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Love me when I’m gone

posted by Blake at 10:13 PM, October 15, 2003 | Filed under : Fiction | Comments and Followups

During the early years of Eric’s reign…

Jerod sat upon the windowsill, looked down on the courtyard as the procession prepared to make its way to the stairs. Even from this distance, he could hear the bustle of activity, the voices raised in anticipation of departure. It was always the same. Only today he watched for one person in particular, impatiently, wondered if his instructions were not being acted upon as quickly as desired. Only when he saw the green tunic of the rider depart for the stairs did he relax. He checked again, noted the readiness of Lord Shade’s party. He would not be ready to leave for several more hours. More than enough time.

He turned as the door to the room opened, watched as Carina entered the room. She stopped just inside as the door closed and he looked at her for a moment, sifted for the right words. “I’m sorry.” he said after the moment, unable to come up with anything better.

She looked at him as he spoke, nodded for the barest instant. She seemed to radiate fragility, something he was not used to seeing in her. She moved very slowly into the room, walking on spun glass.

“How are you parents?” he asked, turned from the window sill and opened his arms for her as she approached, held her close.

“They released my mother a short while ago.” Carina whispered. “My father was there to greet her. Lamell’s man Prism was there to help. She should be okay in a couple of days.”

Jerod nodded, stroked her hair. “And Gamut?”

Carina swallowed, her answer long in coming. “I saw him, for a short while, before they came for him. He seemed so lost without Sequin. I gave him the vial, just as you asked me to.”

“He won’t have felt anything.” Jerod replied.

“Small comfort.” Carina hissed bitterly, as Jerod held her still, nodded with her.

****

“Arbitrator?” Jerod asked, looked at the sigil on his desk before he looked back his mother. “Why me?”

“You are the highest ranking member of the royal family from Amber.” Rilsa replied. “You have knowledge of both kingdoms and can speak on each it is felt with impartiality. Lord Shade is within his rights as the representative of their merchant holdings.”

“Why not go through Droit and bring it to Court?” Jerod said. “He’s Amber’s representative, in case he’s forgotten what dad put him for.”

“Droit has recused himself.” Rilsa said. “His family has holdings in a consortium along with Shade. He would be seen as being in a conflict of interest.”

“Sounds more like he’s hiding from a difficult session. Who’s the family here?” Jerod asked.

“Lady Sequin.” Rilsa said simply.

“Sequin?” Jerod frowned. “What possible issue could Shade have with Sequin and her family? They don’t operate in the same merchant venues. And she’s far more above board then Shade.”

“Shade has begun expanding through Rebma, working towards the Seaward Kingdoms.” Rilsa said. “Sequin works mostly in the information exchange. Scholars, skilled specialists, as opposed to trade goods. Shade apparently thinks there is big business here and is looking to get a piece for himself. He claims to have information that Sequin is engaged in questionable dealings and that he is being discriminated against.”

“Probably because he’s a piece of crap.” Jerod said shortly.

“Perhaps, but the Court has decided and is comfortable that you will handle the situation fairly.” Rilsa said. “Even Lady Drusilla has agreed that it would be good.”

“If that’s supposed to make me feel better, it doesn’t, mother.” Jerod said, liking Drusilla not at all. “I’ll have to start with an audit of their affairs.”

“As arbitrator, you have all of the legal options open to you as needed to resolve this dispute, including the judicial options if so required.” Rilsa said. “I am sure you will do fine.”

****

“You are sure about this?” Jerod asked pointedly, focussed on the watchman carefully.

“Yes, my Duke.” she replied. “Before the slave escaped, he named his abductor directly.”

Jerod nodded, the scowl remaining. “And these documents?”, motioned to the seal packet in front of him.

“Found in the Lady Sequin’s home.” the watchman explained. “She had a small air pocket. We had to work to make sure we could keep them from being destroyed. They’re very delicate.”

“Yes, I noticed.” Jerod said. “She made no statement before she died?”

“No my Duke. When we explained what we had found to her, she became very pale and only nodded. When we instructed her to attend upon us, she agreed and asked if she could bring something to cloth herself more suitably. My people had the building surrounded so we were not afraid of an escape. When she did not return quickly, we searched and found her dead. The vial was in her hand, empty.” and the watchman pointed to another on the table. “That was in her hand as well. We have her husband in custody now. He was also implicated based on the evidence.”

Jerod picked up the toxin vial, watched as the fluid rolled within it. “Where is Lord Shade?”

“He is outside, awaiting your pleasure.”

“Send him in.” Jerod said, motioning for the watchman to depart.

The watchman bowed and moved to the door. Jerod sat in his chair and turned slightly away from the door, caught the reflection of the mirror placed just so to monitor the door. Watched as Shade looked at the watchman, saw the nod in reply, the hand movement. Watched and liked not what he saw. Jerod could feel the rage build, that smouldering fire that only a Prince held within. He shook his head once, tamped it down. Not yet.

