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Battle Master Chapter 5

The halls of Izlegaol felt different to Baedyn as he tread them. Granted, in the past he had been an indentured servant to the Lord of Stone; he'd been sequestered in the top tower and only occasionally permitted to walk the corridors and he suddenly found himself free to go wherever he wanted. It was odd in a way to consider himself liberated, mostly because he felt like such a prisoner in his own body.

Ian continued to remain by his side, providing him support both emotionally and physically. The Lizard's grip tightened on his forearm as the Savrvestinian confirmed that they would handle the halls together; it reminded Baedyn that he was still apparently broadcasting his thoughts. It frustrated him for the most part but, in some small way he enjoyed being connected again. Ian conveyed that he liked it as well, having missed the feel of Baedyn's mind.

The Wolf sighed, pausing to lean against a wall as he caught his breath. "You really do need to stop that though."

Next to him, Ian straightened up just a little, the tip of his tail curling ever-so-slightly as it came to rest on the ground. The Lizard's pupils widened then contracted again, wondering what it was he was supposed to stop. Baedyn had trouble realizing just what he was thinking himself; Sarvestinians communicated mentally far more than verbally so Ian was just being Ian. At that moment, however, the Wolf caught a stray thought-- whether it was his own or the Lizard's he couldn't tell, but he realized what it was that was bothering him. "You're mapping the keep off of my memories, aren't you?"

The Servestinian's scaled lips pulled back, revealing his razor-rows of serrated teeth in an imposing grin; Ian was proud that Baedyn was still astute enough to realize that their wandering was not aimless. Taking another moment to assess his surroundings, the Wolf focused on where he was and the direction they'd traveled. "Ian... why are we going to the dining hall?"

The Lizard reached out and took gentle hold of Baedyn's forearm, motioning without actually gesturing-- another Sarvestinian skill. Ian indicated that Talvin had asked that the two of them join him for a night time meal if Baedyn woke at the right hour. It felt entirely too late for supper and the Wolf conveyed that mentally to the Lizard.

Ian surprised Baedyn by responding verbally. "Lord Bane has a guest from Pross with him. In Pross they eat their last meal after the sun has set."

At first, amidst the dizzying haze brought on by hearing a Sarvestinian speak, Baedyn had to wonder if Ian had been attempting a subtle mental manipulation but, in a split second he realized that there was no hidden direction or order in the statement. The Lizard reminded him that a Saglahasan would not do such a thing and Baedyn made sense of his thoughts: "There is no way to say 'supper' or 'last meal of the day' without saying it."

Ian agreed; while many concepts were fundamental when two minds met there were certain aspects of time that defied anything but the spoken word. Amidst that reminder, the Sarvestinian also made a request: everyone referred to Talvin as Lord Bane, and it would be for the best if Baedyn did so as well. Although the Wolf was willing to do as suggested, he wasn't about to do so without at least some form of explanation. "Why?"

It was another topic that would have to be addressed by Talvin himself, as the explanation would not be possible in an empathic conversation; there were too many moving parts to a lie that had extended back over a decade. No, Baedyn realized, a 'lie' was not the right feeling of the mental sending-- an act? A misdirection? The exact meaning still eluded him until Ian provided a comparative instance: Talvin and Baedyn had exchanged names-- it was not entirely different from that, only more complex.

Baedyn relented. "Alright... Bane it is."

A heavily accented voice from the side responded verbally. "Lord Bane is the right way to call him, Lord Baedyn. Not Bane-- Lord Bane."

The Wolf pivoted, turning to regard the white-furred Tiger standing in a side corridor. The move gave Baedyn a moment of vertigo and the dizziness would have resulted with him laying on his back staring up at the ceiling if not for Ian's presence; the Sarvestinian steadied him, holding him in place until the hallway stopped spinning.

The Lizard reminded him to move more purposefully. Baedyn told Ian off mentally before responding to the Tiger. "Lord Bane. Right. I'll call him Lord Bane. And if I remember you're... Choel?"

The Tiger nodded; Baedyn remembered that, out of the two feline mercenaries he'd met the Tiger had the most trouble with Tenvierian so the Wolf didn't think much of the silent reply. Eventually Choel motioned to the door at the end of the hallway. "Go to food room. Lord Bane there."

Thinking back to the smattering of languages Baedyn had learned during his time in court, he chose the words he knew in Prossian and gave the Tiger thanks in what he assumed to be the feline's native language. If he were impressed or pleased, Choel didn't let on, he just nodded again and motioned to the door. "Go. Listen. Talk."

