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The women woke up early even though the excitement of seeing Sillander for the first time had kept them up most of the night. They put on the same clothes they wore the day before and rushed into the sitting room. Bulgarth was already up and staring out the window at large windmills moving lazily in the morning breeze. Under each of these were shallow buckets paddling water from the river into a reservoir, which he explained to them was where river water was filtered through rocks and sand before being sent into the city through underground enclosed streams and pooled in wells along their route. The dank, earthy smell of the river filled the cabin. Hushed, excited chatter hurried to the decks as the Water Damsel wound its way into the harbour. The river bustled with crafts of different make and sizes that moved hazardously close to each other, and the air was filled with calls and the clanging of ship bells. To the portside was a line of old tired buildings enshrouded in grey mist. Bulgarth pointed to a small rowboat coming alongside the ship. An officer in white starched uniform stood up and climbed a jack ladder which a crewman had lowered for him. Bulgarth told them that deep dugout channels ran along parts of the riverbed so the shipping ordinances required that a docks’ navigator be present to assist the captain of any visiting large vessel to find them. The paddles slowed as they approached, then oars splashed into the water and moved them to the assigned pier. Chains rattled and shouts came from below deck to the harbour-men before thick mooring ropes were thrown down. The ship moored and the gangplank came down with a clatter, though the ship gates remained close. A great mass of people surged forward, craning their necks from the deck railings. Patrion greeted them and asked, “Would the good squires and lady wish to disembark now?” “Yes we would,” Merlana said. A line of crewmen held back the common passengers to allow the important travellers off the ship first. As workmen-for-hire loaded their luggage and bags into a green wagon, the common passengers disembarked and the crowd enveloped them like a warm embrace. A coachman introduced himself on the pier, “Brock at your service, master squire.” “Very good,” Merlana spoke in her lazy drawl, “Show the way.” The black carriage at their disposal was a handsome vehicle with gold linings. Though the lack of a crest on the door showed its rented status, the inside was plush and covered in red velvet. Bulgarth climbed onto the seat next to the coachman and said, “To Talkent, Bryne and Allion. My master wishes to meet the money handler there.” Brock ayed and drove them down Drebet Street, where the main trading houses and money handlers were located. The vehicle stopped in front of a nondescript building. Merlana was the first to step down, followed by Juna, then Sarah. A clerk hurried out of the front mahogany door and showed them in. Juna said, “I wish to see Allion. Talkent had transferred some funds here for me.” The clerk bowed while buttoning his grey jackets and straitening his collar. He led them into a quiet waiting room within the bowels of the office then bowed out to look for his employer. Bulgarth leaned against the back of a dark leather covered chair. Across from him, a large polished maroon table presided over the room while a matching bookshelf lined one wall. The grey carpet on the floor was subdued and the dark drapes that hung over the windows secluded the room from the outside world. Allion welcomed his clients and bowed stiffly as he introduced himself to them. The man was as old, if not older than Talkent, for his white hair needed no powdering and his shoulders were bowed though not from desk work. He assumed that his visitors might not want to be known to his employees, so he instructed his assistant, Veldon, to bring all of Talkent’s unredeemed letters out. The clerk put the documents down on the large table and left them alone. Allion sat down behind the desk. The old man smiled at Bulgarth then faced Juna and said, “Now my lady, I will need to ask your name, since I have to confirm Talkent’s instructions.” “I am Merlana of Dew Valley.” The old man nodded thoughtfully, “Yes, I do have that instruction from Talkent. I remember it very well.” Allion turned to Bulgarth, “I do not believe that this one here is Merlana. Although I may wish to honor the transfer, I cannot allow an impostor to sign on her behalf, it is against the money-handler ethics.” Sarah saw that he had directed his question to Bulgarth. “You know Bulgarth?” Merlana stood up, “Sarah!!” Allion raised his hand and motioned for Merlana to sit back down. “Bremargh had come to Sillander before, I did not know if the man standing here was Bulgarth or not, but I assume him to be a relation of Bremargh’s since he looks so like him. You then must be Merlana?” “Yes sir, I am. Forgive us this pretence.” Allion said, “There is nothing to forgive. We all need to take much care in selecting our friends in trying times. You are wise not to introduce yourself to my staff.” The old man pulled out a parchment and began to write on it. “Where do you plan to stay, for how long and where do you plan to go after this?” Bulgarth asked, “Do you need all that in writing?” “Oh no, I thought I could advise you on how much you may need. That way you don’t have to take out all the monies, it can be quite risky to carry so much around. I also don’t want you to keep coming here for it may expose you to my people’s questions.” Bulgarth nodded at his wise counsel. “We are renting a townhouse