TWO HEADS TWO SPIKES (The Pearl of Wisdom Saga) (4 page)

The young boy drafted something on the board and held it up to show the Count. Count Sproul cleared his throat and continued, “You will need that finely forged Dragon-Steel, there is little doubt, but that may be only half the battle, my boy.”

Riceros suddenly got up to stretch his legs. He couldn’t sit for long periods of time because of the lump on his back that often caused him pain. Right now he was just being fidgety, but because of his physical limitations he spent most of his time indoors, gaining wisdom. He had gained the respect of his brothers as a sharp shooting archer, but most other physical activities didn’t suit Riceros’ skill set very well.

He sat back down as the Count went on, “You see when death comes knocking at ones door, it is best not to answer. A live coward may help in many more ways than a brave, dead hero in most scenarios. You may even be forced to relocate someday. And extensive knowledge shall aid a man in as many ways as the finest sword in all the lands.”

Riceros had attained a wide wealth of knowledge in this library but still retained the impatience and inexperience of an eleven year old.

The Count continued, “Life is as unsure as the sea. We from Mattingly navigate the wild waters better than almost all, but even so the sea has funny, unpredictable patterns. I have known of boys younger than you who left with a great captain never to return to their weeping mothers. And life is much of the same. We can predict matters up to a certain point, but estimating the amount of evil a man possesses can prove a difficult task.” The long-winded Count gathered his thoughts, waited several moments, and carried on, “You see, I cannot precisely tell you how knowing the religions of far off lands will help you right now. But if the unsure Sea of Green that we always travel were to hurl you into some unknown land, this instruction just may save your life, my Lord. So what is it you would like to hear?” Count Sproul asked.

The two often sat together at the circular, stone table in the library. Books and documents were on shelves, lined all around the room. Maps were unrolled and fastened to the walls, like fine art covering all the vacant space. The library trained the young boy’s mind and had become Riceros’ most treasured place in the castle. Riceros learned to read at age three and by eleven he showed quicker mental skills than most grown men. He finished printing on the board and spun it toward the Count.

“Aah,” the old man sighed, “I am afraid we may not have enough time to talk about the elusive Pearl of Wisdom. Perhaps you would like to listen to a quick story about your grandfather?”

Riceros eagerly nodded his head up and down with an immense grin on his face.

The old man knew Riceros loved listening to stories about his family. He reflected for a moment before starting, “Jasper Colbert lived in a different time. The Colberts were not exactly wealthy and the nasty Beverly family tried to hold them back even further. Patrick Beverly had a personal hatred for Jasper. He used his social graces to turn people against the Colbert family. But you see my young Lord, there comes a time in a man’s life when he has been pushed around just a bit too much. When he has to stand up and fight, not only for himself, but for his family and flag holders. And that is what happened to your grandfather. Everyone said that to revolt would be to die,” the Count revealed with a wry smile. “The odds were stacked to the stars against your grandfather. Bulls cannot defeat lions, can they?” The old man played with his moustache as he stared off into the distance.

“Well my boy, willpower, unity and determination can defeat raw numbers in certain situations. After the first few battles, Patrick Beverly quickly realized this was not going to be an easy war. The King even provided reinforcements from the Capitol to thwart the advance of your grandfather. However Jasper Colbert was destined to sit as Duke of Mattingly. They called him the Noble Bull, I’ll have you know. You see, there are two ways to obtain power in Donegal. One is by birthright and the other is to wrest it by force. You, Riceros Colbert, have the influence of birth that your grandfather didn’t possess. Once he had pinned the Beverly men to their homes in Portview, Jasper made them an offer – more in the nature of an ultimatum. To the detriment of the Beverly family, Patrick refused the offer. The soldiers were slaughtered with ease, and Jasper Colbert obliterated the Beverly name from the lands of Mattingly. Jasper spared the rest of the city, he was compassionate, the man didn’t ravage and rape as most expected. King Ali-Baster still demanded that Jasper move the Capitol of Mattingly to Riverfront. Jasper accepted, recognizing he couldn’t defeat the whole realm in battle.”

