This morning, it didn’t take Drake long to dress. Lydia had organized several silverweave outfits for him to choose from, and they all looked pretty slick. He picked a black one today along with some loose but comfortable black leggings. It felt like a day for black clothing. The Lord of Gloomwood Manor should rock a little black.
Apparently, Lord Dickcheese—or Lord Crow, as Drake had grudgingly taken to mentally calling the man—hadn’t cared for a wardrobe during the years he served as Lord of Gloomwood. The old psychopath had worn his ratty-ass monk robes every day, only changing them out every week or so. And he only owned two pairs of robes, so the laundry staff was constantly cleaning one or the other. The smell must have been rank.
Drake pulled on the first pair of boots he could pair with his pants and walked to the mirror, then vainly tried to adjust his unusually stubborn bedhead. His long hair seemed all the more determined to stick out in all directions, and not in the “look at me, I’m a dark edgy rock musician” way. It was more in the “hello, I’m actually a homeless man” style.
And it did sort of look like a bird’s nest.
Dammit, Val. He scrubbed a hand through his dark, stubborn hair once more and headed to the door. Given every single one of his battle maids had extremely well-kept hair, there had to be a barber in his manor. He’d see to getting his hair trimmed between murder attempts.
Once he was prepared, he exited his room. Emily eagerly fell into step beside him. He knew the way to his lobby now. He was getting to know his manor rather well, at least the rooms he frequently used and how to get to them from his master bedroom.
He even knew how to get to the bathhouse. The bathhouse was the best.
Not long after, Drake arrived along the second floor hallway and checked out the scene below. Karth stood lounging against his front doors, arms crossed, while the zarovians on either side of him glowered with visible annoyance. That amused Drake in a number of ways.
Karth also lacked both his bow and quiver, as well as any other visible weapons. Giving those up must have sucked for him, but Drake was glad his people were being so cautious. The longer some random prick was trying to murder him, the more paranoid he might become.
Olivia, who had already been standing at attention watching Karth, snapped to even more attention at his arrival. She fell in beside him on the side not currently being possessively guarded by Emily. Then, Drake strode down the stairs of Gloomwood Manor dressed in lordly black clothes, and as he did so, two very intense-looking battle maids walked at his side.
Drake felt like a legitimate badass. After all the bullshit he’d been through in the past week—rescuing Anna, wrecking those mercs, and thwarting a plot against his manor—he finally felt he’d earned the title of Lord Gloomwood. This was his manor, these were his people, and they were stronger now than they’d ever been. He was going to keep pushing forward.
Karth casually eased himself off the doors without a glance at the zarovians and sauntered forward. The man certainly had swagger. He also had a friendly smile on his face, which was far preferable to his glare when his men were all aiming arrows at him.
Once he’d the bottom of the stairs, Drake raised a palm. “That’s close enough.”
Karth paused in the middle of the lobby, far enough away he’d have to take at least ten running steps to stab Drake with anything. “Some reason you don’t trust me, lord?”
“I trust you enough. I just don’t want my battle maids to kill you.” He vaguely motioned to them with his head. “We’re all a little on edge after all the attempted murder.”
“I understand. I came to assure you we were not involved in the attempt on your life, and we’ve thoroughly investigated since your... exit... a few nights ago. Lord Skybreak asked me to assure you she will ensure nothing like that ever happens again.”
“That makes me feel so much better, Karth. Now, did you find anything I can use?”
“If we did, no one has told me, lord. That was all the information my lord asked me to give you. Though... I am curious how you managed to escape. Given what little I know about how they attempted to kill you, I’m impressed you managed to slip away.”
“I would be impressed with me too.” Drake smiled calmly. “But you’ve come a long way to give me just that.”
“Good instincts, lord. I’m also here to receive your tithe.”
Lydia had promised to take care of that for him. They were going to give Skybreak Manor some petty cash as their so-called payment for Valentia’s “murder” of Steward Rodney. All part of the game they continued to play.