from Braduin, in the Upper Dayles. We will also be renting vehicles of transport from him. As to how long we intend to stay, that will depend on how fast we finish our business.” Allion asked again, “You are here to clear your name?” Bulgarth answered, “Yes, partially so. I also need to meet with Baron Kwanbie’s family, there was something that my father sent to him.” Allion thought for a moment, “Your plan is difficult and very badly timed. Baron Kwanbie had not been seen for many years.” Juna spoke up on seeing Bulgarth’s indecision, “Tell him Bulgarth. He must not mean us harm, else he would have called for help by now.” Reluctantly, Bulgarth spoke, “Baron Kwanbie was kidnapped and taken to a mine called Berth. He died there about two years ago.” “How do you know this?” Allion asked, shock and sadness reflecting in his eyes. “I was taken to the same mine. I did not know who he was until I escaped. One of the slave-guards told me. Another friend confirmed that it was him from this pendant around my neck, which he gave me before he breathed his last.” Allion asked, “Did he say anything to you?” Bulgarth hesitated a moment before answering, “No, Master Allion. His tongue was cut out.” The old man lowered his head into his hands. When he lifted his face again, they saw that his eyes were tear-stained. He resumed writing into the parchment then passed it to Merlana for her signature. The old man cleared his throat, “Wait here, while I get Veldon to ready the monies. I will lock this document in the safe. None of my people will not see it. The area of the Upper Dayles and the streets around it are safe so I will add in extra money for you to use to shop for trinkets and clothes. People must not think that you have any reason for being here other than for your pleasure.” Juna clapped her hands ecstatically. “You will help us talk with the Baron’s family?” “No, I will talk with someone who thought of him as family.” He did not elaborate further, but walked out of the room. Allion returned with an ordinary dark blue bag for Merlana. He also had four small purses bulging with silver and gold coins, “You may find these useful. Keep them safe.” Then he advised Merlana, “Take out the required amount of money before you reach the townhouse. Keep your things locked at all times and don’t trust the servants.” Bulgarth asked, "Why are you helping us? I have been branded as a criminal. Would not that make you an accomplice?" The old man smiled as he fiddled with the papers in his hand. "I am an old man. I have not long to live. One day soon, I will ask myself if I had lived right.” He patted Bulgarth’s shoulder and continued, “Wait for me at the townhouse. I know which one belongs to Braduin." Allion showed them out and watched till the carriage disappeared around a corner. He stared at the document in his hand. He did not tell them that Baron Kwanbie had no family or that Palmeon, the king’s brother, was now presiding over his home. The money handler suspected the prince of having a hand in confiscating Dew Valley, because a large amount of money was transferred into Palmeon’s account right after the accusation of treason was brought up against Bulgarth. Brock made a right turn three buildings away from Allion’s establishment. More grey and drab structures until the coach crossed a wide street called Bellway, which wound through expensive and grand residences. The coachman then turned into a side-road that stretched straight ahead, all the way to the river. A row of houses stood to one side while a large park dotted with stone seats and shaded by elm trees line the other. Merlana heeded Allion's advice and separated out the amount of money needed for the rents. The carriage slowed to a crawl and stopped. Brock lowered the steps and offered his hand to all three passengers. He noted that the hands of his male passengers were tanned and rough while the lady’s hand was covered in fine lace gloves and was dainty. Merlana looked up at her new home of white plastered walls and carved steps. Other terrace houses to the left and right of it made the row look like a long building with many doors. A manservant dressed in black from head to toe opened the front door and stepped aside respectfully to let another man through. This other rushed down the steps with a smile as generous as his belly. He had on a powdered wig and a bright yellow jacket. His tunic and breeches were ivory white and laced in the latest fashion. He said on reaching Merlana, “Braduin at your service. Welcome dear squires and lady. Welcome to Sillander. I trust that your trip has gone well.” Merlana drawled, “It went as well as money could buy. I hope this place will serve us better.” Braduin gushed, “You will find everything as per your request and more. I’ve taken the liberty of employing the best servants to serve you, knowing that you prefer comfort to cost.” Merlana nodded her head arrogantly, “You have done well I presume. Lead on.” Braduin bowed and went up the steps ahead of them. The owner showed them their living quarters and introduced the servants not by name but by their duties, and like the butler they were all dressed in black. The place was not large but airy. A staircase to the upper floors hugged the wall and beside it was a passage that leads to the drawing room, dining room, back garden and kitchen. Carved furnishings painted with designs of either birds in curvy feathers or flowers with curvy leaves filled the house. Finally Braduin led them to the study which was situated next to the hallway. Bulgarth stood by the window as Merlana sat behind a large desk. Juna and Sarah went to the