New Orders (Chris/Devlin) 5/9 - evening

[Devlin Mallory]

The summons had come while he was walking around the grounds, observing, listening. He had kept to himself pretty much since he had found his money missing in January. While he hadn't liked the idea of someone stealing from him, he hated the idea that he had been duped even more. What was it about him that made people take advantage of him? He had resolved since then to stay away from blondes, and to trust no one save his family. It was a hard lesson, but he had to become hard, which was so much unlike his usual way, but he was determined to not let himself get taken by a pretty face, or by anyone ever again if it killed him.

He knocked on his cousin's door, then straightened out his tunic as he waited to be let in. Whatever Christopher wanted of him had to be significant, otherwise he wouldn't have bothered to call on him at all.

[Christopher Mallory]

“That must be Devlin,” he said to his guard. “Let him in and then give us some privacy.” The man nodded stiffly and then turned to do as he was told. Devlin was ushered in, announced briefly, and then the sound of the door closing behind the guard signified that they were alone. “Devlin, take a seat,” Christopher said in a business-like tone. “There is much I want to discuss with you.”

He waited for his cousin to take the chair on the opposite side of the desk. “Well… the good news is… Ryka is more or less back in the possession of the Mallory family. Bad news is, the body of the lord I left in charge has been discovered by Temujin Origen, the high priest of the Kaedori order. That being said, it seems that Ryka is without a lord… So now I’m in a position of having to appoint a new one. What are your thoughts, Devlin? Who do you think would be able to take up such a task as lording over Ryka and keeping order here?”

[Devlin Mallory]

He nodded and took a seat, easing his body into the chair. He grimaced at hearing the news about the former lord of Ryka, and frowned at his cousin's question. Hell if he knew! Probably Rhagar, but then Rhagar wasn't going to be left anywhere Chris wasn't. That much was obvious when he practically glued himself to Chris' side after Odelia was killed. "In all honesty, Christopher, I can only say I would trust your judgment above my own for such matters. My first guess to maintain any semblance of order would be Rhaegar, but I know that he is of much more use to you by your side rather than keeping order in a subdued part of the province that needs more rebuilding than more battle." Rhaegar needed excitement. Skirmishes and such were one thing. Even he could handle those, but it seemed too mild for Rhaegar.

[Christopher Mallory]

Christopher leaned back in his chair and gave his cousin a hard stare, studying him, his posture, his tone of voice. Putting a hand to his chin, he shook his head. “Rhaegar’s talent on the field of battle lends him to a very specific role in my court. It is as you said. He’s remaining in Orqua as commander of my armies. But, as you might well guess, trust is a bit hard to come by these days. It has been difficult to ascertain who is friend and who is foe. And so, I have looked within my family as I have never had reason to doubt any of the members.” He moved forward again. “I realize Ryka is… well, not desirable at the moment. It is a difficult situation, and it is for that reason I would trust none other than family to right the errors made here. Devlin… can I trust you to be the man to fix this city?”

[Devlin Mallory]

He stared at his cousin. Was he serious? His blue eyes studied the man before him as his mouth opened, but nothing would come out. He closed it, looking pensive, then tilted his head. His head swam and he wasn't even drunk! Christopher just asked him to help rebuild a city of the province? Him? Really? The quiet, unobtrustive cousin? Really? He blinked. Then blinked again. He cleared his throat then opened his mouth. "It would be my honor to serve as your representative, my lord cousin." His voice was hoarse as he spoke, the surprise robbing him of most of his vocal ability. despite clearing his throat. "Upon my word you can trust me to restore order to this city." He just hoped he didn't die in the process...

[Christopher Mallory]

He nearly grinned at the surprise. “I have faith in you, Devlin. Though with this task comes specific responsibility. Now that you are Lord of Ryka, I must see to finding you a wife so that you may soon have an heir.” He had to cut himself off before adding that he’d be sure this one was more solid and stable than the last choice. Rowan was… well, she’d been a mistake. A bane on House Mallory and one that had almost cost him more than he’d been willing to pay for her. It was good that Lazarus Shadowmere now was responsible for her. He considered his letter to Lord Ashpool the closing chapter in the drama that was his niece. “It also means you are in charge of the forces here. Of course, I shall leave behind some of my most trusted military advisors to aid you.”

[Devlin Mallory]

His cousin's words caused him to flush. He had faith in him... Gods when did he think he'd ever hear Chris say that to him? It only made him more determined not to let him down. At the mention of a wife he ducked his head. He hadn't wanted to think on that for a long time, if ever. He had learned his lesson. He was going to stay away from all things that related to women that weren't related to him. It brought him nothing but trouble!

At hearing about forces and keeping peace and having advisors, he nodded, not really trusting himself to speak. He finally did, however, to accept his cousin's proposal. "That sounds like a good idea. I'm sure that their insights will be most appreciated and needed in these strained beginnings with the populace."

[Christopher Mallory]

“I think the effect we’ve had is such that the rabble will think twice before incurring the wrath of the Lord Commander.” Rhaegar was nothing if not effective, proving very quickly that he was worthy of the position Christopher had risen him to.

“The majority is not so bad. It was just your pockets of Ursai extremists, but they have been quelled. I would not leave you in a city so broken. I have faith in you, Devlin, but it would be stupid to expect miracles from anybody. But I do believe the situation to be well within your grasp. However, if you are uncertain, you need to inform me now before we go. It will be no trouble to leave behind the necessary council you will need if you don’t believe yourself to be completely ready. But when I am gone, it will be more difficult.”

[Devlin Mallory]

Devlin fidgeted in his seat a moment as he thought then looked up at Chris. "Well, to be honest, it's more that I wasn't expecting, nor really prepared to take on such a position of authority. A few advisors would be a welcome help for the first few weeks or so while I acclimate to the position at hand. I trust that is not too much for me to request, Christopher? It is not so much that I am not sure I can do it, but rather that it was not something in which I have any sort of experience. I'd trust a few of those who have more knowledge than I to get me used to what is expected of me." He shrugged and gave him a plain look. Devlin wasn't without guile, but it didn't make sense to be anything but honest with his cousin, especially in this situation.

[Christopher Mallory]

“I realize that it must have come as something of a shock,” he said with a brief nod. “I had myself not expected to be met with the prospect of once again not having a lord in Vykra. But it is for the best, I am sure. I had worried at the loyalty of my banners. But if you are banner lord here… I should not have to worry so much. And your name carries a bit of weight as well.” Devlin was talking quite a bit for Devlin, but at least he was being open with his cousin, and realistic about his ability. “Then I shall put together a council for you to aid you. I am sorry that I cannot stay longer to help. I am afraid matters are pulling me Northward. A storm is coming to Forsilvra, and it would seem all of the province lords are scrambling to be prepared before it starts raining.”

[Devlin Mallory]

Devlin nodded and took a deep breath. "Very well then. I shall send periodic reports. I won't let you down, Chris." He gave him a small, nervous smile, then moved to stand. "If there is nothing else, I might as well start looking over my new home and see about how to start rebuilding." He bowed to his cousin.