Chapter Ten.
 

Xahar had been playing negotiator all day and he was now officially tired of this.  This was too much like politics for his liking and that's the reason he had left his home court and stayed gone. It was why he dealt with many kings and queens, but adhered to none of them as his personal court.  That's why he was going to kill his former lover.  He snarled as she walked up to him and he put his hands on his hips, upping his glare.

"What did she say?" she asked calmly.  She knew that look.  "Don't get upset," she warned when he took a swing at her.  "You can't beat me, Xahar.  I have your weapons, even those pretty hairpins of yours."

He snorted and attacked again, taking her own dagger from her waist to use.  "So?  I have something here.  You're getting old, Kozur.  Today was supposed to be a good day and you're ruining my happy mood.  It's things like this that make me wish we had broken up years sooner!"  He lunged, getting her across the forearm, then retreated back a few steps to attack again. Pressing his advantage with her would only get him grabbed.  She liked to grab him and hold him tightly against her chest.  He did a tight leap, landing behind her so he could kick her backside, sending her sprawling forward until she caught herself.  "I don't like this!  You're insulting my patron and I will not stand for this!  You may be a warrior and a thug, but that is *not* something I'm going to allow around those who I like!"  He attacked again, this time getting her in the jaw and knocking her out.  He sighed, calming himself down, while he got a nearby curtain tie and tied up her wrists.  She had shown him how to do good knots, he was quite proficient in them.  Once he had her tied up, he gagged her and took her sword, heading out into the hallway once he found his hairpins and usual assortment of weapons.

"Hey!  That's Kozur's," one of her pretty little warriors complained, reaching for it.
Xahar cracked him across the face with a backhand using that filled fist.  He went down.  He went searching for the others, finding his guards in a room togther.  He sliced their bonds and went to find his hostess again.  They were being allowed to mix and mingle in the gardens so it wasn't too odd that he was bringing another message to her.  He nodded politely at his alchemist, who was for some reason attending this garden party, then he glanced at the nearest warrior.  His alchemist slowly shook his head, so Xahar rolled his eyes.  "I want that formula," he said firmly.  "You said you wanted to leave town."  He pounced that warrior, knocking him down and stabbing him in the shoulder, and two more rushed him so he turned to fight with them.  Ballor took out one by lifting him and throwing him into the fountain, making one of the ladies shriek as the water hit her back. Xahar took out the other one by gutting him, then walking over the mess he had just created.  "I've had enough!" he shouted.  "I've taken out Kozur.  I've taken out most of the guards.  If you continue to upset me, I'll have to kill the rest of you!  Do we really want that!"

"Um, no, dear, that would be quite messy," the countessa complained mildly.  "Can't you just ...wound and incapacitate?"  She flicked a hand around.  "You know, knock down, knock out, tie up, that sort of thing?"

"We'd rather that they gave up and let us tie them up," Ballor said, giving her an odd look. "Don't you usually have guards?"

"Yes, but my husband took them all with him when he went hunting," she said, looking a bit upset now.  "We're going to have to have a talk tonight."

Liset came out dragging two more tied up warriors.  "Which room are we storing them in, boss?  These aren't her boys, they're mercenaries."

"Separate ones so they can't free each other," he said grimly.  "Either that or the root cellar."  She nodded, going to open the root cellar and toss those two down there.  She pulled the one out of the fountain and tossed him down there, then went for the others while Ballor grabbed the few giving up.  One stupidly tried to take a young duchess hostage and Xahar got him for it, making him howl in pain as his hairpin went through his arm.  It didn't go all the way through, fortunately for the young lady.  He drug that one over and took back his pin before tossing him down the stairs.  "Anyone else want to be so unreasonable?" he demanded.

The rest of the warriors were allowed to walk down there and then they were shut in, Ballor dragging a sofa over so three older women could sit on top of the door.  They and the couch weren't that heavy really.  "Boss?  Should one of us go for the husband?"

"Please," the Countessa pleaded gently.  "We'll gladly put ourselves in your hands for now, but we really could use him.  Plus someone to haul them back to jail."

"I can make the magecall," the alchemist offered gently, patting her on the hand.  "While I'm in there, I'll get you something to calm your nerves again."

"I'll be fine, dear."  She kissed him on the cheek.  "Thank you."

"You're welcome."  He headed inside, going to call the guards in the city.

Xahar looked at his two guards.  "Liset, up to you who goes," he decided.

"Then I'll go.  My horse jumps better than Ballor's does."  She bowed to the ladies.  "I'll be back soon with the husbands and guards, ladies.  Please, enjoy Xahar until then."  She hurried off, going to grab her horse from the stable yard.  She passed by a carriage on the way in, looking at the occupant.  "It's safe now," she offered, heading out into the woods.  This Count always went in the same direction, toward the temples in the mountains.  There was good hunting up there of deer and boar.

The carriage's occupant got out, shaking his head at the strange young woman's words.  "Why wasn't it safe before?" he asked in a slightly high-pitched voice.  It sounded rough to his own ears so he cleared his throat, mentally reminding himself to talk in a lower pitch as he walked up to the door.  He knocked and waited.  Someone very pretty answered the door, making him stare at him.

"You are?" Xahar asked.

"Mage Mica.  I'm the new head of the local Mage's Academy."  He nodded.  "May I enter?"

"Sure, the hostage situation is over."  He got out of the way, letting the strange man inside.  He was just taller than him, with very dark skin.   He looked like a Numfrian with how dark he was and how his hair only covered the back of his head and was pulled into a tight braid.   That was how their mages wore their hair.  The clothes were just standard robes with pants worn underneath.  "I'm Xahar.  The Countessa is outside calming down."

"I've heard of you," he offered, shaking his hand.  "Do you need help with them?"

"They're in the root cellar.  Some are unconscious, some aren't.  Their leader is in one of the sitting rooms.  You can knock her out if you want," he offered, walking off.  "We're out back if you wish to join us."

Mica watched him walk away, noticing how he moved.  He could have sworn he knew this young man.  "Do I know you?"

"I was trained in the palace," he admitted, turning around to grin. "You may have seen me there while you were training."

"I was there for a bit, but I was past my training," he admitted.

"Really?  The only mage I saw looked much older than you.  He had blue painted hair to cover up his silver, mostly to show his allegiance, and was quite a bit older if I remember right."

"No, that would have been my uncle," he admitted.  "He died about five years ago."

