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Chapter Three: Hadrian

  Lord Jonathan Walsh was an unfortunate associate. An embarrassing event had led to the man witnessing Hadrian break a number of laws, each a hanging offense by itself. Now he was invited to the Walsh estate for dinner.

  Seated on his left was one of the Walsh daughters, Miriam. Her husband, the owner of the largest fishing fleet along the Cold Coast, was not present. To Hadrian’s right was another son-in-law, William Tell. Across from him was William’s wife, the eldest of the Walsh daughters, Nellis. To her left was her brother Art and his wife Josephine. At the head of the table was Lord Walsh, his wife Sophia, seated opposite him.

  Hadrian knew there were at least one other daughter hidden away somewhere. He looked Lady Walsh over. She had aged well, in his opinion. She smiled at him and he nodded in recognition. “Your house is really quite something Lady Walsh. When was it constructed?”

  She looked puzzled and her husband spoke up. “It was one of the first buildings in the city. As you know, the Walsh family was here from the very beginning. Much older than even the city itself.”

  “Indeed?” Hadrian had heard the boast many times before.

  “Yes, my family came here as the first settlers, from the lands beyond the White Falls.”

  Hadrian nodded in appreciation and Art spoke up. “I was reading a paper that suggested Queen’s Cross predates the city by more than five hundred years.”

  Hadrian smiled. “Are you much of a scholar, sir?”

  “Whenever I have the time.” He laughed and looked at his wife.

  “I was sure to impress the importance of knowledge on all of the children.” Lady Walsh said with pride. “We have one of the largest collection of books this side of the sea.”

  In fact, they had probably the smallest, but Hadrian remain silent on that point. Lord Walsh was the youngest son in a very large family tree. The estate was all he was left in his inheritance. That, and his arranged marriage to an up-and-coming family. Since then, he had married off his daughters to the highest bidder. They were decent matches, but the nobility of the Walsh line now lay with the Lord’s older brothers, James and Edward.

  “How are you keeping yourself busy, Mr. Hadrian?” Asked Miriam Walsh.

  Hadrian turned his head to address her. “I recently return from an expedition North, madam, farther even than Lordsburg.”

  “Did you now?” Asked Lady Walsh. “Were you not afraid of the barbarian tribes?”

  “Not in the least, my Lady. They are not known to bother the civilized folk up there, nor do they ever come this far South.”

  “They prefer the cold, I suspect.” Lord Walsh said definitively.

  Hadrian knew for a fact that the tribes despised the ‘interlopers’, but he did not want to appear rude. In a man’s house, he was allowed his own opinions. Even if those opinions were ridiculous. The natives thought the civilized people only a temporary occurrence and believed that soon they would be driven from their shores by supernatural forces.

  “What did your expedition achieve?” Miriam Walsh continued as if they were never interrupted.

  “Very little, I’m afraid.” Hadrian admitted. “I was searching for a collection of ancient texts, but time can be cruel.”

  Lady Walsh chuckled, but said nothing.

  “What a shame.” Miriam tried to offer a comforting smile, but she took after father. It was too smug and lacked any sympathy . Or perhaps, he thought, she was mocking him.

  Dinner continued for another hour. Elaborate dishes were brought out one after another. Hadrian ate with little appetite though. He enjoyed the company, but was wary of Lord Walsh. The man knew entirely too much and was notoriously ambitious.

  “Well, Mr. Hadrian, shall we retire to my study for brandy and cigars?”

  Hadrian nodded and said good evening to the others at the table, then followed Lord Walsh into his study. The room was well-furnished and looked exactly as a study should. He sat down on a padded chair and accepted a glass of brandy.

  “To your health, sir.” Lord Walsh said and Hadrian said the same. There was a few moments of silence as the two men enjoy the liquor. “So, you must be curious why I invited you?”

  Hadrian only nodded.

  “Well, I heard that you were finally back from your journey North. And before that you spent almost an entire year at sea.”

  “I never really learned to settle down I’m afraid.”

  Lord Walsh chuckled. “And I hope you don’t intend to anytime soon?”

  “Why do you ask, sir?”

  “I have a business interest that would benefit from your involvement.”

  Hadrian didn’t say anything.

  “Nothing sinister, I assure you. It’s all above water, if you will.”

  “I am not sure what use I could be in either case.”

  “I would think that a man in your particular position would be eager to become useful.”

  It was blackmail then. The Lord laughed at Hadrian’s discomfort.

  “Don’t look so bleak! We are civilized men. Your secret is safe with me. I am only insisting on your help. There is money to be made, we must only seize the opportunity.”

