Ruling: Dragons Run My Life, #9

By tony lavely

Tanial, Falcon Queen of Vest Lindebalgh has defeated two of the groups who seek to exterminate the bodynoli of not just Vest Lindebalgh, but the whole of Territory Two, making the land available for their own disadvantaged rénmen. She also signed an agreement with the Premier of the Consolidated States of Toile that no one under his control would interfere with Tanial or the other rulers of Territory Two.
Agreements are made to be broken. Tanial and her court barely have time to toast her victory when uprisings begin in the largest city.
Saving her kingdom means putting down the uprisings, but the telegraph is equally important.

When the stakes include death, the Falcon Queen rises.

• Language: English
• Publisher: tony lavely
• Release date: Mar 18, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224467495

Book preview

Dragons Run My Life

Book 9

Ruling

By

Tony Lavely

Cover Image

A Girl © Christos Tsoumplekas;

via Flickr, used under the terms of CC BY-SA 2.0.

Lujbljana Dragon © Bryan Pocius;

via Flickr, used under the terms of CC BY 2.0.

dragon_eye_by_tatianamakeeva-d868yfr by Drakos;

via Flickr, Public Domain.

Modified by author

Copyright © 2024 by Tony Lavely

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Edition 240229

All rights reserved.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite e-tailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from Tony Lavely.

The font faces First Order and Quill Sword are ©DMZadorozny, Iconian Fonts, used with permission.

Description

Tanial, Falcon Queen of Vest Lindebalgh has defeated two of the groups who seek to exterminate the bodynoli of not just Vest Lindebalgh, but the whole of Territory Two, making the land available for their own disadvantaged rénmen. She also signed an agreement with the Premier of the Consolidated States of Toile that no one under his control would interfere with Tanial or the other rulers of Territory Two.

Agreements are made to be broken. Tanial and her court barely have time to toast her victory when uprisings begin in the largest city.

Saving her kingdom means putting down the uprisings, but the telegraph is equally important. When the stakes include death, the Falcon Queen rises.

Map - Territory Two Detail

Map - Consolidated States of Toile

The Sundial Images and Hands

This image heads sections that take place in Territory Two, in the southern hemisphere of the planet. Most of the action takes place during the winter thir’dars of Maryka and Jasel. The image gives an idea just how few hours of light are available, especially recalling that most of the light the citizens have is produced by burning a vegetable oil such as olive oil.

Set on a clock face marking the sixteen hours of the Toile ’dar, black is night; grey is twilight and bright jaune, or yellow, denotes the star has risen.

This image heads sections that take place in Zūzhōu City, which is located in the northern hemisphere. The few scenes there are in their summer; and the image shows the difference in hours of starlight.

Hands

Hands, as used in this story, can have two meanings. One is the usual: hands as found at the end of arms. The other is a measure, equal to four inches.

In some narratives, swords are described as one- or two-handed, referring to the hilt size and how many of the soldier’s hands are used to control the weapon.

In this story, daggers are described as one- or one and a half- or two-hands. These ‘hands’ refer to the length of the blade. Thus a hand and a half (or one and a half-hands) dagger has a six inch blade.

Ruling

22 Aril - 31 Maryka, 553

Vest Lindebalgh

27 Aril - 24 Maryka, 553

1: Slot Minear

26 - 28 Aril

The Half-Blind Sow

26 - 28 Aril

GEIR STARED INTO THE alley the voice in his mind said represented safety. He spat; a feral cleva ran.

Garbage lined both walls, but he saw nothing worthy of even the cleva’s attention. Three or four paces along, the door the voice had promised hung ajar, but he heard naught from within. Aye, ’tis mid’dar; pub’ll be busy. The plank moved slightly and a girl, bare from her feet to her stringy brown hair, leaned out while holding the frame and spit. Several times. Then she wiped her mouth with her arm. An even smaller hand reached a filthy rag out; the girl scrubbed it over her face and handed it back.

A voice that Geir couldn’t quite hear caused the girl to gape at him, but she said nothing, just turned and vanished back into the pub.

He shrugged. A scent he hadn’t yet identified except it always heralded the voice flooded his mind and he knew That’s the place. Go in. The girls won’t notice you. Stay out of the barman’s way and he won’t heed you either. Hide for now. Might be a ’dar or two.

Huh.

The voice remained silent for the next two ’dars, though off-and-on the scent he didn’t recognize warned him from a course of action, and fresh air suggested safety. No one caught him.

The bare girl, who was nearly always naked, brought him scraps of food. While he couldn’t see where she found it, he ate. ’Tis better’n tha bugs on tha floor. He did quickly understand why she often ran to the back door to spit and clean her mouth and face. He promised himself he’d help her if he could find a way.

The cryer stuck his head through the door of the Half-Blind Sow to call Quarter afore the ten, lads!