"I'm sorry to hear that.  He used to make some lovely tea with orange flavors."  He smiled more gently.  "Join us when you have the chance, Master Mage."  He turned around and jogged outside, going to check on Ballor.  He leaned on his arm.  "The new head of the mage academy is here," he whispered.  "He's Numfrian."

"Interesting.  Do you know him?"  Xahar nodded so Ballor grinned.  "Knew him very closely, boss?"  Xahar pinched him, making him laugh.  "Yes?"

"No, I knew his uncle.  We had tea because I babbled and he said that gave him ideas."  He grinned as his alchemist came out.  "I should ask him to find me someone to make my hair potion," he complained.

Ballor patted him on the back.  "It'll be okay, boss.  Hopefully he's a nice guy."  They both looked over as the three older women on the couch over the root cellar squealed. "I'd stop that," he shouted.

"Where is our lady!" the man trying to get out demanded.

"Alone and tied up, I did it," Xahar yelled back.  "I knocked her out, you can see her later, when you're all taken away!  Now settle down before you piss me off again!"  The pushing stopped and the women fanned themselves.  "Sorry, ladies, she never taught them manners."

"It's sweet that they worry about their woman and boss that way," one said genteelly.

"They were pretty," another one teased.  "We could probably adopt them and finish raising them correctly since they're still just young pups."

Xahar chuckled. "I'm sure you could turn them into productive and good young men within a week, m'lady.  Think you could do the same with Ballor here?"  She blushed and chuckled and Ballor swatted him, giving him a look.  Xahar winked.  "You were told by the queen to find a wife," he taunted.

"I have a woman I like, boss, and she'll even put up with you.  Shouldn't you be dancing or something?"

"Not until the guards get back," he reminded him.  "I'll get lost and then you'd be all alone guarding all these pretty, fragile, young women like those on the couch.   They'd have to adopt the boys, they're too young to have naturally borne them."

"Such a flirt," the countessa said, kissing him on the cheek when she walked up to him.  "Should I serve the luncheon?"

"If you'd like.  I figure I'll dance around dusk, that way you'll still get your dance and it'll still be special."  She nodded, smiling at him as she went to find her servants and tell them what to do.  Xahar looked over as the mage walked over to where they were standing.  "Mage Mica, this is Ballor, one of my guards and my friend.  Ballor, this is Mica, he's the new head of the Academy."

Ballor nodded politely.  "Greetings.  Came to see him dance?"

"The Countessa met me at the wedding and suggested I come see him since I'm from there."  He smiled at Xahar.  "Most of the dancers I knew were service oriented people.  Are you?"

Xahar blinked a few times, then shook his head.  "No.  Most of the ones I trained with ended up being favored concubines, but I only dance."  He grinned.  "Sorry to disappoint."

"Actually, it's not," he admitted, smiling gently at him. "It's always a shame when someone so strong goes into such a wearing profession."

"All professions can be wearing if you're not good or don't like your position," Xahar pointed out regally. "Dancing is very wearing on my body, but I happen to adore it.  Most of the concubines I know cherish their position and accepted it because that's what they wanted to be."

"It's a great position to be in," Ballor agreed.  "You're pampered, taken care of, loved in a way, and desired.  Most of the people who can take concubines will either keep them until they die or pension them off somehow, or even find them spouses when they get too old.  It's not a bad life, the bad points come from inter-concubine competition and politics.  Unless their lover is conquered and then bad things might happen if they're not desired."

"I hadn't thought about it that way," the mage offered, considering it.  "That does sound better than being the love-slave of a demon or a higher elemental power."  He shrugged.  "Most of my brethren do it for power."

"Most concubines who go willingly do it so they're well taken care of," Xahar told him. "Those who are unwilling are usually less happy but sometimes they learn to like their position and if not, they tend to get free as soon as possible.  I know I do whenever someone tries that with me."

"People steal you?" Mica asked, sounding amused.  "Why?"

"They want me to dance only for them," he said with a one-sided shrug. "Some people are selfish and want what they can't have.  Like the warlord who invaded earlier.  It's my former lover.  She's still a bit obsessed."

"I knocked her out further.  I'm glad I did now," the mage noted.  "You live in the city?"  Xahar and Ballor both nodded. "Then perhaps I'll bring some of my uncle's tea down so we can chat some day soon?"

"Not this week, I'm packed with performances," Xahar admitted, considering it.  "Ballor, do I have anything on the next religious day?"

"No, boss."

"You can come down that afternoon sometime," he offered.  "Or I believe I'm free for the next three days after that."

"Two," Ballor said quietly.

"Sorry, two.  We're traveling that last day," he admitted with a small grin.  "Going up North to sneak past King Han's lands so I can dance for Lady and Lord Winterborn for their daughter's wedding.  I really do need to get the cart fixed.  Remind me, Ballor?"

"Of course, boss," he agreed dryly.  The food started to come out.  "They're serving lunch now, master mage.  You should go eat."

"I'll talk with you on the next holy day," he agreed, bowing slightly and walking off with a smile.  He saw a fellow brethren and stopped to speak to him.  "Are you the mage of this house?"

"No, I'm a cosmetic alchemist," he admitted. "I make Xahar's hair potion and two of the daughters in residence are pregnant so I'm serving them."

"He uses a potion on his hair?"

"Treatment to make it behave and more manageable.  At that length it's fairly hard to handle."

"Ah."  He nodded.  "Interesting.  Then you know much of him.  Tell me," he ordered, walking his brethren away.  He had heard his uncle talk about him and had seen him during a visit, but wanted to know more about this young man.  He was quite intriguing and a touch of home.

Ballor grinned at his boss.  Then he winked and walked off, going to get them some lunch.  Since it'd be a while before Xahar could dance.

***
 

Liset got tired of waiting for the nobility to shoot the stupid deer so she pulled her crossbow off her saddle and shot it herself, then rode out to look over at them.  "Count Morganis, we just took your residence back from Kozur," she said when he rode out to glare at her.  "Your wife is fine as far as I could see."

"What!" he shouted, making some birds break cover.  Some of the guards and the other women's husbands shot them, clapping each other on the back.  "Stop that!  There was an attack on my house!" he shouted over his shoulder, but never not looking at her.  "I know you."

