Reign of Madness (Revised Edition) (3 page)

Tam knew that Rezkin was playing a role, although he still
did not understand
why
. The problem was that Tam was unable to discern
how much of what Rezkin said was simple acting and how much was truth. Rezkin’s
speech about commoners was both complimentary and patronizing, and Tam did not
know how to feel about it. On the surface, Rezkin’s affable and joyous conduct
seemed normal for a sociable noble, but the excessive jubilance and decorum
seemed almost neurotic for
Rezkin
.

The warrior was typically defined by a solid, stoic presence
that incited feelings of safety and stability. When Rezkin was around, Tam
always felt like everything was under control, even when they were in the midst
of chaos. The
Lord
Rezkin simply did not fill him with the same sense of
assurance, even though he knew it lay just below the surface. Rezkin’s almost
passionate behavior somehow disturbed him.

Reaylin was just as aloof as Tam. She seemed particularly
uncomfortable around the other women. Frisha had gained points with Reaylin
when she snubbed Shiela, but now Frisha was spending more time with the nobles,
as was Rezkin. Reaylin was astonished by Rezkin’s behavior. Never had she
imaged he was capable of pulling off such a flamboyant persona. It made her
wonder about Rezkin’s other capabilities and why he was such a skilled
fraudster. Just who was Rezkin
really
, and could he be useful?

Reaylin still was not happy that Rezkin proposed to Frisha,
but she was encouraged by the fact that the deal had failed. She did feel bad
for him, but he was a strong man, and he would get over it. Frisha was too weak
for a man like Rezkin. Reaylin could tell that he was put off by women like
Shiela and thought that she, as a warrior, had a much better chance with such a
man. If only she could get him away from Frisha long enough for him to see
her
.

Rezkin disappeared for a while as he secretly scrambled
about the ship. He snuck about the captain’s quarters, since the captain was
busy on deck. He had already been there before, but he wanted to make sure
there was nothing new of which he should be aware. There was not, so he
continued with his search. He snuck into each of the guest’s rooms and rifled
through their trunks and then went through the mound of useless
necessities
in the cargo hold. Nothing of immediate import stood out, but he did find a few
tidbits that he would file away for later use.

Two of the Jebai House Guards had gambling debts they were
to pay off by performing some unspecified service while in Skutton. The future
duke, Tieran, was to attend a clandestine meeting on behalf of his father with
a man whose name Rezkin did not recognize. Tieran’s manservant, Colton, had a
secret lover who Rezkin was nearly certain was a man. Shiela was not as
innocent as she would have her family believe. She had in her possession half a
dozen parting letters from potential suitors moaning about how much they would
miss her, and two actually pleaded for her to meet them for a private
rendezvous while at the tournament.

When Rezkin rejoined the nobles, everyone wanted to know
what he had been up to and how he managed to disappear for so long on a ship.
Rezkin laughed and said, “Ah, well, you see I do enjoy a good voyage as much as
the rest of you, but we did have to rise hours before dawn this morning.”
Frisha arched a brow. She knew full well that Rezkin always rose long before
dawn. The man was incessantly restless when he was not moving in some fashion.

Malcius snickered, “You snuck off to take a nap.”

Rezkin heaved an overly dramatic sigh and uttered, “You may
have seen the truth, and I concede – I feel no shame for my absence.”

Shiela, not deterred by Rezkin’s intentions toward Frisha,
said, “Oh, I wish you had said so earlier. I might have felt inclined to take a
nap as well.” She fluttered her lashes and eyed him suggestively.

Malcius scowled, “Shiela, know you no shame?”

Brandt chuckled, “Whatever vessel held
her
shame grew
so full it shattered. She is no longer capable of carrying any.”

“What would you know of shame, Brandt?” Shiela scoffed. “You
are a cad.”

“Better a cad than a…ow!” Brandt shouted as Malcius stomped
his foot under the table.

“Yes, well,” Rezkin cleared his throat, “it is probably best
I found myself in seclusion. Tam tells me I snore quite loudly.”

Malcius groaned, “And I am to bunk with you?”

Rezkin shrugged and grinned, “Every man must have at least
one fault, no?”

“If that is your only fault, then you are a better man than
the rest of us,” Malcius muttered.

“Speak for yourself,” said Brandt. “
I
am utter
perfection,” he remarked facetiously as he ran a hand through his long silky
hair.

Palis punched Brandt in the arm and replied, “Yeah, perfect
for using as a practice dummy.”

