Ambition and Alavidha (13 page)

“Murdoch?”

“If we’re
right, not Murdoch, Leithe. The merchants depend on their fleets to
bring prosperity into Argyll. They will already be nervous about
Leithe’s actions of late as a threat to their futures. The
Councillors know this, they will ask the Vada to do something about
it.”

“We send a ship
to Vada then.”

“One ship to
Vada,” confirmed Paul Hallam, “and another I think must make the
longer journey to Dagan to warn the Lind and the Lai about the
expansionary ideas of the Duke of Markwood.”

He turned to
Robain.

“Go back to
Fort and speak to Markwood. Tell him that you
do
have an
interest in his plans for Dagan. If they ask, say that you’ve had
second thoughts and now think it a most excellent idea. Lay it on
thick Robain.”

“I can’t go
Father and I don’t think I’m the best person. I’m due back in
Gardiner soon. Also, I don’t think the Duke of Markwood is still at
Fort. He was preparing to leave when we did. I saw his attendants
loading the pack horses. No, it’ll have to be someone else.”

“Daniel Ross,
nephew of Baron Mark Ross, Philip’s son,” suggested Robert
Crawford, “he’d be ideal, he’s quick-witted and so loyal it’s
embarrassing. He can join them and keep an eye on them, make sure
they don’t do anything stupid. He’s a boyhood friend of one of the
Markwood boys too and I know he was planning to visit later in the
summer. Philip spoke to me about it. He could go early, Duke
Markwood’s so stupid he’ll not suspect a thing. If we can get word
off to Philip Ross, today even, I’m sure that by the time I get
back to Fort young Daniel will have already left. Duchesne, Graham
and Charleson, what about them?”

“They’ll need
more careful handling. The Duke of Duchesne is a fine statesman. He
must be persuaded, using every means at our disposal bar open
fighting to keep his duchy within the kingdom. Duke William is a
sensible man. He also listens to me. The other two will follow
suit. Let me think that one over.”

“I’ll go back
to Fort and keep an eye on Prince Crispin,” decided Robert
Crawford. “If I hear anything I’ll send word.”

“That would be
best and, Robert, send your family here, they’re vulnerable at
Fort. I’ll look after them. If those behind the unrest find out
that you suspect them they might decide to get at you through
them.”

“I’ll do that
and my thanks.”

“Now gentlemen,
I think we’d better join the ladies for supper. Tomorrow we put our
plans into action.”

* * * * *

-10-

STEWARTON -
ARGYLL

Master Drellor
was a rosy-faced man in his early forties. He shook Chad’s hand in
a firm manner, his eyes calculating as he assessed the newest
member of his trade caravan.

“Mr Whiteman,
Mr Jason Whiteman, I presume?”

“I am he,” Chad
answered, “you were expecting us this day?”

“Nonder said
you’d be coming,” Master Drellor answered, adding, “I owe him one,
else you wouldn’t be here. I run a clean caravan, squeaky clean, no
hanky-panky.” He paused. “No thieving or swindling.” Chad found out
later that Drellor said this to every new trader who joined his
caravans.

Chad was quick
to assure Drellor that thievery was far from his intent. “I’m and
honest jewellery merchant,” he said, trying to keep his countenance
fixed in the way he thought a jewellery merchant should look.

Drellor was
only partly convinced and continued to warn Chad, “I’ll be watching
you, you and your boy both. One false move and I’ll run you off, no
matter where. I’ve got a reputation to uphold, one that’s taken me
years to achieve. Keep your nose clean and we’ll get along famously
I’m sure.” He didn’t look as if he believed it.

“Understood,”
Chad replied, “we won’t cause trouble. You have my word.” He
actually meant it. He wouldn’t be playing the honest merchant, he
was about to
become
one, at least for the time being.

Drellor nodded,
“I’ll hold you to that. I make it my job to believe in a man’s word
until he does something to make me disbelieve and Nonder told me
that you don’t lie.” He pointed. “You can pitch your stuff into
that tent there. It’s yours for as long as you are with us.”

