Soarer's Children, Part 5
Chapter 27, North of Iron Stem
Alucius sat astride his horse just off the stone highway that connected Iron Stem with the northernmost reaches of the Valleys. He let his eyes roam over the work that was taking place for the new Headquarters post for the Northern Guard. He and Feran were close to the corner that marked a roughly southeastern limit of the new facility. He could see gangs of men working in various locations, hauling and laying stone, digging foundations for buildings and where the armory would be located, a deep, expansive cellar that would be double lined with stone and supported with heavy timbers. It was nearing the end of summer and the plans for the post had been altered somewhat, partially at the request of the Lord Protector and partially based on a suggestion from his grandfather.
The Lord Protector had asked that they do what the could to keep the costs down, preferably keeping a quarter of the golds they had available in reserve. Alucius thought this wouldn't be a problem until his grandfather raised an interesting point. With the likelihood of peace, if tenuous, taking hold in the north, the task ahead of the Guard would likely fall back to dealing with raiding Reillies. The post would act like a magnet and the possibility of assaults and sieges was a real danger. Royalt had asked if the walls could be extended, enclosing more open space, which in peace time could be used for mounted drills and marksmenship practice and in times of difficulties, provide bivouac space for reinforcing companies.
This caused a series of discussions between Alucius, Feran, and Royalt as well as some of the Headquarters staff, a collection of experienced, if previously mishandled, senior captains. The longer walls, now more than three quarters of a vingt, would add to the expense, as well as the thoughts of what it might take to man the walls in times of trouble. A comment from the master mason, who was on site early to inspect foundations and the quality of stone, provided the solution.
"Well, honored, sirs, if you be lookin' for a less expensive but sturdy wall, you might want to consider a rubble fill structure."
He then went on to describe the wall building technique that involved a pair of facing walls, each two courses of stone wide spaced apart and the space between filled with compacted rubble and mortar. This resulted in a dense structure that was highly impact resistant due to the lack of regular mortar seams running clear through the wall. It would also make use of the very cheap rubble that accumulated from the process of dressing the other stone. The current foundations would need to be widened by about a quarter but diggers were cheap labor.
So what Alucius was seeing was the process of the first layers of finished stone being laid both parallel to the highway and running back at a right angle. The distance between the roadway and the wall was about fifty yards. He looked over at Feran and said,
"They're making good progress."
"Yes, another benefit of this technique is that they are using smaller blocks for the facing walls. Two men can lift and set one, no need for derricks or other lifting devices. Just a bunch of Reillies with strong backs and not much up here," he said tapping his forehead.
"Let's just hope they don't discover some flaw and tell their clans," Alucius replied.
"We were careful and only hired them from the southern clans. They haven't been trouble in a couple of generations."
"What's with the shape of the corners and those bulges further along?"
"Remember how we worried about what it would take to man walls this long during an attack? Well, one of my staff captains suggested that we put raised towers, about double the height of the main wall at the corners, gate and at thirds along the other walls. That way you have look outs with better views, and places to provide interlocking reinforcing fire right down along the walls. Anyone trying to come over the walls would be caught in a viscous crossfire."
"Clever. I hope you reward him somehow."
"I will, once we're done here he'll be the post commander," Feran said.
Alucius looked at him with some surprise.
"Isn't that you?"
"Not anymore. I'm the Commandant of the Northern Guard. With all the new requirements coming from Tempre that's a full time job. I can't be bogged down with running a post, so an Overcaptain will now have the job of running, maintaining and defending the post," Feran replied.
"Clever," Alucius said as he continued to observe the work.
He had promised the Lord Protector a progress report when he made his next visit, the one where Wendra would come along as requested by the Lady Alerya. Before returning home he took the time to ride the entire perimeter of the construction site, taking note of the height of the wall to date, approximately a yard, perhaps a touch less, in some places, such as the corner and tower bases, where work began, close to half that along the rest of the length. He also saw the foundation trenches for the buildings being filled with stone. So much stone. As he approached the highway again in preparation to return home he looked to the south, seeing the wagons coming along in a near constant stream. So much work. He smiled to think of all the warm, well fed families this winter.
When he got back to the stead he stabled his horse and walked up to the porch of the house, stopping to listen to a significant commotion coming from the other side of the door. While not exactly an argument, it was apparent that Wendra and Lucenda were having a spirited discussion about something. He walked into the house and the words became clearer.
