The Eaorl (The Casere Book 2) (8 page)

Ignoring the presence of servant, she walked up to Conn and started to undress him, handing the servant, a young lady, his clothes as she removed them. ‘Let me show you just how much I light up this room…’

~x061~

Over the next days, Conn had the first of many meetings with Kiley and Aisly; there was much to discuss. As well as a campaign and valor medals, Conn had also created another award system – one he called the “Order of the Cirice”. He wanted a way to recognize individuals for service to their people, either as a wiga or a civilian, and he was happy to use the Gyden to help him.

Loosely based on the “Order of the White Lion”, it had five levels – the last one two were equivalent to a Knighthood – not that they knew what a Knighthood was – but these recipients would be called ‘Sir”. The first four level gave the member a possibility of a seat in a proposed “People’s Assembly” – Conn’s first step in creating a form of democracy in Meshech –whilst a Knight Commander, the highest level, had a permanent seat on the Assembly, and a non-voting seat in the Witan.

Like the Witan, the Assembly would meet at least once a year, before the Witan, and would propose “Bills” for consideration by the Witan. As well as Knight Commanders, it would draw its members in equal parts from Thanes, Guildsmen, Lairds, and Order of the Cirice recipients; representatives of whom would be chosen by election, another new concept, to a maximum of forty members. Conn’s was an insidious plan, a Pandora’s Box that once opened would eventually consume all of Meshech – but in a good way.

He spent a lot of time explaining the Assembly, and after some hesitation, Ailsly and Kiley finally agreed to its establishment, and to recognizing members of the Order of the Cirice in the manner that Conn wished.

The order had its first showing at the next feast. Conn had arranged for Abrecan and his sons to be his guest at the dinner, and at the appropriate time, Kiley got up and explained about the ‘Order of the Cirice” and its different levels.

She then called forward about thirty Troakians for special mention. Most were appointed to the lower levels of Member or Officer, while Eaorls and Thanes who had fought were rewarded with the rank of Commander. Kiley then awarded the rank of Knight to her Folctoga, Leon, and her daughter. The rank was acknowledged by a neck collar or breast star in silver. Leon placed his next to his valor and campaign medals. She informed everyone that Leon was now to be called Sir Leon.

After the clapping has stopped, she spoke. ‘We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge others who have done so much for Trokia. One of those in the merchant Abrecan. Abrecan please come forward.’

The crowd was surprised and noticeably so. Kiley shushed them.

‘Everyone who knows anything about the events of this year will know that the counsel of Abrecan, merchant of Trokiak, has been instrumental in helping us deal with the situation that we found ourselves in – he has put his resources and trading network to the assistance of Trokiak, and we are truly indebted.’ She greeted the surprised merchant. ‘Abrecan, I appoint you as Knight Commander of the Order of the Cirice; and as Knight Commander, you are appointed as Special Counsellor to the Witan of Trokiak. Thank you Sir Abrecan.’

It caused quite a buzz around the room. Abrecan after all was not a noble. He told Conn later that if he had been able to speak with the Wealdend herself over the last year, lives would have been saved. It wasn’t until the defeat at Ridlah that he had been able to speak to her without going through an intermediary. He said that a lot of noses would have been put out of joint by his award.

After Abrecan, Kiley than called forward Wilgar il Melnik, Eocho il Plevan, Leogar il Farah and Daigh il Ar, all of whom were appointed Knights of the Order. Last but no least was Eggar, Captain the ships that had saved so many at Ridlah. He was also made a knight.

When Conn arrived back at the Inn later than evening – he had a meeting with Aisly after the fest, he was surprised to find Jofrid waiting for him.

‘You didn’t have to wait up, Jofrid – I keep telling Halla not to but she doesn’t listen. Where is she anyway?’

‘She is feeling unwell – she thinks she ate something that didn’t agree with her. Did you have a nice meeting with Aisly?’

Conn laughed. There was not a lot said at the meeting that was grunting or other sounds. ‘Indeed it was …pleasant.’

‘Pleasant. She will be disappointed. The Aebeling has a reputation to maintain.’

‘And yet she has no children?’

