Fostering Faust 2, page 9
part #2 of Fostering Faust Series
Easier to guard two months of supplies in a depot than six.
Maybe I need some middle managers. Never did like all that garbage.
Though, Alanna did grow up in a military keep surrounded by soldiers and generals, and with little else to do. Tilly was a forward-operating base.
I wonder how long it’ll be before that kind of thing gets stamped out.
Though it does explain why Mary was so desperate to get back to her troops. Her husband was militarily incompetent.
“Thank you, Mistress Tilly. I appreciate that,” Alex said, making firm and steady eye contact with her. “I would ask that you continue to operate as you have so far, and keep working for Brit’s benefit and mine. You’re a true personal asset to me.”
Alanna turned bright red as a flame in an instant. It looked as if her ears were actually on fire.
“Of course, sire,” she said.
“Now… that brings us full circle around to what we’re dealing with and our plans,” Alex said. “A massive enemy force, and us with a fraction of their numbers in actual soldiers.
“We cannot attack them directly, so most of our efforts so far have been indirect. I’d like to move further in that direction,” Alex said. Turning to look at Quinn, Alex continued. “My queen, could you tell us, what are local garrisons like here in your lands? It doesn’t seem there are many trained soldiers at the ready.”
Quinn grimaced at that. “Normally, there would be a royal army available and garrisons in each city. They would be called up to fight for the clan as needed.
“Except… my father was captured quickly, and all his generals executed.
“There was no one to take up his banner or call the forces together. The soldiers in the garrisons went home… disbanded, and pretended as if they’d never served,” Quinn said, her tone bitter. “When this is done, I will always have a freestanding army in the capital.
“Fully garrisoned. They will always be at the ready.”
Alex couldn’t blame her for her anger. He imagined she felt she’d been betrayed at every turn. Having to sell herself to him had probably been the final insult. Only to have her find her father dead.
“In other words, there is no real defense in place anywhere. Things are moving the way they are, and there’s unclaimed territory,” Alex said, firming up his thoughts.
I’ll check with Sylvia later to make sure it’s that way. She and Valeria were off running around together last I heard from them.
For now, we’ll assume I’m right.
“What’s the center for trade in Xer?” Alex asked.
“Trade…?” Quinn murmured.
“Yeah. Where does it pass through? If I bought grain from an outlander or other clan, is there someone it would have to pass through?” Alex pressed.
“Here, the capital itself. Especially for outlander things. Though for in-clan, that’d probably be Hashei,” Quinn said.
“How far off is it?”
“Along the roads? Two or three days, nothing too terrible. It’s more to the edge of clan lands.”
“Grand,” Alex said, then turned to Alanna. “I want you to take half the light cavalry and half the mounted infantry that came with you, and go take that city for me, Alanna. Have Matthew as your second.”
There was a sudden shocked silence in the room.
“You… want me to lead them?” Alanna asked.
“Yes. I want you to go crush that city and anyone who would resist the queen. Bring it under her control and prevent anything from going to the rebels.
“Dig in, defend, build a fort—whatever you think needs to happen. Can you do it with only five hundred troops?”
A wide-eyed stare was the only response he got from her.
“Alanna? Can you do it or should I send someone else?” Alex asked, pressing her.
“Yes, sire. I can do it. I’ll take command and leave immediately,” Alanna finally said.
“Grand. Keep me appraised. Do it right and I’ll give you southern Ridge as a barony.”
It was a military city and province, just as Tilly was. She’d be able to handle it well.
Again, there was a deathly silent response.
Ignoring it, because he really didn’t care, Alex looked to his commanders.
“How far back is the rest of the army, and what kind of numbers should we expect?”
“A day or two. A thousand infantry, five hundred new conscripts, and five hundred archers,” Arthur said quickly.
“Alright, so we’ve got about a thousand five hundred. With five hundred we’ll need to babysit till they get some experience.” Alex nodded. It was more or less exactly what he’d expected. Everything was moving parallel to his plans.
“Conscripts are gonna be in the leftovers,” Dan said. “Max will have them kitted out heavy—just need a bit of experience.”
Good. That helps.
“What kind of man is this rebel leader?” Alex asked, looking to Quinn.
“Rix? A timid one. He only succeeded in his coup on father because father didn’t suspect him. Rix’s house guards did all the work,” Quinn said with an angry shake of her head.
“Alright. We march for the enemy city of Shishish when our troops arrive.
“We’ll arrive near dark and build a damn fortification right there. If we can throw together enough of an earth-work before daylight, they won’t be able to dislodge us. Then we just keep building it up until it’s a camp.”
“Sire, won’t they just surround it and siege us?” Matthew asked.
“I’m thinking they’ll attack us with that mob of untrained fools,” Alex said. “And while we’re under siege in our fort, with supplies and the ability to break out whenever we want, they’ll be under siege indirectly.
“No water, no resources, no trade. If he tries to go for Alanna, she can break off if they send too many or fight them off if they don’t send enough.
“All the while, I’d bet on Anna and Mary hiring more mercenaries and sending them this way.”
Alex shook his head.
“No—he might siege us, but he’ll be the one under siege.”