"I'm Liset.  Xahar's guard."  She nodded politely, about a quarter head-bow really.  "We stopped Kozur and her warriors.  Xahar was playing negotiator until he got tired of it and got Kozur out, then freed us and we did the others together."  He relaxed slightly, nodding a bit.  "As far as I know everyone's all right, but you're needed at home.  We called for the city guards as well."

"That's fine.  It's only a short ride back to the manor.  How long ago was this?"

"We beat them about an hour ago," she admitted.  "It took me a bit to track you down."

"Ride ahead, we'll be right behind you once we've field dressed everything."  She nodded and headed off at a trot through the woods. He turned his horse, looking at the other men, who were just staring.  "The Warlord Kozur attacked the house.  Xahar took her over and beat her and her warriors.  She didn't think anyone was hurt, but it's been about an hour.  We should head back.  Field dress everything and someone lead them all back on a horse.  One of you can ride double."

"I'll stay and do the meat, sire," one of his older guards offered.  "I'm not much good in a fight any longer.  If there's one, you'll need young bucks beside you."

"Fine," he agreed, kicking his horse into motion.  The others followed him, going home as fast as they dared in the forest.  Once they got into the clear, they started to gallop, but still Liset was far in front of them.  They got there about the same time as the city guards and he slid off his lathered horse, handing him off to his groom.  "What happened?" he demanded.

"The Warlord Kozur, Count."

"I heard that from Liset.  Why?"

"She's still asleep as of the last update we got, Count," one of them said.  "You might ask Xahar.  He was negotiating with her from the report we got."

"I will."  He walked into the house, banging the door open.  "Xahar!"

He came out of the kitchen, holding out a pitcher of beer.  "She wasn't here for me this time," he said dryly, shrugging a bit.  "She wanted your prize stallion and your daughter to join her. She was looking for an heir to train."

"I don't have daughters that would suit her," he said bitterly.

"You do, sire, and she's presently on bedrest," Xahar said gently.  "Your sworn daughter came home today," he offered at the confused look.  "I was told she was hurt hunting a mad animal in the outer-kingdom area."

"She's fine?"

"I have no news of that, just that your wife said she was in bed, forced to rest."

"I'll check on her.  How many injuries?"

"A few fainted, a few want to take the very pretty boys Kozur hired to remind her of me," he said dryly, shrugging.  He nodded at a room.  "She's in there.  Everyone else is in the root cellar," he told the guards.  "Expect to be rushed, they're awake and worried about her."  He looked at the Count again.  "Your lady wife is fine, sire.  I made sure of it while I negotiated for her to leave.  Unfortunately, I got tired of it after about seven parlays."

The count smiled.  "Good.  I would have only done three."  He took the beer and drank it as he walked into the backyard.  "Wife!" he yelled from the doorway.  She smiled at him.  "Is everyone fine?"

"Yes, dear.  Xahar, Ballor, and Liset are very darling for saving us that way.  Though one did get drenched when Ballor threw someone in the fountain.  By the way, we've moved his dance back to dusk if that's all right with you."

"Fine," he agreed, looking around.  He saw the one man and looked him over.  "Who're you?"

"Dear, that's Master Mage Mica," she gently reminded him.  "The new head of the Mage's Academy."

"Oh.  She told me she had met you."  He clasped his hand.  "Sorry about this on your first time here.  It's not usually this bad."

"It happens to the best events, Count.  With as many pretty young women as are here, I'd have rung the place with guards to protect their virtue."

Xahar chuckled and hit him on the arm.  "The women around here are more than fierce enough to take on a mere male warrior and do him in if they bother her."  He winked at the Count.  "I pushed my dance at the palace back by three hours.  The king said he understood and he didn't blame Kozur for trying to take your wife, that she was very pretty and young."

"So in other words he wants to come out and hunt?" the count said blandly.  Xahar nodded, smirking at him. "Good.  I'll talk to him tomorrow then.  Where are the others?"  Ballor coughed and pointed at the three guardians.  "I see.  Ladies, the guards are here for them.  May we move you for a few minutes?"

"Must we move?" one asked.  "It's time for my rest."

"We can easily move you while on the couch," Mica offered, lifting a hand and chanting.  The couch raised and floated three feet to the right.  Then he set it down gently and shook out his hands.  "There, how's that?" he asked with a smile.

"You're better than the last one was," one of them said, smirking at him. "You'll attend me tomorrow, Mage.  I want you to look upon my son and daughter to test them."

"As you wish," he agreed gently.  She smiled and nodded.  "Name a time and I shall be there."

"Around this time would be fine.  That way you can beat your students for their dawn beating and lunch beatings.  It should only make you a bit late for your dinner beatings."

He smiled.  "I find calling something from the nether regions much easier than beating them," he offered.  She laughed, swatting at him.  He bowed and walked off.

The Count looked at him. "He's handy to have around," he told Xahar.  Who nodded quickly.  He looked at him, then burst out laughing.  "I've seen that look on my son's face and my daughters' faces in the past," he noted, walking over to open the cellar door to bring them up.  "Get up here!" he shouted. "Before the husbands have to come down there!"

One looked up at him.  "Our lady Kozur?"

"Asleep from one of the mages," he snorted.  "Get up here now, young man."  They nodded and filed up the stairs.  "Xahar, there's how many?"

"Five plus seven mercenaries," Ballor told him.  "One of the ones we had seen was missing."

"He was in the woods, I got him earlier," Liset offered, handing him another sweet roll.  "He's tied to a tree next to the road."

One of the city guards looked at her.  "We saw him.  Thank you.  Looked quite uncomfortable."

"He tried to shoot my poor mare. She doesn't deserve that for being jumped by Xahar's stallion."

"Oooh!" he shouted, going out to make sure his stallion was still tied up and away from all the mares. "I'm sorry, I forgot he was like that," he shouted.

"Some of those old mares needed some new blood anyway," one wife said, staring at Ballor.  "His stallion's quite impressive."

Her friend leaned closer.  "He's finally allowing himself to date some young woman who used to work for Pegnis," she hissed.

Another looked at them.  "He once said the only way he would consent to see another woman was if she would be content settling down and helping him raise many warrior brats," she said quietly.

"Who said I wanted permanence?" the first woman sneered.

Liset coughed and looked at them.  "He's taken a vow," she said quietly.  "He refuses to even look upon a naked woman unless he is intent on settling down with her.  It's a vow he made to his former wife while she was dying.  All you'll do is get him to blush."  She walked off.

