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Battle Master

Chapter 10

The carriage house was adjacent to the inn and the walkway connecting them was covered. Stepping into the common room, Bayden kept his traveling cloak pulled tightly around him; there was a fire blazing away in the hearth and the place was warm enough, but old habits died hard and the Wolf did everything he could do to keep the cloth close to his fur. The safety blanket, however, was pulled from him by Willis, who took it without comment and moved to place it on a peg where it joined a dozen others.

The common room itself was barely half the size of the Lord of Stone's grand banquet hall but that was still more than large enough to fit eight rectangular tables in two rows of four without them getting too close to the fireplace nor blocking the path from the main door to a set of stairs leading up to what Baedyn presumed to be the rooms. Although each table looked to comfortably sit three to a side on their long, wooden benches, most of the tables were empty and the two who had patrons only had two and three sharing the space.

Rather than making any outward gesture or movement, Ian provided a mental gesture, encouraging the Wolf to join him at the table furthest from the hearth. The bundled-up Sarvestinian used a particularly lumbering gait-- far different than his usually fluid, slithering-like stride and, Baedyn noticed, his scaled tail was pulled up within the bundle of furs he wore, providing a fairly convincing illusion of perhaps a Bear, or maybe a burly Wolverine. When Ian took a seat in the shadowy corner the impression held up even better.

Even as Baedyn took a seat across from his Saglahasan Talvin wasted no time walking right up to the Ewe tending the counter. He struck up a conversation in Vensiian which was too hard to follow at such a distance, but it seemed like an amiable enough exchange; Baedyn's gaze slowly wandered to the other patrons: there were two Rats and a Hound closest to him two tables over but they seemed far more interested in their tankards to pay any attention to the Wolf.

Across from the trio were a pair of what looked like Laranian monks; Baedyn had never seen one but he recognized the holy symbols hanging around their necks and, even though their heads were bare he saw that their robes had withdrawn hoods and all Laranian Monks wore hooded robes, or so the stories went. One, a small-looking Lion with a shaved mane was speaking quietly in what Baedyn was sure was Laranian while the other, a starry-eyed young Gray Fox just looked onward nodding every few moments.

Even as Baedyn examined those sharing the common room with him he felt the tingling pins-and-needles that told him Fate Magic was at work; he didn't have to concentrate very hard to realize that it was coming from Talvin. Having spent a few days resting himself, Baedyn was confident that he could explore it further without overexerting himself but he realized there was no need; he could tell that Talvin was just redirecting attention surreptitiously.

Most people unfamiliar with Fate Magic just presumed that perception was a skill or a talent that one could train. A skilled Sorran, however, understood that luck (or, more specifically Fate) had a lot to do with it; after all, it didn't matter how skilled a pair of eyes were if a guard wasn't at their post at the right time to catch someone. Likewise, with a gentle poke at Fate's lines or a careful tug on one of the threads would make a convenient absence of attention on a specific shadowy corner. Ian agreed with Baedyn's assessment and reiterated that Talvin was very skilled at helping the Sarvestinian hide in plain sight any time he had to be out in public.

While Talvin worked his magic (both literally and figuratively) with the Ewe at the desk Willis selected a table and took a seat; Choel, who had just entered from the carriage house and joined the Ocelot. The two of the felines sat facing one another and, Baedyn noticed, since Willis had selected one of the tables in the center of the room, it gave them a very organic way to keep their eyes on the entirety of the room without making it look like it. Ian recalled numerous times when the Wolf brothers had used the exact same tactic and Baedyn acknowledged silently, noting that it was a good basic technique for survival on the road.

Ian radiated a sense of warmth and welcome, pleased that Baedyn was regaining his knack for mental discussion; the Sarvestinian had truly missed such a close connection and without his Saglahasan it felt as though he were missing an arm. Baedyn smiled at the melodrama and indicated that he thought of it as such, eliciting a mental chuckle from Ian; the Sarvestinian wasn't about to actually let a laugh escape him-- not in such a crowded room. Baedyn, of course, agreed that it would be a very bad idea.

