Pentadai, Week 12 – 26th Lowal, 19th Lowis 1210
Rex Dallin
ON PENTADAI, the Comptroller appeared slightly frazzled as he said, “Your Highness, maybe if we view it another way—” He turned to put some papers on the Comptroller’s Chest and bowed as he registered the King had entered. Arkyn whipped round and gave a short bow.
Adeone assessed the situation. He sighed. “Arkyn, are you wearing the Comptroller out again?”
“Not intentionally, sir. Hill Beck Farm, is having a hard year. We’re trying to work out how to help, but it can wait.”
“Good. I’ve brought you some help, by the way. Edward, come on in. Edward has agreed to take on the arduous task of being your administrator. I hope that you can both cope with the idea.”
Arkyn nodded. “Of course, father. Welcome to Ceardlann, Edward.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” replied his new administrator self-consciously.
The Comptroller took advantage of a pause. “Well, Sire, Your Highness, if you’ll excuse us, I’ll go and introduce Edward to Kadeem and show him his room.”
As they left, Tain tore into the office. Nearly bowled over as his son careered into him, Adeone gave him a much-needed hug. They perched in the Comptroller’s office talking for six minutes before Adeone persuaded Tain to spend time annoying his nearfather.
Once they’d gone, Adeone asked, “What’s the problem with the farm?”
“The farmer caught a chill and died,” explained Arkyn. “His son is only twelve. Too young to manage the farm on his own but it seems unfair for the sake of a couple of seasons to remove it from the family. There aren’t any cousins to help. There’s an uncle to the boy in Oedran, but he’s settled, from what I can gather. They don’t want to disturb his work there.”
Adeone groaned. “I’ve been blind, or just dumb. The ‘uncle’ who’s in Oedran, it’s Sergeant Hillbeck, I’d bet my life on it. He requested a couple of day’s leave to attend his brother’s funeral not long ago. I remember the widow from years ago. I used to get on her nerves. Have you asked her what they want? It’s pretty pointless going over all this if they’d rather not keep the farm. We could take a ride this afternoon?”
Arkyn smiled. “I’d enjoy that, father.”
“Good. We’ll leave Tain and Landis here as we’ll be conducting business.”
“I’m sure Uncle Festus will appreciate the thought.”
Adeone snorted. “He’ll cope.”
* * *
Two hours later, Adeone and Arkyn rode into the farmyard. Dismounting, they handed the horses’ bridles to the guards, and Adeone led the way to the kitchen door. A lady answered their knock with a cheery yell of ‘Come in’.
Adeone stepped into the kitchen, saying, “How are you, Susan?”
The fresh-faced lady whipped around and curtsied. “Erm… startled, Sire; though I don’t know why; you do turn up in unexpected places.”
“Less often than I did. Have you met my eldest before?”
“Once. Come on in, Your Highness, and sit yourself down. You too, Sire.”
As he sat, Adeone’s eyes met the room’s final occupant. “So, this is where you hide on your days off, Hillbeck.”
The sergeant grinned slightly. “Apparently, Sire. I came to give a hand.”
Adeone wasn’t surprised. “Yes, Prince Arkyn has been explaining the situation to me. I came to see what you wanted, Susan. If you want to keep the farm, I’m sure something could be arranged, but if you don’t, we won’t abandon you.”
Disconcerted, Susan said, “I’m not sure, sir. My son’s been rather quiet since his father died. It should be his decision. It’s his inheritance after all. Help yourself to biscuits; the kettle is on.”
“You always did do me proud, Susan.”
“Boys need feeding up. Some more than others.”
“Su!” exclaimed Hillbeck, shocked.
Laughing, Adeone caught Susan’s eye. “Relax, Sergeant. Your wed-sister used to deal with me when I was Prince Tain’s age. Susan, I know you never wanted to go to Oedran but—”
“I still don’t but my son has a hankering to see the city, thanks to his uncle putting ideas in his head.”
Feeling mischievous, Adeone said, “Hillbeck has a lot to answer for.”
“So I’ve heard, Sire. Saving your life just isn’t on, is it?”
Arkyn was sitting and listening in mounting perplexity that his father was allowing Susan to speak to him in such a way.
Adeone caught the expression on his son’s face and winked at him as he replied, “No, it’s dreadful; however, I am grateful. Now, come on, Susan, be serious. Could you return to Ceardlann?”
Susan pouring boiling water into a teapot chewed at her lip. She replaced the kettle and sat down thoughtfully.
