Chapter 20 - Time For A Break
"Vass Karan is by a wide margin the largest city of the Empire’s northern provinces. Like every Great City of the Empire, it acts as a centre of administration and commerce for the surrounding regions. Unlike the other Great Cities its proximity to the Empire’s borders also makes it a shining beacon of civilisation to the Empire’s barbaric northern neighbours as well as the lynchpin of the Empire’s defences against the Republic’s mindless aggression. However, the city’s location also contributes to it having an ‘edgier’ reputation than the other Great Cities with a far greater presence of foreigners inside its walls inevitably leading to a certain amount of corruption and crime.”
Two Thousand Years of Empire by Jahangir Amini
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“Let me ensure that I fully understand the situation Lord Savate.” Duke Marcni’s voice was ice cold. A clear sign that the city’s portly ruler was on the edge of losing his temper. Velthur Savate prepared himself for an explosion, resisting the urge to glance behind him at the exit to the Duke’s marble office. The man’s temper was well known among Vass Karan’s nobility, even if most of the time it stayed hidden under a jovial veneer. “Your Mage claimed to have found a necromancer. Of course this is straight after discovering a Weiryin and now the Lord Inquisitor is dead while she has been sleeping peacefully for the last twelve hours. All after having to be carried out of the Wasteways by injured Watchmen!”
“The necromancer is dead too.” Spirits only knew what Ester had done to make her so exhausted. She’d mumbled out a report to him while slumped over his desk and then fallen asleep mid sentence. She’d mentioned a tincture, although he hadn’t been able to get any details out of her. He hoped that explained her condition. Given what the Watchmen had told him about her behaviour in the Wasteways, anything else would be rather problematic. “Lady Mazar was clearly exhausted and injured, but she has done her duty and it appears that the city is safe once more.”
He had his own concerns about Ester’s actions of course, but the last thing he wanted was for Duke Marcni to make her the focus of his ire. The Watch was theoretically independent of the local nobility, but theory only went so far when dealing with the most powerful man in Vass Karan. He could certainly make life uncomfortable for Ester and by extension the Watch itself.
“Hmph.” The Duke’s unimpressed grunt didn’t suggest that he agreed. “I am surrounded by incompetence. What kind of a job is the Watch, or even the Inquisition, doing if they can allow Weiryin and a necromancer to lurk under their very noses? At least the Inquisitor killed the necromancer, or so we are told.”
“I’ve no reason to doubt Lady Mazar on that my lord and more experienced Mages have been sent. They are no doubt confirming the situation as we speak. The city is safe.”
“No thanks to you and your Mage. I have half a mind to write to the Capital. There are plenty in Trevayn who would like to hear about this.” Velthur suppressed a wince as the Duke pushed his chair back and stood. He might not have wanted his job when it had first been pushed on him, but it had grown on him and being forced out of his position in disgrace would hardly place him in a good position. Unlike some, his house was not sufficiently powerful to simply place him into a similar position elsewhere.
“That is, of course, your prerogative my lord. However, both threats have been dealt with, within days of their respective discoveries.” Velthur leant forward slightly as he spoke silently urging the Duke to take his point. “If not for Lady Mazar and the Watch, they might have festered for far longer and become considerably more dangerous. As it is, you can show the city and the Empire that your leadership is swift and effective. In a city the size of Vass Karan there will always be threats, but they have been dealt with.”
Duke Marcni frowned and walked over to the window, looking out at his palace’s gardens. “Hmm. Yes. I suppose you are correct. Your Mage remains a problem though.”
“A problem my lord?” Velthur kept his voice neutral.
The Duke turned back to face him. “Yes. A problem. Her tendency to uncover problems is, I suppose, laudable.” He certainly didn’t sound appreciative of it. “However, her competence is more than questionable. Where she goes, problems follow.” Velthur would need to tread carefully. Irritating as the girl might be, he had no intention of losing the Watch’s new Mage so quickly. It would reflect poorly on his own competence for one, but worse would probably take at least a year for her to be replaced. Mages willing to work for an organisation like the Vass Karan Watch certainly didn’t grow on trees.