“My lord, Prince Jerod.” Lord Shade said, a polite smile as he entered and bowed.

“Lord Shade.” Jerod said, watched as Shade looked around and frowned when he realized there was only one chair in the office, and Jerod was sitting in it.

“Not what I would have expected, my lord.” Shade said. “For such an important individual, I would have expected a more…I don’t know. A more luxurious office?”

“An arbitrator should be more concerned with their duties, not their creature comforts.” Jerod replied. “Keeps them focussed on their situation.”

“I suppose.” Shade said, pouted a little. “Another bit of discomfort in an extremely uncomfortable day it would seem. And a very busy day at that. I heard the terrible news as I was coming upon your summons. The Lady Sequin, a suicide. Her husband in custody, on slavery charges no less. Terrible news indeed.”

“Yes, quite terrible.” Jerod said. “That audit of mine came up with quite a gold mine of evidence against them, wouldn’t you say?”

“Yes, so it would appear.” Shade replied. “You should be congratulated for your due diligence, my Lord. You have uncovered a most heinous crime thanks to your efforts. One might hope that the Court would congratulate you for your efforts.”

“Somehow I suspect the Court will not be so gracious.” Jerod said flatly.

“Oh, well, then I’d say they were just being ungrateful. I am very grateful for your efforts. This has been a terrible ordeal for all of us.” Shade replied, with something vaguely approaching sympathy, vaguely.

“Really?” Jerod asked. “Not so terrible that you had not entered a request for an order of garnishment.”

“Yes, well, one must be sure not to lose focus on the order of business.” Shade replied, the smile a bit more oily this time. “After all, I was being discriminated against. The charge was made…”

“…but not resolved.” Jerod said.

“Ah, but that does not matter at the moment my Lord.” Shade countered. “The charge would matter if it went to arbitration but with Sequin’s reputation in tatters, my position is unquestionable.”

“Maybe not.” Jerod says. “The evidence before me is considerable, but something about it seems suspect. I think some more digging might be in order.”

“Do you not believe the evidence Lord?” Shade asked.

“It’s a bit too convenient for my tastes.” Jerod says. “Paper documents, conveniently breaking out the details of a slavery ring with the Seaward Kingdoms. All available for our perusal just by walking into an air chamber. It makes me think of a bad mystery novel. Too many clues conveniently left out.”

“Perhaps the Sequins were simply foolish in their greed.” Shade offered. “I’ve heard that’s a common failing amongst criminals.”

“So is arrogance.” Jerod said. “No, I think it a bit too convenient that this information was there. That’s why I think Lady Sequin died a suicide. She realized she could not fight the evidence. It was too detailed, too damning. Lady Sequin was a good woman, but she was not a shark.”

“A terrible loss then, but she should have realized a life of crime would come to naught.” Shade said. “At least her husband will pay on her behalf.”

“And if he is found not guilty?” Jerod said.

“Well, someone had to be responsible for the movement of the slaves. Someone with official connection. If not Gamut, then who?” Shade said. “One of the lower court officials, responsible for Seaward trade. Would that not be Lady Candor?”

“It would be.” Jerod said.

“Ah, well, no doubt suspicion would fall upon her. Such trading could not occur without active involvement from the bureaucracy.” Shade said, then paused. “My lord, do you not know her daughter?”

“Lady Carina.” Jerod said. “The Queen’s Historian.”

“Yes, oh dear, that would be a dreadful scandal if that were to be true.” Shade said, the smile fading. “I am sure I speak for everyone concerned when I say I do so certainly hope that such is not the case.”

Jerod looked at Shade, sifted the evidence first one way, then another. In each case, the same conclusion, the same hateful decision. And Jerod nodded. “Yes, it would be a very terrible thing if that were to happen.”

Shade smiled. “I am so glad you agree, my lord. Is there anything else?”

“You realize that your order of garnishment requires that you reside here full time?” Jerod asked.

“Of course. I also have to place my holdings in Amber in trust for a short period, until the matter is finalized. Thankfully it will not be too long. I have them mortgaged considerably and will need to pay them off shortly if I am to retain them.” Shade said.

“The order of garnishment will take care of that?” Jerod asked.

“Completely.” Shade replied.

“Then I shall not keep you further. Do you depart for Amber soon?”

“Tonight, after the Court pronounces sentences upon the criminal.” Shade said.

“Good day then.” Jerod said, signaling Shade’s dismissal.

“Good day, my lord.” Shade said, departing with a triumphant smile.

Jerod nodded gravely, watched as Shade left the office. Slowly, he counted to ten before he picked up the metal tone bar and tapped the shell, summoning the watch commander. “Listen carefully…” he said to the woman, as he began to instruct her. And let the rage begin to build…

****

Jerod continued to rock Carina in his arms, listened to her breathing, not speaking for the longest time.

“There was no choice Jerod.” she said. “It was Gamut or my mother. Shade planned it well. I think the watchman who found the evidence was involved as well.”

