All that Glitters (Stavin DragonBlessed Book 1) (36 page)

"I want to go home," the other woman said in a barely audible voice.

"In the spring, we will find a caravan going to Reynadia and we'll go home. I promise," the younger woman said and hugged her cousin.

Sahren looked at the man again and said, "Ardic, I will be checking on these women from time to time. Don't give me a reason to come looking for you."

"Yes, Master Trader Sahren," Ardic said, bowing very low.

Sahren turned to the women and said, "Stay with Ardic. My family will take your wagons to the Guild docks. Ardic will ensure that everything is taken care of."

Both women said, "Thank you."

With that, Sahren led the way out of the Chapter House. "Ardic doesn't usually act like that, but the presence of you four threw him off-balance. He will take proper care of them for fear that I'll bring you with me when I return. He's really a decent sort most of the time but—this
is
Kavadia. If I hadn't put them under my protection, he would have waited until I was in Aravad and stolen everything, and then sold the women to a whorehouse."

"He would have died if I found out," Stavin said and received grunts of agreement from the others.

"That's part of why you were there. He knows the Kel'Kavin warriors from his days on the road." Sahren smiled at all of them. They were silent as they walked back to the caravansary. The eight Reynadian wagons had already been taken away and Sahren's family was busy making some of the last trades of the season. The caravan resumed its journey early the next morning and traveled unmolested to the next town, and then on to Aravad.

A
RAVAD WAS THE ANCIENT CAPITAL OF
Kavadia from Imperial times. Several kings and warlords had tried to retake power and rule from Aravad in the five centuries since the fall of Luxand, but no one had ever lasted for more than a dozen years. At the present time the kingdom, if a land with no king could be called that, was loosely ruled by a cartel of noble houses like Zel'Vandar.

The wool weavers were the most powerful group, mostly because there were so many of them. The major trading houses were next. They were the wealthiest group. Woodsmen, iron workers, quarrymen, and herders were also represented, but all of them together could not overcome the wool weavers or traders. Master Trader Sahren led the way into a large area with the Zel'Vandar crest over the gate. Dozens of people ran out to meet them, and Barvil called his men to him.

"We're not going to be needed here until the day after tomorrow. Sahren has a lot to discuss with the elders of her clan. That, of course, means that we have two free days to make some arrangements of our own. She has already paid us, including the four days it will take as to reach Markavia Cross and her home. That'll give us one hundred and twenty-nine days with her, so she paid sixty-four gold and five silver crowns. I'll be depositing that with the Gold Merchants. She also paid twenty gold, six silver, and nine sparks as half of the tolls and taxes that Stavin saved her. That will also go to the town account. That, my young friends, almost ensures us the award for the best season this year." Everyone smiled broadly as he continued, "Sahren also told me that it'll take us about twelve days to get back to Kel'Kavin from Markavia Cross. We're going to have to take the road because of the wagon."

"Well, if we have to, we have to," Kahndar said. "I don't see why we should take the wagon back half-empty, though. I'm sure the Elders have already purchased the supplies for the town, but there's no reason we can't buy extra for our families."

The warriors all accompanied the wagon as Barvil made the rounds of the merchants who dealt in bulk food stuffs. The delicate items they had purchased were carefully stowed so the bags of wheat, beans, barley, and other grains could be loaded. Hard sausages, wheels of cheese, and assorted cured meats were added since it was cool enough for them to keep. Everyone bought spices, especially salt and red peppercorns.

Kahndar laughed at the amount of food that Stavin was buying. "You still get an allowance from the town for every member of your household, Stavin. You don't have to feed them all by yourself."

"I have a lot of in-laws, Kahn," Stavin said. "Brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, mother- and father-in-law." He grinned at Karvik and laughed. "And what about Kar? He must be buying for friends and family who don't live with us. Or maybe he is planning for someone else to move in with him?" Stavin grinned even wider at the look on Karvik's face.

Everyone was focused on Karvik now and he blushed as he raised an index finger and pointed at Stavin. "Stave, you swore—"

"I didn't tell, Karvik, but I'll bet you have to now," Stavin said with a laugh.

"Come on, Kar, who is she?" Lavin asked.

"How come you waited?" Chandar asked.

