“Essen, Moertyn, you two accompany the overcaptain, and bring his gear,” orders Polidaar, from behind Lerial. “The rest of you take care of the mounts and gear.”
“Yes, Squad Leader.”
Lerial waits several moments until the elderly Dafaal reaches him, then nods politely.
“I’ll escort you to your chambers, Lord Lerial. Then, after you have washed up, in say a glass, I will send an escort to take you to see the duke. Once he has received you, there will be refreshments in the family salon, and then a small dinner—just you, the family, and the arms-commander. On threeday evening, there will be a dinner, and another … function … on fourday. There may be others, as well, but the duke has not yet informed me of such.”
“I appreciate the notice of what he has scheduled.”
“Now, if you will come with me…”
Two Mirror Lancers accompany Lerial, following behind him and Dafaal.
Just before they reach a door at the courtyard level of what Lerial thinks of as the east palace, Dafaal speaks again. “I must admit I never thought we would see an heir of Cigoerne here in Swartheld.”
“I never thought I would be here,” admits Lerial, “but given the invitation, I thought it was best for all concerned that I accept.”
“There are some who, shall we say, might have some reservations about the … appropriateness of your appearance.”
“I do hope that the duke is not one of those with reservations.”
“Stars, no. He was most surprised that your father dispatched you to the aid of the arms-commander, but that is certainly no secret.”
“Although…” prompts Lerial, just to see if he can gain any further information.
“Although?” Dafaal chuckles. “I doubt that he had any reservations about his appreciation. He has always felt that Duke Khesyn is a threat to the peace of all Hamor. Ever since Khesyn dredged the harbor at Estheld and built the deepwater piers there.” Dafaal goes through the door that a palace guard has opened and into a rather narrow corridor. “This isn’t the most well-appointed part of the palace, but it’s the quickest and easiest way to get to your chambers. Also, they’re doing work on the east side where the larger staircase is. We wouldn’t want to run into workmen carrying those heavy barrels. We’ll just take the back staircase here…”
“Work?”
“Refurbishing some rooms beneath the family quarters. It should have been done years ago.” The elderly functionary starts up the narrow steps.
“When did Khesyn improve the harbor at Estheld?” After speaking, Lerial notes that the plastered staircase walls could use another coat of wash or the like.
“A good six years ago. It was right after Duke Casseon lost Verdheln. You had something to do with that, as I recall.”
“Only a small part. Most of that was Majer Altyrn’s doing.” Lerial pauses. “I don’t know that you have heard. He died just before I set out for Luba.”
“Everyone says that he was a most effective commander. I never had the pleasure of meeting him.”
“He was quite a person as well. They’re not always the same.”
“No. You’re quite right about that.” Dafaal’s breathing becomes more labored, with hints of wheezing.
Lerial decides against saying more until they emerge from the staircase on the third level.
“Ah,” declares Dafaal after taking several deep breaths. “Those stairs get steeper every year. Your quarters are to the left at the end.”
The door to which Dafaal leads Lerial is less than fifteen yards away, at the end of a corridor stretching more than a hundred yards back to the north. The chambers awaiting Lerial consist of a sitting room—a corner chamber with windows on both outside walls—holding a circular table that could be used as a desk or for a meal, and four chairs, as well as two armchairs and a settee. The sleeping chamber is immediately to the north, with a bathing chamber and jakes beyond it. All the furnishings are of a whitish wood that Lerial has not seen before and are upholstered in crimson, if with cream trim that tends to vanish against the white wood.
“I hope these are to your satisfaction,” offers Dafaal.
“They are more than satisfactory, and I appreciate your concern.”
“There is warm water in the tub and a steaming kettle if you need it. I’ll send a footman to bring you to the receiving room in about a glass.” The functionary pauses, then adds, “The six chambers across the hall are for your men. There are two beds in each, and a communal bathing room at the end. They can bring up water from the kitchen or the courtyard.”
“Thank you.”
Lerial waits until Dafaal departs, then looks to the two lancers. “If one of you would watch the door, the other can check out the quarters to see if they’ll do.”
“Yes, ser,” replies Essen. “Let me bring in your gear.”
Moertyn nods, then says, “Checking the quarters won’t take long. We can each look in turn, see if one of us misses something.”