Bloodmines: Cheryl Matthynssens Read online

  It was rumored that Henrick and the widow had been seen on more than one occasion slipping from some social event in one another’s company. Luthian could not blame his brother: the woman would have been striking on any man’s arm. He smiled into his cup. Luthian would not have to worry about his brother’s antics much longer. He was merely waiting for his usefulness to Alador to wane before he had Sordith assassinate him.

  Luthian was watching the door more than the dancers. He was alone in his corner for now. None would ask to join him, as it was well known that Luthian only wanted the company of those he personally invited. The only exception to that was Henrick. Luthian glanced at the entryway again; surely the boy could not have taken that long dressing? When the music fell away from the first dance, Henrick joined him.

  “You should have waited for him,” Luthian scolded unhappily. “Maybe he does not plan to attend, after all,” Luthian complained as Henrick sank into one of the chairs.

  Henrick just nodded to the door. Luthian turned to see a hooded man, dressed in layers of blue and silver, step up beside the doorman.

  “Announcing Alador Guldalian of the Third Tier, the son of Henrick Guldalian and heir to the Guldalian line. Master of the Blue Sphere.” The staff hit the floor and the doorman stepped back.

  Much of the talking had stopped at this announcement, and whispers filled the air. Luthian stood wide-eyed at his nephew’s bold proclamation. He glared at his nephew then swiftly turned and nodded to the musicians to strike up the next song. Luthian turned back to watch as his nephew arrogantly strode into the room.

  “Did you know he was going to do that?” Luthian turned on his heel to glare at his brother.

  “Yes, I did!” Henrick applauded softly as he caught Alador’s gaze. “The look upon your face was priceless, and worth every ounce of trouble the boy has been to me.” Henrick picked up a goblet and toasted his brother.

  Luthian was furious and he gritted his teeth tightly in an attempt to get a hold of his own anger. He should have intervened at this bold proclamation. The half-breed had just publicly declared himself Luthian’s heir, and short of creating a huge scandal, Luthian was forced to accept it, either until he had his own son, or until he found a way of discrediting his jumped-up nephew. The problem with that, though, was he needed Alador’s spell-casting powers to bring his own plan to fruition. He had been outmaneuvered by a half-Daezun, and a youth, to boot.

  “I should roast you where you sit,” Luthian hissed angrily.

  Henrick waved his hand indifferently as he swallowed his wine. “I told you, anytime you are ready. I think you will find I have learned a few things since we last came to blows.” Henrick sat the glass down and rose to his feet. “On that note, I think I will find more pleasant company and leave you two to speak.”

  Henrick passed Alador, and Luthian did not miss the wink that Henrick gave the boy. He watched Alador approach and forced a welcoming smile to his face. His corner was now the focal point of the ball, though some had moved to the dance floor when the musicians had struck up their tune.

  Alador offered his uncle his hand and Luthian clasped it in welcome. He blinked in shock as Alador pulled him close to offer him a familial hug. “It is so good to see you, Uncle.”

  Luthian pulled free as soon as he was able. “A bold move, boy, and one that could easily have ended your miserable existence. How dare you declare yourself my heir without consulting me!” he hissed so only Alador could hear.

  “Now, now, Uncle... we both know you don't have a son. Henrick has so far claimed no other son with the full-blown powers of an exceptionally strong mage. So who does that leave? And it isn’t as if the title of ‘High Minister’ is part and parcel of your personal estate…”

  Alador was the picture of innocence. A servant approached very hesitantly and offered a goblet of wine to Alador while darting glances at the clearly irritated High Minister. Alador took it with the calm assurance of a High Minister in waiting.

  Luthian stared at him for a long moment then sat down. He crossed his legs and indicated for Alador to sit in the chair close to him. “You had damn well be able to cast that spell,” he snarled quietly as he watched the swirling movement of the dance floor.

  Alador took a long drink before answering. He shifted to get comfortable in the chair as he too watched the colorful array. His answer, however, was just as serious as Luthian’s own tone had been. “I can cast your spell,” he stated behind the cover of the goblet.

