Dark Quest (8 page)

Oscar could see the fury in the old man’s eyes. It was as if Oscar had reached across the table and slapped the man. Still, he had gotten in the points he was striving for; now he would have to soothe the feathers. “Now, I know that you are just playing devil’s advocate and I thank you for that. You bring up a good point. Why would we need the Royal Navy in the Targa Sea? You are considered the wisest men in the kingdom, so I don’t want to insult you by laying out the facts in a very simple manner, but I hope you will indulge me. If I don’t lay them out simply, I may lose my place.”

The old man’s face was regaining his normal pale color. Close, Oscar thought, close. “Targa is destined to control the Disputed Area. I hesitate to even use that term. We are destined to utilize what is rightfully ours. When we do, there is little doubt that Cordonia will declare war. Now, as many of you know, I was recently married in Kantor and it afforded me a rare opportunity to understand the Cordonian mindset. The last time we fought Cordonia over our Northern lands, they attacked in our Northern lands. We beat them smartly and the old borders remained.”

Oscar could tell that he had their attention now. He knew that they had just discussed the Tice garrison. Even if someone suspected that Duke Whitley would inform him of it, Duke Whitley had not had the opportunity yet and they knew it. “I believe that this generation of Cordonians is a little smarter than the last. I believe that they would launch a naval attack along our west coast, attacking south of the Boulders. Imagine for a moment, gentlemen, that we greatly increased our garrisons at River’s Run or Tice and the Cordonians took our action as an invasion of what they see as their property.”

Oscar found the shock in their faces humorous. “So you see, Duke Eddington, you are absolutely correct. You chose a clever way to get me to justify the canal, but you had the vision to see why we need the King’s protection in the Targa Sea. Gentlemen, we cannot afford to lose every town on the West coast to the Cordonian Navy and we can’t depend on the chance that Sordoa and Lanoir would pass up the opportunity to see us weakened by a Cordonian invasion.”

Duke Eddington was smiling now. “Yes, I knew you were a bright boy and would understand my concerns for presenting the proper motivation to the King to make this expenditure.” Oscar nodded and smiled back at the old man.

The Council members were talking amongst themselves, obviously reevaluating their recent decision to boost the Tice garrison. Oscar wanted to wait until that decision was irrevocable, but if he did he would not be able to control this meeting. If they changed their minds about Tice he could lose a large sum of money and the canal.

Duke Lanker addressed Oscar. “Duke Dalek, did you get the impression in Kantor that the Cordonians would take an enlargement of either garrison as a threat?”

“No, Duke Lanker, I didn’t. Cordonians are much like ourselves. There are components up there that would look for any excuse for another war, but there are others who are very open to reason. I would think that if you wished to boost either garrison, I would choose Tice over River’s Run because it is farther from Cordonia and on the East coast. I would also publicize it greatly; that it was being done as an aid to shipping up and down the East coast. Perhaps entice a shipping company to build facilities there.”

A bald man rose next and it took Oscar a moment to remember his name. “I wouldn’t suppose that you would be willing to be that shipping company, Duke Dalek?”

“Unfortunately not, Duke Ringal. My shipping is pretty much confined to the West coast and wagons.”

Duke Ringal was obviously surprised at Oscar’s answer. “Well, I must apologize, Duke Dalek. I thought you were trying to manipulate this Council to advance your own business interests. I am sorry. Who could we possibly talk into setting up a business in such a remote spot. Surely you know enough people in the business that you could recommend someone to take on this foolish venture?”

Oscar smiled. “Actually, Duke Ringal, I don’t think it is a foolish venture. If I weren’t so tied up with affairs on the West coast I would have a go at it. That is not going to happen, though. I just lost one of my key men and I’m going to have to spend more time on my own business. Besides, my former employee just bought the last three ships in town to start his own business on the East coast, so I couldn’t even get the ships if I wanted to try it.”

“This former employee, do you think he would be interested in Tice?” asked Duke Clemens.

“I don’t know,” Oscar replied. “I am still on good terms with him and could ask him if you like. I know he has invested everything he owns into the ships and has no cash left over. I think if the Crown could offer him an inducement, like a shipping contract for all freight in or out of Tice, he might jump at it. I certainly would do my part for Targa and try to convince him.”