Ian slowly released Baedyn once the Lizard was sure that the Wolf wasn't at risk of falling again and made a point to agree that the Tiger was right; Talvin wanted Baedyn to join them in the dining room. With Choel so close, Baedyn elected to raise his question to the Lizard mentally rather than verbally. He wanted to know if Ian knew who else was joining Talvin in the dining hall.

The Sarvestinian, in fact, did know. According to Ian the dinner included Talvin, Possig, and a young Lord from Pross. Although he seemed confident in that information he wasn't able to answer any of the mental inquiries Baedyn set forth about the topics or why they were meeting for dinner in the first place. In the end, Ian suggested that he go inside and find out himself, so long as he remembered to call his brother Lord Bane.

Pausing at the door, the Wolf glanced to the Lizard questioning whether anyone in the room knew that he was actually Baedyn and not Talvin. Ian confirmed that Talvin would have explained it at that point, but the other guests did not know that Lord Bane was Talvin or that he and Baedyn were brothers. The Sarvestinian impressed the importance that those details should remain left unspoken. That final thought was so strong it almost felt like the Lizard was picking him up and shaking him while demanding his silence.

Baedyn didn't completely understand but if it was that important he certainly knew how to keep his muzzle shut. Ian appreciated that. With nothing more to be discussed between them, the Wolf approached the door and raised his paw to knock, but didn't get a chance. The doors opened before him and Baedyn recognized the Ocelot on the other side that was acting as porter. The Wolf nodded in greeting. "Willis."

Rather than respond to him, the Ocelot about-faced and announced him formally. "Lord Baedyn Vune, Emancipated Sorran, most recently of Izlegaol."

The three figures at the dining table all looked up from their meal; Baedyn had no trouble recognizing his brother and Lord Possig but the third figure was a mystery. Weasels were not uncommon in Tenvier but the young man who sat closest to the door was not a Weasel. After a moment the Wolf realized that he was the guest from Pross, and must have been a Ferret. He wasn't left wondering long as Willis immediately went into introductions.

Baedyn knew enough of courtly announcements that the order of declaration was not random; as the newcomer he was introduced first and, after that, names and titles would be presented in importance according to the court where introductions were being made. Since the Wolf had no official title Willis had graciously provided notice of his occupation and that he was now a free man; it very nearly made him smile.

The Ocelot walked Baedyn to a spot at the table and provided names and titles starting, unsurprisingly with Possig and ending ceremoniously with the Ferret. "Possig Pyazo, Lord of Stone, venerated ruler of Izlegoal. Lord Bane White-Wolf of Pross, Liberator of the Unshackled, and the People's Hero. Lord Meik Dejaron of the Dejaron family of Pross and heir to the Dejaron estate."

Talvin or, rather, Lord Bane as he preferred to be called greeted him first. "It is good to see you again, Baedyn."

Baedyn didn't miss the fact that Lord Bane hadn't used any honorific in speaking to him; unlike both Willis and Choel Lord Bane was apparently a Wolf of some means and thus he did not need to use an honorific when addressing him. Baedyn added another question to the growing list of what he'd ask his brother when they had some alone time. Until then he would play along. "Thank you for the invitation, Lord Bane."

The other Wolf smiled, his ears tipping toward Possig even as he gestured toward the Ram. "The invitation, in fact comes from the Lord of Stone, who has graciously asked for you to join us this night."

Baedyn turned to regard the young man, caught in an uncomfortable silence as their gazes met. Despite his fine upbringing and impeccable table etiquette, the Ram was younger than the Wolf had been when he'd first come to Izlegaol as an indentured servant by at least a year. Possig had not been raised to be the Lord of Stone and his uncertainty at taking over his father's position was evident in every single piece of body language he displayed, but that was to be expected, especially considering the sudden death of his sibling and father.

Ian thought it an endearing affectation that Baedyn still took careful notice of such things. The Wolf pushed the Sarvestinian's projected thought from his mind as he attempted to break the uncomfortable silence by addressing the new Lord. "Good evening, your Lordship. I wish to extend my condolence for your losses."

Possig inclined his head. "Thank you, Talv--" he watched as the Ram paused, composed himself, and then offered a correction. "I suppose I should address you as Baedyn then, should I not? Regardless, I appreciate your kind words, Baedyn; Killian did not deserve what he received at the hands of my father."