  Luthian also took a drink and nodded to a passing fourth tier mage before asking: “With control…?”

  “I can control it as long as I can see the area it is intended to hit. Once I am no longer present, the storm will do as it wishes.” Alador smiled at a young woman who had been staring at him.

  “When can you start?” Luthian eagerly licked his lips.

  “After the first natural snowfall,” Alador answered. “It is easier to cast, and will last longer after I am no longer present, if the natural conditions favor the spell.”

  “That should be soon, if it has not already occurred.” Luthian sat the goblet down and leaned forward with obvious excitement.

  “I foresee a problem, Uncle.” Alador set his own goblet aside and looked over at Luthian.

  Luthian did not wish to hear of problems; he wanted solutions. “And, what is that?” he demanded.

  “How will you explain my two and three day absences from the guard?” Alador studied his uncle.

  Luthian had not considered that. The lad had not been in the guard a full turn yet. He was hardly going to be considered for an assignment. ‘Unless…’ he thought, ‘the boy tested out as a mage.’ “I will lift the ban on testing half-Daezun. You declared yourself a master of the blue sphere. I hope you weren’t bragging. If you can pass a fourth or fifth tier test, then I can have you assigned to me,” Luthian declared. “I will just need to get it past the Council.”

  “Why, Uncle,” Alador looked over in feigned surprise. “I would never have thought of that. You continue to amaze me.” Alador met Luthian’s calculating gaze evenly. They both were silent for a long moment.

  “Liar,” Luthian chuckled. “I am going to regret teaching you the way of Lerdenian politics, I can see that already.”

  Alador just smiled. “By your leave, Uncle. I have been in the wilderness with no one but Henrick, who is quite full of himself. I would love a pretty woman on my arm for a few hours before I report to the guard.”

  Luthian nodded as his gaze swung to Henrick. “Alador, do you have a use for him? - your father?”

  Alador stood and turned to look Luthian directly in the eyes. “Any use that I had for Henrick is long since past.” He glanced over at his father. “He is a stuffed dandy with hardly a thought beyond his own pleasures. He withholds critical knowledge and... I suspect he works against you.” Alador’s tone took on a bitter edge as he looked back to Luthian.

  “I am sure there is some long mission I can set him to complete that will take him out of our way. Perhaps some ambassadorial position on the mainland...” Luthian smiled and waved Alador off. “Go! Enjoy yourself. After tonight, you and I have much work to do.” Luthian dismissed his nephew with the hint of a smile.

  After the boy had wandered off to walk the edges of the dance floor, Luthian sent for Sordith. It did not take long before he had the Trench Lord sitting beside him.

  Sordith slid into the indicated chair. “You have need of me, my Lord?”

  “Do you remember that matter we spoke of, the problem I needed... removed?” Luthian’s eyes found Henrick swirling another matron around the floor.

  “Indeed, you had bid me wait,” Sordith acknowledged, having followed Luthian’s gaze and swiftly looked away.

  “Do not stay your hand any longer. I would see it done within a fortnight.” Luthian picked up his goblet, which had been filled by attentive servants when he was not looking. He took a sip as he glanced at Sordith.

  “I will arrange it as soon as pos
sible,” Sordith answered with a nod. “It will take some time to find an arrangement that will not seem too premeditated.”

  “I do not care about the details, just see the matter closed.” Luthian was watching his nephew. The boy had led some shy wallflower onto the floor. He had to admit that it did not take the boy long before he had the young woman gazing at him with an admiring smile on her lips. Alador was gaining his father's way with women and Luthian's skill at politics. He knew that could be dangerous in the longer term.

  “Is there anything else, High Minister?” Sordith asked politely.

  “No, no. Go enjoy yourself.” Luthian waved dismissively. His mind was racing with the facts he had learned and the swift changes he would need to make. He did not even register the shallowness of Sordith’s bow as his mind leaped ahead.