Duke Nelson was getting tired of all the talk about something that held no appeal to him. “Thank you for coming, Duke Dalek. I believe you normally stay at the Palace Shadow and we will contact you if we need any further help with this matter.”

“Thank you, Duke Nelson. And I would like to thank the Council for allowing me a chance to speak. Good day, gentlemen.”

Oscar went to his room and waited to hear from Duke Whitley. Oscar sat by the window and watched the people below. By the end of the day his fortunes would change. He just had to wait to find out which way it would go. Oscar saw Duke Nelson hurrying over to the inn, no doubt to see his honey. Surprisingly, he came to Oscar’s room. Oscar opened the door and let him in.

“Duke Nelson, thank you for coming. Would you care for a brandy?”

“No, thank you, Duke Dalek. I just stopped by to let you know the Council was favorably impressed with your ideas. I will recommend them to the King in the morning. Contact your former employee and have him stop by my office and I will negotiate the contract. It will be dependent on the King’s signature, of course.”

“Does this mean that the canal will also be built?”

“Oh yes, I’m quite sure that we will proceed with the canal,” Duke Nelson stated. “Well, I have other stops to make. Thank you for your time.”

Oscar saw him to the door and smiled to himself. Oscar was sure what one of the other stops would be. He returned to the window to watch for Duke Whitley. Duke Nelson surprised Oscar again by leaving the inn directly after speaking to him. He would have to have dinner tonight at the Sword and Shield and see what information he could pick up.

It was almost a half hour before Duke Whitley knocked. “Oscar, my boy, you were a hit. I thought old Eddington would die right there at the table for a while, but you converted him nicely. I had a hard struggle, you know, keeping a straight face in there. I do love to watch you work. How did you know about the garrison at Tice?”

“A secret is a rare thing in Tagaret,” Oscar offered. “Duke Nelson stopped by and gave me the good news.”

“The best occurred after he left,” chortled Duke Whitley. “The Council took a vote on admitting you and you passed. You will be nominated for the next available seat. Never has one so young been this honored. This is no small matter, Oscar. Many on that Council thought you an opportunist before today. Now they look upon you as a patriot who is properly rewarded for his loyalty. Of course, I see you as a patriotic opportunist. Is it Fram or Jerrick who will be fronting for you?”

Oscar laughed. “Fram. Jerrick is going to Marchek. I had no idea that I was that transparent.”

“Only to someone who knows you like a father.” Duke Whitley saw Oscar’s eyes flutter when he mentioned the word ‘father’. “Your father would be very proud too, Oscar. I know your mother is.”

“I know. I still think of him from time to time, but you are my father now and a very good one, I might add.”

Oscar headed over to the Sword and Shield and ordered dinner. Larc slipped into the chair next to him. “Our friend doesn’t seem to like the honey at the inn anymore,” Oscar said.

“Oh, he still likes it but he samples it at home these days,” replied Larc. Larc surveyed the customers in the room before continuing. “His wife is under care at the Temple of Char. She is unable to see, speak or hear. She is not expected to go home for some time.”

“What happened?”

“No one knows. He came back from his jaunt in the country and she was sent to the Temple.” Larc kept looking around the room, but pretended he was just talking to an old friend.

Oscar thought that the news would explain the detachment he sensed in Duke Nelson during the meeting. “I will be leaving the city in the morning. Fram should be in later. Send him to see me when he finishes his dinner.”

King Guldar of the goblins was in a foul mood. He had to discipline two of his men for killing a third. He disliked killing his followers as punishment for it robbed them of the glorious death received in battle. His men had been idle too long; it was time to stage some raids and get his men focused again. A raven flew over and Guldar knew excitement was coming. Mordac didn’t call unless he needed the goblins to kill someone. Good. For once Mordac’s timing was excellent.

Mordac walked into the clearing and sat beside King Guldar. “Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Mordac, what brings you to our disgustingly peaceful camp?”

“I have news of the goblin killer.”

