New short story - The Seat Part I

 

The Seat – Part I

    The tension building up in the Governor’s Tower threatened to become too much to bear. Different emissaries were already speculating with a full scale war between noble factions, for reasons that made plenty of people laugh in places like High Point or even Venera. The leader of a city-state located in the Independent Lines did not leave any offspring, while his relatives were not seen fit to receive his position. Be as it may the local nobility asked for what it called «prudential time» in order to choose a new clan to rule their town. This meant that decisions would be made without said town until it could present an alternative leadership. It would also lose its current seat in the chamber. It was that very chair that led to a rift between clans which in theory were allies. Two families were demanding to receive the seat as a reward for their growth in influence and power. Their patriarchs already promised «to get it by any means necessary», even going as far as mentioning an «all out war to the bitter end». The nobles already arrived at the island, ready to confront each other in the chamber. —…— The governor known as Janick Woodhound was part of a family that led a location originally raised by hunters. Its site gave them a wealth of wooden areas nearby, with a wild fauna which provided meat as well as highly regarded hides in the Independent Lines. The contact with them started with the first trade exchanges, which brought riches and new settlers. It was not long before the village built walls and installed a permanent army. The growth in population and the new found prosperity were considered achievements that justified giving it the status of a city-state by the Independent Lines. The invitation to join them followed soon, but also the obligations. Being a part of the union granted an exclusive trade agreement as well as the Protection Treaty, however it also forced the city to give away resources in unknown quantities until then. If «Menapios» was not able to match the requested amounts, the clan Woodhound had to pay penalties which the Independent Lines collected without mercy. That introduced Janick Woodhound’s compatriots to concepts that were foreign to them before, such as bureaucracy or pleasing the Banker’s Union. When the now old man was suggested as governor, his family did not hesitate to send him to occupy the position. His clan was expecting a breath of fresh air and also the possibility to achieve better conditions, nevertheless reality showed something completely different. Since his first reunion Janick Woodhound understood that he wouldn’t be more than a glorified moderator in the chamber. In the meanwhile the more powerful nobles just kept imposing their rule. The emissaries for the latter even interrupted him whenever they saw fit. That kind of impotence led for Janick Woodhound to almost not talking during the meetings. In the meanwhile his homeland kept accumulating debt, which it could not pay back without the credits offered by the Banker’s Union. That formed a never ending cycle of loans and interests.

    On the old mans side was standing an individual with a shaved head and a white beard that showed numerous bald spots. Even if said person was not exercising anymore because of his age, he retained his broad shoulders as well as his big hands. The latter ones were attributed to his family since his grand grandfather. —…— Similar to Janick Woodhound, his eyes were staring at the ocean from the balcony where both men were. This supposed a pastime which they shared since the governor accepted the limitations of his post. Those nobles come here with their navy and armies to show off. Is it really that difficult to understand that we have a serious problem in our hands?

    Both of them had almost non visible dates tattooed on their wrists. The ink was so worn out that Janick Woodhound had difficulties distinguishing his birth date. Incidents like forgetting that very day, servant’s names or where his dormitory was located were attributed to «temporal memory issues» by the healers. They provided a remedy for him to take every morning, but without achieving any improvements. The jar was open which, led to its banana fragrance expanding across the room. — Ah… Shimot. I’m glad you found time to visit me. — The governor turned to his compatriot, who wasn’t even carrying his swords anymore.

    The bodyguard sighed as soon as he heard those words while he was resting on the railing. A short look to his right showed him that the noble closed his eyes to fall asleep for a couple of seconds. Right after those passed Janick Woodhound opened them again without noticing his slip. We have been together the whole freaking morning. Lord Janick… At least he remembers my name this time. As soon as he finished those thoughts Shimot forced himself to smile while he was moving his nose without noticing it. — Of course, lord Woodhound. I will always be near to protect you.

    After his bodyguard cleaned a trail of saliva on his chin, the noble extended his right hand to the front. The shaking in his arm was getting worse with each and every day, so Janick Woodhound was not even able to write a letter without help from somebody else anymore. He could also count on his bodyguard, who turned to be his feather, for that matter. What he did not know was that Shimot changed most of the words many times. — My dearest friend… I am a disaster, am I not? So useless now… Come on. Be honest with me.

    How am I supposed to answer a question like that? It is clear that the lord is not the same anymore, but the fault lies on the sad sacks around us. Those worms have been damaging his mind day by day until leaving him like this. This is all because of the Independent Lines! After finishing his thoughts Shimot shook his head after which he turned to his friend. Contrary to when they were young, a time in which both made jokes about their masculinity and bravery, now he was trying to choose his words carefully. As a matter of fact he found Janick Woodhound crying on different occasions, since the noble was not able to enjoy activities which were common for him not that many months ago. Those included hunting as well as painting or playing checkers. — Well… Some would argue that old people like us are useless, but one has to reach our age first. We had a good life, I think. — Before the disaster of joining the Independent Lines, that is, the worst decision my homeland has ever made… We should have realized that they were making all those empty promises to gain power over us, but we believed them like little children. Our people will deal with the consequences for generations.