Jofrid shook her head as she followed Conn upstairs. ‘My cousin has had several bedda – but after they failed to impregnate her, she discarded them – she has been through several Folctoga, some wiga and even a merchant or two – all to no avail. Until now… I wonder if she has heard of your other prowess.’

‘I don’t follow…’ Jofrid helped Conn take off his jacket, and he sat on the bed taking off his boots.

‘Well, if anyone can get the Aebeling of Trokia pregnant – it is you. Anyway,’ she asked as stood and undid the buttons, opening her blouse to expose her breasts, ‘since Halla is inconvenienced, would you like me to stay or go? The Aebeling hasn’t used up all your energy has she?’

Jofrid even half-naked would raise the dead. ‘Well, since you are here...’

Naked, she walked to the bed. ‘You are not going to remember this part of the night as pleasant…’

~x063~

Days later Conn was invited to a meeting of the Witan – there was much to discuss about the House of Assembly. Abrecan was to attend his first meeting as Special Counsel.

They were back in the hall, and tabled had been set up in a triangular arrangement. Kiley, Wealdend, and Aisly, as well as their officials sat on one side; the nine Eaorls and their heirs on another. Godlyn and Cenlinda, heirs of two of the four Eaorls that had died in the campaign, were by themselves.

The third was set aside for Conn, Derryth, Abrecan, and their guests – Leogar il Farah, Daigh il Ar, and Eocho il Plevan.

The Reeve banged a gavel on the table and the Wealdend stood to silence.

‘Witan of Trokia. We today pay homage to all those that sacrificed themselves in this campaign and to say thanks to a man who has chosen to do something that perhaps no other man in Meshech could do. We say thanks also to the men who ably led the wiga under their command, and they are with us today.’

They clapped and then she continued.

‘Seldom does the fate of so many things hinge around a single event or a single man. Long ago in the history of this island there was such a man and it led to the formation of this and the other three Healdend demesnes. Again we see such a man, and, and the saving of Trokia is such an event. We do not know where these events will lead us or Meshech. We once again place ourselves at the mercy of our Gyden.’

‘A Gyden that has forsaken us.’ muttered Beofrith il Gebal, the oldest man in the room.

‘Perhaps Beofrith, perhaps.’ She continued on with other discussions from a list prepared by the Reeve. The worth of Abrecan had been demonstrated already as he was much better informed on matters within the town then even the Reeve and his staff.

He finally announced that Cenlinda il Moha wished to raise a matter for judgement by the Witan.

Cenlinda stood and informed the Witan of her sale of several Thane demesnes to Conn and asked that they be ratified. She also mentioned that Conn wished them to be merged into one demesne.

Kiley was surprised. ‘Thane, you have been busy. I would ask if you are capable of managing such a large demesne but the point is moot. Would you like to speak of your plans for the demesne?’

Conn spent some time telling them of his projects in other parts of Meshech. He finished with the request that the demesne not be that of a Thane but that of a Baron.

All of the Witan were very surprised – except for Aisly and Kiley who recognized it because of the discussions about the “House of Assembly”. They discussed it for a while before agreeing – it was hard to refuse the wishes of someone who had saved you from death.

‘Baron Hebal,’ Kiley tried out his new title, ‘Have you given some thought to what else we may offer you as a reward for your service to Trokia?’

Conn stood, as was the custom for those speaking. ‘Five things, Wealdend. I would have the seat that is vacant in your Witan.’

The Eaorls all looked confused until Beofrith nodded in understanding. ‘Kuita – he would have the Eaorldom of Kuita…’

Kiley was shocked. ‘Why? Kuita is abandoned – it was taken by pirates and renegades over a hundred years ago – the last Eaorl was Ingar and he died in…’ She looked to her official who were rummaging through scrolls.

One called out, ‘790 – he died trying to regain Kuita – no one has tried since.’

‘…790. The Kanian Eaorls of Futah and Gagah are to the south, while Zedah is to the west but they are protected by mountains. The Pirates have a reputation for savagery. They control the bay of Kania and extract tribute from all who pass.