One of the servants entered the library, startling the Count. She said, “Riceros, your father and mother are calling you for supper now.”

“Alright my boy, next time I shall finish telling you about how the King’s son deceived your noble grandfather in the end.”

Riceros sprang up and hugged the Count on his way out of the library.

The Colbert family ate dinner at a simple round, red-oak table that had three square legs beneath. His three brothers, sister, mother and father were present. And Brehan Castaway, a knight sworn to defend the Colbert name, always sat next to Riceros. A lot of chatter bounced around the room until Jon Colbert tapped his silver chalice with a spoon. Everyone ceased talking, bowed their heads, and folded his or her hands over their hearts. Jon Colbert stood while everyone else remained seated.

“Great Gods in heaven, we thank you for this bountiful harvest we are about to partake of. We walk as mere mortals, but we do our best to be righteous in your honor and glory. All we do on earth is in the name of the Gods. Please help us to be forever humble and follow the right path of life. Keep us from darkness and guide us to the light.” Jon opened his eyes and sat back down.

Everyone resumed talking, except for one person. Riceros Colbert had yet to speak a word at eleven years of age. He wasn’t dull. He could spell and write better than most learned men. He had a peculiar gift for knowledge that was manifested by absorbing everything he heard. He wasn’t worried about what he was going to say like most people, he just listened. The Count believed he surpassed every one of his brothers in book intelligence, but for some strange reason he just wouldn’t talk.

Mouth-watering smells beautifully intertwined in the dining room air. The servants began to send the shared cuisine around. First up was a roasted pig, smothered in mushrooms and spring onions with their long green tops. Next the mushrooms and carrots arrived, roasted to perfection. Red skinned potatoes were mixed in as well to finish off the delicious meal. It was the perfect sampling of what early spring harvest had to offer in Riverfront, Mattingly. Riceros smashed a couple of apples to a piece of pork and enjoyed it. Riceros ate his food and listened as usual.

“Family, there are matters we need to discuss. I will need to go to Gama Traka for a few weeks this summer, and Krys, I bid that you go with me. I shall introduce you to the land of my friend, Anders Ahitni. You know him from his visits here,” Jon Colbert announced.

His wife immediately responded, “Why, why do you have to go there now?”

“I just told you why. You know that Anders has come to Mattingly many times. I have to return the favor, it is practical business. He is our biggest trading partner, helps keep our people happy and is a genuine friend. That is a rare feat in these crazy times,” Jon told his wife
.

I don’t trust Anders for a moment
, Riceros thought as the conversation continued.

“What about me?” “And me?” Ryno and Ruxin asked respectively.

Jon gazed over at his sons, “I bid that both of you sit in on the council meetings and help make decisions for your future region. Mattingly is going to be under your control someday.”

The two boys confidently nodded in silence. Ryno was sixteen and Ruxin fifteen but they had been trained for this their entire lives
.

I could run those meeting better than my two brothers put together if I could just talk
, Riceros thought again.

“As for you, young lady, I bid that you help your mother in her state,” Jon told Mariah.

“Aaww, that’s all I get to do. The boys get to rule, and I get to brush hair,” she said with a snotty look.

“If the person who brought you into this world is not important enough...?” Jon Colbert let the question linger.

Mariah finally replied, “That’s not what I meant and you know it father. Of course I can help my mother. I would just like to help with other family responsibilities too.”

“Alright Mariah, talk with your mother about these boring council meetings while I am gone. She has sat in on enough of them to tell you all you want to know. When I return from Gama Traka, if you still desire to attend meetings, then we shall find a seat for you at the table,” Jon responded.

That is why they call him the Deal Maker
.

Riceros’ brothers had told him about the many nicknames Jon Colbert possessed but people widely knew him as the Deal Maker because of his sharp negotiation acumen. Mariah concurred, of course; Jon always struck beneficial deals for both sides. Most men of the day were wholly unreasonable and trust was a dying breed in this world.

“And for you, little man, I have a task for you too,” Jon said as he looked at Riceros. “I bid that you help Count Sproul run the local arbitration meetings. What be your thoughts? Can you do it?”

