Two Heirs (The Marmoros Trilogy Book 1) (25 page)

“Thank you, sir. Then may I take it with me?”

Ramirez laughed as they walked back through the workshop. Most of the apprentices were studiously concentrating on their benches but Seb caught a look of pure hatred from the one he had met in the shop.

“I’m afraid I must ask you to be a little more patient, young sir,” Ramirez said. “No sword of mine leaves my shop in that condition. Come back tomorrow and it will be newly polished and have a fresh edge on it.”

Seb felt elated and disappointed in equal measure but he shook hands with the master smith and promised to return bright and early in the morning.

***

Supper that evening was a celebration. The previous day, Maria had not had time to prepare a special meal but today she and Agnes had visited the markets and Teresa had been sent scurrying round to various specialist shops, searching for titbits. The kitchens had been busy since early morning and the house was filled with the many and varied aromas of a banquet.

Josep, with Angelo’s help, had sold every scrap of the food they had brought with them for top prices which meant that everybody had nearly doubled their stake money. Josep had presented Seb with nine silver talons and some coppers, from which Seb had promptly repaid the five talons he had borrowed. The others too now had purses which jingled much more happily and they had even made a start on buying some of the trading goods they would take on with them.

The young ladies had once again spent several hours in Teresa’s room, exploring her extensive wardrobe and she and Beth had found themselves some different but equally eye-catching outfits for the evening. Meanwhile, Maria had arranged for Rachel’s green dress to be taken up so that she could wear it without needing heels. Between herself and Agnes, they had also arranged for a new dress to be made in the same size and that was promised for delivery the next day.

When the ladies made their entrance, Seb was the first one at the door to meet them and offer Teresa his arm. Zak was not far behind him and gallantly offered an arm each to both Beth and Rachel. When everyone was seated and the first plates of food were served, Josep looked across at Seb squirming impatiently in his seat and gave a little chuckle.

“I think we had better let Seb tell us his news. Otherwise he’ll not be able to eat anything and is like to wear the seat off the chair before the evening is done. I take it you have some news you would like to share with us, Seb?”

So Seb related the tale of his outing that morning and the details of his encounter with Master Ramirez in his shop. Everybody was mightily impressed, especially Angelo who knew Sergio Ramirez personally.

“That sword is going to be something special,” he said. “I’ve known Sergio refuse to make a weapon for the son of one of the best houses in the city because, he said, the boy wasn’t fit to carry one of his swords. The family were furious, of course, but there was nothing they could do about it. Sergio is the best sword smith in town. You say you fought a practice bout with him. How did that go?”

“Well,” Seb said a little hesitantly. “It was going very well right up to the point where he put me flat on my back with his blade at my throat. That I think was the low point of the contest.”

Everyone around the table stared at him for a moment as they had never before heard Seb tell a funny story and certainly not where he was the butt of the joke. Then Angelo began to chuckle, Josep and Zak joined in and soon the whole table, Seb included, was laughing uproariously. Tears were rolling down everybody’s cheeks and it was several minutes before order could be restored sufficiently for the servants to start clearing the dishes.

“Flat on your back with his blade at your throat,” Angelo said with a broad smile. “You should know, young man, that you have fought a practice bout with the finest swordsman in the land. Not just in Puerto Reis but in the whole of Annaba and the neighbouring regions as well. Aspiring swordsmen pay serious money to have Master Ramirez put them flat on their backs. Congratulations, young Seb. You seem to have done very well for yourself today.”

The meal was a triumph with each course attempting to surpass the previous one. The wines had been selected to complement the various dishes and the conversation flowed as freely as the wine. Even Seb was more outgoing, talking animatedly to Teresa for much of the evening but also
joining in the general conversation. When the final course had been cleared and they were all sitting in a state of contented fullness, Angelo signalled the servants to refill the glasses one last time and then leave them in private.

“And now, old friend, I think you have some news which may even surpass that of young Seb here.”

