Treason's Choices: Seovann's Tale

By Jennifer Bresnick

The great city of Sheidanou has never held any allure for Seovann gar Echaldu, who prefers to spend his days in battle against the Llorani's sworn enemies, far to the south in Etzlim. But when his twin sister, Sanemki, sends for him in a letter, he doesn't hesitate to come to her aid.

What he finds in the capitol is a tense stand-off between powerful politicians, and the stakes are his beloved Etzlim. Asked to pick a side against his will, Seovann tries to navigate the sordid game, complicated by his growing love for the niece of the least prominent player.

He discovers that the price of losing is far greater than he can imagine, in a place where unexpected betrayals happen every day.

This story is a companion to The Last Death of Tev Chrisini, available on Amazon.com in print and for Kindle. Read without fear of spoilers, before or after.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jennifer Bresnick
• Release date: May 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476203836

Jennifer Bresnick

Jennifer Bresnick is a 2007 graduate of Mount Holyoke College with a major in history. Born and raised on Long Island, NY, she now resides in the Boston area, fervently avoiding all discussions about professional sports.When she isn't writing down the conversations in her head to give them an appearance of respectability, Jen enjoys crocheting silly animal hats, being creative in the kitchen, and on a completely unrelated note, putting out kitchen fires.

Book preview

TREASON’S CHOICES: SEOVANN’S TALE

Jennifer Bresnick

ISBN 9781478249634

Aenetlif Press

Distributed by Smashwords

Copyright 2012 by Jennifer Bresnick

All rights reserved. This book, or any portion thereof, may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission from the author or publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

CHAPTER ONE

A fresh spring breeze swept past Seovann as he rode through the elegant stone streets of Sheidanou for the first time. Before he was killed at Amlahon, during the height of the Summer War, his father had told him fantastic tales of the great city and its splendor, but he had never witnessed it with his own eyes before. Seovann had been just a boy when his father died, no more than eight years old, and he had lost both his parents and his elder brother in that bloody and prolonged fight for Etzlim.

The conflict had nearly wiped out his father's whole generation, and left his own with more sad stories than surviving children. But even though he had seen many things in the intervening twenty years, including enough death and grief to last him a lifetime, he had never encountered nor even imagined anything that had matched the glory of his father’s stories until he was standing in the courtyard of the ancient Tower, staring upward at its unfathomable heights, waiting for a servant to tell Sanemki that he had, at long last, come to her home.

It had been nearly ten years since she had gone to the city, and more than two since he had seen her at all. It was by far the longest time he had ever spent away from his twin sister, and he missed her fiercely. But her eyes, unlike his own, had always been turned towards the great capital, where she could advance in her career. She had always known that she wanted to be nyjatu, almost from the moment she had learned to say so, and she had shown herself to be naturally proficient in the skills that would allow her to achieve her goal.

Though Seovann had wholeheartedly supported her wish to join the Chithura’s personal guards, the highest honor a woman could achieve as a warrior in Llorani society, he had not followed her to Sheidanou – he had never wanted to, not when his closest friend, Darsamyth, abandoned the war-torn countryside to seek his fortune as a merchant in the capital, nor even when Sanemki was finally granted entrance to the elite corps.

He had not even come for Aiema’s coronation as the new Chithura, even though she had practically raised them, after they were orphaned and before they were old enough for the army to take them in. He preferred instead to spend his days on the front lines of the ongoing battle against the Eidarhta, in solitude, perhaps, but no less committed to the cause because of it.

He came now because Sanemki had asked for him, in the last letter she wrote, and she had never done so before. The masked urgency in her words would seem little more than a gentle request to anyone else, but it was so unlike her as to cause him alarm. He had jumped on his horse the very same night he had received it, and four days later, he saw her coming down the steps that led up to the Tower and he smiled.

You have cut your hair, he said, looking her over after they embraced.

And you have not, she replied, mildly disapproving, as she looked critically at the blond tail that hung past his shoulders. It was a tone he had long since grown used to from her, but had never really minded. She was older than he was by two minutes, and never once let him forget it. I cannot bring you up to her like this. You are barely presentable.

Oh, come now. She has seen me in worse condition. She won’t mind.

