Accorded Nobility Read online

  “We’re all here,” Fredrick said, getting out of his carriage with Eva.

  “Yes,” Dame Flamehair said, her husband beside her.

  Sean gave the man a nod, never having met him before. “A pleasure, sir.”

  “Sean, my wife impressed upon me to call you ‘Sean,’” Flamehair’s husband said. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Knight... I guess soon to be ‘Lord’ Vasu Flamehair.”

  “Vasu, good to meet you,” Sean said.

  “My husband, like you, isn’t one for society,” Flamehair said as she took his arm. “He prefers to oversee the work side of things.”

  “They are honest,” Vasu shrugged, “unlike most nobles.”

  “Powerful fire mage?” Sean grinned.

  “Yes,” Vasu chuckled. “That is why I was asked to marry into the family. Luckily, Charie actually came to love me, and I her.”

  Flamehair’s cheeks heated a touch. “Well... you do have your charms.”

  “Like my own husband,” Clara smiled. “We all seem to have found good partners to live our lives with.”

  “Took some of us longer to find the right ones, but I agree,” Mageeyes added.

  “And all of us are happy,” Bloodheart beamed.

  “Surprised about the number of carriages already here,” Sean said as they approached the doors.

  “She summoned the survivors earlier,” Mageeyes said. “We’re some of the last to arrive.”

  “Ah. So, this is basically court?” Sean asked.

  “This is an accounting,” Bloodheart said stiffly. “She is chastising some and lauding others. Solidifying her allies and making sure that her enemies know that she is aware of them.”

  “Fun times,” Sean exhaled. “Glad we’re in the ally group.”

  They paused before the doorman, with Fredrick taking the lead. “Forged Bonds, all of us, but let me give you individual names…”

  Chapter Nine

  As they were led down the halls of the Lady’s manor, Sean noticed a major difference— every chandelier that had been wisps was now lanterns.

  “I believe you will have a few things delivered to your home in a day or two, Sean,” Mageeyes smiled. “Someone may have expressed the interest you have in the wisps.”

  “That’s a costly gift,” MacLenn said. “Very expensive.”

  “We promised her a discount on lightbulbs when she orders,” Fredrick added. “I believe we’ll have a very large order for them, with a rush, in the next few days.”

  “I can help expedite that,” Sean said, “if the wisps do arrive.”

  “Would make it easier for the rest of us,” Ryan chuckled.

  The two guards on the ballroom doors snapped to attention. One of them addressed the group before they stopped, “Forged Bonds, the Lady welcomes you.” With that, he opened the doors.

  The ballroom had been cleaned from the massacre, but Sean could still see damage in the walls and floor. The nobles who had survived were talking in small groups. Among them were a few people Sean hadn’t expected to see.

  “All of you were summoned?” Sean asked, approaching the two men in city guard armor and the man in a magistrate robe.

  The Carmady brothers turned to face Sean, having been talking to Jasper. Ernst sighed, “MacDougal, please tell me you aren’t going to start a fight again?”

  “He finishes them, he doesn’t start them,” Fiona replied.

  “‘Finishes them’ is right,” Eugene snorted. “Room is sparse today. The guard felt a major loss, though not many good ones, thankfully.” Seeing Sean and his wives go cold, Eugene was quick to add, “We’re sorry to hear of your losses.”

  Sean unclenched his jaw. “You two and Babbitt were the only guards who made me believe in the guard.”

  “Many of the guards just want to do their jobs and go home,” Jasper said, stepping into the conversation. “I am a little worried that the chief magistrate isn’t here.”

  “Pity that Lomar is,” Ernst muttered under his breath, his eyes going to the commander of the guard.

  Sean followed his gaze to find Lomar by himself, looking worried. The commander caught Sean’s eye, then quickly hurried to a group, clearly not wanting Sean to find him alone. “I owe him...” Sean growled.

  “We owe him,” Aria said, touching his arm, “but we shouldn’t instigate.”

  “She is correct,” Hallie said. “Mageeyes hinted that we would get our chance.”

  “If he is removed from his position, the selection to fill it is… thin,” Ernst said.

  “Excuse me,” Knight Yggdra said. “Might I have a few moments of your time, Helga MacDougal?”

  Helga looked at the Knight, then Sean, who nodded. “You want to ask her about the World Tree?”

  “Yes. We never got the chance.”

  “Go ahead, Helga. Hallie, Aria, you two might want to hear about it, too,” Sean said.

  “Thank you,” Yggdra said. “If you have time later, MacDougal, I’d like to ask you about… what happened at the party.”

  Sean gave the older man a searching look for a moment. “When you were brought back?”

  “Yes... I know I died, but then, here I am,” Yggdra said slowly.

  “I can explain it to him, My Lord,” Helga said. “If you approve?”

  “Just the basics, Helga, but go ahead. He has my thanks for taking up arms with us.”

  They didn’t wait long. It was only five minutes before the gong sounded and a man in butler attire announced the last arrival, “Lady Sharpeyes.”