“I have,” Josep replied. “Some of it is sad and some of it is more exciting than anything I have heard for years.”

He paused to glance round the table at the circle of faces, all watching him expectantly.

“First the sad news. Lord Gereld Brantyen is dead. The king-in-exile of the Lyenar people, although he never styled himself so, was apparently killed in a dispute with a tax collector in Paelis. There’s more to it than that but the details are a little hazy. Shortly after his death there are reports of a battle in which a number of Duke Henry’s men were killed or captured and a large number of Lyenar hostages were rescued. As I say, the details are a little hazy but the upshot is that Duke Henry is absolutely furious and every Lyenar family is getting the hell out of Paelis as fast as their wagons will carry them.”

He paused for a moment and looked at both Seb and Rachel. “I’m not sure how much you youngsters know of the history of the Lyenar but there is a city called Marmoros which used to belong to us. We were forced to leave the city and the surrounding valley many years ago and none of our people have been allowed back since. I have never seen the city myself but I can remember my parents telling me how beautiful it was.”

“And the valley,” Agnes added. “It was the valley of the River Savage but everybody called it Neverwinter valley. The hills on one side of the valley were riddled with hot springs that kept the temperature in the valley at a very pleasant level, even
through the depths of winter.”

“Well now,” Josep continued. “Lord Gereld is succeeded by his son Jeren who is not yet old enough to take the title and so his mother, Lady Falaise Brantyen is acting as Regent in his stead. However, this young Jeren is apparently a visionary leader who has inspired the Lyenar in his village to march on Marmoros and retake our homeland. He has recruited a mercenary army to fight for them and is calling for all Lyenar families to gather under his banner and join the march on Marmoros.

“Can you imagine what this means to the Lyenar people? After all these years in exile. To walk in the Neverwinter valley and see the city of Marmoros. To go home.”

Chapter 14

The news sparked a discussion that went on late into the night. Zak and Beth, who had grown up with the stories of Marmoros, were thrilled by the news and pestered Josep for any scrap of information he might have on this Lord Jeren, who had so inspired the Lyenar people.

“Can he actually do it?” Angelo cautioned. “Marmoros was only taken by treachery before. Not by force of arms.”

“I don’t know,” Josep admitted. “But I have this tremendous feeling of excitement that he is actually trying. I have to go there. If there is even the remotest possibility of actually seeing Marmoros for myself, I have to go there and lend whatever support I can to this young lord. This young lord who will one day be our king.”

“I agree,” Zak said. “Beth and I both agree. This feels right. We have to go there. We have to be a part of this.”

“Then I will do whatever I can to help you,” Angelo offered. “What do you need? How will you get there?”

“A ship,” Josep replied. “A ship to Westron or Keldis would be ideal. One that will take us lock, stock and barrel, wagons, horses, everything and drop us on the far side. I have many friends in Westport who would help us on from there but it’s the longer sea trip. The alternative is to take the shorter crossing to Kell which would put us nearer to Marmoros but I have fewer contacts there.”

“I will make enquiries in the morning,” Angelo said. “But a
ship that will take two wagons…“

“Three wagons,” Rachel interposed. “I’m coming with you.”

“You don’t have to do this, my dear,” Josep said. “We have greatly enjoyed your company these last weeks but you are not Lyenar. You have no hereditary ties to Marmoros.”

“Nonsense,” Rachel replied firmly. “You told Master Angelo that we were family. If you are going to Marmoros, then I am coming with you. And that’s settled.”

“Hm, I see. And what about you, Seb?”

Seb glanced quickly at Teresa and then looked down at his hands, folded on the table in front of him.

“You asked me once what I could do. How I was going to earn my crust. Well the only thing I have been trained in is the art of the sword. I’m not in the same class as Master Ramirez or even my uncle Symon but I believe I have some skill and I intend to make a name for myself. Your young king sounds as though he needs every sword he can get. If you will have me, I will travel with you and join the crusade to retake Marmoros.”