Sanemki shook her head. It is different now. She may not mind, but everyone else will. I’ve arranged some rooms for you near mine. You will have to change and wash up first. You will not soil my reputation as well as the floors with your muddy boots and dirty face.

That, at least, is not my fault, Seovann said as she led him up the stairs. The roads are barely passable this time of year. You’re lucky I made it at all. You live in the Tower? he asked as they made their way through the low, arched hallway that lead to the main hall. I thought you were sharing a house in -

Seovann stopped short as they entered the grand chamber. It was a brilliantly sunny day, and the reflections from the painstakingly complex stained glass were reproduced in stunning perfection on the smooth marble floors. Brilliant color streamed onto the clothes and faces of people passing over them, transforming swirling skirts and billowing cloaks into fantastic canvasses that recalled the wings of exotic butterflies. He stood there gaping in admiration as Sanemki continued on ahead, not realizing he wasn’t following. She turned back after asking a question to the empty air, and almost smiled a little at the awestruck expression on her brother’s face as she took his arm and led him through the chamber and up several flights of stairs.

That was…it was just as he described it, Seovann said quietly.

I know. I am wishing we had seen it together for the first time. But I am glad you’re here now.

Why am I here, Sanemki? What’s wrong?

Later, was all she said as she opened a door down a long corridor. You’ll stay here. My apartments are two doors down, on the left side.

They stepped into a suite of rooms, not overly large but certainly comfortable, filled with spare, elegant furnishings. A few chairs and a couch with tall, curving arms, inlaid with a running band of intricate knot work, clustered around a large fireplace. The arched window looked out onto the courtyard below, delicate wrought ironwork covering the opening. Seovann’s belongings had already been brought, and Sanemki left him by himself to change out of his traveling clothes.

He fell heavily onto the couch and sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. He did not like that she was being mysterious with him. She had always been somewhat reserved, bordering on secretive - that was her nature and nothing new. But although it was unlike her to ask for anyone’s help with anything, when she did do so, she was never less than forthright about the reason for it. He had not hesitated for a moment when he received her letter, and he wished that she would do him the same favor and enlighten him as soon as possible.

Seovann stood up again and quickly rummaged in his pack for a clean shirt and his only other jacket, splashing some water on his face and the back of his neck, and washing his hands before heading out into the hall. He could not suppress a little thrill of triumph as he realized he had gotten there first, but he did no more than give his sister a meaningful look as she opened her door not half a minute later. She made a little annoyed noise because he had gotten there first, though she had changed completely into the formal, pale green silks of her order and tied her hair into an intricate braid. She beckoned for him to follow her as they climbed another few sets of stairs, and stopped in front of a painted and gilded entryway, flanked by a pair of guards. They nodded to Sanemki and one of them opened the door for her.

The Chithura looked up from a book she was reading and smiled broadly when she saw who her guests were. She rose to greet them, tucking her long black hair behind her ear in a habitual gesture Seovann knew well. He hardly knew how much he had missed it until he saw her again. He began to make his bow to her, as was her due in her new office, but she caught him up in a hug instead and stood on her toes to kiss him on the cheek, though he still had to bend down for her to reach.

Seovann, my darling, it has been far too many years since I’ve seen you last, she said motioning him to a chair beside her as Sanemki sat across from them. I should hardly have known you. You’ve gotten so tall! But in your face, still I see the little boy I knew. You have not changed so much, perhaps.

I am twenty-eight, he said defensively. And I almost never put slugs in anyone’s dinner anymore. Sanemki kicked him in the shin, hissing at him to mind his manners, but the Chithura just laughed.

I very much hope you have stopped that particularly charming behavior. I’m sorry to offend. You are no longer a child, though Sanemki may still treat you as one. Sanemki scowled and it was Seovann’s turn to laugh. In public, of course I must ask you to respect my title, but when we are in private, you may treat me as abysmally as you used to, never fear, though I’d prefer if there were no insects involved. Tell me, what is it like in Emath-Gharad? I have heard conflicting reports, but you have been there recently, have you not?

Over half a year ago, now. It wasn’t so good, and it’s only been getting worse. We cannot gain back the ground we lost last year. Since you sent Turarwyn there, it has been a little better, however. General Sameste was very much in need of the help, and he is well liked. His people fight hard for him. I cannot give you more details, however; I was there only briefly, on my way to Keldena. I am sure you heard what a disaster that was. At least a thousand lost in one day, trying to take that pointless hill. It was a terrible thing.

