4.33 In Which the Dark Lord Keeps Up With the Aelthwyns

4.33 In Which the Dark Lord Keeps Up With the Aelthwyns

Lhadron, you are remiss, Caludon stated, arching an eyebrow. Here stands our guest of honor, deprived of introduction in violation of all rules of civilized hospitality.

Ah, then you are quite done monopolizing his attention? Lhadron countered evenly, raising himself a notch in my estimation. I wouldnt blame a guy for playing it safe with a viper like Caludon in his house, but the Highlord had a spine. Then again, maybe the truth of the situation lay in all the nuances I didnt know; rather than looking piqued, the Aelthwyns both smiled at him, the expressions evidently quite sincere and not one bit more pleasant for it. Welcome again, Lord Seiji, to the demesne of Clan Ardyllen. I see the good Archlord and his Highlady have taken it upon themselves to usurp my prerogative as host and provide their own introductions. Allowances must be made foreccentricity. And of course, you recall my lady wife.

But of course. I gave her an insincere smile, which she reciprocated. Damn it, I was hoping hed repeat her name. What was the wretched woman called? Oh, well, it probably didnt matter.

I am also informed that you are acquainted with our esteemed guest from the Empire, Lord Ruell.

No less charmed than previously, ol boy, Ruell said with his usual sunny smile.

Cheerio, pip pip. The elf blinked in confusion, as did everyone else present. Screw em, I enjoy my jokes.

And alone in possessing the dignity and bearing to be presented properly before heating up the air, it is my honor to host, and to present to you, Archbishop Sabider Naelloch, our most revered conduit to the Goddess here upon Dount.

One servant of Sanora, no more esteemed than any other, lied the elf wearing the robe which was not only richly embroidered with thread-of-gold but stitched with actual plates of what looked like solid gold wrought into impractically fanciful shapes and polished to an excruciating shine. He inclined his head graciously to me but did not perform any heirat. It is a distinct pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Lord Seiji. You truly do stir the current of rumor with each little step. My thanks especially for your service to the mission of our own Rhydion. The Goddess favors those who aid her most stalwart servants.

I turned to him and bowed. What an absolute honor to be in your most holy presence, Archbishop.Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

The elf didnt exactly look uncomfortable, but there was a fleeting pause before he answered. We customarily do notbow, my lord. Particularly on formal occasions.

Indeed, Ive had worlds of fun getting acquainted with Fflyr customs. The first thing I decided was to follow themselectively.

Caludon chuckled; by his and Nazfryns expressions, they were enjoying my little production a lot more than the Archbishop was. Lhadron brought his Grace here in the hope that he would counteract my own worst excesses.

Is it working? I asked innocently.

The Archlord grinned at me, saying nothing. Nazfryn licked her lips. Look, Im a guitarist, I know what its like to be stared at by horny women. She reminded me more of a monitor lizard eyeballing a steak.

The Archlord has far too high an opinion of my abilities, if he thinks I could summon an Archbishop at will.

I assure you I dont, Caludon disagreed casually.

Lhadron kept his expression composed, but his wife was staring fixedly into the distance.

A humble priest can only go where the Goddesss grace is most needed, Naelloch interjected smoothly, at least as best as fallible mortal perceptions can determine Her will.

Anyway, you neednt bother introducing Rhydion around, Caludon added, lazily flapping one hand in Lhadrons direction. Everyone knows him, and he already knows everything. Dont you, Rhydion?

It is not necessary to know everything, the paladin replied from behind me, where he had silently arrived during the preceding conversation, when one knows enough.

Ooh, the subtext, Nazfryn purred, leaning toward me again. Such a shame, our Rhydion. Once in a while he shows off how he has the capacity to be the most interesting man in the room, were he not so utterly dedicated to being so unbearably tedious.

Maybe I should try that, I suggested. I bet its great for avoiding dinner parties.

Please be seated, Lord Seiji, Lhadron said, gesturing smoothly toward one of the empty chairs. The place of honor has been reserved for you, next to the Archlord himself. Rhydion, I realize you do not customarily eat while in armor in front of others, but I hope you will grace us with your presence nonetheless. A place has been kept for you, as well.

Fflyr high dining customs wereinteresting. Rather than a large table, each chair had its own small one at the right hand, laden with a variety of small dishes, tapas-style. Actually the result was more table space per person than a more conventional arrangement. The chairs on the high dais were arranged in a concave arc, such that all of us could see each other clearly, the better to converseand, lacking a table between us, admire one anothers outfits. That was probably one of the motives for this custom, given how these people liked to peacock. What was most interesting to me was that the lesser highborn were arranged at more conventional tables on the banquet floor below.

