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  Whenever Earth convulsed in pain, Her people inevitably suffered with Her. Famines, plagues, crop failures, harsh winters or greater strife between the demesnes would follow, until Balance was re-established. Peace and prosperity depended on restoring Earth’s Balance. Seers such as Liethis saw, in the cycles of destruction and healing, evidence of the symbiosis between Earth, source of life, and Her people. When the people lived in harmony, Earth supplied them with what they needed. But when they acted with violence and destruction, such as in times of war, She had not the power to sustain Her support. Each needed the other. Thus swung the pendulum of Balance.

  Liethis wept, and as her tears watered the soil in empathy, Earth withdrew Her sending. Liethis could again raise herself up, the pain now a shadow of its former force.

  Liethis sent her awareness out in the direction of Catania, where she knew Lord Bargest had taken his army. Where the energies of Lord Bargest and his heir, Lionn, should have been, she could sense only a void, and she knew they had not survived. But Gaelen’s orange light burned strong. She could sense that Bargia had prevailed, and that Gaelen had assumed power. Now both Bargia and Catania would look to him as Lord. It gave her some hope.

  Another presence came into her awareness. A young woman. Ah! Cataniast’s daughter. Her aura burned a calming blue. Liethis’ spirit lifted. This woman would be good for Earth, her blue a complement to Gaelen’s orange. She would be one to keep an eye on. She, too, would have a role to play in Earth’s recovery.

  Liethis became aware of yet a third aura. This one she recognized as Lord Bargest’s most trusted spy and assassin, though she did not recall his name. His colour was green shot with red. Over it hung the grey film of a spirit hiding from itself. Its loneliness made Liethis sigh. His quest would be hardest of all … and the most important. But try as she might, Liethis could not see if he would succeed. She suspected even Earth did not know.

  She sent her awareness further, in search of the members of the council. Janest’s aura remained a steady, bright blue. Argost’s also still burned blue, but his was deeper, almost indigo. Good, they both lived. Gaelen would need them. Then she searched for Sinnath’s glow. She always had difficulty reading him, as he seemed to keep his aura shrouded. Now she could barely detect him. A murkiness covered his dark green; that worried her. Liethis sighed as she wondered at this. Why did he need to keep himself hidden?

  “Oh, Earth, let me see what must be done. How can the Balance be restored?” Liethis was unaware that she whispered her plea aloud.

  Bone weary, as such sendings always left her, she stumbled into her bed and fell into a restless sleep.

  ~3~

  A BEGINNING

  Gaelen strode briskly through the city to take stock of the wounded and assess the damage. He stopped beside an injured soldier being tended to one side of the square. “What is your name?”

  From long habit, Klast followed close behind, his keen eyes missing little. Over years of practice, Klast had honed his powers of observation. He had mastered reading the subtle signs that gave away others’ attitudes better than anyone else on the One Isle. He had also developed the tricks of posture and dress that allowed him to blend so well that people often did not notice his presence or forgot he was there. These skills had made him invaluable to the late Lord Bargest in his duties as spy and assassin. Now he transferred his loyalty to Gaelen, as Lord Bargest’s rightful successor. As Gaelen passed among the people, Klast took note of their reactions to relay them later to Gaelen.

  The soldier’s pinched face managed a flash of gratitude. “Garent, my lord.”

  “Garent, we will have you moved to a cot as soon as may be. I thank you for your service to Bargia today. Your efforts have helped secure our victory. You will receive whatever care you require.” Gaelen pressed the man’s shoulder and went on.

  Gaelen commended several more for their bravery and loyalty, touching each one briefly. He made a quick survey of the prisoners, then proceeded to the new temporary headquarters to meet with his advisors.

  When he reached the meeting room, Klast saw that Argost and Sinnath had scavenged a table and four chairs. They met Janest at the door. Gaelen paused to look at the makeshift meeting room.