Lord Bane sat back in his chair, a half-eaten sausage still on his fork. "Forgive my assessment as I am merely an outsider in this, your Lordship, but I would dare to venture that few people deserved what was rendered unto them by Loris Pyazzo. Although I risk being labeled as rude by speaking poorly of the dead, I cannot overstate the--"

The Lord of Stone held up a hand and the visiting Wolf fell silent immediately; that show of respect and deference was far more what Baedyn had expected from his little brother than the shrewd courtly speech that preceded it. The Ram let out a long exhale, then slowly breathed in. "Let us talk of more pleasant things... please."

The white Wolf sitting at the table opposite Baedyn nodded to the Lord of Stone, then smiled toward him. "It is good to see that you are well rested, my dear Baedyn. We have a long way to travel in the coming days."

Baedyn wasn't sure what all of the misdirection was about or why the lack of familiarity was important, but he trusted his brother and would willingly remain in the dark unitl there was a chance for an explanation. "I am, thank you, Lord Bane... and I understand I owe it to the Lord of Stone's generosity."

Although Baedyn wasn't trained in the traditional art of courtly dialogue he'd heard it often enough that he was fairly comfortable in trying to take part in polite conversation but, based on the slightest, almost imperceptible reaction from both Talvin and Possig, he realized that he must have made a misstep. Regardless, the conversation continued on with the Lord of Stone asking "And, if it is not too presumptuous of me asking, where are you heading next, Lord Bane?"

Talvin's nobleman's-act was perfect as he finished chewing the sausage and set his fork down on his plate as delicately as if he'd expected both to break by just coming into contact. He reached for his napkin and just as carefully dabbed either side of his muzzle. The cloth made it back to the table before he said a word. "My retinue and I are have business pending in Vensii. Our next stop will be Avredell, where business will take us for a day or two. From there we will make our way to Arveras, then parts further north."

The Lord of Stone's ears rose. "Arveras? That is dangerously close to the Prossian border. Are you not concerned about the civil war?"

Lord Bane waved away the concern. "Ah, fear not, your Lordship. Arveras is firmly on the Vensiian side of the border and, besides, I do not plan on remaining out of Pross' affairs forever."

The Ferret, Lord Meik spoke up for the first time. "Lord Bane has promised to help me regain control of my family's holdings."

Quickly overloaded by the sheer amount of words exchanged back and forth, Baedyn focused solely on the Prossian noble. The teen was probably a few years the senior of the Lord of Stone but seemed to be just as out-of-sorts when it came to being called 'Lord'. If Baedyn had to guess, he would have assumed that Lord Meik was likely also second in line for the position. He was corrected from behind by Ian, who noted wordlessly that the Ferret was actually the third of three siblings and the last in line for the position but the elder two were no longer among the living.

Lord Bane brought Baedyn's attention back into the conversation with a sentence that could have easily been attached to Ian's thought as it was to whatever the nobles were discussing. "Which is why, your Lordship, I would be in your debt if you would agree to have Lord Meik as your guest for the immediate future."

The Ferret responded as if he had not been informed of the plan beforehand. "What? I thought we were--"

The seemingly self-confident Wolf had no trouble whatsoever talking right over Lord Meik's objections. "While I greatly enjoy his company, I am concerned that the road before us may expose my party to undue danger and I would be most remiss if any bodily injury were to befall him.

The Ram nodded. "Lord Meik Dejaron, you are welcome to stay here at my estate for as long as is required."

With all eyes on him the Ferret and his objection wilted before the attention. "I-- y-yes, your Lordship. I thank you for your generosity. Having a base of operations will help me raise the forces that I will require to retake my rightful lands."

Lord Bane gave him a friendly (and very uncourtly) slap on the back. "There's a good lad... and I will contact The Amalgam on your behalf."

The Lord of Stone, who had just started to take a drink from his goblet very nearly spat his wine out; Baedyn was just as surprised, but he didn't have anything on which to choke. Having taken notice of the reactions around him, Lord Meik looked over to Lord Bane. "What is The Amalgam?"

The noble Wolf smiled. "The Amalgam are a legion of the best sell-swords in Tenvier, your Lordship."

The Ram at the head of the table lowered his cup. "And their cost reflects it. My fath--" the Lord of Stone paused before starting over. "The previous Lord of Izlegaol spoke of them often but never wished to part with the coin necessary to hire even a single squad."