Riceros smiled with a look of assurance.

Sweet, sugary rhubarb scented air teased Riceros’ nose. Excitement circled around the family table as the delectable pastries were placed before them. The entire family mightily enjoyed the rhubarb pie. He would need someone to go to the kitchens with him later to read his thankful words to the cooks. They loved him for what a humble highborn lad he was. Riceros acknowledged those who deserved credit, regardless of birthright. But because they couldn’t read and Riceros didn’t speak, he required an interpreter. He was already ever gracious at eleven because of his upbringing, even though it could be difficult to communicate. He bit into the pastry and instantly dragons crashed into the imagination of Riceros Colbert as they often did, but they weren’t angry dragons. The warm rhubarb filling ran down the side of his mouth as Riceros daydreamed about riding a golden dragon.

Ali-Ster Wamhoff sat to the right of the King, across from Ali-Varis. Prince Ali-Varis, his forty-seven year old brother, stood in line as heir to the throne. He occupied the seat of the King’s Falconer, working as the top advisor to the King. The Falconer needed to be strong, questioning the King’s unwise decisions but Ali-Varis barely even paid attention during the meetings. His mental fires burned dim and the successor to the King spent most of the meetings daydreaming while staring out the window.

In comparison, the eighteen year old Ali-Ster stood a solid six feet tall with the fire red hair of a true Wamhoff. Ali-Ster had brown eyes and a chiseled body. He scratched his long, lightly freckled face. The young man known as Crimson-Thunder reveled in bloody battle rather than drab council meetings. But he also understood a king controlled the realm with mind and might. He spoke with a deep, manly voice and acted with equal grace toward a court member and a common man. He paid attention as the meeting progressed.

“Alright, alright, enough about the Gold Bandit. What is happening in the other regions?” King Ali-Stanley Wamhoff asked his Chamberlain of the Realm, Otto Cuthbart.

The Kingdom of Donegal was divided into five regions, all headed by a duke. Bottomfoot was basically a neutral region of mostly mountains that kept to themselves. They sent taxes and men to serve in the army to keep the King happy. The other regions were Mattingly, Waters Edge, Burkeville and Fox Chapel. Each region was further broken down into districts that were run by a high lord. There were also areas called Typhoon Alley and the Frozen Forest, but they were uninhabited.

“Well highness, I shall start with Waters Edge. Payments came in on time as always. However they do not seem to have new ventures in place to bring the crown more coin.” Otto, the little man with an enormous amount of arrogance, had risen quickly to his new council position. He tended to annoy everyone but the King, the only person whom Otto showed the proper respect.

The King interrupted, “Same tired story from Old Man Etburn, why won’t he just die already.” The King spoke with a cranky, high pitched voice that made him sound like he was constantly complaining. He relaxed as he fingered his gold scepter. The top of the scepter had a shining fox crafted onto it with two ruby eyes. The King rubbed the eyes of the fox to calm himself. He wore his silver crown today. He had seven different crowns that he wore for each day of the week. The King tended to speak with some of the old-language words mixed in with the current tongue of Donegal. He also liked to quote the ‘Words of the Gods’ to sound like a Godly man but he often used them in the wrong instances.

Anyone born to the royal bloodline of Donegal started their name with Ali. The regal offspring also used two capital letters in their first names to further set themselves apart from others.

The King of Donegal held private council meetings in a spacious room in the north end of the castle. The walls were painted gold with alternating horizontal patterns of red foxes and black falcons. Two immense windows on either side of the room let in the pale sunshine whenever the rays broke through the clouds. The thick, rectangular oak table top was about twelve feet long. The top rested upon six lion-shaped legs that had been sculpted from marble. Four were positioned at the corners and two in the middle of the table. Everyone occupied similar wooden chairs except for the King. The taller King Ali-Stanley’s seat was higher and bigger than all the others and had arm rests. A plump purple velvet cushion with gold tassels provided added comfort. There were several smaller tables around the room stacked with rolled up maps, records of the realm’s finances and former battle transcripts.