Work Text:
Sheamus stood at the bridge of his ship as they slowly sailed into the harbor. “Something’s going on,” he muttered.
“I don’t like it.” The Captain of the Emerald grunted.
Sheamus’ blue eyes studied the man next to him. Finley was a grizzled veteran of warfare both on land and sea. His instincts were good enough for Sheamus. “Keep the lads on board. Don’t let them off. Make some repairs as an excuse to keep them from going ashore. Be ready to sail as soon as I get back.”
“We stayin’ overnight?” Finley asked as they gently slid into a docking space.
“Not if I can help it,” Sheamus answered. “This might have nothing to do with us, but I don’t want to get caught up in anything either.”
Finley barely nodded as they were secured to the dock. “Lots of cargo being loaded.”
Sheamus turned away. “I’ll take two of the lads with me.”
“I’ll go.”
Sheamus managed not to grin when Finley grunted. “Now, cousin…” Then he sighed at the younger man. “Fine, JD. Get a partner and bring the chest.”
JD grinned and quickly walked away.
“He’s the heir. The Prince will have your hide if something happens to him,” Finley muttered.
“Tell me something I don’t already know,” Sheamus grunted. He slowly walked to the gangplank where JD and another young man were holding the small chest between them. “Now listen to me,” Sheamus sternly ordered. “You speak to no one. Keep your eyes down, and no ogling the women. If someone speaks to you, you don’t know the language. I’ll do the talking.” He eyed both young men. “Hold your tongue and your tempers. These people can take offense faster than we do.”
He turned around to greet the man walking up the gangplank. This was no ordinary dockman. His rich clothing identified him as a member of the Pasha’s court. Sheamus bowed in respect. “I am Sheamus from the Emerald Island. I have brought items that I believe would please Pasha Ali.”
“I am Selim, Counselor to Pasha Ali,” Selim bowed in return. “We did not expect you to return so soon.”
“The deep seas will become treacherous with storms fairly soon,” Sheamus explained. “I wanted to bring these items to the Pasha as quickly as I could to trade for naptha.”
Selim hesitated, then nodded. “Follow me.”
Sheamus walked with Selim casually noting the guards that flanked them. He didn’t mention them but regaled Selim about his trading missions. Selim listened intently and made a few comments in return. He did, however, smile at the expression on JD’s face when they approached the opulent palace of Pasha Ali.
They were led inside and along marbled corridors, guards eying them closely but bowing their heads in respect to Selim. Finally, they came to a set of massive bronze doors. “I will tell Pasha Ali of your arrival.” He nodded to the guards who opened one of the doors just enough for Selim to enter then closed it behind him.
Sheamus turned to the men with the chest. “So far, so good,” he almost whispered. “Do not look at the Pasha even if he talks to you. I’ll translate. And when I bow my head, you bow yours.”
The bronze door reopened and Selim appeared. “Pasha Ali will see you.”
“We are honored,” Sheamus replied.
As they entered the large room, they saw a young man sitting on a throne. He was richly dressed in silk and brocade with his advisers standing nearby. His fingers bore several rings embedded with jewels.
“Sheamus. It is good to see you so soon.” Pasha Ali’s voice was friendly although his dark eyes held no expression.
Sheamus bowed his head from a respectful distance, aware that the men with him did the same. “The deep sea is soon to be treacherous with storms. I did not want to wait.”
“Selim says you have something to trade,” Ali nodded. “But, first, did your cousin bear her child?”
“She did,” Sheamus widely grinned. “A fine daughter. The apple of her father’s eye.”
“May the Gods present a son next,” Ali slightly smiled.
“May the Gods present a son next,” Sheamus echoed. “While I was there, I met with their King. He’d just returned from putting down a rebellion against him.”
“Unsuccessful, I hope,” Ali replied in a neutral tone.
“It was,” Sheamus nodded. While he’d never kissed the Blarney Stone, every successful trader could tell a story. “From what I could tell, it wasn’t much of a battle. Stupid fools don’t last long against trained warriors.” He saw a flicker of amusement in Ali’s dark eyes.
