Chapter IX: Spymaster [3]

"Something has happened to him, huh?" Velmund mouthed as a guess as he contemplated deeply, unsurprised.

"Unfortunately, at the night of the attack, some assassins have snuck into the castle to abduct your brother. It was really hard to believe that the castle's security was easily compromised, but given that the original castle guards were away from battle, it is not too shocking. Although it was the commander and Night Owl himself who discovered the assassins before they were able to escape with Lord Varus incapacitated, even the two were not able to save him in time. Night Owl explained that they simply vanished into thin air while he pursued, leaving no tracks whatsoever." 

"If they managed to escape Night Owl's grasps, their skills must be commendable. But given the Marquis's rebellion, the reason for my brother's abduction is clearly not unfounded."

"Of course, I know that, Vel. They wanted to disrupt the command chain to impair the defense force inside the city."

"That could be true, but even if it is so, it will only be the secondary objective."

"Then, what comes first?"

"Legitimacy."

"Pardon?"

"You are aware of the laws of the Kingdom with regards to the infighting between nobles, right? In order to take over a territory by rule of conquest, it is not enough to merely defeat them militarily. There are certain conditions that must be met. Aside from a proper war declaration for a specific reason mutually contested upon by both parties, an unprovoked war can only be recognized if either the opposing side gains the absolute support of the crown or be endorsed by someone who has a legitimate claim aside from the current land owner. Another alternative is, of course, if the current land owner has defected or betrayed Runtallia in favor of the enemies of the Kingdom, which is not applicable in this case. As such, it is safe to assume that Marquis Quillton is planning to hold my brother hostage for him to sign some documents that will strengthen the Marquis's claim whilst relinquishing his own as apparent heir."

"I don't understand. If he really wanted legitimacy, he would need to eliminate the Duke himself, Lord Theo and you. Otherwise, any documents that he will force your brother to sign would be meaningless, right?"

"How do you suppose the Marquis has the confidence to assault the city when it can turn into a protracted siege? Surely, the disruption in trade would be an indication of an attack to the city. Even from faraway, and even if the messengers do not reach the camp at Kurlon personally, merchants or anyone who wanted to come to trade or simply visit the city would wonder why the city is besieged. It is possible that they would flock to inform the Duke for a reward, would they not? From that, it would not be too long before the news reach the ears of my unknowing father. It has been a week already, surely there should be a sign of the Duke's return or at least a relief force making their way to Regalia by now?"

"No signs as far as I know, Vel. But as I said earlier, there has been a blockade on all the roads leading to the capital, so surely there must be too on the way to the Duke's camp. And I can't get my head on your actual point. You still haven't cleared up the matter regarding the Marquis's legitimate claim on Regalia."

"At the present, the Marquis's army only stands ten thousand strong. The current war host under my father defending Kurlon would easily outnumber the Marquis's forces once the two armies are fielded against each other head on, and yet his treacherous vassal is assertive enough to besiege the Duchy's seat of power in spite of that. Even if my father lost Kurlon to Chief-thane Dariun, the losses he would derive from Marquis Quillton's rebellion is incomparable to losing the city. Therefore, I suspect that to prevent the army's return to Regalia, Marquis Quillton has done something that would let him put a leash on my father's neck. Incidentally, do you know the saying about keeping your friends close, but your enemies closer?"

"Yes, I do. What does it have to do with what you're saying though?"

"Since Marquis Quillton cannot personally do it himself... you, of all people you should know the implication of what I am saying. Allow me to explain in simple words: I am convinced that there is a traitor in our midst. Someone that would keep my father from knowing the attack on Regalia. Someone that would prevent any news from reaching the Duke's ears and would keep watch on his actions, thus preventing the army from marching back for the city's defense. Someone that would jump at a chance, if presented, to eliminate both my father and my brother Theo once the city is captured and a document is ensured that would justify his actions to the Royal Court. All while he kept them busy with the war with Norsmund. I do not know what story would they come up with, but it does no longer matter if he successfully eliminate all heirs like he did with his step brothers. 

"T-That would makes sense," Mana stammered, her eyes widening upon the possibility. "But how exactly have you arrived at this conclusion?"

"As much as I wanted to claim it as my own deduction, I was only able to puzzle it together when I remembered a certain discourse between Master Alfron and my father. Master Alfron is by far the wisest advisor on my father's court, and even he had a long lingering suspicion of a viper inside the ducal court."

"I see. So, the reason for the Marquis's confidence is because he had an accomplice who would serve as his eyes and ears on the Duke's army. However, for such a man to do all that you suspect him to do, he must be a high-ranking officer in the Regalian Army. At least one of the division commanders, right?"