  Hadrian stared at him for a long time. “It seems I have no choice.”

  “I also have another suggestion, this one will benefit us both.”

  “Like the first suggestion?”

  “Not at all. You are aware I have two daughters that were not present at dinner?”

  “Yes.” Hadrian did not know exactly what to think. What was he getting at?

  “Well, the youngest I have already proposed to a sheep baron who lives in Lordsburg. Though I suppose I can make arrangements if you insist.”

  “What? I mean, what kind of arrangements?”

  Lord Walsh finished his glass and poured more brandy into both of theirs. “I would rather make you a friend than an enemy, Hadrian. No fool would anger a man with your abilities, at least any more than necessary.”

  “Necessary?”

  “Well, my family’s interests must come before your pride, you understand.”

  “Of course.” He said acidly.

  “I have a daughter, and you are a trusted friend of no small means. You have property and a reputation as a gentleman.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  “Well, Lilan is very charming. I’m sure the two of you will get along.”

  “I have not said yes yet.”

  “But you will. I know men like you. Secretly, this is what you want, more than wealth or popularity. Respectability is what you desire. Walsh is old blood, better than some may say you deserve, but desperate times…”

  “I am sure you’re right.” Though the man was not wrong. Such a distinguished name could open certain doors. Lord Walsh was more shrewd than Hadrian had credited him.

  “I can see it in your face that you accept. Good, Lilan will be happy. I’ve suspected that she has grown weary of this place.” He paused and studied Hadrian. “Not to pry, but are your particular skills learned, or bred?”

  “Learned, sir. Though the most powerful wizards come from families as old as your own.”

  “I’m sure. Well, I am happy we were able to work out our differences. How about you come by the house tomorrow? You can meet Lilan and we will discuss business.”

  Hadrian nodded and finished his drink, then poured them both another. “To the future happiness of your daughter.” He left feeling like the Lord Walsh had gotten the better of him.

  At home, he had entered through the kitchen, the servants were sharing a bottle of wine. They all jumped up when he came in, but he waved them down in annoyance.

  “Pour me a glass and fill your own.”

  Mrs. Waters did the honors and looked at him. “Are we celebrating, sir?”

  “Indeed. I’m to be married.”

  The three congratulated him and he helped them finish the bottle. They were full of questions.

  “How old is she?”

  “Who is she?”
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  “Are you going to be rich?”

  Hadrian sighed. “The lady is Lilan Walsh, and I know she is somewhat younger than me. And no, I don’t think I will ever be rich.”

  “Don’t say that, sir. You never know.” Young Sam said hopefully.

  Hadrian stood up and swayed a bit. “I’ve had a good bit to drink tonight. I had better go sleep it off.” He nodded to all of them and left the kitchen.

  They all said goodnight and he could hear them talking excitedly as he walked up to his bedroom. One thing he could say for servants, at least you always had someone to share news with.

  The sun was high when he came calling to the Walsh estate. Apparently the girl was riding, so Hadrian went looking for her. He was dressed for walking, sturdy leather boots and rolled-up sleeves. The stable boy thought she would be back soon, so he sat down on a crate and began reading the book he had brought.

  It was almost an hour later when a rider approached. Hadrian had guessed right, she was much younger than himself, though in truth almost everyone was. Wizards lived for a very long time, and did not obey the normal rules of aging, for whatever reason. No one was sure why.

  She looked to be in her early twenties and clearly took after her mother, but with a darker complexion. Hadrian was relieved not to see her father’s hawkish features and frowning mouth. The horse trotted over and he stood up.

  “Good afternoon, madam.”

  Lilan Walsh had green eyes, which did not match any one else in her family. They reminded him of a cat’s, wary and suspicious. “Good afternoon, sir.” She did not seem to know who he was.

  “I am Hadrian. Did your father mention that I might come by?”

  “Oh!” She looked embarrassed, but not pleased. “I suppose I expected someone closer to my own age.”

  “A white knight on a stallion perhaps? He passed me by on the road here.”

  She frowned. “I meant, I hoped for someone younger.”

  “Your tongue is very sharp, madam. At least I won’t get bored with you.” He moved closer to help her dismount. “You know, it is very rude to speak to a peer while on horseback.”

  She came down off the horse, but without his help.

  “A peer? You are old enough to be my father.”

  Hadrian laughed. “Hardly. I’m only thirty-five!” Or thirty-six, he had lost track of how old he was supposed to appear.

  She stood across from him with hands on her hips. Strangely, Hadrian found the defiance rather exciting. “My sisters are married to men of power and influence.”

