“I sent a messenger to his villa here, but there is no one there but a handful of retainers, and they don’t know where he and his family are,” adds Rhamuel.
“Then that leaves Jhosef,” concludes Aenslem, “and he’ll do whatever benefits him.”
“We have some doubts about Jhosef,” says Rhamuel, who goes on to explain about Oestyn and Mykel’s disappearance, as well as the missing dispatch and the missing Captain Jontarl.
Aenslem nods when Rhamuel finishes. “Then he won’t be here in Swartheld for some time. Put out proclamations. Affirm Atroyan’s and Natroyor’s deaths in the explosion, declare an eightday of proper mourning, and note that there was a private memorial for them because of the Heldyan attacks on Swartheld. Blame the explosions in the palace and Harbor Post on Duke Khesyn. Don’t mention Mykel yet. It’s not necessary, because you’d be the heir in any case. There’s no point in waiting any longer in letting people know.”
“Not after I’ve consulted with you, but it seemed best not to rush matters.”
“Now that you’ve consulted, don’t dither.”
“Have I ever?”
“No, but that doesn’t mean you wouldn’t.”
Lerial is quickly seeing why frequent meetings between Aenslem and Rhamuel might not be the wisest course. He turns to Aenslem. “Is there anything else you’d recommend?”
“Wait a few days. Send out letters to all the merchanters—except Alaphyn and Jhosef and Maesoryk—commending them on their levelheadedness and forbearance … and then note that there will likely be some changes in the way the duchy is governed as a result of the war with Heldya.”
“Do you have suggestions on what those might be?”
“That’s your task, not mine. I told your brother to raise tariffs and build a few warships. He didn’t. A few warships would have made things almost impossible for Khesyn. I don’t like tariffs, but war is even worse for merchanting than tariffs. Listen to young Lerial. He might have a good idea or two.” Aenslem stands. “I’ll send you a note if I think of anything else. Oh … and in a few days, get yourself seen around the city. You can ride in an open coach. Let it be known that’s because your leg was broken in the palace explosion. Then get a special saddle made so that you can ride.”
Rhamuel nods. “Thank you for coming. I do appreciate it.”
“I couldn’t do any less.”
“I still appreciate it.”
Since it is clear that Aenslem will need an escort back to his villa, Lerial has also risen. He looks to Rhamuel. “After we escort Merchanter Aenslem back, I’ll be at headquarters, unless you need anything.”
“If I do, I’ll let you know. Thank you.”
Lerial and Aenslem walk back to the stables without talking, except in pleasantries, and they ride to the avenue leading up to Aenslem’s villa before the merchanter speaks again.
“He might work out as duke, after all. It’d be better if you could stay here. I understand it can’t happen. You’ve done more than enough.” Aenslem shakes his head, and then is silent.
When they reach the villa’s stables, Aenslem dismounts, then looks up. “He didn’t ask me to come there today, did he?”
“He said he needed to consult with you. I took care of the details.”
Aenslem laughs, gruffly, but cheerfully, then shakes his head once more. “Good day, young Lerial.”
“Good day, ser.”
Lerial turns the gelding. On his way to the villa gates, he does not catch sight of either Kyedra or Haesychya, not that he really expects to, but …
XLVI
Lerial spends the remainder of sixday, as well as sevenday morning, on preparations for the Mirror Lancers’ departure and return journey to Cigoerne, making certain that the wagons are in good condition, and arranging with Captain Dhallyn to obtain provisions and other supplies when the time comes that they can finally leave. As he sits in the small conference room at Afritan Guard headquarters that he is using as his personal command center, he has to admit, if only to himself, that he has mixed feelings about departing.
Why? Is it just because he feels that what he and the Lancers have accomplished in Afrit has been worthwhile for both Afrit and Cigoerne … and has doubts about what of equal worth he can do in Cigoerne? Or the fact that he isn’t looking forward to returning to wondering about what Lephi is doing … and dealing with the unvoiced comparisons. Or … how much does Kyedra play into your feelings? More, he suspects, than he had ever thought, possibly because for years he has recalled her as she was when she had visited Cigoerne with her father as a young girl … most likely just to make her familiar with Cigoerne in the event she ended up as Lephi’s consort. Yet now that he has seen her … she’s too good for Lephi …
Lerial can’t help shaking his head. You’re still the second son.
He turns his attention back to the supply lists and logistical requirements, but less than a third of a glass later, a ranker knocks on the conference room door.