The Dragon's Gold by Stefon Mears

Author:Stefon Mears [Mears, Stefon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Thousand Faces Publishing

The sun was still an hour or two off from setting, when the Duke’s Hand pulled out of dock at Water’s End, and made its way north toward the Searun River.

As it did, Aefric sat in his carved chair on the afterdeck, with Ser Beornric sitting near him, on a canvas folding chair.

Both were finishing up their dinner. Trenchers of roast beef and steamed broccoli, covered in melted cheese. To drink with it, a good red wine, that seemed to bring out more character in the beef.

The day’s heat was finally diminishing, and the winds were pleasant — if too weak to help yet, though the captain swore that would change soon. Plus, there was something soothing about the sounds of the ship and the sailors going about their tasks.

Aefric found himself relaxing.

Which, naturally, was when Ser Beornric spoke up.

“I still think we should have brought a larger entourage.”

“Beyond the knights of my personal guard?” Aefric asked. “If I showed up with all the soldiers of my guard as well, I’d look like an invading force.”

“But you came without any advisers but me,” Ser Beornric said. “Not even any lers. Looks rushed.”

“Perhaps,” Aefric said, “but this is one time when thinking like an adventurer is likely to help me. I show up like any other duke, I’ll put Wylyn on his guard. But if I show up like myself, with an urgent matter to discuss, that he’ll know how to deal with.”

“And the rest of his court might underestimate you?” Ser Beornric asked.

“It’s a possibility,” Aefric admitted. “And one that suits us well.”

“Don’t count on it,” Ser Beornric said. “They’ve been dealing with Duke Wylyn since the time of King Colm’s father. No doubt they have a handle on dealing with you adventuring types.”

“Yes, well,” Aefric said. “Duke Wylyn and I … weren’t exactly the same kind of adventurer.”

“There’s more than one kind?” Ser Beornric said in mock innocence.

Aefric chuckled. He knew that Duke Wylyn Stormsent had once been a member of the Thieves Guild of Sartis. But there was no reason to bring that up here and now. For all he knew, the man hadn’t stolen so much as a coin since he was made duke. So Aefric raised another point instead.

“You weren’t present at my installation ceremony.”

Ser Beornric shook his head.

“Duke Wylyn didn’t show up with courtiers. He showed up with bodyguards dressed as courtiers. If I show up with only knights at my side, he’ll know how to deal with that. If I show up with a ler or two, complicates matters.”

“Could throw him off,” Ser Beornric said. “That would be to our advantage.”

“Maybe,” Aefric said. “Too many variables right now.”

“Then let’s talk about the person you’re definitely offending today.”

“Which one?” Aefric said with a sigh.

“Countess Briluufa. She’s your neighbor and hers is the nearest port in Silverlake. But you’re skipping past Redport and sailing for Alimar’s Launch.”

“It’s a shorter, straighter road to Castle Stormsent from there,” Aefric said. “Alimar’s Launch is the obvious choice. Even if I weren’t trying to stay away from Redport right now.

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