Chapter 4

  Leo

  “Wake up,” Karl commanded.

  “What time is it?” Leo grumbled, pulling the sheet over his eyes. Leo knew his head would split in two at any moment now.

  “Past breakfast. Our parents just arrived.”

  Leo groaned. A splash of liquid hit his head, seeping through the sheets. Leo roared, and another more feminine scream joined him. Contessa poked her head out from beneath the sheet. “What is it?” she asked, eyes wide with fright.

  “Noooothing,” Leo slurred said. He winced, his head pounding with pain. “My broooother has forgooootten his mannerssss.”

  Contessa blushed and sunk back beneath the silk sheets.

  “Apologies, my lady,” Karl said, casting a disapproving look at Leo. “I didn’t realize my brother had company.”

  Some of the liquid dripped from his curly hair, now half-matted and wet. A drop touched his lip. “Wasthatmybeer?”

  Karl shrugged and placed the empty mug on the nightstand. “Unless you pissed in the mug.”

  “Hope it waaaas beeer.”

  “How is it you are the older one, but somehow always less mature?”

  “Shhhh!” Leo combed the wet lock of hair back. “Because--”

  “Don’t say it, I’m not in the mood, and Father won’t be either.” Karl pulled open the bedroom curtain.

  Leo squinted at the morning light beaming into his bedroom. “Father’s here?”

  “Better sober up quick.” Karl answered. “Get dressed, and meet us in that new luxurious office of yours.” Karl left, and the door slammed behind him.

  Leo looked for his clothes. “Sorry you had to witness that.” His forced smile turned to a wince as his head felt like a lumberjack splitting wood between his ears.

  “Will he tell?” Contessa asked.

  “He never does...” Leo said, only realizing his error a moment too late. Contessa frowned. Being hungover made him brutally honest at times. “That came out wrong.”

  Contessa slapped him. “I’m a lady. I will not be gossiped about by men in their cups.”

  The sting sobered him a bit. “Wouldn’t dream of it--I’m much too busy with such insignificant things.”

  Contessa screamed in frustration and yanked the covers. A pulsing pain tore through his temples. Leo released the sheets, and pressed his hand to his head, causing Contessa’s momentum to send her rolling off the plush bed and thudding against the floor. Contessa moaned as she wrapped the surrounding sheet around herself. Leo got up, ass naked, found his pants, and put them on. All the while Contessa released a string of swears a sailor would envy.

  Not very ladylike. “So now you want to talk dirty?”

  Contessa shrieked, grabbed his own boot, and hurled it at him--missing. Fortunately for him, her aim was poor because, in his current state, his reflexes were sluggish at best.

  “A pleasure, my lady. If you require anything, just ask for my servant Tomas.” Leo left the room and closed the door. He found Karl waiting outside.

  “Leo,” Karl said, turning his head away in disgust, “you stink of beer and sex.”

  “The smell of any grand celebration.” Leo staggered onward as they walked down the hall. A pounding hammer hit his skull with each step.

  “What happened with Contessa?” Karl asked.

  “A gentleman never kisses and tells.”

  “You are many things, brother,” Karl said dryly, “but a gentleman is not among them.”

  Leo shrugged. “I find it far too boring.”

  “And what of Bianca?”

  “During the night, words were exchanged...and um... I saw Nicco accompany her throughout the rest of the evening. Nicco’s affections were quite honorable.”

  Karl raised a brow. “And um? You’re not one to be at a loss for words. Are you smitten with this one?”

  Leo cocked his head and massaged his temple.

  “No, likely you were clever one too many times.”

  Leo tried to shrug, but the motion tilted him off balance, and his shoulder smashed into the wall. “Is there such a thing?”

  “Yes. And what of Contessa? I heard her scream--twice, not to mention the colorful language.”

  “I think I was too clever with her as well.” Leo half frowned, half smirked.

  Karl chuckled. “For Fate and Fortune.”

  Leo staggered onward, using the wall to aid his balance. “The fairer sex is a mystery to most men, but if you spent more time with them, perhaps you would uncover their secrets.”

  “At this pace, we’ll arrive by sunset.” Karl looped Leo’s arm around his shoulder--stabilizing his stumble. Such a good brother. “Must you always be such as asshole?”