Lord Bane nodded, motioning to Willis. The Ocelot moved immediately to his side and slid a traveling pack off his shoulder, opened it, and held it out to the Wolf. Reaching into it with one paw, Lord Bane drew out a large leather bag that jingled with the motion as he stated "I believe this should cover recruitment for Lord Meik and any required repairs for Izlegaol. Again, I owe you an apologize for the damage so it is my hope that this should remedy any debt I may have generated."

He tossed the purse casually onto the middle of the table between where Lord Dejaron and the Lord of Stone sat; the thin silk cord holding it closed failed at that point and a small explosion of gold coins showered down between the dinner dishes. Both of the nobles sat up a little straighter and the Ram declared "There must be ten thousand Crowns here!"

Sitting back in his seat, Lord Bane spoke casually. "Twelve thousand... minus fifty, which I had Ollis take to cover expenses during our stay in town, equipment refits, and to pay for basic troop upkeep costs... you understand, I'm sure."

Hearing the sum made Baedyn's head spin; although indentured servants were not paid well, even the paltry sum of three hundred crowns a month was still a lot compared to what common laborers received in the city. Where or, more importantly HOW had Talvin come into possession of so much money and how he could he toss it around so casually? Although the questions he asked himself were rhetorical, Ian reminded Baedyn that he'd missed a lot of what happened in the past dozen-plus years and that he would be caught up on events when time allowed.

Having focused so much on the pile of coins, Baedyn had missed the segue in the conversation. The Lord of Stone was turning a single gold coin around in his fingers as he spoke. "But why Vensii, if I may ask, Lord Bane?"

Baedyn looked to his brother, also curious as to what plans his younger twin had concocted. The answer was frustratingly vague. "As my friend young Lord Meik had indicated, the ultimate goal is to return to Pross. If we are to help bring peace to the embattled kingdom then we must be in a position of strength. Vensii will provide me an opportunity to consolidate power."

Lord Meik sat up a little straighter, leaning forward as he challenged the assessment, leading Baedyn to believe that the Ferret hadn't been briefed on the plan. "Lord Bane, what could Vensii offer that we cannot find in Tenvier? If we have enough coin to hire sell swords here and they are as good as you say, then why--?"

Lord Bane held up a paw with a single digit raised and it was enough to earn him Lord Meik's silence. The Wolf lowered his arm and addressed that question. "The Amalgam will be YOUR tool, my friend, but any great project will require many workers with many pieces of specialized equipment, and The Amalgam are but one component of this undertaking. Besides, young Lordling... you do not speak Vensiian, do you? Why concern yourself with the specifics of my next foray?"

Something about his brother's comforting, pragmatic smile put him ill-at-ease but it seemed to have the opposite effect on the Ferret. Lord Meik nodded, bowing his head as he returned his attention to his dinner plate. "Of course. You HAVE thought of everything, Lord Bane. I am again in your debt."

The noble Wolf laughed. "Have no worry about who owes what, my friend. When we stand victorious on the field of this political battle all debts will be paid in full and you will owe me nothing."

There was something odd about the way Talvin spoke those words, for it was decidedly Talvin and not 'Lord Bane' who said them; they had the reverberation of a Sorra behind them that only a Sorran could feel. What made Baedyn even more uncomfortable was the fact that he knew Sorra spoken didn't belong to the Sorran who spoke them. What had Talvin gotten into? Baedyn almost jumped when he felt Ian's talon come to rest gently on his shoulder. The Sarvestinian reiterated that he didn't need to concern himself with the specifics. That only made him worry more.

* * * * * *

Despite having joined the Lords at the dinner table Baedyn spent most of his time listening and worrying and ate very little. The Lord of Stone had apparently taken notice of it and, before the four of them retreated to the sitting room for post-meal sipping brandy, the Ram all but ordered him to put together a plate of everything he wanted and bring it with. Baedyn complied, and sat in the corner quietly eating as the three noblemen continued their discussion from the dining room.

As everyone settled into the high-backed, cushioned chairs of the sitting room, Lord Possig motioned to one of the many servants who had followed them, a lithe, plainly dressed Cat girl, who brought a wooden box around to each guest and presented them with a cigar. Of three lords, only the Ferret accepted one, much to Possig's chagrin. He sighed. "My father fancied these... one of the few luxuries on which he would willing spend coin. I cannot stand the things."

Lord Meik, who was about to accept a lit punk from the Cat girl paused at the statement but the Lord of Stone waved him onward and so the Ferret set the smoldering coal to the end of his cigar and began puffing. Lord Bane, who was already sipping at a drink leaned forward in his chair. "My Lord and honored host, I pray you would not see me as rude or overreaching if I were to take my leave for a moment to inquire after my absent man."