As the cryer left, a middle-height man skirted him to enter. Geir’s attention focused on his stringy, thin white hair. His dirty muslin trousers and shirt promised nothing Geir’s equally dirty breeches and tunic didn’t, save his weren’t ripped and torn like Geir’s.

Geir lost sight of him as the barman grabbed the girl and dragged her over the bar for a quick beating. Most of the novelty of it was gone, since he beat her four or more times each ’dar. Never did he draw blood, merely quiet sobs. Then she was off again, ferrying ale and mead to the customers, and providing her own service to the clients. Geir wasn’t sure, but suspected a perceived difference between the coin she gripped in her small hand and the services she dispensed gave rise to the beatings.

Under the bench at the end of the table farthest from the barman’s station, Geir stayed still. Fresh air eased his worry until the bench across the plank from him moved as someone sat. He dodged a foot in a well-worn boot and wondered what his voice had meant by safe message.

The foot caught him, and a hand grabbed his sleeve and hauled him out, but not so anyone else would spot, taken as they were by the ’dar’s rumors and the low quality of the ale and how can Beck charge so much for this dray-beast piss.

He’d learned all that afore; he chanced a glance up to see the white-haired man peering at him. Well, sit yourself up here aside me. I ’spect no one’ll notice if you do na make a pother.

2: Kongens By

32 Aril

IN LORD HELLA GEISE’S manse’s great room, Tanial Falk, Falcon Queen of Vest Lindebalgh, shook her head at the promise of more interference in her life rather than less, and then the fulfilling of that promise. She looked up and glanced at the group either laughing or giggling or chuckling at her.

She grinned back at them. Nay, I’ll ha’e no heads off to’dar. Laugh all you wish. ’Tis certain we’ll be at work on the morrow.

Sulfur returned, a light touch, as if Shika was hesitant. Tanial knew The unwelcome news, Queen: rowdies who you might call ruffians protest Lord Vang’s continued rule following his defeat by a girl. They show their discontent by attempting riot in the streets of Slot Minear.

Truly, Shika, na welcome at all. ’Tis what the Premier wished to avoid, is’t na?

Not as widespread, yet, but, yes.

Bitte, Metha, Hella, my pledged Lords and Ladies, attend me here if you will. Dire circumstances require prompt action.

Hella and her Reeve arrived first. How may we serve, Tain?

Vang is under siege in Slot Minear. Ha’e you birds as can reach them? Even riding hard, we canna arrive sooner than four or five ’dars.

Aye. Who’ll bring the message?

Liam. ’Twill be a moment. We must decide what to say.

Hella nodded. Lief, warn the pigeon keeper, if you will.

As he hurried out, Tanial said to Liam, Set me atop the table, Love, so all can see and hear me. Once she stood there, she said, Lady Bitte, will you accept⁠—

Accept what, Highness?

Nay. First, the problem. She repeated what Shika told her for everyone. I ask you to ride with me to the city, to meet this challenge at its source. But I also say, ’tis no shame in remaining here.

Liam tapped her leg. A word, Love?

She sat, then scooted off the table.

We should plan, Liam said.

’Tis the kriger in you, she said with a chuckle. Who should we raise the question with?

Which question? Most of these will attend us; how shall we deploy them?

To begin, I must beard the rioters in their den.

Save… Did Shika say who they are?

She recalled the words, then admitted, Nay. After another second of thought, she continued, As Lord Friis aided Bitte earlier, I think to send him a bird, asking for his help.

Good! We’ll make a kriger of you yet. I will seek Litta for advise on the missive the bird can carry, but the key: we shall ask him to meet us in Marked Øst in two or three ’dars. Soon as he can collect his men and ride.

I pray he does. Afore you seek Litta, I’d set Bitte in the Minister of Defense chair.

Does she wish’t? She shrugged. Mayhap, Liam continued, set her as Provisional Minister, til you and she decide⁠—

Excellent! Bitte, attend me, if you will. Gramercy, Love.

With the earlier warning, Bitte was only three paces away; she bowed and said, Aye. How may I serve?

We’ve na talked of’t, but with a minor uprising to put down, I require a leader of the troops outside my Queen’s Guard. I would name you Provisional Minister of Defense, by your leave.

Why ‘Provisional’?

Til we see if you find the Minister’s seat comfortable. I fear it could end much like the Governorship. I donna wish to remove you as Minister if you can’t get close enough to find a sword in your gut⁠—

Bitte laughed. Aye. Mayhap the Minister’s chair would na be close to the fighting. After a moment, she bowed. I’ll take the position but na the robes whilst we seek one better suited.

Gramercy. Take Liam and collect Padrig and, with Miri’s permission, Catrin and Gareth too. Form a plan for Lord Friis when we meet in Marked Øst. You shall have full authority, subject to my approval alone.

