The two withdrew and Lyam said, “Now let Armand de Sevigny, Baldwin de la Troville, and Anthony du Masigny come forward.”
The three men came and bowed. Lyam said, “Kneel,” and the three men bent knees before their King.
“Anthony du Masigny, you are herewith granted again your titles and lands in the Barony of Calry, taken from you when you were sent to the north, and add to them the title and lands once held by Baldwin de la Troville. We are pleased with your service. Baldwin de la Troville, we have need of you. As we have given your office of Squire of Marlsbourough to du Masigny, we have another for you. Will you accept the post of commander of our outpost at Highcastle?”
De la Troville said, “Yes, sire, though if it pleases the crown I’d like to winter in the south, now and again.”
From the crowd a laugh answered, as Lyam said, “Granted, for we shall also grant you the titles formerly held by Armand de Sevigny. Rise, Baldwin, Baron of Highcastle and Gyldenholt.” He looked at Armand de Sevigny and said, “We have plans for you, my friend. Let the former Duke of Bas-Tyra be brought forth.” Guards in the colours of the King came with Guy du Bas-Tyra, half escorting him, half carrying him from within the King’s pavilion, where he had been convalescing with Amos Trask. When Guy halted next to the kneeling Armand, the King said, “Guy du Bas-Tyra, you have been branded traitor and banished, not to return to our nation upon pain of death. We understand you had little choice in the matter of your return.” He cast a glance at Arutha who smiled ruefully. “We hereby rescind the order of banishment. Now, there is a matter of title. We are giving the office of Duke of Bas-Tyra to the man our brother Arutha has judged most fit for it. Armand de Sevigny, we hereby grant unto you the office of Lord of the Duchy of Bas-Tyra, with all rights and obligations pertaining thereunto. Rise, Duke Armand de Sevigny.”
Lyam turned his gaze upon Guy. “Even without your hereditary office, we think we shall still keep you busy. Kneel.” Guy was helped to kneel by Armand. “Guy du Bas-Tyra for your deep concern for the welfare of the Kingdom despite her having cast you out and your bravery in the defence of both Armengar and this Kingdom, we offer to you the office of First Advisor to the King. Will you accept?”
Guy’s good eye widened, and then he laughed. “This is a grand jest, Lyam. Your father’s having a fit somewhere. Yes, I’ll take it.”
The King shook his head and smiled, remembering his father. “No, we think he understands. Rise, Guy, Duke of Rillanon.”
Next Lyam said, “Baru of the Hadati.” Baru left Laurie, Martin, and Briana, and knelt before his King. “Your bravery is without peer, both in destroying the moredhel Murad and in accompanying our brother Martin and Duke Laurie over the mountains to bring us warning of Murmandamus’s invasion. We have thought long and hard and are at a loss as to what reward to offer. What may we do to show you our pleasure at your service?”
Baru said, “Majesty, I desire no reward. I have many new kinsmen come into Yabon and would make my home with them, if I may.”
Lyam said, “Then go with our blessings, and should you need anything within our power to grant, to ease the relocation of your kinsmen, you have but to ask.”
Baru rose and returned to stand by his friends, who all smiled. Baru had found a new home and a purpose in life.
Other rewards were given and the business of the court continued. Arutha remained apart, wishing that Anita could be with him, but knowing he was only days away from her. He saw Macros off in the distance, speaking with Pug and Tomas. The three figures stood in shadow, as the day was coming to a close, evening rapidly approaching. Arutha sighed in fatigue and wondered what they were concerned with now.
Macros said, “Then you understand.”