  “Jonath,” he called to the young soldier who had brought the food for Marja, “Find us some bread and cheese, and some decent wine. And fetch Rhiall and Gheal to guard the door. Allow no one in.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  Gaelen smiled when the lad returned with four goblets and a knife as well. “Well done. Now get some rest. We will be long before you are needed again.”

  Klast watched Jonath square his shoulders at the praise and leave with a quick, tired grin and more spring in his step.

  From his post at the door, Klast admired the way Gaelen took command. He had the makings of a strong leader.

  Gaelen looked around the room before starting. “My friends.” He paused again.

  Klast watched the trio’s eyes turn to Gaelen and Gaelen meet each one in turn. His composure remained strong and steady. Klast knew the best son had come to power. Lionn would not have been an effective leader. Klast observed the others surreptitiously as Gaelen spoke.

  “We have achieved a great victory today. All of you have my gratitude. Now, bring me up to date on our losses and our current situation. We must act quickly to assert our dominion. Argost, report on the North quarter. I hear there was heavy fighting at that gate.”

  Argost was a tall, spare man, ramrod straight in spite of his late middle years, with a full head of iron grey hair and a beard which he kept trimmed short.

  Klast felt relieved that Argost had not been killed or wounded. The man had a reputation for solid decisions, and Klast expected Gaelen would rely on his steady presence. Of all the advisors, Argost could be relied on most for keeping his head when emotions ran high. Lord Bargest had had often taken his advice when the others had disagreed. Those decisions had never failed him.

  Klast watched Argost stroke his beard with one hand, a familiar gesture when deep in thought, somehow calming.

  When Argost looked up again, he answered Gaelen with firm confidence. “As you say, my lord, fighting at that end was heavy. We lost some good men.” He looked away a moment as he passed his hand across his mouth and stroked his beard, looking once more at the table. Then he raised his head and met Gaelen’s gaze again. “My lord, I regret to report that your lord father was among the last to fall. We were fighting at close quarters, and they cut him down before we could reach him. He fought courageously, four at once at the end.” Argost’s voice caught. “None live to tell of it. We made certain of that.”

  He cleared his throat and went on. “The area is secure. Fires have been put out, and all surviving locals wait in the city square, under guard with the other prisoners. Our men fought bravely and with discipline. I am pleased to report I saw very little looting and no killing of women or children, except those who used weapons to resist.”

  “Thank you, Argost. You have served my father bravely and loyally.” Gaelen turned to Sinnath. “Sinnath, you had Eastgate.”

  As the traditionalist of the group, Sinnath had always provided the word of caution in council. Gaelen’s father had considered him a personal friend. But Klast thought he lacked vision. He would have made a great advisor to Lionn, but Gaelen liked to find fresh solutions to problems. Sinnath’s resistance to change might prove a thorn in Gaelen’s side.

  Sinnath was even taller than Argost, thin to the point of austerity. He kept himself meticulously groomed, and usually managed to look fresh even after a long day in the saddle. Even now, with no opportunity to refresh himself, Sinnath’s tunic bore only a few small blood stains.

  Klast considered his own poor appearance and Gaelen’s blood stained tunic, and wondered how Sinnath managed it. Such tight control spoke of compulsiveness.

  “Yes, my lord.” Klast noted the studied way Sinnath steepled his long fingers and leaned forwar
d as he spoke, seeming relaxed, but Klast saw tension behind the pose.

  Sinnath spoke with the smooth, resonant timbre of an orator. “We were led, as you know, by your brother Lionn. His horse threw him early in the battle, and he was severely trampled in the melee. We did reach him and tended him off the field, but he died of his injuries only spans later. I am sorry.”

  Gaelen nodded acknowledgement at the thin smile of regret Sinnath gave him.

  Sinnath continued. “The battle grew more disorganized after that, and we lost too many men. But the area is now secure, and the prisoners rest with the ones taken at Northgate.” He leaned back, and Klast noted that his eyes went to the table. They no longer met Gaelen’s as he went on.