Although the Sarvestinian didn't provide any outward signs of it, Baedyn could tell that Ian's attention was suddenly redirected. Rather than try to visually figure out what his Saglahasan was so focused on he instead reached out with his mind and pulled himself into the flow of the Lizard's sense, letting their current provide him the insight he sought. He got his answer readily enough when he realized that Ian was watching Talvin pay off the Ewe at the counter which, thanks to the Sarvestinian's knowledge, Baedyn was informed that the short-shorn woman was the owner's wife.

Talvin then offered up another comment; based on his body language, Baedyn presumed it was probably some friendly quip or perhaps a half-hearted joke that his younger brother had been unable to muster some nearly-twenty years past. Talvin truly had changed in the time since they were destitute and on the road as social graces seemed to come as easily as they had evaded him in his youth. It was almost frightening. Smiling, Baedyn's brother strode right over with a tankard in either paw. "Will two coppers get me your two cents?"

It was a saying that their dad had used to use when he was wondering what his sons were thinking and, suddenly faced with that memory, Baedyn wasn't sure to smile or sigh. Choosing neither, he motioned to the drinks his brother had set down. "Why only two? There are three of us."

Talvin offered him a quick glance then nodded toward the towering pile of furs hiding the Sarvestinian beneath. "Ian never drinks on duty."

The lizard reinforced the statement with what he presented as the real reason: it just wasn't safe for Ian to do anything that would call attention to him, especially when it could reveal his talons or scales or, worse yet, his face. Baedyn expressed displeasure at partaking in something when his Saglahasan couldn't join him but the Sarvestinian simply responded with warm, loving comfort and reassurance that they could share a meal and more once they retired to their room for the evening. The Wolf responded that he liked the idea.

Talvin cleared his throat, sliding a tankard to his brother as he noted in a quiet tone "Well, if the two of you are done flirting, I believe that you recently asked me to make certain that you would prefer to be updated on my plans, and now is the time to do that."

The straight forward statement by his brother was both surprising and reassuring. Baedyn reached out and accepted the mug from Talvin. "Yes... that sounds like a good idea. Did you find out anything from the inn keeper's wife?"

Shooting a glance toward Ian, Talvin apparently realized how Baedyn had been brought up to speed with regard to the Ewe at the front counter. "Yes. A few coins got me all the information that we need."

Baedyn couldn't help but get the feeling that his brother wasn't used to conveying information simply without some encouragement. "And what IS that information?"

Talvin smiled in response, taking a sip of his drink before stating in a hushed tone. "Lord Desanti is indeed here. Apparently he's reserved a room for some time on the second floor, which leads me to believe that he was waiting for us."

Raising an eyebrow, Baedyn took a moment to digest the information and came to a singular conclusion. "You think he's expecting you?"

His brother's smile widened. "Us, most likely. Lord Desanti has always been well informed so there is reason to believe that he knows much of what I have been up to."

The elder brother was taken aback; with as tight-lipped as Talvin seemed to be, Baedyn was surprised that he would have revealed so much about his life and his family. "You told him about me?"

Talvin's conniving smile replaced his vivacious one. "I said MUCH, not ALL, my dear Lord Baedyn... no man should reveal all of his secrets."

Quickly pushing past his brother's theatrics, Baedyn inquired further. "So... Lord Desanti is on the second floor..."

Taking another swig from his tankard, Talvin sat up a little straighter. "I reserved us rooms in the same hall as Lord Desanti. We should be close enough to get a signal to him without revealing our intentions to anyone else. He is a smart Stag and I would presume that he is wary of possible spies even in Vensii."

Baedyn's voice and already been low, following his brother's example, but at the word 'spies' it got even quieter as he leaned forward. "Spies? Here? You mean from Pross, right?"

Talvin nodded in response. "Precisely. Lord Desanti is someone of importance in Pross and a thorn in the side of many Lords who are vying for power. I would not be surprised if they have more than spies after him."

Ian's thought quickly added that Talvin was suggesting that assassins could be sent after the Elk; Baedyn shot his Saglahasan a sour glance, not precisely needing the clarification nor comforted by what it meant. The Sarvestinian simply conveyed that it was a valid thought and was something of which Baedyn should be aware. The Wolf sighed, looking back to his brother. "So... we need to find a way to contact him without being obvious about it..."