The first woman glared at her back.  "How dare she speak to me," she sneered.

The Countessa walked up behind her and took her by the arm, gently walking her off.  "Let us talk, Diamos.  It's been ever so long since I heard anything from your family.  How are your husband and son?  I didn't see them among the men earlier."

Her two friends snickered at the gentle browbeating their friend was getting.  They all knew that they could look at Ballor and Xahar all they wanted, but Ballor would never touch any of them and that Xahar needed something a bit stronger than the average woman.  That's why he dated women like Kozur and men like Ballor.  Though there was rampant speculation about Xahar and Liset going around.  She was strong enough for Xahar and very pretty, plus there was that nasty cleaning rumor about her.

Ballor smiled at Liset and mouthed 'thank you' as she strolled past, getting a wink in return.  He looked around, spotting Xahar in a small shadowed seat watching everyone.  He walked that way.  "You okay, boss?  Need another drink of juice?"

"No, I'm actually fairly good, Ballor," he admitted.  He looked up at him, giving him an odd look.  "A thought just occurred to me as I walked back out.  If and when my father dies, that'll make me a Lord and technically a Knight since ours is a gifted title for services rendered.   I'll have to live like this all the time."

"You could give it to your cousin," he offered, sitting down beside him.  "He seemed nice."

"He died last year, Ballor," he admitted with a grimace.  He looked around, but didn't spot any of the usual Palace insiders.  He did spot their hostess and nodded her over.  She let go of her current victim and smiled at him, walking over.  "Countessa Morganis, you know of my father, right?"  She grimaced but nodded.  "He's in ill health and I just realized that I'm the only surviving member of my family that I know of.  I'll have to be a knight," he said with a shudder.  "And live like him."

She smiled and kissed him on the cheek.  "You're the only relative left?  I thought you had a nephew, a sister, and a cousin."

"My nephew and sister died when her idiot husband started a bonfire in their front hall," he admitted.  "He said there was a breeze and he was trying to find the source of the draft."  She let out a small moan.  "Sorry, were you related?"

"No, thankfully not.  One of my own cousins almost married that horrid imbecile.  My husband is a bit related to him but it's fairly distant," she assured him.  "What of your cousin?"

"Riding and hunting accident, or so they say.  Since he was cuckolding about ten husbands and one wife, I'm going to leave it there," he said with a fond smirk.  "Even worse than my father ever was.  I did have a brother but he went off to one of the warzones and never returned.  I'm not sure if he ran away or just died."

She leaned down to kiss him on the cheek. "I'm sure you'll figure it out, Xahar.  He has many years left in him."

He grinned.  "You didn't hear the last scandal?"  She shook her head.  "He told the Queen he'd bed her in a heartbeat and prove the family's reputation about our bedroom skills."  She blushed and giggled like a young girl.  "So I'm guessing it won't be much longer.  He was even sober when he did so.  I'm guessing he's trying to drink himself under the table."

"Probably," Ballor agreed dryly, shaking his head.  "Should we plan on a visit?"

"Must we?" Xahar asked bitterly.

"You probably should, that way you could ask him directly about any other possible heirs," she offered.  She looked at her husband, and the person talking with him.  "Hmm, looks like someone's been run out of his bedroom by a screaming infant.  Frederick, dear!"  She waved and smiled, so he nodded that he'd be right over.  "Ask him.  They keep those records."  She pinched him on the cheek.  "Do you...like that new mage?"

"I do," he admitted, grinning sheepishly up at her.  "I had tea with his uncle often while I was doing my dance training.  He seems very interesting and nice."  She giggled again and walked off.  He looked over as Frederick was stopped by her, then walked over to them.  "Must I take up the family estate and title?" he asked blandly.

The Crown Prince blinked a few times, then frowned.  "There's not any others, are there?" he asked, frowning at Xahar, who shook his head.  "Oh, dear.  You'll be one of my knights now?"

"Which I'm sure would amuse your wife," he offered dryly. "That thought just came to me today while watching the girls plan their assault on Ballor's backside this year.  If I'm an official Knight, then I have to host one of these parties yearly too."

"Which is a horrible thought," Liset said as she came over to join them.  "You can't really plan things very well, boss."

"It's not my fault my mother never taught me that," he said dryly, looking at her.  "The thought has occurred to me, when my father dies I'm the only heir to his title and the estate."

She gaped, then suddenly shuddered.  "Ooooh, no, boss, please!  Don't make us live out there?" she complained.  "It's a wreck waiting to fall in."

"I know," he said grimly.  "Then again, that's the *old* house, the new house is on the other side of the estate and much nicer," he offered.  "Mother lived there."  He looked at his prince.  "I need to know one way or another.  I'm not going to off him but if I'm not the only heir I need to find them and tell Father that I'm not his only disappointment."

Frederick nodded. "I'll have my mother look into it.  She'd know if there had been a scandal about another child that looked a bit too much like you."

"There was one," Ballor admitted, "but it was only two years earlier.  A priestess of Hobanth if I remember right."

Xahar coughed.  "That would have been on me, Ballor, not my father.  He hates priestesses, likes to hunt them down in the woods and shoot them until they run away screaming and praying for any God to save them."  He looked at the prince.  "Please, ask her, I need to know, Frederick," he said quietly.  "I don't want to be a knight.  I don't care about the estate, but I don't want to be a formal knight."

He nodded.  "I can see why.  You'd look horrible in the ruffled shirts and the heavy armor."  He sipped his drink then grinned.  "I'll see what Mother says, Xahar.  Leave it in my hands.  I'll send you a message later this week."  He smiled and nodded.  "I'm also here to escort you back to the palace.  That way your guards won't have to worry about keeping up."

"Oh, I plan like riding across the fields to the back gates," he admitted.  "I'll appear on my horse and the rest of you can come the normal way.  I'll be more than able to protect myself."

He nodded.  "I like that idea.  It'll take less time to get there from the grove."  He tipped his head.  "I still can't see you in a joust or at a formal Knight's banquet.  You'd look very funny in the stiff pants and the ruffled shirts."  He grinned and walked off, going to spread that gossip.

"Every once in a while it hits me that you're really nobility," Ballor noted dryly.  "The rest of the time I think you're like us, normal people."  He stood up.  "It's getting late, you should warm up, boss."

"I should," he agreed. He caught the Count's eye and nodded inside while stretching up.  He got a silent nod so headed inside to get ready.