  Alador declaring himself in the way that he had could be used in Luthian’s favor. As High Minister it behoved him to be seen as the kind benefactor, slowly uniting the isle. Allowing half-breeds to test would be a first step into showing an increased acceptance of Daezun with magical capabilities. Yes, he could use this to his advantage. He sat mulling the situation over for some time before he realized the second set was done. There would be others who craved the privilege of being seen in the High Minister’s corner. He had social duties to complete.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Alador moved away from Luthian with a self-satisfied smirk. He knew that he had caught Luthian off guard and that, short of provoking a round of even greater gossip, Alador had fairly tied his hands. Things had gone exactly as he had hoped. He had freed up testing for half-Daezun, and he had no doubt he could test at least to the fourth tier. His magic was only getting stronger with each passing day: gifts from Renamaum as the two were slowly merging.

  He made his way around the dance floor, stopping at the far side. He was not surprised to see that Sordith had already been beckoned to his uncle’s side. The last few words that they had spoken were almost certain to incite the attack on his father. They would have to coordinate with Sordith to make the attack appear solid, or Sordith would lose positioning. He and Sordith had most of the details worked out as to how this attack would occur. They just had not bothered to fill in Henrick yet. He smiled at what Henrick would think when they did share this minor element of the grand plan.

  He spied the young woman that he had nodded to earlier. She still had not taken to the dance floor, so he moved his way closer. The musicians were starting a number whose movements he recognized, so he approached her carefully. She reminded him of frightened fawn. As he approached, a woman who could only be her mother, abruptly stepped in front of the young woman.

  “Lord Guldalian, how pleasant to meet you…” Her voice filled with ingratiating charm. “I am Lady Muntain and this is my daughter, Lisvette.” She pulled the shy and clearly horrified young lady forward.

  “A pleasure to meet you both...” He bowed low. “I came to ask Miss Lisvette if she would take the floor with me.”

  “She would be delighted.” Lady Muntain literally shoved her reluctant daughter into his arms.

  Alador caught her and helped her regain her balance. He offered his arm which she hesitantly took, and he led her on to the floor. As they began to dance, he smiled at her, murmuring: “Charming woman...”

  “I apologize for my mother,” she began with obvious embarrassment.

  “Think nothing of it.” Alador interrupted. “I am quite familiar with the embarrassing situations an overbearing mother can create for their reluctant offspring.” He regaled her with some of his mother’s more embarrassing moves and statements. At first, the young lady laughed demurely while remaining on her guard; but before the dance was half over, she was contributing her own little quips mimicked from her mother. Alador enjoyed the dance thoroughly, and was thankful it was one that had allowed them to talk.

  When the music ended, he kissed her hand gallantly and noted the flush of color that filled her cheeks. "I regret, M’Lady, that I must return you to the dragon that guards your virtue," he teased as he took her arm gently to guide her from the dance floor. He noted her immediate frown and felt a moment of regret that he must return her. Despite her preference not to return, she let him guide her and properly whispered her thank you for the dance. Alador just smiled as they approached her brash mother.

  “Thank you for the honor, Lord Guldalian…” Lady Muntain began.

  Alador gave her a withering look. “Your daughter would fare better in this gathering if you allowed her own charming personality to win admirers, rather than thrusting her upon men in hopes of a profitable match.”

  He faced the dumbfounded Lady Muntain squarely. “Try loving the child you raised, and stop treating her as a commodity expected to bring you a rich return. I found her quite delightful.” He smiled at Lisvette before turning to glare at her mother. “Her mother, rather less so if I’m honest.” Before she could sputter a response, Alador turned away, winking at Lisvette as he did so. She mouthed him a silent thank you.

  As if his attentions had raised Lisvette’s profile in the eyes of the other men, Alador noticed a flock of other young mages approaching the young woman. Well, at least he had maybe helped one person here tonight. He felt the dragon’s amusement as well and smiled with genuine pleasure.