  She stood at the top of the stairs, looking down into the room, clearly marking each guest off in her head. With a nod, she descended the stairs and went to the middle of the room. “Good. I would have hated to censure even more families today.”

  A few people shifted uncomfortably, giving away who she was speaking of.

  “We have more distasteful business to conclude before we move on to the good,” Lady Sharpeyes said. “Commander Lomar, come forward.”

  Sweating, the rotund commander of the guard stepped into the open space in front of the Lady. “I’ve come as summoned, Lady. How might the guard serve you?”

  “First, I wish you to promote two guards who are here,” Lady Sharpeyes said. “I ask Eugene and Ernst Carmady to step forward.”

  Both sergeants moved to stand to the side of Lomar, bowing to her. “Lady,” they said together.

  Lomar’s lips thinned, but he turned to the brothers. “Sergeants, by command of the City Lady, you are hereby promoted to Captains.”

  Both men saluted, looking a little stunned. They thanked him and Lady Sharpeyes before stepping back.

  “Wait,” she said, and both men paused. “Now that there are two new captains, I can move on with you, Commander. You are stripped of all rank. On your watch, the guard reached new lows for corruption and flagrant abuse of power which all culminated with guard members attacking a Knight’s manor. That attack saw all of those attackers slaughtered to the last man.”

  Lomar wiped his head with a handkerchief. “Lady, those men acted on their own.”

  “Corporal Pax, step forward,” Lady Sharpeyes said simply.

  Pax, the corporal who had been part of Wolen’s squad, came forward. “Lady?”

  “You were part of Sergeant Wolen’s squad, were you not?”

  “Yes, Lady.”

  “Yet his squad is all dead, having attacked MacDougal’s home.”

  “Wolen gave us the order, Lady. Said it came from Commander Lomar. I didn’t go with them.”

  “Liar!” Lomar spat, turning on Pax with his hand raised to strike.

  Sean was there before the blow could land— he grabbed Lomar’s arm, and squeezed. “No. Pax always spoke the truth in my dealings with him.”

  “MacDougal, sir, I tried to warn you, but they had already gone to your home. I did as you once said. When the time came, I chose the law, not the orders,” Pax said.

  “MacDougal, please unhand him,” Lady Sharpeyes said.

  Sean was sorely tempted to tear Lomar’s hand off. Instead, he squeezed a bit harder before letting go. “Sorry, Lady.”

  “I forgive you. Now, Lomar,” Lady Sharpeyes turned her attention back to the commander as he held his injured arm, “you are stripped of rank and, with the testimony of a current guard, I am having you arrested for attempted murder.”

  Lomar’s eyes bulged. “What?! No!”

  “I will give you a chance to redeem yourself,” Lady Sharpeyes went on as if Lomar hadn’t spoken. “You can fight MacDougal. If you win, you shall retain your rank and all charges will be dropped.”

  Sean’s lips pulled back into an evil smile. “He doesn’t have the balls.”

  Sean, like everyone but Lomar and the Lady’s guards, was unarmed. Lomar hesitated, then tried to pull his sword to attack before Sean could move. Sean slid a hair’s breadth to the side, then struck with a flat palm. The sound of metal being hit and twisted was clearly audible to the room.

  Lomar crumpled at Sean’s feet, and Sean snorted. “Pathetic... even for you, Lomar,” he said flatly.

  “Well, that seems to be over,” Lady Sharpeyes said. “Guard,” she motioned to one of her men, “remove the corpse.”

  The guard went to Lomar, turning him over before blanching. Lomar’s breastplate had been caved in far enough that his chest had fractured. A small pool of blood formed under the body where it was leaking from his mouth.

  “Steward, have the floor cleaned,” Lady Sharpeyes said evenly. “Now, I am without a city commander. The man my husband put in charge is dead. I shall need to promote a captain. Captain Ernst Carmady, step forward.”

  Ernst was hesitant, but did as he’d been told. “Lady?”

  “You are hereby promoted to Commander of the Hearthglen Guard. Furthermore, your brother shall be promoted to Assistant Commander. It has been ages since the position was filled, but we are doing so. Finish clearing the guard of corruption and get it in order. You still have plenty of recruits.”

  “Yes, Lady,” Ernst said faintly.

  “You should stay until the party is over, but your brother may go begin his tasks.”

  Eugene bowed low before striding for the door, eager to get out while he could. Ernst watched him go, jealous that he couldn’t join his twin.

  “There was another death most of you probably haven’t heard of,” Lady Sharpeyes said. “Chief Magistrate Truman was found dead this morning. He seems to have passed peacefully in his sleep. That does leave the position open.”

  “Fuck...” The single word was soft, but as it was said after Lady Sharpeyes had paused, it was heard by many.

  “High Magistrate Jasper, come forward,” Lady Sharpeyes said with a hint of amusement in her voice.

  “Lady?” Jasper asked when he got to the open area.

