Bonus 14: In Which the Captain Treads Lightly

Bonus 14: In Which the Captain Treads Lightly

Security at Caer Aelthwyn was tighter than on the city walls or the Kingsguards headquarters itself, but Norovena still walked right in. These were, after all, his men on duty. His best men, because enemies and criminals getting through the city gates was just a cost of doing business, but if the Archlords peace was disturbed even momentarily, heads would roll. At the palaces front entrance, one of the elite guards saluted him while the other opened the door.

Inside, as usual, he barely had time to come to a stop on the polished mosaic floor before a butler glided up to him, folding down his hands in a way that managed to seem supercilious. The man himself was upper middleborn; lowborn servants did work here, but not in any public capacity where they might be seen by important guests.

Good day, Captain Norovena, and welcome. How may the household be of assistance?

Is Lord Llewthron available?

The high steward is presently in his study attending to affairs of state. No formal visitors are expected this morning.

As always, the fellow wielded subtext like a rapier, obliquely rebuking Norovena for just dropping in whenever he felt like it while also indicating that the steward was not doing anything which couldnt be interrupted, if the matter were important enough.

I need a word with him.

Very good, sir. The butler folded down his hands again before turning. If you would follow me, please?

He did, though Norovena knew the way to Llewthrons study without any help. There was never anything to be gained by pissing off a butleras a general rule, and specifically in this case. Such a high-ranking servant would be aware that any unplanned visit by the captain of the Kingsguard should go directly to the Archlord, not the high steward. Reporting this breach in protocol could cause a lot of trouble for both him and Llewthron.

Not that he would, even were he annoyed enough to sabotage Norovena. All the staff in Caer Aelthwyn, as well as most of the upper officials of the provincial government, quietly did their part to help manage the Archlord. Even so, everything went more smoothly when you were in good with the servants.

Thank you, Norovena politely told the butler in observance of that principle once they stood outside the requisite door. The man folded down his hands and turned to depart in the same stately glide. Left alone, the captain rapped on the engraved akorshil paneling.

Enter, said a voice from within, as brisk and terse as his own knock.

He slipped inside, shut the door behind himself, and folded down his hands toward the rooms sole occupant.

Captain Norovena. Lord Mainder Llewthron was an upper highborn whose hair was that lucky shade of pale blond which tended to obscure how much of it had turned to gray; it was the lines on his face, too numerous and deep for a man of his middling years, which betrayed the constant stress under which he labored. Right now, though he of course concealed it skillfully, Norovena knew he had to be displeased to see the captain of all people. He knew what such a sudden visit meant. How may I help you?

Apologies for the interruption, lord steward. I have a report to deliver to the Archlord, as ordered. Unless he isindisposed?

This report is pursuant to his Lordships recent special interest?

Yes, lord steward. I would not disturb him or you otherwise.

Llewthron was even better at it than the butler. His face barely shifted, but for just a moment he let the full weight of it all peek through in his expression and bearing. Only for a moment, and then he was rising from behind his desk, brisk and businesslike as ever.

I see. Then we must not keep his Lordship waiting. He has indeed been occupied this morning, but I believe it may have been long enough that he will welcome an interruption.

Norovena did not grimace or otherwise react, just nodded diffidently and held the door for the steward. Hells revels, he did not need to see whatever he was now about to, not today

The steward strode through the halls at a rapid yet even pace, as always concealing any sign of distress, as did Norovena. Of course, any passing servants would be aware of what their presence indicated and would take whatever action they could to mitigate the repercussions that were sure to follow. Everyone in this palace was an old hand at this song and dance. Those who did not develop a knack for it did not last long. Definitely not long in service, and possibly not long upon the mortal coil.

Thus, he wasnt worried about anyone betraying their breach of protocol to the Archlord. Norovena should have gone directly to Caludon with this, as ordered; reporting to Llewthron first was a compromise that helped them all survive this place. Hed have liked it for both their sakes if he had dared divulge the full news to the steward first, but Caludon had forbidden this in such explicit terms as to raise the suggestion he was well aware of how they all handled him and was joining in thewell, to him, it was a game. Neither Norovena nor Llewthron dared defy him that explicitly, but made do with this arrangement: Llewthron gained forewarning of anything that might agitate the family, and Norovena had his assistance and supervision when making his report. In most other royal or even noble courts they would have to worry about someone reporting on them to the Archlord, but Caludon was simply not the kind of person with whom one curried favor.