“Does this King wish to trade?” One of the counselors asked.
Sheamus saw the cold look Ali gave to the man and remained silent.
“How did this King deal with the rebellion?” Ali asked.
“Well, I’m not wise enough to be a king, but I think he made a wise decision,” Sheamus admitted.
“He executed the rebels?”
“He took their sword hands,” Sheamus said in an admiring tone of voice. “Sent them back under guards with what they call a governor to keep an eye on them. Each year, not only will they pay their taxes but will also send tribute. If they fail, the King will have no mercy on them.”
Ali took a deep breath as he thought then slowly nodded. “This King seems to be a wise man.” He glanced again at his counselors. “He received the tribute?”
Sheamus nodded. “He kept half and split the rest between his brothers as they had fought by his side. I showed them the naptha. One of his brothers controls a territory in the mountains.” He rubbed his jaw. “I believe you told me you’d seen the snow on the mountains of A’Rat.” When Ali nodded, he continued, “From what I was told, and I believe it, this territory has snow that sometimes comes up past the knee. And not just at the top of the mountains, but down to where settlements are.” He shuddered. “It’s a harsh land.”
“Surely, Pasha, this is an exaggeration.” This came from the same counselor who had spoken before.
An elderly man spoke up. “There are written texts which state such snows were once common in the mountains of A’Rat, Pasha.”
Ali silently nodded. “They wish naptha.”
“The Prince, brother of the King, is willing to trade for it.” Sheamus indicated the chest sitting behind him. “He knows it will not only keep his people from dying from the cold and snow, but also keep their horses and livestock warm and healthy.” He motioned for JD to open the chest.
The counselors gasped and Ali stood in surprise. Inside were golden goblets with gemstones, gold plates and bowls, and two candlebras. Ali motioned to Selim who stepped forward and took one of the goblets and handed it to Ali.
“This King accepted this as tribute?” Ali’s dark eyes flickered from the goblet to Sheamus.
“Well, it wasn’t like they had any choice but to give it in tribute,” Sheamus pointed out. “I can’t say if this is the type of tribute he’ll receive each year. He may accept cattle or horses or grain but…” he grinned. “I guess it’ll depend on what the King needs, but I doubt he’ll allow them to keep much if any of it.”
Ali nodded as he sat down. “You may have as much naptha as you wish,” he generously spoke.
“You honor us greatly.” Sheamus politely bowed his head.
“Will you dine with us?” Ali asked, keeping his eyes on the goblet.
“We’ll depart as soon as the naptha is loaded,” Sheamus explained. “I need to take it back to this Prince then head for home. We’ve been gone a long time.”
“I understand,” Ali nodded. “Selim, accompany Sheamus and give him whatever naptha he wishes.” As they turned to leave, Ali spoke again. “I will remember what this King did to his rebels.”
As Sheamus politely bowed his head, he saw the look Ali gave his counselors. ‘We need to load up and get away.’
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sheamus drew a deep breath as they slowly sailed out of the harbor. Our of the corner of his eye, he saw JD approaching. The younger man stood beside him. “We heard some talk,” he quietly spoke.
Sheamus glanced at him then back at the receding land.
“The dock workers who loaded the cargo were quietly speculating,” JD explained with a slight grin. “They didn’t know I spoke their language.”
“And?” Sheamus casually asked.
“Not only are there rumors of rebellion in one of the provinces, supposedly the man behind it is one of Pasha Ali’s cousins,” JD recalled. “One of the dock workers scoffed and said the cousin, Beyezid, wasn’t smart enough to successfully rebel. But he was smart enough to let someone else do it.”
“And who might that be?” Sheamus grinned.
JD shrugged. “No other names were mentioned.”
Sheamus eyed the younger man. “But you have an idea?”
JD flushed. “That one adviser who said you were exaggerating.”
“His name is Mehmet,” Sheamus nodded. “He’s never been in favor of trading much with outsiders. The Pasha didn’t like him challenging my story. We were guests of the Pasha, and Mehmet showed disrespect to us which was disrespect to him.”