Which means Duke Liam, too. Very good, Highness. As you command.

Afore you hie yourself off, Liam, set me on the table again. Once there, she used her command voice. All who attend me, we ride at…

First light between the four and quarter past, Highness.

Gramercy, Cefin! Break your fast til the five bell. We mount to be off at half five.

3: Marked Øst

3 - 4 Maryka

TANIAL SWUNG DOWN FROM her horse in Marked Øst. They arrived as planned, at mid’dar on the third of Maryka after two and a half ’dars of moderately hard riding. With three ’dars to go and planning a single ’dar’s rest, Lauge, the ostler, prevailed on Bitte and Liam not to stress the horses too soon.

An hour later, she and her court were in the large pub. Business was slow, which, Tanial reflected, was probably just what the innkeeper and barmaids hoped for, since the market had closed yester’dar before they arrived.

The serving girl left another pitcher of wine; as she turned away, Gapten Padrig came through the leather strips marking the entry. A man in a dusty, unfamiliar uniform followed him. Padrig, Bitte called, ’tis one of Lord Friis’ men, is it na? Without waiting, she continued, Does the Lord follow?

Aye. On the morrow, milady.

That brought a universal sigh of disappointment. At least, Tanial’s sigh marked her disappointment, and the others had accompanied her, so…

Fortified with a mug of ale, the messenger told the rest of the story. Lord Friis had received the message and took it upon himself to study the city and the situation. He prayed, the messenger said, a ’dar’s delay to bring the best word he could of the uprising. He would also meet with Vang.

We expect him on the morrow, then? Bitte confirmed.

Aye, milady.

Well done and gramercy. The Gapten… She tipped her head at Padrig. … will find you a bed.

He stood and when Bitte extended her arm, clasped wrists with her. Gramercy, milady. He followed Padrig out.

Tanial came up behind Bitte and hugged her. Well done, Minister.

’Twas easy, Highness. I recognized him from the dealings with the crossbows.

She waved off Bitte’s protest and offered a fresh glass of wine. Metha added her congratulations, then said, Tain, your lords would have me say to you: we ride on to Slot Minear with you.

Tanial smiled to cover her surprise. Not that they were coming, but that they announced it. Through Metha, the Governor, true. Why? she pondered briefly. They wish to judge us by our reaction?

Metha grinned. "They didna say so, but truly, even the young miss Ásdís Lager throws her lot with us. Much to Sire Dam’s dismay. He hoped to snatch her ’bout the waist and race for home now the road to Bred Flod is close by."

What of her aunt? Gudrun, I ween?

Laughed in his face and reminded him that the girl is captivated by you and Miri, and Bitte and me. All your other girls, too. Most especially miss Aedyt, gone with the Premier.

I pray you explain that.

I canna. I would bring her to you, so she could explain, but Lady Gudrun fears you will snatch her into your service.

Tanial laughed aloud. Truly, I’ve done that for but a few!

I ween she worries more on the girl’s fief, if Ásdís isn’t the Lord.

But she canna be the Lord now!

"To hear the Lady, Ásdís does more than Sire Dam. Mayhap she fears she must take it over to protect her fief."

Huh. Pass word, quiet like, to Gudrun and Ásdís both that Gudrun should be diligent about keeping the young Lady from attending me, save a direct order. Likewise, whisper in Ásdís’ ear that I would be pleased if she wishes to sneak about and find her way to my side.

Metha grinned, the mischievous grin Tanial recognized, and said, I shall, Highness. If she does, what of her fief?

Tanial frowned. While we ha’e only the one Njála, there must be others willing to act as Overseer. You ween Lady Gudrun⁠—

She would do it, but uncomfortably, I reckon. She already worries she’s na strong enough, even for her own fief. Ásdís’ would more’n double the size.

And Sire Dam?

Metha allowed her head to roll to the side, her eyes open and questioning. Sire Dam, she said eventually, loves both of them to the end of time. He is a musician, playing the harpsichord and other instruments, and writing music to play on them. Ásdís allows it.

Aye. Allows her freedom, I ween. She rules though her masters, then?

None of them say so, but… Aye. No other way to achieve her success.

Does she cöites with one of the masters?

Truly, I reckon na, though I haven’t a clew one way t’other. She allowed Gregers to snuggle with her, but no more. O’course… Metha shrugged. … I thought she was but Gudrun’s girl. ’Tween twelve and fourteen winters, she’s old enough, but… I ne’er saw any sign she was ready, far less anxious. The Governor furrowed her brow. In fact…

Aye?

I had no call to mention it… but she remonstrated, and that firmly, when Ketil decided his need for cöites was greater than hers for sleep.

Tanial tipped her head. Too much!

She nigh ended him, but held her blade afore she completely opened his throat. Jens heard his cry and dragged him off.