  “Ouch,” Leo feigned.

  “I’m sorry. Did the truth hurt?” Karl mimicked Leo’s demeanor.

  “No, you’re right.” Leo pressed his forehead. “I was referring to this headache.”

  They arrived in front of the office door. “Where is your shirt?”

  Leo paused, turned, and pointed back down the hall. “Likely wherever Contessa threw it. She was quite eager to see me rid of my clothes.” His head rolled, his vision spun, and the hallway blurred, struggling to catch up. Leo’s hands squeezed his head in a vain attempt to press away the pain.

  “Too late for it now. Specters steal you,” Karl said, teeth clenched. “Are you still drunk?”

  “Hung over,” Leo corrected. The world came back to focus.

  “Well, if you’re sober enough to be an ass, you’re sober enough to talk business.”

  “Sobriety is just the boring state between--”

  Karl slapped him. Not as hard as some of the women in his past had, but enough to jolt his eyes wide with a fresh sting of adrenaline. “Focus brother, Father said this business with the Ricci estate is serious.”

  Leo rubbed the sting from his jaw. “Twice in one morning. I must be losing my touch.”

  Karl rolled his eyes. “I won’t even ask.” Karl opened the door to the office.

  On the far wall, a bookshelf surrounded a sumptuous marble fireplace. A painting of his grandfather Markus ‘The Magnificent’ Medistein hung above the mantle. Leo shared his grandfather’s dark curls. A few of Uncle Reinhard’s paintings also hung along the walls. A tray-tiered ceiling with crown molding at each level gave the illusion of a larger room. Someone had drawn back the red curtains to illuminate the room. The sea breeze wafted an aroma of shit and salt. Leo swallowed his stomach and held down a sudden urge to vomit.

  Leo followed behind Karl and found his parents sitting at a polished oak table on cushioned chairs. They drank from fine crystal glasses. To Leo’s surprise, his adopted brother, Nicco, was also present. Nicco was the lone blond in a room of raven-haired Medistein. Leo pulled out a chair and settled in at the table. Karl sat next to him. When Leo went to pour himself some wine, Karl snatched the jug out of his reach, grabbed a glass pitcher of water, and thunked it down before him. Water splashed on the table.

  His father Otto scowled, his menacing expression enhanced by his dark hair and goatee. “You couldn’t even make yourself presentable? You’re my heir, a Medistein. If we’re to rise into nobility, you must first act like it.”

  Contessa’s nobility and she acts far more sinful than me. Leo opened his mouth.

  Otto raised a finger. “Don’t! Why do you insist on acting like your grandfather? I’ll never understand. If you want to embarrass yourself or me, fine, but how dare you present yourself to your mother in such a manner?”

  “It’s nothing she hasn’t seen before,” Leo quipped.

  “Ah yes, sarcasm, the more questionable of your talents.”

  “So you do think I’m talented?”

  Otto expressed his displeasure. “Talent is free, ideas are cheap, hard work is an investment in yourself. If you’re not willing to invest in yourself, why would anyone else?”

  Leo rubbed his temples. “I had a long evening, a restless night, and a painful morning. My head is pounding, and I haven’t eaten breakfast yet. Can we make this quick?”

  “Nicco only has a fractional share in the holding company, yet shows more urgency and concern than you.”

  “If only we could all hope to live up to such idealistic virtues.” Leo leered at Nicco.

  Nicco smiled with tight lips, having grown accustomed to Leo’s sarcasm long ago.

  Otto tapped a book ledger resting before him. “I was reviewing our books, particularly your frivolous spending habits. Extravagant parties, musicians, dancing troupes, gambling, and this is only what I can account for. Not to mention this over-budgeted Medistein Tower. You have severely over-leveraged the Medistein bank.”

  “Are we not sitting in this fabulous, albeit expensive tower as we speak?”

  Otto slammed his fist against the table. “This is serious!”

  His mother Sophia jumped, jostling her ink black hair. With kind eyes she said, “Otto, yelling will do no one any good.”

  Otto took a deep breath to compose himself. “We only hold a fraction of deposits on reserve. The banking system only works if people trust in our ability to provide their money when they want it. Our bank’s liquidity is as thin as paper. Your selfish extravagances and endeavors to complete this tower now threaten to bring about the ruin of our house.”