“The Pasha thinks a rebellion is coming.”
Sheamus nodded. “That explains all the activity at the docks. He’s probably getting ships reads to sail his troops.” He paused, then continued, “A two-front attack by land and water.” He glanced back at the retreating shoreline. “We’re lucky their ships aren’t designed for deep water. They rarely go out of sight of land.” As he started to walk away, JD spoke.
“Do you think Mehmet is behind the rebellion?”
Sheamus laughed. “I’ll be surprised if he’s not. Mehmet’s father and Ali’s father were cousins.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Mehmet is stupid enough to try and dethrone Ali. And Ali will take more than his sword hand.”
Sheamus walked up to the bridge to speak with Finley. Once they were completely out of sight of land, they’d change course. He never wanted Ali to have any idea of where they sailed and especially not where the Emerald Island was located.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dean looked at the pages of numbers then at his wife. When Zelina nervously smiled in return, he looked against at the pages of numbers. “Explain…” He took a deep breath and softened his voice. “Can you explain what I’m seeing?” He stood and motioned for his wife to sit at the desk.
Zelina sat and pointed to one stack of parchments. “These are records of the taxes that were paid to you. The first column is the name of who paid. The second is the date it was paid. The third is the cost of what was paid. The last columns are how it was paid…coins, grain, labor or other means.” She saw Dean’s expression and continued, “You had written down the coin equivalent of the grain or livestock.”
Dean slowly nodded.
“And since there were several…months, each page is an individual month.” She lightly tapped the parchment on the top of the pile. “This is every month added for a final total.”
“So, all the other pages prove the final total is correct?”
Zelina happily nodded.
“And those?” Dean pointed to another stack.
“Those are lists of taxes you paid to King Roman,” Zelina explained. “I used the receipts he provided. Each page is for each year.”
“What’s that page?”
Zelina picked up a single page of parchment. “This is an accounting for the total of taxes you received and paid. The total is the amount owed.”
Dean carefully studied the parchment. “You’re sure about this?”
Zelina nodded but quietly spoke. “Lord William could look at it to be sure.”
Dean’s blue eyes flickered from the parchment to his wife. “No need. You know what you’re doing.” He saw the surprise on his wife’s face. “So, all we need to do is give this to Roman?”
“You need to sign top page of the receipts and payments and put your seal on it,” Zelina answered.
“Both our names and seals,” Dean muttered. “I’ll get them.”
“Both?”
“You did the work,” Dean called from the small room where the chests were located. “Probably it should just be your signature and seal.” He returned with a small bag. “But, knowing Roman, he’d want both just so it’s official,” he snarked.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Roman had just received word that Dean and his party had arrived for the Fall Festival. Their people were directed to a specified area to camp while Dean and Zelina were directed to the castle with their baggage. Seth entered the room with a confused look on his face.
“Rebecca and the other women are standing in the reception hall,” he said. “I thought they were going to the bazaar.”
“Dean and Zelina are on their way,” Roman replied. “I’m guessing they’re waiting on Zelina to join them.”
“Oh…well, I’ll just…” Seth took two steps towards the open door.
“You’ll just wait with me,” Roman firmly interrupted. He waited until Seth stopped with a sigh. “You can act as referee if Dean doesn’t have those tax records.”
Seth ran a hand through his dark hair. “Must I?”
“Yes, you must.”
Seth sighed again. “Roman, you know Dean’s…well, he’s Dean. Tax records aren’t his…” He expressively shrugged.
“He could’ve had Regal prepare them,” Roman pointed out. He managed not to smile at the exasperated look Seth gave him.
“You do remember who we’re talking about, don’t you?”
Roman nodded. “Dean’s not going to give that sort of control to anyone else. Which means he’s going to dump his mess on my desk and tell me to figure it out.” He gave Seth a level look. “Would Father have gone along with that?”
“You’re not our Father,” Seth quietly pointed out.
“PRETTY LADY!”
The shout was accompanied by what sounded like a herd of wild ponies on the slate floors.