"I appreciate what you are saying, mother, but I still can't go to the Lord Protector's palace looking like this," Wendra said.
"Wendra, you are being ridiculous. You look beautiful. Oh, thank the Soarers, Alucius is back. Son," she called to him, "please come in here."
The holder of the Stars of Valor from three nations proceeded cautiously into his own house and peered around the corner of the entrance to the parlor where Wendra and Lucenda faced off. The younger taller woman stood attired in an outfit that Alucius thought was stunning. She wore well tailored pants in a dark green with a faint gold thread that ran down the side of each leg. Her blouse was a paler green with three quarter length sleeves, the cuffs hemmed in the same gold thread. Her vest was of the same color as the pants with understated designs embroidered in gold and silver. He thought one accent looked suspiciously like a Commandant's Star, but he didn't look too closely.
"Son, will you please tell your wife how lovely she looks," Lucenda said, regarding her daughter-in-law with crossed arms and a hint of a squint.
"Mother, please, I'm not ungrateful for all the work you've done," Wendra said. "This is by far the most beautiful gather outfit I've ever seen and I would gladly wear it anywhere in the Valleys, but I'm not going to the Valleys. Alucius, will you please tell your mother that they dress in gowns with jewels and gold and..." she gave up.
"To be honest, I've only ever seen the Lord Protector's Lady and yes, she does wear gown like dresses sometimes, but the jewels and gold, not really. Besides, Wendra, Lady Alerya said this is just a visit and she's not expecting you in all that. She'll find you as stunning as I do," he said with all sincerity.
For the first time he could remember she looked at him helplessly. He had a thought and said,
"Wendra, please, turn around so I can see the whole outfit."
She looked puzzled but did as he requested. When she was facing him he said,
"Now, close your eyes and see yourself as I see you," he said as he closed his eyes and held her image in his mind.
He felt the light touch of her as she used her Talent to see what he had seen. He heard her suck in a breath and he opened his eyes, to see her looking back at him with large luminous eyes on the verge of tears.
"Really? That's how you see me?" she asked softly.
"Yes, every day, but never more beautiful than you look right now. You would shame every highborn lady of Tempre if they saw you tomorrow night."
Her lip began to quiver and she made to rush to him but he held up his hand.
"Road dust. Put those aside for tomorrow and then you can hug me all you want," he said with a smile.
She laughed a bit and hurried to their room to change.
"Thank you, son, that was very well done," Lucenda said as she gathered up her sewing items.
"And thank you, mother, that truly is an amazing outfit."
"Can't have those southern dandies thinking we're a bunch of uncouth bumpkins now can we," she replied.
In less than a tenth of a glass Wendra was back out of their room dressed in her usual clothes and she hurled herself at her husband and held him tightly. Then she pulled down his head and kissed him soundly. Lucenda left them there and went to put on the tea kettle. Eventually her son and daughter-in-law, with Alendra in tow, came to sit at the kitchen table.
"So, son, how are things proceeding with the construction?"
"Very well, Mother. They have the wall started all the way round, the tower bases somewhat ahead of the rest and the building foundations are proceeding as well."
"I'm sure the Lord Protector will be happy to hear that. I hope he'll have good news to share with you," she replied.
"Such as?" he asked.
"That the Iron Bitches have finally seen reason and that he's gotten word that the Praetor is willing to put aside his plans to rule the world."
"That would be nice, but it may be early for that. I can't help think that the Matrites might not be trying to stall for time to figure a way to get their forces pulled together again," he said. "As to the Praetor, ambition dies hard. But I think if need be a little more pressure here and there will do the job. I for one am anxious to start exploring with the ancients have left us."
"You would just dive into that, sweetheart?" Wendra asked, sounding concern.
"Sanders, no. There will be plenty of planning to be done first. Plus scouting. In fact, I think I need to pull out that old map I found and check to see if we've looked at all the places the Efran's left behind. There might still be some things to be found."
"Yes, likely more Legacies of the Duarches," Lucenda said as she put the teapot on the table.
As the sun began to set the following evening Alucius and Wendra stood together on the bare stone outcrop that he favored for starting any of his long journeys across Corus. He looked at his wife and took hold of her hand and said,
"Ready?"
"As I'll ever be," she replied.
He smiled, thinking how truly stunning she looked, and how the Lord Protector and his Lady would likely agree with him.
