Chapter 169: Truth will out

Chapter 169: Truth will out

“And though I came to forget or regret all I have ever done, yet would I remember that once I saw the dragons aloft on the wind at sunset above the Western isles; and I would be content.”

Ursula Le Guin

Meanwhile, within the court of a Hundred Lords

After a furtive look up and down the corridor to ensure they were not being eavesdropped on, the finely dressed man quizzed the servant who had found him on his way to the chamber. “Where are these two upstart children and their common-born family then?” The Eastern Lord questioned acerbically. “We need to ensure they are on the right side of the House of Lords, our side. Or not on the board at all.”

The man reporting to him answered, “We believe we have located the family on the pioneer island of Wester Ponente in the Wester Isles. After teasing out the information from some of his crew, there appear to be some significant changes to the isle following or around the time of an Archbishop’s visit. The island is at the furthest point of his trade route and one of the few places a lord might appear without being noticed by the other Western Lords and being co-opted by them.”

“If there is one silver lining in this debacle, it is that at least they were equally unaware of the family's existence. We need to send our own envoy to get a clearer picture of the situation and act before they can. He might have received a royal decree to ensure his safety, but that does not preclude other possibilities.”

“Your Lordship?”

“If they are weak, we can control him. If they are strong, we can buy them; if they are in between, we can apply a mixture of pressure. We will have to leave it up to who we send to choose the right message, but that does not mean we can’t send him several options to choose from. Kidnap, coercion, contracts, blackmail or coin, I don’t care whichever works but get it done.”

“Of course, your grace, I will see to it immediately.” His lackey replied. Bustling off down the corridor while his employer made his way on toward the House of Lords

. . .

On the other side of the House of Lords, a similar conversation was going on. “You found them?” An equally finely dressed Western lord asked intently. The length of time it had taken to locate the new nobility had been unacceptably long. Especially seeing as someone among them already knew, but to be the first to announce their location would be strong circumstantial evidence that they were the one behind the first attempt at assassination, so whoever it was kept their lips sealed. Though speculation run rampant that it was the merchant Mercurio’s former patrons.

“Yes, your lord. We are sure.” The bondsman replied confidently. It had been a long process of elimination, whittling away each coastal town and island along the merchant’s route.

“You are not concerned that allowing the two sides to play such games will form a poor first impression of the house and of me for letting it happen.” The prince asked.

“If anything, it will be an accurate first impression of the court and, realistically, bar stationing soldiers out there to defend against the depths. There is nothing more that you could have done beyond your own original proclamation. The Silversea family should be grateful enough for your support as it is. Lady Acacia knows how the game is played and will not be expecting anything more. It is time for the house to stand on its own two feet and make its own way in the world. Your proclamation will hopefully keep things less than lethal and keep the issue open and distracting until the time that they attend court.” He extrapolated.

“Very well. Now if you could focus on the matter at hand.” He reprimanded gently, focusing his seneschal’s attention on the maps spread over the table. “We need . . .”

. . . .

Further south in Libeccio

“I’ve finally found the perfect gift for you to return, Emir.” His Vizier advised as he opened a gilded box to present the gift he had found.

“A dragonling’s egg?” the Emir questioned. “The box is a fine piece of display work but a dragonling’s egg? They are more pest than predator.” He seemed unimpressed with the sapphire blue stone that sat on a bed of velvet within or the idea of sending one as a return present.

“This one has the finest pedigree, my liege. Bred for speed and efficiency in hunting, it will make a fine pet for a young noble lord. Consider your potential partner in trade. They are a common-born family, provincial nobles at best and located on the horizon’s edge. Dragonlings might be common enough in the southern kingdoms of the Compass continent. But beyond Libeccio, Ostro and Scirocco, they are exotic and rare, hard creatures to find and prized all the more for their rarity.” He expounded on his idea explaining its potential.

“Will it even survive further north?” somewhat sceptical.

“Of course, they stay south more through preference than need, and some have been known to migrate higher north in warmer years. Still, the island of Wester Ponente is hardly known for its cold climate.” He answered unwaveringly.

“It’s hardly known at all. Very well, this ought to balance out the scales a little, and we will have to see how well it is received.” He considered the possibility that this might balance the scales somewhat.