Emily leaned close. “There’s six more rangers and a wagon out beyond the gates. Cresh and some others have them surrounded. Karth claimed to be their leader, so he is the only one we’ve allowed in.” She looked at him. “After a thorough search.”
Drake watched Karth calmly. “I’ll let my steward know you’re ready to take delivery of the tithe we agreed to and have it sent to the gates. Anything else?”
“Indeed, lord,” Karth said. “Lord Skybreak also sent several gifts for you. After all the unpleasantness a few days ago, she said she wanted to ease any rough feelings.”
Drake was surprised to hear that. Maybe he’d impressed Sky at their negotiation more than he believed. He hoped so. Relative levels of manor lord hotness aside, he did need allies in this new world. Sky Skybreak seemed like she’d be a dependable and powerful ally.
“Your gifts are still back in the wagon,” Karth added. “Your zarovians wouldn’t allow me to bring anything inside. I feel lucky they let me keep my clothes.”
Emily once again whispered in Drake’s ear. “I voted he shouldn’t.”
“What are these gifts?” Drake asked.
“The first is three casks of our Moonberry Mead. I’m sure the lord believed you’d appreciate the variety.”
That mead was delicious. “Please thank her when you return. And the rest?”
“Just one more gift, lord. It’s in a magic lockbox about the size of my arm.”
“And... what’s in it?”
“I wasn’t made aware of that information. I was instructed to tell you not to have anyone attempt to open it. It will only open when a specific word is said aloud by you.”
A locked magic box that recognized a secret word sounded extremely cool and extremely dangerous. “What word might that be?”
Karth shrugged. “I don’t know that either, lord. Lord Skybreak simply instructed me to tell you to speak to the box about home.”
That was more reassurance this gift had actually come from Sky. “And to be clear, she said all these things to you directly? Face to face?”
“She did. It was nice to speak to her in person. She also said to compliment you if you asked that exact question, and to make sure to tell her if you did. So good job, lord.”
Sky continued to test how closely he was paying attention. He appreciated that. This box was intriguing enough he definitely wanted to check it out, and since Karth couldn’t lie, and Sky couldn’t lie to Karth, he was fairly confident the box wasn’t going to unleash some curse.
But he was still going to have Zuri make a good long inspection before he opened it.
“Thanks for making the trip, Karth.”
“Thanks for receiving me with my clothes still on, lord.”
Drake couldn’t help but chuckle. “Anything else you need me to handle?”
“I’ve done all I came for. If it’s all right with you, I’ll head back out to my people now.”
“Not interested in staying the night?”
“Don’t have the liberty, lord. But thank you for the offer.”
He glanced at Emily. “Is anyone going to kill him if he tries to leave?”
“No, lord.” She looked visibly disappointed. “I did not give that order this time.”
He looked to Karth again. “You’re good. Safe trip.” He looked at Olivia. “Could you go get some zarovians to bring in those casks of mead? You can just stack them in the garden for now. I’m sure Meryl can find a place to put them later. As for the magic lockbox, could you run that over to Zuri? Tell her to look it over, but not try to open it until I arrive.”
Olivia nodded eagerly and dashed off. He had no doubt she would complete the errands he’d given her in a precise and efficient order, likely while sprinting as fast as she could. It was good to see her so bright-eyed and determined. Samuel was still regenerating, but from what Drake had been told, the guy had two full eyeballs now. He was even working on a face.
As for Nicole, his fifth and final battle maid, she was almost recovered from her injuries. Raylan had informed him he expected to be able to wake Nicole this afternoon. Drake was looking forward to meeting her. He wanted to know everything she remembered from the ambush.
The doors to his manor creaked open. His zarovians had opened them as Karth approached. The zarovians posted as honorary door guards changed every day, and Drake still didn’t have all of their names down. He wasn’t sure he ever would.
