B3 Chapter 6

Lucan ascended the stairs until he was on Lord Arden’s level, dipping his head respectfully to the old noble. Ren was already standing on one side of his grandfather with their steward and Sir Sarin behind him, so Lucan stood on the other side. He then turned gingerly to face the assembled nobles.

Lord Arden’s speech had been a simple one, apprising the lords of the alliance’s existence and the cause for it, but the old lord hadn’t taken the time–or likely hadn’t had the strength–to explain the particulars of the matter.

Lucan began by dipping his head again, this time to all those in attendance. “First, I must thank all the good lords and sirs for the time you spare me.” He paused as he received polite nods from the nobles. “As Lord Arden has said, this alliance is meant to protect the realm and its members from the savagery of the Wilderlands first and foremost. All who sit in this hall are wise enough to know that the Wildermen will not wait for us to be rid of our troubles before they attempt another venture into the realm. If we turn our backs on them to fight in a prolonged civil war, it is inevitable that our lands and the whole realm will suffer. That is why we must unite, bearing this duty together and abandoning the bloody squabbles that would drag us north and weaken us.”

“But if we do not support the rightful heir, we may be branded traitors after the dust has settled,” a voice rose to interrupt him, Lord Thornvale’s. He was a man of his father’s age, and he reigned over one of the largest territories in the South, his lands lying north of Sir Caerlyn’s basin and stretching east to hug Lord Sergrave’s northern border.

“And should we support the wrong heir, we will still be branded traitors as well,” Lucan retorted. “Let us not pretend, good lords. He who ascends the throne will decide who is traitor and who is not. By then, we will be the strongest arm of the realm, still standing and protecting its borders. No wise king would cripple his realm further by turning against us.”

The lord looked subdued by his words, but Lucan thought he caught him muttering something about wisdom and fools. He didn’t seem to have much faith in the two claimants, and Lucan did not wish to antagonize the man by speaking further of the matter. He was the only noble here on the border with Pontis to the west, and if they were to maintain trade–at least to the west–they would need his lands to be open for passage.

“Our duties do not end with the Wildermen. We must fend off brigands and warlords from the east. But foremost of all, we must protect the Elder Root from destruction. We must not allow the South to suffer the same fate as the Shattered Kingdom!”

Approving but silent faces answered his announcement, taking it for what it was, another shield for their reputations against tarnishment. No one in attendance was foolish enough to challenge him on the notion, even if none of the nobles’ estates even bordered the Elder Lake. Their claim would stand as long as the Root stood. Thankfully, Lucan didn’t think any of those wrestling for power in the realm were foolish enough to make an attempt on the Root. Ironically, Lucan thought that if they did someday find that someone was of the intent to do such, they would indeed unite to prevent it. Only, it wouldn’t be them alone; any sane man in the realm would stand with them.

“There is much to gain from this alliance for all of us,” Lucan continued. “I need not say that many estates across the realm will suffer. Even those who are blessed with plenty of wealth will be drained of all they’re worth in service of this brewing conflict.” He paused, eying the more affluent lords in attendance. “Meanwhile, our estates may prosper, with trade flowing smoother than a river. Merchants will flee the wartorn lands and find a safe haven in ours. With enough wealth and fortitude, we may yet weather this storm together.”

“Where will we get trade from if the rest of the realm is being torn apart?” This time, it was Lord Ravencroft who stopped him.

“From the west,” Lucan said, gesturing at Lord Thornvale. “And from the east.”

“The Union?” Lord Ravencroft scoffed. “I don’t see Ward or any of the eastern lords here.”

“I have some thoughts on the matter, Your Lordship. I believe they may be to your liking.” Lucan impressed the last words with as much meaning as he could. “If our alliance comes to be, such thoughts could come to fruition, and we would all reap the benefits,” he said. But he gestured towards Lord Ravencroft while mentioning the benefits. Indeed, a nascent plan had rooted itself in his mind as of late, and it would involve the lord, among several others. Hopefully, it was something that could be realized. Unfortunately, though, it was not reachable without success here today.

His words seemed to mollify Lord Ravencroft for now, at least, which was good enough. So Lucan continued, “I urge you to consider the wise course to be taken today, for the well-being of us and our people.” He paused, giving the nobles time to ponder, even if he was anxious to get their answers. After a moment, he added, “You may ask, and you will have my honest answer to any question. Of this, I give my word.”