  He shrugged. “Collecting wealth, what a dull life. I prefer adventure.”

  “What kind of adventures have you been on?”

  Hadrian held up the book he carried. “Last year, I sailed with the Captain Murdock. I made note, in here, of all I experienced. But if you are not satisfied, then I will not force you to marry me. Your father said your younger sister would make a better match anyway.”

  Lilan took a step forward and grinned at him. “Liar. Did you really sail on the Lyat? Is it truly made of steel? And does it sail as if by magic? Not a single sail?”

  He smiled and held out the book. “How did you know I was lying?”

  “I don’t have a younger sister.” She took it in one hand.

  Hadrian frowned and shook his head angrily. “Looks like I underestimated your father once again. And you too. Good day, Miss Walsh.”

  He was walking away when she called to him. “Wait! Aren’t you going to ask me anything?”

  “Like what?” He yelled back.

  “I don’t know.”

  “Well then, neither do I.”

  She walked over to him and glared at him for a whole minute. Hadrian was glad to see that she did not pout. “You are the least charming man I have ever met!”

  “Then you have clearly not met many of us.”

  Lilan stuck out her tongue and there was a long silence. “Well, you came all this way, and my father is going to make you wait anyway.”

  Hadrian looked at her questioningly. She sighed. “Must I spell it out? I will wait with you!”

  “Oh, okay then.” He smiled. “All of this attention is going to make me blush.”

  They started walking and Hadrian caught her hand, holding it when she pulled away.

  “What are you doing?”

  He forced her to slow her pace. “Taking a leisurely stroll.”

  “It is unseemly!”

  “Unseemly? Madam, you would faint then if you walked through the less reputable parts of town. Even on my way here, I saw two young people by the side of the road doing the unseemly.”

  She stopped trying to pull away and Hadrian admired her long fingers. “What were they doing?”

  “What do you think?” He rolled his eyes and her cheeks reddened.

  “Well. That truly is unseemly.” She laughed and squeezed his hand, feeling his fingers as well. Just that small bit of intimacy made him speechless.

  “Where else have you been?”

  Hadrian looked up at the sky. “Well, recently I went North up to Lordsburg.”

  “Why?”

  “To find some books. I succeeded, but couldn’t read them.”

  “Oh, an old language?”

  He laughed. “I haven’t come across a language yet that I could decipher, given time. There was an enchantment on the books, or on the pages, that made it so the words wouldn’t stay still. They swam from page to page like fish.”

  Lilan laughed and looked at him. “Very funny.”

  “It’s true. You could go there right now and see them.”

  She paused, trying to decide if he was lying. “Magic?”

  “Well, yes. I am something of a wizard you know.”

  That made her stop, though she didn’t try to escape from his grip. “You’re joking. You must be a merchant or banker.”

  “Why do you say that?”

  “Because you look the part.”

  Hadrian passed his free hand across his face and grinned at her. “You should not give your eyes such blind trust. Sorry for the pun.”

  Lilan stared at Lilan, one smiling and the other did not at all believe what she was seeing.

  “I can do your voice too, well, sort of.” It came out too high. Hadrian smiled and changed back.

  She was quiet for the rest of the walk, but still holding his hand. Neither could decide if it was a comfortable silence or not. Hadrian gave her a smile and they went inside.

  They sat down in the kitchen and a servant went to inform Lord Walsh that he had a visitor.

  “Did you learn magic?” She finally asked.

  He nodded.

  “Can anyone learn?”

  “You mean, can you learn? Yes.” He shrugged. “But, there are more interesting things in life.”

  “Why don’t more people know magic?”

  Hadrian laughed. “Are you sure that they don’t? It isn’t really something to be discussed in polite society.”

  “Why not?”

  “Witch hunting mostly. I suspect everyone is rather embarrassed about the whole thing.”

  “What was it like?”

  “A dark time. Mobs in the street, burned-out houses, that kind of thing. The Walsh family lived through it. Your own great uncle and aunt were drowned in barrels of holy water. Though you won’t hear your father talk about it.”

  “Does he know about you?”

  “Yes.” Hadrian hesitated. “In part, that is the reason for our marriage.”

  “What kind of reason is that?” She sounded offended.

  “To make me an ally. To placate me.”

  “And will it work?” Lilan asked, almost too low for him to hear.

  “No.” He said just as quietly. The servant returned at the same moment and Hadrian stood up.

  “Well, Miss Walsh, I hope to see you at the wedding.”

  “Are you looking forward to it?” She asked shyly. It caused Hadrian to laugh. He winked, then followed the servant to the study
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