“I think that’s a little unfair my lord. She’s found herself in difficult situations that would have taxed a far more experienced and skilled Mage and has managed to survive them. She’s also done great service for Vass Karan, and the Throne.” It was always worth a gentle reminder that the Watch didn’t answer to local nobility. “Without her we would have two serious threats brewing away in the shadows.”
“Mmm, perhaps. On the other hand, she is insubordinate and I have significant concerns about her competence. She nearly died fighting a relatively weak Weiryin, you heard how easily Master Tabasi and the Inquisitor dealt with it.”
“I don’t think that’s entirely…”
“Then when you send her out with others, what happens? They die. Two Watchmen dead when she went into the Wasteways searching for the Weiryin. The second time she went in an Inquisitor died. I am told she professes loyalty to the Throne, but I am left wondering whether she has some kind of curse on her.”
“My lord…”
“And what about her behaviour prior to the Lord Inquisitor’s death? I am greatly concerned by the reports from your Watchmen. Even they could tell she was asking dangerous questions and her manner raised questions about her stability.
Velthur tried again. “My Lord, that is hardly fair, she is young and impetuous, but has in the long run saved us a great deal of trouble. As for the rest, I believe that the Lord Inquisitor fed her some kind of tincture. I can assure you that in general she is a quiet and helpful young lady.”
“Your loyalty to your subordinates does you credit. Nevertheless, I want her out of my city. She would no doubt be happier in Trevayn in a role more appropriate to her position.”
“My lord…” The last thing Velthur wanted to do right now was burn political capital opposing Duke Marcni, but he had little choice. Not just because he didn’t want the Watch to lose its Mage, but also because he couldn’t allow the Duke to dictate the operation of his organisation. “Lady Mazar’s appointment comes directly from Trevayn. She’s bound in service to the Throne and part of a Throne institution. I don’t have the power to dismiss her from the Watch.” He left it unsaid that the same applied to Duke Marcni.
The man scowled, but he at least kept his temper under control, the threatened explosion delayed or canceled. “Very well. The Inquisitor could have removed her of course, but conveniently he is dead, after going off essentially alone with her.”
“My lord!”
“No,” the Duke held a hand up to silence Velthur. “I am not accusing her of treason, even if I think she bears watching. I will leave it at this. I accept that she cannot be removed immediately, although rest assured I shall be writing to Her Eternal Majesty’s ministers in Trevayn about the situation. In the meantime, I think it would be best for everybody if you removed her from my city for the next few weeks. Justify it how you will. Perhaps I shall speak to her after that.”
“Perhaps she could just be kept in the Watch headquarters for a period? She is quite useful when we have need of magical assistance.”
The Duke thought for a second. “No. I want her out of my city, for now anyway. In any event, I believe it would be for her benefit too.”
“How so my lord?”
“I am sure you have noticed just as much as I have that the death of the Lord Inquisitor was very neat. Perhaps too neat. It could be that I am just paranoid after the discovery of both a Weiryin and a necromancer in quick succession, but I worry that there is more. The Republic has been suspiciously quiet recently, perhaps they are now making moves. In any event, if there is some wider conspiracy behind the events here, then they may well target Lady Mazar. It might be for revenge, or possibly just because of her talent for finding trouble. I would have thought you would prefer not to have a dead Mage on your hands.”
The Duke had a point there. Velthur rather doubted that anyone would try to take any revenge on Ester. Assuming there was anyone that way inclined in the first place. If it were him, he would leave things to lie for a while, until they’d settled down. At the moment there was a neat ending to things. If they had in fact ended neatly, then there was little need to worry. If it was an illusion, then the perpetrators would want to preserve that illusion. Killing a Mage would not be helpful for that. Still, much as he disliked having to give way to one of the Duke’s temper tantrums, the man had compromised and he was no longer being quite as unreasonable.
“Thank you for your understanding my lord. I’m sure that a leave of absence can be arranged.” Caia, the crafty old bat, had mentioned to him that she’d like to borrow Ester to send her off on some sort of trip. Perhaps that would bear further investigation. “In fact I do believe I know just the thing.”