  “I am ashamed to say the men grew overzealous in their revenge. Discipline faltered after your brother was taken from the field. I have the names of those who failed to restrain themselves. They will be dealt with according to your wishes.” His eyes came up to meet Gaelen’s again. “Order has been restored and fires put out.”

  “Thank you, Sinnath. We will speak of this later.” Klast could tell that this news disturbed Gaelen by the sudden tightening in his mouth and the deepening furrow between his brows. He understood why. Bargia had strict laws forbidding rape or killing those not engaged in fighting. He watched Gaelen regain his composure as he turned to Janest.

  “Janest, what news of the south and west? I understand they were poorly defended.”

  Janest, although a man of middle years, was the youngest of the group. He had the distracted appearance of someone who always had some worry on his mind. But when it came down to it, Klast knew, his observations and insights always showed that he had missed nothing. He had a habit of running his hands over his hair when he tried to gather his thoughts. Klast smiled inwardly as he saw the familiar gesture, before Janest raised his eyes to Gaelen and began to speak.

  “That is correct, my lord. The west is bordered by the ravine and deep woods beyond. It is of little use to travellers and so has no gate. The wall is defence enough. Southgate was poorly defended. Most of the resistance came from the citizens. Once they realized they had no hope of rescue, they took it upon themselves to destroy as much as they could. Fire damage there is heavy, but most fires are now under control. If we get the rain that threatens, it will put out those remaining.” He shook his head in regret. “The deliberate firing of the buildings caused a great deal of confusion. Some citizens escaped over the wall. I have been informed by one of my best men, Brean, that the wife of Cataniast’s heir had hidden in one of the warehouses with their three young children. None came out alive. Her husband also fell in the fighting there. Those citizens remaining alive wait with the other prisoners.”

  “Thank you, Janest. Do any of you know what became of Cataniast himself? I heard rumours he met his death outside Eastgate. Can you confirm this?” Gaelen looked about the room.

  “My lord.” Gaelen turned as Sinnath spoke up. “I did not see how he died, but his body lies with the others of the family, on display in the market square. That leaves only one member unaccounted for. His daughter. She must be apprehended to prevent her from rallying resistance.”

  Gaelen smiled. “She will not cause trouble my friends. I have her upstairs under guard. That is one of the situations we must discuss before we leave this room.”

  Klast saw Janest raise his brows in surprise and Sinnath furrow his in concern. Argost looked interested but showed no surprise, as he had known of her arrest

  Gaelen sobered and went on. “The other urgent business concerns how we will handle the prisoners and what steps we need to take to restore order and to establish Bargia’s dominion.”

  “Gentlemen,” Gaelen continued, “the events of today have placed both demesnes in greater chaos than anticipated. As second son, everyone assumed that I would never rule. Some will attempt to undermine my position, saying that I have not the skills, that I am not trained to take command. This is false.” He scanned the room as if to make sure he detected no disagreement.

  As Gaelen’s strategy and arms tutor, Klast felt a moment of pride, hearing the firm voice and confident manner with which Gaelen kept command of the room. These men were all many years his senior. Yet Gaelen left no doubt who was in charge.

  “Yet, my enemies will use it to portray me as unprepared for leadership. If any of you have questions about my right or ability to rule, I wish to hear them now so they may be discussed openly. To govern effectively, I need the pulse, not only of the people, but especially of you, the members of my advisory council. I am confident I will allay your fears so that we move forward with one mind. I need to know I can depend on your allegiance.” He paused and met each man’s eyes again. “I expect you may have concerns about my leadership. Speak freely, here and now. We have not the freedom to delay this. Too much demands immediate action. There will be no reprisals for your candour.”

  Janest spoke first, with the other two nodding immediate agreement. “My lord, we have all known you many years, I from your earliest childhood. You have my full allegiance as rightful lord, both of Bargia, and now of Catania. If we have any concerns in the future, I hope that we may speak with you as they arise.”

  “Argost? Sinnath? You are in agreement with Janest?”