Karth strode out without another word, swagger entirely intact. As he turned away, Drake found himself curious about Sky’s mystery box. But first, he remembered, he had an appointment this morning. One he’d intended to honor around lunch anyway.
It was time to meet Goktul, the zarovian armor who made all the manor’s weapons.
“Would you like a tea break, lord?” Emily asked. “You’ve been working so hard.”
He rolled his eyes. “I talked to one dude for five minutes. I’m fine. But you can escort me to go see Goktul.”
“Ooh, that’s even better!” She perked up. “He always has the best weapons!”
Emily would know that. Drake was looking forward to seeing the armory as well, along with getting his first look at the inside of the new zarovian barracks. He knew Cresh had planned to make some big changes to the unfinished portion of Gloomwood Manor Drake had offered the zarovians as payment for staying on. He wondered how it had changed.
He’d learned yesterday that his manor had a large, football field shaped inner courtyard inside its walls, making the manor itself like a giant rectangular donut. He’d delivered a public address in that central courtyard where he assured everyone in his manor that he was back, he was fine, and they were all safe. That had been Lydia’s suggestion.
Apparently, him getting abducted from his own manor had caused more than a bit of panic among his people. The fact that they’d actually been upset he was gone made him feel better about his progress in gaining their loyalty. They might be starting to trust him.
As he set off again, Drake decided they would take a walk through the courtyard. He had found his way to the windows looking out onto it when Emily could no longer stifle her giggles. While there were windows here, the only door was in another part of the manor.
He glanced her way. “Tomorrow, you’re spending the whole day showing me around.”
“Of course, lord!” She sounded thrilled by that idea.
“And I still want that manor floor plan.”
“I’m sure Zuri will soon find out exactly what happened to it.”
He let Emily take the lead again. They doubled back through several halls and took a different turn, at which point he was accurately able to tell where he’d gone wrong. He’d only missed one turn at the end of the walk, and that, too, was progress.
After a few more weeks, he’d know this manor as well as his battle maids.
This morning, it didn’t take Drake long to dress. Lydia had organized several silverweave outfits for him to choose from, and they all looked pretty slick. He picked a black one today along with some loose but comfortable black leggings. It felt like a day for black clothing. The Lord of Gloomwood Manor should rock a little black.
Apparently, Lord Dickcheese—or Lord Crow, as Drake had grudgingly taken to mentally calling the man—hadn’t cared for a wardrobe during the years he served as Lord of Gloomwood. The old psychopath had worn his ratty-ass monk robes every day, only changing them out every week or so. And he only owned two pairs of robes, so the laundry staff was constantly cleaning one or the other. The smell must have been rank.
Drake pulled on the first pair of boots he could pair with his pants and walked to the mirror, then vainly tried to adjust his unusually stubborn bedhead. His long hair seemed all the more determined to stick out in all directions, and not in the “look at me, I’m a dark edgy rock musician” way. It was more in the “hello, I’m actually a homeless man” style.
And it did sort of look like a bird’s nest.
Dammit, Val. He scrubbed a hand through his dark, stubborn hair once more and headed to the door. Given every single one of his battle maids had extremely well-kept hair, there had to be a barber in his manor. He’d see to getting his hair trimmed between murder attempts.
Once he was prepared, he exited his room. Emily eagerly fell into step beside him. He knew the way to his lobby now. He was getting to know his manor rather well, at least the rooms he frequently used and how to get to them from his master bedroom.
He even knew how to get to the bathhouse. The bathhouse was the best.
Not long after, Drake arrived along the second floor hallway and checked out the scene below. Karth stood lounging against his front doors, arms crossed, while the zarovians on either side of him glowered with visible annoyance. That amused Drake in a number of ways.
Karth also lacked both his bow and quiver, as well as any other visible weapons. Giving those up must have sucked for him, but Drake was glad his people were being so cautious. The longer some random prick was trying to murder him, the more paranoid he might become.
