“Fellowship and the joining of hands toward honorable purpose are second only to the breaking of shared bread and singing of songs.”—Emperor Jetisan H?llthar at his celebration after uniting the majority of human lands under one banner.
Castle Tower, Cryptonia, Ground Plane
More political and Guild representatives arrived over the next day while Jasper continued to oversee the final preparations of the first official dinner. He had expected a greater number of non-humans to show up but was surprised by a trio of orcs from the Coalition of Orc States, located many leagues west of the Tower. The three orcs, all thickly muscled males, marched up to the front of the castle gates and informed the guards they must be admitted. Jasper had accepted them with all decorum. They wore simple but tough traveling clothes, boots, and packs. Jasper noticed the small bones in their braided hair, much like Armsmaster Benn, and wondered if the variations denoted rank…Or the number of enemies they had killed. The orcs took to their rooms and remained there except to eat the first night. The larger number of humans in the hall watched the dark green warrior envoys with no small amount of wariness that bordered on blatant distrust. Jasper hoped everyone would remain civil throughout the proceedings.
As the second day of hosting the many guests waned, a string of rather unique wagons straggled in from the road, bearing the Guild Masters from the Wagoners and Woodsmen, along with their attached staff. As with each previous group, Jasper was alerted to the newcomers, and he met them at the steps. The transports reminded Jasper of the vehicles commonly used by gypsies from Earth. They were enclosed with wooden walls and slatted plank roofs sealed with tar and sap. Securely latched doors at front and back allowed for passengers and cargo to be loaded with ease. Small stained-glass windows were built into the doors and sides. The exteriors were brightly painted in yellows, greens, reds, and blues. The Wagoners and Woodsmen had evidently decided to travel together on their long journey—Jasper saw Samen Orsan and Garand Rikson deep in conversation even as they dismounted the finely-wrought wagons with smiles on their faces.
“Welcome friends,” Jasper said, opening his arms with a broad smile. “We were beginning to wonder if something untoward had happened.”
“Lord Jasper,” Samen bowed. “My apologies, we lost an axle on the road and it delayed us. But more of that can come later.” He gestured to the man standing a little behind him. “It is my pleasure to introduce Master Edmark Lorrenson of the Wagoners’ Guild.” Garand Rikson stepped up beside his companions. With a smile and duck of his head, he indicated the man that had come with him.
“My father, Master Karland Rikson, of the Woodsmens’ Guild.”
“Guild Masters,” Jasper bowed and the elder men returned the gesture. “I am sorry to hear of your troubles on the road, but most pleased to have you here now.” The young Lord took in the men before him. Karland was a thick man with muscled arms that had slimmed with age, but not much. His coloring was bronzed from much time spent out in the sun. His shoulder-length hair was grey and pulled back into a tail. Garand was certainly his son, for their features were nearly identical, though Garand was much younger. They both wore brown and green clothes typical of the woodcutters Jasper had met.
Edmark was more wiry than his associates, garbed in baggy bright blue trousers and a yellow shirt with the puffy sleeves rolled up to his elbows. Like Karland, his face and forearms were well-tanned, with a finely oiled and styled large white mustache. Edmark had respectfully removed the broad hat on his bald head upon introduction and replaced the straw headgear. Jasper noticed that both Karland and Edmark wore a bronze brooch pinned to their chest indicating their positions as Guild Masters.
“Sers, it is an honor to finally make your acquaintance. I hope to grow closer in the coming days and rebuild the trade routes that have degraded for so many years.” Jasper beckoned them forward. “Please come inside, I would not keep you on my porch any longer than necessary, even in the sun’s waning hours.”
“An offer gratefully accepted, Lord,” said Master Lorrenson, nodding. “Though, with your permission, I would have our wagons safely unloaded and horses seen to before taking a meal.”
“It shows wisdom and experience to tend to horses and gear before allowing weariness to overtake you,” Jasper said sagely. “It is twice as difficult to get up and work again after making yourself comfortable.”
“True that is, Lord Jasper!” Master Rikson agreed, chuckling. “Come, we will assist you. It is only right, after sharing a journey together.”
“The stables should have ample room for your animals and the courtyard will hold the wagons easily.” Jasper descended the steps and skirted the right edge of the Keep. “It’s just this way.” Master Lorrenson climbed back onto his wagon and took the reins himself. In a few minutes, he and his fellow driver had expertly parked the two wagons beside the stables. They unhooked horse and harness while Jasper observed, very impressed by their professional ease and practiced routine. Had he understood the strange tack and rope harnesses used by the wagoners, Jasper might have offered to help, but he felt his presence would be more of a nuisance than any real assistance. Once they had finished and the horses were munching and drinking happily in their stalls, Master Lorrenson pushed his hat back on his head and wiped the sweat from his brow.