“Guess they’re here,” Seth grinned.
Seconds later, Dean and Zelina walked into the room. Zelina was laughing as Brendan walked next to her, swinging her hand. Dean set a large box onto Roman’s desk.
Roman gave Seth a knowing look then stood. He walked to Zelina and gave her a hug before she could curtsey. “I’m glad you’re here,” he smiled.
Galina appeared in the doorway. “Brendan, if you’re going with us, you need to get to the entry hall.”
“Yes, Mama.” Brendan looked up at Zelina. “Are you coming to the bazaar with us?”
“They’ve had a long ride,” Galina pointed out. When Brendan frowned, she added, “However, Zelina, if you’d like to join us, Sheamus brought some silk. We have first choice.”
“Silk?” Zelina gave her husband a quick glance.
“Go ahead,” Dean calmly spoke. “Get whatever you want. We’ll figure it up later.” From the corner of his eye, he saw the startled look that passed between his brothers. Dean wasn’t known for spending money on anything that he didn’t consider essential. Silk wouldn’t fall into that category. “I’ll catch up with you soon. I want to see how much naptha we have to work with.”
Zelina happily smiled as Galina escorted them out of the room and closed the door behind them.
Dean sat down in a chair and stretched out his legs. He casually rested his hands on his stomach.
Roman sat down behind his desk and pointed at the box. “What’s this?” His tone of voice indicated he already knew the answer.
“The tax records you *ahem* asked for.”
Curious, Seth opened the box.
“Dean, I’m not…” Roman stopped speaking when Seth put a leather binder on his desk in front of him. He looked at the binder for several seconds, then slowly opened it. Instead of the mess of scrolls that he expected, he saw rows of names and amounts neatly written on lined parchment.
“That’s not your scribbling.” Seth stared at Dean.
“It’s Regal’s writing,” Roman commented.
“No.” Seth contradicted his older brother. “That’s Zelina’s writing. I recognize it from the betrothal contract.”
Dean calmly waited as both his brothers stared at him.
“Two seals on them. Yours and Zelina’s.” Roman slowly rubbed his jaw.
“Yep.” Dean got to his feet and stretched. “Well, I’m off to see Sheamus about that naptha. Tomorrow I’ll select the weapons you promised.” He began lightly whistling as he opened the door and walked out.
“He allowed Zelina to see that,” Seth almost whispered in shock.
“Not just see it,” Roman pointed out. “She wrote it. And I’m willing to bet whatever you want that she did the work.”
Seth slowly smiled. “He’s trusting her.” He chuckled as he walked towards the open door. “I gotta see if he chokes at paying for silk.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Wonder what he did that he’s letting Zelina have silk.”
Roman sighed. “Find Lord Heyman first and send him in.” He saw Seth casually wave over his shoulder and leaned back in his chair. He slowly smiled then quietly laughed.
“You wished to see me, My King?”
Roman nodded. “Bring Lord Dean’s tax receipts for the past five years. I want you to assist me in confirming his complete tax records for those years.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Dean smirked as he saw bolts of silk being carefully packed and loaded into a small wagon. ‘Wonder how much Roman’s going to choke at the cost of all that.’ He nodded to Galina then walked to where Brendan and Aiden were dancing attendance on Zelina. “I see you’re well guarded,” he quietly spoke. He chuckled when both boys jumped in surprise.
“Very well guarded,” Zelina smiled at the boys. “My Princes, can you help your mother and sister?”
Aiden nodded as Brendan gave his uncle a knowing smirk. Then the two walked to watch the bolts of silk being loaded onto the wagon.
“Did you get some of that or did Galina grab it all first?” Dean quietly asked.
Zelina saw the twinkle in his eyes and quietly laughed. “I got a few bolts,” she admitted. “I’m more interested in those linens. They’ll be more useful.”
“If you run low on coin, have them put it back for you,” Dean advised. “Tell them you’ll be back tomorrow.”
Zelina nodded and walked down a few stands. Her ladies and guards closely followed although Roman’s sons quickly outran them.