Conn disagreed. ‘Not always – times are currently hard for the pirates as they do not attempt to extract tribute from any of my ships – and as the vast majority of trade into Kania now is on my ships…’

She laughed. ‘So the sun has risen in the bay of Kania. Even given that fact, I cannot imagine why you would want that Eaorldom – I’m even surprised to know that you even know about it. However, if that is what you want, I am delighted to grant you the title Eaorl of Kuita – if the Eaorls have no objections.’ None did so Conn was declared Eaorl of Kuita. He was no longer a guest of the Witan, he was a member.

‘Just a Baron a few moments ago, and now an Eaorl! What are your other requests? Do you want to be Healdend next?’

They all laughed but she was only half joking.

Conn shook his head, ‘No, but given the enormous assistance that Trokia has received from these three men sitting with me,’ Conn had forewarned them, ‘I would like to propose that the Thane of Hatu take Sir Daigh il Ar as bedda, that Cenlinda, Eaorl of Moha, take Sir Leogar il Farah, and Godlyn, Eaorl of Ridlah take Sir Eocho il Plevan.’

Of course the only one that was really surprised amongst those named was Eadan, the heir of Trokia – and heir of Hatu. Aisly did know of the discussion – Conn had mentioned it to her in the throes of passion. At that particular moment she might have agreed to anything. Conn was unsure if she had mentioned it to her mother – and from her reaction, it was clear that she hadn’t.

Kiley’s confusion showed on her face, and she sat down quickly. Poor Eadan flushed bright red, but she stayed silent and snuck glances at her proposed bedda. They waited for the Wealdend to speak, and when finally she did, she was still confused. ‘I don’t know what to say. Ridlah, what do you say to this proposal?’

Godlyn nodded. ‘If it pleases the Witan, I have no objection.’

‘You knew about this?’

‘The Thane… sorry, the Eaorl of Kuita did happen to mention it…’

‘But not to me…’ Kiley looked at Cenlinda. ‘So I’m to presume that you had prior warning as well?’

Cenlinda nodded. ‘I did – and I also have no objection.’

‘Cousin Eachna, what do you say to this proposal? Am I the only one to not know?’ Eadan was not yet sixteen so her opinion did not matter.

The Eaorl of Hatu nodded. ‘I did not know, cousin, and would certainly have appreciated knowing in advance.’ Eachna was just over forty, and Conn had gathered was worse than her cousin Aisly in her predatory behaviour. She was also taller and extremely voluptuous – in contrast to her daughter. ‘That being said, whilst I have some concerns as to an appropriate dowry given my daughter’s status, if the … the Eaorl of Kuita assures me that as satisfactory conclusion to such negotiations will be forthcoming, I will withdraw any objections I might have.’

Conn noticed the filthy look that Aisly gave her cousin but she said nothing. Conn agreed, knowing that some of the conditions might include late night negotiations. He bowed, ‘I feel confident that whatever conditions the Eaorl of Hatu has; she will be satisfied with the outcome.’

‘Very well, I have no objection either. I will arrange to start negotiations with the Eaorl … after lunch perhaps?’ She looked at Conn with a knowing smile, and a tiny flush of red on her cheeks, and a lick of her lips. Conn wasn’t sure which of them was going to be dessert.

Kiley resumed her negotiations. ‘And your last request?’

‘I wish to have the demesne of Ushu in Temah. The position is vacant and I have already made expensive alterations. I understand that there are several by it side also vacant; I would have those included and the title there also changed to Baron of Ushu.’

Aelfrys, the new Eaorl, had lost his father in the campaign, was very agreeable – especially after Conn offered to bring in craeftiga to help rebuild his town. Conn later arranged for a bedda for him from Menia.

There being no objections, the last item to be determined was the “House of Assembly”, and while the discussions were robust, inevitable Conn had his way – a meeting of the new House of Assembly would be called in the next summer. There would be time for elections in the spring. Conn’s Logistics Corp would manage the elections.

The day was late, they had eaten lunch at the table, and Conn was on his way out when he heard Eachna call his name.

She walked over to him; her large bosom straining to escape. ‘Now, about the dowry…’

Conn took the initiative. ‘Perhaps there is somewhere private that we can discuss such sensitive matters?’