Relieved of Duty
Dragonsfall Weyr
Amber Hills Hold
Vintner Hall
Healer Hall
Hidden Meadows
Dolphin Cove Weyr
Dolphin Hall
Emerald Falls Hold
Harper Hall
Printer Hall
Green Valley Hold
Leeward Lagoon Hold
Barrier Lake Weyr
Sunstone Seahold
Citrus Bay Hold
Writers: Heather
Date Posted: 30th June 2017
Characters: Benamil, Peckett, Avral
Description: Benamil receives word from Zathris on the problem at Lantern Ridge.
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 12, day 12 of Turn 8
Notes: AHH- Lantern Ridge Minor Hold
Mentioned: Benani
"You have got to be kidding me." Benamil ground the heels of his palms against his eyes in irritation before looking back down at the letter from his brother-in-law.
When Benamil had arrived at Lantern Ridge the Lord there had accused Zathris and Amber Hills of not responding to their request for aid after the land slide, of purposefully ignoring them, even though Benamil knew very well that Zathris had already sent men and supplies ahead.
His eyes zeroed in on key lines from Zathris's letter:
".. supply wagons found empty and stripped on the trail."
"...the bodies of the men we sent have yet to be recovered."
At least the last line had been helpful,
"Sending some things via dragon to appease Avral."
The dragonrider and supplies were suppose to be arriving the next day. One dragon could only carry so much so Benamil wasn't sure what Zathris was sending, but it had better be good. The steward of Lantern Ridge, Peckett, had eyes on Benamil wherever he went, not that Benamil ventured very far, as there was a general feeling of hostility toward him from the Lantern Ridge people.
From what Benamil heard when he was walking around, or eating in the hall, there was a general discontent with the way Amber Hills treated Lantern Ridge. The people here felt forgotten about by Lord Zathris and Lady Benani, whom the people felt were too wrapped up in their own personal problems.
Of course, Benamil knew his sister and her husband better than that, but the feelings of animosity weren't good for Amber Hills. Lantern Ridge could always decide that they would rather be linked with another major Hold instead. Losing territories would be detrimental to Amber Hills.
**This is why I chose beastcrafting. Animals are much easier to work with than people.** Even though Benamil was of the Blood, he didn't understand the thirst some had to be Lord. It seemed like a lot of babysitting, in Benamil's opinion.
And then there was the problem of figuring out who had attacked the supply wagons sent from Amber Hills.
**One problem at a time Benamil.** Besides, there wasn't anything he could do about it, that was Zathris's problem, and he didn't envy his brother-in-law one bit.
Folding the letter, Benamil tucked it into his front vest pocket and then rose and left the small, narrow room he'd been begrudgingly given by the steward.
The walk to Avral's office was a short one, and to Benamil's dismay he found both Avral and Peckett inside. Dealing with just one of them was nerve-wracking, and even worse when they were together.
"Lord Avral, I have word from Amber Hills."
"Ah," Peckett sneered, "Lord Zathris finally decides to acknowledge us."
Benamil ignored the jab, "The supply wagons he sent for you were found looted, the men missing."
Avral's shrewd eyes narrowed a margin, "That's convenient."
"Convenient?" Benamil burst, unable to contain his surprise that Avral or Peckett would accuse Amber Hills of outright lying.
"It seems more likely that none were sent in the first place and this... story, conveniently hides Amber Hills neglect of its territories." Avral tilted his head, his chin set in a challenging way that Benamil knew was the start of an argument.
Clenching his teeth together and trying to gather all of the etiquette and poise he'd been trained in over the Turns, Benamil exhaled slowly and responded, "As I said, the supplies were taken. A dragon will be arriving tomorrow with supplies from Amber Hills. Lord Zathris apologizes that they did not make it to you to begin with."
"A dragonrider," Peckett spat, rolling his eyes. "As usual Amber Hills can do nothing without the help of the Weyr. Too dependent upon dragonmen to take care of Holder business."
**I swear to Faranth, I'm going to strangle him.** Benamil thought of the pointy-faced man with his long, chicken-like neck. Benamil was normally incredibly patient, he couldn't remember the last time he had been angry with anyone.
Avral looked between Peckett and Benamil. "I think it would be best that when the dragonrider leaves tomorrow, you leave with him."
Benamil could have laughed out loud. As if he had wanted to be at Lantern Ridge in the first place!
"Gladly. Goodnight gentlemen." Benamil bowed curtly to Avral and Peckett, and then spun on his heel and left. There would be no dinner for him, not tonight. He was going to pack his things, and sit in his room, counting down the seconds until the dragonrider arrived.
Last updated on the July 21st 2017