The Heir of Kings

Chapter Six: Taken

After her somewhat lousy start, things got worse for Relma. It was nice to practice with swords and shields. It certainly was better scullery work and odd jobs. But Relma soon learned it didn't catch her interest as hoped. Argath Marn was a hard trainer and kept them drilling constantly.

Relma found she was learning a great deal from him rapidly. Her skill with a spear increased a great deal. And she learned the basics of wielding a sword quickly. But quick or not, there was always more to learn. And Argath was always pressing her to learn it.

Tanith made it worse. Not because Relma had been chosen for her ire. But because the blonde girl was enormously creative.

As it turned out, Tanith was perhaps the most hated person in the castle. Or at least among the servants. What Relma saw of the knights told her that she was well-liked by them. She saw Tanith and the others drinking in the mead halls and telling stories of her exploits. Tanith's had apparently been bloody, and Relma wondered if they were true. She hoped not.

Unfortunately, Tanith's entertainments were more than just drinking and tale-telling. The girl took delight in forcing people who were lower ranked than her to do all kinds of pointless chores.

"I don't understand why the Steward tolerates her," said Relma.

"She was brought here by Lord Argath Marn," said Estela. "Apparently, they both fought together in the same campaign."

"But why doesn't he reign her in?" asked Relma. "Or why doesn't the Steward have her leave?"

"Tanith is a good swordsman," said Estela.

"That's it?" asked Relma.

"An excellent swordsman," said Estela. "One of the best. She's a valuable addition to the guard. And she mostly focuses on people who are beneath notice. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone, she can get away with things."

"Where did she come from anyway?" asked Relma. "And why does she think Aren and Aunt Pan are charlatans?"

"She was raised in Carn Gable, actually," said Estela. "The household of Duke Vanion. Personal friends with his son, apparently."

"So what's she doing all the way down here?" asked Relma.

"She came here with Lord Marn," said Estela.

"That reminds me," said Relma, "what is Marn doing all the way down here in the south? He was ruling Artarq once, wasn't he?"

"He was," said Estela. "But Duke Vanion revealed a conspiracy against King Andoa II by Duke Borinius. Marn was personal friends with Borinius, and he was discredited by association.

"He lost his status as governor and has had to make his living as a mercenary since. Steward Benarus hired him to train his soldiers a few years ago."

"But Marn said he fought alongside my father in the Black Marsh campaign," said Relma.