  Gods forbid you might show any recognition of my accomplishments. “Somehow, our entire bank’s problems are all my fault,” Leo mumbled. Otto’s brow scrunched tight, and he crossed his arms.

  “Can’t we sell assets to raise the funds?” Karl suggested. “Or shares in the company or mines?”

  “Suppose we do,” Otto said. “That merchant spreads the word about his deal. Boast even. So we sell to another merchant or lord, and he boasts of his stake in the Medistein mines. Word spreads that the Medistein Bank is looking to raise funds. Other merchants take notice and drive harder bargains, forcing us to sell at lower and lower prices. Why does the Medistein raise so much coin, they wonder? Soon enough, other bankers would wonder if the solvency of our bank is at risk.”

  Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

  “By then it’s too late,” Sophia said.

  Otto nodded and continued. “The blood is in the water. Rival bankers would sow further panic. Merchants would demand withdraws in full, fearing we do not hold their gold. Soon enough, everyone wants their money. Until it all comes toppling down.” He uncrossed his arms and pressed his finger into the table, emphasizing his next point. “This tower included. Forced to liquidate all our holdings until the destitute Medistein house wanders the very streets we help pave.” Otto rubbed his chin. “Assuming we raise enough in time to cover the enormous Ricci account, I might add.”

  Karl gulped. “That can happen?”

  “Leave the thinking to the bankers,” Leo said. Karl punched him in the arm. Leo kneaded his bicep, trying to massage the pain away. “Don’t be so tense, little brother.”

  “I’m bigger than you, little brother,” Karl said with clenched teeth. The day Karl grew taller than him, he took every opportunity to remind Leo of his shorter stature, despite being the younger brother.

  “Enough!” Sophia said. “You’ll always be my children, but that doesn’t give either of you an excuse to act like one.”

  Leo opened his mouth. His mother gave him the look only a mother can give. A look that dared her child to defy her. Leo thought for a moment and remained silent.

  “Otto, what are we going to do?” Sophia asked, with eyebrows wrinkled together. “The crown is demanding payout in full. Payment of gold we don’t have.”

  Otto twisted his signet ring in deep thought. “If we started selling assets in the amount needed for the payout, we’d create a bank run. With House Medistein bankrupt, the effects would spread, crushing Tarona’s economy. With lost livelihoods, businesses will fail, and children will starve. After Tarona collapsed, Enthos League trade would suffer. Then the effects would roll across the Avictean Empire like a tsunami crashing against the shore.”

  Leo pressed his temples, contemplating everything Otto had told him. His mind struggled, still at battle with the incessant pounding headache.

  “Taking care of the people of Tarona is our responsibility.” Sophia’s concern was understandable since she oversaw the Medistein public housing, health and charities.

  “I agree,” Nicco added.

  “Right now, I’m just trying to look after my family!” Otto stressed. Sophia rested her hand on Otto’s, softening his expression. “Tell me now Leo,” Otto spoke softly, “are there any other expenses I should know about?”

  Leo groaned a painful “No.”

  A knock sounded on the door, Otto turned. “Come in.”

  Uncle Reinhard entered, carrying another letter. “A letter from the Grand Vicar.”

  Otto took the letter with a swear. “Tellius, take me.”

  He won’t be the one to take you, my gods will. Tellius was the All-Father’s prophet, worshiped by Otto after he forsook the Primordials of Theogony--gods of House Medistein.

  Otto broke the letter’s seal and began reading. As he did, his expression turned to grief. “And now the Grand Vicar lays claim to the Ricci estate on behalf of the Tellisium Church.”

  Sophia’s crumpled her mouth. “We can’t very well pay the both of them.”

  “Indeed, but who has the rightful claim?”

  “The church does,” Leo said. “If a priest dies, their possessions revert to the church by secular law.”

  “The Karvyeans claim the estate by right of imperial law since the lands, possessions, and gold were posted as collateral.”

  “Collateral for what?” Sophia asked.

