Galier had always prided himself on his political acumen. The twists and turns that always needed to be navigated in noble dealings had come second nature to him for as long as he could remember. Perhaps he lacked the experience that many young lords would have by now --and he was not arrogant enough to believe otherwise-- but he would always make up for it with perseverance and no small amount of talent. From the tender age of thirteen, when he had first accompanied Martim Derran’s armies to deal with border disputes or unruly lords, Galier had been fascinated with the negotiations that followed the fighting. While Jormand and Ketrim lusted for combat that they truly had little part in, Galier held back and watched. Studying the rhetoric and negotiation tactics that Martim had employed got Galier most of the way to becoming an adept envoy for the house. Studying the few books he could find brought him the rest of the way. He had progressed quickly. Unlike soldiering, where he had always lagged behind Jormand and his brother, Galier displayed a knack for politics. Enough of a talent that he had managed to hold his own in the political maze that was Maerin without much difficulty. Unfortunately, the only thing that was keeping him afloat now was that talent. And he had gone far beyond pushing its boundaries.

Since the day that he had officially been named the seat of house Derran’s holdings within Maerin, his every waking hour had been spent navigating that maze, so large in scope that even he could not move from end to end without reviewing the connections between. It was beyond exhausting and the excitement he had felt at first had faded within a few days. The challenge he had expected was replaced with a monotonous stream of papers that grated on him. He wanted the intense debates between near equals of his childhood where he had cut his teeth on negotiation. Instead he was given simpering lesser families begging for his help and aloof greater houses who assumed his compliance without discussion.

Now it had been just under a week since his instatement, which had come a day after Jormand and Ketrim had actually left. The day between the two brothers’ departure and his taking up the role had been spent planning how he could take the station without incident. It had been only the beginning of the necessary political maneuverings.

The whole affair had gone about as smoothly as he had expected. Which was to say not smoothly at all. Immediately after he had been officially declared and pages had been sent out to inform house Derran’s allies in the city, a deluge of summons and invitations to banquets, parties, and meetings had come pouring in. Many were from the house’s allies who were understandably confused about the sudden change in leadership. Those he had responded to quickly, he needed to secure his position without incident and the best way to do so would be to ingratiate himself with those predisposed to supporting him. The other set of letters had been a surprise. He did not know exactly how other houses had heard so quickly, but for each allied messenger that came knocking at the gates, there was another from a house with no connection to Jormand’s family whatsoever.

No doubt the powerful of Maerin saw a pliable young lord in a position of power and meant to take advantage. Galier would not give them the satisfaction. And yet he still had to reply to those houses as well. Powerful lords were quick to anger in Galier’s experience and Ketrim, or whoever took power in house Derran now, would not be pleased to hear that Galier had made new enemies during their absence.

And so now, a week after the messages had begun to roll in, Galier still found himself spending an inordinate amount of time responding to lords and ladies who he had never even met before, some whose names he had not once heard. And to top it all off, not all would be content to send a message. More than a few zealous nobles had shown up at the manor gate complete with armed retinue and decorated carriage, and Galier could not turn them away.

It was one of those overeager men who Galier was about to meet with now. Broderic Teloway was a reasonably important figure in the city. He ran in circles above Galier’s own station, though usually he leveraged that power to deal with old blood houses across the Phoenaxian sea. So far as Galier knew, Broderic had no previous connection to house Derran. Why he would want to forge one now was enough of a reason for Galier to be suspicious.

He had shown up at the gates alone except for a pair of guards who he sent off as soon as he was admitted to the manor grounds. That was strange in and of itself but the oddities did not stop there. Galier had met Broderic before through his daughter Rianne. She was the reason he was hesitant to attend the meeting, or at least part of it. They had not parted on good terms and Galier did not doubt that there would be bad blood between their houses for some time. Perhaps Broderic had forgotten about the whole situation but Galier could think of no other reason he would approach house Derran now. The two houses were of similar importance, prominent for new blood, but Broderic had gone out of his way in the past to distance himself from other new blood families. Especially houses from the far north. Galier had more than enough reason to be on his guard for the meeting.