"Let's go," he said and with linked minds they sank into the ground and began the journey south.
As always Alucius was amazed at how much more benign the journey was compared to that endured through an Efran translation tube. He could see her shadow floating along beside him as the terrain raced by overhead. He followed his usual path, finding the force line that would lead him directly to the triple junction that lay beneath the Lord Protectors palace. Once there, with a thought, he directed her upwards to the spot where he made his entrance into the private apartment of the Lord Protector and his Lady.
Chapter 28, Tempre, Lanachrona
"My dear Colonel, how very good to see you again," the Lord Protector said by way of greeting before stopping to look at Wendra, his eyes widening a touch.
"Lord Protector, may I introduce my wife, Wendra. Wendra, this is the Lord Protector of Lanachrona, Talryn."
"Lord Protector, I'm honored to meet you," she replied with a little bow, her nerves evident in her voice.
"No, Madame, it is I who am honored to meet one who has done so much to save us from that otherworldly scourge. I must admit however that I am having trouble reconciling your husband's accounts of your many deeds with the vision of beauty that stands before me. It is difficult to imagine you wielding one of those monstrosities you call rifles while firing on the run or from horseback."
Wendra's cheeks colored when he called her a vision. She looked to her husband who winked at her a bit.
"You are much too kind, Lord Protector," she said, "but any woman that rides the quarasote flats must be good with one of those monstrosities if she has any hope of a long life, regardless of her looks.
"Well said, Madame. Now that we have the introductions over with, may I conduct you to my consort for if she has to wait much longer, my life may not be as long as I'd like."
With that, the Lord Protector offered his arm to Wendra, who took it after hesitating a bit and Alucius walked along behind, smiling at his wife's first conquest. When they past through the door to the private apartment Lady Alerya was standing with her son in her arms, smiling widely.
"Colonel Alucius, it is so good to see you again. And this is your wife, of course. She's positively stunning, isn't she, Talryn?"
"She most certainly is. The Colonel's description hardly did her justice," he said with a wry smile.
Alerya handed her son to his father and approached Wendra with such familiarity that it surprised the herder girl, even more so when she was wrapped in a warm hug, which after a moment she returned. She topped the Lord Protector's wife by more than half a head and although she was perhaps only a few years younger she was feeling very much the girl right now. When Alerya stepped back she did not let go but held Wendra at arms length.
"And is this the gather best to which the Colonel referred? Something about you fearing it not sufficient for our meeting?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Oh, no. There will be none of that. They may have to call my husband Lord Protector or for the worthy few, sir, but between you and I it is just Wendra and Alerya, yes?" Alerya said.
"I would like that very much," Wendra said and then after the slightest pause, "Alerya."
"Excellent. As to your garments, I must say I find them as stunning as their wearer. The needlework is breathtaking. Your work?"
"No, Alucius' mother. She's a talented seamstress."
"Indeed she is. She could be making many golds here in Tempre. But the men don't want to hear about fashion. You will stay here with me and they can go off and talk of their wars. We will sit and talk about what truly matters," Alerya said with a smile to her husband.
"As you wish, my dear," Talryn said. "Come Colonel, let us speak of trivialities while our ladies proceed to solve the woes of the world."
"Yes, sir," Alucius said, smiling at the man's words.
Alerya recovered her son and then directed Wendra to a seat on one end of the small couch while she sat at the other and placed Talus between them. They watched the backs of their husbands as they walked to the private study they used for their conversations. Then Alerya looked at Wendra and said,
"I cannot tell you how much I have looked forward to this meeting, Wendra. Ever since your husband's telling us of your part in all that took place, I was fascinated."
Wendra looked at the face of the highest lady in the land, seeing the open expression, the smiling eyes and she smiled in return, liking what she saw and heard. She relaxed a bit and said,
"I'm afraid my husband most likely oversold my role as he undersold his. It is in his nature to give much credit and take little for himself."
"As we have come to find and it is one of his most endearing qualities. I speak less of the amazing adventures at Salaan and between the worlds, but of how you took to life on the stead, working while he fought his way across half the continent, even before you were wed. What a tale of determination and love."
Wendra smiled again and said,
"And fate, I think. I felt something right from the start, that very first day at the gather on my grandfather's stead. He was so quiet, so polite, but there was an intensity about him that you could almost feel. I don't think there was ever a choice of what my destiny was, not that I wanted anything else to choose from. And while I'm glad my actions helped so many, I only did it for him," she finished quietly.
