Fostering Faust 2, page 22
part #2 of Fostering Faust Series
When Alex said nothing, the man walked over to a double set of doors nearby and pushed them open with his palms.
“Master Breft, of the Breft family,” the butler said.
Did he just… announce his master, rather than us? Goodness.
I don’t think I’ve seen such pretentiousness since I was back in the old world.
Sitting at the head of a long table was a stick-like man who seemed to be made of hard angles and bones. He was bald, brown eyed, and angry looking.
He had a middle-aged man on his left and a much older man on his right. Though there was a definite family resemblance between the three of them. Each having brown eyes, dark-brown hair, and similar features.
“You dare bring that sack of shit into my presence? After she failed to protect my niece?” asked the man, lifting a finger and pointing at Eleanor.
Alex gestured at the table to one of his guards.
They had been tasked with taking care of the coins Alex had secured to pay off Eleanor’s debt.
After putting down the chest on the table with a grunt, the guard took two steps back and stood behind Alex.
“Here’s her debt repaid in full,” Alex said, not wanting to deal with this man at all.
“What?” asked a second man to the left of Master Breft. Where the master of the home was made from sticks, this man looked to be made from dough.
Lots of it.
“This is what you paid to outfit her, and for her salary. I’ve brought the entire five years’ worth to pay it off,” Alex said. “Her contract with you is done.”
“She can’t just walk in here as if nothing happened, pay her debt, and leave,” said the fat man. “There is much more than just coin involved here.”
“Oh?” Alex asked. “I’m more than willing to discuss whatever is stated in her contract. Otherwise, I’m not aware of what else she could owe you.”
The overweight man scoffed, looking ever angrier and uncomfortable.
Alex waited, looking from one man to the other.
“There’s a penalty clause in her contract,” said Master Breft. “Payable on her failure as a bodyguard.
“I’m going to extract the full amount of the penalty from her.”
I suppose that makes sense. I can bind people with their oaths; they would have to do so by contract.
“And what’s that penalty?” Alex asked.
“Nothing a pissant like yourself could pay,” said the fat man. “You just roll in here, some backwater count from nowhere, and think you can take over? Just because the earl was on patrol when the city was surrounded?”
Huh. They must be supporters of the earl.
“I think—” Alex started.
“No, you don’t think. You do what you’re told. We could probably buy your entire damn county,” yelled the fat man. “My daughter is dead!”
Alex had had enough of this. Standing up straight, he pressed his fingers to his lapel pin.
“On my oath to the king, Eleanor completed her duty to the best of her ability. Enemies came to kill me for attempting to defend Terk against the enemies of the duchess.
“Your daughter was struck down as collateral damage for reasons I don’t know or understand. She wasn’t the target,” Alex said, then let his hand fall to his side. “Now, tell me the penalty clause and we’ll be done with this.”
The father of the dead woman leaned forward toward Alex, an evil smile on his face. “Ten thousand gold for contract failure. Ten thousand for the death of her protected.”
Eleanor’s hand tightened in Alex’s to the point that it felt like she was going to break his fingers.
Much like her original debt, I’ll just take that coin from the earl’s treasury and expense it.
This is an opportunity.
Turning to Riley next to him, he smiled.
“One, would you be a dear and go collect that sum, and bring it back? Be sure to travel with Brit guards; the streets are dangerous,” Alex whispered to her.
The three Breft men looked like they were quite pleased with the situation. He imagined they thought they would be able to enslave Eleanor and execute her for her inability to pay the penalties.
Riley nodded and left with only a single word to Rebekah, who followed her.
Two of the four house guards also fell in after her without being ordered to do so.
Holding Eleanor’s hand, Alex led her off to a corner.
“I’m sorry, my lord. I had no idea such a clause existed,” Eleanor mumbled, her eyes fearful. It even looked like she might break down in tears. He imagined she already realized where the whole thrust of the conversation had been going.
A very bad end for her.
“I read the contract over several times, but I didn’t see such a thing,” Eleanor whispered. “I’m sorry I’m such a fool. I can’t believe how ignorant I was. I’m a failure. I’m worthless.”
Alex didn’t doubt there was a contract with her signature on it, one that had the penalty clauses.
Except it was probably the second or third contract she signed, one that altered the original deal.
The lack of official government oversight made everything much more dangerous.
I’ll make them pay. I’ll get every coin back from them one way or another.
“Six, I’m willing to pay this debt off for you. But I need more from you,” Alex said. “I want you for myself, but this is… this is a lot of gold.”
Eleanor blinked rapidly, nodding her head. She lifted her other gloved hand and quickly wiped at her eyes.
For all her prim and proper manners, her dedication to honor and the right thing to do, she was still just a young woman alone in the world.
“I’m willing to serve. Just tell me what I must do. Just… tell me what to do, Master Alex. Direct me,” she said. It was more than just a plea; it was the center of her being. “Please.”
Dependency.
“Swear yourself into my service permanently. You’ll serve me with your arms and skills until they fade and wither, and then you’ll train a replacement for yourself. Eventually, you’ll die in my service of old age. Never to be freed.