  He made his way to a table where his father was regaling his small court with tales designed to cause gales of laughter. He unfortunately chose the moment when his father was explaining a certain explosion of apple mead all over the tavern keep in Old Meadow. He blushed with embarrassment as he realized that Henrick had not left out the fact that he had implied that Alador was his lover rather than his son to the Oldmeadow villagers.

  Henrick did not seem to notice his son until those listening to his tale were looking behind him. He saw the glare in Alador’s eyes. “Speak of the serpent, and thus, he appears.” He toasted Alador with a hint of mischief in his eyes.

  “Telling stories again, Father? You know, eventually you will lose track of what was real and what makes for a better telling,” Alador said to mitigate the impact. Those about the table chuckled softly. “Why, one might think you are getting old, and soon we will all hear how you had to trudge your way to Daezun lands uphill, in a snowstorm, both directions.” Alador picked up a fresh goblet and saluted his father as those about them laughed with delight.

  “Your son is quick of wit as yourself, Henrick. Better watch out, or soon you might find your son has gained the higher ground,” quipped one man at the table with a chuckle.

  “The day the boy bests me, I will give him my manor,” Henrick declared boldly.

  “Ah, then I shall begin packing my things to move in,” Alador challenged with a grin.

  “If the women can’t bring me before the bondsman, I doubt you will find your way to best me in a battle of wits, BOY...” Henrick drew out the last word for effect. The gales of laughter drew Luthian’s gaze, and Alador toasted him from across the room.

  The musicians moved to take a short break, ending the set of dances. Servants were bringing out new rounds of food and restocking the small tables around the room. Conversation was loud and laughter sounded here and there as people mingled and gossiped, telling their own tales…

  Alador spotted a woman who drew his eyes. Her manner was elegant, and her silver gown glistened in the lights as she moved. In appearance she was almost his female equivalent: her dress trimmed in blue filigree and thread. He tugged on his father’s sleeve and indicated the woman. “Who is that?” He had not seen her at any of Luthian’s dinners that he had been forced to attend.

  Henrick followed his gaze and smiled. “That is the elusive head of the Healing Sphere. Her name is Lady Aldemar. Many a man has gazed on her with longing, but to be honest, I have never seen her leave with a single one.” Henrick took a slow, calculating drink.

  “I think I shall try my hand.” Alador knew without a doubt that if he could get that woman on the dance floor, they would make a stri
king pair. Her hair was as white as snow, and she had woven into it threads of silver that made her hair seem to glisten as she moved. She was a striking woman by any standard, regardless of her more advanced age. If Alador had to guess, he would say she was more his father’s age.

  Alador moved through the crowds milling about. He was forced to stop and give polite acknowledgments, but given that the musicians were just now returning to the dais, he had time. When he finally made it to her side, a cluster of men and women were gathered about her. Unlike other groups he had passed, this one held a more serious tone. He was not going to be able to mimic his father’s charming ways with this lady.

  The circle fell silent as Alador approached and he could feel immediately that this was a group of mages who held his family name in disdain. He bowed very low. “I apologize for being forward, Lady Aldemar. I wished to introduce myself.”

  “I think you made sure, Lord Guldalian, that we all know who you are.” Her obvious cool tones created a frigid tension in the circle.

  “Yes, a fact that displeases my uncle, you can be sure.” Alador let a small warm smile grace his lips. “I fear he did not know such an announcement was coming.” He glanced over at Luthian who was now watching him closely. Had he stumbled into a circle that Luthian feared?

  The lady followed his gaze and looked back at him. “He did not know?”

  “I fear not. I know how much he dislikes rumours that he hasn’t started himself, so he will shortly be hard at work undoing what I chose to do this night. You, however, do not strike me as a rumour-monger. I wondered if you would dance with me, that we might speak?” He looked apologetically at those about him.

  “I think… I would be delighted.” Lady Aldemar quietly answered. “If you all will excuse us, I will return shortly. What is said at this table is not to leave it.” Her look was not lost on Alador and her words made it clear that this was an order of some sort.