Alex waved a hand dismissively. “Go, get it done.”
Everyone but Alanna, Riley, Carla, and Nannie fled the room.
Ah, that’s right. She wanted to talk.
Chapter 8
Riley pulled out two chairs at a much smaller table off to one side, then began to set a tea service together.
She really does take her role as my head maid very seriously.
Taking the hint, Alex walked over and sat down in one of the chairs Riley had pulled out.
“So, you wished to speak. As you’ve probably guessed, this would be an ideal time as I imagine you’ll be on the road after this,” Alex said.
Alanna sat in the chair across from him, adjusting her dress carefully.
“Indeed, that was my thought as well.” Sighing, she set her hands in her lap and looked to him. “Why are you sending me away so quickly? Did my aunt set this up with you?”
Alex raised his eyebrows in surprise.
“Because you seem like a competent commander whose loyalty I trust. I need those like I need statues made of gold right now,” Alex said.
Riley carefully set down two settings for tea and began pouring and serving immediately. Her movements were fluid, graceful.
Perfect.
Alanna didn’t respond immediately. Her fingers tapped against her thigh, but that was the only indication she’d heard him. She was every bit the woman her aunt was.
Alex was perfectly comfortable waiting for a response. This had been her meeting request, after all.
“One, please,” Alanna said as Riley held a small plate of sugar cubes in one hand and a tiny pair of tongs in the other.
She immediately dropped a single cube into Alanna’s tea, then put three into Alex’s without his needing to say anything.
“Forgive me for my… absence of speech,” Alanna said, taking her hands out of her lap and resting them around her cup. “It took me a bit to process your statement.
“You’re not avoiding me or looking to get rid of me. You’re genuinely asking me to lead those troops for you. And if I do well on my own merits, you plan on giving me the barony of South Ridge.”
“I do believe that’s what I said,” Alex said with a nod.
Alanna shook her head once, then picked up her teacup and took a sip.
“I think I finally understand what my aunt told me about you.”
“And what was that?” Alex asked, amused.
“You mean what you say. Make no deals with you, and don’t get in your bed.”
“Well, the first two are accurate—the last one I’ll not speak to.”
Alanna’s eyes flicked over his head. He imagined she was looking to his two bodyguards and head maid behind him.
“You are all sleeping with him?” Alanna asked, though it didn’t sound like much of a question.
“Yes,” they said in unison.
“He asks you your counsel in things?” Alanna asked further.
“Sometimes,” Nannie said.
“Yes,” Carla admitted.
“Master asks me my thoughts at times,” Riley said.
Alanna looked back to Alex.
“You changed after your abduction, and you don’t seem to care about the rules anymore.
“I wonder… would you be surprised if I told you a woman cannot lead an army?” Alanna asked.
Wait, what?
Admittedly, Alex had been operating on his own views from his previous life. He knew the commoner class couldn’t lead, but he’d never stopped to consider whether women could lead armies.
Alanna was watching him like a hawk. Her eyes latched on him as if they’d been sewn there.
“Look, you little cunt. You can do what Master says, or you can fuck off and die. I’ll be the one to—”
Alex waved a hand over his shoulder to stop Nannie’s angry tirade.
Shrugging, Alex leaned back in his chair and let his “noble air” vanish in a heartbeat. Slouching low, he picked his teacup up in one hand and took a noisy sip.
Setting it down with a soft clack, he shook his head with a grin.
“And? I don’t care. I’m telling you to lead my troops. I expect you to lead them. If you can’t, I’ll send someone else.”
“I’ll lead them. I’ll become your baroness of South Ridge as well, but I’ll probably change the name of it,” Alanna said.
“Ok. And? Do it then. I give you the authority to do so if you earn it.”
“You’d need permission from the duchess to do that,” Alanna said. “The simple fact that you can authorize me to take the barony, let alone rename it, means you aren’t beholden to your oath to her.”
Sighing, Alex made a small “speed it up” gesture with his left hand.
“Where is this going, Alanna?”
“Nowhere, I suppose. Though I think my aunt may have underestimated you. Along with your first wife who divorced you,” said the noblewoman. Slowly, as if making a choice, her posture degraded, her legs uncrossing, until she sat comfortably in her chair.
Loosely.
She was confident in the situation.
That’s fine. I’m not trying to turn her into a Numbered, and I can hold her to her oaths to me.
“Hm. So, is Mary your sister?” Alex asked suddenly.
Alanna blinked slowly.
“She’s my niece,” she said after a second. “My father, her grandfather, had an affair with a much younger woman in the lowest strata of the peerage.”
“Mm, that would explain why Frenis didn’t try to get you back home. You’re not his. Not really, at least.
“You’re welcome to bring your mother to South Ridge if you like. I don’t give a whit for Frenis. He can suck me sideways after I have Two and Five knock his teeth out,” Alex said with some heat.
Alanna smiled at him, lifting her teacup again to take another sip. Her eyes twinkled as she watched him over the rim.
“I’m sure you can appreciate that it can be tough for a woman to have a child outside of the normal expectations.
