You could have opposed me and served Steveren.
And find myself with them? he said, indicating the rotting dead in the mud.
There is always a choice.
A fools choice, Rodrigo said softly, or a dreamers. Pointing to the workers at the top of the hill, finishing up the platform, he changed the subject. What is going on up there?
Our victorious monarchs require some theatre, said Daylon sourly.
I thought Lodavico closed all the theatres in Sandura?
He did. After complaining that the plays were all making a jest of him. Which was occasionally true, but he lacks perspective, and a sense of humour. Daylon added, And hes completely incapable of seeing the bitter irony in this.
This theatre is entirely too macabre for my taste. Rodrigo passed his hand in an arc around the battlefield littered with dead. Killing men in the heat of battle is one thing. Hanging criminals or beheading them is another. I can even watch heretics burn without blinking much, but this killing of women and children
Lodavico Sentarzi fears retribution. No Langene left alive means the King of Sandura can sleep at night. Daylon shrugged. Or so he supposes. He kept his eyes fixed on the makeshift stage at the top of the hill. The workers had finished their hasty construction of the broad stage: two steps above the mud, elevated just enough for those on the hillside to be able to see, sturdy enough to support the weight of several men. Two burly servants wrestled a chopping block up the steps while a few of Lodavicos personal guards moved between the makeshift construction and the slowly gathering crowd.
This business of bashing babies against walls, ugly that and killing those pretty young daughters and nieces that wasnt merely a waste, it was an iniquity, complained Rodrigo. Those Firemane girls were breathtaking, with those long necks and slender bodies, and all that red hair
You think too much with your cock, Rodrigo. Daylon tried to sound light-hearted. Youve had more women and boys than any ten men I know, and yet you hunger for more.
To each man his own appetites, conceded Rodrigo. Mine easily turn to a pretty mouth and rounded arse. He sighed. Its no worse than King Hectors love of wine or Baron Haythans lust for gambling. He studied his friend for a moment. What whets your appetite, Daylon? Ive never understood.
I seek only not to despise the man I see in the mirror, said the Baron of Marquensas.
Thats far too abstract for my understanding. What really fires you?
Little, it seems, Daylon replied. As a young man I thought of our higher purpose, for didnt the priests of the One God tell our fathers that the Faith brings peace to all men?
Rodrigo looked at the nearby battlefield littered with the dead and said, In a sense, life eventually brings peace.
That may be the most philosophical thing Ive ever heard you say. Daylons gaze followed Rodrigos and he muttered, The One Gods priests promised many things.
Rodrigo let out a long, almost theatrical sigh, save Daylon knew his friend was not the sort to indulge in false play; the man was tired to his bones. When four of the five great kings declare a faith the one true faith, and all others heresy, I expect you can promise most anything.
Daylons brow furrowed a little. Are you suggesting the Church had a hand in this?
Rodrigo said, I suggest nothing, old friend. To do so would be to invite ruin. His expression held a warning. In our grandfathers time, the One Gods church was but one among many. In our fathers time, it became a force. Now He shook his head slightly. By the time of our children, the other gods will have withered to a faint memory. He glanced around as if ensuring they were not overheard. Or, if their priests are clever enough, they might contort their doctrine to become heralds of the One God and survive as shadows of their former selves. Some are saying thus now. He paused for a moment, then said, Truly, Daylon. What moves you in this? You could have stayed home.
Daylon nodded. And had my name put on a list with those who openly supported Steveren. He paused, then said, Truth?
Always, replied his friend.
My grandfather and my father built a rich barony, and I have taken what theyve left me and made it even more successful. I wish to leave my children with all of it, but also have them secure in their holdings.
You are close to a king yourself, arent you?
Daylon shared a rueful smile with his friend. Id rather have wealth and security for my children than any title.
Satisfied no one was within earshot, Rodrigo let his hand come to rest on Daylons shoulder a moment. Come. We should attend. This is not a good time to be counted among the missing, unless you happen to be dead already, which their majesties and Mazika might count a reasonable excuse. Anything else, not.
Daylon inclined his head slightly in agreement and the two noblemen trudged the short walk up the muddy hillside as the rain resumed. Next time you call me to battle, Daylon, said Rodrigo, have the decency to do so on a dry morning, preferably in late spring or early summer so its not too hot. I have mud in my boots, rain down my tunic, rust on my armour, and my balls are growing moss. I havent seen a dry tunic in a week.