  “I am, my lord,” each asserted earnestly.

  Gaelen’s shoulders relaxed slightly, and his tone became lighter. “Then I know I am well served. Let us proceed.”

  “I have thought hard on our situation here. With no male of my family remaining to act as lord’s representative in Catania, it will be necessary to take measures that may not be popular or understood. Some might regard them as weak or ill advised.”

  Klast noted that each man watched Gaelen with rapt attention.

  “I have decided to allow all prisoners and citizens who will swear allegiance to me to return to their homes and their duties, even in the castle.”

  Argost nodded immediately. Janest looked surprised, then resumed his usual eager expression. Sinnath frowned as if deep in thought but made no move to respond. Klast watched closely as Gaelen went on. This was the important part of the meeting. Gaelen would want to hear how each man reacted to his decisions.

  “They will be permitted to pick up the pieces of their lives as best they can with no fear of settling scores.” As Sinnath started to shake his head, Gaelen added smoothly, “I realize some cannot be trusted. That is a risk we must take.”

  “Your duties will be to make sure those of influence, both in my forces and among the surviving Catanian merchants, advisory council, traders and others, understand and support this. They must be led to see that it will be to their benefit, both politically and financially. I suggest this may be accomplished by moving among the people and listening, ready with convincing arguments. We must appear to be in all places at all times. And we must demonstrate that loyalty will be rewarded.”

  Gaelen paused and let his words sink in before he continued. “I command all looters to return stolen booty back where they found it. They will receive full amnesty for three days to do so. We especially need to restore the castle, as it will be the centre of government. After three days, anyone found in possession of stolen goods will be dealt with as a thief, in accordance with the law. Any who dispute that they have rightfully earned these goods may bring their arguments to you, Argost. I appoint you governor and justice of Catania.”

  Argost’s eyebrows rose and fell back again, as he nodded his acceptance.

  Gaelen continued. “Those who argue that they deserve compensation due to losses suffered may take their case to you as well. You will decide if compensation is warranted and what form that will take. I have no time to deal with individual grievances.”

  Gaelen hesitated, and for the first time, Klast heard a hint of uncertainty creep into his voice. “These decisions will establish me as honourable, resolute, and even-handed. You will report to me in two days, and we will see if changes need to be made. Do you
all understand thus far?” Gaelen paused as he watched each man take in what he had proposed.

  When Argost smiled with apparent satisfaction, Klast noticed that Gaelen took a deep breath, and his shoulders relaxed again. He wondered if any of the others noticed. If they did, they did not show it.

  Klast applauded Gaelen’s choice of Argost for governor. The man’s sound judgment and even-handed manner would go far to instil confidence and trust among the Catanians.

  “My lord,” Argost declared, “I will do so with pleasure. This plan shows good judgment. It shows both strength and decisive action at the same time. It tells the people that you may not be trifled with, but that you will be just.” His voice rang with confidence, and he nodded vigorously in agreement.

  The replies of the other two were less enthusiastic. Klast watched Janest take his time, run his fingers through his hair, then nod slowly. “I understand what you are trying to accomplish, my lord. It may work. I have no better suggestions, so I will stand behind it for the time being. Time will give us the answers. If I see this begin to undermine your authority, I will speak with you again.”

  Sinnath looked concerned. “My lord, I recommend a stronger stance. Perhaps this idea will work with our own soldiers, but I fear it may send the Catanians a message that you are too lenient and can be bent to their own ends. To let them return to their homes at no further cost may suggest rebellion has no consequences.”

  “Thank you Janest, Argost … Sinnath, I appreciate your opinion. However, this was not a decision made carelessly. The Catanians are not rebels who committed treason. They are families who were going about their normal lives, until we invaded them. I believe that, given the opportunity, they will gladly return to the lives they knew. I trust they know the difference between the actions of armed men and those of regular citizens. They will see this as recognition that we understand it as well. It will make them more compliant to my rule. Are you willing to support me on this until we see results?”