Olivia, who had already been standing at attention watching Karth, snapped to even more attention at his arrival. She fell in beside him on the side not currently being possessively guarded by Emily. Then, Drake strode down the stairs of Gloomwood Manor dressed in lordly black clothes, and as he did so, two very intense-looking battle maids walked at his side.
Drake felt like a legitimate badass. After all the bullshit he’d been through in the past week—rescuing Anna, wrecking those mercs, and thwarting a plot against his manor—he finally felt he’d earned the title of Lord Gloomwood. This was his manor, these were his people, and they were stronger now than they’d ever been. He was going to keep pushing forward.
Karth casually eased himself off the doors without a glance at the zarovians and sauntered forward. The man certainly had swagger. He also had a friendly smile on his face, which was far preferable to his glare when his men were all aiming arrows at him.
Once he’d the bottom of the stairs, Drake raised a palm. “That’s close enough.”
Karth paused in the middle of the lobby, far enough away he’d have to take at least ten running steps to stab Drake with anything. “Some reason you don’t trust me, lord?”
“I trust you enough. I just don’t want my battle maids to kill you.” He vaguely motioned to them with his head. “We’re all a little on edge after all the attempted murder.”
“I understand. I came to assure you we were not involved in the attempt on your life, and we’ve thoroughly investigated since your... exit... a few nights ago. Lord Skybreak asked me to assure you she will ensure nothing like that ever happens again.”
“That makes me feel so much better, Karth. Now, did you find anything I can use?”
“If we did, no one has told me, lord. That was all the information my lord asked me to give you. Though... I am curious how you managed to escape. Given what little I know about how they attempted to kill you, I’m impressed you managed to slip away.”
“I would be impressed with me too.” Drake smiled calmly. “But you’ve come a long way to give me just that.”
“Good instincts, lord. I’m also here to receive your tithe.”
Lydia had promised to take care of that for him. They were going to give Skybreak Manor some petty cash as their so-called payment for Valentia’s “murder” of Steward Rodney. All part of the game they continued to play.
Emily leaned close. “There’s six more rangers and a wagon out beyond the gates. Cresh and some others have them surrounded. Karth claimed to be their leader, so he is the only one we’ve allowed in.” She looked at him. “After a thorough search.”
Drake watched Karth calmly. “I’ll let my steward know you’re ready to take delivery of the tithe we agreed to and have it sent to the gates. Anything else?”
“Indeed, lord,” Karth said. “Lord Skybreak also sent several gifts for you. After all the unpleasantness a few days ago, she said she wanted to ease any rough feelings.”
Drake was surprised to hear that. Maybe he’d impressed Sky at their negotiation more than he believed. He hoped so. Relative levels of manor lord hotness aside, he did need allies in this new world. Sky Skybreak seemed like she’d be a dependable and powerful ally.
“Your gifts are still back in the wagon,” Karth added. “Your zarovians wouldn’t allow me to bring anything inside. I feel lucky they let me keep my clothes.”
Emily once again whispered in Drake’s ear. “I voted he shouldn’t.”
“What are these gifts?” Drake asked.
“The first is three casks of our Moonberry Mead. I’m sure the lord believed you’d appreciate the variety.”
That mead was delicious. “Please thank her when you return. And the rest?”
“Just one more gift, lord. It’s in a magic lockbox about the size of my arm.”
“And... what’s in it?”
“I wasn’t made aware of that information. I was instructed to tell you not to have anyone attempt to open it. It will only open when a specific word is said aloud by you.”
A locked magic box that recognized a secret word sounded extremely cool and extremely dangerous. “What word might that be?”
Karth shrugged. “I don’t know that either, lord. Lord Skybreak simply instructed me to tell you to speak to the box about home.”
That was more reassurance this gift had actually come from Sky. “And to be clear, she said all these things to you directly? Face to face?”
“She did. It was nice to speak to her in person. She also said to compliment you if you asked that exact question, and to make sure to tell her if you did. So good job, lord.”