“I’m sure of it.” Jerod said. “She’ll get what’s coming to her shortly.”

“A small compensation, when he escapes with Sequin’s holdings.” Carina countered.

Jerod let her go, turned to look at the door when he heard the knock. “Maybe not all of what he thinks.” he said, before calling. “Enter!”

Lamell entered at his call, nodded gravely to Carina. “My lady, my sympathies to you and your family.” he said, urbane as always. Carina nodded to him, turned and found a chair as Jerod began.

“What was the Court’s response to my question?” Jerod asked.

“Your interpretation of the position is confirmed.” Lamell replied. “You are final arbitrator of the dispute, including the charges of slavery. Your decision as to punishment stands.”

Jerod nodded gravely. “Thank you Lamell.”

“When do you wish me to hand over the final decision, my Duke?” Lamell asked.

“Ten minutes after Shade has departed.” Jerod said. “Make sure all of the required people get the decision, at the same time. I don’t want any chance of someone trying to argue it. And anyone who does argue…make them aware of the futility of that course of action.”

“As you wish, my Duke.” Lamell said, bowed to Carina before he departed, closed the door quietly after him.

“Your decision?” Carina asked.

“In regards to punishment for the crime of slavery.” Jerod said, moved to the chair to collect his sword and belt. “I will explain it all when I get back.” and he moved back to her as he finished buckling the sword on. “Don’t wait up for me. I’ll be back in a few days. I’ve got some unfinished business to take care of.”

****

Jerod steadied the horse carefully, feeling the beast’s nervousness at the twilight surroundings. Enough to make even a Prince of Amber nervous, though now he felt only a sense of sadness. Standing upon the cliff face, looking out on the valley below, he found the smashed remains of Sharankoor’s fortress. He looked upon the battered stone for a moment before turning away. She was long since dead and she would remain that way. Even still, it was hard to forget her.

He walked back to the horse, pulled Shade down from the saddle, dumped him in a heap on the earth. The oily schemer had lost his desire for a struggle during the long hellride and now lay on the ground, glared at Jerod as he cut the bonds on his hands. Shade did not attack once he was free but scrambled away. The bruised shoulder had taught him the foolishness of fighting Jerod.

“You think this is over?” Shade growled.

“It’s over.” Jerod said. “Welcome to your new home. I hope you like it.”

“It’s not over. Someone will come for me. I have too much money, too much connection now for you to just dump me…here?” Shade said, looked around nervously as he tried to find some marker, some landmark to tell him where he was.

“You can forget trying to figure out where you are.” Jerod said. “We’re way beyond the Golden Circle, beyond anywhere you’ve ever been. I know you’ve done a lot of travelling in your time. Trust me, you’ve never gotten this far.”

“And no one is coming for you. You have no money, no connection, no position anymore.” Jerod said. “I took care of that too.”

“How?” Shade demanded. “It was perfect. You couldn’t refuse the garnishment. The evidence was perfect. Everything was perfect.”

“Yes, it was.” Jerod said. “Even to the point of getting me to handle the case. Droit wouldn’t have been suitable for your task because he wasn’t involved with Carina. That put me in the perfect position. Choose Gamut, or choose Lady Candor. And with evidence that could not be refuted, I could not do anything but decide. To do anything less would bring the entire system into disrepute.”

“Remember what I said about arrogance being a failing of the criminal? Well, it’s yours. You made me arbitrator. That gave me the right to determine all aspects of the arbitration case, including any additional dealings that might arise from that case. You should never hand someone a weapon if you’re not sure where they’re going to point it.”

“The Court agreed with my interpretation and handed me the decision making authority for slavery charges. So I made a proper decision and formally seized all of the assets of Lady Sequin, to be disbursed to the crown after making reparations to any slaves that could be found and repatriated. As a result, your garnishment would amount to only a small handful of gold. I also made sure that this decision was known in Amber before you ever could get back. Your creditors would have fallen over themselves in their haste to have your holdings foreclosed.”

Shade listened as the colour drained slowly from his face. “My holdings…”

“Gone.” Jerod said. “A few pieces of silver maybe. Nothing more. Your family thrown out of their home. What few associates…they’ll be scrambling to cover their tracks. My father might even investigate.”

Shade gulped a breath, then two. “It won’t matter. I’ll survive. I’ve done so in the past. I’ll do it again.”

Jerod smiled now, a pitiless expression. “Somehow I don’t think so.” he said, climbed back on top of his horse. “I think you’re about to be invited to dinner.”

Shade turned, looked in the direction of Jerod’s gaze. In the twilight haze, he could just make out the trio of figures approaching, pale and slim, a loose easy stride as they crossed the ground before stopping. They looked for a moment at Jerod who held their gaze and they shifted uneasily, fear crossing their countenance as they sensed him, what he was…who he was. Then they looked at Shade and their expression changed, feral grins revealing oversized incisors.

“Enjoy yourselves…” Jerod said, before he turned to ride off. The screams that echoed behind him did nothing to relieve the grief.

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