Read Haven: A Trial of Blood and Steel Book Four for Free Online

silence. At times they spoke amongst themselves, of noble claims to these lands, and lineages long suspended. Two hundred years it had been, since the feudal ways had ruled in these parts. Many in the conquering army claimed ancestry, or argued for the suspension of whatever title now existed. But they did not argue the point too loudly in Sofy's presence, as they saw her worry for the fate of traitorous locals, and made snide remarks—when they thought she could not hear—that the queen-in-waiting worried more for serrin half-breeds than the lives of Bacosh outriders.
    “I would speak with Lord Elot, if you please,” Sofy announced loudly to a nearby servant, who turned his horse to gallop to the rear.
    Soon Elot appeared at her side, astride a large horse. Sofy's mare was a little taller, allowing her to view him almost eye to eye. Lord Elot bowed to her. He was a big, bearded man, a native of Rhodaan. A traitor, perhaps, though not in his eyes. He was a noble, believing in all those things the serrin law had denied nobility for two hundred years. Upheaval in the Rhodaani capital of Tracato had led him here, with Sofy's sister Sasha at his side—her to join with the Army of Lenayin, and him to join with the Army of the Bacosh, and reclaim his noble birthright, and those of all his fellows.
    Now, however, and in spite of heroism in a glorious victory, Elot looked far from content with the fates.
    “I sent Sir Teale to investigate the smoke yonder,” said Sofy. They spoke Torovan, the trading tongue of the Sharaal Sea routes, and common amongst the noble classes of Lenayin.
    “He will find nothing,” said Elot, grimly. “He never finds anything.”
    Sofy gave Elot a sideways look. He did not seem pleased to see his nation invaded. What had he expected, if not this? “Whose land is this?” Sofy asked.
    “Family Miel,” said Elot. “A well-established claim, the title documents remain hidden, Lord Miel knows where, if he survives in Tracato. Yet Family Junae of Larosa now informs me that their claim through a defecting cousin is superior.”
    Thus the grim look, Sofy thought. She'd been gathering something of these developments, and was not surprised.
    “And your own family's lands?” she asked the Rhodaani lord.
    “From Siadene to the north of here, all the way to the sea. Similarly challenged.” Sofy just looked at him. “Your Highness, I would be in deepest gratitude to you if you would speak with your lord husband, and put a stop to these frivolous claims. This should be a time of celebration for the forces of honour. We should not be divided against one another so early, before the final victory is even won.”
    “It seems to me, Lord Elot,” Sofy said mildly, “that you have misunderstood the nature of the feudal society that you have idolised for so long from the isolation of Tracato. Gratitude and allegiances come after the acquisition of land, not before. If you have land, many wish to be your friend. Today, in Larosan eyes, you are landless, and in no position to make demands.”
    “There are laws!” Elot insisted with anger.
    “That can be reissued at my husband's single word,” said Sofy. “I understand that laws are a somewhat more permanent and serious matter in Tracato. Or they were, until your little internal war burned the law houses down.”
    “That was not us,” Elot muttered. “That was the peasants.”
    “And were you so sad? Given that those laws denied you the noble title that you seek as your right?”
    “I can prove my claims,” said Elot, stubbornly. “When we reach Tracato, I shall do so, with our records.”
    Sofy remained silent, and Elot met her gaze. Her eyes held warning. She was young yet, and recently naive in the ways of the world. No longer. Elot nodded slowly, noting the warning. His gaze held thanks. She dared not speak her fears, yet Elot was not a stupid man. If he should fail to reach Tracato alive, or his records could be destroyed before presentation