Brandt sniffed and said, “You laugh now, but I am going to
beat you in the tournament.”

Palis barked a laugh and said, “You will be lucky to make it
into the same tier as me.”

“I placed high enough in the spring tournament,” Brandt
defended.

“Only because most of us were stuck at the
field training
our uncle insisted upon,” Palis remarked.

Rezkin arched a brow. “Field training?”

Brandt rolled his eyes and answered, “The general got it in
his head that we should all know how to survive in the wild ‘
just in case
.’ 
Luckily, I got to leave early to participate in the tournament.”

Malcius added, “It was supposed to be survival training for
young lords, but try telling a bunch of nobles to leave their finery at home.
Everyone had massive tents and soft cots, wine and bread and cheese aplenty. It
was more like a three-week social gathering. Uncle Marcum was furious.”

“You were there with the rest of us,” Brandt chided.

Malcius shrugged, “I admit it. I like my fine things and
prefer to live in comfort. Besides, it was ridiculous. When would we ever need
such skills? It is not like we go wandering off into the wild. We live in the
city, and we travel by ship or in a caravan of coaches and guards with people
to see to our needs. I do not see why
I
need to know how to trap a
rabbit or build a fire pit.”

Frisha, who had been very quiet up until now, straightened
and lifted her chin. “Rezkin can do all of those things. He is quite the
skilled woodsman.” Rezkin gave her a warning glance, but she ignored it and
continued. “When we traveled the river before, much like
now
,” she
emphasized, “we encountered a problem with a massive gang of bandits. We were
forced to abandon the ship and travel by land for a week with not much more
than a single pack each. Rezkin and the soldiers hunted for food, set up camps,
and battled the bandits. Rezkin even treated the soldier’s wounds afterward.
What do you think
you
could do if the ship went down and you lost all of
your finery?”

Mouths were agape all around and Frisha felt a small
satisfaction with the nobles’ loss of composure. Eyes darted back and forth
between Frisha and Rezkin. Rezkin cocked his head and studied Frisha curiously.
It was interesting that when she finally gathered enough courage to speak with
conviction, it was to do so in
his
favor.

Malcius recovered first and waved off Frisha’s claim, “Yes,
yes, but you had the soldiers with you to take care of things, and killing a few
bandits can hardly be considered a
battle
.”

Frisha scowled. “There were several
dozen
bandits and
only six soldiers. Tam and I had no weapons training at the time, and we were
pretty much useless. Rezkin was magnificent, though,” she said as she took a
note from Shiela’s book and batted her lashes at him. Frisha had not really
seen much of the battle, actually. She was too busy trying to keep the panic at
bay, her eyes darting in every direction, seemingly all at once. She had picked
up bits and pieces of the discussions between the soldiers and Jimson
afterward, though. She knew Rezkin had been quite impressive but did not know
to what extent. “Besides,” she continued, “that was only the
first
time
we battled with bandits.”

The others were a mixture of confused and impressed, but
Tieran was terrified. He had seen the look of death in Rezkin’s eyes when they
first met in Kaibain, and now he knew for certain that Rezkin was no stranger
to bloodshed.

Rezkin suddenly laughed boisterously and waved away the serious
mood, “You know I can never seem to sit still for long. I am always picking up
some new hobby. I suppose I have acquired an odd assortment of skills here and
there. Woodcraft can actually be quite intriguing and relaxing, you know. The
general may be on to something, if not for the reasons you think. You can never
understand the value of what you gain by depending only on yourself unless you
have tried it. Things are different when you do not have servants looking after
you. After you dispel such a weakness, I am telling you, the confidence you
gain is simply intoxicating.”

Malcius raised his brows, “You think having servants is a
weakness?”

“Not
having
them.
Needing
them,” Rezkin
replied, holding up a finger for emphasis. “For me, servants are a luxury
– a right of status, wealth and power, but they are not a
necessity
.
I can survive without them, if necessary,” Rezkin stated with smug pride.

“I guess I see your point,” Malcius replied. He rubbed the
back of his neck uncomfortably. “To tell the truth, I do not know what I would
do if I were put in such a position that I needed to fend for myself. I cannot
honestly say that I would survive,” he added with a bit of chagrin. Palis and
Tieran shifted uncomfortably, each knowing they would fail under the same
circumstances.

Shiela, however, had caught onto a different strand of
Frisha’s story. “So,
Cousin
, am I to understand that you traveled for
weeks alone with a host of
men
?” Her tone was light but filled with
accusation.

