Through his eyes – a fan fiction by Sheyana
Disclaimer – Sherwood Smith owns everything in this, I'm just borrowing it for a (regrettably) short time.
Dedicated to crystalambaia – she liked my work with Tamara, and pointed out subtleties to me that I hadn't noted consciously.
Reviewers –
nebulia – one update for you!
Abby – Sorry, I decided not to write the ball…although it may turn up in flashbacks, we'll see…I'm glad you like my dividers, I was trying to find something that looked good and that would accept, and came up with that!
FelSong – Yeah, a bit of a slow chapter, hopefully this one gets things going! Isn't Danric fun?
rubic-cube – Thanks! I can't wait for Mel either…she's such a spunky gal, hopefully I'll get there soon!
Lucy – I loved the outfit too! I love describing clothing
crystalambaia – Bran went to the capital in like the second chapter and you don't hear anything about his visit…thanks for the compliment about Tamara, she's a lot of fun to write in her brief appearances…sorry bout the typo!
Me – here's the next chappie
Sabia – Mel is coming soon, I promise! I'll try to keep Danric more IC, but I haven't had much to work with so far…
Chapter 3 – Plottings and Plannings
Danric and Russav slipped into a secluded alcove of the library, where all the records written by rulers were kept, and looked around furtively. In one hand Danric carried a copy of the worrying letter from the Astairs and in the other he carried a lit firestick. It was the middle of the night.
"Did we really have to do this now?" Russav whined slightly, before his face cracked with a yawn. "I wanted to sleep tonight, not plan!"
"Now Russav, we couldn't do this any other time…I've been putting this off for a while and you know it! This letter changes so much, we'll have to factor the Tlanthi's into our plans somewhere."
"Are you sure we'll need to? I mean, look at the letter; they have lots of ideas, but no substance. I know that Bran came to the city to gain support but it may just be all talk. I don't think it's as important as you make out."
"Perhaps you are right Russav, but how can we be sure? If we don't factor them in, and then they do act, where would that leave us? We would have to remake all our carefully laid plans!"
"I don't think that's going to happen, Danric. You made allowances for almost every eventuality! Why don't we leave the planning for some other time – you need sleep, admit it!"
Danric yawned.
"Go to bed Danric, catch up on your sleep!"
Danric gave in grudgingly and allowed himself to be hauled to his feet by his cousin. They never discussed what the plans consisted of while in the palace, it was too dangerous; they had been laid in Renselaeus and were only ever mentioned fully there. The king would have nothing to charge them with!
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The next morning Danric woke late and scrambled into his clothes so he would not be late to morning Court. He half-ran down to the Court room and arrived just before Galdran, slipping into place as the huge doors opened and the herald announced the king.
Court played out in the usual boring, biased fashion, with petitioners being brought forward and tried according to whether Galdran liked the petitioner or not.
Danric gladly left the hall as soon as it finished and he headed for his room, to change for the practice courts where he hoped to encounter some of his gambling friends. When he entered his room, he was surprised to find Bran sitting on one of the cushions. When he heard Danric approaching he looked up and grinned.
"It seems I must leave the palace, I am needed at home. You will convey my apologies to the rest? I was waiting for you to come before I left. My horse is saddled and ready; I have found out some disturbing news and must get home."
Danric smiled. "Of course I will. We shall miss you my lord."
Bran stood and bowed slightly before exiting the room. Danric, entering his bedchamber, wondered what news Bran could have received that would make him leave the palace so quickly. On his side-table lay a letter, sealed with his own seal, which meant it was from one of his spies. Danric caught up the letter hastily and opened the seal.
Master,
The eagle has offered the mercenaries something more precious than gold. They will receive land, rich land with mountains. The country bumpkin should be warned, he will no longer own that land he treasures so much if the eagle has his way. The eagle's dog has orders to attack the country bumpkin's land and gain control, he will leave tomorrow. Once the mercenaries have taken their reward, the dog will own the land.
Fly.
Danric went white. Well, that answered many questions; somehow Bran must have got word of this, and departed homewards to warn his people. But what chance did they have? Debegri wanted that land! It was the only thing he lacked. Russav must know of this.
Forgetting about the practice courts, Danric hurried out of his rooms and through the corridors. Knocking on the door frame, he entered the main room without waiting for a reply.
"Russav, I have news…"
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Debegri departed at first light the next day, annoyed that Branaric had left the day before. He thundered out of the palace gates, surrounded by three ridings and followed by another ten. That was all he should need to crush the troublesome rebels.
Danric watched the cavalcade depart, a worried look on his face. If Debegri won Tlanth all their plans would be for nothing. On the rare chance that Debegri failed, Danric began to plan…If Debegri came back, he, Danric, would command the forces to overtake Tlanth, and he would approach the Tlanthis with a plan. There was no way he wanted them dead.
Danric turned away from the window with a small smile on his face. First, he would consult Russav, and together they would find a way to persuade the Tlanthis to ally with him.
I know, I know, it's a bit short! But what I have planned to come next just wouldn't fit with this chapter…It's coming up, Mel, The war, Plans…the failure of Debegri, but it won't arrive unless you hit the little blue button and REVIEW!
A/N To all of you who wanted the ball scene – I've already had two comments on it even before I publish this chapter – I wasn't sure if I was going to do it, but I think I will, as a flashback – keep your eyes peeled!