Talvin nodded in thought, running his thumb along the edge of his tankard where a few errant suds stuck to the rim. "Precisely... and when one is trying to avoid being overt, the obvious step would attempt the covert."

It was not just an obvious wordplay, it was nigh immature; it didn't contribute the conversation or provide any useful information, which meant that Talvin obviously expected more from Baedyn. Sighing, he humored his younger brother by pushing for more information. "Then what's our next step? How are we going to be..." he paused for effect before using Talvin's own chosen word "..covert?"

Baedyn waited as his brother took another sip from his mug then licked his muzzle purposefully before answering. "First, we wait for the common room to clear out for the night."

Baedyn hadn't completely expected Talvin to fully disclose the whole plan but he was left wanting more than anticipated as his brother went silent and didn't start back up, apparently content to let the time pass exactly as he had suggested. Letting out yet another sigh, Baedyn passed the time in pleasant reverie, communicating wordlessly with his beloved Ian. That idle time lasted nearly a half an hour as the party of two left to head up the stairs and, shortly thereafter, the party of three exited through the door to the outside.

Once the three of them were alone in the common room Talvin glanced to Baedyn. "Alright... next, I am going to head up the stairs. We have rooms two and three. Wait five minutes before you follow and keep Ian in front of you just in case a--"

The statement immediately faded away into a hanging cut mid-sentence as Talvin's eyes were drawn magnetically to the stairs. Baedyn turned to follow his brother's gaze which, as far as the Wolf could tell, was focused on an older, graying furred Yak descending the steps. Talvin remained silent as the shaggy-furred bovine went to the desk and struck up a conversation with the Ewe in what Baedyn was fairly certain was Prossian. Although Baedyn was not familiar with the language itself nor most accents, the heavy Meisenylian drawl was unmistakable.

Without another word, Talvin stood up and made his way to the two of them providing Baedyn no clue or information. That was left up to Ian, who conveyed that the Yak was one of Lord Desanti's slaves set free when the King of Pross was killed. Baedyn continued watching his brother but expressed his thoughts to the Sarvestinian that there was probably a good chance then that the Yak and the Elk were traveling together. Ian confirmed that it was likely, and offered comfort and warm thoughts expressing the positive outcome of the meeting since Talvin's more complicated plans would probably not be necessary thanks to the chance meeting.

Another thought came to mind as Baedyn watched his brother conversing with the Yak. If the man were free, he wondered, then why was he still traveling with Lord Desanti? The answer seemed like it was any easy one for the lizard to offer: all of the Stag's followers were incredibly loyal and many chose to follow him even after being liberated. Ian also pointed out that a large number of Talvin's own retinue were slaves when they were recruited and yet they stayed with Bane even after being freed. Baedyn had to admit that it was a good point and if his brother and the Elk were allies then both being well-regarded by the people they were trying to help made sense. He hoped that it was a positive sign that his brother really would be doing some good by getting involved in another country's politics.

Turning back to the Sarvestinian, Baedyn decided that he was done sitting on the sidelines and he was ready to start learning things first-hand. In order to accentuate his request, the Wolf spoke rather than thought to his Saglahasan. "Stay here. I want some answers."

Ian's only response as Baedyn approached his brother and the Yak was to point out that the Yak spoke Vensiian, and to wish him good luck. The Sarvestinian remained as still as a statue with the same infinite patience that Baedyn had always known him to have. As he drew nearer the conversation he took stock of the Bovine, who had several inches on Talvin both in height and in width. Though the older man's age was clear from his graying fur and the slight padding around his midsection it was still readily obvious that the Yak was in good physical shape.

Even as he was appraised, the Yak likewise eyed Baedyn, commenting something in Prossian to Talvin, who glanced back toward Baedyn and smiled, then spoke in Vensiian "Ah, Lord Baedyn... I was just about to call you."

Not in the least surprised that Talvin continued to be overtly polite and avoid divulging any filial relationship, Baedyn slowed his gait to take in the knowing-gaze and keen intellect evident in the Yak's gaze. Letting his brother set the terms of the conversation, Baedyn replied in Vensiian as well. "I thought it would be polite to make introductions rather than eavesdrop."

The edge of the Yak's muzzle pulled back into the faintest hint of a smirk. "Ah, well wise choice. Never let it be said that the great Lord Bane would suffer boorish company."