***
 

Xahar rode through the orchard grove, smiling as the trees rustled in annoyance at him getting through.  They were enchanted to guard this back way into the castle and he knew the path.  He nudged his stallion into a faster trot as he came out of the trees and into the back gardens, riding past some amused guards.  "Sorry, can't stop, I'm late."  He pasted on his best smile as he rode up to where everyone was standing around chatting and having fun, noticing all the guards at the gate.  He looked down at the King, who was giving him an odd look.  "Sorry, had to postpone my last one due to that raid.  Did you know this is a very interesting view up here?"

"I did, and it's still not allowed to fight overnight on Solstice, even to protect yourself, or it's a bad year you'll have," he said quietly, putting a foot into the nearest stirrup so he could get the same view of the gates and the people wanting through it.  "They'll hold," he decided.

"Um, sire, on the way here, Prince Frederick said he passed by a war unit," he said quietly.  The king nodded.  "I will help."

"You may not," he said firmly.  "That is the rule in my faith and since you are here to perform you must follow it as well," he said gently.

"If someone tries to hurt me, I'm not going to hold back," he warned.

"In that case, I can see your point and will release you from your vows," he said, staring at him.  Xahar sighed and nodded.  "Thank you, Xahar."  He got down and helped the young man down, patting his horse on the side so it would move on.  "He's very strong."

"He is, and unfortunately Countessa Morganis' favorite mare is going to be in foal next summer, right about when she'd enjoy riding her the most," he said dryly.  He shrugged.  "He can't help himself."  He looked around, grinning at all the staring going on.  "You expected me to make a normal entrance?" he teased with a bright grin.  Everyone shook their heads and grinned back.  "Oooh, music!"

"I had the trainer train some of the court musicians to play the traditional music," Thinian, Frederick's wife, offered.  "I figured you hadn't heard it in years."

"I haven't," he agreed, smiling at the musicians.  "Which ones did you learn?"  They showed him the music and he hummed a few bars, realizing which part of the story line that was.  "That's fairly heavy for tonight," he said hesitantly, looking at the trainer, who could only shrug.  "My king, with this music, I'd be doing the fourth storyline, from his last battle and capture, through his first punishment.  Do you wish that storyline tonight?"

"Most of us won't know the difference," he admitted dryly.  "Go to it," he said with a flick of his hand, going to save one of the young women from the stallion's big nose going down her shirt. "Here, now," he complained, slapping it on the side. "Do not do that to human women!  We're not like you!"

The girl blushed.  "He's a wonderful stallion, my king, but the only ride I'd beg is of his rider," she said with a pretty blush and then she hurried off.  One of the grooms came over to take the stallion off, leading him to the fountain so he could get a drink.  It was far enough away from everyone that the poor horse wouldn't get into trouble and close enough so Xahar wouldn't worry about him.

Xahar listened as the music started, wincing at the few wrong notes.  "No, stop," he ordered, holding up a hand.  "That's a flat, not a sharp.  They write theirs differently."  That got some nods and they started again, this time going well.  He started off in the battle dance, going forward from there, getting lost so he wasn't tortured in the wrong notes.  Of course, they stopped before he did, but everyone was staring so hard that he didn't mind.  He finally stopped, staring regally, unbroken yet bound, in front of the king and queen.  He bowed deeply to them and noticed the people around his horse.  "Do not touch him!" he called.  "He is highly upsetable."
 

"If you come with us, we won't," one sneered.

Xahar snorted.  "I go nowhere with anyone I do not know.  You are?"

"Oooh, look, the little dancer talks big," one of the invader's men taunted.  "Get him! He'll be no trouble."

Xahar snorted and looked at the king.  "I am done, may I be released from my vow?" he asked as the men came for him.

The queen nodded.  "You may.  Guards, corral them, no real fighting should be needed."  They nodded, going to force the group away by sheer numbers.  The few around Xahar were attacked back when they tried to touch him and he did manage to only injure a few of them, leaving one standing.  "Xahar, enough," she ordered.  "Let my men take him since he's stunned stupid."

Xahar moved closer to him, tipping his face up.  "Who hired you," he said in his most seductive voice, drawing the man into his web of lust.  "Who hired you, who paid you, and who commands you to bring me to them for their pleasure instead of yours?"

"You're not noble, we'd get you," he offered quietly.

Xahar smirked. "I am noble.  I'm the son of a Lord and Knight, dear.  Now, who hired you?"

"I cannot say," he said firmly.  Xahar kissed him and he went limp, clutching at him.  "Prince Keivghn," he moaned.  "He commands us for his father, Hans."

"Thank you.  I'll see you spared and allowed to leave for wherever you want to go."

"My family...." he begged.

Xahar tipped his face up. "If Keivghn has them, then they probably didn't last past your leaving the country, young one.  We are heading past there soon and you can follow us to make sure."  He nodded, hanging his head.  "It's a terrible thing to lose your family, I will speak with the Queen on your behalf."  He nodded, allowing himself to be led off.  "My Queen, King Hans has his family," he said gently, staring at her.  "Please, may he go rescue them?  We leave for up there soon."

She nodded.  "I agree with your judgement on this matter, Xahar.  As long as he does not come back here when he is done, he may leave peacefully.  He didn't attack you or anyone."

"Thank you, my queen."  He bowed to her.  "Since my engagement and vows are done, I should go so my nature does not spoil this magical night."

"No, you're staying," the king ordered, staring at him.  "I agree, she did release you.  You don't have to go.  I know you were fighting earlier."

"I had to, my ex had Countessa Morganis' house hostage, plus Ballor and Liset.  She wasn't being reasonable in the least; she was actually having *me* negotiate for her."  Everyone there broke out in laughs.  "Exactly," he agreed, nodding.  He shrugged.  "I had to, sire, it was her or my sanity, one of us had to go."

"I agree," he offered with a gentle smile.  "Thank you, Xahar.  It was still done peacefully without the need to fight except on your part."  He bowed his head slightly.  "Now, go eat.  You look done in."

"Well, I did leap on my horse right after getting a drink at the Countessa's house," he admitted, heading for where the drinks were set up.  The barkeeper straightened up and smiled at him.  "Just juice.  I do not imbibe in public."  He nodded, pouring him some cool juice from a jug that had been kept underground most of the day.  "Thank you."  He sipped it and went to sit at the Queen's feet, staring up at her.  "I've asked Frederick for a small favor, my queen, and he said he'd talk to you as well."