Lord Sergrave was the first to put forth a concern. Lucan had met him briefly during the campaign, and he was a grim, resolved man, particularly when it came to facing his arch enemies, the Wildermen. “Without aid from the rest of the realm, we cannot halt a determined assault by united Wildermen.” He nodded at Lucan meaningfully. “You were there yourself...at the dam. You saw it.”

Lucan was taken aback for a moment. He hadn’t considered such a notion. Of course, he had imagined that the Wildermen might seek vengeance after he’d burned down their holy Daughter, but at the time, the realm was still intact, and if the Wildermen had chanced an organized assault, the kingdom would have found it negligible to crush them on the field in a more familiar terrain.

Now, it was different, however. Only those in attendance would be defending against such an incursion, and they couldn’t even raise half the number of men that the rest of the realm could raise together.

“The Wildermen are bloodied from the campaign and my assault on their holy city,” he said, unconvinced himself. There was nothing to ascertain that they would not attempt something else soon. At least, word of his adventure had spread enough that it now garnered him respectful nods with its mention. “Regardless, the two princes will not halt their conflict for fear of the Wildermen, and a united South is better than a splintered one should our enemies decide to cross the border. We must do with what we have, for it is better than having nothing at all.”

Lord Sergrave did not retort, and Lucan realized that the man may have only been curious about preparations instead of attempting to challenge him. Seeing that no one else was willing to openly question him, Lucan nodded respectfully to Lord Arden and the attending nobles before stepping down. It would do him better to take the lords and the knight one at a time instead of attempting to persuade them from the dais. The speech was only his opening move.

He went to his table and extended a hand to Lilian, who rose to meet him, putting her hand in his. The lords and their attendants had gotten to their feet as well, done with their food, even if much of it was left unfinished.

Lucan’s eyes roamed the hall as the lords fell together, conversing, no doubt about the matter at hand and the realm at large. He had to choose wisely whom to approach first. If he succeeded in persuading the first, it would make the lords more open to his persuasions afterwards. And if he failed, well…

“Will you tell me about the other lords?” Lilian whispered as he brought her around the table.

“I will,” Lucan answered. “But now, we must hurry before the lords concoct their own opinions of the alliance. I believe we ought to approach Lord Cassius. He is the one most in need, and he might be amicable to a shared cause if it would help him.”

Lilian nodded without a word, following his lead as he brought her to the nearby lord. Lord Cassius was standing with his son at the corner of the long table, surprisingly unapproached by any of the other nobles. Lucan gave a nod to Sir Upton and Sir Wolfe, who stood to the side together, before leading his betrothed towards his quarry.

“Lord Zesh.” Lord Cassius gave him an acknowledging nod as he approached.

“Lord Cassius,” Lucan said. “It is a pleasure to meet you here.”

“Likewise,” the lord said. Then he gestured at the boy standing next to him. He was a few years younger than Lucan and had a strong resemblance to his father, though his hair was left to its own wishes instead of being combed back. “This is my son, Alaric.”

The boy bowed slightly. “An honor to meet you, Lord Zesh. I have heard much of your exploits in the Wilderlands.”

“The honor is mine if the son of a prestigious house such as yours appreciates my negligible achievements,” Lucan said with a smile. He gestured at Lilian, who had her hand tucked into the crook of his arm now. “This is Lilian Saltner, my soon-to-be wife.”

Alaric frowned, confused, though he gave her a deep nod. The boy’s father, on the other hand, smiled widely. “Ah, Saltner? Would you be related to Maris Saltner?”

Lucan pressed his lips. He’d expected one or two of the lords here to know that he was betrothed to a commoner, but he hadn’t expected one of them to recognize that just by her name. Before he could attempt to redeem their conversation, Lilian answered.

“Yes, he is my father,” she said. “Are you acquainted with him, My Lord?”

“Well, yes, of course!” Lord Cassius said. “Master Saltner is a man of great reach. Perhaps you can arrange for us to meet once again?” He leaned forward eagerly.

“Of course,” Lilian said, seemingly taken aback, as much as Lucan was at least. “I’m certain it would be his pleasure.”

“Splendid!” The lord beamed. “Undoubtedly, another meeting would be fruitful.”

