of blue and purple.
“Hello my Prince,” she said, somewhat surprised at his appearance, “I thought you were with your Brother.”
“I was, or rather I am.” Averan began, “We’re meeting now to finalise it all, everyone is to head for the Throne room.”
“My family?”
“Already on their way there.”
“Good,” Alisha opened the door fully, “You didn’t have to come and find me yourself you know, I could have managed.”
“Yes, I know you could, I just….well you know.”
She put a hand to her chest in mock indignation, “Just what? You thought we could-”
“I didn’t think anything,” Averan raised a hand laughing, “I just wanted to see you is all, to see you and accompany you to the Meeting. That is all, I swear.”
“I am glad to hear that,” Alisha turned up her nose and offered her hand.
Averan took it with elaborate grace and led her back down the halls.
“Besides,” he whispered, “it’s after the meeting that I was thinking we should-”
Alisha slapped him playfully across the chest.
“Let’s just focus on the meeting for now. We’ll worry about that other thing after.”
By the time they arrived at the throne room, the others were already there waiting.
Averan was glad that Alisha had broken herself away from him as they entered. Truthfully he would have walked in there arm in arm with her. But that may have been a bit too bold for Lord Dranar’s liking. As he led her to his place he caught a few intense-looking glares from her cousins. Averan only smiled pleasantly back at them. He nodded at Dranar, who nodded back, not unpleasantly, though certainly not pleasantly either.
Hurriedly he made his way up to stand beside Sandorn upon the throne. He was on one side, Fenadorn the other.
Below the dais to one side stood Dranar, Alisha, and their family. Beside them were three guards of House Dunedain sent by Lord Yan. They would be responsible for relaying any final messages between both sides. Fenadorn knew the Captain of Dunedain House by name, a man by the name Daren, that was enough for Averan to trust him with the information here today. He was a huge chunk of man, even taller than Averan himself. His armor looked heavy but the Captain of House Dunedain didn’t seem like a fellow to complain. With his size and strength it probably felt like nothing anyhow. He stood, still as a statue and with a face as unmoving as one.
To the other side of the room stood Wendon and the Cap along with three more leading figures within the reformed city guard. Sandorn had gone against his original idea to put Fenadorn as the new Commander. Wendon represented the old Royalist section of the city guard more than anyone. He more than anyone else could unite the force once more. In the current uneasy climate, it was best not to stir up any more unrest within their ranks. Besides Fenadorn was needed far more in the palace and at Sandorn’s side than he was down in the outer city. Averan was glad to have him close by.
Sandorn waited a moment to let the talking die down.
“First, let me start by welcoming Commander Wendon and his men, I am most glad you could join us here today. And even more glad to hear how well you have been leading the Outer ring. I take it everything is running smoothly.”
“It is King Sandorn, all is going as planned. All of the Barracks are secure, and 400 men replaced those based at the Southern Watchtower yesterday. The transition was a smooth one, the men more than happy to hear of the reinstatement of the old ways and values of the City Guard tradition. The underground clans have been busy in your absence, but as you stressed we have been lenient thus far. We’ve restored order down below for now.”
“That is good, and your leniency is appreciated. I will deal with the clans personally once the Inner city is safely in our hands. Until then continue as you have been.”
Sandorn brought his hands together.
“We have done much together. And have almost achieved that which was quite impossible to even imagine even a moon past. Yet here we are. In two days time the New Order will lead an attack, their goal? To take back the palace and immediately target each of the Barracks. Before they can even move from their starting point however we will make ours. As Chimeras I, my Brother, Lord Dranar and his family will easily and quickly be able to make our way to Fountain Square, the location of our ambush. For a troop of men getting through the streets will take time. Though a procession will be arranged to follow up we will need good men to be down inside the tunnels waiting to reveal themselves when the moment is right. Though surrounded by both Beasts, ballistae, and a veritable army of men some may resist. If they do, their resistance must be shut down. Brutally.”
Sandorn paused a moment as he let his words sink in.
“In the palace, we now have 500 men, the Household guards given to us by our allies will be needed back at their own Manors to prevent any suspicions as they prepare for the assault. Which means we will need a hundred city guards on top of those we have to complete our mission, Commander Wendon.”
“It is no problem. We have the men you need on hand. I and my Captains will hand pick the best.”
Sandorn nodded, “Then all is in place. Now we must wait, plan and plan again. Everything must be perfect for two days' time. Everything. Captain Daren, I trust you will be able to relay all said here today to Lord Yan.”
“It will be done.”
It will be done. Averan repeated the Captain’s words in his head, the man sounds exactly as he looks. A voice like steel.
“I would request,” Dranar looked to Sandorn first before turning to Wendon, “That my own Household guards be chosen for this mission. I hope they have been of some use to you, and I thank you Commander Wendon for hosting them at your Barracks. But as of now I feel as though they will be of more use here, and they will be needed for my own Family’s sake once everything is settled.”
“Of course,” Wendon shrugged, “if the King is happy with it then so too am I, 50 of your men means we only have to pick another 50 good men of our own. Makes our job a lot easier.”
Sandorn nodded, “Very well, I see no reason why not. Then that is decided. Does anyone have any further questions? Everyone is clear on exactly what they must do?”
Averan cast his eyes over all gathered. All seemed content. There were no further queries to be had.
Sandorn rose to his feet, “Then we are done here.”
And with that they were. Averan followed Sandorn and Fenadorn as they headed out, he didn’t try and catch Alisha’s eye, now was not the time. Outside Averan saw that the light had already started to fade. The day was closing, soon it would be only a single day left between them and their final destiny. He could almost taste it.