"You want someone to trim your hair?" she teased, making the women around her chuckle.

"No, my queen," he said patiently.  "I'm more thinking that I'm my father's last heir and he's probably not going to be lasting many more years."

The king stared at him in horror.  "That'd make you a knight," he said, squeezing his eyes shut as he burst out in laughter. "I'm sorry, but I just saw you in one of their outfits with the ruffles and the lace," he said between guffaws.  "Oh, that's a horrible sight, I'm so sorry, Xahar."

The queen kissed him on the forehead.  "One I'd rather not see as well.  I'll see if there are rumors.  Though, you could name an heir and hand them the knighthood, or even one of the long-term Squires who has been waiting for a while."

"I'll have a list drawn up," the King chuckled.

"My king, the one who most deserves it you hate," he said gently.  "The ones who you'd want hate me and would rather see me dead and broken into multiple little pieces for daring near their vaunted titles."  The king smirked and nodded.  "I know, Frederick couldn't see me in their clothes either," he admitted dryly, smirking back.  "If I can, I'd give it to Fiedra.  I know you are displeased with his clumsiness, but his sons will probably be more like his father anyway."

"True," he admitted, "but I'd be loathe to send that man out on a mission."

"As would I, my King, but as a courtier and as a diplomat, he is excellent," he noted.  "One I'd much rather see go stuff King Hans full of drivel than most."

"Don't you mean stuff him full of cotton and light him on fire?" the queen asked blandly.

"I did, but I don't wish to harm such delicate ears as yours with such nastiness, my queen.  You know how I see you as the most honest, young, genteel, and delicate lady in the court, other than your daughter Marry."

She patted him on the head. "Your flattery is much better than your father's.  You should give him practice."

"That's means I'd have to speak with him, my queen."

"Point," she agreed. "A very good point."  She nodded.  "There is one female squire, but she has not done all her tasks yet."

"I would not care to hand it to her, but the Knight's tower on the family's lands are presently about fallen in.  I'd give them that tower, some of the lands, and watch over the road to the main house with the title should I give that away."

"Which pleases me," the king agreed.  "It's only right."  He considered it.  "I have not seen her in practice recently.  She's been out on a quest."

"She was off killing a wild animal and got injured, my king. She's back in her adopted father's home resting.  Her lady mother said so."

"Ah."  He nodded wisely.  "I will draw up a list with the Knight's Champion.  He'll know who is most deserving, plus I will mention your desires to him and why."  Xahar beamed.  "Then again, perhaps my wife could find another heir."

"Perhaps, but with my father's tastes, that might upset some of the current court's families," he said delicately.  "At least I usually choose those outside of the palace's walls and ballrooms."

"She is an adorable child," the queen said quietly.  "Has your eyes and hair."  He nodded.  "You're satisfied with where she is?"

"I had someone check with her.  She wanted the child, considered and called it a boon from her Goddess to her for her faith.  She treats her as such and is a good mother.  It's better for her to be there than with me in my insane household."  He stood up and bowed.  "With your leave, I'm off to hunt some fruit.  Would either of you like some?"  They both shook their heads, smiling as he walked off, grabbing each other's hands to make sure neither would follow him around again.

A young woman boldly strolled up to Xahar where he was picking out something to nibble on.  "Xahar?"  He smiled at her.  "I have an event coming up, my wedding actually.  I wish you to dance at it."

"When is it, Duchess Demeris?"

"On the next new moon."

He considered it.  Then he sighed and shook his head.  "I'm to dance at the Winterborn's daughter's wedding two days later, I'll already be mostly there by then."

"She can move hers back, I'm more important," she said firmly.

He stroked her cheek.  "Had I known you were getting married sooner, I would have gladly danced for you, my sweet one.  Given you great wishes and hopes of fertility for your future union.  Unfortunately I cannot disappoint since I'm also taking someone with us so she can meet with her family for a bit."  She pouted. "I wish I had known.  You could ask the trainer.  I'm not sure if he brought in any of his dancers or not."

"He's old," she complained, pouting worse.

"Were I here, I'd gladly and joyfully come and dance for you," he assured her.  "If they cancel before then, I'll even hurry back to dance for you, even if you do hire someone else."  She gave him a hopeful look. "But I am a man of my word and I did give them my word that I would be there for her wedding because it is a difficult one and they'll need more fertility than most.  She's marrying one of the Grandview Duke's sons."

She shivered at that.  "She'll need you more," she agreed.  "Let me know if you will be free.  I want first call on your time."

"Of course, Duchess.  Should I hear that it's been canceled, I'll gladly be yours for your wedding."  She smiled and walked off, going to tell the others what new gossip she had heard.  They hadn't heard about this wedding.

"Which son?" one young woman called boldly, smiling at him.

"One of the dark haired ones.  I got sent their picture in the announcement," he offered, shrugging. "I don't remember the name, but the announcement is on my desk if someone wanted to borrow it tomorrow."  They all giggled and nodded, going off to tell the Queen's ladies this new interesting gossip.

The bold young woman trotted over to him.  "The Queen said it was Vesaris who was marrying her and that she would need your most strong stirrings of fertility."  She bounced off, going to talk to some of the other young ladies.

Xahar smiled and picked a spot, sitting down to nibble his dinner.  He'd have real food at home but he couldn't sneak out for an hour or so.  People would be approaching him about his schedule soon.  He nodded at Frederick as he walked out into the garden, smirking at him.  "You missed another one, my prince."

"I seem to do a lot of that," he admitted sarcastically.  "I see your horse is presently in attendance.  Hoping him to mate with a girl now?"

"He causes less problems here than he would in the stables," the queen noted as she came over to kiss him on the cheek.  "Xahar, I had someone check the scrolls we keep on such scandals and there was mention of one but it was from a family that was killed during the last bout of fevers.  Including that child as far as we know.  We'll give you a list of people who are suitable for you to give it to."

"Thank you, my queen."

"Yes, mother, thank you.  I didn't want to see him in one of their outfits."

"You and your father both," she said with an amused smirk for her son.  "Where is my grandson?"

"Gnawing on his mother when I stopped in my suite," he offered with a small grin.  "They're both happily in bed and waiting on me to come back.  With your leave?"

"Go," she ordered tolerantly.  "We've already stopped the first raid."  He nodded, heading up that way.  She looked at Xahar.  "You're dancing for them?  I hadn't heard."