“I imagine you identify with me and my story, to a degree,” Alanna said. It was obvious she knew about Mary’s disposition. “That’s why you wanted to make me a baroness. I would have no claim to Tilly in about seven months or so, I imagine. You’re protecting me, giving me a chance to lead and earn my barony. You’re legitimizing me and setting me up to succeed.”
Alex merely smiled in return at her, taking another sip of his tea.
He couldn’t deny he wanted to protect his unborn child. Giving Alanna her own barony would do that. It did also do exactly what she said, for her.
The conversation after that drifted into safer territory. Minor things of no importance.
Whatever Alanna’s original intention had been for the meeting, Alex wasn’t sure.
During their conversation, Alex asked for ink, a quill, paper, and wax. Then he wrote out a very simple directive on it as he chatted with Alanna.
After perhaps twenty minutes of polite conversation, Alanna got to her feet.
“Count Brit,” she said, brushing off her lap. “I think I should go see to my command and get ready.”
Getting to his feet, Alex gave her a smile. He sincerely liked the young woman. She’d gone through a rough phase and come out on top. Eager to prove herself.
Picking up the directive he’d penned, he handed it over to her. It had his signature, and a wax impression of his signet ring.
“Your official command and proof of such,” Alex said when she took it from his hand.
“Ah… thank you, Count,” Alanna said, smiling at him. “Just so you know, I’m going to contact your wife and see about maybe inhabiting the same space my ‘aunt’ does. It would be wonderful to have an heir, without a husband, and rule in peace.
“Until then, Alex.”
Alanna left the meeting room without another word, the door quietly closing behind her.
“Didn’t think I’d like the cunt, but now I do,” Nannie said, sounding rather annoyed.
“It’s because she’s direct,” Carla said.
“I think she’s pretty,” Riley said. “She looks a lot like Mary.”
Nannie and Carla both laughed at that.
“What?” Riley asked. Alex was mildly confused at the exchange.
“Come on, I promised Three I’d make sure you got practice in today,” Nannie grumbled, pulling Riley away by her elbow.
“Oh. Alright. Let me give some instructions to my girls to clean up and have some things prepared,” Riley said.
Alex watched as the two of them left.
“Thank goodness. Can I get laid now? The entire time that meeting was going on, I just wanted to strip you and get it on on the table, them watching or not,” Carla said, leaning on his shoulder. “You look great in your outfit and it was great watching you tell them what to do. I missed you.”
“Yeah, sounds fun—I missed you, too. Can you tell me why you two laughed at One, though?” Alex asked, curious.
“You gave One permission to watch you in bed. She took that as permanent permission. She takes every opportunity she can to watch you with the rest of us.
“She’s deeply and clearly aroused by watching you with other women. That’s why we laughed. She wants to see you with Alanna.”
Oh. Huh. She’s a cuck-queen, huh? I can use that. It also fits that strange heart of hers.
“Come on, Alex. I’m not wasting Five’s gift to me. I need you. Badly, and desperately,” Carla said, one of her hands stroking his back.
***
Alex watched from a distance through the telescope. In the month since his troops had arrived, little had changed.
The fort made at the top of a low hill commanded the field. It was a large affair made of earth and stone. They’d found stone not far beneath the surface and had begun quarrying it directly for their work. There was very little wood at all in that build-out.
Which made it impossible for it to catch fire, limiting what the pretender to the throne could do without siege weaponry.
With so much time to reinforce and truly dig in, his men had even had time to put in a well after digging down deep. They were now able to add to their water supply without fear of contamination.
Rix had moved his conscript army immediately to encircle the fort that had been put up outside Shishish.
He’d even had them charge up the hill several times. To each attack, Alex’s soldiers gave them a resounding beating.
The corpses had been left at the bottom of the hill. Dan, ever the pragmatic commander, took them and promptly returned those bodies to Shishish from a trebuchet he’d taken with him into the fort.
“They movin’ today?” Nannie asked. She sounded as grumpy as ever.
“No. They’re just sitting around, looking bored. Bored and very thirsty,” Alex said. “Though I did see one of our people pouring water out of a pot over the wall. Slowly.”
Nannie chuckled darkly at that.
“Dan seems to have taken your words to heart and then made them his own,” Carla said.
“That he has. I like Dan.
“Dave and Max are good for a stand-up showdown. Dan is my solver,” Alex said, dropping the telescope from his eye. Then he offered it to Carla.
“Next group of soldiers is due today, is it not?” Valeria asked.
“Yeah,” Alex said. “That’ll bring us up to about three thousand in total. Five hundred of that number is with Alanna, though.”
“Guh, can we end this? I wanna go home,” Nannie complained.
“Master is doing what Master must, Five,” Riley said in response. Her horse was practically side by side with his own. Riley’s left hand held the reins while her right hand hooked into his waistband. Her extreme clinging not having diminished at all.
“I’m sure he doesn’t like being here any more than we do,” Sylvia said with a short sigh. “My clothes are just falling apart out here.”
“It’s the sun, dear,” Valeria offered. “It’s just bleaching the colors out and ruining them.”
Sylvia clicked her tongue, touching her blue riding skirt, which now seemed much paler than Alex remembered it.