The familys chambers had their own discreet entrance, embedded in a deep nook at the end of one upper floor hallway which was almost its own foyer. There, they found a maid on duty, a young middleborn woman standing at attention by the door and staring at nothing with the hollow expression of someone who knew the full details of this job. Her thousand-stride stare didnt waver as she turned to them and folded down her hands in a precise gesture.

Lhaenit, Llewthron greeted her. Have the family any outstanding requirements?

They have made no requests since receiving their guest this morning just after breakfast, my lord steward, she said in a monotone. It has been relatively quiet for the last half hour or so.

What fortuitous timing. The steward stepped up to the double doors and leaned carefully against them, pressing first his ear and then one eye to the crack between. The maid continued gazing blankly into space and Norovena idly admired the carved akorshil paneling which made up this hall. This was the purest example of highborn architecture he had ever visited, massive pieces of khora all worked into organic shapes; this hallway didnt even have a ceiling, per se, merely a rounded wall which curved up to an egg-shaped arch above. Not that he was all that interested in architecture, but it wouldnt do to stare at the lord steward while he was engaged in something improper.

A bit of impropriety was crucial for survival around here.

Evidently satisfied by what he saw (or did not see), Llewthron drew back and rapped once on the door.

There was a pause.

Yeeeeesssss? a voice from within finally drawled. Lhaenits blank stillness subtly changed tenor as she went utterly still, the learned reaction of a rabbit which had heard a wolfs call. Norovena liked to think he revealed no outward sign of the shiver that ran down his spine. The voice wasreplete. Relaxed and satisfied. Which suggested its owner was safer at the moment than otherwise, but he only sounded like that in the aftermath of something

Something they were now going to have to see.

Llewthron pulled the door open and, pausing only to gather up Norovena with an authoritative glance, stepped inside. The captain followed him, closing the door after.

It said something about the Aelthwyns, the first ominous hint about theirissuesthat they had rearranged their suite so that their bed was in the large antechamber just inside the door, right where anyone entering would come upon what should have been the most private part of their residence. He very much did not want to know what they had stashed away in the actually private rooms beyond. Now, this space was brightly lit, pleasantly aired out, and in fact rather cold due to one of the windows being cracked despite the frigid weather, an unpleasant breeze fighting against the asauthec braziers. That seemed incongruous, to him. Maybe it was just that narrative cliches ran thick in his Fflyr blood, but this place felt as if it ought to have been dark, dank, and stuffy.

Archlord Caludon Aelthwyn lounged in his bed, disheveled and languid and thankfully half-covered by a rumpled blanket. There were fresh scratch marks on his bare chest. Neither of the two highborn womenalso undressed and fortunately covered by the blankettucked under his arms were his wife, but there was nothing scandalous about that in and of itself. It was perfectly normal and proper for a powerful nobleman to be in bed with his wifes maedhlou.

Less normal were the women in question, who were More or less as Norovena remembered them from previous encounters. He knew they could both act normal during proper social events, in fact better than the actual couple themselves, but now? Ilnyth was, as usual, giggling quietly, constantly, and for no apparent reason, while Myrrynit just staredcurrently, to his carefully-suppressed displeasure, at Norovena himself. Expressionless, wide-eyed and with nothing behind that gaze; it was like making eye contact with a snake. As usual, he thought she looked hungry. Not in a sexual sense, but as if she might sink her teeth into his throat if he stepped too close.

Norovena believed both of them had learned to play the part of madwomen when in private with their lord and lady, to facilitate whatever relationship the four had. He chose to believe that, because the alternative would force him to wonder just what Highlady Nazfryn had been doing to them since their shared childhood that had left them in this state.

Captain! squealed the highlady herself in almost childlike delight. It wasnt too hard to contain his unease at this; hed known exactly what to expect.