“Now I’ll take that offer of a wash, Lord.” Jasper laughed and nodded.
“We can use the rear entrance, it’s closer.” The doors opened just as the group reached the top of the steps, revealing Calian inside. He flashed a professional smile at the newest guests and bowed. “Ah! Gentlemen, my steward and perhaps the most valuable man in the castle, Calian Wist.”
“I am hardly that, my Lord, though the sentiment is appreciated.” The corners of Calian’s lips twitched with amusement. “Are there any particular bedding or lodging concessions you require, sers, or shall we go directly in to dinner?”
“They are of a mind to clean up before dining,” said Jasper, looking back at his guests. “At risk of sounding disapproving, they have had a time of it.”
“You wound, Lord Jasper!” Master Rikson laughed good naturedly. “Though you are right, and I certainly would not mind some time to scrub the road’s dirt off.”
“Agreed,” Master Lorrenson nodded, grinning. “Even with our fine wagons, this dry spell is murder on travelers. I fear it’s crusted the insides of my lungs at this point.”
“Well, I don’t know if they’ll do anything for your lungs, but our plumbing is quite impressive.” Jasper chuckled. “Calian, if you’ll escort them to their rooms.”
“Yes Lord. This way, gentlemen, your housing is on the second floor.”
For a time, Jasper had assumed there would be no one else arriving, and had subsequently gone into the Hall to play host to anyone not already retired to their rooms. Again, a guard came and found him, alerting the young lord that another party had shown up at the gate. To his surprise, it was none other than the H?lltharian Emperor’s delegation. Jasper quickly made his way back to the doors leading into the Keep. A troop of soldiers in chainmail and imperial livery rode in through the main gate. The front riders bore banners atop their spears depicting the cursive “H” and quartered crest of the four duchies in the south matching their uniforms. It was a full ten-squad of knights. Four ahead of the handful of dignitaries in the center, and six taking up the rear. Several of the knights dismounted and held the reins of their horses as well as their charges’.
The woman who was clearly in command took the hand of her knight and swung down with utilitarian grace. Her travel clothes were more uniform than robes typically befitting an ambassador. She wore tough wool trousers tucked into high leather riding boots. A long-sleeved brown tunic bearing the H?lltharian crest was belted around her waist and a sword was at her hip. Her long dark hair was pulled back into several braids that were bound together to keep out of her face while in the saddle. Some of the stray hairs had come loose during transit and they whisped back and forth in the breeze that snapped the banners over their heads. Jasper descended the steps to meet her on the cobblestones. She was anything but what he had expected to meet.
“Lord Jasper.” She sketched a bow he had never seen before and he followed suit in the custom Calian had instructed him. When he straightened, the brunette was studying him. Her brown eyes bore into him with a curious intensity to which Jasper was not accustomed. “I am Ambassador Reesa Adeval, sent by Emperor Harddan to witness this confirmation of a new Lord of the Tower.” Her accent was very reminiscent of Titus’, but Reesa’s was more refined than the knight’s. Jasper smiled and nodded politely.
“You are most welcome, Ambassador. We were worried you might not make it.” Reesa blew out a long sigh and tucked loose hair behind her ears.
“We were not certain of it ourselves, ser. The trip around the coast was a brutal one. We encountered a storm during the voyage and it blew us off course.” She straightened and gripped the pommel of her sword casually. Jasper noticed the hilt had a peculiar design engraved into it. The symbol of crossed swords on a shield tickled his memory until it dawned on him that she was also a knight.
The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
“Forgive me, Ambassador, but are you not also Ser Reesa Adeval?” He inclined his head toward the sword. “Is that not the sigil of House Tenigre?”
“It is,” said Titus, appearing at his side, wearing a broad smile. He saluted the woman opposite him and touched the braid on his shoulder. “Ser Reesa and I graduated in the same year. Well-met, sword sister.”
“Likewise, son of Erikeen.” Reesa returned his salute, her lips twitching up in a grin. Surprising Jasper, she stepped closer and removed her glove to offer a bare hand for Titus to shake. “It has been too long since we met in the sparring square, Titus. How are you?”
“Better than I have been in some time,” Titus laughed openly, taking her hand. He jerked his head at Jasper. “I believe you will find my Lord here to be above and beyond his predecessor.”