The snarl of political brambles had Galier’s mind thoroughly ensnared now as he trudged through the halls of Derran manor. The pale stone, brightly colored tapestries and frescoes that adorned the halls he passed felt at odds with his mood. The study where he had been holding smaller meetings since taking up residence in the manor lay on the opposite side of the building from his chambers. When choosing which rooms to take, he had thought the walk would be refreshing, especially since he could take a detour through the central courtyard if he so chose. Now the extra time spent walking from one room to another felt like a waste. He had too many other things that needed doing, other meetings to schedule, orders to give. Perhaps he could have a cot brought to the study, it would save time to sleep close by. No, he had to maintain a certain appearance for the men and women he was meeting as well as those who still worked on the manor grounds.

He felt like a caged animal, trapped behind all the expectations and duties he now suddenly carried. Marble columns and walls took the place of bars but they were no less constraining. The route from room to room was burned into his skull already and each step he took was one he had taken time and again these past few days. Everything was beginning to go stale. The well furnished halls, the smell of baking that wafted from the kitchen as he passed, even the breezy oceanside air that blew in at windows had lost its charm. No matter how pleasant the trappings of his cage, the walls still weighed on his mind. When he itched to move, he let himself stalk the halls, new letters in hand and more stuffed into his pockets. It was all that he could afford. Every free moment needed to be put to task. Even now, as he mulled over his predicament, he was on the way to his study for the first meeting of the day. The first of many. He caught himself snarling like a cornered beast as he passed a boy dressed in green livery and carrying a basket filled with onions. The poor lad turned white as a sheet as he scurried along past. Galier quickly schooled himself to a presentable smile just as he arrived at the door to his study.

Broderic Teloway was already there when Galier walked in, somehow managing to look relaxed as he lounged on a simple stool next to the heavy table that dominated the middle of the room. That table managed to offset the finery of the rest of the room with its hard angles and bulky construction. It drew the eyes and made the airy study feel smaller. Maybe that was why Martim had had it put there. There was something about it that reminded Galier of Derranhall. It was covered in maps that Galier had not bothered to decipher. The markings did not make any sense and whatever language they were labeled with, Galier did not understand it.

When Galier arrived, Broderic was intently not looking at the maps or the table. They were arranged just as they had been before, not one was out of place. There was no doubt in Galier’s mind that Broderic had already looked through them enough to know as much as he himself did, which was precious little.

The older lord was dressed in a simple maroon robe after the old blood style, a loose silk garment with voluminous sleeves. Though made of rich fabric, it was not even touched with embroidery. Broderic Teloway took after the old blood in many ways from clean shaven chin to stark black hair. Galier saw the signs of dye evidently, anyone could but it was polite to feign ignorance. Broderic looked the part of the lord in opposition to Galier’s own attire. He wore a simple silk shirt, dyed dark green in Derran colors, loose linen trousers and simple boots. He had given up on his usual finery after a few days of managing house Derran’s affairs. He simply did not have the time anymore.

Broderic stood as Galier entered and made a stiff formal bow to his surprise. The man had been cold, even hostile to Galier in the past. The restrained formality was an interesting departure, something to take note of. Most of the nobles who had been calling on Galier over the last week had made requests or veiled demands immediately. It seemed they all thought he would be easy to manipulate for their ends. He could think of no other reason for Broderic to be treating him so respectfully. It would be satisfying to deny him whatever he was after though. Galier harbored some resentment of his own towards Rianne’s family.

Galier returned the bow but just a touch shallower. If Broderic came to him asking for favors, Galier meant to make him feel like the beggar that he was.

“Good morrow lord Teloway,” Galier said with a pleasant enough smile, “It is good to see you again.”

