Jaden followed him into the manor as the butler began shouting and ordering other servants around with a very definite authority. “If I may ask my Lord, how is your work with the treaty coming?” Lester asked as they walked into the study as a maid was lighting a fire.
“Everything is going better than I expected but I’m not so sure it will stay that way.” As always his eyes went straight to a painting on the far wall.
“I will see to your supper my Lord.” Lester left the room. When he came back Jaden was still staring at the painting but now he held a glass of wine in his hand. He cleared his throat. “My lord, your supper awaits you in the dining room.”
“Thank you.” Jaden said quietly tearing his eyes from the painted face seemingly looking off into the distance.
The next morning as the sun came up Jaden was outside as his horse was brought around. He could almost see his father waiting as the servants brought his horse around to go to Olestra or to the outskirts of his lands to tend to the merchants and help the farmers.
“My Lord.” Lester said shaking Jaden from his thoughts. He blinked and saw his horse waiting for him.
“If all goes well, I’ll be home by summer’s end.” He said to Lester right before he mounted.
“We look forward to your return.” Jaden kicked his horse gently setting into a swift trot.
His land was on the border of Alura, the thick forests and warm weather made it perfect farming country. Houses dotted the countryside with fields coloring the hills in patches of red and yellow. By midday he reached the border where he saw three Rizel waiting on horse back. Each of them wore an Iklwa or spear-sword lashed to their side blade forward. It was a symbol of their clan, the blades all unique. The most outgoing and cunning, Gavel, got off his horse as Jaden came up.