Unfortunately, Nazfryn was less dressed. She actually wore a formal and very expensive-looking thyffyl robe of what appeared to be shimmersatin, but with none of the lacing or undergarments that were normally worn with them, and not even pulled shut. It concealed nothing, especially when she twirled to face Norovena and sent the light fabric flaring about her. Well, she had nothing he hadnt already seen, anyway.

The man at her feet, bound in a fetal position, was lowborn to judge by the shade of his skin, at least what wasnt covered in bruises and welts. It was a cruel relief to Norovena that his head was concealed by a bag, sparing the captain from learning what his expression looked like and having that haunt his sleep. There was nothing he could do about any of this; he just had to keep his head down and get out without becoming the next plaything. The guy was utterly silent, but still alive; his labored breathing was visible even if the sound was muffled. And he flinched at the impact when Nazfryn dropped the object shed been holding right behind him.

It was a phallic-shaped object of carved and polished akorshil, and it landed with a splatter that was at least partially blood.

Mmmm, Caludon purred thoughtfully while Nazfryn paced around Lord Seijis portrait and made inscrutable high-pitched noises in the background. And you havent connected him conclusively with the goblin development?

Not in a way thatd stand up in court, mlord, not that that matters. There wouldnt be conclusive evidence anyway, Lord Seijis shown himself too sly to blunder like that. Given everything else I cant imagine hes not behind it.

Of course he is! Nazfryn trilled, clasping her hands and fluttering her eyelashes for all the world like a lovesick schoolgirl. Hes so clever, my boy is! Imagine! Whores and goblins, who else would even think to use such absurd tools, much less create such success with them! Oh, Caludon, I want him!

Ah, ah, kitten. Caludon lifted his hand from Myrrynits chest to wag a chiding finger at his wife. Patience. Honestly, what did you ever do without me to rein you in? We must let the tension build. Savor the anticipation. It will happen in time, and it will all be so much the sweeter for having been built up properly.

Myrrynit, still staring holes through Norovena, slowly formed her hand into a claw and raked it deliberately down Caludons chest, leaving a fresh set of scratch marks. Two of them started to lightly bleed. The Archlord didnt appear to notice. Ilnyth still hadnt stopped giggling, not for even a second.

And is that all, Captain? he asked lazily.

At this time, mlord, yes, Norovena answered, nodding. I dont have direct eyes on the Kings Guild or Clan Ardyllens estate, and one or both of those is where Id expect Lord Seiji to turn up next. I can try sending a man or two?

No, no. The Archlord waved him off, yawning. You are entirely too blunt an instrument for such a delicate task. Mainder, see to it. Lord Seiji so rarely graces the civilized parts of our isle with his presence, we must not waste the opportunity to watch his antics.

I shall see to it immediately, my lord, Llewthron answered dully.

Good man. Youd best toddle off, then, gentlemen.

Very good, my lord.

As you command, my lord.

She waited until they had turned and each taken two steps toward the door. It was possible she was just distracted, but it was a certainty that she was cruel, and knew exactly the social rhythms to exploit to turn relief into renewed discomfort.

Wait.

Both men paused, then turned back in response to Highlady Nazfryns command. Oh, this was bad; her eyes were boring directly into Norovena. Worse, she looked happy. Avidly so.

How do you think he did it, Captain? she asked in a sultry whisper, slowly swaying from side to side as she ground her thighs together. I know you werent there. Guess. How did my boy kill Lady Gray? Ohh, it must have been so sweet. So cruel.

Hells revels, and hed been so close to getting out of here unscathed. Norovena inhaled, forcing himself to calm, to consideration. Remembering his role, his strategies.

Well He tilted his head and squinted, reaching up to scratch his hair again. Im pretty sure he wouldnt have nailed her to a wall, mlady. He doesnt seem the type to use the same trick twice. I do think, he added, slowing down his delivery in performative pensiveness, it mustve been something slow, and detailed. After their back and forth I reckon he was quite angry with her by the end, and well We know how he acts when provoked that badly. I, uh, sorry, mlady. Afraid I dont have as much of an imagination as Lord Seiji, or yourself.