"Yes, Karvik, who is she?" Barvil asked, staring at his son.

Karvik looked at Stavin and raised a fist in mock threat. "Stave, I can still murder you before we get back to the valley."

"Karvik," Barvil said sharply and grabbed his son's shoulder to turn him around. "You never mentioned this to us."

"Come on, Kar," Kahndar said. "Who
is
she?"

Karvik finally relented and said, "Orana."

"Kel'Davin?"
Barin almost shouted.

"You don't aim low, do you?" Davel asked.

"Until Stave came back with that armor, I didn't need to," Karvik answered hotly. "She has already agreed and I was going to ask—but then Stave came back and I was a servant and—"

"I'm sorry, son," Barvil said quietly.

"It won't matter when he gets back. Not with four red stripes of his own in one season," Kahndar said, reaching up to touch his own stripes. "Besides, Sharvan only has one star. You have your fourth star don't you, Barvil?"

"Yes, as of the last fight, I do. I just haven't painted it yet." Barvil looked at Karvik and slapped his shoulder. "You know what your mother is going to say, don't you?"

"How could you
keep
something like this from me?" Karvik said in a fair imitation of his mother's voice.

"Among other things," Barvil agreed with a laugh. "Come along now. This wagon isn't full yet."

The group continued on among the warehouses, buying staple foods of different kinds and little luxuries as well. When the sun had set, Barvil led them back to the Zel'Vandar compound. Barin was the first to voice something that was on everyone's mind.

"I'm hungry. I wonder when—I wonder
if
the cook is making the evening meal?"

Barvil chuckled. "No, but Sahren recommended an inn just up the street. We'll cover the wagon and see to the horses, then we'll go eat." The wagon was parked, covered, and the team tended in record time with everyone pitching in.

Barvil led them to the Fighting Stag Inn and they were met by the innkeeper as soon as they entered. "Yes, good sirs, how may I help you?"

"Food for nine. Beer or ale as well," Barvil answered.

"Very well. This way, please," the innkeeper said as he led them to a table near the wall. "I am guessing that you are the warriors that Master Trader Sahren hired. Is this correct?"

"Yes," Barvil answered as he took a seat that put his back against the wall.

The innkeeper bowed slightly. "I thought so when I saw the youth in the golden armor. She has instructed me to send the bill for your meals to her House. Your food and beer will be here shortly." With another bow, he was gone.

The food turned out to be elk stew. It was full of roots and tubers of various kinds and spiced to give it some extra heat. Crusty sourdough bread and sweet butter made a fine counterpoint. The beer was better than any they'd had in the lowlands, and Barvil did not restrict their consumption this time. Even so, none of them got drunk.

The night passed quickly and dawn brought frost with it. Barvil looked at the white crystals that were riming the buildings and fences and grimaced. It was too early in the year for this much frost.

T
HE WARRIORS WERE ONCE AGAIN LEFT
to their own devices and Stavin found himself the center of everyone's attention. The story of his encounter with the dragon had made it to Aravad halfway through the summer, and just about everyone had heard it. Some people just wanted to touch his armor, as the trooper in Coravia had.

Sahren led a distinguished-looking older man to where the warriors were standing and smiled, motioning Stavin to her side. "Stavin, this is my uncle, Davin Zel'Vandar, Lord of Zel'Vandar, and the leader of our House. Uncle Davin, this is Friend of Evandia Stavin Kel'Aniston, of Kavinston in the Kel'Kavin Valley."

Lord Davin acknowledged Stavin's deferential bow. "I am pleased to meet you, young man. Your presence made Sahren's journey much more profitable, and you and your companions did an excellent job of protecting them." Turning his gaze to Barvil he smiled. "Warleader Barvil, please relay a message to your Council of Elders. House Zel'Vandar would like to employ six of your teams as escorts for our caravans next year. If young Stavin is included, his group will go to Evandia under the same conditions as Sahren offered concerning tax and tolls."

Barvil bowed deeply before replying. "I will pass your message to the Council, Lord Zel'Vandar. I'm sure six guaranteed contracts will catch their interest."

Lord Zel'Vandar turned to Sahren with a smile. "It's too late for you to leave today, Sahren, so come have supper with us. You can leave at first light tomorrow." Sahren stepped over to her uncle's side and he and the rest of the nobles turned to make their way back to the building while the warriors gathered around Barvil.

