The Twins by Gary Alan Wassner Page B

betrayed to Baladar more than he wished at the moment.
    “I have no idea what it could have been. A storm may be forming upon the horizon,” he said, glancing at the darkening western sky, “or perhaps you’re just tired from your journey and a relaxing bath and good dinner will calm your nerves. Please, aides! Come and relieve this young and tired Lord of his cloak. Sit, Kettin, sit and have some warm cider mulled from our own trees by the maidens of Balbor. That should certainly settle your nerves and put you at ease. The hour is growing late and you are clearly weary from your journey.”
    He momentarily contemplated slipping a sleep draught of nightspark into the drink so as to relieve himself of this troublesome development at such an odious moment. Of course, he knew such an action was impossible, as the young Lord would surely know in the morning that he had been the victim of foul play, but the thought lingered longer than it probably should have.
    Kettin sensed the ring and that was dangerous beyond belief. He could not have known what it was he sensed, yet the fact that the token of power was emanating so clearly caused great concern. Moreover, the power rejected his touch and reacted in a negative way to his proximity. That bespoke more against Kettin than any feeling Baladar could have had about his neighbor’s ungentle son.
    The timing of the Duke’s son’s arrival could not be mere coincidence. Beware! it spoke to Baladar in its own subtle fashion. Beware of the darkness approaching.
    A chill ran down his spine, as he attempted to calm himself amidst his growing consternation.
    “Kettin, please relax. I must arrange for your comfort while you are with us. And by the way, how long do you plan on gracing my home with your noble presence?”
    “Ah, my Lord Baladar,” he replied as he drew him aside and away from the ears of others. “Your warm welcome is so gratifying after my long traipse through the barrens that perhaps I will remain for a while. You and I have much to discuss. My father, the Duke, has sent me as an envoy in his stead as his health is recently questionable, something I dared not repeat earlier in common company. Who knows what advantage someone might take with that knowledge under his hat, and with his only heir away from his side and relatively unprotected. Well, you can definitely understand my concerns. Nevertheless, there are developments in the east that need our attention, and whom could he trust other than me to be his proponent in such delicate matters?”
    “Ah, of course,” Baladar nodded. “He has chosen well, Kettin, that is for sure! I know of no other who would serve in your lord’s stead better than you. Let us plan a moment to sit and discuss these untoward ‘developments’, Kettin. Perhaps I can be of some assistance.”
    “Yes, we must. We need also speak of trade once more. It seems our merchants are rather disgruntled by the prices they are recently receiving for their polong oil. You know that it is the finest in all the lands.”
    “It is the only polong oil in all the lands, my dear sir.”
    Baladar tried very hard to conceal the sarcasm in his voice, although he did not really believe that Kettin was aware enough to sense his distaste anyway. He saw his opportunity to sneak away and he jumped upon it.
    “As you surely need time to settle in, and as we can expect an extended stay, let us both retire until the new sun. You can bathe and freshen up, while I attend to some matters of state that seem always to press upon us. We will have ample time tomorrow to discuss these issues and do some much needed catching up on old times. By the way, how is your charming mother, the Duchess? I so enjoy her robust sense of humor.”
    He turned to his aide without giving Kettin any further opportunity to speak.
    “Cristian, show Lord Kettin to the north suites and see that everything necessary is done to guarantee his comfort while he is with us. Also, arrange for his