The Duke nodded once, relaxing slightly. “Thank you Lord Savate, I appreciate it. Hopefully this whole mess will be quickly resolved with further investigation. If there is a conspiracy it will be uncovered and then your young Mage can return to serve in a way more appropriate to her position.”
That was likely as much of a concession as Velthur was going to get on the matter. “I’m very grateful my lord.”
“Good. Now let us discuss what we shall be doing to find out whether this necromancer was working alone.” Velthur stifled a sigh. This was going to be a long evening. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
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Ester woke slowly, opening her eyes as groggy awareness gradually replaced sleep. She winced at the pounding in her head. It felt like she’d severely over-used her magic. Except she knew she hadn’t. Had she? She groped wildly for memory. There’d been magic, there’d…
She sat up with a gasp, ignoring the flash of pain it sent through her bruised body. The Inquisitor! The necromancer! She looked around frantically, panic spiking until she forced herself to run through one of the calming exercises she’d learnt at the Academy, then a focusing one.
With her breathing back under control and her heart slowing, it started to come together. The relatively easy start to the fight, then the Inquisitor and necromancer both dead. She had to suppress more panic at the questions she’d been asking the Inquisitor. What had she been thinking?! Even through the haze that blanketed her memories she couldn’t believe she’d been thinking straight. Was it the tincture he’d fed her? The only relief from it all was that the Inquisitor wouldn’t be in any position to punish her for her questions.
Ester ignored the twinge of guilt she felt at that thought. She needed to remember what had happened afterwards. It was even hazier. She’d ordered the Watchmen back to the surface, there was that much. Then it was a bit disjointed. Excruciating effort to put one foot in front of the other. Stumbling and then falling. A worried debate over her as she lay there. Being hauled onto one of their shoulders. Perhaps a conversation with the Commander?
She glanced down at herself. She was still wearing the same dusty dress she had been in the Wasteways, thank the Throne. It seemed they’d just carried her to her room and left her on her bed. She’d need to thank whichever Watchman it was, she knew how they felt about touching a Mage and her behaviour around the Inquisitor couldn’t have helped with that either. First though, she needed to get up, clean herself and change. Then maybe she might feel human enough to face the world.
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“Come in.”
Ester opened the door to Commander Savate’s office. He was sat behind his desk, looking almost as worn out as she felt.
“Ester, thank you for coming. Please, have a seat.” He gestured vaguely at the chairs in front of the desk. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired Commander, exhausted even.” There didn’t seem to be much point in trying to pretend otherwise.
“Mmm, yes, you look it.” Ester couldn’t summon the energy to get irritated at that. She probably did, even if she didn’t want to be reminded of it.
The Commander paused, his lips thinning. He seemed to be about to say something, but instead just stayed quiet, studying Ester until she started to fidget under his gaze. Eventually she couldn’t take it anymore and broke the silence.
“You wanted to see me Commander?”
“Huh?” She could have sworn he jumped, but his voice was smooth. “Yes. That’s right, I’m sorry it’s been a trying few days. However, now that you’re awake I wanted to discuss your future with you.”
“My future?” Fear spiked in Ester. Was she being dismissed from the Watch? Forced out in disgrace before she could even prove herself? He couldn’t do that!
Commander Savate ignored her question. “I wonder whether we’ve been too hard on you. None of what you’ve had to deal with is in any way appropriate for a young lady, Chartered Mage or not. Your difficulties following orders aside, you’ve seen people die and had to fight both a Weiryin and a necromancer. It’s more than I’d expect anyone to be comfortable dealing with. Look at Farhad, I don’t think he saw a single person die and he spent ten years with the Watch.”