“Is that so?” Reesa turned her sharp gaze back to Jasper and she pursed her lips thoughtfully. “That is good news indeed. I will watch your future with great interest, Lord Jasper.”
“I have heard a lot of that,” Jasper chuckled. “I will certainly do my very best by the people and by the Land itself.”
“Well-said, ser. If you have no objections, my escort and I will retire, as we have been on the road for quite some time.”
“Of course, as you said. Calian, my steward, will be just inside the Keep organizing things, so I will walk you up to your rooms.” He gestured for her to walk with him. Two of Reesa’s knights fell in behind, perfectly in step. Jasper noted they wore braids like Titus, but their pendants were the Tenigrean shield and crossed swords. Reesa, Titus, and Jasper made small talk until they reached the doors leading into the prepared suite for the Ambassador’s party. “I will have my steward bring your luggage up presently, Ser Reesa. He’ll also walk you through the rather unique plumbing system we have. Should you require anything, he’s your man.”
“You have my gratitude, Lord Jasper.” Reesa bowed again before entering the suite. Jasper and Titus left her to it, walking along the interior balcony of the Hall. They watched the bustle of guests’ servants, trunks and everything else.
“I hope it's not always like this,” Jasper muttered, blowing out a long sigh. “I cannot imagine living every day as a host.” Titus chuckled.
“Most of the time it isn’t,” he replied. Jasper shrugged and the knight could see the weariness in his Lord’s shoulders. He clapped the younger man on the arm. “Come, let’s go get something to snack on in the Tower dining room before the evening’s events really begin. Your belly will be gnawing a hole through you if you don’t.”
“That sounds like a good idea.” Titus led the way and they slipped through the hurrying Tower guest staff before climbing the stairwell.
The trickle of incoming guests had largely kept to themselves after their respective journeys, which Jasper completely understood. In addition to the long-distance delegations, several dozen various folk from the surrounding regions had also shown up for the celebration.
Eventually, the travelers made their way back into the Hall. It had been set for a large gathering, the massive ring table was set and surrounded with chairs. Forward of the round table, nearer the main doors, were the old rectangular tables, set for the guests’ staff. Torches, candles, and magical dwarflight alike illuminated the huge open space. Jasper mingled with guests and their attendants, trading small talk to pass the time as well as learn more about his neighbors.
The hall filled with people as they funneled down from their rooms and also through the front doors. The council members of The Vill made an appearance as they had promised, presenting themselves to Jasper and the assembled guests in an official capacity. Jasper noticed Teague, the blacksmith, and Mistress Morana, the tailor, deep in conversation with Master Lorrenson. Caedran, the woodsman, spoke to his counterpart Guild Master, sharing a drink of wine. The elderly apothecary, Mistress Gretchen, stood with Lady Alanis, the moneychanger, as she flashed her perfect elven smile at Master Torald. Jasper wondered briefly if she would be as tightly wound as Loric. He had had next to no contact with her since their meeting in The Vill, and was unsure of her character. He would hope for the best. Light wine and ale was shared out to lubricate the more stiff company, finger foods were served on platters to tide people over until the meal truly began.
Jasper was a good conversationalist and found easy subjects to discuss. He had learned over the years of working his own business that people loved to talk about themselves. He made good use of his ability to start people talking and listening—or pretending to listen. Eventually, Harla came out one of the servant doors and nodded to Calian. The vampire moved to Jasper’s side and informed him serving was ready to begin.
“Very good. Well, let’s get this thing under way.” Jasper took his place at the table and raised his hands for attention. “My friends!” He said loud enough to be heard by all. “Please make your way to your seats, there is plenty of room for all. My most accomplished cook has informed us food is even now on its way up from the kitchens.” There was a quiet murmuring of approval and nodding of heads. When they had died down again, Jasper continued. “I am most pleased to host you and your associates as we work together to rebuild prosperity in this land with those around us.” More cheers and raised glasses.
Jasper sat, and the others joined him around the broad oak ring. Dwarves appeared from the servant hallways, laden with food fit for a king—at least in Jasper’s opinion. The forty or so guests seemed quite pleased by the spread. They were dazzled when the panels of the table popped and recessed, allowing the servers to table the food from inside the ring. Even Loric looked impressed. Jasper took that as a good sign. Maybe the man would loosen up and put in a good word with his superior.
Dinner went smoothly with polite conversation shared between dining partners, although the humans seated on either side of the orcish envoys looked pretty uncomfortable with their placement. Jasper had made it a point to speak with the trio early in the evening.
