Read Online Rex Regis by L. E. Modesitt Jr. - Free Book Online
Authors: L. E. Modesitt Jr.
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marble, and two other armless wooden chairs. Quaeryt did not bother to seat himself.
Palumyn’s eyes fixed on Quaeryt’s midsection, or rather on Quaeryt’s visor cap and the hand and fingers that held it. After a moment he shook his head, then looked up at Quaeryt. “That explains much.”
For the first time, a puzzled expression flitted across Jarell’s face.
“I’ll explain later, Jarell. The commander understands.” Palumyn’s voice took on a resigned tone as he asked, “What brings you here?”
“Lord Bhayar and I require a listing of all the factors and large merchants in Daaren. I’m certain you have such a listing.”
“We have a listing of all those factors who belong to the council. Some merchants do, but not all do.”
“I’d appreciate a copy by the end of the day,” Quaeryt said politely. “Oh … and I’ve had my officers taking a count and notes on every large merchant and factorage in Daaren. Lord Bhayar’s clerks, I’m sure, will be comparing your listing against the tariff rolls you submit and against our census.”
Palumyn stiffened, if but for an instant. “We would expect thoroughness from a ruler as effective as Lord Bhayar.”
“And I expect the same from the noted factors of Daaren. I assume you will have no difficulty in delivering the list by fourth glass this afternoon.”
“I believe we can manage that, Commander.”
“Excellent,” replied Quaeryt.
“Is there anything else you need from us?”
“Not at the moment.”
“Then Jarell will deliver the listing before fourth glass.”
“Thank you.” Quaeryt inclined his head politely, then stepped back to allow Jarell to leave the study first.
After Quaeryt had closed the door behind himself, he and Jarell walked several steps farther before Quaeryt stopped.
Jarell said, “Most senior officers wouldn’t worry quite so much about matters such as tariffs.”
“They would if they were married to Lord Bhayar’s sister,” replied Quaeryt. “If they had any sense, anyway. Lord Bhayar expects much from those who serve him, and more than that from those who are close.”
The brown-haired factor smiled ruefully. “I’ve had a few inquiries made. It’s said that you are a fighting commander, and that you are effective. Most effective. From those inquiries and from what you have said, it would appear that Lord Bhayar can be a hard man.”
Quaeryt shook his head. “He makes a great effort to be effective and fair. He has been known to accept honest mistakes. Those who made them often have not remained in his service, or they have had to undertake duties that were demanding and onerous. He does not accept treachery, dishonesty, or duplicity.”
“And you?”
“I’ve been one of those who has made mistakes. I’d prefer not to make others.”
“I see.”
“Perhaps you do, Factor Jarell. It might be wise if you conveyed that understanding to other factors. It might prevent any misunderstandings. Lord Bhayar will not be as tolerant of factor excesses as Rex Kharst was. He has already shown that he will not tolerate excesses by High Holders.”
“Oh?”
“All five of the high holdings just north and east of Kephria have been leveled. Four of the High Holders have lost their lands. Three are dead. The fifth High Holder was removed and his heir installed as his successor. All the High Holders who were closest to Rex Kharst are dead. The factors of Laaryn attempted to deceive Submarshal Skarpa. Their reward was to supply the Southern Army and to support a full regiment quartered there until Lord Bhayar is convinced of their resolve not to attempt any further questionable actions. The leader of the deception fled and faces execution if he returns. His factorage and considerable wealth were seized.”
Jarell tried not to swallow. He did not succeed.
“If you wish to send someone to Laaryn to inquire, by all means do so,” Quaeryt added pleasantly. “As I’ve said, Lord Bhayar has no interest in
Palumyn’s eyes fixed on Quaeryt’s midsection, or rather on Quaeryt’s visor cap and the hand and fingers that held it. After a moment he shook his head, then looked up at Quaeryt. “That explains much.”
For the first time, a puzzled expression flitted across Jarell’s face.
“I’ll explain later, Jarell. The commander understands.” Palumyn’s voice took on a resigned tone as he asked, “What brings you here?”
“Lord Bhayar and I require a listing of all the factors and large merchants in Daaren. I’m certain you have such a listing.”
“We have a listing of all those factors who belong to the council. Some merchants do, but not all do.”
“I’d appreciate a copy by the end of the day,” Quaeryt said politely. “Oh … and I’ve had my officers taking a count and notes on every large merchant and factorage in Daaren. Lord Bhayar’s clerks, I’m sure, will be comparing your listing against the tariff rolls you submit and against our census.”
Palumyn stiffened, if but for an instant. “We would expect thoroughness from a ruler as effective as Lord Bhayar.”
“And I expect the same from the noted factors of Daaren. I assume you will have no difficulty in delivering the list by fourth glass this afternoon.”
“I believe we can manage that, Commander.”
“Excellent,” replied Quaeryt.
“Is there anything else you need from us?”
“Not at the moment.”
“Then Jarell will deliver the listing before fourth glass.”
“Thank you.” Quaeryt inclined his head politely, then stepped back to allow Jarell to leave the study first.
After Quaeryt had closed the door behind himself, he and Jarell walked several steps farther before Quaeryt stopped.
Jarell said, “Most senior officers wouldn’t worry quite so much about matters such as tariffs.”
“They would if they were married to Lord Bhayar’s sister,” replied Quaeryt. “If they had any sense, anyway. Lord Bhayar expects much from those who serve him, and more than that from those who are close.”
The brown-haired factor smiled ruefully. “I’ve had a few inquiries made. It’s said that you are a fighting commander, and that you are effective. Most effective. From those inquiries and from what you have said, it would appear that Lord Bhayar can be a hard man.”
Quaeryt shook his head. “He makes a great effort to be effective and fair. He has been known to accept honest mistakes. Those who made them often have not remained in his service, or they have had to undertake duties that were demanding and onerous. He does not accept treachery, dishonesty, or duplicity.”
“And you?”
“I’ve been one of those who has made mistakes. I’d prefer not to make others.”
“I see.”
“Perhaps you do, Factor Jarell. It might be wise if you conveyed that understanding to other factors. It might prevent any misunderstandings. Lord Bhayar will not be as tolerant of factor excesses as Rex Kharst was. He has already shown that he will not tolerate excesses by High Holders.”
“Oh?”
“All five of the high holdings just north and east of Kephria have been leveled. Four of the High Holders have lost their lands. Three are dead. The fifth High Holder was removed and his heir installed as his successor. All the High Holders who were closest to Rex Kharst are dead. The factors of Laaryn attempted to deceive Submarshal Skarpa. Their reward was to supply the Southern Army and to support a full regiment quartered there until Lord Bhayar is convinced of their resolve not to attempt any further questionable actions. The leader of the deception fled and faces execution if he returns. His factorage and considerable wealth were seized.”
Jarell tried not to swallow. He did not succeed.
“If you wish to send someone to Laaryn to inquire, by all means do so,” Quaeryt added pleasantly. “As I’ve said, Lord Bhayar has no interest in
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