There was something to the comment that made Baedyn feel as though it was some kind of jab against his brother, and the almost chiding emphasis the older man put on Talvin's pseudonym gave him the impression that the Yak knew more than he was letting on in general public. Talvin, on the other hand, didn't even skip a beat. "Dorias Freeman, please allow me to introduce you to Baedyn Vune, Brother to the late Lord Talvin Vune."

The surprise on the Yak's face could have been due to any number of things, but Baedyn knew there was also surprise on his own muzzle and it was mostly due to the fact that his brother had actually divulged a relationship that he seemed intent on hiding. Was it due to the fact that the Yak was a well-regarded confidant of Lord Desanti? Yes, Ian confirmed from his place in the corner; Talvin kept few secrets from his ex-Master. Baedyn could feel a hint of jealousy in the mental sending and he chided the Sarvestinian that envy wasn't an enjoyable emotion to feel from his Saglahasan. Ian took the comment well and responded with the mental equivalent of sticking his tongue out with blatant immaturity.

A few days prior, Baedyn wouldn't have been able to follow both a mental conversation and somebody asking him a question aloud but he had recovered enough that it only took him a moment to realize that Dorias had asked him a question. He repeated it to buy himself a few moments to consider an answer. "How long have I been traveling with Lord Bane? Ever since we left Izlegaol."

The Yak nodded in thought. "Well... this will be an interesting turn of events... I do not believe the world is ready for two Banes."

Whatever Dorias meant by that Baedyn certainly didn't know but he didn't miss the way his brother's tail swayed from side to side in obvious mirth. Rather than address the statement directly, Talvin turned to Baedyn and stated "Dorias knows a great amount for a slave... three languages, in fact... and more than a little about a number of other topics."

Baedyn quickly pointed out something he'd noticed. "I heard you two talking in Prossian earlier and I'm SURE I heard a Meisenylian accent, but--" he turned to regard Dorias rather than rudely talking about the Yak to his brother with the ex-slave right there. "You don't have any accent at all when you're speaking Vensiian."

The chuckle from the Yak was surprisingly pleasant, lacking any of the scorn or wry wit that he seemed so intent on directing at Talvin. "I have one, but I suppose it isn't as common to a non-native. No... my master made certain that I learned Vensiian and could speak it clearly. I suppose I might've gotten lazy after enough time that little things still slip through, but only Vensiians would probably catch it."

The Wolf honestly couldn't tell the difference. "Well, you speak it better than I do, at any rate. I'm impressed."

Talvin interjected himself into the conversation before Dorias could speak up. "That's because you're easy to impress, my dear Lord Baedyn, but I'm certain Dorias appreciates your praise. Now... about the task at hand. As I said, he is a very astute individual and has managed to puzzle out far more than most... one might say he knows more than he's been told."

Ian inserted the explanation that Dorias is one of only a few people outside of Talvin's inner circle who are in-the-know. Before the sending could go any further, the Yak weighed in on the situation with his own assessment. "It's just a matter of keeping open eyes and ears."

Talvin laughed jovially, reaching up to slap Dorias shaggy shoulder. "I am pleased you're here, my friend. You'll be a good addition to the festivities."

Dorias' smile disappeared, replaced with a scowl. His voice contained as much warmth as Baedyn's cell in Izlegaol during the winter. "I'm not your friend, and I'm not particularly interested in joining your collaborators, Bane. Trouble follows you and my Lord has enough of that already in his life."

Talvin waved away the thought. "Life itself is full of trouble, Dorias, and it is friends who make carrying that burden more bearable. We've come a long way to see Lord Desanti. Surely he can spare some time to meet with his old friend."

A strange neutrality flowed across Dorias' face as his expression returned to neutral then slowly shifted to thoughtful. Several seconds passed as the Yak stroked his beard before finally opening his muzzle to state "He is in his room sleeping... and I am confident he will NOT want to see you... Bane."

Smiling, Talvin stepped around the Yak. "Be that as it may, I am going to see him regardless. Now, I am happy to let you lead if you would like to join me for the meeting, but I am also happy enough to go in solo... after all, Lord Desa--"

Baedyn was surprised and both aghast and amused at the way the Yak palmed his brother's head and bodily picked him up. Despite the obvious strength with which Dorias manhandled Talvin there was obvious care to avoid harming him. Although the physical statement was obvious, Dorias added one verbally. "I'm going too. You'll need to be announced and you're not going in without me there."