“Likewise, of course.” Broderic replied distractedly. He frowned slightly and his brow was furrowed. He seemed troubled and was not trying to hide it in the slightest. “Lord Caerest.” He began to launch into his request but then faltered. “Or lord Derran, I should say.”

Galier was not used to that after only a week. Of course the name was only symbolic, he was no more a part of house Derran than Broderic was, but everyone would pretend until someone else took his place. A lot of noble society was based on pretense, After that, no one would discuss it at all. It would be as if he had not held the position for a single day. In a way he did not, even now. He was only a vessel for the house’s authority with no real power of his own.

Broderic continued on without pause. Whatever it was he had to say, he was unwilling to chance Galier cutting him off. “I’ve come to ask you for a favor, to ask your house for a favor as it were.” There it was. Galier would have been more surprised if he did not have a favor to ask. It was a bit abrupt though. He expected more tact from Broderic, but no matter, to turn him down would be satisfying just the same.

“I know that when your family… left, they left a good deal behind.” Broderic cleared his throat meaningfully, edging just on the edge of propriety. He would not dare insinuate that Galier was not actually a member of house Derran, but he would try to take full advantage of the possible gap in loyalty if he could. It was well known that house Caerest was only bound to house Derran for the convenience of the latter, they were not close allies. Galier did wonder what it was he wanted though, house Derran was of middling importance, enviable to many new blood families but below the interest of Broderic who publicly only cared to climb the ladder of the courts.

“So what is it you want then, lord Teloway? Silver? Land?” Galier punctuated each word just enough to make his distaste clear but not enough to breach etiquette. Broderic knew just how pathetic his request was, especially given their history. Galier owed him nothing beyond common courtesy. He intended to test the limits of that too.

“Soldiers.” Broderic said bluntly with an entirely straight face. If anything, he looked even more worried now.

“Soldiers?” Galier was confused. Asking for political favors, even a loan or a favorable trade deal was expected, but soldiers? House Derran’s liegemen were plentiful, especially since Jormand and Ketrim had left the vast majority behind, but house Teloway was not even an ally.

“Yes.” Broderic grimaced , he seemed to be steeling himself to say something unpleasant. “We’ve ignored this for too long.” He pointed at Galier as if he should know what he meant. When he did not respond Broderic explained.

“The assassinations, everyone sees they’re all targeted at the new blood. We cannot pretend that’s just a coincidence.” His tone was bordering on pleading now and Galier was becoming increasingly confused. He agreed that the targeted nature of the attacks meant something, but everyone else ignored it, like Broderic said. He had not expected that the first person to voice it would be Broderic Teloway, who relied on the facades of the courts more than most. Perhaps he should be reassured, but it only made him more wary. Maybe things were even more dire than he thought.

“I agree.” Galier said and Broderic’s eyes went wide in surprise.

“Then you understand why I need soldiers.” The older lord was thoroughly desperate and he did not hide it.

“Use your own soldiers. I seem to remember you quartering a small army the last time I visited your hold.” Galier was pretty sure that the show of force the last time he had visited Teloway Manor had been to scare him. Broderic had not approved of his relationship with Rianne, but just the ones Galier had seen would be enough to defend the manor grounds.

Broderic frowned and broke eye contact to stare down at the floor tiles. He twisted a ring that dominated his left middle finger. A thick gold band with a carved blue gemstone set at its apex. The stone was carved with a simple ship, square rigged in the style of the southerlands. Signet rings had come across the sea with the old blood generations ago, many houses had adopted them to streamline commerce. It was strange to see the blatant piece of new blood heritage on it.

“I sent them back to Blistimere with my daughter. I cannot afford to take chances any more than you can.” He looked back up to fix Galier with a level stare but there was some strain around eyes that glinted softly with guarded tears.