“Well then, old friend. It seems that we need passage for three wagons, six people and horses. That is, unless you want to come with us also.”

“I think not,” Angelo laughed. “I am getting too old and fat for such an adventure. Much as I would love to see the fabled city of Marmoros, my business needs me here. Besides, you will need an agent here once Marmoros is open for trade again.

“But seriously, a ship to Westron might be difficult unless we can find one that is returning there for the winter. It’s too late in the season for a ship to set out from here to Westport and hope to get back again before the winter storms.”

“There are ships from both Keldis and Westron in the harbour,” Zak said eagerly. “We saw them when we came in.”

“Ships come and go every day, Zak. Those ships may not still be there and, even if they are, their captains may already have contracted cargoes. Three wagons will require an awful lot of space. Still, tomorrow we will see what can be achieved. For now, I propose a toast to Marmoros and a good night’s sleep.”

***

Nobody slept much overnight and they all rose early, eager to be on with the day. Servants were rushing about in apparent confusion, slightly flustered by all the demands for an early breakfast, until Maria arrived and restored a state of domestic order.

As soon as the meal was over and before the servants could even start to clear the dishes, Angelo and Josep set off for the harbour to enquire about a ship. Zak and Beth went with them to continue the purchase of both trading goods and provisions for the journey while Agnes and Maria announced that they would begin to prepare the list of extra supplies that would be required on a sea voyage.

This left the three young people on their own. Seb wanted to get back to the shop of Master Ramirez to collect his sword and shyly asked Teresa if she would like to accompany him. She looked across at her mother who glanced quickly at Agnes and then nodded.

“Very well but I think it would be better if Rachel went with you also. And I want you straight back here afterwards. There are errands that will have to be run today.”

The three of them set off towards the market in high spirits but this time it was the girls who were dragging their feet as they walked down the goldsmiths street, stopping to admire something from every display they passed. Seb was so wrapped up with the thought of his new sword that he was completely unaware that he was being teased until the two girls caught up with him, waiting impatiently at the end of the street.

“I hear there’s a new dress shop opened just across the square from here,” Teresa said artlessly. “Shall we take a look as we go? It’s only a little bit out of our way.”

The expression on Seb’s face was so anguished that both girls burst out laughing so hard that they had to hold on to each other for support.

“Oh Seb, I’m sorry,” Teresa sobbed eventually. “But the look on your face was priceless. Please forgive us and we’ll go to collect your sword directly.”

With that, the two girls took an arm each and set off across the square. It was a full market day and the square was crowded with people, so they had to weave their way between the stalls to reach the far side of the square.

Master Ramirez was standing at the door to his shop and smiled in welcome as he saw them approach.

“Good day Master Waterson and good day to you, ladies. It’s not often that my shop is graced with such beauty. Would you care to step inside or shall I bring the young gentleman’s sword out here?”

“We shall come in, sir,” Teresa replied. “I should very much like to see inside your shop. My father has often spoken of your skill with weapons but he has never mentioned your skill at flattery.”

“Ah I am wounded,” Ramirez said, staggering back with his hand over his heart. “Mortally wounded. Your father is obviously a man of taste and discernment but you misjudge me, mistress. Flattery is nothing but false praise. To describe yourself and your companion as beautiful is in no way flattery but simple, honest truth.”

“Then I forgive you, Master Ramirez. And I trust you will be sufficiently recovered from
your injuries to show us your shop.”

Inside the shop Ramirez clapped his hands and summoned his apprentices to find stools suitable for the girls and some more lamps to lighten the gloom. Seb looked quickly around but there was no sign of the apprentice who had been so rude to him before.

The sword was already lying on the bench although wrapped still in its cloth. Carefully Ramirez unwrapped the bundle and Seb gave a little gasp as he saw the finished product. The sword had been polished within an inch of its life and positively gleamed as it lay there in the lamplight.

“It’s beautiful,” he said. “And that is not flattery either.”