Chapter 9

  Leo

  Most bewildering, Leo thought. He hated waiting. Reinhard preached patience, but to Leo, waiting encompassed combinations of boredom, inefficiency, and a waste of life’s most precious resource: time. He liked to think he inherited his grandfather’s decisive nature.

  “You have Markus’ sense of adventure.” Reinhard had told him on more than one occasion.

  Part of him wanted to commandeer a ship and sail out to sea. His parents and uncle quashed such fantasies, reminding him of his duty to his house. At twenty-five, the time had come. He must marry, and soon. His parents had married far younger, and his father began to lead his house at the same age. Leo enjoyed the freedom. He had seen too many couples in unhappy marriages. Life was too short, and he refused to allow someone to thrust such misery upon him. He relished fond memories of his years at Ryvium and Avictfell’s Arites Academy during his youthful recklessness. He had duties, sure, but at least he could ignore the incessant insistence of his parents. Leo knew now was as good an opportunity as ever. The time had come.

  Leo stood on the observation deck of Medistein Tower. Sweat ran down his back despite the cool spring breeze. Why am I so nervous? Man up, this is not like you.

  “You requested to speak with me,” Bianca's voice came from behind.

  Leo turned, smiled, and bowed.

  Her eyes narrowed. “You’re not one for such formalities in private.”

  “I want to show you something,” Leo said, gesturing toward the railing.

  Bianca stepped forward. Her form-fitting dress accentuated her hip movements. A deep red lace cut so low Leo’s imagination ran wild.

  Leo held his hand out to offer support. Her hand lingered and took it. “Still angry with me?”

  Bianca scoffed. “This is how you apologize?” She shook her head, dropped his hand, and turned away.

  “What do you want me to say?” Leo asked. “That your love pulls my Essence between agony and ecstasy.”

  Bianca stopped and turned back. Her face flushed as the redness of her dress and hair contrasted with her lively green eyes. “For someone with a quick wit and even quicker tongue, I would have thought you had ample time to think of something.” She turned and strode toward the door.

  She was right, as usual, though he would never admit it aloud. Of all the times for his wit to fail him.

  “Marry me,” he blurted out.

  Specters steal me. Leo squeezed his moist hands into fists with anxiousness. He felt as though he wore a bear-skinned coat in the Great Desert. The moment was not as he had imagined.

  Bianca stopped and slowly turned. Relief filled him, seeing that the anger had fallen from her face. The wind blew her wavy hair, which shimmered of rose gold.

  “I love you. Marry me, Peaches,” he said again more calmly. His words harmonized with the wind’s sweet song. Bianca met his eyes. “Is that quick enough?”

  Her face hid the hint of a smirk. She stepped forward.

  They stood silent for what seemed like an eternity. His heartbeat thudded in his ears. For once in his life, Leo let the silence speak his serenade.

  Bianca reached out and took his hands. “Interesting choice of words for an apology.”

  “I was up all night thinking about it,” Leo said, just above a whisper. He stepped closer, their faces inches apart.

  Bianca’s brow arched. “A proposal any woman would envy.”

  “How you always imagined, I’m sure,” Leo said with a crooked grin.

  “There you are,” she whispered and touched his heart, which raced faster than a stallion in full gallop.

  He kissed her soft lips. They became one as she merged into him and he welcomed the slow passage of time until finally, they parted.

  “What took you so long?” Bianca asked. Her eyes gleamed with radiant joy.

  “First, I had to dislodge my head from my ass. That took quite a while.”    Bianca smacked his ass with both hands. “No head there.”

  “After that, I had to remove foot from mouth. Only to discover I was tongue-tied.”

  Bianca caressed his jaw. “Never stop being you.”

  “Most bewildering. So, I take it that’s a yes?”

  Bianca nodded with a giggling smile. “Yes.”

  She threw her arms around his neck and pulled him close. She kissed him again, full on the mouth. Her scent of blossoms and vanilla stirred romantic memories in his mind. Moments of passionate pleasure--intent to make this another such moment. Their lips parted, but their bodies still pressed close. Her breasts pressed against him. “Have you asked my mother yet?”

  Nothing like the mention of a mother to dampen the romance. Fear burst into his mind as he imagined requesting Bianca’s hand from the shrewd Duchess Matilda von Aldberg, ruler of all the Meadowlands.

