Princeps

Quaeryt wondered if he’d ever know the entire story … and how long he’d have to worry about Hyleor and what the so-called spice factor was really doing.

56

Quaeryt finally returned to the post somewhat after noon and had barely entered the building when the duty squad leader hurried toward him, a dispatch in hand, a dispatch sealed with copious amounts of red wax-signifying urgency.

“Sir, this arrived at ninth glass.”

Quaeryt took the sealed dispatch. “Thank you.”

“There was also one for Commander Skarpa.”

That suggested that Third Regiment would be leaving imminently, but Quaeryt merely nodded, then hurried to his study. He wanted to be alone when he opened the missive.

Once he closed the door he walked to the desk, but did not sit down. Instead, he took out his belt knife and slit the envelope, leaving most of the heavy wax in place as he extracted the two sheets of heavy paper. He began to read.

Governor Quaeryt:

I had thought your position as governor of Montagne would resolve a number of matters. While you have done much of what was necessary …

Much of what was necessary? Quaeryt didn’t like that opening at all, but kept reading.

… the situation has now changed. Our informants report that the bulk of the Bovarian forces in eastern Bovarian are marching toward Ferravyl. The number of small and scattered attacks on our positions near Ferravyl are growing weekly. All available forces will be necessary to repulse the Bovarians.

You are to be congratulated on your accomplishments in returning order to Extela, in repairing and restoring the basic facilities to use, such as the east bridge and the River Aqueduct, as well as building a new Civic Patrol station and securing a new permanent residence for future provincial governors. It has come to my attention, however, that the unrest provoked by your methods in achieving these worthy goals has created a situation where it is best that you leave Extela and assume a position as an advisor to me in Ferravyl. High Holder Cransyr has complained about your handling of the events that caused the death of one of his nephews, and the uncalled-for imprisonment of another. High Holder Wystgahl [the younger] charges that your unseemly interrogation of his father caused his death. The grain factors of Extela have complained that your sale of flour caused them great financial losses, while many in the city insist that after you gained control of the flour supply, you raised prices to enrich the governor’s treasury. Spice Factor Hyleor, the spice factors of Solis, and High Holder Unseeld believe that your failure to pursue those who assaulted Factor Hyleor caused him and the spice and herb trade untoward damages.

The former justicer Tharyn has claimed that you refused his services and then acted as justicer yourself. In doing so, according to an advocate in Extela, you placed such strain on the former high justicer who was advising you that he died after a hearing. A respected chorister has protested that you were also acting as a chorister for the Nameless and using your position as chorister to influence the troops, in particular to grant special treatment to undeserving Pharsi women. It has also been reported that you requested sick leave for the post commander, but retained him on the rolls, and in doing so, created the circumstances that led to his untimely and early death. Lastly, but not insignificantly, Factoria Grelyana feels that you and your wife exerted pressure for her to lower the price on the villa you purchased for the governor’s residence and to insist on retaining certain family heirloom furnishings.

While I have no doubt that there are mitigating factors in many of these cases, perhaps in all, and that it is likely some of these charges, if not the majority, are totally false, I feel it best that you be replaced as governor by Markyl Quintussyn, who has been princeps of Ryntar for the past several years and who is a younger son of High Holder Quintus of Cloisonyt. Because of the urgency of matters in Ferravyl, you are to proceed with Third Regiment immediately to Ferravyl, with the exception of one company, chosen by you, that will escort the Lady Vaelora safely to Solis. Obviously, you can travel together until the road splits at Tresrives …

The remainder of the dispatch continued with details of where and how Quaeryt should report once he reached Ferravyl with Third Regiment.

For several moments, Quaeryt just stood there, not really thinking, stunned as much as anything.

In not quite a month and a half, almost seven weeks exactly, he’d effectively restored Extela to a working city, an incredible achievement by any standard, given the conditions he’d encountered, especially with the loss of most tools of government and those who knew how to wield them both effectively and honestly. Except there were few who were truly honest.

And what was his reward-and Vaelora’s? Removal and replacement, because in trying to put things back together, he’d stepped on too many pairs of boots. Yet it would have taken months, if not longer, any other way, and he still likely would not have accomplished all that had to be done. Not that you have yet, either.

He shook his head, then slipped the sheets back into the envelope. He needed to talk to Skarpa.

Finding the commander wasn’t difficult because Skarpa was standing outside the door to the post commander’s study, talking to Meinyt. Quaeryt was willing to wait, but when both officers saw him they stopped talking.

“We can finish this later,” Skarpa said to the major.

Meinyt nodded and hurried toward the courtyard.

Quaeryt followed Skarpa into the small study, not that any of the studies were capacious, and closed the door behind himself. “So what did your dispatch say?”

A puzzled expression crossed Skarpa’s face as he stood beside the desk. “The same as yours, I’d imagine. That we’re to depart as soon as possible, but that one company will receive special instructions from you.”

“That’s all?”

Skarpa lifted a single sheet from the desk and handed it to Quaeryt.

Quaeryt read it, then nodded as he handed it back. “That’s what it says. Now … you’re wondering why I asked. I’ll tell you, but only if it remains between the two of us.”

“You know-”

“I know you don’t talk, and some of this will be known in a day, but … you’ll see why. You’ll also understand why I want you to know.” He handed the dispatch he’d received to the commander.

Skarpa began to read, first nodding, and then frowning. At the end, he looked up. “Since this is between us … it’s all pigshit. He doesn’t want to piss off anyone at the moment … and I’d wager he’s got more trouble than he can handle in Ferravyl.” A rueful smile followed as he returned the dispatch to Quaeryt. “I did tell you that we were just here because no one else dared stomp on enough boots to fix things.”

“I remember some words to that effect.”

“I’m also going to suggest that you pay yourself a travel allowance and expenses, and your pay as governor for all of Mayas. You deserve that, and more, and Lord Bhayar will expect it and the new governor won’t miss it.”

“I’ll have to think about that.”

“Don’t think too hard. You’ve got your wife to think about … and it’s likely to be a good while before any of us gets paid once we’re in Ferravyl.” Skarpa shook his head. “I still can’t believe it. Well … I guess I can … I did tell you-”

“That governing wasn’t like winning battles. You did, and it isn’t. Any time you get anything done, someone else gets upset, and the faster you do it, the louder they complain.” Quaeryt offered a grim smile. “Do you think I should pay the regiment in advance, or just send the coins in a pay chest?”

“Send the pay chest. Too many of the rankers will spend every copper they have as soon as they get it.”

“I can do that.” Quaeryt couldn’t keep a true half smile from his face at the way Skarpa had conveyed the