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 Bookreader2007 and justcallmebubba, We always must encourage our new reviewers! Thanks guys!
Reviews –
Crystaltambaia – Hmm, I've forgotten what the surprise for you was…but you'll be happy to know this is my longest chapter yet! And you can blame FelSong for this update, she kept on bugging me, and insisted that SHE should beta it instead of Shannon, 'cause she was online, and I'd get it up quicker. I don't have much resistance to her as you can see.
Cathy – I'll try to include some of the things you suggested later on, thanks for the pointers, and I can't believe that nobody has done this before, even though I've read all the fics here.
FelSong – No worries about the dedication, I think I replied most of your comments in an email when I got the review…but thanks for beta-ing this chap for me…and thanks for bugging me to get it finished!
Abby – Glad you like Danric/ Galdran conversations, there's another one in this, although it's not as long as the one last chap…
BookReader2007 – Great to see a new reviewer, here's your next chap, although I'm not sure when chapter 6 will arrive.
Justcallmebubba – Another new reviewer, YAY! I'm afraid you're going to have to wait a bit for the fluff; I'm still on the first book. However, our favorite red-head makes an appearance next chapter!
Chapter 5 – A change in the way things were
Danric entered Russav's rooms briskly, without bothering to knock, and almost backed out again as promptly. Tamara was kneeling on a cushion next to Russav, her hand on his leg. They were talking together in low voices, and smiling softly at each other. Danric leant against the door frame, slightly hidden by the tapestry.
A huge grin crossed his face as the two leant in for a passionate kiss. Deciding what to do, he stepped back and knocked loudly on the door frame. They jumped apart like a pair of startled rabbits and Danric poked his head inside the room. Years of using the court mask paid off as he drawled worriedly.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything?"
Russav looked up, his face slightly flushed. "Of course not Danric, come in!"
Tamara stood, her face composed. "I must be going, good day to you both." She swept them a curtsey before fleeing out the room.
Danric turned to Russav with a grin, "I assume the relationship is going well Russav? From what I saw before I knocked, it is."
Russav looked at Danric, slightly embarrassed. "Just what did you see?"
"I don't know if I should tell you Russav, you haven't been doing anything…intimate have you?" Danric teased.
Russav glared up at Danric before grabbing him around the knees and tripping him up. "You, you…eavesdropper! I don't know why I'm even letting you in here."
"Why because I'm such a good friend to you, and I know too much." Danric laughed at the look on his face. "You know I wouldn't tell any of your dirty little secrets Russav!"
Russav growled and mumbled something derogatory.
"Aren't you even going to invite me to sit down now, my friend, after I came all this way to talk to you?"
"I'm surprised you're waiting for me to ask Danric, you don't normally." He sat up straighter and bowed from the waist. "My Lord Vidanric, will you honor me by taking a seat?"
Danric bowed back. "The honor is all mine, My Lord Russav." He sat quickly opposite to Russav.
Russav leaned back and spoke in a casual voice. "I hear you are to host a ball soon Danric. How did the meeting with the King go?"
"Very well indeed, he granted me the room for the night, and we discussed the battle in Tlanth. He seems a little worried at Debegri's lack of success."
"Does he really? Isn't that surprising, and him the best commander too."
Their conversation was interrupted by the tolling of the bell for first blue.
Danric looked up, surprised. "Is it really first blue already? I believe we have an engagement at a horse race with our honored friends, we must be going."
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The two handsome men swaggered down to the stables, talking about inconsequential things. Upon arrival they ordered their horses saddled and trotted quickly over to the designated race track. There they were greeted by the Ladies Trishe, Renna and Tamara, and the Lords Geral and Derric.
"Where is the rest of our little group of associates?" Russav enquired. "Have we missed the start of the first race?"
For answer, Geral gestured down the track to where a dust cloud was approaching.
"It seems we have, Russav, that is disappointing, but at least we will see the end." Danric narrowed his eyes in an effort to make out a figure in the dust. "Who is that in the lead? Why I do believe it is Olervec. What a shame I missed the betting on the race!"
The horses thundered closer and closer, until finally they passed the group huddled at the end of the course and slowed. The huddled group separated and cantered over to the tired riders. Most of the crowd going to congratulate Lord Olervec on his decisive win.
"Good race Lord Olervec!" Danric spoke loudly, to be heard over the noise. "But I'm certain I and my grey can do better." He looked down at the heaving horse that Olervec was riding, "I would not dream of racing you now though, it would be too much for the horse, perhaps some other time?"
Russav looked up from where he was talking with one of the other racers. "Since Lord Olervec is unable to oblige, perhaps you would accept me as a substitute?"
"Of course Lord Russav, it would be a pleasure." Danric raised his voice to address the whole group. "Anyone else up for a race with me and Russav?"
He was answered with a few yes's so he turned to trot to the starting line. "Someone start us please!"
