Small court, small intrigue

Ivanus Leafsonn, Thegn in service the service of his Lordship, year 1032 Ab Teoria Magica; barony of Annessus

I expected worse after this tax collection.

I had expected more than than the horrible weather, the tiring rides, and the weight of the nature and the silver given.

“It seems we were able to reach the quota again, old friend, thanks to you. Even if you lack of parts taken is commendable, I will make sure you will still receive a reward.” My lord spoke, the tablet filled with wax and numbers, the calculations being controlled by him for the last time, after his second brother had already gone through with them, as a steward ought to do.

I slapped my closed fist against my chest, now lacking the armour and the chainmail, finally I would add.

“Serving is its own reward, my liege.” I answered to my liege, his longer than mann ears twitching for a moment before a smile came to his lips.

"Nonsense, Ivanus. Results must be rewarded if they are above what was required. Now speak your price, but remember our own situation.” His pale hand moved in a palm up, gesturing to a servant, clothed rather humbly in richness of fabric, but warm and comfortable for the situation.

I started rubbing my chin, thinking well of what I could ask.

I would need a helping hand soon, considering what was going to happen in a few seasons, and how my squire was already taken by his own duties.

My armour and chainmail needed to be cleaned, what I would have needed to do categorised, and I knew that I would not be able to do that and also take care of the more pressing matters.

“I would need a servant, your lordship. If you wish for me to continue my duties as I have done, I need more hands in my household to work, so that I can give all my attention to the matters you wish for me to administer.” I asked, bowing my head while sitting on the undecorated but comfortable chair.

My liege’s grey eyes twinkled for a moment, while his long fingers started to rub his own chin for but a moment.

Then he smiled, nodded and, with an amused yet understanding tone, he almost quipped: “I see that I have put much on your wide shoulders, my friend. I have some acquaintances who would be happy to have some of my favour, and sending a page or two on your way would be useful for both of us, Sir Leafsonn.”

I closed my eyes and exhaled.

Good, I could have some time to pass at home, I would like to be able to stay there not too tired.

Then I opened them wide and bowed again, this time lower: “I thank you, your lordship, and I apologise for my rudeness!”

A melodious laugh came from my lord then, who, after making several gestures with his hand, spoke: “Come now, Ivanus, it’s only us here and the servants. I don’t think anyone here cares that much about decorum, do they? Take the day, your duty for today is done. I will do my share and then retire myself, hopefully when the first snow comes we will be all a bit more free.”

I got up and bowed again to my liege, and went for the exit.

“Ivanus.”

The voice of his liege echoed clear, its mirth gone and replaced with a cold seriousness.

I turned and I saw my liege’s eyes boring into me: “About the pureblooded, or at least possibly pureblooded, alfar, despite what the Order may want, we will not act other than simply sending the knowledge of her presence after winter has passed. The upcoming…matters of warfare will not let us have them sniffing for their holy mission in my lands, and also making our preparations known before we are ready for the coming Spring. You may speak of this only if you feel it would be useful for the upcoming trials, remember Ivanus.”

“Absolutely, my liege.” I turned towards the servant, who gulped at my glare, but did not speak more.

“Do not worry, dear Lucius has made the geasses for the servants, they will speak of this only if this is something morally reprehensible or unlawful, and right now it would be plain dangerous to go down the mountains and then up again, would it not?”

I was not sure of this, for I did not trust the slimy mage despite being the brother of my liege, but I nodded to my liege and went out of the room.

The walk was silent, the air inside crisp despite the glass and the fires around the small keep, which is why I almost didn’t feel the unnatural shudder of magic being used.

Almost.

“Ivanus.” Came the cold voice, so similar to my liege, from one of the larger rooms, a laboratory of occult arts and the room at the same time of the mage of this keep: “I trust that you have more information about that pure blooded you found in that hamlet, for I will be the one to go to the order for that.”

I slowly turned towards the youngest brother of my liege, or at least towards the door from which the voice came from, a shadow almost solid being in front of it.

“Sir Lucius.” I started, the title still heavy on my tongue: “His lordship-”

“I am simply asking for my own curiosity and duties, Ivanus, do not worry. Come in and let’s speak frankly about this hamlet, it will not take much.” spoke the voice, naked greed in its tone.

I sighed and did so, for at least he had to follow, like any servant, his own geass for my liege.

But I would have preferred to return home, and I already knew that Miriam would have had my hide after this.

Hopefully having someone to young around would make her happy, she liked both children and to see me train them.

Vain hope, but hope nonetheless.

Damn it Victor, could you not have not found the Alfar?

Thinking those curses to the strange forester, I went inside the dark room, chilling all the while, to give to the noble sibling my findings.

I should have remained silent, at the naked greed of his voice.