“I am honored to have you here,” he had said, bowing respectfully to them. “I hope to garner a better relationship with Fal-Ig-Han than my predecessor.”
“You know of our capital?” Asked the one flanking their apparent leader. He had a scar that cleft the right of both upper and lower lips. The skin had healed a slightly lighter hue than the surrounding flesh, giving him a particularly fierce appearance. “Forgive me, I am Jaca.” He indicated the other male who stood opposite him. “This is my brother, Recan.” Jasper smiled and nodded.
“I am pleased to meet you both. To answer your question, yes, I do. My advisors have made it a point to thoroughly educate me regarding our neighbors. Those with whom we have long-standing treaties most of all.”
“Hmm.” There was a twinkle of intrigue in the scarred orc’s dark eyes, but he said no more. The elder, Sigbald, spoke up.
“Our lords and ladies have sent us to observe and make the clans’ voices heard should the need arise. It is right that we hold a seat to guard our future.”
“I agree, master orc, especially with a past so fraught with uncertainty. And not so long ago by your calendar, if I recall correctly.” Sigbald cocked his head at the human and narrowed his eyes.
“You know of our history as well as our customs?”
“A little. I have not had as much time to study the tales of the Plane as I would like. I plan to delve deeper when I can, to build a better understanding of the people and the world around me.”
“An honorable and wise undertaking,” Sigbald mused. He was quiet for a moment before bowing again, deeper than before. “By your leave, my Lord.”
“Of course. We will have plenty of time to talk.”
“Until then, Lord.”
Jasper had watched the warriors leave with Calian and wondered what orc society would be like compared to the community he had observed in The Vill. He noticed Loric studying the three warriors with evident distaste. Jasper’s eyes narrowed in consternation. The human messenger continued to prove troublesome. He was brought back to the present when someone at one of the lower rectangular tables began singing in a dialect the young man was unfamiliar with. It was one of the women who had come with the wagoners. Someone picked up an instrument resembling a lyre, plucking and strumming in time with the vocalist. The singer’s voice wavered and flowed like a shimmering brook, the strings perfectly adding to her beautiful melody. Noise in the hall died down as her song swept over the attendees.
To Jasper’s surprise, a few of the Tower dwarves joined her, their foreign bass vibrato harmonizing magnificently with the human’s clear soprano. When at last the song came to an end, so had the meal. Nearly everyone had finished and settled in to watch the performance. The singer blushed, apparently having lost herself in the music and unaware of the spectacle she had created. When the song drifted off into silence, she shrank back onto the bench as if trying to hide between the burly men on either side of her. Jasper stood and spoke out clearly for all to hear.
“Thank you for honoring us with your song. I praise your talent. It is unlike anything I have ever heard.” He clapped appreciatively, and many others politely joined in. This seemed to make the girl blush, but she smiled and bowed in her seat. Jasper noticed Ambassador Reesa studying him with great interest. She nodded in approval, adding another round of nearly silent applause that he felt was directed at him. He inclined his head with a bemused smile and sat back down. The tables began to be cleared, and things settled down once more, allowing a more conversational air to permeate the space. Once the diners had thoroughly relaxed, Jasper stood once again to address them.
“My friends, I know many of you have matters to discuss with me you would prefer to handle with a bit more privacy. At the moment, my priorities will be with the Guild masters, The Vill Council, and our neighbors, as we have a preexisting relationship and business to contemplate.” He nodded respectfully to each of them. “If there is something of great importance you must bring to my attention, I ask you to speak with Calian and schedule a time for us to meet in the next day or so before the confirmation. Due to the staggering number of issues facing us at this time, I am required to limit the hours spent focused on each. I hope you understand.”
“A ruler’s time is precious and must be spent wisely,” said Master Evermar. “Those of us with even a pinch of experience know this well.” Jasper looked over the others to see them nodding in understanding.
“Your discernment is much appreciated, master harvester.” Jasper smiled, and the old man returned it. “Please avail yourselves of the Tower’s hospitality and enjoy the rest of the evening. Masters Evermar, Rikson, Lorrenson, council members, if you would join me in conference, I believe I might save us all some time in speaking together as our venture will be a joint one.” They inclined their heads in ascent.
“Your will, Lord.” Jasper turned to Ser Reesa.
“Ambassador, the Emperor will be interested in what I have to say. I’d be honored if you would accompany us as well.”
“Then I will do so.” The knight stood with the same amount of grace and form she had displayed the entire evening and curtsied. The rest of the guests continued to sit and enjoy the drinks and small cakes Harla’s people brought out, but Jasper and those he had called made their way to the second level.
