24 Reunion
1501 Words
The Dinner that evening was much different than in the previous nights.
Janus wanted to talk to Yvaine when he arrived at the castle, but she wouldn't come out of her room. Amys said that she wasn't feeling too well and advised him to wait until she came out herself. She stayed locked up until it was time for dinner.
As for his other two brothers, Janus avoided them as much as he can.
When they were all at the dining table, Janus found himself unable to concentrate on his food. He was still worried about how much damage his supposed "foolishness" had held the manor back. If the taxes were twice as much, he figured that they could still recuperate and develop another strategy to keep the improvements going.
Thoughts of plans were brewing around him. He was also worried as to whether these so-called inquisitors would treat his men kindly, he only hoped for the best.
The King was intimidating as always, no doubt he already knew what Janus had dealt with at the Cathedral this morning, but he did not make a sound. Dinner was again, quite silent at first. Except his two brothers were exuding a different type of energy around them.
Marcus was quiet, he still had the smug sort of expression in his face, with his foxy eyes and a smug smile. He was twirling tiny balls of magic around his fingers like some sort of fidget toy. It looked like an orb of wind, fire, and a small orb of purple energy. Janus started to hate the sight as it twirled and rotated like some display of power.
Anders had a few more scars around his face, and his jaw was more square than ever. His cheeks looked hardened and even gaunter. The battle wore but still had a commanding air around him. His breastplate looked even better now that it had a few scratches around it. Janus felt a hint of envy.
Yvaine was the opposite of the two, she was solemn and distant. As if her mind was somewhere else. Her glow had escaped her, and she had dark rings forming below her eyes. Janus was desperate to talk to her for advice.
After a few minutes, the King spoke.
"How is the war on the northern fronts? Are the orcs still holding?"
"Of course not Father, we had routed ten tribes so far and reclaimed even more land for the Kingdom. One single tweak with the wind and they came scattering north. Back to the edges of the steppes and beyond." Said Marcus.
"Well if not for our defenses you wouldn't have been able to chant any spell worthy of a battle." Said Anders.
"And what's that supposed to mean dear brother?"
"If not for the ground forces and the cavalries running them down and catching their mobile units. You jesters wouldn't have been able to participate in the fight, couldn't even afford to get your robes dirty." Anders scoffed.
"Why thank you, Anders, for doing all the grunt work for us. Why get myself caught wrestling with orcs in the mud? If I can stay at towers and rain fire upon them. No, I'll leave all the greenskin-hugging to you. You seem to enjoy it." Marcus chuckled.
Janus would have liked this exchange if he wasn't going through a thousand different scenarios in his mind about his manor.
The King merely smiled "That's good. And how are you faring with all the supplies that we've been sending?"
Janus perked up.
"Ahh, yes we're doing very well indeed. It was as if I was still in the capital." Said Marcus.
"We now have enough supplies to build more siege engines, the plan is to rally the orcs across a huge chasm and trap them there. If not for the additional materials, we wouldn't be able to finish them off." Said Anders.
"Bloody murder."
Everyone looked at Janus. He was too deep in thought that he subconsciously replied to what Anders said.
"Well, well do we have another greenskin lover here?" said Marcus. "How have you been faring, dear brother? I heard that the Gracewood has been doing so well lately, and we have you to thank for our growing estates as well. Who would have thought?"
"Are you sympathizing with the orcs?" said Anders. "Has your loyalty changed after you amassed your little army of tiny green fang savages?"
Marcus laughed, even Anders seemed amused at what he said.
"If not for my efforts and Gracewood you would not have a more successful campaign as you had now didn't you? Those goblins are working harder for their life than you are in your comfortable watchtower." Janus spat.
"Ah I see, little brother has got his bite back. Why yes, we do have you to thank for that, but looks like it is all tumbling down now has it?" said Marcus.
"Marcus..." the King said.
"Apologies father. I'm just concerned about little Janus' house of cards. He's done another foolish thing, but I suppose we could get something good out of it this time"
The King looked at Janus.
"Son, I know what happened must be hard on you. But as the ruling class we are held accountable to the judgment of the Holy See. I for one, was not aware that you were breeding those vile creatures for dark magic until I was informed. I assure you that the inquisitors will not do anything rash that's beyond the Holy Church's judgment."
Well, that's just reassuring. Janus held back his tongue this time, but he gripped his fork tightly.
"It's not fair! They're taking too much." Yvaine finally spoke, louder than Janus had ever heard before.
The boys all looked stunned, but the King's expression didn't change at all. It was the look of sheer determination that even Anders couldn't muster.
"It has been decided." The King said.
"Decided what?" Janus asked.
"The war in the north among the Orcs is an important demonstration of our power. The Empire of Mydir will be paying close attention, we cannot stand to look complacent. We must display what we are capable of, and we need all the resources we can get to win this battle decisively."
The topic seemed to have shifted, Janus had a hard time following.
"Yvaine, your part in this is the most crucial element. I expect you to do your duty and start your preparations as soon as possible."
"Yes, Father." Yvaine looked down and covered her face with her handkerchief for a very brief moment.
Both princes nodded.
Something was off here, there was something that Janus didn't know that everybody did.
"Janus, Gracewood is one of the most crucial assets that we have. And along with the improvements that Master Oswald has learned. We are gearing up production and on all fronts."
"It is my pleasure to serve Father, but how is this extended campaign going to affect the manor?"
"I am aware that the inquisition by the Church will hold Gracewood back. It will be paying its tithes to the church three times more than it's the current requirement. As for the goblins, they will be taxed twenty percent more. On top of that, we will be taking away resources from Gracewood constantly and send those to the war efforts in the north. As we agreed, profits from the manor are still subject to the crown. The order has already been sent to the stewards, and they will be implementing the adjustments as soon as possible. Marcus / Anders, I put trust in you to make use of these resources as well as you can. None of these is up for discussion. Janus, Yvaine you are dismissed after you finish your food. I have much to discuss with your brothers."
Fumes formed around Janus' head. Yvaine was looking at him with concern, but he ignored her. All of his work was now falling into the King's hands, who knows how much damage this will cause to their work? How much will it affect his workers lives? The lives that he so tried to protect from their oppression? The life that he designed so well? Janus had to get back to the manor as soon as possible.
He sped towards his quarters without saying a word as soon as he finished his food. It was barely even touched. When the door was closed around him he found tears welling in his eyes. All of that work, taken for a war exhibition that would slaughter who knows how many orcs.
Janus threw away all of his books in frustration. The damned Golden Library, what good did it do him? He was here stuck in a twisting jumble of politics that he couldn't escape.
All he wanted was to live a good life in a fantasy world, and now that world was turning around on itself. How could he face his workers now? Perhaps he would have to cut back on their food production. Cut back on their living spaces. What about the goblins? How could he provide for them?
Janus saw the dagger, the very same one that the old Prince had used. The same one that presumably sent him to this place.
There was a knock on the door.
- Writer