Baedyn glanced up from his plate, looking around the room; only then did he notice that Willis hadn't followed them from the dining room. The Lord of Stone nodded and offered a dismissive gesture. "Of course, Lord Bane. Besides... I was hoping to have a moment with Izlegaol's former Sorran."

The fur on the back of Baedyn's neck rose when the room's attention went to him; he had not looked forward to having to face Possig-- not after what had transpired, and the idea of doing it alone was even less appealing. Although he was now officially a free man, Baedyn realized that he owed the young Ram and it was time for him to pay for the damage his Sorra had wrought upon the family. Steeling himself and guarding his emotions, Baedyn bowed his head. "I am at your disposal, my Lord."

Lord Bane stood. "Very well. We shall return shortly. Come, Lord Meik, I could use the extra set of eyes... Willis can be quite squirrely when off on an errand. Let us give the Lord of Stone some privacy and you can help me locate my missing Ocelot.

The Ferret didn't seem to like the idea of leaving the comfortable room; his scowl was apparent, but his grumbling statement only made it more obvious. "Hmm... probably out in the carriage room tacking or barding something."

Baedyn felt the Lord of Stone's eyes on him for the duration of the time it took for the other two Lords to depart; he kept is attention solely on his plate. That changed only when the young Ram spoke up. "Baedyn?"

Slowly raising his head to regard his host, the Wolf was surprised to find Possig only a few steps from him. He stood so he could back away even as the Lord of Stone reached toward him but he had nowhere to go and the Ram's arms closed around him. Baedyn held his breath in surprise and alarm, only to have Possig collapse against him, squeezing him tightly while weeping. The Wolf was blindsided in so many ways he had no idea of how to respond. Eventually the instinct of an older protective brother took over and he slowly slid his arms around the Ram, and hugged him back.

Baedyn had no idea how long he held the sobbing Lordling but eventually Possig withdrew, wiping at his eyes with the back of his hand. He cleared his throat, looking away with wilted ears, having obviously embarrassed himself by the emotional outburst. "I... ah... ahem... Baedyn... my apologies. These past two days have not been easy."

Having already managed to navigate the uncertain waters of courtly interaction, comforting an emotional teenager was much less uncomfortable for the Wolf. Stepping forward, Baedyn went so far as to rest a paw on the Ram's shoulder. "You have no reason to apologize, my Lord. I'd think that anyone in such a position--"

Possig interjected. "No 'my Lord', please, Tal-- ugh... I mean BAEDYN. Just... just call me Possig... or... or Pos."

The Wolf's ears raised, withdrawing his paw. "What? I... I don't--"

The Ram reached out and grabbed Baedyn by the wrist before he could pull away. "You are the only person in this entire damned keep who shouldn't have to see me as 'my Lord'... not after what my fa-- after what Loris did to you. We both know how unfairly my family has treated you, and you don't owe me anything. I'm not your lord."

Baedyn didn't move to pull his arm out of the Ram's grasp, simply standing where he was and insisting. "You are the Lord of Stone... Possig. Whether you are MY Lord or not you still deserve your title."

The Lord of Stone immediately released his hold on the Wolf. "But... what if I DON'T deserve it, Talvin? I don't know the first thing about being a Lord-- Killian was supposed to be the Lord of Stone, not me."

Although he wanted to apologize a thousand times for the horror he'd wrought on the Pyazo family with the Sorra he spoke, Baedyn kept silent on that point and spoke to Possig's comment. "There is no reason you cannot learn... whether you believe it or not, Pos, you are a very smart young man."

The Ram stood there helplessly, letting out a sigh, accompanied by sheepish smile. "And yet I just called you 'Talvin' again..."

Baedyn offered an encouraging smile and returned his paw to Possig's shoulder. "You've known me a lot longer under that name, Pos... think nothing of it."

The Wolf hadn't spent a lot of time with Possig during his years in Izlegaol, but he'd seen the young Ram often enough to know that he wasn't speaking falsely; out of the Pyazo family, Baedyn had always had the most hope for the younger brother and had only ever received fair treatment from him. Possig's hesitance at accepting the mantle and acknowledging that he was over his head only further spoke to that point, and it gave the Wolf hope for Izlegaol's future.

The Ram nodded at length, slowly exhaling. He shook his head and rested a hand atop the paw on his shoulder. "I have no idea what I'm doing, Baedyn."

The Wolf smiled. "Then you're in good company, Pos. Very few of us do."