drawing room next door. Braduin took out a piece of folded paper from his jacket pocket and passed it to Merlana. “I hope that everything is to your satisfaction Squire Oswald.” “Yes, it is. Although my wife may require more later.” Merlana answered as she opened the piece of paper and held it up in front of her face. The amount written on it almost made her choke. Braduin eyed the elaborate, expensive lace on his tenant’s sleeves. “The Lady Drucilla is a lovely woman. It is no loss to you at all to cater to the whims and fancies of such a person.” Merlana put down the paper on the desk. She took out the required amount of payment from her pockets, making a show of counting them. Braduin graciously accepted the coins and put them into his purse. He stood up and said, “It has been a pleasure doing business with you my lord Squire. If you have need of anything please inform the butler. He will send word to me.” He bowed and walked towards the closed door, which opened before he reached it. The friends met Allion during an evening stroll in the park on the second day. He greeted them in his grey jackets while nestling a rabbit with blue lace collars in his arm. The animal was adorable and charmed Juna who forgot all her bored manners and cuddled it. The old man used the opportunity to say to Bulgarth, “Go to the end of the row towards the river tonight after the gong of the end of day. You will see a small stall to your right. Walk behind it and go down the tunnel steps. Somebody will light a match in the tunnel, follow the direction of the light. He will light one for every turning you are to make. When it is safe, he will wait for you to reach him.” There were more oohs and ahhs over the rabbit before Juna passed it back to the old man. He bowed and continued on his way. After dinner that night, Bulgarth went straight up to his room, while his pretend employers continued to linger in the drawing room. Merlana jumped when the end of day gong sounded. A shadow passed outside, and she saw that it was Bulgarth who had climbed out his bedroom window. Bulgarth moved under the cover of darkness, as he made his way to the back. He climbed up a tree and stopped to listen from the top of the wall. His feet clung onto cracks in the wall as he climbed down the other side. A few yards down the lane, a small path to his left showed him to the front of the row of houses. Carriages brimming with merry laughter passed him by. Trudging on the sidewalk were a multitude of pedestrians who were on their way home after a hard day's work. A soft breeze scented the air with the smell from the river. Soon a stall loomed into view to his right and he made for it. He went down the steps, into a dark tunnel. The moonlight that filtered in at certain points gave him light part of the way. Then he saw a flame flared and flickered out in a turning to his right. He trod in and groped his way forward as he followed the thuds of boots ahead. The boots stopped and another flame flickered to his left. The same exercise continued with another left and a right. Each time the light came on it was put out almost immediately. After following the directions of the fourth flame, Bulgarth found himself standing in a pool of moonlight. A man stepped into the light. He was tall with jet black hair and a light beard. His skin was pale and he wore a simple tunic under a workman’s vest. There was a rapier tied to his belt on the left side and his right palm rested lightly on the hilt. They studied each other. The dark haired man spoke, “Allion told me you brought news of Bubba Kwanbie. It saddened me to hear of his end for he was a man who deserved to sit as a counselor of kings.” “It was indeed a great loss. Others must have thought his wise counsel would undo them.” The man said, “Allion also told me that you are here to seek something your father sent to the Baron. Do you know what this is?” “I only know that they are documents locked in a small chest. I myself have never seen the chest, but my friend, the one who made it, said it looked common, with neither engraving nor beauty.” The other man nodded, “Palmeon is now housed in the Baron’s home. It would not be easy to gain access there, most of all if I should show interest in it.” As the stranger started pacing up and down with his hands behind his back, Bulgarth wondered who the man was. The dull jingling of his boots drew Bulgarth's gaze and with a start the young man saw the royal crest adorning the side, towards the top of the boots. It was the same crest as the one above the door of the House of Law in Monqui. Only the king was allowed to wear that crest on his person. The man stopped and saw the expression on his face. He gave out a soft chuckle, “You are indeed a man to be contend with. The look on your face made me think that you have guessed who I am.” “It is your boots your majesty. They bore your crest.” The king looked down and realized his mistake. He pulled out his loose socks and folded them over the boots. Posadom continued, “I have come tonight because Allion told me you require my assistance.” “I have been accused of raising a revolt against you your majesty, and yet now you would help me?” “I am only a king, a normal man. The laws are in place to persecute the guilty and to protect the innocent. Yet there are some who would twist it around to their own ends. I can do nothing to clear your name unless you come to me personally and declare your innocence in court. Believe me, I know you to be innocent because I find the coincidence of you being your father’s son too strong to ignore.” “Your majesty is kind. I and my household are