Galier had heard rumors that northern lords had been sending their families back to safer keeps and holds far from the city, but he had only heard of lesser houses taking such measures, those without the ability to defend themselves or who had little actual stake in Maerin. But there was no other reason for Broderic to leave himself so vulnerable. If Broderic Teloway saw fit to hide away his family, the troubles could very well run deeper than Galier had assumed. He could sympathize with the older lord --Galier himself was glad that Jormand was away from the city and its dangers-- but providing aid to a rival house, no matter the circumstances, could be a dangerous ploy. There was no guarantee that Broderic’s motives were altruistic. He had not moved against house Derran before but now it was considerably weakened under Galier’s control. There were, without a doubt, schemes being woven at that moment and Broderic Teloway was more likely than others to be involved.

Galier had not expected to be faced with any real choice at the meeting. He had accepted it out of politeness and a want to deny any requests from a petty rival. Now he was faced with a decision that could impact him and the house he represented severely. House Teloway would be a powerful ally, if Broderic’s story was true. Otherwise, Galier might be helping to hasten his own downfall. It was these sorts of grim, unclear choices that Galier was not practiced in. His own family held little sway and so his experience was confined to common niceties and gossip within Maerin, and military disputes otherwise. Important mechanisms in politics in their own right, but not sufficient preparation for the station he suddenly held.

What convinced him, finally, was nothing that Broderic himself did. It came down to a simple decision: To foster a new alliance or to spurn a potential ally and in so doing, guarantee a new enemy. The better choice was obvious, even though Galier still wanted to deny Broderic’s request for more personal reasons. He was a new power in the city and alliances would do him more good, and house Derran as well, than new enemies. Besides which, the vast majority of house Derran’s liegemen had little to do day to day. Martim had kept a sizable garrison for as long as he had been in the city, he had always treated his manor like a military installation but he had also begun to bring soldiers south from Derranhall, surreptitiously so as not to draw attention, to bolster his defense. Galier did not know exactly why, but it was his choice now what to do with them and he did not think it would hurt to spare a few guards for a potential ally, no matter whose father that ally was.

“Very well,” Galier pronounced confidently. He may have questioned the decision to himself but he knew that it was important to appear secure in his choices. There would be no second guessing.

Not long after, Broderic was on his way back to his own holding with a company of house Derran’s liegemen in tow. It had been an easy task to assemble the fifty, even on short notice. Many of the soldiers quartered in Derran manor’s barracks had little to do, even though the guards on the manor grounds had been more than doubled. Freeing up space would do some good for those who remained. Galier meant to send another company over in the following days. He waited in order for the event to be noticeable. It was possible that the first group would be missed or ignored. Sending another made that unlikely. Of course now the requests and invitations would only increase. Galier had shown he was willing and able to act in favor of other houses and not only allies. He was not looking forward to it in the slightest.

Standing in the outer courtyard after Broderic and his retinue had departed, Galier was loath to return to his study and the unwritten responses that awaited him there. The pale marble interior of the grand hall that he could see through the open doors mocked him with its warm glow.

Wearing only a thin silk shirt and loose linen trousers, Galier could feel the chill of autumn air come strangely soon, but his boots were stout and a brisk walk would warm him up in no time. If he went back to his chambers for a coat, he would find some task that needed doing immediately. Right now, out in the courtyard, there was nothing to do and the browning grass of was infinitely more inviting than the lush fall carpeting rolled across the manor floors.

Galier only meant to take a short walk to clear his head but once he had taken a circuit of the courtyard, around the manor building itself, he was back in front of the gates, feet planted firmly on the flagstone path and unwilling to turn back towards the door. The gates loomed large over him, massive constructions of cedar wood, age-dark and bound in bronze. They were all that stood in his way and the pair of women who stood guard would be more than willing to let him loose. For a brief moment he hesitated. He had work to do, enough that he certainly should not be considering staying away for even a moment longer. But the city called to him. He took one more look over his shoulder, back to the open maw that was the manor’s doorway. Just a short walk through the city wouldn’t hurt, he decided. With a wave of his hand, the gates were opened. The heavy hinges began to groan as they swung outward but Galier did not wait to hear them finish their lament. He had turned a corner and lost sight of the manor before they closed.