  “Still trying to muster the courage to face her?”

  Leo looked to the side. “Something like that.”

  “You’re more than welcome to tame that lion.”

  “Any suggestions on how to go about it?” Leo asked.

  “Just ensure head, foot, and tongue are all in proper order and you’ll be fine.”

  Leo laughed. “You know me.”

  “Yes, which is why...just tell her you love me, and I love you. The rest will follow.”

  “You make it sound so simple.”

  “Trust me,” Bianca said, eyes still sparkling. “It will work.”

  Leo clicked his teeth. “Easy for you to say.”

  Bianca paused, her face turned serious. “There is one thing: she will question your religion. So polish your sales pitch like the banker you are, but be warned, even you would envy my mother's negotiation skills.”

  Leo narrowed his eyes. “Do you question my faith?”

  “I don’t, but my mother will. You must help her see past you being a Theogonist.”

  “Tellisium, Theogonist, we all end up in Heaven at the end. Why would it matter?”

  “It matters to her.” Leo looked upward in deep thought. A challenge for sure. “Don’t worry,” Bianca added. “You’re great with words. Imagine if she was my father.”

  Leo’s mind raced with horror. I’d be strung up, or worse.

  “Relax,” Bianca soothed, “you’ll do fine. I only ask that you wait to share the news until after you’ve obtained her blessing.” Leo scrunched his face. “Don’t look at me like that.”

  If that kept Bianca happy, he would wait. Relationships were about sacrifice, after all. He had hoped to share the news with his parents. Perhaps now his father would quit pestering him about legacy and responsibility. “If only there were a way to keep my lips sealed.” Leo puckered his lips.

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  Bianca laughed and kissed him again.

  A loud bang interrupted their kiss. Leo looked at the door. Nicco stood with parchment in hand, worry mixed with jealousy. “Reinhard just received a message from Allie. Someone attacked her in Avictfell. Both the printing house and bank burned to the ground.”

  “Is she alright?” Bianca asked, with worry in her voice.

  “What?” Leo said simultaneously.

  “I believe so,” Nicco answered. “She took the Cipher Scroll from the strongbox and fled.”

  The Cipher Scroll, named long ago by his grandfather Markus, compiled all the known runes of Essemancy. Another valued treasure his grandfather had plundered from the Julk on the First Expedition. A few privileged Magi and Essemancers aided in deciphering and copying the runes to create the Cipher Scroll. To ensure its secrecy, no one had ever seen a Cipher Scroll in its entirety without the name Medistein.

  And Bizzi now as well, it seemed. Leo wondered if Alessandra had always known of its existence. His father or Reinhard must have told her during her training. To Leo’s knowledge, every Medistein branch held a copy within its strongbox. Only Otto knew the original scroll’s location that Markus had stolen. Scrolls that contained far more knowledge and power of the Traessyean Empire’s mastery of Essemancy.

  “I need to speak with Reinhard and Karl,” Leo said. Bianca held his hand and followed behind.

  “They’re in the office,” Nicco said as they entered the lift.

  Nicco lowered the restraining rail. Leo pulled a lever, gears clicked, and the lift descended, scarping along metal tracks. The lift reached the designated floor and stopped. Nicco lifted the rail. “My lady.” Bianca stepped off the lift first. Leo followed them down the hall and into the office. He arrived amidst heated words.

  “--not stand for this!” Karl yelled.

  “Calm down, nephew,” Reinhard said, motioning his hand downward.

  “When did this happen?” Leo asked.

  “Only minutes ago. Allie escaped Avictfell and fled south to the villa.”

  “Are our parents with her?”

  Reinhard smoothed his bearded chin. “The message implied she intends to rendezvous with your parents at the Medistein Villa.”

  “Do we know who’s behind the attack?” Karl asked.

  “She didn’t say,” Reinhard answered.

  “Whoever did,” Leo said, “they must not fear reprisal. Who could be so bold?”

  “It could be bandits or rioters,” Reinhard said. “First Lector Ricci and now this. Chaos in the capital grows more rampant.”

  “It feels too coincidental.” Leo paced around the room, heels clapping against the wood floors.

  “Leo, you’re being paranoid,” Nicco said.