"As it should be," Alerya said and then almost as an afterthought. "And this fine fellow is our son, Talus. Another debt we owe your husband. You are familiar with the story?"
"Yes, I am," Wendra said and then after a pause asked, "may I tell you something concerning Alucius?"
"Most certainly."
"You have spoken of debts and obligations for what he has done for you, for our nation, the world. Don't. It is only a debt or obligation if both sides agree it is such. Alucius doesn't think that way. He does the right thing because it is the right thing to do, not for the repayment that might come later. Offer him your regard and friendship because you want him to be your friend, not because you feel you owe him something. He truly admires you and your husband and likes you for who you are and what you stand for. Had you nothing to offer him in return, that would still be true. Medals, awards, citations, they have no meaning for him, unless using them allowed him to accomplish a task he felt needed to be done."
Alerya sat and looked at the young woman before her, the large green eyes radiating sincerity and a sense of self that seemed rooted into the very ground. What an amazing pair these two were, she thought, and fortunate was she and her husband to have found them.
In the study a different conversation was taking place. Talryn and Alucius conferred about the status of east and west and then construction of the new post in the north.
"As you can see Colonel, we've had a major shift in the tactical and strategic situation in the last few months. We haven't seen a single Matrite combat patrol on either front. They have erected a few towers with observers in them but that's all. We've had some more returnees but the numbers have fallen significantly so we feel those that can leave, have. But it has allowed us to man five more companies with combat veterans. Two have been shifted to Southgate to watch for so called coastal raiders," Talryn said with disgust. "Dramurians up to their old tricks again, but they haven't been more than a nuisance so far."
"Any further communications from the Matrite council or whatever they have?" Alucius asked.
"A few terse messages signed by a Sub Marshal, very proper, not accepting or promising anything but at least there is no shooting. What little we've been able to find out is that they have been trying to reorganize what troops they have left around whatever officers that remain. By what we've been able to calculate they may be at a third of the strength they had before the battle of Southgate"
"And that's manpower. Considering the lack of talent weapons, they are a shadow of what they were. Have the raiders hit the Madrien coast yet?" Alucius asked.
"We've had no reports yet but it is possible. We'll have to do something about them sooner or later, but sea warfare is a foreign concept for us."
"Truly. Any word from the east?"
"Nothing from the Praetor but the distances are large and we wouldn't expect to hear anything for another few weeks at least. And nothing from or about my wayward brother," Talryn said, the last with a smirk, and then he shifted the subject. "I must say, Colonel, your wife is a very impressive young woman. I suspect she and Alerya will get on very nicely."
"I hope so, sir, but if I may make an observation?"
"Certainly."
"Lady Alerya seemed very eager to meet Wendra. More so than just curiosity about someone mentioned in some rather amazing tales," Alucius said.
"Ah, yes, well, I'm afraid being my wife has been a bit of a trial so far and a bit lonely for her."
"She has no friends, sir?"
"What friends she had as a youth and young woman before we wed are no longer available to her, except by the occasional letter. She didn't grow up in Tempre so the distance makes maintaining such ties difficult. Add in the social politics and it becomes even harder," Talryn explained.
"Oh, I hadn't considered that."
"You see, Colonel, the Southern Guard isn't the only institution beset with politics. And when you consider that the women my wife comes in contact with are the wives of my advisers and functionaries, it makes getting close difficult. Everyone is on their guard all the time. It is one of the reasons I wished for you to take on this roll. I can trust your word because you don't want anything from me but fair treatment for your Valleys and it's inhabitants. No money, nor titles or honors. Were it so with others. So, my dear Colonel, it is my suspicion that unless I am very much mistaken, your wife is likely to become a close friend and confidant of my Lady consort and such an eventuality would please me greatly."
The two ladies were in fact getting on famously. It took little to coax young Talus to allow himself to be held and cuddled by Wendra. He took great delight in burying his face in her long red hair and at the moment was sitting in her lap, his head resting against her chest, idly playing with some of the strands.
"It would seem that my son has taken a great liking to you, Wendra."
"And I to him, he is a very sweet boy," Wendra replied with a smile as she cuddled him.
"And your Alendra is thriving, we are given to understand."
"Yes, growing bigger every day and very much aware of what is around her. You get the feeling she is listening to every word said, not really understanding, but trying to," Wendra offered.