Shaking his head, Dean walked to where Sheamus was talking with Galina. “Come to check on the naptha?” Sheamus grinned.
“Well, I’m not here for the silk,” Dean smirked. As Sheamus turned to speak to one of the men in the stall, he lowered his voice. “Did Zelina get any of the silk?” Seeing her eyes narrow, he quickly added, “I told her to get what she wanted.”
“She purchased a bolt of white, a bolt of blue, and a bolt of green,” Galina quietly answered. “Enough for maybe two gowns of each.”
Dean eyed the remaining bolts. “Get another bolt of white, two of the blue, two of the green, and two red,” he muttered. “Let me know the cost, and I’ll pay you back.” He managed not to smile when Galina’s eyes narrowed even further.
“What did you do that you need all this silk to make amends?” she demanded.
“Nothing,” Dean chuckled. “I hope your seamstresses are available to turn those into gowns…or whatever.”
“They’ll be here tomorrow,” Galina assured him. “And what about accessories?” When he gave her a blank look, she explained, “Belts. Bracelets. Perhaps necklaces?” She managed not to smile when Dean actually sighed.
“Within reason,” Dean cautioned. Before he could elaborate, Galina turned and loudly announced, “Connor, help Zelina with her purchases. Tell her we’re returning to the Castle. Dylan, run ahead and let some of the servants know we’re returning so they can help carry these bolts inside.”
“Yes, Mother.” The two boys ran in different directions.
Galina patted Dean on the arm with a smile and walked away.
Sheamus leaned over the stall edge with a grin. “They practically bought all the silk,” he chuckled. “Rebecca’s daughter will be the best dressed wee bairn in the capital.” He eyed Dean closely. “And your lady is a sharp bargainer,” he said in an admiring tone of voice.
“How did we do on the naptha?” Dean asked.
Sheamus motioned for him to join him. He led them towards a back row of stalls where extra items were stored. Behind that was a large covered tent. Sheamus opened the flap and motioned Dean forward.
Dean stared at the large stacked crates then at Sheamus.
“Each crate has twenty-four jars of naptha,” Sheamus explained.
Dean quickly counted the crates then recounted them. “There are forty crates. Over 900 jars?”
Sheamus grinned as he nodded. “Each jar, if burning continuously, will last between four and five days.”
“How much of the gold did this cost?”
Sheamus laughed. “I showed the Pasha the smallest chest. He saw the jeweled goblets, and his eyes nearly fell out of his head.” He waved a hand towards the crates. “He told me I could have all the naptha I wanted in return for that small chest.” He saw Dean’s eyes widen and added, “I told you they don’t hold much value in it.”
Dean rubbed a hand through his hair. “This is going to mean a lot to my people.”
Sheamus politely nodded. “I have the other three chests. I can leave them with you or take them home with me. Keeping them with me would save an extra trip next year.”
Dean nodded. “Seth said ships from the Emerald Islands start returning after the winter squalls. I’ll get word to him to pass on to you if we need more.”
“Deal.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Roman sighed and rubbed his forehead. “You’re certain of this, Lord Heyman?” he asked even though he knew the answer.
“Yes, My King.” Heyman didn’t take offense at the question. They’d both double-checked the information and had gotten the same answer. “You owe Lord Dean.”
Roman groaned, knowing Dean would never let him forget this.
“Apparently, Lord Dean…estimated the taxes due to you,” Heyman carefully spoke.
“Translation: He dumped a bag of coins on my desk for a few years,” Roman grunted.
“It would appear that Lady Zelina will be keeping more…current tax records,” Heyman said.
“At least I don’t have to try and decipher Dean’s scrawl,” Roman sighed. “Thank you, Lord Heyman. I’ll speak with my brother and see how he wants to get paid.”
“Perhaps he’ll accept credit for what is spent during the Festival,” Heyman suggested as he gathered up the books.