  “House Medistein has many rivals,” Bianca said, “whom have you slighted recently?”

  Countess Contessa and Olaf Holzhaus to name a few. He doubted Contessa was capable of such a crime. But specter has no fury like a woman scorned and best not to mention Contessa. Leo rubbed his temples, contemplating a course of action.

  “Leo,” Karl said, brow furrowed. “Who might have done this?”

  “I might have upset Grand Burgher Olaf.”

  Karl and Bianca asked simultaneously. “Might have?”

  “Specters steal me, does everyone think I’m--” Everyone finished his sentence.

  “Yes,” Bianca said.

  “A jackass,” Karl quipped.

  “Arrogant,” Reinhard said.

  “Dishonorable,” Nicco grumbled.

  finished his sentence.

  Leo pressed his hand to his heart. “It’s good to feel so loved.”

  Nicco’s brow narrowed. Leo anticipated an eventful day. But he had a more pleasant event in mind when he awoke. All he wanted to do was enjoy his time with Bianca. He already planned to announce their engagement during a masquerade ball.

  Does he suspect we are engaged? Doubtful. It seemed the gods had other plans.

  “We can worry about discovering who is behind the attack later,” Leo said.

  “What did you do this time?” Karl asked.

  “I may have promised to buy timber and stone to finish constructing Medistein Tower.”

  “But the tower is done.”

  “Very observant of you.” With a point, he turned toward Reinhard, denying Karl any retort. “Likely they meant to rob the bank. They may not want witnesses, and if they saw Allie or our parents flee--”

  “We need to get to the villa!” Nicco finished.

  “I was getting to that,” Leo said. If anyone heard him, they paid him no attention.

  Karl moved to exit with haste. “A few guards reside at the villa.”

  “Is it enough?” Bianca asked after him.

  Karl shrugged. “Depends on how many men attacked. Either way, let’s go.”

  “Wait,” Reinhard commanded in a tone his uncle rarely used. “You can’t both abandon your duty.”

  “I’m not,” Karl said.

  Reinhard blocked the door. “You’re the captain of the Skywatch, not a common guard.”

  “It’s our parents!”

  “Yes.” Reinhard rested his hands on Karl’s shoulders. “And before your mother left, she tasked me to counsel you should the need arise.”

  “I don’t need counseling.” Karl squeezed the hilt of his sword.

  “Actions taken in haste, without proper consideration, often complicate matters.”

  Karl shrugged, free of Reinhard’s grasp. “Uncle, now is not the time for one of your lines of wisdom.”

  Reinhard stepped in front of Karl. “Now is precisely the time,” Reinhard said sternly, but not angrily.

  Karl took a deep breath.

  “Reinhard is right,” Leo agreed. “One of us needs to stay here.”

  “I’m glad you agree.” Karl stepped past Reinhard, making for the door.

  Leo grabbed Karl’s arm. “I meant you, brother.”

  Karl pulled free of his grip. “To the Void with that. I’m the better swordsman, archer, and rider.”

  “As the Skywatch’s captain, your duty is to Tarona.”

  “My duty is also to my family,” Karl stressed.

  Leo was getting nowhere. He had to put this in more practical terms--more hierarchical. “I’m older. I could order it.”

  Karl scoffed. “Try to stop me.” Karl stepped toward Leo and he stood a full head taller.

  How did I get cursed with such a short stature? Leo held his ground and looked up. “Stature doesn’t infer power.”

  “Nor does age.”

  “Enough!” Reinhard said. “Otto and I didn’t argue half as much as you two.” Reinhard pointed to Leo, stopping him before he could speak. “Don’t.” Reinhard’s stare pierced him stronger than any spear. “It’s clear you two only understand childish tendencies. So hear me now. I’m older and bigger.”

  Throughout his upbringing, Leo had learned the different expressions of his family. When he had finally crossed the line with his jokes. Reinhard had reached that point.

  He is worried. Beneath that stern visage, a hint of concern betrayed his true feelings. “How many household guards are currently present here?”

  “Twenty,” Karl answered.

  “Karl,” Reinhard began. His tone returned to his usual soft-spoken voice. “We should double the guards on the Medistein Tower. Increase the Skywatch’s presence along the harbors and be ready should any threat strike us at home. I’ll remain here and assist you.”