Frisha lifted her chin and replied, “That’s right. Tam was
my escort. He is like a brother to me, and he swore an Oath of Protection to my
father. Besides, Rezkin was providing his protection, as well.” She left out
the fact that she had only met Rezkin partway through the journey and had
really known nothing about him.

“Yes, well, Master Tamarin is
not
your brother. He is
not related to you in any way, and the oath of a commoner means nothing to me,”
she replied with disdain.

“Then, I suppose I am fortunate that
your opinion
means nothing to
me
,” Frisha replied acerbically. “Besides, would you
question Rezkin’s honor, as well?”

Shiela huffed, “Of course not, but it is obvious
you
have done something to catch his attention. I cannot imagine any other reason
he would want someone like
you
.”

Rezkin stood abruptly, the chair scraping across the floor.
He towered over Shiela with a disapproving gaze. It lacked violence but held
the scorn of a father scolding a child.

“Lady Shiela, I take offense to your accusations and slander
against
my
lady’s character. Lady Frisha is and has always been a
respectable woman, and she should be commended for her bravery and dignity
during such trying times. You have made a number of unfounded assumptions. I
also take offense in your comments against Master Tamarin, who I have the honor
of calling
friend
. It matters not that
you
would question his
honor since, from what I have seen, you seem to have very little. Unlike you, I
actually know Master Tamarin, and
I
hold his oath in high regard. If you
must belittle others to make yourself feel better, then you should do silently,
in your own mind, where only you will suffer from your poison. You will
certainly abstain from speaking such vileness in my presence.”

Rezkin held out his hand and said, “Come, Frisha. Please join
me on deck for some fresh air.”

Frisha’s anger at Shiela fled with Rezkin’s defense of her
honor. She was glad he included Tam, as well. She did not like hearing such negative
things said about her best friend. The two found the young man sitting solemnly
as he gazed across the water. The horizon was painted in a veritable pallet of
bright pinks and oranges and gold that faded into the violet and indigo of the
starry sky above. The swath of colors reflected in the waters below, and the
three felt surrounded by something so much more beautiful and important than
the petty problems of the day.

The companions gossiped and chatted, or rather, Frisha and
Tam did. Rezkin, for just a short time, seemed to be his usual self. While
Frisha enjoyed Rezkin’s smiles and uncharacteristic laughter, she found that
she was happier when he was simply himself. Eventually, the dinner bell rang
and the three found their way to the dining room, or
mess
, as the
sailors called it.

Rezkin chose to dine with Frisha, Reaylin, Tam and Jimson
who invited his men to join them as well. The young warrior eyed the nobles
with haughty disdain and made it obvious he was snubbing them due to Shiela’s
unbecoming behavior. As a result, the others made numerous scolding comments
that Rezkin could not hear, but the young woman’s face flushed deeper red each
time. Malcius and Palis cast several apologetic glances his way. It was all a
show for the nobles on Rezkin’s part, though, because he found that he actually
enjoyed spending the time with his
friends
. This particular scenario
that he had designed for himself was more complicated than any he previously
practiced. He had to completely engage himself in the part of the
self-important noble while maintaining his relationship with his
friends
who
knew he was playing a role without being a part of it or understanding why.

That night, when Malcius’s head hit his pillow, Rezkin was
nowhere to be seen. When he woke in the morning, the noble could tell that
Rezkin had been there at some point, but the man had already gone. Malcius was
uncomfortable with the distance that had been wedged between them with Shiela’s
insensitive words. His sister had been out of line. Ever since she saw Rezkin,
she had been pushing the bounds of what was proper, and she seemed to have
decided there was some rivalry between her and their common-blood cousin.
Malcius could not understand why Shiela felt the need to lay claim to
this
man. She had plenty of others fawning after her, and he doubted she would be
willing to give any of them up just yet in pursuit of marriage. Shiela enjoyed
the attention too much.

Later that day, everyone was gathered at the midday meal,
and Malcius attempted to make amends. “Lord Rezkin, as the Heir to House Jebai,
I would like to formally apologize for my sister’s behavior. It is true that
mother and father spoil her more than is probably good for her,” he said with a
sideways look at the woman in question, “and she has yet to learn some of the
subtleties of proper decorum. While she is a lady who is entitled to her
opinions, she must learn that there are some things that should not be said in
certain company.”

Rezkin hummed under his breath and said, “There are some
things that should not be said at all.”

