Back From Chaos (3 page)

“
Thank you, Argost. You have served my father bravely and loyally.” Gaelen turned to Sinnath. “Sinnath, you had Eastgate.”

As the traditionalist of the group, Sinnath had always provided the word of caution in council. Gaelen’s father had considered him a personal friend. But Klast thought he lacked vision. He would have made a great advisor to Lionn, but Gaelen liked to find fresh solutions to problems. Sinnath’s resistance to change might prove a thorn in Gaelen’s side.

Sinnath was even taller than Argost, thin to the point of austerity. He kept himself meticulously groomed, and usually managed to look fresh even after a long day in the saddle. Even now, with no opportunity to refresh himself, Sinnath’s tunic bore only a few small blood stains.

Klast considered his own poor appearance and Gaelen’s blood stained tunic, and wondered how Sinnath managed it. Such tight control spoke of compulsiveness.

“
Yes, my lord.” Klast noted the studied way Sinnath steepled his long fingers and leaned forward as he spoke, seeming relaxed, but Klast saw tension behind the pose.

Sinnath spoke with the smooth, resonant timbre of an orator. “We were led, as you know, by your brother Lionn. His horse threw him early in the battle, and he was severely trampled in the melee. We did reach him and tended him off the field, but he died of his injuries only spans later. I am sorry.”

Gaelen nodded acknowledgement at the thin smile of regret Sinnath gave him.

Sinnath continued. “The battle grew more disorganized after that, and we lost too many men. But the area is now secure, and the prisoners rest with the ones taken at Northgate.” He leaned back, and Klast noted that his eyes went to the table. They no longer met Gaelen’s as he went on.

“
I am ashamed to say the men grew overzealous in their revenge. Discipline faltered after your brother was taken from the field. I have the names of those who failed to restrain themselves. They will be dealt with according to your wishes.” His eyes came up to meet Gaelen’s again. “Order has been restored and fires put out.”

“
Thank you, Sinnath. We will speak of this later.” Klast could tell that this news disturbed Gaelen by the sudden tightening in his mouth and the deepening furrow between his brows. He understood why. Bargia had strict laws forbidding rape or killing those not engaged in fighting. He watched Gaelen regain his composure as he turned to Janest.

“
Janest, what news of the south and west? I understand they were poorly defended.”

Janest, although a man of middle years, was the youngest of the group. He had the distracted appearance of someone who always had some worry on his mind. But when it came down to it, Klast knew, his observations and insights always showed that he had missed nothing. He had a habit of running his hands over his hair when he tried to gather his thoughts. Klast smiled inwardly as he saw the familiar gesture, before Janest raised his eyes to Gaelen and began to speak.

“
That is correct, my lord. The west is bordered by the ravine and deep woods beyond. It is of little use to travellers and so has no gate. The wall is defence enough. Southgate was poorly defended. Most of the resistance came from the citizens. Once they realized they had no hope of rescue, they took it upon themselves to destroy as much as they could. Fire damage there is heavy, but most fires are now under control. If we get the rain that threatens, it will put out those remaining.” He shook his head in regret. “The deliberate firing of the buildings caused a great deal of confusion. Some citizens escaped over the wall. I have been informed by one of my best men, Brean, that the wife of Cataniast’s heir had hidden in one of the warehouses with their three young children. None came out alive. Her husband also fell in the fighting there. Those citizens remaining alive wait with the other prisoners.”

“
Thank you, Janest. Do any of you know what became of Cataniast himself? I heard rumours he met his death outside Eastgate. Can you confirm this?” Gaelen looked about the room.

“
My lord.” Gaelen turned as Sinnath spoke up. “I did not see how he died, but his body lies with the others of the family, on display in the market square. That leaves only one member unaccounted for. His daughter. She must be apprehended to prevent her from rallying resistance.”

Gaelen smiled. “She will not cause trouble my friends. I have her upstairs under guard. That is one of the situations we must discuss before we leave this room.”

Klast saw Janest raise his brows in surprise and Sinnath furrow his in concern. Argost looked interested but showed no surprise, as he had known of her arrest

Gaelen sobered and went on. “The other urgent business concerns how we will handle the prisoners and what steps we need to take to restore order and to establish Bargia’s dominion.”

“
Gentlemen,” Gaelen continued, “the events of today have placed both demesnes in greater chaos than anticipated. As second son, everyone assumed that I would never rule. Some will attempt to undermine my position, saying that I have not the skills, that I am not trained to take command. This is false.” He scanned the room as if to make sure he detected no disagreement.

As Gaelen’s strategy and arms tutor, Klast felt a moment of pride, hearing the firm voice and confident manner with which Gaelen kept command of the room. These men were all many years his senior. Yet Gaelen left no doubt who was in charge.

“
Yet, my enemies will use it to portray me as unprepared for leadership. If any of you have questions about my right or ability to rule, I wish to hear them now so they may be discussed openly. To govern effectively, I need the pulse, not only of the people, but especially of you, the members of my advisory council. I am confident I will allay your fears so that we move forward with one mind. I need to know I can depend on your allegiance.” He paused and met each man’s eyes again. “I expect you may have concerns about my leadership. Speak freely, here and now. We have not the freedom to delay this. Too much demands immediate action. There will be no reprisals for your candour.”

Janest spoke first, with the other two nodding immediate agreement. “My lord, we have all known you many years, I from your earliest childhood. You have my full allegiance as rightful lord, both of Bargia, and now of Catania. If we have any concerns in the future, I hope that we may speak with you as they arise.”

“
Argost? Sinnath? You are in agreement with Janest?”

“
I am, my lord,” each asserted earnestly.

Gaelen’s shoulders relaxed slightly, and his tone became lighter. “Then I know I am well served. Let us proceed.”