"Well, considering her parents, she is most likely an extraordinary child. She shares the herder heritage, yes?"
"She does, so the stead will stay in the family for another generation."
"Marvelous. And you intend to have more children?" Alerya asked.
"Oh, yes, several more at least. And you, if I may ask?" Wendra probed.
"Oh, you most certainly may. Now that I am healthy and whole, I wish for several more myself. The politics of succession practically demands it, but we would do so anyway. Talryn's experience with siblings has not been a good one, but we believe we have a better plan for that."
"Yes, Alucius mentioned that to me once. It was one of the things that impressed him most about you both. I can't imagine turning my child over to someone else to raise," Wendra said adamantly.
"Your Alendra is a very lucky child," Alerya said.
"As is this little gentleman," Wendra countered, tickling the heir.
"Perhaps you can answer a question for me?" Alerya offered.
"If I can I certainly will."
"This whole matter of the soarers. While I wouldn't think to gainsay your husband, I simply find the whole idea so fantastic."
"I'm not sure why you would take my word for it if not Alucius' but I will tell you they are, well, were, real. I had seen them several times while on the stead and they engineered my abduction in order to spur my husband to act against the Efrans. They have at least two cities on the heights of the Aerlal Plateau and were the original occupants of what is now Dereka. When the world is a more settled place, we plan on doing some exploring," Wendra said.
Alerya rose from her place on the couch and walked to a sideboard were several decanters of wine and goblets had been placed. She gestured toward the decanters in invitation.
"Oh, just the smallest touch of the white, please," Wendra said.
After pouring, Alerya carried two goblets back and handed Wendra hers. After resuming her seat she said,
"I understand that wine is not a common drink in the Valleys but it is the life blood of Lanachrona."
"We've enjoyed some of what you sent with Alucius but I find I must keep the amount small," Wendra said.
"Would that others would show such sense," she said with a wry grin and then looked at Wendra shrewdly. "So as two women of Lanachrona, one of the south, one of the north, tell me, what does the future hold for you, for us?"
Wendra tilted her head as she held the goblet in one hand, her other protectively cradling the now dozing heir.
"I wish that I could see that clearly, but if our husbands are successful, there will be much for me to do. Raise a family, help run the stead, work with Alucius to do what we can to secure the legacy of the Soarers. As for us, are you referring to Lanachrona or something closer to home?"
A clear, sharp laugh rang out and Talus stirred but did not waken. Wendra put down her goblet and rubbed the boy's back to soothe him back to sleep. Alerya looked at Wendra and smiled a bit and said,
"In one way your husband gave me the greatest gift I could have hoped to receive, on the other hand it left me with more energy than I've had in years, and I find myself chafing for something useful to do with it."
"What of your plans for more children?"
"Do you think the women of the quarasote flats are the only ones who can raise a family and do all that must be done to hold a stead together?" Alerya said, smiling to take the sting from her words.
"Well said. I suppose we think of southern women as somewhat pampered, especially those of high station," Wendra said somewhat apologetically.
"You would not be wrong, at least about the last, but talk to the women of a vineyard, or nut orchard. They would talk of things not unlike you herders. If only I could do something as useful."
Wendra looked at the shorter blonde haired woman, not particularly beautiful, but attractive in a way that spoke of strength and resolve. An idea began to form and the more she considered it the more she liked it.
"Pardon me for asking, Alerya, but does your being the Lord Protector's Lady give you any particular power or authority?" Wendra asked.
"Nothing beyond what a wife and consort would hold within her own home," she said indicating the apartment with a sweep of her arm. "Beyond that door, I am simply the wife of the absolute ruler and mother of the heir."
"But you have influence with that ruler, do you not?" Wendra pressed.
"I would like to think so. What are you driving at, Wendra?"
"One of the major concerns Alucius and I have is the state of life force on Acorus. You are familiar with life force?"
"Yes, indeed, your husband explained it to us. All living things generate life force, the more complex the form of that life, the greater life force it generates."
"That's correct. Based on what we were able to learn from the ancients and some things we've speculated upon, we think that the great loss of life during the Cataclysm is what began the changes that we've seen around Corus. Now we have the loss of life as a result of the wars these past few years making things worse. We think if there was a way to increase the amount of living things and also reduce the amount of drain caused by the things left behind by the Efrans it would help make larger areas more liveable and provide for an increase in population."