Well, at least it got him out of danger. Nazfryns eyes rolled up in her head and with a low groan, she actually slumped bonelessly to the floor. A second later she reappeared, crawling up onto the bed like a cat, where she dragged herself onto the pile of people already there, groping and slurping at Myrrynit as if trying to devour her. The maedhlou finally broke off her soulless glare at the interlopers, instantly twining herself around her mistress and reciprocating, their squirming and pawing threatening to push Archlord Caludon to the other side of the bed. Norovena didnt particularly want to see any of that, but so long as it wasnt directed at him, hed take it.

Well, thats all, gentlemen, Caludon said lightly, sticking one arm between both gasping and clawing women and groping atsomething, it was honestly impossible to tell. Either join in or move along. Unless you have any other relevant insights about our guest, Captain?

Nazfryn lifted her face from Myrrynits throat to stare expectantly at him, flushed and panting.

Captain Norovena blinked, squinted in thought, shook his head and calmly committed the first open, treasonous defiance of his twisted Archlord in his entire career.

Afraid not, my lord, my lady. Nothing else to report yet.

Off you go, then.

He folded down his hands, did not glance at the poor boy still bound on the other side of the room, and turned to follow Llewthron to the door.

It shut behind them, and Norovena finally permitted himself just the faintest hint of relief. It was only a tiny sigh, but it would have been deadly if they had seen it. The steward and attending maid just gave him fleeting glances of sympathy before mastering their own expressions.

As always, Captain, Clan Aelthwyn honors your discreet and diligent service.

I merely aim to serve in what little way I can, my lord steward, he replied, folding down his hands again.

As he made his way out of Caer Aelthwyn, Norovena feltgiddy. Light-headed, terrified, and ebullient. Hed done it; he had defied the Archlord. Deliberately withheld the one, all-important fact that changed the entire situation. The thing he had learned only by chance, right after Lord Seijis departure, when one of his men happened to comment that Seiji was wearing boots and a rapier he recognized as having belonged to two of Lady Grays top enforcers.

Artifact boots, and an artifact rapier.

There were, of course, other explanations for why a sorcerer might carry artifacts, which Norovena had casually but immediately impressed on all those in earshot. The big one, the unspoken and unspeakable possibility Norovena was most inclined to dismiss by reflex, though

Well, upon reflection, he had to acknowledge that there was nothing specifically counter-indicating it. Just that it was statistically improbable to be happening here and now, because such a rare event by definition was unlikely to happen in any one particular time and place. But it had to happen somewhere, and as for the time It had been a century and a half since Yomiko. It could indeed be any time now.

And there was the real kicker, the fact that this one, big, unlikely explanation wrapped up every other mystery swirling around the enigmatic Lord Seiji far too neatly to be ignored.

Now, Norovena had deliberately withheld that insight from his liege, preserving the strange kind of parity that existed between Caludon and Seiji: still, neither truly had any idea what they were about to be fucking with.

It wasnt even a question of who would win. Norovena would be far from the only soul on Dount who would breathe a sigh of relief and then get stumbling drunk in celebration when Lord Seiji finally slaughtered those fucking freaks. Assuming he was among the survivors. No, it was that Caludon Aelthwyn wouldnt even try to win. He didnt truly consider himself to be in conflict with anyone, didnt regard winning as a meaningful concept. Caludon just wanted to entertain himself to death, and take out as much of the world with him as he possibly could.

He wouldnt defeat Lord Seiji, not even close. He was just going to hurt him unimaginably in the process of being vanquished. The big questions were what would happen leading up to the confrontation, and after it, and how widespread the damage would be.

Norovena strode back through the city toward his barracks, deep in his own mind as he began laying plans to survive whatever absolute terror was sure to befall Dount soonand indeed, all of Ephemera. The thing was, even if his new theory was correct He still couldnt be sure what to plan for. The unpredictable Aelthwyns were bad enough without having the rest of the possibilities pared down to a world-shaking coin toss.

Hed read enough histories to have read between the lines, knew that Yomiko had fed the poor with the spoils of her conquest and that Satoshis comrades had learned never to leave their wives alone with him. Heroes, villains, good, evil If there was one thing Norovena understood, it was that power was power, and power did the same thing to everyone when they got their hands on it. Even so, personal inclinations aside, there were things forced upon the Hero and the Dark Lord by their roles, by the very goddesses.

And a man who protected the lowest of women and children, but also nailed men to walls

Which was he?