An obliging Lady trotted to just behind the starting line, and after everyone had proclaimed themselves ready she lifted her voice to let out a loud. "RACE"
The horses exploded from the line in a flurry of hooves, the riders bent low over their necks. In what seemed like seconds it was over, Danric coming in first, and Russav third.
Danric noted with amusement the amount of money changing hands and nudged Russav to point it out.
Many races later, the laughing group headed back to the stables. Somewhere along the line the conversation turned to the rebellion in Tlanth. Many of the nobles had a healthy hatred of Debegri, and therefore the comments were not of the nicest breed. Before long the talk turned to his incompetence in the field. Danric caught a joking comment from Renna.
"Even Vidanric would do better than Debegri, and at least he would look better."
Danric bowed in his saddle to her. "Why thank you Renna, I'm little deserving of that compliment!"
Russav grinned. "I bet you couldn't stop the rebels if you had your whole life Danric."
Danric pretended to look affronted. "I resent that! Why, I should have this petty revolt stopped in a month!"
"Would you really?" Russav inquired. "And what will you bet on that?"
Danric grinned. "My grey and my waterproof cloak. You?"
Russav grinned back. "I liked your idea of old fashioned clothing at a ball, that shall be my forfeit, but I get to pick which one!"
"Shake on it" Danric held out his hand, and Russav took it for a firm shake.
When all this had taken place, the group rode on in comparative silence, mulling over the events of the past time change. They finally reached the stables, and Danric and Russav dismounted quickly, handing over the reins to some of the grooms and walking off together to the library, well satisfied with their work.
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Galdran listened to his spy report, a wicked smile on his lips. So Vidanric thought he was better than Debegri did he? He had even made a bet about it! Well, he would have a chance to try that bet. And Galdran would love watching him fail! The smile got wider and he abruptly dismissed the spy.
Once he had gone, Galdran threw his head back in a soft, menacing laugh. He would enjoy seeing the young popinjay squirm, crushed beneath the foot of an army of rustics. That would show his foolish parents for slighting him…oh yes that would show them.
"Perin! I need a pen, paper and ink, and my seal. Oh and arrange a meeting with that foppish Marquis would you?" He called out to his steward.
"Of course your majesty. I assume you mean the Marquis of Shevreath my King?"
"Who else, you idiot? Now, where are those things I asked for? Come on Perin, I don't have all day!"
"Here your majesty." The steward placed the things on Galdrans huge desk and bowed, backing away swiftly.
"Finally!" Galdran bent over the paper, writing swiftly, in a mean, harsh hand.
By order of his Majesty, King Galdran Merindar of Remalna.
Baron Debegri's position as commander of our royal forces is hereby revoked, and instead bestowed on the Marquis Vidanric of Shevreath. The Baron is awarded the position of Second in Command, and shall follow all orders of the aforementioned Marquis.
Signed and Sealed by my hand, on my oath as King of Remalna.
King Galdran Merindar
Galdran pressed his seal to the document with malicious force and called out impatiently.
"Perin! Where are you?"
"Here, your majesty"
"Have this ready for my meeting with the Marquis Perin, Do not forget!"
"I shall not you majesty!"
"Good, now OUT!"
Perin bowed and scuttled away, the document held carefully before him.
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Danric played with the letter in his hands, a trifle uneasy. It was a summons to see the king, and he was worried what it could mean. He unfolded the battered piece of paper with a quick swish of his thumb, and read it again, to see if there could possibly be any hint as to what would happen, what had happened. The harsh black words stood out of the page at him, unchanged.
The Marquis of Shevreath,
His royal majesty commands you meet with him at first white in his study. Do not be late.
The Secretary of the Archives
There were no clues to be taken from the terse words obviously penned by the secretary himself, at the orders of Galdran no doubt. Danric sighed, looking aimlessly out the window as he waited for first white to arrive.
Finally, the bell tolled at Danric rose gracefully from his seat at the window. Straightening his clothes as he walked, Danric strolled through the many corridors leading to the royal wing of the huge palace. Reaching a familiar door, he spoke quietly to the guards and went through the same rigmarole as a few days before as he was eventually handed into the king's study.
Bowing deeply he spoke softly. "Your Majesty, to what do I owe this honor?"
Galdran chuckled unpleasantly before speaking dryly. "An honor it is for you, I have something to give to you, I believe you will be glad of it in light of your bet yesterday?"
He nodded to Perin who walked forward, a piece of paper heavy with seals in his hand. Danric took the letter gingerly and turned it over, looking at Galdran questioningly; hoping none of the fear was showing on his face at the reference to his bet.
"Well, read it!" Galdran spoke abruptly and Danric hastily complied, his eyes widening as the meaning of the words in front of his eyes registered. He looked up in shock.
"Your majesty, is this a joke?" Danric kept his smooth façade while inside he was jumping up and down with joy. It had worked! He was commander; he would be able to do something about the insane king sitting before him.
"It is no joke, you leave tomorrow. Now go, I do not wish to see you anymore." Danric was dismissed with a wave of the kings' hand, and he bowed hurriedly before backing out of the room.
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