“
I have thought hard on our situation here. With no male of my family remaining to act as lord’s representative in Catania, it will be necessary to take measures that may not be popular or understood. Some might regard them as weak or ill advised.”

Klast noted that each man watched Gaelen with rapt attention.

“
I have decided to allow all prisoners and citizens who will swear allegiance to me to return to their homes and their duties, even in the castle.”

Argost nodded immediately. Janest looked surprised, then resumed his usual eager expression. Sinnath frowned as if deep in thought but made no move to respond. Klast watched closely as Gaelen went on. This was the important part of the meeting. Gaelen would want to hear how each man reacted to his decisions.

“
They will be permitted to pick up the pieces of their lives as best they can with no fear of settling scores.” As Sinnath started to shake his head Gaelen added smoothly, “I realize some cannot be trusted. That is a risk we must take.”

“
Your duties will be to make sure those of influence, both in my forces and among the surviving Catanian merchants, advisory council, traders and others, understand and support this. They must be led to see that it will be to their benefit, both politically and financially. I suggest this may be accomplished by moving among the people and listening, ready with convincing arguments. We must appear to be in all places at all times. And we must demonstrate that loyalty will be rewarded.”

Gaelen paused and let his words sink in before he continued. “I command all looters to return stolen booty back where they found it. They will receive full amnesty for three days to do so. We especially need to restore the castle, as it will be the centre of government. After three days, anyone found in possession of stolen goods will be dealt with as a thief, in accordance with the law. Any who dispute that they have rightfully earned these goods may bring their arguments to you, Argost. I appoint you governor and justice of Catania.”

Argost’s eyebrows rose and fell back again, as he nodded his acceptance.

Gaelen continued. “Those who argue that they deserve compensation due to losses suffered may take their case to you as well. You will decide if compensation is warranted and what form that will take. I have no time to deal with individual grievances.”

Gaelen hesitated, and for the first time, Klast heard a hint of uncertainty creep into his voice. “These decisions will establish me as honourable, resolute, and even-handed. You will report to me in two days, and we will see if changes need to be made. Do you all understand thus far?” Gaelen paused as he watched each man take in what he had proposed.

When Argost smiled with apparent satisfaction, Klast noticed that Gaelen took a deep breath, and his shoulders relaxed again. He wondered if any of the others noticed. If they did, they did not show it.

Klast applauded Gaelen’s choice of Argost for governor. The man’s sound judgment and even-handed manner would go far to instil confidence and trust among the Catanians.

“
My lord,” Argost declared, “I will do so with pleasure. This plan shows good judgment. It shows both strength and decisive action at the same time. It tells the people that you may not be trifled with, but that you will be just.” His voice rang with confidence, and he nodded vigorously in agreement.

The replies of the other two were less enthusiastic. Klast watched Janest take his time, run his fingers through his hair, then nod slowly. “I understand what you are trying to accomplish, my lord. It may work. I have no better suggestions, so I will stand behind it for the time being. Time will give us the answers. If I see this begin to undermine your authority, I will speak with you again.”

Sinnath looked concerned. “My lord, I recommend a stronger stance. Perhaps this idea will work with our own soldiers, but I fear it may send the Catanians a message that you are too lenient and can be bent to their own ends. To let them return to their homes at no further cost may suggest rebellion has no consequences.”

“
Thank you Janest, Argost … Sinnath, I appreciate your opinion. However, this was not a decision made carelessly. The Catanians are not rebels who committed treason. They are families who were going about their normal lives, until we invaded them. I believe that, given the opportunity, they will gladly return to the lives they knew. I trust they know the difference between the actions of armed men and those of regular citizens. They will see this as recognition that we understand it as well. It will make them more compliant to my rule. Are you willing to support me on this until we see results?”

“
Of course, my lord. Have I not just sworn allegiance?” Irony crept into Sinnath’s voice as he added, “Did you not say we were to express our concerns openly?”

Gaelen laughed wryly, shaking his head. “You are correct, Sinnath. Thank you for reminding me. I will need such reminders again I am certain. One does not step into the position of lord knowing all one needs to know.”

They all relaxed, and Klast knew Gaelen had passed his first test.

“
My next decision may please you less,” Gaelen began again, studying each of them carefully before continuing. “Be assured I came to this plan after carefully considering all possible outcomes. I will not be swayed on this, and will need your full support, until I satisfy you that it is sound.”

Klast came even more alert. Gaelen had not had time to inform him of what was coming. The amnesty was already making the council sit up and take notice. From the look on Gaelen’s face, he was aware that they might have a hard time swallowing the next announcement.

~ 4 ~

A RISKY CHOICE

The wary faces around the table told Klast that this test might be a more difficult one. He could see that Gaelen knew it too. But Gaelen went ahead as though he expected full support.

“
The prisoner we hold upstairs is Cataniast’s daughter, Marja. You will recall that, just over a year ago, I was sent by my lord father to Lord Cataniast to negotiate an offer of alliance. You also know that a section of that agreement stated that his daughter would be sent to join with me, to become my wife. The joining would add strength to the alliance. You will recall that Cataniast refused. I intend to extend that offer again.”

Klast watched shock and concern flash on both Sinnath’s and Janest’s faces. Argost showed little surprise.

Gaelen paused before continuing. “Not only is she most comely,” he flashed a quick, mischievous grin, then sobered again, “she has shown remarkable courage and intelligence. If I can persuade her to agree, I am of the opinion that it will help convince the Catanians they will be treated fairly. And so they will be less likely to plot rebellion.”

All three looked ready to speak at once. Gaelen forestalled them, raising his hands. “My friends, let me anticipate your concerns. The woman is beautiful and intelligent. Some will claim I have been bespelled, that she holds me in thrall.”