Rex Regis (19 page)

“Yes, sir.”

As soon as the squad leader left, Quaeryt used his belt knife to slit the envelope, opening it quickly and unfolding the sheets within.

Commander-

Submarshal Skarpa is dead. He was killed by a man named Chaellonyt, who claims to be the heir of Chaelaet, the former High Holder of Laetor. Chaellonyt used a small crossbow from cover when the submarshal left a staff meeting, from which we were excluded. We could not move quickly enough to shield him because of where we had been placed as a result of Commander Kharllon’s concerns about our reporting on the meeting. Threkhyl imaged a block before Chaellonyt’s mount, and we captured him. The assassin stated that he killed Submarshal Skarpa because the submarshal had personally destroyed his holding and ruined his father, who died in the battle for Barna …

Quaeryt paused.
Personally destroyed?
Then he swallowed as he recalled that the assistant steward had called him “submarshal,” and he had not corrected the man. The assistant steward must have passed on that the “submarshal” had personally destroyed the hold.
And Chaellonyt thought that Skarpa had done it.

“Sir?” asked Gauswn.

Quaeryt looked up from the partially read dispatch. He swallowed again. “Skarpa. He was killed by the heir of a rebel High Holder because the imagers and I leveled his hold house and forfeited his lands to Bhayar.”

“But you were under Commander Skarpa’s orders, weren’t you…”

Quaeryt shook his head. “My command was independent. Skarpa agreed reluctantly, but it was my decision and my act. And he paid for it.”
All because you didn’t correct a misunderstanding.
But that was something Quaeryt couldn’t afford to admit publicly, because it would reflect badly on Bhayar.
Are you sure?
Was there any doubt? Deucalon, Myskyl, and Kharllon would all use any admission against Bhayar … and Quaeryt and the imagers.
And you can’t afford that.
“Excuse me. I need to finish reading the dispatch.”

… Commander Kharllon has assumed the position of acting governor of Antiago.

Under the command of Subcommander Alazyn, Nineteenth Regiment and first company have removed from Liantiago to Westisle, where we have begun to establish a Telaryn base to assure that Lord Bhayar retains control of the port at Westisle. I felt that accompanying Nineteenth Regiment was in accord with your orders, but do not hesitate to change those orders as you see fit. I did inform Commander Kharllon of your orders and that I would request your confirmation or change to them.

For your information, we have also obtained two trainees, and may receive a third in the next week.

Quaeryt’s smile was bittersweet. Voltyr had more nerve than Quaeryt might have had in his position, and both Alazyn and the imagers were far better off separated from Kharllon. Even so, Voltyr would have his hands full. He slipped the sheets back into the envelope and then slit open the one from Alazyn.

Commander-

Submarshal Skarpa was killed by a Bovarian High Holder’s son earlier today. With his death, Commander Kharllon assumed command of Southern Army. He insisted that Nineteenth Regiment was under his command. I noted that Nineteenth Regiment was assigned to the envoys directly, and that you and Lady Vaelora had requested that the regiment support Submarshal Skarpa. With his death, command reverted to you or those under you.

The compromise we reached, until we receive orders from you or Lord Bhayar, is that Nineteenth Regiment and first company would invest the port of Westisle to assure that Telaryn controls all major ports of Antiago, save Hassyl. The imagers have begun to convert old warehouses adjoining the port quarter into barracks and facilities. These can be used by any Telaryn forces as necessary.

I felt you should know these facts in order to present them, as you see fit, to Lord Bhayar and Marshal Deucalon.

Obediently yours.

The signature was that of Alazyn Zyntarsyn, Subcommander.

Quaeryt quickly folded the sheets and stuffed them back in the envelope. “I’m going to have to leave you. But let’s get you and the boys settled for now.” He stood and headed for the door.

Gauswn followed.

Quaeryt quickly explained the situation with Gauswn and the new trainees to the duty squad leader, since Zhelan was not immediately available, gave him instructions, then reclaimed his mount.