Talvin smoothed out his tunic and glanced back to Baedyn, offering a vivacious smile and a wink before following after Dorias. "That is a wonderful idea, Dorias. I'm so pleased to see that you're still in Lord Desanti's employ... truly fortunate for all of my plans."

The Yak shot a glance back over his shoulder but, surprisingly, it was aimed at Baedyn and not Talvin. The big Bovine's comment seemed barbed, but also held a certain amount of good-natured jest to it. "Take note of how he uses 'my' instead of 'our' when it comes to plans. For those paying attention, that is called 'foreshadowing'."

Baedyn wasn't exactly sure how to take the statement but it still said volumes about Dorias' thoughts on Talvin. Based on the bits and pieces the Wolf had picked up when communing with Ian he had a feeling that there may have been some credence to the Yak's opinion on the matter; Talvin sounded as though he was involved with some fairly shady, questionable, and possibly antisocial activities during his stay in Pross.

Pushing the thought from his mind, Baedyn followed after his brother, who had stepped into line right behind Dorias. The three of them made their way up the stairs to the second floor without more than a casual nod to the innkeeper's wife who paid them no mind beyond wishing them a good night. The stairs were sturdy, which was a good thing considering the hefty step of their guide and the wood didn't seem to creak in the least; if nothing else, Baedyn could appreciate the sturdy construction.

Ian's mirthful thoughts invaded his mind, wondering if Baedyn was thinking about the stairs or the Yak. Until that moment, the Wolf didn't realize just how much he'd been admiring Dorias' physique. Although Baedyn knew many kinds of attraction, he'd never particularly been enticed by a well aged man but, then again, few nearly twice his age were quite as appealing as the old-- coming to a stop, Baedyn challenged the thought, sending a query out to the Sarvestinian to see just how much the Sarvestinian was messing with his head. The jovial mental projection from Ian was akin to a laugh, especially once the Lizard reminded him that the Wolf's Saglahasan's age put Dorias' to shame.

Baedyn decided he needed to focus on the hallway and he ended the mental communication by murmuring under his breath "One day you'll tell me just how old you are, you decrepit lizard."

Ian got the idea and ceased the interaction, but not before offering a general sense of giddiness, plus the lewd thought of being no older than the Wolf who shared his bed. Baedyn would have taken a parting shot of his own except the Yak guiding them came to a stop in front of a large double-doored room guarded by a massive Stallion. The guardsman was somehow taller even than Dorias and had the kind of stoic indifference etched into his features that suggested a warrior-- possibly a killer.

Dorias poked a thumb over his shoulder back toward Baedyn and Talvin and addressed the Horse in Vensiian. "Guests to visit the Lord."

The Stallion's deep bass voice rumbled in a way that made Baedyn feel like his bones were rubbing together from the rumble and yet, despite the strange intimidation from the sound itself there was no sense of hostility in the tone or inflection as the guard made a simple observation. "Lord Bane has returned."

Talvin didn't so much as pause, stepping around Dorias and approaching the Horse with arms held wide. "Ah... Maern, my very good friend. You are looking well. I'm overjoyed to see that you still serve your Lord faithfully-- that makes the task ahead so much--"

The Stallion folded his arms over his massive chest, staring down Talvin with no more reaction than the flick of an ear, and didn't bother waiting for him to finish speaking "Of course. There is nowhere else I WOULD be."

Baedyn watched as his brother deflated noticeably, pausing for a moment before putting on airs once again as if the interruption hadn't bothered him in the least. "Well, as it so happens, this is precisely where WE wish to be as well."

Talvin had been content to stand back and watch his brother at work; he certainly wasn't ready to be dragged into things but the moment the Stallion's icy blue stare shifted to his direction the Wolf found that he was all but frozen in place. The Horse, apparently 'Maern' by name had an unsettling gaze that felt as comfortable being pointed his way as a loaded crossbow. Maern's next statement could have been taken as a joke but the tone was devoid of any sense of humor, addressed at Talvin even as his eyes bore holes into Baedyn. "There are two of you now."

