Kros Voyeh Ch. 02

"As you command, your Highness." Krouth bowed and started for the door.

"Should I speak with her?" Lislora studied her cousin's stony face.

"No. Let Brother Odgar do it. I would have you next to me when I speak to the servants. They will obey you in the future."

She inclined her head and refrained from suggesting he speak to the Aran woman. In his mood, it would be unwise. A glance at the woman suggested she may also be in a sour mood.

On their way to the courtyard, Draeseth first visited his rooms to fetch the tsethartdet, the bundle of sticks kept for punishing transgressions too dire to let go with a chiding and not quite terrible enough to be released from service for. Her father had never used theirs but kept it in his bedroom on display as a reminder of the duty of discipline. The name meant cry of pain and as the gathering servants saw it in Draeseth's hands Lislora could hear some begin to whimper and weep.

The Commander presented himself with a low bow as two of the stablemen brought out a waist-high wooden rack.

"Your Highness-"

"Only the servants will use the servant's stair now. If no one can lock the door all will be punished for it. You will see to it the men understand why they are no longer permitted the privilege and that I will personally administer the beating if they are caught after I have forbidden it."

"I understand, your Highness. They will no longer use it." He bowed again and glanced nervously at the tsethartdet.

"You are dismissed."

Draeseth turned his glower on the servants and Lislora stepped closer to him, "Your Highness," pausing she decided to be less formal despite his demeanor, "cousin, perhaps you would allow me to administer the discipline?" She hurriedly tried to explain, "In your mood, you're more intimidating than you realize."

He glanced at the servants again and his face softened slightly, "You aren't strong enough for it, cousin. I hadn't intended to make them undress for it. The blow must be felt through their clothes."

"Perhaps Krouth is capable? Or one of the guardsmen?"

Lifting the tsethartdet, he addressed the servants at a bellow instead of answering her. "Lady Lislora believes I should allow her, or Krouth, to administer the discipline. I have my doubts that would be effective. You don't seem to listen to the people who would be more lenient and kind. The door will be locked. The key will be hung in its proper place."

Almost as one, the servants dropped into bows and low curtsies, remaining there as Draeseth looked them over grimly.

"If I am required to speak on the matter a second time there will be three blows and I will deliver all of them. Krouth, you will administer a single blow to each of them after you have received yours from me."

The sour servant looked slightly pale as he straightened from his low bow and moved to the waist-high rack, placing his hands on it and bending to present his flat back. The sound that the tsethartdet made as Draeseth brought it down made Lislora flinch but Krouth didn't make a sound.

Krouth stood and turned to face the dour-looking Torgan Prince wordlessly. Draeseth handed him the tsethartdet and returned to where Lislora was standing to observe as the servants began to approach the rack one at a time.

At a whisper, Lislora asked, "Did you have to strike him?"

He made a soft sound and answered quietly, "He is a servant and I commanded all to be punished. You are as soft as Isonei where it concerns the man."

"He's competent and I don't believe he left the door unlocked."

"Perhaps, perhaps not."

The punishment seemed to go on interminably but Lislora felt compelled to stay until it was finished. It was a relief when Krouth brought the tsethartdet back to Draeseth with a bow.

"Have the commander send men to fetch Xago. Bring him to my study."

Draeseth stalked away leaving the two of them standing for a moment.

"He shouldn't have struck you, Krouth. I know you didn't leave the door unlocked. If you need a moment to see to any injuries..."

"Thank you, Lady Lislora. That isn't necessary. A short rest for my arms would be a kindness but I have hours yet-"

"What will he ask after Xago has been fetched?" Lislora gave the man a wry smile.

"He will speak with him and then have Lady Isonei summoned."

"Carry his message to the Commander and go rest for a short while, I can fetch Isonei."

"That is very kind. I thank you, Lady Lislora."

Going inside, she relayed her instructions to one of the maids who offered her a low curtsy. The woman brought her a cup of tea and a freshly baked roll from the kitchen with the news lunch would be delayed. The thoughtfulness made her smile.

It didn't seem like a terribly long time, perhaps an hour, until Draeseth summoned Isonei. Lislora was surprised to find the woman asleep in her bed.

"Are you ill?"

"Tired. What do you want?" Isonei's brusque answer seemed uncharacteristic for the woman.

Lislora's frown deepened. "You have been summoned."

Isonei seemed far more sullen than Lislora had ever suspected the woman could be and seemed deliberately slow in her movements. The Aran had to be dressed like a child to be readied quickly.

After taking her to Draeseth's study, Lislora breathed a sigh of relief and went to the kitchens to go over meals for the next few days. They needed to discuss what was to be done with the boar when it arrived.