Sky continued to test how closely he was paying attention. He appreciated that. This box was intriguing enough he definitely wanted to check it out, and since Karth couldn’t lie, and Sky couldn’t lie to Karth, he was fairly confident the box wasn’t going to unleash some curse.
But he was still going to have Zuri make a good long inspection before he opened it.
“Thanks for making the trip, Karth.”
“Thanks for receiving me with my clothes still on, lord.”
Drake couldn’t help but chuckle. “Anything else you need me to handle?”
“I’ve done all I came for. If it’s all right with you, I’ll head back out to my people now.”
“Not interested in staying the night?”
“Don’t have the liberty, lord. But thank you for the offer.”
He glanced at Emily. “Is anyone going to kill him if he tries to leave?”
“No, lord.” She looked visibly disappointed. “I did not give that order this time.”
He looked to Karth again. “You’re good. Safe trip.” He looked at Olivia. “Could you go get some zarovians to bring in those casks of mead? You can just stack them in the garden for now. I’m sure Meryl can find a place to put them later. As for the magic lockbox, could you run that over to Zuri? Tell her to look it over, but not try to open it until I arrive.”
Olivia nodded eagerly and dashed off. He had no doubt she would complete the errands he’d given her in a precise and efficient order, likely while sprinting as fast as she could. It was good to see her so bright-eyed and determined. Samuel was still regenerating, but from what Drake had been told, the guy had two full eyeballs now. He was even working on a face.
As for Nicole, his fifth and final battle maid, she was almost recovered from her injuries. Raylan had informed him he expected to be able to wake Nicole this afternoon. Drake was looking forward to meeting her. He wanted to know everything she remembered from the ambush.
The doors to his manor creaked open. His zarovians had opened them as Karth approached. The zarovians posted as honorary door guards changed every day, and Drake still didn’t have all of their names down. He wasn’t sure he ever would.
Karth strode out without another word, swagger entirely intact. As he turned away, Drake found himself curious about Sky’s mystery box. But first, he remembered, he had an appointment this morning. One he’d intended to honor around lunch anyway.
It was time to meet Goktul, the zarovian armor who made all the manor’s weapons.
“Would you like a tea break, lord?” Emily asked. “You’ve been working so hard.”
He rolled his eyes. “I talked to one dude for five minutes. I’m fine. But you can escort me to go see Goktul.”
“Ooh, that’s even better!” She perked up. “He always has the best weapons!”
Emily would know that. Drake was looking forward to seeing the armory as well, along with getting his first look at the inside of the new zarovian barracks. He knew Cresh had planned to make some big changes to the unfinished portion of Gloomwood Manor Drake had offered the zarovians as payment for staying on. He wondered how it had changed.
He’d learned yesterday that his manor had a large, football field shaped inner courtyard inside its walls, making the manor itself like a giant rectangular donut. He’d delivered a public address in that central courtyard where he assured everyone in his manor that he was back, he was fine, and they were all safe. That had been Lydia’s suggestion.
Apparently, him getting abducted from his own manor had caused more than a bit of panic among his people. The fact that they’d actually been upset he was gone made him feel better about his progress in gaining their loyalty. They might be starting to trust him.
As he set off again, Drake decided they would take a walk through the courtyard. He had found his way to the windows looking out onto it when Emily could no longer stifle her giggles. While there were windows here, the only door was in another part of the manor.
He glanced her way. “Tomorrow, you’re spending the whole day showing me around.”
“Of course, lord!” She sounded thrilled by that idea.
“And I still want that manor floor plan.”
“I’m sure Zuri will soon find out exactly what happened to it.”
He let Emily take the lead again. They doubled back through several halls and took a different turn, at which point he was accurately able to tell where he’d gone wrong. He’d only missed one turn at the end of the walk, and that, too, was progress.
After a few more weeks, he’d know this manor as well as his battle maids.