Chad noticed
that it was one in a line of neatly lined tents. The tents looked
well-maintained too. He also noticed that his was the tent right
next to where Drellor’s guards had
their
tents. This didn’t
bother Chad, in fact he was rather pleased. His sale goods were
worth a fair bit of coin after all and he had no intention of
blowing his cover by doing anything untoward. He would play the
bona fide merchant for as long as he needed to, until the
Gtrathlin’s domta was reached and afterwards too if necessary.

“Glad of the
spot,” he told Drellor and the pleased smile on his face was
genuine. “With valuable merchandise it will be good to have
protection close.”

Drellor nodded
and moved away.

Chad turned to
Zeb, “you keep your nose clean to you hear?”

Nonder’s nephew
Zeb donated on Chad a disgusted, indignant and comprehensive look.
He felt aggrieved that Chad felt he needed reminding.

“I’ll see to
the horses,” was all he said as he took hold of the lead rein of
Chad’s sturdy mount and made for the horse lines.

* * * * *

-11-

THE CASTLE OF
THE DUKE OF MARKWOOD - DUCHY OF MARKWOOD -KINGDOM OF MURDOCH

Kellen-Heir
Daniel Ross clattered over the drawbridge.

He had been
wondering and worrying about his visit during his journey. What he
would find when he arrived at the castle? He was wondering how he,
a twenty year old minor noble could stop the Duke of Markwood’s
insanity (for that was the word used by his uncle and father to
describe it) and had come to realise that he hadn’t an iota of an
idea in his head, even though he had racked his brains to think of
something at every opportunity. Of course, the Queen would likely
send troops, they were probably just some few days behind him, but
that wasn’t much help to Daniel at this moment. What would he do if
the expedition had already set out?

Play it by
ear
, he told himself,
and perhaps the Markwoods have come to
their senses.
He wasn’t holding out much hope in that
direction.

As Duke Paul
Hallam had said; sense and the Markwood Ducal House were the exact
antithesis of each other and to this his father had added the
phrase mutually exclusive.

Still, surely
he would be able to do something, perhaps talk some sense of
proportion into their ears, appeal to their sense of duty? He would
at least be able to tell the Queen’s officers what was happening
when they did arrive and perhaps, even if he was already too late
Queen Antoinette would be able to negate some of the damage by
diplomatic measures.

I wonder if
Ian is involved in it?
He shook his head ruefully. Count Ian
Markwood was a childhood friend, they were the same age, had served
as pages together at court for three years. Ian, being the least
quick-witted (by a long way) of the two had always followed
Daniel’s lead and Daniel was hoping he might still retain some
influence. He wasn’t holding out much hope in that direction
either.

He’s married
now, with a child. He has responsibilities!
Perhaps he, Daniel
would be able to use that as an argument and dissuade at least his
friend from going along with the expedition.

Alas, it was
not to be. Ian came running down into the outer bailey almost as
soon as he had reined in Firefly. He was bubbling over with joy at
the sight of his friend.

“You’ve made it
in time! I’d hoped you would! We leave tomorrow!”

“In time for
what?” was Daniel’s guarded question.

“We leave
tomorrow,” Ian repeated, almost with bated breath, “I told Uncle
Philip you would come. He
was
pleased. You will be joining
us, won’t you? You have come to join the expedition?” His words
were tumbling over each other he was talking so fast. “Uncle Philip
is upstairs, with Robert.”

Robert was
Ian’s brother and the young Duke of Markwood. He had recently
succeeded to the ducal title after the premature death of their
father.

“Hold on Ian,
not so fast. What exactly are you talking about?”

Ian Markwood’s
empty face fell, he looked almost if he was crying, “but I thought
you knew! I thought you being here meant that your father and uncle
were supporting the plan.”

“What
plan?”

“We’re going to
Dagan! Tomorrow! There’s land there for everyone to take, more than
you could ever imagine! I’m going to be a Duke in my own
right!”

Daniel
understood Ian’s excitement and that of his uncle although he
couldn’t condone it. Ian’s uncle, Count Philip was descended from a
junior ducal line. Him and his were not destined to wear the ducal
coronet and their land holdings were small. The chance to take land
elsewhere was too tempting to resist, especially for those with not
enough intelligence to think the plan through thoroughly. Ian was
also a younger son and instead of making him distance himself from
the plan, the fact that he too, had a child to provide for, was
actually egging him on.