  Karl nodded, accepting his uncle’s wisdom.

  Reinhard continued. “Leo will take members of the Skywatch to the villa.”

  “They serve Tarona, not this house,” Karl said.

  “Their captain could command them,” Reinhard suggested.

  Karl frowned. “I took an oath just like they did, but unlike them, I’m also a member of this house. I cannot command them to fight for House Medistein.”

  “Then I’ll pay them for their services,” Leo said. “Surely some of them could use a few extra tarins.”

  “The Skywatch isn’t a band of mercenaries,” Karl spat.

  “Damnit Karl, our family’s life is at stake. Someone burned down our bank. Our parents and sister have fled Avictfell. We’re under attack!”

  “I won’t condone your bribery, nor will I command them to fight for our house.”

  “Then what good are you as their captain?” Leo roared.

  “They swore their lives to protect Tarona, not House Medistein.”

  “Father pays them.”

  “No, Tarona’s Lord Mayor employs them to keep the peace.”

  Leo threw his hands up. “What’s the difference?”

  “We have household guards at the villa,” Karl reasoned.

  Leo crossed his arms. “I can’t believe this. Are you always a slave to your honor?”

  “At least I have honor,” Karl quipped.

  Leo groaned. Nicco’s sense of honor had rubbed off on Karl. Leo preferred it when Karl acted more like him.

  “I’ll go,” Nicco interrupted.

  Leo glanced at a portrait of Sophia and Otto that Reinhard had painted. “This isn’t your fight.”

  Nicco set his jaw. “Any fight of yours is my fight, brothers.”

  Bianca took Leo’s hand. “I would feel better knowing a skilled swordsman rode with you.”

  “Nicco’s sword is worth any three men,” Reinhard said, turning to Karl. “They can take a few household guards to accompany them.”

  Leo shook his head. “No. I want our guards around our property. Send a few to the mines and printing shop. The others can remain here within the tower.”

  “We can hire a few off-duty Skywatch members to replace them for the time being,” Reinhard suggested.

  “I agree with Reinhard,” Bianca said. “You’re not about to travel without some escort outside the city walls.” She gave him a stern glare and rested a hand on her hip.

  Eager to embark, Leo recognized the futility of further discussion. “Three household guards,” Leo relented. “Have the Skywatch increase its patrols around the mines and Medistein Tower. Or is that out of their purview?”

  Karl glared. “I can have them do that.”

  Bianca nodded, satisfied. “You should warn the branch in Aldberg as well.”

  Leo agreed with the suggestion. “Reinhard message the branch and have them increase security.”

  “I could sail home and convince my mother to send aid.”

  “I don’t think that’s wise,” Nicco said.

  “Nicco is right,” Leo agreed. “It’s safer here, especially once we increase the guards.”

  “You forget yourself,” Bianca said. “I’m not a Medistein. I’m the niece of the late Emperor Richard. My mother still has many lords loyal to her. No one would dare harm me.”

  Perhaps she wishes to tell her mother of their engagement after all.

  “That may all be true,” Leo agreed, “but if it is Grand Burgher Olaf, he might have seen you with me at the celebration. He may seek to harm those close to me.”

  “Agreed,” Karl said. “Anyone close to house Medistein might be in danger. It’s safer to remain with the guards in Tarona until we better understand the attack’s full extent.”

  Bianca nodded. “A message then.”

  “I’ll inform the Aldberg branch,” Reinhard said. “Leo, I’ll need salts.”

  “I keep a small pouch in my office, bottom desk drawer. We’ll sail to Sicinia and ride the rest of the way. ”

  “I’ll ready the horses,” Nicco said, and left. Reinhard followed behind.

  Leo raised Bianca’s hand and kissed it. She squeezed his hand, pulling him closer. “Do you think that was satisfactory?” Her hand ran through his hair and pulled his lips to hers.

  “I’ll give you two a moment,” Karl stammered.

  They parted. Before Karl escaped, Leo called after him. “Karl, I’m relying on you to protect our assets.”

  “I know,” Karl said. He stepped through the doorway and called for the guards.

  “Done already?” Bianca teased. Leo spun toward Bianca, her eyes sparkled with mischief. He kissed her again. Longer this time. Soon they would be married and Leo hoped he would be a better man for it.