Roman wearily waved a hand in dismissal. When Heyman closed the door behind him, he leaned back in his chair and finally laughed.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Two days passed, and Roman was happy with the trading at the Fall Festival. His guards had broken up a few fights, but no serious injuries were reported. The Queen led the women of her court plus her sisters-in-law to the stalls of the Fall Festival each morning and returned with numerous purchases. In the afternoon, the Queen’s dressmakers were busy in the Queen’s chambers with fittings.
Dean had brought most of his wagons. As purchases were made, wagons were loaded with naptha and goods from Zelina’s lists and started the journey back to Castle Beinn. On the third day, the last of the naptha was loaded along with gear and weapons. The horses that Dean and his men had chosen were lined up and taken back as well.
That afternoon, Dean sat with his brothers in Roman’s private room as the totals were counted up from the tax receipts and purchases.
“I broke even?” Seth’s dark eyes widened. “What did Rebecca buy?”
Dean smirked. “I guess silk doesn’t come cheap.” He ignored the glare from his younger brother.
“Neither do horses,” Roman pointed out. He leaned back in his chair. “I appreciate the…neatness of your tax records, Dean.”
“I thought you would,” Dean smirked.
Roman sighed and slid a parchment across the desk. “Balancing your tax records against the extra weapons, Zelina’s purchases, and what you owe Galina for her purchases on your behalf…”
“Galina bought things for you?” Seth interrupted.
Dean shrugged. “Not my area of expertise.”
“Here’s the balance,” Roman indicated the parchment then glanced at Seth. “That’s the amount I owe you.”
“WHAT?!!”
Both Roman and Dean glared at their younger brother.
“Wait a minute.” Seth shook his head in confusion. “How did that happen?”
“For the last few years, Dean’s dumped a bag of coins on my desk,” Roman explained.
Dean shrugged. “I figured it covered the taxes.” He slowly smiled. “Looks like I overestimated.” He peered at the parchment.
“Apparently, you did,” Roman drily commented. Then he glared at Seth. “Don’t get any ideas.”
Seth held up his hands in silent surrender.
“Put half of that amount on account,” Dean decided. “Split the rest between gold, silver, and copper coins.”
“Whose idea was that?” Roman grinned.
“Zelina’s,” Dean cheerfully replied.
There was a knock on the door, and it opened to reveal Heyman. “Forgive me, My King. But a message just arrived from the commander of Wide River.” He walked over and handed it to Roman.
Dean got to his feet as Roman unrolled the parchment and read. “Thank you, Lord Heyman. I’ll speak with you shortly.”
Heyman bowed and left the room.
“Get Galina, Rebecca, and Zelina,” Roman ordered. He saw his brothers exchange a grim look as they left.
Roman read the message again then slowly rolled it up and tossed on onto his desk. Then he walked to the windows and stared out at the afternoon sky. Minutes later, the others arrived. Seth took one look at Roman’s face and closed the door behind them.
Galina walked to her husband, closely searching his face as he turned to face them.
“I received a message from the commander at Wide River,” Roman quietly spoke. “King Hunter and Queen Stephanie are requesting entry to Ridenour to visit their daughter.” He saw Zelina clasp her hands together.
“I’ve sent no messages to them…I swear…”
“I know you haven’t,” Roman gently interrupted.
“We don’t have to stay if you don’t want to see them.” Dean took her hands between his, frowning at how cold they were.
“They’d just come to Beinn,” Zelina pointed out.
Dean snorted. “Good luck with that happening.”
Zelina took a deep breath. “No, I won’t…run.” She lowered her voice to a near whisper. “I don’t want them there.”
Dean silently studied her for several seconds, then nodded.
“When will they be here?” Galina asked.
“Two days,” Roman answered. “I’ll have scouts out so we’ll have plenty of warning.”
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The small village was finally quiet. The last cry was from a baby that was quickly and brutally silenced.
The leader of the masked attackers calmly looked around. “Survivors?” he barked.
“None. What do we do with the bodies?”
“Leave them where they lay. Check the buildings for anything of use. Leave the rest.”
As the attackers quickly obeyed, the leader glanced at the lowering sun. “Make it quick. I want to be away from here before dark.”