"I am still in the dark when it comes to that. Since your guess is as good as mine, I would leave you the task of unraveling his identity. For now, tell me how long do you think the city will hold without outside intervention?"

"Lord Fenric was the one handling the management of supplies, and according to him, the city granaries and storehouses can outlast at least a month if food was properly rationed. Civil unrest is kept into a minimum with the help of the temporary administration of Master Alfron, the castle's chamberlain. As for the defenders, the City Watch is surprisingly doing well despite specializing at urban warfare and their commander is making an effort to organize a militia from the large pool of able-bodied citizens and limited supplies of weapons on the castle armory. As for your retainer… Night Owl is actively making sorties and small raids to wreak havoc in the enemy camp. With him being at least competent enough to do his job you left him with, I assume that it really boils down to how long can the city feed itself."

"Indeed. Leaving Renkou was a wise choice. You mentioned earlier something about the other provinces being informed, how does it look?"

"Although no official letters has been received, I am already aware of the provincial lords' stance in regards with the Marquis's actions due to my growing spy network." As Mana said this with overbearing confidence, Velmund noticed a curl on her lips forming into a grin. "For Rondelle, with Count Roswalt being the Duke's closest ally among the provincial lords, it can be assumed that he is more than willing to send reinforcements. And given that Rondelle and Ruggleford went through some border conflicts in the past, Count Roswalt is probably itching to put Marquis Quillton to the sword after news has reached him. As for the Barony of Gullford and the County of Frundle, both the lords of those provinces decided to remain neutral. That may change of course if the Duke himself demands aid, which might not be possible at the moment. Also, it goes without saying that the Viscounty of Leuzburg will also be sitting on the fence here. The Viscountess is a direct vassal of the King, and is not even a member of the Estveine Faction."

"How about Lord Frenzell of Falmundth?"

"Grave news on that front. A spy of mine working as a maidservant at his residence informed me that he already swore his allegiance to the Marquis. He is arming his serfs and drafting men from the peasants and yeomen. The Baron is planning to mobilize his troops and is expected to arrive by the coming weeks to aid the assault in the city."

Velmund's eyes gaped in utter disbelief. Baron Frenzell was known throughout the Kingdom as a man of honor and integrity. Among the provincial lords of the Kingdom, he was prominently regarded as one of the few pacifists to disagree with the long-standing war between Runtallia and its oldest rival on the other side of the Great Neutomian Sea, the Gittlorne Republic. During his younger years and before becoming the lord of his province, Baron Frenzell was a diplomat by trade, and was even sent to Norsmund to placate minor tribes settled near the Duchy's border to deescalate potential conflicts.

That man despises war, yet his actions contradict his principles.

"Aside from Count Roswalt, Baron Frenzell was one of the few nobles to have answered my request for military assistance. The troops he lent me are still alive within my army. To think that he would side with Marquis Quillton to instigate a rebellion against my father. I wonder the reason for his change of heart."

"Nobles like him can always be easily bribed, no surprises there, Vel," Mana said nonchalantly.

"Perhaps, but I doubt that is the case with Baron Frenzell. I have met him once before, and I can testify to his strong sense of honor. The notion of him joining the Marquis to rebel is absurd, so there must be a reason for such action. Look in to for me, Mana."

"If you say so. Information gathering is my forte and job, after all. Anything else you want me to work into?"

"Before I give you your orders, do you mind telling me why specifically have you guided me towards this village? Surely, there must be a reason."

"I almost forgot to tell, aye there is. The lord of this village, he's working with the Marquis's army. I think the man is trying to curry some favors by shipping supplies to the enemies. I also caught on a rumor that he had some connections in the Marquis's court from when he used to trade in Ruggleford at the beginning of his career as a merchant. He bought this land and acquired a title for himself about ten years ago, so he basically just used be a rich commoner before becoming a noble."

"I see. Then I might as well use him to our advantage."

"You mean torture him?"

"That would not be necessary. I doubt I will get much information from the man."

"Very well, then what are my orders?"

Velmund pressed his chin, pondering deep in thought. He had learned many things from his spymaster, yet there remained a lot of things still shrouded in mystery. That of the motives of the Baron, the identity of the traitor who hid among his father's rank, and the link of this rebellion to the preceding events which had shared its resemblance, were all hidden under the veil of obscurity.

All shall be disclosed in due time. Patience is all I need.

Velmund cut his thoughts for a while and paid attention to the parchment lying atop his table. He diverted his gaze to Mana and handed the parchment over to her and spoke, "Listen well, here are my orders…"