"The last I knew I was," he said between bites of fruit.  "I can do a mage call tomorrow to make sure."  He shrugged.  "If not, I'll send Ballor or Liset up with Broct's wife to escort her to her family's home for a visit.  They can take that warrior as well."  She nodded at that niceness.  "Has my horse molested anyone else?"

"Not yet, but it would be a great scandal if he did," she said dryly, smirking at him.

"I'm sure it would," he agreed, getting up and putting his plate in the dish hopper.  "My king, I'd best take my stallion home before he gets any...ideas about more women."  He chuckled at that.  "Seriously, I've got to find some sort of spell that will curb that without sullying his stamina or energy.  I like him how he is except for that."  He shrugged and kissed the queen's hand.  "I'll make that call tomorrow to make sure, then let you know so you can send out messages to anyone who would have interest in my schedule."  He bowed regally.  "I'm off to bathe and get prettier."  He grinned and swished off, taking a running leap at his horse and landing in his saddle, which spooked his horse a bit.  He smiled at the princess patting him on the side.  "Thank you, Princess Miradin, but I've got to take him home now.  With your leave, your greatness?"

She pouted.  "No, you may not leave," she said firmly.  "Grandpa, make him not leave!" she yelled.

"Dear, he has to go home and bathe.  He's sweaty," the queen said gently, coming over to pick her up.  "You can pet his horse the next time he's up."

"Can I play with his hair?"

"The next time I come up for something other than dancing, or after I dance," he promised, smiling at her.  "We'll make sure your hair grows out even prettier than mine."  She beamed at that.  "Kiss your baby brother for me, dear."  She nodded and let her grandmother walk her off.  Xahar kicked his horse into a slow wander, walking him around the edge of the castle and into the courtyard.

"Xahar, how did you get back there?" one of the Knights on duty demanded.

"Through the grove.  My father taught me the passage," he said with a smug smirk.  "Miradin's back there now.  I've already danced and things are winding down."  He waved as he wandered off.  "Do call my father in so I may speak with him.  That way he's more sober and has bathed."

"Why would I want to?" he asked dryly.

Xahar turned to look at him.  "I'm his only heir."  The man's eyes widened and he smirked.  "We've simply got to talk about armor and those things.  I doubt I could fit into his."  He let his horse go a bit faster, waving at the guards he knew.  "Heading home."

"Thank you.  Please don't make any stops since we can't fight tonight," one yelled back.

"Always happy to oblige.  I'm going to wash my hair."  A few men nearby shivered but the rest just watched him ride off. Xahar rode down the street, smiling at all those who smiled at him, and made it back to the house.  The new gate guard let him in and then locked the gate behind him.  "I take it they're home?"  He nodded quickly.  "Good.  The groom?"

"Is waiting on that stud," he offered.  "Cook has some dinner for you as well, Xahar."

"As I expected.  Thank you.  Have a good night."  He rode back to the stable and got off his horse's back, letting the groom take him to cool him down.  "He was just hanging out at the courtyard fountain, being petted by Miradin.  He's not overly warm.  Could probably use a quick rubdown and fed."

"Thank you, sire."

"Don't call me that," he sighed.  "I pay you just as much as I do your father."  He walked into the rear of the house, gathering his dinner from Cook, kissing Liset on the cheek as he walked past her and her gaping mouth, then headed up to his room, at least until a certain mage stopped him.  "My, you're everywhere," he teased with a grin.  "Came to see me already?"

"Unfortunately business this time," he admitted.  He steered the young man into the study, closing them in.  "I noticed earlier that you've got magic floating around you."

"I know," he admitted, sitting down and digging in.  "Sorry, only had some fruit to nibble on."

"It's not a problem.  Most highborns usually have many things in front of them when we talk.  I do need to test you. I've heard how you keep getting snatched and kidnaped."

"I might not mind," he offered, "but I know that's not why.  I also know that I don't have the energy or the skills to train as a mage.  I might make it to sorcerer level but nothing further.  I can only do three spells.  One to braid my hair, one to open locks, and one to press my clothes when I'm desperate.  They come out very precise when I do that."  He ate another bite, then grinned once he had swallowed.  "Before you ask, I learned the first one when I had broken ribs and a broken arm."

"Ah."  He nodded.  "I understand.  I once broke my wrist, I nearly had someone shave me bald and wanted to strip all my skin off because that's the hand I bathe with.  Are you *sure* it's not the reason you're so taken?"

Xahar nodded, finishing up his dinner and putting his plate on the floor next to him.  "I am.  Personally I think my father cursed me because I was never going to be a warrior like him.  I was too light, too fast, and a bit too smart to stand there and let people whack away at my body with a sword for honor.  Since I was the younger son, my brother was already a warrior and reluctant at that, he saw he had failed and probably cursed me to become someone's concubine.  They all seem to want me for that instead of my mind or anything else."

The mage looked his body over, then nodded once. "I can see why," he admitted.  "What will you do when you're forced to retire, Xahar?"

"Then I might take you up on the offer to take classes," he admitted shyly.  He grinned at him, blushing faintly.  "When I'm old and sore and tired, I may just sneak over to the academy to learn how to craft or something.  I don't think I'll ever be that good at it."

"You know how to craft?"

"I was taught some basic sword care when I was learning my dancing.  The same as I was taught some basic leather care. It was something that all of us had to learns.  We might have to do it now and then in the field without someone with real knowledge around."

"Good point," he admitted. "I wish most mages and students took that sort of practical attitude.  It'd save a lot of us some grief."

"Give those who use a staff mandatory lessons on how to use one," Ballor said from the door. "Boss, more food?"

"Please, Goddess, I could kiss you," he said with a grin, getting up and handing over his plate, kissing Ballor on the cheek.  "How was your date?"

"It wasn't a date," he grumbled but he was blushing.  "She's nice."  He walked off before saying anything else.

"I'll get details later," Xahar teased before shutting the door and flopping down again.  "Sorry, he's like my little, yet really bigger, brother so I get to tease him."

"He loves you just as much, it's very apparently to those who watch you," Mica said gently.

Xahar grinned.  "Yeah, but he still likes girls.  Won't do more than cuddle if I have nightmares."

Mica burst out in giggles, covering his mouth and turning away.  "I can see that actually," he said when he calmed down, getting up to let whoever was knocking in.  "Yes?" he asked the man standing there.  "You are?"