Great Spirits, he was going to dismiss her! He was being nice about it, but Ester knew what that meant. A return to Trevayn in disgrace. However, nicely it was worded, she’d know she was a failure. Everyone else would too. She didn’t want to go back! It wasn’t as if she liked Vass Karan, it was horrible, but she couldn’t go back. Not like that! They’d all be laughing at her as she spent the rest of her time in service to the Throne doing some appallingly dull, ‘appropriate’ job like embroidering Schemas onto tapestries or ensuring the Imperial Palace’s gardens stayed in bloom all year round. Why couldn’t she have been born into nobility and have her Academy fees paid for by her family?!
Ester forced her rising panic down, yanking her thoughts back on track with a brief focusing exercise. “Commander Savate…” She needed to choose her words carefully. “Commander, it’s true that things have been difficult. More than difficult at times. I’m where I want to be though. I’ve done more to serve Her Eternal Majesty here than I ever would have in Trevayn. Of course I don’t want to meet more necromancers, but I survived the challenges I’ve faced. I won against the necromancer. I escaped the Weiryin. Vass Karan is better for me being here. If you’re worrying about how I feel, don’t. I’m absolutely fine.” That was a lie, she knew she’d be having sleepless nights for some time to come after what she’d seen, but she was damned if she was going to admit it to the Commander.
Regardless, judging by his face, he knew she was lying. “That’s as may be, but don’t you think that you’d prefer something more appropriate?” He hesitated and then sighed. “Many people would think that sending a woman, particularly one so recently graduated from the Academy, to the Vass Karan Watch was a punishment posting. I’d be happy to write you a letter of recommendation for a more suitable position, I doubt anyone would question it.”
This wasn’t happening! She was too tired to deal with it, especially after everything that had happened over the last few days. Ester kept her voice calm with an effort of will. If she showed any weakness it would just hurt her case.
“Thank you Commander, but I really would prefer to stay here. I’ve been learning so much and I’ve already done a huge amount of good for the city. What if I hadn’t found the Weiryin or the necromancer? They might not have been discovered until it was too late. You said it yourself, normally things are much more peaceful. I really would prefer to stay here.” Ester forced herself to meet his eyes. She wasn’t going to beg. She had her pride, even if that might be all she had.
Commander Savate studied her for a few seconds and then relaxed slightly. “Very well. If that’s what you want, the Watch can always use a Mage.” She was going to be able to stay? She wouldn’t be sent home! As Ester slumped in grateful relief he continued. “However. I expect more appropriate behaviour from you.”
Irritation overrode gratitude in a flash. “Commander, just because I am a woman…”
“That’s not what I meant, although you may wish to consider that too. While you’re a member of the Watch I expect you to follow my orders. While your disobedience ended reasonably well for you and the city this time, next time you might get yourself, or worse, someone else killed. Am I understood?” Ester felt her face heat. There was only one possible answer to that.
“Yes Commander.” She nodded emphatically.
“Good. Now, if you’re staying with us then I think you’ve earnt yourself a break.” Ester clamped down on her instinct to protest. It felt like a trap. Why would she need a break? Was it just a roundabout way to get her to show she couldn’t handle the pressure? “You’ve been through a very difficult time and had experiences that would have troubled a man of twice your age. I want you to take some time to rest and recover.” He paused to think. “Perhaps three or so weeks outside Vass Karan.”
Outside Vass Karan? Why was he doing this? Was it dismissal by another name despite what he’d said? “Commander I don’t think that’s necessary. I’m ready to keep working for the Watch.”
“I on the other hand do think it’s necessary. There’s no shame in needing time to recover from the sort of experiences you’ve had.”
“I…” It was ridiculous! “I managed seven years at the Academy without needing any breaks.” Was it pity because she was young and female? “I don’t want anything that the Watchmen who experienced the same things as me aren’t getting!”
The Commander blinked a couple of times. “I’d remind you that you and the Watchmen aren’t the same. Whatever you might think about your life or status before you received your Charter, you rank with the nobility now.”
Ester couldn’t stop a scowl from creeping over her face. Who did he think he was, commenting on her background?! Anyway, it wasn’t fair. She didn’t want anyone thinking she was weak or that she was being shuffled away, but it just wasn’t fair to treat the Watchmen differently! They didn’t even have magic to protect them.
