Ten Silver Crowns

Alkoni kept glancing around the common room of the tavern. It was quite large. Jugglers were at one corner. A girl sang to the tunes of a harp and dulcimers. He had wanted to go to a tavern, by using Pendrick but Nhoni brought them here. She and the others were engrossed in their discussion. They didn't notice when he left the table. At least not immediately. Nhoni's eyes followed him.

He moved to a table of three well dressed men. They looked their merchants with rich coats and gold linkings.

"Oi friends. Mind if I join you for a drink?" He was seated before they gave him a nod. Now to business.

"Good sirs. My master's a merchant. He deals in wool and leather. We were told some estate lords were into such. Here." He dipped his hand into his coat. The merchants watched him warily. He smiled reassuringly. He brought a cloth with an house sigil drawn on it. "We were told this house favors our trade."

One of the merchant gave him a sly smile, "Why friend," he sounded drunk, "You've been misinformed. This here's no estate lord. This is General Ebe's sigil. House Cauli," the other merchant did something to him that made him flinch. He wasn't supposed to give out information so freely.

"Oh… The General you say. But he must have estates, correct?" Alkoni slipped a silver crown in front of them. He made it three, then five. The second merchant scooped them, then smiled wryly. "The good general does have small estates. But he himself lived close to the port. The only good mansion there. You can pay him a visit and find out more for yourself. Or I can trade more information for more… silver."

Alkoni smirked, "You've been help enough sirs. Enjoy your evening." He began to think of several ways to visit that mansion. If he had his way he would be there tonight.

He sat back with Nhoni and the army guys. When she slammed the table. "How about a drinking contest then? Since you're so full of yourself." She was talking to Zkel. He grinned widely that Alkoni feared his face will split in two.

"You're on. As a gentleman I'll let you pick a drink of your choice."

Nhoni chuckled lightly, "Bartender! Meerlinin brown!"

The fellow with the heavy shoulders tapped Dune. "I'll give you ten silver marks. Zkel drops this cup before her." Dune stared at him incredulously. That was about the first reaction Alkoni had seen from him.

"You're in. Ten silver marks. You know Bullon, I always thought you to be a man with good judgment. Turns out I never knew you."

"You'll see." Bullon said simply.

Alkoni was looking forward to the contest. This Nhoni reminded him a bit of Lyla. Pendrick was watching them intently. He still had that smile. What's he hiding behind that smile?

Nhoni and Zkel went for their fourth round. Zkel was grinning widely as he gulped. Nhoni gulped with extra vigor. Fifth round. Sixth. Seventh. Then Zkel fell on his knees and relieved himself. The crowd cheered Nhoni she slammed her cup on the table. She even yelled with them. She's definitely Meerlinin. And an Eisfalle.

He saw Bullon forcing his ten silver marks from Dune's fist. He didn't look happy. Pendrick was laughing too much. Perhaps he had more than he could handle.

Dune went down and rubbed Zkel's back. And helped him to his feet. "We should probably get back now," Dune announced as the crowd around their table began to dsiperse. Some shot Zkel contemptuous glances as they left. They must have lost bets.

Nhoni stood, eyes glinting with ecstacy and satisfaction. She nodded.

Alkoni rose with them. "I suppose you're going my direction." She looked at him, "Ah you're still here. I thought you left. Well that's good." She walked close to Zkel and kept patting his face. There's more going on there. It's probably none of my business.

He waved Pendrick goodbye as he and Nhoni started in the other direction. The street lamps and shops made it feel like it wasn't late. This is capital city so trading goes on for all day and night.

He glanced at Nhoni. She was smiling thoughtfully. "You're okay?"

"I am. Tell me is your voice always this seductive or only when you speak with women?"

Alkoni blinked, "What?"

"Your voice. It's so seductive. I was just thinking," she tapped her lips, "of how many women you must have slept with simply because you asked nicely." She giggled.

Alkoni found himself smiling, "You had too much to drink. Though I must say I'm impressed."

They were by the gates of the Harnessers mansion. Alkoni sighed in relief. Maybe he could still sneak out tonight.

Nhoni was watching him. He had stopped moving. "Goodnight," she turned to leave before he could speak.

I could leave now.

He entered his room and changed his clothes. Brown breeches and brown jacket. He was lacing his boots when he heard a soft knock on his door. Now who could that be by this hour?

"Come." The rustle of a dress made him look him. It was Beredith. Even the night couldn't darken her beauty. He cleared his throat.

"Um… milady." He sketched a bow for her. She acknowledged it with a nod.

"What brings you here? By this hour?" He placed emphasis on 'hour'

She glided to a seat in his room. Straight backed she looked like a queen. "I was here earlier. If you had been back by then, I wouldn't be here by this… hour." She smiled faintly.

"Sorry. We lost track of time," he went back to lacing his boots then stopped and started unlacing them.

"Yes. I have some idea of that. I met Nhoni on my way here," her tone said what she thought of that. She didn't like taverns.

Alkoni pursed his lips. He was not going to apologize.

"Besides the reason I came here is to inform you that we are presenting you before the king tomorrow."

Alkoni jumped to his feet, "Tomorrow? Tomorrow!"

She eyed him skeptically, "Is there a problem? It won't be in the morning. You have nothing to fear if you're not an early riser. But a good first impression is important."

Who cares if it's not in the morning. This changes things.

"So…" he tried to sound lazy, "is it just the king or the entire royal family?"

"Well, I can't say for sure. Generals and high ranking officers might be there. The entire Eldermen Circle will be there." Harnessers and their fancy names. Come to think of it, this doesn't sound bad. He could get to see this General Ebe.

A sly smile crept on his lips. Beredith must have thought it was for her. For she grimaced, slightly.

"I'll be seeing you in the morning then. I'll have someone prepare clothes for you. You'll need to look presentable not like a mercenary." She rose to leave. At least the awe in those gray gemstones had reduced.

He fell backwards on his bed. He was tired. The King. He'd never met a king before or a queen or princess. But he'd met a prince, once. He fell asleep on the bed.

Wolf! Wolf! Wolf! Wolf! Wolf! Wolf! The Wolf!

Alkoni opened his eyes and glanced at the door.

"Come," a woman in a dark yellow and white livery brought in clothes and dropped it on a table and walked out immediately. Alkoni cocked an eyebrow. She didn't so much as spare him a glance.

He went to the table. It was a coat. A dark green coat. It was fancy for his taste. Golden embroidery here and there. His copper bath tub still had water from the previous day. He used it.

While dressing he heard a soft tap on his door. He said, "Come."

He was greeted by a scent of fresh roses. He spun to see Beredith. In a blue and white gown. Elegant of cut.

"Are you sure you are not a princess?" He said quickly. She laughed. A soft melody. "No. I am not. But I am the Head House's Daughter and apparent heir."

Alkoni nodded. And continued dressing. He did not trust himself to keep looking at her. She might mistake his admiration for leering.

He attacked his boot lace. The rose scent got closer and a soft hand rested on his shoulder.

"Are you ready? I don't mean your dress, mind you." Beredith asked. Alkoni could get lost in those gray eyes.

"Er, yes. I am." Get it together. You've flirted before. "Let's not keep his majesty waiting."

A carriage carried them to the palace. It's groves were more beautiful up close. He almost wished he could show it to Lyla. Knowing her she must have found her way here.

Beredith led him through tapestried corridors and marbles tiles painted with the Oak Tree of Eden. They approached a room with several guards outside. The doors were large and ornamented. This had to be a grand hall.

Alkoni exhaled. General Ebe should be beyond that door.