And said…

He spoke to me after fetching Ffion to attend to the wound. After a word with Ásdís, I agreed with Jens. When Ketil heals, I will lay ten lashes on him in front of the Lady. Following, he shall have no other contact with a female save me for a thir’dar. He’ll work for Lauge, caring for the horses for the same thir’dar.

’Tis meet. Gramercy. The Lady’s reaction?

"Truly, Tain, she surprised me. Bare with the boy atop her almost, and her with… I ween ’twas poise. She ordered him off, twice, reached for her boot knife and tickled his throat. Calm. Now, ’tis more clear, if she commanded punishments and such on the fief."

While she has few winters… thirteen or so, she’s comely. Mayhap Ketil’s na the first to try for her body.

I shall na ask. ’Less you have different direction, Highness⁠—

What would you do, Governor?

I would hold this close save it happens again.

’Tis meet. Truly, reinforces the need for him to understand that neither color of skin nor having a pillicock defines a bodynol. I worry that the punishment mayhap will na bring the understanding we wish.

Perchance ’tis already too lenient, ’cause he’s Vang’s son.

Same as Gregers, who’s also a Vang’s son. How would we treat others?

Truly, Highness, must punish all the same.

Good. She has no question in her voice. I pray both you and Jens recall’t. But first, I hope no one tests your resolve.

Aye. Ásdís is well suited to you. In time, she’ll make a fine member of your court.

Like you? I suppose I can wait some little time. Sire Dam alone accompanied her?

Save the Lady, aye.

Pass the hint along if you ha’e the chance.

I’ll speak to you after. Now, I ween Lady Hella wishes your ear. She chuckled. Or summat.

Tanial mock swung at the knight, who ducked with the same effort, and she turned to see Hella approach. Well met, she said.

Well met. I pray a moment.

Aye?

Lord Friis’ messenger had words for me about the progress at lowering our factories’ costs. He says they’ve had slight success, and the Lord will speak more when he arrives.

That report disappoints you?

Mayhap ’tis all the Lord said, but… ’tis too little! ‘Slight success’ when their goods’ offer price is less than our costs! Their price, it includes cartage! Summat is wrong, Highness, and I don’t ken what it may be.

Prince Gareth⁠—

The Prince and I have labored hard, searching for the discrepancy, but we’ve na yet found the clew.

A start, I ween. I pray you ha’e several glasses of wine this eve, and then snuggle with Liam and me less a different offer suits. Take Friis aside soon’s he arrives and verify his message. After the meeting, we shall talk. Or mayhap, as we ride on the morrow. She glanced around the common room. On your way by, ask Lord Floyd to attend me.

Gramercy, Highness. As you wish.

She had time to sip and quickly gulp a mouthful from her wine glass before Minister Mikael Floyd bowed to her.

Leave off that, I pray you. I wonder have you in your travels met with one you could recommend as kenning mechanical things and manufacturing? She tittered behind her hand. I almost sound as if I kenned what I said.

He smiled to her and said, I know a few, Highness. Mayhap the most knowledgeable one is from Stålwick. But truly, I fear the best are in Gwyddoniae Dnias, where you just were.

"Aye. But would a bodynol from Stålwick be willing to tell our factories how to lower our costs? Should we believe him… or her, if he did?"

Vexing questions, truly. On our arrival in the city, I’ll send a bird to Lord Koppel in Stålwick, to request his attendance on you. He has some factory experience.

Very good. Gramercy.

Once Floyd had left her, Liam touched her arm. I donna care for the expression on miss Nimah’s face.

One glance at the girl clutching her glass⁠—empty, though likely that wasn’t the problem⁠—hunched over, frowning where her face showed through the curtain of her star-lightened hair⁠—and she was sure something had upset her.

In a moment, Tanial slipped onto the bench beside Nimah. I pray, what has brought that long face?

She started, then sagged again. ’Tis naught of importance, Queen. ’Tis… everyone believes that with a few old Fathers set to pay for groping our girls by digging post holes or felling trees, there will be no problem creating the telegraph system you claim to require!

Tanial took her turn to be surprised. She set that aside and turned Nimah to face her. "’Tis na Maman’s thought that the few Ny Regole adherents who we can na sway from their path will make any difference to your tasks. Forsooth, ’twill do naught but ease her work.

Your task stands alongside mine in creating this new… na kingdom, but something, whatever ’tis. Make no mistake, little miss, without the telegraph, we fail!

But… but we have no aid! She stopped, her hand hard against her mouth, eyes wide. "I misspeak, Highness. We have much help, but I see so many things we must do and haven’t yet begun…"

Hmm. Gapten Jannik! I pray you attend me.

The gapten was close at hand. Aye, milady Queen. How may⁠—

Track down Ladies Sanne and Elin; say I require their attendance on me.

"As you wish, Highness. ’Twill be a moment; I noticed their departure toward the