Bridge Ch. 03

"Why must you torment poor Sineo?" her partner said as she broke the kiss. "Was I cruel to you in a previous life?"

"Seduction is a cruel game," Aerlin replied. "You don't need me to teach you that."

She left him practically boiling in the chair and walked off to her own room to freshen up and change clothes. Sineo's pitiful moan could be heard behind her, and she had no doubt that as soon as he willed his arms free he'd be stroking his cock hard and fast. The mental image gave her a little thrill, and she could only hope Prince Garin would be half as eager.

~

The Eastern Gate of Bridge was buzzing with activity when Aerlin arrived that evening. While Prince Urien had practically snuck inside the West Gate with only his shadow for company, Prince Garin's journey from Rondelac Castle in Val Langel had been well anticipated. The main gate had been thrown wide, despite the setting sun, and many of Bridge's most important citizens had turned up to welcome the Prince.

Altena stood front and center, of course, a striking figure in her well-tailored crimson doublet, a golden stone-and-sun sigil pinned to her breast. I don't think I've ever seen the Mairie in a dress, thought Aerlin. Now that'd be a sight. Altena's hair was pulled back in its usual severe ponytail, and her hands were held rigidly behind her back. The Mairie was confident in her command of the situation, but kept glancing around obsessively to make sure everything was perfect.

Beside her was Captain Harvish, the commander of Bridge's Guard Corps. The man was tall and broad-shouldered, with graying hair and long bushy sideburns that covered his cheeks. He was clad in steel plate armor, polished to shining, with a breastplate emblazoned with the stone-and-sun of Bridge. Aerlin knew Harvish well. He was originally from Langelia, a veteran of conflicts with Water Elementals, gnomish guerrillas, and worse. Harvish took his duty and the code of laws seriously - somewhat too seriously, Lindis though - but his men respected his candor and humility. The old captain fingered the pommel of his longsword absently, clearly nervous with anticipation.

Just behind Altena and Harvish stood Yudeca, a senior Arbiter of Bridge, clad in a simple white robe of office. The man had clever, youthful features, with bright green eyes and a round face which tonight appeared quite serene. He was young for an Arbiter, and though Aerlin hadn't had many dealings with Yudeca, she knew him by reputation to be brilliant and wise beyond his years. The Arbiters of Bridge worked in tandem with the Guard Corps to administer justice, empowered by the Council to deliver swift and immediate legal decisions whenever and wherever the situation required. Yudeca had risen fast to his position, and Aerlin knew that the Mairie trusted the man implicitly, even moreso than she did the Chief Arbiter.

Several members of the City Council had also gathered near the gate, most of whom Aerlin knew by name. Their presence tonight was not required, as Altena would be fulfilling all of formalities of welcoming Prince Garin, but many had attended anyway out of respect or political necessity. Many of the men and women on the council aspired to be mairie themselves one day, and being present to greet a prince of Langelia was an impressive credential.

A contingent of soldiers from the Guard Corps surrounded the area inside the East Gate, all armed and ready to defend the Mairie or the Prince should the need arise. Bridge seldom saw full-scale conflict, and in fact had not been involved in a war for over a century. All the same, it was imperative that the Guard Corps remain steadfast and prepared for anything, given Bridge's precarious position lodged between the two great nations of Hegg in the West and Langelia in the East.

Aerlin was recognized by the soldiers and allowed to approach Altena and the others. Tonight the wizard had donned a thin silver gown which clung tightly to her breasts but billowed like clouds below the waistline. She'd chosen a staff of plain ash, bent and gnarled on top to grasp a semi-translucent orb of milky pink crystal.

"Ah, Aerlin," said Altena. The Mairie, constantly swivelling her head around, had noticed the wizard first. "Good. We expect the prince any moment now. You know Captain Harvish and Arbiter Yudeca, of course."

Harvish smiled warmly, while Yudeca only inclined his head politely.

"Good to see you, Aer," said Harvish, his voice gruff but kind. "Looks like a busy week for you."

"Busy is good," said Aerlin. "It's boredom I can't stand."

"You'll not be bored this evening," said Yudeca. "None of us know what to expect. Prince Garin's last visit to Bridge was almost ten years ago, when he was still a boy. Who knows what kind of man he's grown into? And to break away from his sister and ride hard for Bridge suggests a certain. . . urgency."

The Arbiter smiled, and there was a playful glint in his eye, as if he knew more than he was saying and enjoyed leaving the others in the dark.

"Leave us alone for a moment," said Altena. "I have matters to discuss with Aerlin."