  “Support in the Year of Dual Election for Grand Vicar,” Otto answered. The election Otto had backed the victorious Grand Vicar Rodrigo Malgais against Lector Ricci in. Then Lector Rodrigo had insisted he would only bank with Telliusians, and so Otto converted to secure Medistein financing. With Medistein gold, Rodrigo Malgais was elected by the College of Lectors in the year fourteen eighty-two--the same year of Emperor Viktor Karvyean election.

  “Is there a precedent for such a situation?” Reinhard asked.

  “Not that I am aware of,” Otto answered. “I have a few lawyers looking into the matter.”

  Sophia shifted in her chair. “Can he do that?”

  “He did.” Otto shrugged. “Whether it’s legal is another matter.”

  “What are we to do?”

  “We can sell salts,” Otto answered, “but with the recent salt tax, we would flood the market and drive down the price.”

  House Medistein made their fortune off the salt mines beneath Tarona after Markus the Magnificent purchased them years ago. The mines contained both magical and common salt. Trade in the latter commodity prospered for seasoning and food preservation. Ancient Traessyeans believed the rarer colored salts were the crystallized blood of the Primordials. Those salts were a necessary commodity to manipulate the Essence with Essemancy. Without House Medistein’s salt monopoly--and by extension the control of Essemancy magic--they were just another ordinary bank.

  “Perhaps it’s for the best,” Nicco said. “Does Tellius not preach of the virtues of sharing?”

  Leo failed to hold back a laugh. The All-Father had reincarnated his Essence in Tellius long ago. Tellius preached virtues and vices, teaching his Thesis throughout the Traessyean Empire during the Reclamation. One such virtue and vice pairing were sharing and hoarding.

  Nicco folded his arms across his chest. “There are those who speak of Medistein greed.”

  Leo scoffed in disbelief at Nicco’s stupidity. “How is it greedy to want to keep the wealth my family has earned, but not greed for the empire to take it as taxes?”

  “We’ve sold salts to Theogonist acolytes for years,” Otto said.

  “And ever since Grand Vicar Malgais’ election, he has sought salts,” Leo pointed out.

  “His predecessor Grand Vicar Arturo wanted them. Why do you think he supported additional Expeditions?”

  Reinhard motioned his hands down. “Calm yourselves.”

  “We must also consider trade relations with Lyrea,” Sophia added, intending to move on before further confrontation escalated. The Lyrean Kingdom traded salt with the empire as well. Otto had arranged with King Kaius of Lyrea to maintain a fixed price range. The last thing they needed was to upset a king and start a trade war.

  “Among others,” Otto agreed. “Not to mention the possibility we would lose our monopoly over such a vital resource.”

  “I wouldn’t trust the Avictean Empire with such power,” Reinhard said.

  “Nor the Tellisium Church,” Karl added.

  “It’s a fine line we walk,” Otto said in defense of his religion.

  Only Otto and Nicco worshiped Tellisium’s All-Father. When Otto married Sophia, they were both Theogonists. After Otto’s conversion, Sophia insisted that their children be raised as Theogonists, ensuring Leo and Karl practiced Theogony. Leo still doubted his father’s sincerity in converting, believing the conversion was nothing more than an elaborate ruse to allow the Medistein Bank to gain the churches accounts.

  “Honestly,” Otto continued, “I’m surprised we’ve maintained control of salt for as long as we have.”

  Despite being a Theogonist, Leo believed the church’s desire to acquire Essemancy salts opened many doors. Leo had wanted a worthy endeavor to showcase his abilities. Securing the contract from Grand Vicar Rodrigo to construct the Tellisium Cathedral in Ryvium proved simple enough. Bianca had introduced them and Leo had quoted the Tellius Thesis--which exact passage he couldn’t recall. With a bit of charm and demonstration of his engineering talent, Leo had convinced Rodrigo.

  His mother had used their printing presses to proclaim the gesture as a sign of appeasement among the two once bitter rival religions. She had believed condoning a Theogonist to build an elegant Cathedral for the All-Father would promote unity between the two religions.

  “Likely due to the impenetrable position of Tarona,” Karl said. “There is a reason the ancient Traessyean Empire expanded so quickly.”