    Without noticing the attitude of his bodyguard regarding the Independent Lines, the governor shrugged his shoulders. — I agree. I wholeheartedly agree, my good friend. — Janick Woodhound was the only member of his clan alive from who sealed the pact to join the Independent Lines. During those times the possible benefits of entering the union made him visualize a stronger Menapios, in order to amass wealth as well as prestige. Forty years later the old man woke up with his underwear wet almost every morning, waiting for Death to reclaim him. All that was happening while his homeland was forced to oblige every order given by the more powerful towns. — Ha… Do you remember your wedding day?

    Getting to talk about that day formed a smile on a face marked by wrinkles. Shimot dried his lord’s skin again, after which he shut his eyelids for a second. His black clothes made him sweat during the summer months, however he insisted in not changing his style. — How could I forget, my lord? We celebrated it on the outside and you were my witness. Ha, ha, ha… The women were screaming like crazy when that bear wanted to partake as well. While the other men were running for their weapons we submitted the animal together. You and I. And with our bare hands, I might add! After that my cousins arrived to kill it with their spears. My wife served it for lunch the following day. The meat always tastes better when hunted by oneself, isn’t that right?

    While Shimot was finishing his explanation Janick Woodhound shrank his eyebrows biting his underlip in the process. I did that? There was a bear at the wedding? Well… Oh, yes! That damned beast left me without my left little finger. After focusing on said hand for a second the patriarch of the Woodhound clan felt a wet tissue on his sweaty forehead. The governor waited for Shimot to finish after which he grabbed his arms. — Ah… I would have loved to taste it! Your wife is an amazing cook. That onion and mushroom sauce is a gift from the heavens.

    The bodyguard separated his lips ready to retort, however he put them back together immediately after. Contrary to his friend he did not forget how he came to his house to eat the animal the following day. —…— Seeing his lord like that made his heart skip a beat, being his goal to outlive him in order to not leave him alone in that place. That beast would have destroyed me if not for him. Lord Janick even lost a finger because of me. How many times have we saved each other and now the only thing I can do for him is to clean and amuse him…

    Without realizing the sadness in the soul of his friend Janick Woodhound mentioned another moment of a past which seemed to fade away in the distance. During that time his clan was fast to organize a defense against a threat coming from the ocean. Many inhabitants of Menapios speculated «that the town was stronger before it had a regular army or the walls». — Or when we were attacked by the corsairs from Kai, eh? They really thought that we were just another village without defenses, only to realize that nobody plays with Menapios’ finest. No, sir! — The governor cracked a smile which found a retort in the man standing beside him. Many squadrons with their flags were visible from the balcony, trying to show their strength. That did not bother Janick Woodhound who hit the air until he was too tired to raise his hands. His bodyguard had to bring close a glass of water so he could drink a sip. — Thanks, my friend. Well… Where was I? Yes, yes! They came to rob us of our gold, our food and our women, but the survivors had to leave with the tails between their legs. You even killed their leader in battle and threw him into the ocean, Shimot! We were so fast and strong back then, aye? — His bodyguard assent after leaving the glass on the nearby table, which enlivened Janick Woodhound. The noble put his fists together so his knuckles were touching. — A glorious day! Good times… Our women were so happy when we returned, eh? And the night was even better. They received us as heroes and prepared a dinner for a whole pack. Listen, Shimot… Are you still writing yours? Send her a letter whenever you can, my friend. I understand that you do not want to bring her here, but your wife should know about you from time to time.

    Those words formed a bad taste in Shimot’s mouth. The bodyguard swallowed saliva, without being able to neutralize the knot in his throat. How am I supposed to write to someone who is dead, my lord? She will not come back… Shimot’s eyes were getting wet without Janick Woodhound realizing that his friend was on the verge of crying. The only thing that pushed the tears back for Shimot was to focus on his friend’s scale. — Well, lord Janick… It’s time. We have to go to that meeting, remember? The one with the seat…

    It was not long before the Woodhound’s patriarch shook his head. He tried to answer right away, but had to wait until his friend cleaned his nose first. Only then Shimot took a step back. — What meeting? I do not have any meetings scheduled for today! And what is this about a seat? No, no, no, no, no… I have already fulfilled my duties for the day, so I will not go anywhere. — Perceiving nearby steps lead to the governor to snarl while he was shrinking his face. A female servant opened the door in order to remember the governor that he was expected to be somewhere else. — Make her leave, Shimot. I want nobody here who isn’t you. Save me from those people…

    If only I could make his wish a reality, but nothing is easy in the Independent Lines. The bodyguard moved his left hand, after which the young woman got ready to exit the room. As soon as he watched the servant leave Shimot led his friend to the nearby hallway, which walls were decorated with paintings about hunting. One of them showed the governor during a time where he could still ride a horse. — You have to go, my lord. It was you who asked me not to let you wriggle out. What kind of friend would I be if I don’t fulfill my promise to you? — Shimot let Janick Woodhound lean on his right arm in order to not loose his footing. Him hiding his lord’s head under a hood was made so other people could not see his entire face. If lord Janick does not appear in that damn meeting, our homeland will suffer even more.

    The governor protested for a couple of minutes until he got tired. Soon after that they arrived at the meeting room, where the other nobles did not wait for him. They started the event and were already discussing the seat issue. —…— The most important ones he would have recognized before, but that was not the case anymore. Janick Woodhound sat down, waiting for the debate to end as soon as possible and without incidents. That turned out to be a wish that was not meant to be…