Harvish and Yudeca nodded and moved off to one side, leaving the Mairie to speak to the wizard in hushed tones.

"Prince Garin won't be like Prince Urien," said Altena.

"I should hope not," said Aerlin. "It wouldn't be any fun if he was."

"I'm serious," hissed Altena. "He has a reputation for being brash and arrogant. He knows that Urien beat him here and he's not happy about it."

"So that's why he's in such a rush to get here. What do you mean Urien 'beat' him? Is it a contest?"

"Don't worry about that right now," said Altena. "I'm not expecting trouble, but don't expect things to go as smoothly tonight as they did yesterday. If Garin isn't interested, you back off, understand?"

Aerlin frowned and nodded. The Mairie seemed unusually perturbed. What's on her mind? What are she and Yudeca hiding?

There was no further time to speculate. A trumpet sounded outside the gate, and distant hoofbeats could be heard. A cloud of dust appeared on the horizon beyond the gate, barely visible in the waning light of the setting sun.

Aerlin held her breath as the riders approached. There were six in total, one at the front on a shining white steed and five trailing behind. She figured Prince Garin was in the lead, retainers behind. Already she was seeing how different Garin was from Urien Torland. Prince Urien had brought a single retainer, a protective shadow of a bodyguard that trailed silently and furtively in his wake. Prince Garin had brought a full retinue.

"No mistakes," said Altena, gesturing to Captain Harvish. The Guard Corps had hand signals that served as their own silent language, and the Mairie was apparently fluent in them, her fingers flashing from one configuration to another while Harvish shot back signals of his own. I really ought to learn that, thought Aerlin. Maybe then I wouldn't be in the dark so much.

The riders neared the gate and Aerlin got her first look at Prince Garin. He had pale, fair skin and bright blonde curls that shone like gold in the evening sun. His eye were a soft lilac, his nose smooth and narrow. There was a bit of a point to the tips of his ears, evidence of Elvish blood in the royal line. Beautiful, thought Aerlin.

He wore gleaming white armor that some squire had polished until it shined, and a golden cape trailed behind. Not exactly practical, but he cut an impressive figure. A standard bearer rode behind, bearing the flag of Langelia: a golden sun on a white field with silver stars surrounding it.

The Prince's white horse slowed to a trot at the gate, and then to a walk when its hooves clopped onto the stone surface of the Promenade. He drew up to a halt at the welcoming party and surveyed them, his lilac eyes flicking from one to another, a disdainful curl to his lip. His men fell in behind, all dressed in the gold and silver livery of his house. Four were knights armored in rings and plate, while the one who carried the standard was evidently a squire or steward of some kind.

Altena gave a curt bow and spoke. "Garin Alacra, Prince of Langelia, we welcome you to Bridge. I am the Mairie of Bridge, Altena Peregrine."

She turned to introduce her companions, but before she could do that, the prince cut her off.

"Yes, fine," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Just tell me where the Langelian embassy is."

Altena glance over at Harvish, who did a good job keeping his face blank. Aerlin studied the Mairie's face, noting the controlled annoyance at being dismissed by the Prince.

"Of course, Your Grace," said Altena, her tone even and cool. "Yet you must be exhausted from your journey. Will you not join us for a meal at one of Bridge's finest establishments? I feel it is my duty to see you well-fed and well-entertained."

The Prince's horse shifted in place, sensing the impatience of its rider. Garin pursed his lips, considering the idea. Sensing her chance, Altena barrelled forward.

"I've arranged for our finest musicians to play," said Altena. "And my dear friend Aerlin Eventide, a wizard and socialite of some renown, will be joining us as well."

Aerlin shot a sideways glance at Altena. Dear friend? she thought. My, my, Altena, you're laying it on thick tonight. Altena's lips were drawn tightly, and her steely blue eyes seemed to say, "Just go along with it, for Enuo's sake."

"Indeed," said Aerlin brightly, locking eyes now with Prince Garin. "I have heard stories of Langelia's Golden Prince. I'd like to see for myself how many are true." She ever so slightly let a bit of charm flow out of her, Willing Garin to relax. It had to be subtle, of course. Aerlin knew the nobles of Langelia were sensitive to magic, many of them Maridel-trained themselves.

Garin was silent for a long moment as he looked Aerlin up and down, his eyes drinking in her curves. She returned his questing gaze, admiring his shining golden curls and elegant features. Finally the Prince looked back at the Mairie, and then over to his standard-bearer, who simply gave a shrug.

"Very well," said Garin. "We shall dine. Lead on, Mairie."