  “And fell as quick,” Reinhard added, lowering his head with a tug of his beard. “We have to find another way. We cannot allow the Avictean Empire or Tellisium Church to secure dominance in the salt trade.” Reinhard stroked his long beard. “What about the salt and spice trade from Lyrea or Sojun?”

  Tarona’s wealth flourished as the major port of trade between the Avictean Empire and lands across the Enthos Sea. Tarona traded textiles and salt for coffee, citrus fruits, sugarcane, silk, gemstones, and glass.

  “An option to consider,” Otto agreed, “but the Kaljer Corsairs plunder the Enthos Sea heaviest in the spring.”

  “Spring is almost over. Can we wait for monsoon season?”

  “We could, but fewer captains dare to make such a voyage.”

  “Between pirates and hurricanes, the former is the safer option.”

  “Ugh,” Leo groaned. “Everyone is overthinking this. Just bribe the Grand Vicar and get him to drop the church’s claim. Afterward, we wait for the tribunal to find a favorable ruling that denies the Karvyean’s claim.”

  “Why would the church take a bribe for something they already have a legal claim to?” Otto asked.

  “Not the church,” Leo answered. “The Grand Vicar.”

  Nicco shifted in his chair. “Don’t speak ill of the Grand Vicar.”

  “I speak the truth. I cannot help that your idealism refuses to accept it.” Nicco’s hands balled into fists. “We have an opportunity here. While building the cathedral, I got to know Rodrigo quite well.”

  “How well?” Otto asked.

  “Enough to know his hedonism has no limits.”

  “Something you two have in common,” Karl quipped. Reinhard snickered.

  “Enough,” Otto said. “His...activities are well known. Can you be sure--”

  “He’ll take it,” Leo insisted. “I’m sure.” Otto frowned. “Father, I don’t know if you’re unsure or unwilling to trust me, but I promise you I know him. I know things about him no one else does.”

  “Like what?”

  Leo shrugged. All this arguing only made his headache worse. “That Rodrigo takes a spoonful of poison with his breakfast.”

  “Why?” Sophia asked in astonishment.

  “To increase his immunity. The precaution was necessary, as I witnessed him survive two such attempts.”

  “Who would dare poison the Grand Vicar?” Otto asked.

  “He has many enemies among the College of Lectors.”

  “Is nothing sacred in this world anymore?”

  Leo shrugged. “Some things may be, but not Rodrigo. He is a greedy hedonist. Trust me, he will take the bribe.”

  “Assuming that works,” Sophia said, “what’s assuring the tribunal will rule in our favor?”

  “Bribe them as well,” Leo said with a wave of his hand. He massaged his temples, failing to suppress the throbbing pain within his skull. Will this headache ever end?

  Nicco crossed his arms. “There is no honor in such action.”

  “It’s just business,” Otto said. “Besides, do you think the Grand Vicar is honorable, or the emperor?”

  Leo snorted, then winced. He folded his arms on the table and sat his head down, using them as a pillow.

  “Varus is an honorable man,” Nicco said. “He has served as co-regent faithfully for a decade or more. A man like that could have seized power from his father long ago.”

  “In a way, he already has,” Reinhard answered.

  “The Traessyeans would kill their kin to secure power--”

  “If Lord Varus committed regicide, there would be a new election, and the Assembly would choose a new emperor. He might lose whatever little power he has.”

  “Unlikely, the Karvyean dynasty has a long history of emperors.”

  “Wasn’t the emperor’s predecessor of house Aldric?” Reinhard asked, proving his point. Emperor Richard Aldric was Bianca’s deceased uncle on her mother’s side.

  “Yes,” Nicco said, ceding to Reinhard’s wisdom.

  “Spend enough time in Avictfell and you will realize the electors want weak emperors to maintain their power.”

  Leo raised his head. “If you two are going to discuss the exciting history of family lineages, may I leave?”

  Reinhard and Nicco scowled at him, but at least they were quiet.

  “Leo is right--” Otto said.

  “I’m sorry. Can you say that again?” Otto ignored his quip, rubbing his temples. Leo continued. “We’ll bribe Grand Vicar Rodrigo. Once he drops his claims, we present the evidence to the crown rebuking the Karvyean claims. If necessary, we take the matter before the Imperial Assembly. That should at least buy us time to increase our liquidity.”