Malcius’s shoulders slumped, and he released a heavy breath.
“I concede that point, Rez, but surely you can understand Shiela’s perspective.
As a lady, she is entitled to respect and dignity. We were raised in proper
society, our parents both of noble birth. Our blood has a purity that Frisha
will never have no matter how many fancy gowns she dons.” He looked at Frisha
apologetically but with confidence in his words. “And, as far as your friend,
Master Tamarin, is concerned,” he glanced at Tam briefly, “it would not be
appropriate for even
you
to provide escort for the lady, even under an
Oath of Protection. You cannot expect Shiela to place the value of Tam’s oath
above that of your own. A lady simply cannot travel alone with men of no blood
relation.”

“Shiela is entitled to her opinions, but I do not have to
agree with them.
And
, she is not the only one deserving of respect and
dignity. Everyone should be treated with such, even the commoners –
especially the commoners.” Malcius’s brow rose and his mouth opened to speak,
but Rezkin continued. “The nobility enjoy rights, privileges, and luxuries that
the commoners never will. The commoners work hard all their lives just so their
families can survive and to provide high society with those luxuries. Many of
them will never live a life of comfort. Sometimes a commoner’s dignity is all
he has.”

Malcius groaned, “You are some sort of progressive, then?”

With a humorless laugh, Rezkin replied, “Not a progressive.
If anything, I am antiquated. How much do you know, Malcius, of our history?
How much do you know of the founding of Ashai?”

Malcius raised his chin and remarked, “I have studied the
histories with my tutors.”

Rezkin actually chuckled. “But, to how much of it did you
pay attention?”

Malcius grinned unashamedly. “You have me there. I cannot
say I had much interest in history when I could hear the clashing of blades in
the practice yard.

Rezkin shook his head and returned Malcius’s grin. “Well,
you see, before there was a kingdom, there were a great many independent
provinces.” Rezkin waved his hands over the table in front of him as though
displaying a map. “There was no king, and there were no lords and ladies. They
were just people. All of them were the same in status. They worked the land and
built villages in which they all participated equally. But, as their numbers
increased, some of the people realized that their neighbors had things they
needed or wanted. People began to fight and argue over boundaries.”

Rezkin stood and began to pace slowly about the room and
around the others as he spoke. His voice rose and took on the melodic cadence
of a practiced bard. “Eventually, the people recognized that if they wanted to
survive at all, they would need a certain amount of diplomacy. The people of
each province gathered together and chose one from amongst them – one
from each province who had proven to be honest, respectable, and dignified, a
leader among them. They chose someone they could trust not to take advantage of
the power they wished to bestow upon him. They chose someone they believed
would always keep the best interest of his people at the forefront of his
decisions. They called this man their
lord
.”

Rezkin abruptly stopped and made eye contact with each of the
nobles for emphasis. “The lord’s job was not an easy one, though. It was
fraught with hardship and danger, as he was responsible for representing the
people before the lords of the other provinces.” The young bard took up his
pacing once again and continued, “Knowing the lord was a great leader, the
people began coming to him to help settle their own disputes within their
villages. In
thanks
for the lord’s efforts, the people brought him gifts
and afforded him luxuries and privileges when he visited their own villages.”

Rezkin shook his head sadly and said, “The lord’s life was
constantly in danger, though, and soon the people saw a need to protect their
chosen leader. They built him a fortress and provided him with guards. In
return, the lord promised the people safety within the fortress walls if war
should come to their province. The process was repeated over and again
throughout the provinces. None were to be outdone as the people used the
fortress as a symbol to demonstrate their strength and success.”

The bard’s voice dropped and darkened. “Then came the
Great
Enemy
, as they called them at the time. The Jahartan Empire swept over the
Drahgfir Mountains and across the Souelian Sea. Many provinces fell, and the
others were each so focused on protecting their own that they never made the
effort to band together. One leader rose among the people – not one of
the chosen leaders – just one among the masses. This man bravely embarked
on a quest to unite the provinces against their common enemy. He stood before
each of the lords of the lands and spoke with passion about the combined
strength and fortitude of the provinces. As more provinces fell, the lords were
filled with fear for their people. One by one, they pledged their support for
the man’s cause. When the time was right, this man, named Coroleus, gathered
his forces and led them against the vastly greater might of the Jahartan
Empire.”