Guldar stiffened. Alexander Tork -- he hated that name. For two years he had been waiting for Tork to return to the Northlands, but for two years he had stayed in Tagaret. Guldar’s men could not get near him in the Targan capital. “Where is he?”

“He is training some new outfit in the Boulders. They’re called the Rangers. Three hundred men supposed to be practicing mountain climbing techniques. I don’t think they will be there too much longer, though.”

King Guldar started drooling. “The Boulders is not much of a location. Can’t you be more precise?”

Mordac hated dealing with these creatures. The only thing he ever held against Sarac was making him spend six months in their camp. The drool and slime made Mordac want to vomit. “Somewhere around the headwaters of the Elga River. That’s the best I can do. Your warriors ought to be able to find three hundred men climbing up and down ropes.”

“Are there other Kingdom Armies in the area?”

“No,” answered Mordac. There are garrisons at River’s Run and Tice, but they are not going to bother you that far south.”

King Guldar knew he had found the solution for his troublesome army, a feast on Kingdom men. “So, once again you wish us to do your work for you, Mordac.”

Mordac laughed. If the goblins kept getting smarter, pretty soon they would have half a brain. “It doesn’t matter to me whether or not you seek vengeance on the man who killed hundreds, if not thousands of your people. I am here to inform you of his location as a favor to you for past assistance given to my Master, Sarac.”

“Will you join us in battle, Master Magician?”

“I cannot be bothered with such trivial matters.” The thought of witnessing King Guldar and his goblins feasting on men didn’t do much for the dinner Mordac had just eaten. “I have nations to kill. When I am through, King Guldar and his people will have much land to live on and many bodies to loot. Do well and seek your vengeance. I may have another party for you later in the year.”

King Guldar had no doubt that Mordac would call again when he needed true warriors to battle somewhere. Still, Sarac had always treated him fairly and Mordac was his chosen spokesman. “We look forward to your next visit, Wizard. May your flight bring you pleasure.”

The raven took to the air and King Guldar called a war council. Alexander Tork had been found and he was to die.

Alex was pleased with the progress of his men. They were climbing the mountains like they had been doing it all of their lives. The Rangers were almost ready to take to the field. One more week and he would head them south. It would feel good to get back to Tagaret. It would feel even better if he could get to see Jenneva again. Since Oscar’s wedding he couldn’t get her out of his mind.

It had shocked him when he had actually sent his thoughts to her. She laughed at him afterwards. She said that mind speech was one of the most common abilities, but people never develop it because they have no idea they possess the ability. He had fun practicing it with her afterwards, and even tested her to see if she could sense the thoughts that he didn’t send to her. He was finally convinced that she was not trying to read his mind and he was actually transmitting his thoughts only when he wanted to.

Well, he would see her soon enough. Right now he had an Army to train and they would be starting again very early in the morning. He checked the guards one last time and went to sleep.

The guard woke Alex well before dawn. Alex followed the guard to the ridge and peered into the valley below. Dozens of campfires were burning and more were being lit as Alex watched. An army was amassing below him, an army that had marched through most of the night. This army, whoever they were, was in a hurry to get somewhere. Alex had not been informed of any planned maneuvers in the area, but that did not preclude the possibility of it being the King’s Army.

“Corporal, rouse Lieutenant Jaynes and have him report immediately.”

Within moments, Lieutenant Jaynes was standing beside Alex watching the campfires grow. “What do you think, Alex?”

“I’m not sure, David. I want you to take six men down to find out who they are. Do not engage them, just observe. And David, I don’t want your men detected. I don’t care if it’s the King’s Army led by the King himself, no detection.”

Lieutenant Jaynes left and Alex ordered the smoldering campfires extinguished. A sense of déjà vu fell over Alex as he remembered his journey with Fergy two years ago. In any event this would be a good test for Lieutenant Jaynes. Alex decided to grab a cup of coffee before it cooled. Even in Spring the mountain heights were cool at night. Alex continued to watch the growing campfires until Lieutenant Jaynes returned.

“Alex,” reported Lieutenant Jaynes, “it’s goblins. They are armed to the teeth and seemed hard pressed to get here.”