  Otto sighed. “And how do you propose we do that? The crown and church are our largest accounts. Even if we incentivized the nobility to deposit funds, I doubt we’d raise enough to cover the payout.”

  If only he would listen to me. This time Leo sighed. “Which is why we have to get the church to drop the claim.”

  “You’ll need to be in Avictfell to ensure such a plan,” Reinhard said.

  “I’m going with you,” Sophia said. “Someone must make the arrangements at the Avictfell branch while you deal with the Karvyeans and the Assembly.” Otto nodded and placed his hand on hers.

  “That means Leo must oversee any matters here,” Otto said. “I’m relying on your influence with the Grand Vicar, son. Be ready to message him at any moment. I want to conclude the deal as quickly as possible.”

  “Understood,” Leo said.

  “I trust you will have no problem in maintaining appearances of Medistein wealth.”

  “It’s what I’m best at.” Leo smirked, gesturing to the lavishness surrounding them.

  Otto frowned. “Try to be more responsible, Leo. How do you expect to lead this house one day with such rash behavior?”

  Leo considered his father’s question but said nothing. The meeting concluded, and with the wall aiding his balance, Leo shuffled through the tower passageways toward his room.

  “Leo,” Sophia called from behind. Leo stopped and leaned against the wall. His mother approached. She sighed. “Don’t be such a narcissist.”

  “Mother, you wound me,” Leo said, holding his hand to his heart.

  “We are counting on you. I trust you and your brother will get along while your father and I are away.”

  “I can’t help it if Karl lacks--”

  “People don’t have a problem with your intelligence Leo, it’s your attitude.” Leo considered her words. “A day will come when you will lead this house. When Otto and I have made the final sojourn to the heavens above, you’ll need your brother.”

  Leo chuckled. “His sword arm, perhaps.”

  “Look at me.” She commanded in a motherly tone.

  “Not only Karl, but your adopted siblings as well.” Her tone was soft once again. “Allie and Nicco may as well be family. Your relationships with them will endure longer than any others in your life. No one else will know you better. As for your father, try to be less...defiant.”

  Maybe acting a bit more responsible couldn’t hurt. Leo knew she was right--as always. And he did love his brothers, despite the pain in the ass they were--Nicco especially. Somehow, his mother had a knack for seeing past his persona. He imagined all mothers had such a gift. Leo nodded.

  “Mother,” Karl said, approaching from behind her. “Father wants to speak with you.”

  Sophia turned and nodded. “Come here,” she said and pulled Karl close. “I would have expected you two to grow out of such spats by now.” His brother looked at him with a scowl. A particular scowl that expressed concern and anger. The expression he made whenever he feared the coming punishment from his mother after they had fought.

  “Relax,” Sophia said, placing a hand on each of their cheeks. “I’m not upset.”

  “What about Father?” Karl asked.

  “You know your father.”

  “He’s always upset.”

  “He’s always stressed.”

  “True, but not like this. The Ricci estate has him twisted in a knot.”

  Sophia sighed and gave a knowing, tight-lipped smile. “I need you both to do me a favor. I need you to be united while we are gone. To rely on each other, like your father and I rely on the both of you.”

  Karl nodded. Leo thought he nodded, but wasn’t sure. Maybe it was his headache rocking back and forth with his skull.

  “Promise me,” she said, tenderness in her voice.

  “I promise,” Karl said.

  Sophia's hand released Karl’s cheek. Then she gently rested her forehead against Leo’s forehead. “I promise,” Leo mumbled. Sophia smiled and embraced them both in a hug.

  “I’m a grown man,” Leo said. “Must you still do that?”

  “You will always be my little boy,” she said.

  “What about Karl?”

  “He’ll always be my big boy,” Sophia smirked. Karl elbowed him in the ribs, prompting a grunt from Leo. “Take me to Otto,” Sophia said. Karl spun on his heel, escorting his mother away.

  Leo made his way back to his room, leaning against the wall to steady himself. He really wanted this headache to end. As he opened the door, a strong, putrid odor made him feel sick. His hand rose to his mouth, but in a moment of weakness, he vomited in the doorway. Leo wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and closed entered his room. Contessa was gone, and Leo collapsed onto his bed, falling asleep once again.