“For that, I’ll take on this debt for you and keep you safe. I’ll provide you with a place to live in my household.
“I want you to swear to that oath now, Six, because you’re worth it to me. You’re worth every bit of that twenty thousand,” Alex said. “You can say no, though. No harm would befall you from me, but I’d have to turn you over to them. I wouldn—”
“I swear it, Master Alex!” Eleanor hissed, interrupting him. Then she leaned in closer. “I swear myself to you, on our previous oaths, my lord.”
“Done. I accept and swear as well, Six,” Alex said, squeezing her hand. “Let’s go tell them the penalty will be paid and you’re leaving here with me.”
“Yes, Master. Of course, Master. Just tell me what to do,” Eleanor said, a strange edge to her voice.
Alex smiled at her and gave her hand a tug, pulling her back toward the table.
“All done saying goodbye?” said the overweight man, even as the master of the home opened his mouth.
“No. I’m paying your obscene penalty,” Alex said. “And when I get back to Brit, I’m going to investigate all your contracts, dealings, and businesses. I feel like maybe they aren’t what they should be.”
There was a pause as all three men considered what was said.
“Brit?” asked the older man.
“Yes. Brit. My name is Alexander Brit, Count of Brit. I may only be a count, and maybe you can buy my county, but I’m still going to do my best to make sure you pay for the insults you’ve given me today,” Alex said with some frost to his voice.
“Ah, I thought your name was Count Inferno,” said the master of the house. “That was how the Gers soldier named you.”
“That’s an unfortunate moniker I don’t care for much, though it is equally true. I earned it through my actions in the Gaelis campaign, and more recently down south,” Alex said.
The older man got up from the table and left the room, leaving the master and fat man alone at the table.
Eleanor seemed calm, but he could feel her hand trembling in his own. Alex gave it a gentle squeeze.
Eleanor needed him to be a strong complimenting personality and give her direction. He could do that easily enough.
Minutes ticked by in utter silence. Alex entertained himself by working through all the possibilities of getting back at the Breft family once he got home.
His first thought was Master Ulles.
He’d contact his father-in-law and see if he would be willing to sit down and talk. Or Anna’s mother, at the least.
Heavy footfalls behind him got Alex to look over his shoulder. Riley was returning with an entire squad of Brit house guards. They were lugging several chests with them.
“I pulled it all from our own pay wagons,” Riley said. “I made sure to get it all written out, and had an official receipt made.”
Good girl. You’re such a delightful helper, Riley.
Alex smiled at her, his eyes promising her some attention later.
Riley blushed, ducking her head slightly, her collar jingling prettily.
Alex turned back to the men at the table.
“There. Count it if you want,” Alex growled out. “Now, if there’s anything else?”
The older man reappeared, stepping through a side door. He seemed anxious and annoyed at the same time.
“Count Brit,” said the older man. “There’s been a mistake.”
Frowning, Alex looked at the older man.
“What, are you going to try and tell me the price is even higher now? You’re already robbing me—are you going to murder me as well?” Alex bit off. “Your pay is right here. Take it and choke on it.
“Now, is there anything else? If not, I’ll be leaving.”
“No, truly, Count Brit, there was a mistake here,” said the old man, moving over to take his seat again.
“Fine, what is it? Some other clause? Another penalty?” Alex ground out between his teeth.
The fat man chortled and slapped the table.
“Yes! Since this is a contract failure, you can pay to reimburse us for having to submit the pap—”
“No!” shouted the old man. “Nothing of the sort. Count Brit, I really do—”
“What?” shouted the angry rotund man getting up.
“Sit down,” said the older man.
Yeah, done here.
Pulling on Eleanor’s hand, Alex began leading her away.
Escorting her out of the room, he stopped in the middle of the entryway.
“Go get your things, Six,” Alex said. Then he released her hand and patted her on the shoulder.
“Ok, Master. Thank you, Master,” Eleanor said. Turning, she started moving up the stairs quietly.
“I brought a small wagon, just in case,” Riley murmured, taking up Alex’s left arm in her own.
He was honestly starting to feel abnormal whenever she wasn’t holding on to him like this. She was practically a part of him now.
His guards were nearby, though the majority of them were outside watching the wagon and walkway.
“I’m going to reward you heavily, One,” Alex said.
“Oh, Master, don’t be silly. I’m just doing my job as your Numbered,” Riley said, giving his arm a squeeze. “I made progress with Rebekah today as well on the way back.
“She seems very intent on speaking with you when you return. I think she’s prime for an offer. I would suggest taking her to bed, though. She seems more willing to part with something like that than to agree to a permanent contract.”
Now that he thought about it, he realized Rebekah hadn’t come back with Riley.
“Seriously, One. Figure out a way I can reward you,” Alex said. “You’re really earning your keep.”
“I’ll think on it, Master. For now just kiss me,” Riley said, giving his arm a gentle tug.