"Six teams, Sir," Barin said excitedly. "More than half the expedition hired by one House, and sight unseen at that."

"Dad is going to laugh until he cries," Kahndar said with a grin. "For as long as I can remember, he has been talking about sending the expedition someplace other than Trade Town."

"And for as long as I have been on the Council, Sorval has been saying
no
. He considers it to be too much of a risk," Barvil said, turning to walk back to their fire. "It will still require his approval as Chief Elder, but I can't see him passing up an opportunity like this. That means that Stavin, and whoever's with him will be going back to Evandia next season."

Karvik looked at Stavin and grinned. "That would be fine by me, dad." He reached out and patted Stavin's star. "Maybe I'll get my star next year."

"That's probably a sure thing, considering the number of attackers who have been attracted by that armor. For now, though, I'm in the mood for food. Let's go back to the Fighting Stag," Barvil said and led the way up the road. The innkeeper again seated them against the wall.

"Food and beer again, good sirs?" the innkeeper asked.

"Yes, and we are celebrating tonight, so keep the beer coming," Barvil said, and the innkeeper smiled as he walked away. The meat in the stew was mutton this time and everyone washed it down with plenty of beer. It was still early when Barvil led his band of tipsy men back to their bedrolls.

* * *

Stavin was awakened by the urgent need to relieve himself and scrambled out of his bedroll to make his way to the privy. He looked at the sky on the way back and saw that the stars were already fading in the east.

Other warriors were awake and passed him as he made his way back from the privy. Stavin knelt down and tapped Karvik on the forehead to wake him up. "Time to get up, Kar. Hit the privy and I'll start packing our gear."

Karvik groaned and rolled over, then made a face as the night before caught up with him. "Have you seen the rat that made a nest in my mouth?" he asked, shuddering with revulsion as he swallowed.

"It probably died when you breathed on it," Stavin said as he waved his hand in front of his face. "Now get out so I can pack your bedroll." Stavin grinned as Karvik crawled out of his bed and stumbled away.

Stavin had all of their gear packed by the time Karvik returned. He grinned as Karvik very slowly and carefully sat on the edge of his empty bed box. He only said one thing. "I think my teeth have grown fur."

T
HE RISING SUN GREETED THE WARRIORS
as they walked over to their horses a short time later. Karvik wasn't the only one who was queasy and pale. Barvil took pity on them and handed out packets of Madras powder. It was a pain reliever and stimulant combined and usually worked to cure a hangover in just a few spans.

The caravan had dwindled to just six wagons, including the warriors' wagon. The traders had offloaded all of their trade goods and Sahren planned to travel straight through to Markavia Cross, the seat of the Zel'Vandar lands.

It took four days to reach Markavia Cross, and nothing noteworthy happened the whole way. As the city that she called home came into view, Sahren called Barvil to her side. "This is as far as you need to go, Barvil. That road leads to Trade Town. From there you know the way. Safe roads and clear skies to you until we meet again."

"Safe roads and clear skies to you as well, Sahren. I feel certain that the Council will agree to your uncle's request, and if Stavin goes to Evandia, Kar and I will be with him." Barvil bowed deeply in his saddle, then veered off on the road to return home with his men behind him.

* * *

The warriors had to travel for eleven days to get home, and though the road was through the wilderness, no one bothered them. Near mid day of the eleventh day they reached the gap in the wall of the Kel'Kavin crater.

"You are overdue, Barvil," a voice shouted and four men emerged from the watchtower of the original Fort Kel'Kavin. Sharvan Kel'Davin led them and clasped forearms with Barvil. "What's in the wagon?"

"Extra food and other goods. We had a very good season," Barvil said with a grin. "You, my friend, are in for a surprise."

Sharvan looked at the group and shook his head. "You lost two men, Barvil. You're not the only one, but this isn't the time or place to discuss it. Did your greenlings get blooded?"

Barvil looked over his shoulder at his men. In response to the cold they had all bundled up in cloaks, even Stavin. Barvil let a trace of humor color his voice when he said, "Yes, indeed, but, as you said, this isn't the time or place to discuss it."