"Here for Xahar," he said firmly.

Xahar got up and pulled a dagger holding his hair up, waving it.  "Try, dear.  Guys, Keivghn's back," he yelled.

"Mine!" Liset shouted, coming running down the stairs to pounce him.  He was her victim this time since Xahar had stolen her fun the last time.

Mica looked at the mirror, then at Xahar.  "Would you like to make the magecall?"

"I don't know the spell," he admitted. "Just that you have to desire to reach someone."  He heard a yell and looked outside in time to be pounced by someone else.  "Oh, just great," he complained, attacking that one, taking his sword once he was done beating him and moving on.  "Ballor!" he shouted. "Visitors, dear!"

"There's more back here, boss.  Can the mage maybe knock them out or something?"

"Might be a good idea," Xahar said, glancing back at the mage, who was chanting.  "Maybe."  He attacked the next one and got him in the arm, making him shriek.  "Guys, no guard on the gate," he called over his shoulder.  "Petry?"  No answer.  "Petry!" he shouted louder.

"Shut up!" one of his neighbors yelled.

"Sorry, small invasion force, might you call the guards for us?" he called back.  He went back to kicking butts and making the world safer for those often-kidnaped.  He finally saw a guard, who was looking horrified. "They attacked!  I'm not letting some mentally defective idiot prince take me to torture me again!" he shouted.  "Now, get in here! You can at least collect and detain bodies!"

"Yes, Xahar," he agreed, calling back at the others.  "He's being invaded by Prince Keivghn again!  He brought most of his guards this time!"

"Hell!" one of the senior guards shouted, running up to the gate.  "It's locked."

Xahar glared at it and muttered and it slipped open.  "I only knew three," he said at the shocked glares in his direction.  "That one's as practical as the one to braid my hair!"  They all nodded and ran to help, gathering up the bodies and taking them to the gated cart coming up the street.  Xahar watched as everyone was led away, going to check on the groom and the horses, finding both the groom and the gate guard were knocked out and tied up back there, but his horse had a small stab wound in the shoulder.  "I'll kill him!" he shouted. "He hurt my horse!"  He stormed out and all the guards got out of his way, mostly squeaking in fear.  He shoved Liset off the prince and pulled him up to start hitting him himself.  "You do not hurt what's mine!" he shouted over and over again, hoping to beat it into his skull.

"Xahar, please!" one of the guards shouted, trying to get him free.  "Let the king banish him this time!"

Ballor took the usual route, picking Xahar up, which made him let go - mostly because Liset forced him to.  He walked him into the study and the mage finished, knocking the remaining warriors out, not including them.  "Took too long," he noted.

Mica nodded.  "It can, but I had to exclude you three and your cook or else you'd have been asleep too."

"We wouldn't have minded," Liset assured him, patting him on the arm as she walked past him.  "Watch him for us.  Don't try to snatch him at this moment."  She went back to help heft bodies out to the cart with Ballor's help, just tossing them inside on top of the other bodies.  They finally got the hallways cleared and let the guards search out anyone else, going to sit with Xahar, who was glaring at the wall opposite the couch he was on.  "You okay, boss?" she asked, sitting on one side.

"Pissed," he said gruffly.  "Very, very pissed."

"I know, me too.  Liset didn't save me any of the prince," Ballor agreed, sitting on his other side.  He glared at them both and they scooted closer until he gave them a shove.  Then they hugged him.

"Get off!" he complained.  He gave them another shove.  "I don't need held!"  He went back to his glaring.

Mica walked over to tip up Xahar's face, smiling at him.  "I thought you did wonderfully," he offered gently.  "As good as any of the palace's guards."  That got a small smirk but the dancer was still not happy, he could see it.  "I should let you rest and clean up the mess.  Would you like to come to my office tomorrow for some tea?  I have some of my uncle's."

"Not tomorrow.  Day after maybe?  Bring some here and watch me practice some new things?"

"If you'd like," he agreed with a gentle smile.  "I'm sorry I couldn't work quicker.  Should I send over our animal healing trainees?"

"Please," Liset said quietly.  "It'd be very appreciated."

"Of course.  By the way, that alchemist?  He did say he wasn't giving up your recipe."

"Then I need to beat him next," he said firmly.  "I pay him way too much for him to get cocky and snotty with me."

"I'll get a sample of his potion and see if I can find out what it is," he promised.  "It can be a challenge for a few students."  He smiled and pushed a broken strand of hair back.  "Looks like you need something for some of that.  It looks like someone cut some of your hair."

"Then I'll be killing someone," Xahar said dryly.  "If you hear a great, big scream, it's me," he finished sweetly.

"I'd never blame you," Mica said gently, nodding at them.  "I'll let you rest.  See you in two days, Xahar."  He left, heading out to walk the guards off.  "Someone may have sliced into Xahar's hair when trying for his head."

Prince Keivghn was barely able to move but he glared around.  "I'll kill them," he slurred and his warriors shuddered.  "There will be something called to eat them."  The guards shut the cage and went back to look for more idiots, then came back with two more, who were tossed in on top of everyone else.  Then they walked the cart off, taking it back to the guard's jail under the palace.  They had their own special opening far from the courtyard but the Queen was standing there.  Prince Keivghn sneered.  "He will be mine," he slurred.

"Really?  Are you sure your father will stand for you being executed for assault on Solstice night?"  She looked at the guards. "Xahar and his guards?" she demanded.

"Fine, ma'am," one of them reported, saluting her crisply.  "His hair may have been damaged.  The mage knocked them out temporarily to stop the battle before anyone died.  He said something about Xahar's horse and Xahar had screamed about his horse being hurt.  He then took Prince Keivghn from Liset and started to beat him himself."  He leaned closer.  "He unlocked the gate with magic," he hissed.  "He said it's about all he can do."

She looked startled, then let it slide back to her normal bland, dry expression.  "I expect he thought it'd be practical with what happens to him.  Good for him," she decided, looking at the warriors.  "Call the healer down to make sure they don't die.  That's all the benefit they're getting from us.  My husband will be down in the next few days.  Leave the prince with them."  She walked off, heading back up to her room.  She'd tell her husband in the morning, if she remembered.  If not, he'd be told by the guards during their weekly report most likely.  She did hope Xahar's hair wasn't ruined, she rather liked his braid.
 
 

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To Chapter Eleven