I seated myself as directed, whereupon a servant darted forward to pour me a glass of wine. Ignoring that for the moment, I instead picked up a skewer of meat and peppers, taking an experimental nibble.

okay, I felt disloyal for thinking it, but this was way better than Gannits cooking. Thankfully after all this time Id become mostly accustomed to the way Fflyr spiced their food. I hadnt exactly learned to enjoy the burning in my sinuses, but I had at least gained the ability to eat it without embarrassing myself.

Tell me, Lord Seiji, Caludon drawled in the too-casual tone of a man who was about to twist a knife, what is it about our lowborn that so fascinates you?

Nothing about anyone fascinates me, I answered instantly. Without particularly noticing it I had instinctively immersed myself in the fluid energy of showtime, because I was going to need it to get through this without igniting a civil war. People are only disappointing if you expect anything from them.

He chuckled. Ah, once again, you show yourself a man after my own heart. But that only intrigues me further, you see. Wherefore the interest you take in them, if it is not personal?

I was already chewing the meat and peppers I had strategically shoved in my mouth, and continued to do so, merely giving him a shrug in response.

Its quite the fashion you ignited, just before you left, Nazfryn said in a particularly saccharine tone, lounging against her own serving table in a posture that fell just short of the inappropriate languidness of her husbands probably because it was calculated to show off the lines of her body. Scarcely a week later, and already it is the thing to compete by dressing up ones peasants! Just imagine! Lowborn, primped and fed and gussied up like show ponies. Well, it is the dreary season, I suppose. Even so, what a novel idea you introduced!

I cleared my throat with a sip of wineexcellent wine, I had to admitand made a show of blinking once, slowly. Is that what the highborn have been doing? Huh. I guess I understand you people even less than the lowborn.

On the one hand, it was a rather amazing success; that off-the-cuff gambit seemed to have worked even better than I thought. On the otherthe fact that these two were showing an interest in the results could not possibly portend anything good.

Be silent while my husband is speaking, you prematurely wizened coot, Nazfryn snapped. Or at least conjure up something to say which is worth our time to hear.

So they refuse to touch me, Caludon drawled, slumping still lower in his chair. After all, if the highest among them can face consequences for his actionswhy, how much more easily will they suffer the same? And that is the one thing the highborn can never tolerate, you see. Just imagine what would happen to this country if those running it got anything they deserved. And so, Lhadron here placidly tolerates me, bends his neck to avoid drawing my displeasure no matter how I insult him.

Staring deliberately at the Highlord, Caludon held out his own wineglass. A lowborn servant instantly ghosted forward and refilled it from an expensive looking bottle. The Archlord lifted the glass to his nose, swirled it once while inhaling the scent with an appreciative smile, and then hurled the filled glass over his shoulder.

Lhadron, pointedly ignoring him, bit into a skewer of pepper mutton. His wifes jaw tightened, but she likewise refused to outwardly react.

Behind us, servants scrambled as silently as they could to clean up the sprayed wine and broken glass.

Good old Sabider is even worse, Caludon continued, shooting the Archbishop a contemptuous glance. He has all the same personal distaste for my conduct, but also a moral imperative to oppose me. At least, were he remotely sincere in the convictions of the faith which appears to be his entire personality. And yet! The Goddess dictates that I am the best and most correct of all her creations, being an elf with a high inherited position. Yes, Im entirely sure it is faith in his Goddesss commandments and not the practical awareness that being a well-bred elf is the entire source of his own high position that stays his hand from commanding my destruction.

All your antics delay the moment you face judgment, Caludon, Naelloch said softly, they do not spare you from it. She is not my Goddess, but yours also, whether you like it or not. Were I a creature of strict pragmatism as you claim to be, I should forbear from offending such an entity.

Good old Sabider, Caludon sneered wearily. I can always count on him to prove my point with a prime serving of driveling piffle.

As a visitor to our lands, Lord Seiji, the Archbishop said to me with his mask of calm beneficence back in place, you may not realize that the Archlord exaggerates my power for the sake of his argument. Where I capable of commanding his destruction Well, his continued existence serves to demonstrate that I am not.

