The Invisible Hands - Part 1: Gambit by Andrew Ashling Read Free Book Online Page A

but as a younger son, and before Father made him a count in his own right, he was poor and totally dependent upon his oldest brother. I used to help him out. I loaned him money that I never expected to be paid back, just so he could keep up with the rest of us. Rullio didn't like to be poor, nor being dependent on anyone, least of all his brother.”
    “Ah, I see. And being poor has left a hole in his soul?”
    “You could say that, yes. A hole that will never be completely filled, never mind how much gold, lands and titles you pour into it.”
    Anaxantis frowned. Then he looked up smiling.
    5
“That must be about the nicest way I have heard anybody say about
    someone that he isn't to be trusted.”
    Ehandar shrugged.
    “He's a great guy, Anaxantis. And a good friend. He really is.”
    “And he is lucky to have an even better friend in you, love. By the way, what did you guys do all day?”
    “First we went to inspect the cavalry, as you asked me, to see if they weren't taking advantage of Iftang being away on his estate. Gorth had the most fun of course. There's this sergeant who had it in for him when he was serving there under his assumed name. He made it a point to ask the man all kinds of questions which he already knew the answer to, forcing him to repeatedly answer, ‘Yes, My Lord’, ‘No, My Lord’, ‘Certainly, My Lord’ and more of that nonsense. How he managed to keep a straight face, I don't know.”
    Anaxantis laughed.
    “We ate there,” Ehandar continued, “then we went for a ride, and finally Rullio and I played a game of chess. Which I won, I'll have you know.”
    “I didn't realize you liked playing chess,” Anaxantis said.
    “A game once in a while. Don't you? Surely, you remember the rules. They taught us as part of the things a nobleman should know. I distinctly remember that old teacher calling it the royal game.”
    “Yes, I know how the pieces move over the board, but I never was fond of it.”
    Ehandar looked surprised.
    “I would have thought someone as smart as you would love the challenge. After all it's strategy. Thinking ahead. Something which you excel at.”
    5
Anaxantis blushed.
    “Thank you, love, but you see, I never saw the use of it. At the end of the day it's moving pieces of wood over squares. It doesn't exactly accomplish anything.”
    “That's not the point, is it? It's a game. A thinker's game.”
    “I agree, but to be any good at it you have to study it and practice.
    A lot. Take the opening. There are good opening moves and bad ones.
    It is not a question of being smart. You have to know them by heart, which ones to make yourself and how to respond to those of your opponent.”
    “Later on in the game things get more complicated though.”
    “Yes, and that's my point. You have to study, devote yourself completely to play it well. From a pastime, a diversion, it can easily grow into an obsession. I don't need another obsession. I have you after all.”
    Ehandar smiled, flattered by the dubious compliment.
    “Ah, I see. Since you like to be the best, that would mean a serious investment of time on your part.”
    “Time I don't have. Time I don't want to invest, just to be able to say I won a game.”
    “So, you prefer not playing chess at all.”
    “On the contrary. I play it every minute of every waking hour, love.
    Hadn't you noticed?”
    Ehandar laughed out loud and threw himself upon his brother, forcing him to lie flat on his back on the rug. Leaning over him, he kissed him full on the lips.
    “I was thinking,” Anaxantis said, as soon as their lips parted again, “to take a risk and ask Rullio to go investigate what is happening anyway.”

    5
“Come in My Lord,” the high king greeted his visitor. “Please, take
    a seat.”
    The young man nodded curtly.
    “Thank you, Your Majesty. Most gracious,” he said, while sitting down in an armchair across from the king's.
    He tugged at the left little finger of his glove.
    “Does it still hurt?”