now on the brink of despair.” The king put his right hand on Bulgarth’s shoulders, “Despair not. Two men that we both seek counsel from and loved started something, and now it is our turn to find out what it was that killed them and to finish their work.” Silence filled the chamber as the king pondered. “I will have to use my law implementer in this matter. There is no other way. I will get him to take all documents and locked chest out of the manor for me. Maybe with the excuse that these documents will incriminate the good man as a criminal. Palmeon will be cooperative since the estate is now only entrusted to him but not under his ownership.” Bulgarth chuckled, “You mean to use the same trick that the law implementer in Dew Valley used against me.” Posadom smiled, “Yes, but this time with different results.” Then he looked out the window above them, “It is growing late, I will have to return.” He pointed to a different tunnel, “Go down this way. Place your right hand on the wall, when you feel an opening, follow it down. The path will take you out the opposite side of the road from where you came in. Be careful.” Bulgarth nodded his thanks and went into the tunnel. He turned right at the first opening. The way was longer than expected and just as he began to wonder if he had misheard, he saw light shining down a staircase in front of him. He climbed up the steps and saw the stall again, across from him and some distance to his left. He crossed the street and walked back down the row, watching out for the footpath that would take him to the back lane. He met no one on his return. Early next morning, a knock shook the townhouse in Upper Dayles. The butler opened the door and saw a young page outside. The boy was also in black attire, but a noble crest adorned the left shoulder of his jacket. He passed a card to the butler, “Could you inform Squire Oswald of Melpast that my employer, Lord Casperlane, wishes to visit him this mid-morning.” The butler knew that the nobleman was more important than a squire, “Please come in and wait, I will get a respond from my master.” He rushed upstairs and knocked on the master bedroom door importantly. “Enter.” A voice called from within. The butler was a little surprise by the quick order, for most noble persons would still be asleep at this hour. He opened the door and stepped in. Again he was struck with surprise when he saw that the squire was up and dressed. The man handed him the card saying, “Lord Casperlane wishes to call on you this mid-morning sir. May I suggest that I send a kitchen maid down to get fresh cucumber from the market? I hear that he is impartial to cucumber and egg sandwiches.” Merlana prayed that the visitor only wanted to give the customary hello to a new neighbor and was not someone who have a Melpast for a relative. “Very well, I will leave this matter in your good hands.” “Then I will inform his page that you agree to meet him?” Oh, I had an option to say no? Merlana thought, but too late, “Of course you may. I am honoured to receive his visit.” Truly an honour, the butler reflected as he left the room. Lord Casperlane was no normal nobleman. He was the royal security captain and the king accounted him as a personal friend. He went downstairs and passed the message to the page. When the news reached the kitchen, the servants panicked. Mid-morning! The long morning shadow was already too short for the cook’s comfort so she immediately sent out her fastest maid to the market with orders to find the best cucumber as quick as she could. The housekeeper moaned over the condition of the perfectly clean house and directed black uniforms here and there in a confusing whirl of activity. Upstairs Merlana called for both Sarah and Bulgarth to meet in her room. “The butler informed me that a Lord Casperlane will be paying us a visit this morning. He sounds like an important man.” Bulgarth again spoke, “It could either be Allion or Braduin that informed him of us.” Merlana nodded, “What shall we do?” Her brother advised, “Play it by ear, for all we know this may only be a social call and nothing more.” Sarah said, “You will have to stay out of sight Bulgarth. He might have met Bremargh in the past.” The cook was right, mid-morning came too soon. A very flustered butler opened the door for Lord Casperlane when the page knocked. The man stepped aside just in time to make way for a tall man in sandy colored day jackets and formal white wig. The security captain was notorious for his impatience, so without too much introduction and formalities the butler led him to the morning room. The visitor ran his cold grey eyes along the two reclining sofas and a painted screen that lined one side of the wall. Then they fell upon the windows that opened onto a large shady terrace before studying a white breakfast table laden with tea and finger food. An imposing man in his late fifties, his face was tanned and the lace trimming on his sleeves were subdued. The most elaborate item on his person was a carved ivory cane with a blue sapphire mounted on the handle. The moment they saw him, Merlana and Sarah felt over-dressed in their red and blue jackets while Juna tried hard not to breathe too heavily in her dress. Merlana pulled a chair for him and said, “Welcome Lord Casperlane, it is a great honour to have you visit my humble quarters.” “I am so disappointed in you, my dear squire.” The visitor said as he took his seat, “Why did you not call on me the moment you arrive in Sillander?” The butler’s jaw dropped. The squire is certainly more important than either himself or Braduin had ever imagined. Casperlane turned to