“I don’t know, Sire, and that is the truth. I’m not sure I could return to my former position. My son wouldn’t fit there either. He’s too lively, for the Comptroller’s sensibilities.” Adeone went to say something but Susan was continuing, “The problem is, we can’t manage the farm on our own and, much as I appreciate my wed-brother’s help, he can’t always be here.”
Adeone sighed. “No, he can’t. Your off-duty time, though, Hillbeck, is your own so I shouldn’t be commenting. Have you any ideas, Sergeant?”
“Only one, sir. I have the lad to live with me in Oedran and see if the Herald has a spot for him. He’s a hard worker, trustworthy, normally full of energy. You could do worse.”
Adeone turned to Susan. “What do you say to that idea?”
“I… Letting him go will be hard but he needs to spread his wings a bit. That just leaves me. I’ll muddle along somehow.”
Adeone caught her eye. “When I offered you a post at Ceardlann; it wasn’t your previous one. I was thinking of a supervisory post – such as housekeeper. You’ve always been the sort of woman who can see what needs doing and doesn’t scrimp when it comes to getting it done. You shouldn’t be wasted out here… Come and supervise the young maids there – the Comptroller will welcome not having to. Come and tease Cook, make me a spiced pudding or two—”
Susan swallowed. “I… Will the Comptroller have me back?”
“Of course. Come on, Susan, you’ve either got to keep the farm going or move away. I don’t like the thought of you and your son being split but this way—”
The door opened and a lad around twelve summers entered looking drained. He hardly noticed anyone else, walking straight through the kitchen and through the opposite door.
Susan watched him sadly. “Will you excuse me, Sire?”
Once she’d gone, Adeone wrapped his hands around his mug of tea. “How are they really, Hillbeck? And tell me the truth.”
Hillbeck considered for a moment. “They’re exhausted, Sire. Radley’s illness had already taken it out of Su. Coping with the farm as well has made it more difficult. It might be better to decide for them. Not pleasant, but Su will work herself into the ground for Caswal, and he for her.”
“I was getting that impression. She did a lot for me when my mother passed on. I’d like to make sure she’s all right.”
“I never realised how well she knows you, sir.”
“It’s been a few years since I’ve seen her. Oh, and you’ve not heard this very unconventional meeting.”
“Of course I haven’t, sir. This is the valley, not real life. If you’ll excuse me, Sire. I really ought to go and carry on. I’m on duty at six.”
“Of course. I’m leaving Ceardlann at seven. Contact Oedran and return with me. It should give you a couple of hours more with your family.”
“Thank you, Sire. It’s much appreciated.” He saluted and left the kitchen thinking he’d seen another unknown side of the King.
Adeone and Arkyn sat talking over their tea for some time. Just when they were beginning to wonder where Susan was the door opened and she entered the kitchen obviously troubled.
“I’m sorry to have kept you, sir.”
Adeone shook his head slightly. “Don’t be. What did Caswal say?”
“He doesn’t know. He feels like he’s abandoning his father if we move away from here, but he can’t cope…” She slumped onto the bench.
Adeone moved around the table and, sitting with his back against it, put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed it in sympathy. He waited for a moment before saying, “I can’t let you continue like this, Susan. I’m taking the decision out of your hands. We’ll find someone else to take on the farm. You’re coming to Ceardlann to start with and then, when Caswal’s feeling stronger, if he wants to, he can go and live with his uncle and we’ll find him a job at the Palace. Prince Arkyn will see that whoever takes over here does so on the understanding that if your son wishes to return when he’s older, he can. I’m sure some younger sons of the valley would like the chance to flex their wings. Will you agree to all that?”
Trying to regain composure, Susan said, “We can hardly refuse if the King orders it.”
Adeone squeezed her shoulder again. “I have my uses, so I’m told. You know you shocked your wed-brother, don’t you?”
She glanced sideways at him. “I shock myself too. Why do you put up with me, sir?”
“I don’t forget the year my mother died. You, the Comptroller, Laioril and Judge Tancred all pulled me through that time. I don’t forget, Susan.” Adeone rose. “We’d better get back to Ceardlann before they send out search parties.”
Susan rose. “Thank you for everything, Sire. I feel as though a weight has been lifted from me.”
He gave her a warm hug. “Look after yourself until Prince Arkyn or the Comptroller have humoured me and worked out the small details.”
Two weeks later, the Hillbeck family were once more settled, Susan at Ceardlann and her son working as a runner in Oedran.