“It is auspicious that a good past acquaintance unites us today,” Lucan said with an anxious smile. “Perhaps this is a good omen for what is to come?”

“Ah, indeed, it is auspicious,” Lord Cassius said.

“Lord Cassius, I believe this alliance would serve you well, perhaps more so than most,” Lucan said.

The lord raised a brow, not suspicious but curious. “Please, enlighten me.”

“Should all the lands north of the Elder Lake erupt into war, there will be ample opportunity in the South,” Lucan began his proposal. “Trade due east and west would have to pass through your lands if our alliance becomes a haven for merchants.”

He saw a twinge of interest in the lord’s face as the man rubbed his chin thoughtfully. It was true. There were many estate heads here, but their territories together were rather thin, particularly at the border. Any merchant intending to cross Barwalis east or west would have to pass nearly all the lords’ estates. Perhaps the only ones untouched by this privilege were Sirs Caerlyn, Upton, Wolfe…and Lord Arden should a merchant foolishly choose to cut through the forest west of Lucan’s estate instead of taking the long path south. From Lord Arden’s estate, any westbound traveller would have to cross the Cassius estate, followed by the Drummonds’ and the Sergraves’ before they reached Lord Thornvale’s at last. Nothing would force them to visit Sir Caerlyn’s basin, but Lucan had no doubt that if there were opportunities to be had there, the merchants would be happy to extend their journey.

Sir Wolfe also stood to benefit if Lucan’s plans to the east bore fruit, but that was a matter for another time.

“That is indeed a promising prospect,” The lord said. “But I’m certain Their Highnesses, too, would make enticing offers to get their hands on some of the most veteran soldiers in the realm.”

Lucan frowned. It was true that men who had to fend off Wildermen raids through the years would be some of the most experienced in the realm, and the two factions would doubtlessly strive to gain their service, but he doubted any offer could redress the losses that an estate would have to bear in such a conflict.

“Lord Cassius.” Lucan forced the frown off his face and replaced it with a smile. “Why hazard war for uncertain promises of wealth or land if both peace and prosperity are at your doorstep?”

“Well, you see, Lord Zesh,” the man murmured. “My estate wants for some coin. There are many duties weighing upon us, and it is difficult to maintain such a holding with so few resources.” He shifted his eyes between Lucan and his betrothed. “If a small loan may be arranged from both you and Master Saltner…”

Lucan raised his brows, taken aback but keeping his silence.

“It would be nothing significant,” the lord continued. “Two hundred gold from you, Lord Zesh, and likewise from Master Saltner, would tide my estate over through these hard times. I can promise to repay it in the coming three years.”

Lucan nodded slowly. He hadn’t expected such a forthright entreatment for coin, even if he’d known the man’s estate was often struggling. He could see Alaric’s face reddening. Perhaps the young heir of House Cassius found this humiliating and wanted no part of it,  but his father certainly didn’t.

Lucan glanced at the other nobles in the hall. He had many to convince still, and he needed his first victory. It was necessary. Two hundred gold was not too large a sum, even if it was not too little of one for him either. It would, however, serve him well if he parted with it today. Hopefully, the lord would repay them as promised. It went without saying that there would be no lender’s due under the circumstances. In the end, he nodded decisively. “My estate can provide this loan. I’m certain House Cassius would not forfeit its word.” After receiving a grateful dip of the head from Lord Cassius, Lucan continued, “As for Master Saltner…” He glanced at Lilianm who hastened to speak.

“I can speak to my father,” she said. “But I cannot lie with a promise of certainty, My Lord.”

Lord Cassius raised a reassuring hand. “You need not be concerned. Your promise that you will attempt to persuade him with all your heart is enough for me.” He smiled. “And of course, the visit to my estate too, yes?”

“Yes, of course,” Lilian said, curtseying, thereby making formal their agreement.

Lucan and his older peer gripped each other’s forearms, sealing their agreement as well.

“It was a pleasure, Lord Zesh,” Lord Cassius said with a genuine grin.

“Indeed it was, Your Lordship.”

And with that, he had his first ally from those who’d come today. He doubted he could buy the agreement of the rest of the lords as he had Lord Cassius’s, but he would try every way there was. He only had to claim enough of them, and the rest would fall in, for there was nothing more persuasive than the voice of the many.