Yes. An inexcusable mistake, and I have made my views on it very clear to those responsible. But come, we must not talk business all day. You must tell me what you have been up to. I value Sanemki’s discretion extremely, but I wish it did not extend to speaking of you. Would she tell me if you had been married, do you think?

Seovann smiled when Sanemki looked displeased again. I wouldn’t be surprised if she thought that was too personal a detail to share. But the need to keep it secret has not arisen. I have left no one behind in Etzlim.

Not Beinya?

"She has been married these past five years, and has three children. She did not like me so well after Esrin inherited from his uncle. It was quite a tidy sum. She is happy enough without me. Besides, I haven’t altered my opinion on whether or not it is proper for a soldier - for kevyba - to be so attached."

Yes, well, there is still time for you to change your mind. Perhaps you will find a wife in Sheidanou and stay with us for a while, the Chithura said, a strange, troubled look passing almost imperceptibly over her face, but Seovann didn't notice. Have you seen Darsamyth yet?

Tonight, I hope. I just arrived not an hour ago.

He is hosting a party tonight, Sanemki said. It’s his daughter’s name day. I don’t think he will mind if I take you along.

You were planning to go? Seovann asked, surprised.

I go to parties, Sanemki retorted. I do not sit in my room all day sharpening my sword and plotting revenge on those who tease me without good reason, no matter how I should like to. She shot an annoyed look at the Chithura, who laughed.

And we are all grateful for it, I am sure. There should be none of us left alive, if that were so.

There was a knock on the door, and a tall, slim, middle-aged man looked into the room. Apologies, my lady, he said when the Chithura beckoned him in. But you are very late for your appointment. Cerinthyer and Talodem have been waiting for half an hour.

Sanemki’s eyes narrowed and she sat up a little straighter in her chair at the mention of the names. The Chithura nodded and stood up.

Thank you, Seinard. I will be with them presently. Regrets and so forth before I arrive, of course. Seinard bowed and quickly left the room. I’m sorry, but my duty awaits. I will try to have more time for you tomorrow. Give Darsamyth my best, and to his daughter as well. She embraced Seovann again before he left. I am so very glad you have come, she said sincerely, but there was a sad, almost upset edge to the tone of her voice that puzzled him extremely.

He did not have time to question her about it, however, as Sanemki firmly ushered him out of the room without giving him the chance to say another word.

What was that about? he demanded when they had returned to his room. You must tell me, Sanemki. I won’t wait any longer.

There is trouble, she said. "It is about Etzlim, and it is very bad. The court is divided, and the city is following. There is unrest beginning, and we are trying to prevent it from spreading to the outlands. Those two she is meeting with, Cerinthyer and Talodem, they are at the root of it. Holdovers from the previous Chithura, with strong ties in the army and too much money to easily counter. They have been left to their own devices for far too long, and Aiema cannot get rid of them. She wants to explore peace with the Westlanders, but they will have none of it. They stand to lose a fortune, if that happens.

The Councils cannot make a decision. Everyone is tired of the fighting - of losing the fighting. But factions are growing around the issue: most do not wish to give an inch to the Eidarhta, and won’t vote for peace if it means giving up more land. There is a growing voice for the desire to hold talks, though, among some very influential people. Vosersu is among them, and the Antia-Yosu family is very strongly in favor of it. Most of them, anyway. Aiema will not rule on it before there is a consensus in the Councils, but I believe there will be fighting on the streets of the city before she ever gets it.

We’ve heard something of this, Seovann said. There are rumors we’ll be tightening our belts, and many consider that the first step to tightening the noose around our necks. Is there a danger of the supply lines being cut? Will we be forced to withdraw?

"Not yet, but I don’t know that I’ll be able to reassure you in a month or so. If Cerinthyer gets his way - he is in charge of the treasury, now - you will see increases rather than otherwise, though it will mean that the Chithura has been defeated. He wants to push as hard as he can. More men means more money in his pocket.

"Aiema doesn’t want to take anything away from the south, nor to stop fighting before terms with the Eidarhta have been agreed upon. But that is her ultimate goal: she wants an end to it, for once and