  “You have had a pointed stance on the laws of the city, and how they shouldn’t be separated between noble and commoner. Do you still hold to that?”

  Jasper raised his chin. “I do.”

  “Do you still believe the high magistrates should take more cases, as well?”

  “Yes.”

  “You do not want the position of chief magistrate, do you?”

  “I do not,” Jasper said plainly. “I detest politics.”

  “Perfect. You are appointed Chief Magistrate of Hearthglen. After the party, we’ll be speaking about all the magistrates so we can make sure the city has the rule of law it should.”

  Bowing his head, Jasper sighed as if he’d just been condemned. “As you wish, Lady.”

  “Excellent. Step back for now, Chief Magistrate.”

  Jasper stepped back to stand next to Ernst. The two men shared a glance, both of them knowing their jobs would be difficult.

  “I can now get to thanking those who stood beside me in my hour of need,” Lady Sharpeyes announced. “I will start with the Knight Yggdra.”

  Chapter Ten

  Sean was surprised by how generous Lady Sharpeyes was being. She even asked— in a few cases— what the recipient would like as a reward for their efforts. He also noted that Lady Sharpeyes kept saying people had been grievously wounded, not dead, and silently thanked Mageeyes for that.

  “Lastly, we come to the MacDougal family. As they went above and beyond all others, and the fact the city wronged them, I will have to make amends and reward them. Please come forward, MacDougals.”

  Sean was flanked by his wives, the ten of them being the largest group that had been called forward. “Lady,” Sean bowed to her, doing as everyone else had, “we have come as called.”

  “I wish to start by making amends on behalf of the city,” Lady Sharpeyes said somberly. “The guard attacked your home and, in doing so, killed a few of your household. I have heard of your interest in the wisps. To help balance the scales of loss, I have had every wisp in the manor collected. They shall be delivered to you.”

  Sean knew there had been dozens of wisps and had been told repeatedly about how costly they were— he knew that she was, in effect, paying wergild for the crime and deaths. “I shall call the scales balanced for the attack and deaths, Lady,” Sean said a little stiffly.

  “With that matter settled, there are still two more things to repay you for: thwarting my husband’s massacre and saving my own life. This is much trickier for me... I place a very high value on my life, and your actions saved nearly everyone in this room. Do you have any requests that might balance these actions?”

  “There is one thing,” Sean said. “I request that you give ownership of the cuons to me.”

  Lady Sharpeyes’ eyes glittered. “There are still five of the hounds alive. I would have had to dispose of them for attacking my husband, so this barely touches the scales. I remand them into your custody. My steward will see to it.”

  Sean bowed his head to her. “Thank you, Lady. Unfortunately, I know of nothing else that would help.”

  “Lady, if I may?” Fiona asked, stepping forward.

  “Fiona MacDougal, please speak.”

  “There is one way to balance all the scales, for you and others,” Fiona said, her head raised proudly. “I ask the assembled to speak on my husband’s behalf and see him raised to a Lord.”

  Sean jerked in surprise, but Hallie went to stand beside Fiona. “I agree with my wife, Lady,” Hallie said. “He has demonstrated skill, courage, loyalty, and honor.”

  “I support this, Lady Sharpeyes,” Julian Bloodheart said, coming forward.

  “As do I,” Knight Yggdra added, standing beside the head of the Bloodheart family.

  One by one, the remaining heads of the noble houses came forward to throw their support behind Sean. Sean watched it all with rising trepidation— he didn’t really want to be a Lord, but he knew it would help him take down Truestrike.

  “I see,” Lady Sharpeyes smiled when everyone was done. “Since the entirety of the noble families in the city support this, I shall get the paperwork in order. Sean MacDougal, as you are becoming a Lord, you will not be viewed as a branch of the Bloodheart family. Is your existing crest the one you wish to use?”

  Sean thought about the kettle tipped to dispense water, the crest Lady Sharpeyes had given him to name him as an Aspirant. “I’d like a new crest, Lady.”

  “Very well. Have it commissioned. Once it is completed, I will need a copy of it to send along with the forms.”

  “I can hand one to you in just a few minutes,” Sean said.

  “Very well. The numerous reasons you have been called up are now concluded. MacDougal, I wish to speak with you. Please follow me.”

  Sean exhaled as he followed her from the room, his wives behind him.

  “Sean, I’ll get a ride home with Gertihs,” Giralt said, his arm around his wife’s waist.

  “Probably for the best,” Sean said. “Have a good day.”

  They weren’t taken far. Just behind the stairs of the ballroom was a hall with a few rooms. Lady Sharpeyes took them to the second door and led them inside. Once they were all seated, she rang a bell for the maid to come into the room with a tea cart. The maid was deft in her actions, serving them all tea before she bowed and left them.

  “I was surprised by the request, Fiona,” Lady Sharpeyes said. “And please, call me Saranita.”

  “Has Amedee not told you our plans?” Fiona asked, taking a sip of her tea.