Hes my favorite, you know, Caludon added to me. Still too spineless to do anything, but at least hes willing to say it. None of the rest of them are.

Girls, please, I drawled. Youre both pretty.

And the lowborn, Caludon continued, curling his lip. Why, their numerical advantage alone. That the common people of any nation are cattle is proven by the fact they remain common. A man with a will and a soul, surrounded by countless more of the same, united in position and purpose Why, what couldnt they accomplish? If, that is, they truly were men with will and souls. And yet what do they do? They suffer. His sneer deepened until it was nearly a snarl. Politely. What well-bred, well-behaved little sheep, truly.

Should I have questions about the source of thismutton? I inquired.

You neednt worry, my lord, Lhadron said dryly. The Archlord has no role in the selection of my household goods. Merely in their waste.

What about it, Rhydion? Caludon asked, actually waving at the paladin. You must loathe my style of leadership more than anyone hereand unlike most of them, you have the power and perhaps even the authority to do something about it! Why, if you were to strike me down here and now, surely even the Convocation and the King would support you! If the great paladin himself decreed that the Archlord needed to die, everyone would accept that. Right? So draw your blade and carry out the Goddesss will!

Nazfryn turned her eagerly expectant stare on Rhydion, as if she actually hoped he was going to murder her husband and possibly herself then and there.

It truly reveals the poverty of your mind that you can conceive only summary execution as the appropriate way to redress your offenses, Archlord.

Caludon sighed dramatically and rolled his eyes, while his wife slouched in her seat, pouting in outright disappointment. You see, Lord Seiji? Piffle. They moralize and spout platitudes and do nothing. Whatever he may claim, Rhydion forestalls himself because of consequences. His would undoubtedly be lesser than those of anyone else, but ah, how nervous it would make the power structure of this wretched little kingdom if he were to do what he so clearly wants. His ability to move and act throughout Dlemathlys would be significantly curtailed in the aftermath.

Its just such a shame, Nazfryn cooed, batting her eyes at me, to learn that such a celebrated warrior is, in the end, merely a coward.

You, though, Caludon whispered.

I did not like the way they were both suddenly looking at me. Even less than Id liked it so far, which was really saying something.

Oh, I know what you think of me, Lord Seiji, the Archlord said in an unsettlingly breathy tone, holding my eyes with the sheer intensity of his own. What about it? You are an outsider hereboth in origin, and in the base of your power. Let us speak as equals and ignore all these clowns who feel the need to dance around the truth. You oppose the entire structure itselfplan, overtly or not, to cut it down. What better place to start than here? I have such hopes for you, Seiji. Show me somethinginteresting.

I finished chewing my current mouthful, swallowed, and carefully brushed crumbs from my lips with the provided napkin.

Youre a weird lil dude, arencha, Cal?

The elf grinned broadly at me, an expression of happiness that seemed purely sincere if only because it was openly unhinged.

Nearly as much as your good self, I should think, Seiji. Just promise me that you will look after my Nazfryn. Casually, not even looking at her, he lifted his hand to caress her cheek with the backs of his fingers. I hereby bequeath her to you, in the event you should take my life. I think youll find her quite pleasingshe really is a delightful pet, if kept properly disciplined.

She was rubbing her face against his handand not in any kind of subtle way as might be somewhat appropriate for a public display, but avidly, like an affectionate cat. A cat in heat. All while keeping her dark eyes fixed on mine. It was really fortunate for purposes of my PTSD that I couldnt make myself see anything this woman did as erotic, no matter how blatant the intention. She was justdisturbing.

Consequences, Caludon, I said, remaining relaxed aloof in demeanor only through the sheer power of showtime. Im no Rhydion, certainly no Archbishop. Being actively hunted as a criminal by the Convocation, the Kings Guild, every Clan and everyone else would be a headache of truly massive proportions.

I leaned toward him, and he matched my posture, our heads tilting together conspiratorially.

Then I reached across and booped the Archlords nose.

Little buddy, what the hell makes you think youre worth it?

Smiles drained away from their faces in unison. I did not reveal satisfaction any more than I had unease. I refused to give them the satisfaction of knowing they had any effect on me at all. Instead, I just straightened up in my chair and began browsing among the selection of finger foods at hand, which I noticed a servant had discreetly replaced while I was distracted.

Whythat is the question of the hour, is it not? Caludon murmured. After all, now that backstory is dispensed with, I believe you are owed a recitation of the evil plan.

maybe I shouldnt have said that.