This was a
never to be solved problem in the kingdom; that of what to do with
the younger sons. How much land to give them, if any. The late duke
hadn’t made any provision for Ian in his will. Ian held no land and
to date his brother hadn’t handed any over. Daniel knew that Ian
was angry and resentful.

“I came to see
you, your good wife and your boy,” lied Daniel, being careful not
to let his thoughts show, “I’ve got presents.” He pointed to his
pack-mare. He laid his arm round Ian’s shoulders, “but I’d be right
pleased to hear more about all this. Vast amounts of land for the
taking eh? Sounds almost too good to be true.”

Perhaps if he
couldn’t stop the expedition his best plan would be to join it.

“I’d really
like to hear more,” he continued, “how did you learn about the
land?” he was trying hard to sound enthusiastic. His dissembling
probably wouldn’t have worked on anyone apart from Ian (and his
family who were blessed with no more intelligence than his friend)
but it was good enough. “Is it Count Philip who is leading the
expedition? Does your cousin Philip go too?”

“Yes,” answered
Ian happily, eyes glowing at the prospect of the adventure ahead,
“and you simply
must
join us, you know you simply
must
. It won’t be the same if you’re not there with me.”

“I rather think
I will,” Daniel answered, “why don’t we go see your uncle and ask
him?”

“He’s bound to
say yes,” laughed Ian, drawing him in the direction of the family’s
private quarters, “he likes you. He says you’ve got brains.”

Have I?
Daniel was thinking as he allowed Ian to drag him inside
.
Brains? Only an idiot would actually volunteer for this but there’s
nought I can do to stop them, that’s for sure.

Best go
along
, said his logical inner voice.
You must. You can
diffuse the situation. You must! Queen Antoinette is depending on
you!

* * * * *

The Great Hall
at Castle Markwood was very noisy. The sound hit Daniel as he
followed Ian inside.

The young Duke
of Markwood kept to the traditional ways. Grand Feasts were for men
and men only. On these occasions the women remained in their
private solars.

And tonight was
the grandest feast of all; a celebration to cap all previous
celebrations. The Duke of Markwood was positive that he was about
to go down in history as one of the most wonderful Dukes the
Kingdom of Murdoch had ever known.

Ian led Daniel
to the high table, snagging an extra chair which he placed beside
his own place while winking at his brother.

At twenty-five
Duke Robert Markwood was one of the youngest of the twelve men who
wore the ducal coronet, he was hot-headed and keen to make a name
for himself; but the Dukedom had been on the whole peaceful under
his tenure until that is, a certain emissary had arrived and
planted the concept of ambition into his limited brain.

It would not
have gone any further except that the duke’s uncle, Count Philip
was even more intellectually challenged that his great-nephew. He
had latched on to the idea of an expedition to the continent of
Dagan like a terrier would a bone and had immediately begun to make
plans.

As with many
ideas in Markwood it had started small and escalated. Originally
Count Philip had envisioned a visit to Talastown to enquire if a
colony might be possible but at the urging of the emissary, now
departed, it had grown, getting larger and ever more
complicated.

A fleet was
being prepared.

Count Philip
intended now to travel to Dagan aboard a large pinnacle (a ship
rather like a naval frigate but civilian) and sailing, not to
Talastown but to an inlet further down the coast. There he would
land a pioneering group of men with materials and weapons. Only
then would he would travel north to Talastown to acquaint those in
charge of the fait accompli.

With him on
this expedition would go his heir Philip. Ian had been invited
along too.

Daniel hadn’t
been surprised to learn that Ian was going, nor that his uncle had
leapt at the chance because the reasons were, as was so often the
case in the kingdom, land and power. Dagan was immense. There would
be plenty of land up for grabs for him and his heirs.

Daniel knew
that the Markwoods were not the first ducal family to wish to
colonise Dagan. He rather thought however that they might just be
the first to try and put their wishes into planned action.