Hm. I haven’t even done the deed with Valeria in front of her, and she already seems much further along on the road I want her down.
Leaning over, Alex kissed Riley once before standing back up.
“Count Brit, please accept my sincere apologies,” said the master of the Breft home. “Please. I think this has all been a mistake.”
Huh?
Alex thought on the change in behavior. It was too extreme from one to the other. Even the grossly overweight blowhard seemed subdued.
“What do you want now?” Alex grumped, thinking furiously.
“I would like nothing more than to return to the conference room and discuss this. Please,” said Master Breft.
“Why? You got my money. You robbed me of it with clauses that are absolutely ridiculous in value. I could have just let her run off and you’d be none the wiser.
“I came here in good faith to pay off her debt and settle accounts. Your family member died in an attack on my life, which was no fault of her own, your family’s, or Eleanor's.
“And for that, you have been quite rude to me. You even had the gall to make me wait on your doorstep. I’m in charge of the defense of the city!” Alex said, shaking his head.
“Please, Master Brit, there’s no reason to let this fester. We can return the money to you easily. There’s just been a terrible misunderstanding,” said the older man.
It changed when they learned my name. They didn’t know I was Brit as well as Inferno.
Why would that change things? I’m still just a count.
Wait. Didn’t Rebekah say they were a mercantile family?
Alex wanted to laugh suddenly.
They’re not afraid of me, the duchess, or anything like that. They’re afraid of Anna’s dad.
Let’s not reveal anything.
Eleanor came down the steps, a chest in her arms.
“You can’t take that, you little thief,” screeched a woman at the top of the stairs. “That’s all our property. It became ours when you got my grand-daughter killed. You’re an ungrateful cunt—that’s what you are. A thief.
“I’ll see my son sell you to a brothel!”
Do nothing. Say nothing. Leave it be. Let them sit with this situation.
Don’t react. Do nothing. Calm.
Be calm.
Alex took a deep, calming breath.
Let their family dwell on the fact that I didn’t respond.
Let them stew in the situation.
Otherwise they might act while we’re all trapped here. And then I’d be forced to hang them.
And that’d do nothing for morale.
Eleanor was looking at the ground, not making eye contact with anyone. She marched out the door and started down the path.
Turning to Master Breft, Alex raised his eyebrows.
“Sell her to a brothel?” he asked quietly.
Master Breft was looking at him, a grimace clear on his face as the other two men stared angrily up at the woman.
Alex shook his head and left, following close behind Eleanor.
“Six, when this is over and we’re home safe, I can have their entire family flattened. Legally, without dishonor. My father-in-law is a very scary man in the mercantile circles,” Alex murmured, pressing a hand to her lower back.
“Truly?” asked the knight, walking up to the back of the small wagon. “I wouldn’t want you to endanger yourself for someone as worthless as me.”
“Yes. My wife is Anna Ulles. Her father is Master Ulles. You didn’t deserve anything they said about you,” Alex said. “You’re an amazing woman, a brilliant knight, and a one-of-a-kind person. I’m happy to pay that price as your service is well worth it.
“That doesn’t excuse their behavior to you. Say the word and I’ll have them crushed.”
Eleanor shoved her chest to one side of the wagon, then finally lifted her eyes to him. There was something there.
A quiet and cold anger. Something that had been buried down so deep she probably wasn’t aware of it.
“Take everything from them, Master Alex,” Eleanor whispered.
“I shall do so, then. Come, get your horse and let’s leave this place,” Alex said, his hand still resting on her back.
Chapter 20
Collapsing in a chair in his impromptu bedroom, Alex rubbed his hands on his face.
The rest of his day had been spent making the rounds in the city. Encouraging, directing, and generally being a visible figure of the duchess. Reassuring people that her support was here in his person, that she wasn’t just surrendering their homes and belongings to the enemy.
Riley was off working with her maids to get everything cleaned and prepped for the night. Then to ready everything for the morning.
Eleanor was sleeping in the adjacent room to Alex’s, his personal guards taking up protection duty at night.
As far as he could tell, things were progressing exactly as they should in a siege.
Slowly, inexorably, the city was heading toward starvation.
The soldiers who were ransacking homes had done incredibly well, coming away with a considerable amount of food and drink.
It was all catalogued, stored, and then set aside to be rationed at a later date.
The accelerant collected was also significant in volume. Barrels upon barrels had been found.
“Master?”
Opening his eyes, Alex looked to the door. Rebekah had her head poking through the doorway, her eyes turned to him.
It was curious that she’d called him Master, given it wasn’t part of their deal yet.
Ever the chameleon.
“Yes?” he responded.
“Could I have some of your time?” Rebekah inquired.
Ah. This must be what Riley was talking about.
I wonder what she’s going to offer for protection beyond this engagement. Our deal ends with the fall of the city or the end of the siege.
Her sentence would of course come back in full once this was over.
Then again, it could be lifted with a bit of coin.
“Of course, come on in. Have a seat,” Alex said, gesturing to the seat directly across from him.
Rebekah opened the door fully and closed it behind her.