“Well that may be the case.” Despite her scowl she kept her voice level. “However, they still deserve the same consideration as loyal servants of the Undying Queen.”
“Hmph. It’s none of your business how I manage my men, but if it assuages your conscience, Watchmen who experience sufficiently unpleasant situations also receive leave to recover. Paid leave. The nobility will do as they will with their retainers, but Her Eternal Majesty looks after those that serve her. Now, if you’d deign to accept what you’re being offered, perhaps we can move on to practicalities?”
The Commander’s tone made it clear that he’d had enough of Ester’s arguments and after a moment she nodded. “Of course Commander. Thank you for the explanation.”
“Hmm. Right, do you have money?”
“Yes Commander.” Ester suspected any other answer might have been met with an explosion. The salary she received each week was trifling by the standards of the higher nobility or a Mage who was free to seek whatever employment they wanted, but it was still more money than she’d ever seen in her life. “I have plenty, but what should I do?”
She didn’t want to leave the city, but it seemed like she had little choice at this stage, at least temporarily. Actually that wasn’t even true, she did want to leave Vass Karan. It had hardly been a happy place for her, the problem was she had nowhere else to go. Certainly not if she was being sent away. Perhaps she could just find a farm somewhere and practice magic. Thinking about it, she wasn’t quite sure how to find a farm or what it would be like. She’d not really been anywhere other than Trevayn and now Vass Karan. Even on the Great North Road, when she’d traveled between the two cities, she’d just had brief stays in inns. Did farms have space for guests? Would she have to share with cows or sheep?
“I don’t particularly care as long as it allows you a pause from your duties and takes you out of the city. For no less than three weeks.” He paused. “Also no more than four.” Ester’s worry must have shown on her face because after a moment he continued. “Are there not things that Mages can do in their free time?”
“I am sure I will find something Commander.” She wasn’t going to admit to her worries.
“Hmm. Get one of your friends and go exploring with them. I’m sure their fathers would be pleased for the connections and provide an escort.” He smiled thinly, “not that I would expect one to be needed with a Mage present. Perhaps riding and hawking? I understand that’s popular with many young ladies.” Ester flushed. She didn’t really have any friends. Lady Rutane was the closest she had and she didn’t think there was any chance of the dowager lady of a Great House wanting to go hawking with her for several weeks.
“You do have friends don’t you?” At least the Commander just sounded impatient rather than mocking. Ester quickly nodded, trying to ignore her embarrassment. Why was her face betraying her and heating up even more?
“Yes, of course I do! Give me a couple of days and I will arrange something and be gone.” The only question was what. In the worst case she’d just go with her farm idea. Or she could sneak back into the city and try to hunt down the Golden Shadows again. No, that was a terrible idea. Maybe she should speak to Lady Rutane, but that would be even more embarrassing, admitting she needed help with something so simple.
Ester froze. Unless… Velxe might not have gone off on his trip to Grathbridge yet. She’d completely forgotten about the offer to take her amidst everything that had happened, but maybe this was the perfect opportunity. She hadn’t leapt too eagerly to the Rutanes’, so she still had her pride, but it really had been tempting. He seemed like an interesting man too and it might actually make this whole mess into something a bit more fun. Exploring, leftover magic, talking about the world by the light of a campfire, she could…
“Is everything alright Ester?” The Commander broke her train of thought. Great Spirits she hoped she hadn’t been showing what she was thinking on her face!
“Yes, my apologies Commander. May I go? I will aim to be out of the city in the next two days.” Hopefully Velxe still wanted to go, but would he be able to leave on such short notice? She certainly wasn’t going to hang around waiting for him like some idiot lovestruck girl.
“Of course, do let me know if you need anything. If not, I’ll see you in a few weeks.”
“Thank you Commander.” Ester stood and turned to leave. She’d need to think about what to wear. Also how to get in touch with Velxe. Would he want to bring guards? Then there was the question of what exactly to say, she didn’t want to seem too keen, but not too uninterested either. If she didn’t play her cards the right way she might end up having to stay on a farm after all.