Rezkin’s voice rose and filled with pride. “Much blood was
spilled, but with determination, Coroleus’s forces prevailed. In the end,
provinces were left in disarray, and the people were desperate for a symbol of
hope and strength. The lords heeded their people’s wishes and named Coroleus
their king. Thus, the Kingdom of Ashai was born. It was born by the blood and
leadership of common men – common men who had
earned
the power and
respect of their people.”

The attention of the entire room of passengers was riveted
on Rezkin’s tale. Malcius finally broke the silence. “I say, Rezkin, you have
the talent of a bard.” The young noble was both surprised and impressed.

Tieran shifted uncomfortably as he stated, “I had heard the
story of King Coroleus, of course, but never so much about the old provinces.
Certainly, I had not heard of any such…
common
origins. Your assertions
can be verified?”

Rezkin waved away Tieran’s wariness with a flick of his
hand. “Of course, dozens of surviving texts exist from the time in the
libraries for anyone who wishes to read them, and hundreds of military,
philosophical, and historical ramblings have been composed since. The facts are
not in doubt.”

“You are saying the nobility should hold themselves to a
higher standard?” Tieran asked uncertainly.

Rezkin knew he could never convince them that the nobles
were not somehow
innately
superior to the commoners. As it was, he was
walking a thin line, so he had to state things in a way they would respect. If
he could not get them to believe the truth, he could at least get them to
behave
as proper nobles. Rezkin’s voice was deep and powerful. “The nobles
are
the higher standard. It is the purpose for which nobles were created,” he said
pompously. It was the tone the others would expect from one of his status.

He sniffed condescendingly. “The Lady DeWindier and Lord
Methers are prime examples that the blood does not make the noble,” he
asserted. It was the latest court gossip that Lady DeWindier and Lord Methers
were involved in a long-term torrid affair. Lord DeWindier finally caught the
other noble in his wife’s skirts and nearly tore the man’s head free from his body.
Now, the paternity of Lord DeWindier’s offspring was in question among the
whispers of the flibbertigibbets.

Rezkin’s eyes locked on Shiela, “It is the manner in which
he or
she
comports him- or herself that matters. Anyone else is simply
not worthy of my time.” This last he said with such passive disdain that the
others could not help but be shamed. Rezkin’s pronouncement was scathing and
judgmental, just as the nobles would expect. He punctuated his remark by
returning to his seat beside Frisha and his other friends, commoners and noble
officers, alike.

Rezkin had observed the nobles at their homes and with their
friends prior to the trip. He determined that Malcius was the kind of young man
who was desperately seeking the approval of his father. In lieu of the
unobtainable, he was likely to latch on to the strongest example of superiority
he could find. If Rezkin had not been on the trip, Malcius would have selected
Tieran as his model for emulation simply because of his hierarchical status.

Tieran, however, was not a strong leader of men, and he knew
it. His arrogance and high-handedness with his cronies was nothing but bluster
to cover for his natural insecurities. Palis had more independence than either
of them, since he had little need to prove himself due to the fact that he was
not the House heir. He still looked up to his older brother, though, and would
follow his lead in most things.

Brandt, however, was a different story. He did not care to
impress his father – quite the opposite, actually. It was like he was
rebelling against the world. Rezkin considered that perhaps the young man
resented being forced into the role as House heir. He did not seem to have a
care for politics or court gossip beyond that which immediately affected him.

All of the heirs felt they had something to prove at the
tournament. Malcius and Tieran were attempting to demonstrate that they were
somehow worthy of being their fathers’ successors, while Brandt wanted to prove
that he was his own man and not a boy under his father’s thumb. Palis seemed to
be the only one who was along strictly for the excitement and love of the
sport. Rezkin had planned his persona as the most efficient conqueror of the
young men’s’ wills that he could conceive, and it was with this last bit in
mind that Rezkin employed the next stage of his plan.

After the meal was over and the young people had wandered to
the deck for some fresh afternoon air, Rezkin gathered Tam and Jimson and any
of the other men who cared to follow. He motioned to Reaylin, too, as what he
had planned might also interest the future competitor. The young warrior
approached Palis who was chatting with the other lordlings. “It is an exquisite
evening, is it not, Palis? The skies are clear and the waters are calm. I was
hoping you would grace us with a demonstration of your skill. I heard that you
have mastered the Bo’duen Parté, a most difficult sword form, I might say. It
is an impressive feat.”

Palis’s brows rose in surprise. “Well, I do not know that I
have mastered it, but I have certainly been practicing. I am not sure how you
found out, though.” He eyed his brother and Brandt. “I have not really spoken
of it publicly.”