Of Kings and Pawns

Chapter 7 - Varislow

The morning sun bathed the city of Varislow in a golden light, casting long shadows over the cobbled streets. Lord Pavel Varsaw strode through the bustling market, his cloak draped over his broad shoulders, the sigil of House Varsaw: a winged hussar... proudly displayed on his chest. As he walked, he was greeted by the people of Varislow... both Elvish and human alike. They bowed their heads, offered warm smiles, and extended friendly words of gratitude.

"Blessings be, my lord." The Elvish women did their courtsies, and he greeted back with a nod.

"A good day it is, my lord." A couple with an Elvish man and a human from a balcony greeted him. He smiled and waved in response.

Varislow was one of the few cities in the Old World where Elvish and humans lived side by side in harmony. While many other houses turned away the Elvish or forced them to live in poverty on the outskirts of society, House Varsaw did not discriminate. To Pavel and his house, race and religion were no barriers, and under his rule, Varislow had become a city of tolerance, where the different gods were worshipped by all who chose to, regardless of their origins.

But as Lord Pavel walked through the heart of the city, his mind was not on the bustling markets or the well wishes of his people. A deeper, darker thought gnawed at him... one that he could not escape.

With a quick glance over his shoulder to ensure no one was following him, Pavel ducked into a narrow alley. His grand cloak was soon discarded, and he donned the rough-spun clothes of a commoner. His noble gait became that of a simple man as he blended into the crowd, making his way toward the Elvish Quarter. No one took notice of him as he walked, just another figure among the masses.

At last, he arrived at a modest house tucked away on a quiet street. The door opened before he could knock, revealing Daria, a tall Elvish woman with long, silver hair and eyes that shimmered like polished stones. She smiled warmly as he stepped inside, closing the door behind him.

"Pavel," she whispered, embracing him with a kiss. "I'm glad you came."

Pavel wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I missed you," he murmured, his voice heavy with emotion.

He was then greeted by the sound of laughter and small feet running across the floor. His children... his bastards, born of his secret union with Daria... rushed to him, hugging his legs and beaming up at him with wide eyes. Though he could not publicly acknowledge them, they were the brightest part of his life, the secret he both cherished and hid from his family and his court.

Pavel knelt down, ruffling their hair with a smile. "Look at you, my little warriors." he said softly, his heart swelling with pride.

"Father?" A now deeper voice said.

"Albert." He marveled at the sight of his firstborn, now tall and even growing a beard. "You have grown too tall yet..."

Albert looked down shyly. He had always looked so thin and frail when he was young, and now he even looked like he was getting stretched. Still, Pavel hugged his son who looked too much like him when he was younger. Albert doesn't have the pointed ears of the just like his mother and siblings, but his left eye was pure Elvish. The wetnurse said it was an anomaly, but all Albert could see was the beauty of two races.

"Albert had always occupied himself with books on history and arts." Daria said amusingly. "His mind is as sharp as your sword."

"We are in need of scholars in our castle." Pavel mentioned. "Someday, I will bring you there."

Albert just let out a small smile. "I do hope, father. Now if I may be excused to my room."

As the children scampered away to play and Albert headed back to his room, Pavel took a seat at the small wooden table. Daria brought him a cup of tea, and they sat in comfortable silence for a moment, before her expression darkened.

"There is talk," Daria said quietly, "about the resurgence of Otto Eigermann. The Elvish hear things, Pavel, and many are worried that Varislow would lose its independence once again."

Pavel chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Otto Eigermann is a fool if he thinks he can rally the central kingdoms under his banner. Many houses will be against his rise, and he will never hold Varislow just like his father. If it comes to war, Kings Frank and Brighton will come to my aid, as they have pledged to uphold Varsaw's independence."

Daria frowned, her sharp eyes locking onto his. "And what of House Rus? Word spreads that Yvan Rus is gathering strength in the North. They have sent ravens to many houses, demanding land and tribute. Have you heard nothing from them?"

Pavel hesitated. The truth was, a raven from House Rus had indeed come, demanding that Varsaw cede its eastern territories to Rus control. But he had told no one of it, not even his most trusted advisors. For now, he wished to avoid panic and to maintain the image of a strong, untouchable ruler.

"Yvan Rus is no more than a distant threat," Pavel said, his voice carefully measured. "House Rus is far to the north, and their reach does not extend here. They would not dare march on Varislow."

Daria's expression remained doubtful. "Don't be so sure, Pavel. Yvan Rus is not like the other lords. His ambition knows no bounds, and he does not act without reason. He has been watching the chaos in the central kingdoms, and if Otto rises, it may give him the excuse he needs to expand further south."

Pavel sighed, setting down his cup. "Perhaps," he conceded. "But House Varsaw is strong. Our walls have stood for centuries, and our alliances are firm. Frank and Brighton have given their word, and I have the resources to defend my lands if it comes to it."

Daria reached across the table, taking his hand in hers. "For your sake, for the sake of our children, strengthen your defenses, Pavel. I do not trust the promises of men like Frank and Brighton. You have built something rare here in Varislow. Don't let it fall because of misplaced faith."

Pavel squeezed her hand gently, his expression softening. "I will think on it," he said. "For you, and for our children, I will do what is necessary."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their situation pressing down on them both. Despite his outward confidence, Pavel could not shake the unease that lingered in the back of his mind. The political landscape was shifting, and he could feel the winds of war beginning to blow.

As he rose to leave, he kissed Daria one last time, promising to return as soon as he could. Dressed once more in his noble attire, Lord Pavel Varsaw stepped back out into the bustling streets of Varislow, the mask of the proud lord firmly in place.

But beneath the mask, doubt and fear stirred.