As he rode quickly toward the Chateau Regis, Quaeryt thought about the dispatches. Both had been dated the nineteenth of Maris. That meant the dispatch riders had covered the distance in a little less than three weeks. Quaeryt shook his head. They could have covered the same distance in Telaryn in less than a week.
A week and a half. The roads aren’t that straight.
Then there was the fact that the dispatch rider hadn’t said anything about a dispatch to Bhayar … and Skarpa-and thus Kharllon-reported directly to Bhayar.

Did Chaellonyt kill Skarpa because he thought Skarpa was me? Or because Skarpa was in command? Or for both reasons? Why did it have to happen that way?
And then there was the problem of Voltyr and Threkhyl not being able to protect Skarpa because of Kharllon’s concern about the imagers finding out something. Quaeryt didn’t think that was an excuse by Voltyr. Voltyr had never made excuses.
Threkhyl, perhaps, but not Voltyr.

Two rankers were waiting at the side entrance to Chateau Regis to take Quaeryt’s mount.

“Lord Bhayar is in his study, sir.”

“Thank you.” Quaeryt dismounted. “Is the marshal there?”

“No, sir. He left half a quint ago.”

Quaeryt held back a frown. He hadn’t seen Deucalon or any riders on the road from headquarters. “Do you know where he went?”

“No, sir, but he was riding west.”

“Thank you.” Quaeryt hurried through the oak door and then down the lower-level hall to the circular staircase that rose two flights to the upper level of the chateau.

The ranker by the study door opened it for Quaeryt even before he reached it. He stepped inside.

Bhayar was indeed waiting, pacing back and forth in front of the windows. “I sent for you, but I see you already know. When did you find out?”

“Two quints ago. The dispatch rider said that he had a dispatch for Deucalon, and I’d heard he was meeting with you.” Quaeryt wondered why he hadn’t seen a rider heading for headquarters.

“He had dispatches for both Deucalon and me. They were both the same … from Kharllon. Acting governor Kharllon.”

“I didn’t see any rankers riding to headquarters,” Quaeryt said blandly. “Or Deucalon.”

“I’m not surprised. Deucalon asked permission to send a courier a back way.”

“To see how soon I’d arrive?”

“I imagine.” Bhayar smiled faintly. “Would you care to read my dispatch?”

“I would. I thought you might read the two I received.”

“Two?”

“Voltyr and Alazyn.”

“Ah … yes.”

Quaeryt extended both dispatches and took the one Bhayar handed him.

Both men began to read.

Quaeryt had no doubts as to how the matter would be presented, except how delicately Kharllon would do so.

Lord Bhayar,

Lord of Telaryn, Bovaria, and Antiago

It is my sad duty to report to you that Submarshal Skarpa was murdered earlier today by one Chaellonyt, who claims to be the heir to a holding in southern Bovaria and who was disinherited for his father’s failure to pledge allegiance to you. The assassin escaped the notice of both the imagers and Submarshal Skarpa’s men and killed the submarshal with a single shot. The submarshal’s men did capture the assassin, and he will be executed once we have extracted as much information as possible.

I must report, regretfully, that Subcommander Alazyn insisted that his orders from Commander Quaeryt did not place him under the direct command of Southern Army, but only as a supporting regiment under independent command. I did not choose to contest this after first company and the imagers also supported this convoluted interpretation of the chain of the command. As a temporary measure, subject to change upon receipt of your direct orders, Nineteenth Regiment and first company, supported by the imagers, are investing the port of Westisle to assure its loyalty to you. This action, of necessity, has left Southern Army’s main forces without the capabilities of the imager undercaptains, a fact I must reluctantly emphasize …

Quaeryt shook his head but continued to read the remainder of the dispatch, which consisted of a report on the status of the six regiments now commanded by Kharllon and the progress Skarpa had made in returning Liantiago to some semblance of order in the nearly three weeks between the capture of the city and Skarpa’s assassination.

Quaeryt lowered the dispatch and waited for Bhayar to speak.

“You’d best keep these for now,” said Bhayar, extending the two envelopes and their enclosures to Quaeryt, “but if you or Vaelora would make me copies, I would appreciate it.”

Quaeryt understood exactly what Bhayar’s request meant. “You’ll have copies tomorrow.” He handed back Bhayar’s dispatch.

“What would you recommend that I do in Antiago?” asked Bhayar.