Dorias interjected "Gods help us all if that were the case. This is Lord Baedyn Vune... brother to the late Lord Talvin Vune."

Something about the Yak's explanation sounded as though it were being read from a script; Dorias certainly added no real emphasis on it as a proper introduction, especially when accentuating the word 'late' when referring to Talvin. The statement, however, did get something of a reaction from the Stallion, whose ears rose in surprise or perhaps curiosity-- Maern was not an easy read. The Wolf cleared his throat, still under scrutiny and offered up a paw, palm out in a casual wave. "Just Baedyn."

The introduction was cut short as Talvin reached a paw out for the door; Maern's attention returned immediately to him. The Stallion spoke with the voice of finality that permitted no negotiation. "My Lord is resting. He will not be disturbed."

Baedyn was surprised when he noticed his brother's hackles raise and, almost as if possessed by some form of insanity, Talvin reached for the door again, going under Maern's massive arm. "I am going to speak with Lord Desanti and you will not interfere, Warrior."

Completely unaware that Horses were capable of growling, Baedyn was caught off guard when one of the most intimidating sounds he'd ever heard emerged from the Stallion and Maern interposed himself, blocking Talvin's access to the door, both large hands curling into deadly-looking fists. "You will NOT enter."

Talvin's tail flicked dismissively. "Well you are not going to stop me."

Dorias didn't so much as move but the Yak did provide what sounded like a warning in Prossian. He then glanced behind himself toward Baedyn. "You may wish to stop him from doing something very stupid."

Baedyn took a step forward. "Maybe we--"

His brother didn't so much as acknowledge his presence, preferring instead to stare down the gigantic equine guard. In the end, Talvin reached for the fine fencing foil at his hip before stating quite calmly. "Maern, I commend your dedication to your Lord but you know I am not threat... but if you refuse me entrance I WILL fight you, and it is not a fight that needs to take place."

The Stallion's reaction was both surprising and immediate; he recoiled as if touching a hot pan and scowled twice as deeply. The look of disgust on Maern's face was blatant to see but he did take a step back, allowing Talvin access to the door. The Horse all but growled out a pointed statement "You are a crafty one, Wolf... but one day that trait will cause you far more trouble than it saves..."

Talvin tipped his traveling cap to the guard. "And on that day, my most honored Warrior, I hope you are there to save me."

Stepping around Maern, Talvin glanced back to Baedyn and waved him forward, creaking the door open as he stepped inside. Slowly following after his brother, Baedyn looked helplessly toward the Horse, offering what he hoped the guard would take as a calming, apologetic glance but he got no response from Maern, who stood passively, observing with the same iron-like gaze. A moment later Baedyn was past the threshold and he stepped into the darkened room.

The chamber was well appointed and graciously decorated. While there were any number of intricately crafted pieces of furniture the focal point of the room was a large, royal sized bed which took up the center, and it was not empty. While Baedyn had anticipated seeing a regal set of antlers crowning an even more majestic stag what he encountered was instead something totally different.

Splayed out on the large mattress, naked save for the haphazard draping of a bed sheet, was a rather unspectacular-looking red Fox. Talvin seemed just as bewildered. "Wait... where is Hector?"

Dorias, who had stepped into the room behind Baedyn, maneuvered around the Wolf to address Talvin, gesturing toward the unconscious vulpine. "Lord Bane, may I introduce Lord Sidney Desanti... such that he is."

Even as Talvin stood stunned Baedyn was already taking in more and more of the scene: clothes piled on the floor, numerous flagons, tankards and mugs perched on most vertical surfaces-- the room looked like the right kind of scene for a drunken lord's bender. There was even a small silver ring resting on the night stand beside the bed; it was a signet ring if Baedyn wasn't mistaken. Talvin seemed to notice it at the same time. "The ring! Hector's ring! Why does Sidney have it?"

Dorias' flat response somehow came across as full of mirth. "Sidney Desanti-- I would have figured the reason obvious."

From somewhere down below Ian's sending reached up to the room; Baedyn could tell immediately that it was not directed to him alone. Ian agreed with Baedyn's thought from earlier in the evening: jealousy certainly wasn't a pleasant emotion to experience.