Page 106 of Ironling
This drew approval from the other margraves, and the tenor of the meeting seemed to warm. They discussed the coming winter as well as any large construction anyone planned to undertake in spring.
Although she’d been dreading the meeting, Aislinn didn’t look forward to the end she saw drawing closer. She kept her hands tightly knitted together to keep them from trembling, and listening to the landholders kept the worst of the nausea at bay.
Still, with the issues dwindling and the landholders beginning to look at the door in anticipation of the coming banquet, Aislinn knew she could avoid it no longer.
“There’s one last thing we must discuss.”
The vassals settled back in their seats, though she could tell she only held about half their attention.
“I have received credible information that my brother Jerrod is attempting to raise a mercenary force along the Caledon border. He aims to march that force and retake Dundúran.”
The air in the room cooled, the gathered landholders looking on in shock.
“We don’t know what, if anything, will come of this. Jerrod has his name only to barter with. I’m seeking more information and have already sent for my father to return. However, in the event it is needed, I hope I can count on all of you to send what forces you can to defend the Darrowlands.”
“Of course we will, my lady,” Margrave Holt was quick to say.
“A liege lord hasn’t summoned a force in nearly forty years,” said Baron Morraugh.
“And let us hope that remains true. I don’t believe Jerrod will be able to rally much of a force to him, but I want to be prepared. I also want to be honest with you all. When there is more information, I will share it.”
Her heart went reedy in her chest waiting for some sort of reaction.
The landholders looked amongst themselves, the more senior barons and earls no doubt calculating just how much they might be asked to contribute. Aislinn knew such a command would be unpopular—perhaps even more so than the raised dues.
The fact remained, though, that she was heiress of the Darrowlands, and everyone here owed fealty to her father. She could summon their forces to defend Dundúran.
How many would actually answer was the real question.
Aislinn’s stomach twisted painfully.
Jerrod wasn’t popular with the vassals, but she knew more than a few who may choose a strategy of attrition. Prevaricate until it was clear whose side would be victorious. Perhaps there were even those who disliked her enough to side with Jerrod.
Aislinn looked around the gathered landholders, that sinking dread inside her growing heavier.
She didn’t know. She couldn’t say with surety who they would support.
Of the fifty or so here, she felt confident about only ten of them.
Were it her father, there wouldn’t be any questions, of course, but this wasn’t a question of her father.
“Thank you for your time,” Aislinn said. She stood, giving permission for the others to as well. “I don’t mean to worry any of you with this, only to inform. Dundúran has met and crushed every threat to her. She will again.”
“We’re sure of it, my lady,” said Earl Starley, surprising her.
“Thank you, my lord.” Forcing a smile, she gestured for the doors. “Now, I think we’ve earned our feast.”
The landholders burst with noise, murmurs and groans and cracking knuckles. They moved as an unhurried wave for the door, groups gathering and chatting as they exited the council chamber two or three at a time.
Aislinn took further questions from a few of her margraves, as well as several of her younger, inexperienced yeomen.
“It’s only me, the wife, and the babe,” said Samson Brightweather, a yeoman from the north. “I couldn’t contribute much, but perhaps I could spare a horse?”
Warmed by the offer, Aislinn was quick to reassure him, “Please don’t worry yourself. It’s the nobles and other landholders who keep retainers who will send reinforcements if they’re needed. You focus on preparing for winter.”
“Thank you, milady,” Samson sighed in relief.
When he and the lingering landholders finally left, Aislinn slumped into her seat, sighing herself. She could hardly move her stiff fingers and hid her trembling hands in her skirts.