“Confirm Kharllon as acting governor, but don’t make him a submarshal for now, and inform him that he reports to you and that you will assure that any dispatches he sends to you will also reach Marshal Deucalon. Tell him that governors always report directly to the lord.”

Bhayar nodded. “And Alazyn?”

“Let him hold Westisle. That’s also a good place for the imagers.”

“I thought you wanted them all here.”

“What happened in Antiago changed my mind. I think there should be two Collegiums. Or rather one Collegium with two locations. That way, you’ll have two bases of power. Also, you could tell Kharllon that he can certainly call upon the imagers for specific tasks, but not for continuing duty. That way…”

“I understand that much, Quaeryt,” Bhayar said sardonically. “Unfortunately, so will Deucalon. What else did Alazyn do? Not that avoiding orders wasn’t enough to enrage Kharllon … and Deucalon.”

“During the campaign, Alazyn pointed out some discrepancies in Kharllon’s views … or rather how he tended to position himself and his forces in ways most favorable to himself, and how his reports were not always in accord with how events had actually happened. Both Skarpa and Subcommander Paedn supported Alazyn. I also observed that Commander Kharllon’s view of matters accorded more with what he wished to believe than the situation that often faced Southern Army. Subcommander Alazyn made the mistake of observing that publicly once.” That was stretching matters slightly, but only a bit.

Bhayar smiled sardonically. “I thought as much. That was why I wished to see you without Deucalon present. He was most proper in hearing my decision to discuss matters with you alone.”

“He didn’t like it, but respects your decision.”

“I’m not sure he even respects it.” Bhayar paused. “I suppose I should promote Voltyr … to major, you think?”

Quaeryt thought for a moment. “For now, that would be good. Once the Collegium is established, I don’t think imagers should have military rank at all.”

“You’d give up being a commander?”

“For being the maître of the Collegium? Absolutely.”

“What if I made you a submarshal?”

Quaeryt shook his head. “Begging your pardon, sir, but I believe that would be unwise.”

Bhayar laughed, a short and harsh sound. “When a man refuses promotions and honors, and means it, I should heed his advice.”

“Can I instruct Voltyr to build and plan for a branch of the Collegium in Westisle?”

“You can. I will also send him a dispatch telling him that in all matters involving imaging and imagers, you remain his superior.” Bhayar fingered his chin, then looked back to the windows. “You are not to discuss the events in Liantiago with Deucalon. I have already told him he is not to question you about them. It would be better if you busied yourself with imager efforts for the next few days. I will confirm that, for the next few months, Subcommander Alazyn will govern the isle of Westisle, supported by the imagers. After that … we shall see.”

“You have not heard recently from Submarshal Myskyl, have you?”

“No.”

Bhayar’s tone told Quaeryt to drop that subject. So he said, “If the weather holds, we will finish the road from the avenue around the Chateau Regis to the south bridge in the next few days. We’ve replaced both the north and south bridges.”

“The imager roads are a great improvement. We will need more … in time. How are you coming in setting up your ministry?”

“Vaelora went looking for tables and furnishings for the studies … And ledgers and chests. I have had Zhelan and Khaern making discreet inquiries about clerks.”

For the next quint, the two discussed Bhayar’s requirements for the new Ministry of Administration and Supply for Bovaria.

After leaving Bhayar’s study, Quaeryt walked to the east side of the chateau, but Vaelora was not in the quarters. He found her on the main level, working with three troopers in arranging writing tables and chairs, and stacking chests.

“You’ve been busy,” he observed.

“We can’t do much until we have the furnishings and supplies.”

He glanced around. “Are you about finished for now?”

“Just about.” Vaelora looked at him. “Something’s happened, hasn’t it?”

“There’s nothing we can do at this moment. I’ll tell you when you’re finished.”

Less than a quint passed before Vaelora dismissed the rankers, and the two of them walked up the main staircase to the upper level of the chateau and to their quarters. Quaeryt had barely closed the door to the sitting room when Vaelora turned to him.

“Something from Antiago?”

Quaeryt nodded. “Skarpa was assassinated. Read these.” He handed her the two dispatches and let her read them before he went on to tell her what had happened at Chaelaet and then about his meeting with Bhayar. “I didn’t tell him about my not correcting the steward.”