"Are you suggesting that I can be of help in this endeavor?" Alerya asked.
"Perhaps. If we can figure out ways to get more things to grow and we can encourage people to participate it might have an impact."
Alerya stood up and walked slowly about the room. After a few moments she turned and faced Wendra.
"Gardening is a great passion here in Tempre. The public garden attracts a great many people when it's in bloom."
"Yes, Alucius mentioned it to me after his first visit here. And that of the Marshall's home he saw," Wendra said.
Alerya nodded and said,
"It would not take much to assemble a group of botanical experts to discuss and determine what could be made to grow and where. And to encourage the populous to participate. Yes, Wendra I think I would like to see what we can do about this. Of course, the issue of population is more complex and longer term, especially with the loss of so many young men. But any start is better than no start," Alerya said with a smile.
"Thank you, Alerya, that would be wonderful."
Alerya returned to the couch and the two women began an animated discussion. In the private study of the Lord Protector the husbands were near to concluding their discussion.
"I am pleased to hear of the progress on the new Headquarters post. I must say I find the design and construction details rather interesting. An elegantly practical solution to a number of issues. I think when you are finished I will send some of my engineers to study it. Depending on how events play out in the east, we may need to build similar facilities near our ends of the north and south highways. Now if we could just figure out what to do about the Dramurians."
"I'm afraid I don't have any suggestions just yet, but I will think about it, at least as far as coastal protection is concerned. I don't imagine I'd be of much good talking about sea warfare. I suppose I should have a look at the coast sometime soon," he mused.
"You know, Colonel, I have to say it gives me a chill to hear you speak so casually of something so extraordinary," the Lord Protector said.
"My mother claims that I've lost all wonder about the world. I suppose I've just found different things to be amazed at."
"I can only imagine. Well, Colonel what do you say we see how our ladies are faring, and find out how much of my domain they've appropriated," Talryn said with a laugh.
When they entered the parlor, they found it empty. The Lord Protector looked about and said,
"Hmm, this could be troublesome. They might be loose in the palace. Should I call the guards?" he asked Alucius straight faced.
Before he could reply a strong female voice interrupted them.
"You'll do no such thing, dearest. We were simply putting Talus to bed. No need to call out troops," Alerya said.
"So, my dear, did your meeting go well?"
"Yes, Talryn, quite beyond my expectations. Colonel, my compliments. Your wife is a marvel and I can't thank you enough for bringing her."
"It was our pleasure to come, Alerya," Wendra answered for the two of them. "I look forward to our next time."
"Next time?" Alucius asked.
"Yes, sweetheart," Wendra said. "Alerya and I have some things to work on and we'll need to meet on a regular basis to discuss matters."
The Lord Protector let out a sigh.
"It is as I feared, Colonel. It is only a matter of time before I will need to look for gainful employment. Perhaps you'll need help on the stead."
"Talryn, you can be so silly at times. Hardly a side to show to visitors," Alerya said with a straight face.
"Actually, ma'am," Alucius began, "such a demonstration, on a limited basis, reveals a human, approachable nature of a ruler that can go a long way to endearing himself to his subjects."
As the others regarded him, Alucius offered them a small smile and his wife a wink. After they stopped laughing the Lord Protector looked thoughtful and looked to his wife.
"My dear, I have had a thought and I'd like your opinion. You recall that we have decided to reinstate the Spring celebration now that peace appears imminent. What would you think of the idea of having the Colonel and his lovely wife attend as our guests?"
Alerya clapped her hands in delight while Wendra and Alucius looked at him in shock.
"Talryn, what a marvelous idea. I love it. What a sensation they'd cause."
Wendra and Alucius looked at each other in amazement and then Alucius turned to the Lord Protector and said,
"We're flattered that you'd want us to attend, sir, but I think there are some practical problems."
"And what might those be?"
"Well, sir, firstly, how did we get here? It's a number of weeks on horseback to get here from Iron Stem. Wouldn't I be expected to make stops at some of the Guard posts along the way? Not to mention why we'd be here. And what about Alendra? Wouldn't it be suspicious that a new mother would be away from her child for so long?" Alucius asked.
The Lord Protector's shoulders slumped a bit as his idea seemed to crumble in front of him. Alerya spoke up at this point.
"Was the fact that your wife was pregnant when you were recalled to duty well know?"