the butler, “Leave us.” The man bowed his way out. Once the door closed, Casperlane turned hard eyes back to Merlana. “At other times I would have taken you in as an imposter and forger. But for reasons yet unknown to me the king had asked me to stay my hand. I have come to ask you to explain yourselves. His majesty’s safety is uppermost in my mind. If I feel that you intend to jeopardize this in any manner I will throw all of you into the deepest dungeon and throw away the keys.” Bulgarth stepped out from behind the screen, making Casperlane jump from his seat and pull his cane apart. The scratching of steel filled the room and a long thin sword appeared. Bulgarth his neck right in front of the upheld blade. He acted deliberately for he could not trust that his sister’s impulsiveness had not changed with the years. The last thing he wanted was for her to tackle that gentleman in the middle of the floor. Bulgarth said, “Forgive us the deception, my lord. Yet if the need was not there, we would have preferred to travel as children of Bremargh openly. The choice was hardly in our favour.” Under normal circumstances, Casperlane would have withdrawn the sword, even if he wouldn’t sheath it back, but Bulgarth’s size made him uncomfortable. “Speak your reason for coming here.” Bulgarth was unsure as to whether he should trust the man, so he took the path of caution, “I was accused of raising a revolt against the king. I have come to Sillander to clear my name and the name of my family. I seek the king’s mercy but not his pardon, for I never had any wish for his downfall.” The visitor withdrew his sword. “You name your father Bremargh, you then must be his son Bulgarth. Yes, we have heard of the accusation brought up against you. Strange that his majesty should insist I keep the case open all these years. A case such as this is usually closed after two years.” Sarah asked, “What happens after a case is close?” The security captain answered, “The person can no longer claim back his rights. For the Law believes that if a man is blameless, then he would come forward to establish his innocence within the two years. Keeping unsolvable cases open is a waste of administrative time.” Merlana held Sarah back and warned her with a look. She had studied the Law from Hymae during the three years in hiding and she understood that the man in front of them had to abide by the Law, even if it was unfair. The Law had to change first before he could change his stand. Bulgarth retreated towards one of the sofas and sat down on it. Casperlane relaxed a little and returned to his seat. Then his hand reached out for a piece of cucumber and egg sandwich although one eye stayed on Bulgarth. Juna poured tea for him and asked if he would like sugar and cream. He asked for cream. Casperlane passed a pleasant morning with them. He was amazed at their insight and knowledge of the situation in Monqui. After some time he thought that Squire Oswald’s voice sounded strange and inquired. H laughed out loud when Merlana admitted that she was Bulgarth's sister. Casperlane said to Merlana, “I have met somebody like you before. And when I found out who she was I almost lost the rest of my hair.” He guffawed then continued, “The first time Princess Keldina came, she made one of her maids dressed as herself while she dressed as a male bodyguard. Imagine that, we only found out three days later and only because her Aunt, Queen Tilmon came back from the countryside. She was romping around the worst parts of Sillander as a man. Ha, ha, ha. I can laugh about it now, but not then. Ah the folly of youth.” Merlana sighed, “She was lucky. I am not so I’m afraid. My brother is the one who disguises as a bodyguard, not me.” Casperlane looked at her and noted her golden hair and tanned face. Both the pretend squires made very handsome young men. Maybe he should play a trick on Helen, that abominable spoilt young niece of his. “You must come to my manor tonight. I will be having a dinner party, followed by a little socializing. I have promised Allion that I will help you become acquainted with our city customs.” Merlana stood up and bowed, “We are very much indebted to both yourself and Master Allion. You have given us hope, where we could see no hope. Thank you sir.” A strange sadness filled Casperlane’s heart. His own children were only a little younger than this woman in front of him. Would they also have to rely on the mercy of strangers if he should be taken away from them? He got up and gave his hand to Merlana, “You must all come tonight, including you Bulgarth.” The other man responded, “I fear that may be unwise my lord. Allion had commented that I look much like my father. One or two of your guests may recognize me.” Their visitor nodded thoughtfully, “Aye, if your father was like you, very few would forget him. Very well then, but your sister and her companions will have to come.” They bowed and curtsied their thanks then Juna picked a bell and rang it. The butler opened the door a moment later. Casperlane said out loud, “Don’t be late tonight, put on comfortable shoes and tell your coachman to bring an extra coat, for I believe the evening will be long.” Merlana walked out with him as the butler led the way. She bowed once more in front of the carriage as her visitor waved. Then she turned back to the house. Instantly the butler stepped aside to let her through. A nobleman of Lord Casperlane’s stature did not normally make house calls and then give personal invitations to his house party. This was indeed amazing news, Braduin must know about it.
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