A World Without Heroes - Brandon Mull [89]
With twilight fading, Jason entered and crossed a plush foyer to an ornate door on the far side. His new clothes felt too silky, but they fit him well. He tried to carry himself with confidence, as if certain he belonged here. A short man in a well-tailored outfit stood before a burly guard wearing a sword. “And who might you be, sir?” the short man inquired politely.
“I am Lord Jason of Caberton.”
The man examined Jason suspiciously for a moment, eyes roving up and down. He seemed reluctantly satisfied.
The short man escorted Jason into an elegant common room, where richly dressed patrons dined on fine plates and drank from stemware. He led Jason to where a swarthy man with his hair slicked back stood conversing with an older couple seated before plates of half-eaten fish.
“Master Tedril, may I introduce Lord Jason of Caberton,” the short man announced, interrupting the conversation.
“Lord Jason,” greeted Tedril, making a much more obvious inspection of Jason’s apparel than the short man had, “a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He nodded at the short man, who scurried away. Then Tedril turned to the dining couple. “If you will excuse me.”
“By all means,” the seated man said.
“This way.” Tedril led Jason out of the common room and into a cozy office with a fruitwood desk and three wingback armchairs. Thick maroon carpeting covered the floor.
Tedril motioned for Jason to take a seat.
“I was unaware that anyone held the title of Caberton,” Tedril said casually.
“I gained the title in the wilderness,” Jason said, trying his best to sound sophisticated. The ring was on his finger, but to avoid seeming desperate or defensive, Jason made no motion to call attention to it.
“I see. How novel. A stranger to Trensicourt suddenly ranks among our nobility.”
“My parents are not strangers to Trensicourt,” Jason lied, his voice resolute.
Tedril held his eyes, weighing him. “The regent has recognized your claim?”
“Not yet.”
“Perhaps I could be of service. How long do you intend to stay here?”
“A few days, at least,” Jason said. “I would be happy to pay in advance.”
“For a stranger without credit a two-hundred-drooma deposit would be appropriate.”
Nicholas had schooled Jason in the currency. The gold pellets were worth a hundred drooma, the silver fifty. Two hundred drooma was a small fortune. Jason removed two gold pellets from his new money bag. The innkeeper accepted the payment, offering no sign that he was impressed.
“I’ve been traveling,” Jason said. “It will be a relief to sleep in a bed.”
“Have I met your parents?” Tedril asked.
“You would know their names. But we should not discuss them yet. They intend to join me here in time.”
“I have fond memories of many exiles. You bear a resemblance to the former Baron of Leramy.”
Jason shrugged. “I’m not supposed to comment.”
Tedril smiled knowingly. “The public misunderstood the motives of the baron. Some called his actions treasonous. Others foresaw how he might be operating for the good of the kingdom. He simply acted too soon, before the monarchy had truly waned. How did you secure the title Lord of Caberton?”
“Galloran, of course,” Jason said lightly. “He gave the title to my father in prison. My father kept it a secret. With his health failing, he recently passed the title to me. Unlike him I intend to claim my privileges.”
“A fascinating story,” Tedril said indulgently. “How did you come to hear of the Upturned Goblet?”
“The Viscount Bartley of Wershon recommends you.”
Tedril brightened. “You are a friend of the viscount’s?”
“I have met him.”
“How fortunate,” Tedril enthused. “Are you aware he is currently abiding with us?”
“I was not,” Jason said, hoping his smile looked less brittle than it felt.
Tedril grinned as if certain this was all part of some prearranged strategy. “Come with me.”
As Jason followed Tedril