"Colonel Feran and Northern Guards knew. I don't know about any of the Southern Guards that were with us," Alucius replied.
"Yes, I think I see where you are going with this, my dear," Talryn said. "If those who had spent so much time with him weren't aware, it is highly unlikely that anyone attending the celebration would know. And what is known is that the Colonel has performed special commissions for me. So his arrival unknown to the usual chain of command would not be without precedent."
"Would it need to be dearest? Technically he is no longer subject to the Guard hierarchy," Alerya offered.
"A good point, yes" the Lord Protector said, as the subject of their machinations looked on.
"I think we could make this work," he went on after a few moments of quiet thought. "Please do not dismiss the notion out of hand. We will give it more consideration and discuss it upon your next visit.
Alucius noticed the hopeful look on Alerya's face as Wendra replied.
"As you wish, Lord Protector. I believe Alerya and I are well on our way to becoming friends and if we can, we will attend."
"Excellent. You see, Colonel. I was correct. But you also see the advantages the ladies have. They can call each other by their first names while you and I are locked into the protocols of 'sir' and 'colonel'. Well, there is much change in the air. Perhaps this too will change. But I believe we have done what we can for the night and we should not keep you from your family any longer. We both look forward to your next visit."
Wendra and Alerya exchanged heartfelt embraces and then with last words of farewell they walked to the place that Alucius used to leave the Palace. The Lord Protector and his Lady watched as they left their apartment.
"What a remarkable couple," Alerya said. "And Wendra was not at all what I expected."
"How so, my dear?"
"Based on our conversations with Colonel Alucius I was expecting a tough, almost hard woman. One who can ride a horse all day across desolate plains, shoot as well as any seasoned trooper and traverse the void between worlds, should not be so beautiful, soft spoken or able to sit with someone else's child dozing in her lap as if he was her own. It was quite an evening we had and I have some things to discuss with you, but not tonight," Alerya said.
"Oh, and why is that?"
"One thing we did discuss was enlarging our families," she replied looking at him archly.
His only response was a wide smile.
Chapter 29, North of Iron Stem
Alucius and Wendra walked toward the house from the rock outcrop. Wendra took hold of his arm and pressed against him.
"The night air feels a bit cool after the warmth of Tempre. However did you stand being so far south in the summer?"
"Water. I drank lots and lots of water," he replied. "I think it's safe to say that they were both quite taken with you."
"The Lord Protector is quite charming and Alerya is a lovely person. I was sincere about what I said about us becoming friends. She's very easy to like."
"And you haven't had a friend like that for some time, have you?"
"Not since I left school."
By this time they were entering the house and even though it was late, both Lucenda and Royalt were still awake. Wendra went to check on Alendra and Alucius went into the parlor where his mother and grandfather sat.
"So, son, how did it go tonight?"
"Very well, mother. They took to Wendra right away and the Lady Alerya made much of your skill as a seamstress. She loved Wendra's gather outfit and said you could make some very serious coins if you were in Tempre," he said with a smile.
"Well, I'm sure she was just being gracious," Lucenda replied, although her expression showed she thought more of it than that."
"And what about your talks with the Lord Protector?" Royalt asked.
"He's very impressed with the design of the new Headquarters post. He said if things settle down with the Madriens and we have to look east he's considering building ones like it near the north and south highways. He also thinks we'll need to address the Dramurians before too long."
"What are those pirates up to?"
"Exactly that. There have been some coastal raids. I told him I'd take a look one of these days and see what I might be able to recommend about defenses. I couldn't offer anything about actual combat on the sea," Alucius replied.
"Who could?" Royalt asked rhetorically.
Wendra walked into the parlor and Royalt smiled and said,
"Ah, and here she is, the woman of the hour."
Wendra gave him a look and then smiled at him. They discussed the events of the evening for a while longer before retiring. As Alucius and Wendra lay together in their bed she asked,
"Don't you find it strange, dear, that the two of us, raised as we were should find ourselves as confidants to someone like the Lord Protector and his Lady?"
"Yes, I do. But I've been dealing with some pretty strange things for a long time. And you're not exactly new to the odd and unusual yourself. I suppose being soarer's children carries with it a great deal more than either one of us could have guessed."
"Mmmm, perhaps, but let's leave those thoughts for later. I have something else in mind for right now."
And with that she turned to him and they concentrated on other things, things that transcended station, rank, or the favor of the ancients.