Taking Steps (part 1)

Writers: Eimi
Date Posted: 29th April 2006

Characters: Benaroy, Shadux
Description: Benaroy is faced with a difficult choice
Location: Amber Hills Hold
Date: month 11, day 6 of Turn 3
Notes: Part 1 of 2
Mentions: Shayven, Chupsin, Cyrek

Benaroy paused in the infirmary door and watched as Shadux carefully
pulled the book out of his father's hands, and set beside him on the
small night stand. He then gently pulled the blankets higher and tucked
them under his father's chin. The Lord Holder watched the young man's
tender affection towards his father silently. He had known the pair of
them all their lives. Shayven's father had been his first steward, and
his grandfather and served before him. It was a long and successful
family line of stewards.

Since the earthquake Shadux had really stepped up, and filled his
father's shoes admirably. He had made his share of mistakes and learned
a few lessons the hard way, but nothing that hadn't been quickly mended.
Shadux was a good boy, and one day he would make one of his sons a fine
steward, just like his father.

**Shayven...** Lord Benaroy thought silently. What a rock he had always
been. Always at his elbow when needed, anticipating the Lord Holder's
every need and request, and never openly questioning him in front of
others. Of course, Benaroy had given him license to do so in private,
and his steward made use of that liberty sparingly. When Shayven
disagreed, the Lord Holder had learned to listen. He was an excellent
friend, and a qualified steward. Though, perhaps not the best. And
Amber Hills needed the best now...

Shadux could feel someone's eyes on him and he turned to look at the
Lord Holder standing in the doorway. Smiling, he walked carefully over
to his Lord and whispered, "Good evening, milord. I'm sorry, my
father's fallen asleep just now."

"No no, I don't want to disturb him," Benaroy said putting a hand on the
young man's shoulder affectionately. He had come to regard Shadux quite
as one of his own grandchildren. Perhaps, even closer than most of his
grandchildren. "How is he doing?"

"Journeyman Chupsin says he's doing just fine." That had been the best
news he had heard in a long time. The sooner his father could come back
to his work the better. Shadux had learned one thing very well since
taking over as acting Steward - he still had a lot to learn. "He says
he should recover fully and be back to work, at least on a limited
capacity, before the end of the month."

"Good," Benaroy nodded. "That's... excellent."

"Milord? Is there something bothering you?" Shadux had spent enough
time around the Lord Holder to know his moods. Something was weighing
on the old man's mind.

"Oh, I just wish he could come back sooner is all." He gave the boy's
shoulder a squeeze. "Don't worry, its not you. You've been doing a
remarkable job in your father's place. I couldn't be prouder of you."

"Thank you, sir," the young man smiled, a slight flush of pride rising
to his cheeks. Praise from Lord Benaroy was praise indeed. "I will
continue to do my best for you, sir. I promise."

"I know, lad. And your best is more than many a man can do. But I
could certainly use someone with experience by my side as we go through
all these changes."

Shadux nodded. It was one area he knew he was severely lacking. He
felt like the last man on Pern who could dispense advice to the Lord
Holder at this juncture.

"Ah, don't worry about me, boy. We'll make it through. We always have.
You just make sure your father recovers quickly, all right?" The Lord
Holder studied Shadux a moment. "What a fine young man you've grown
into. I truly believe that." And he would be truly missed...

The Lord Holder gave the boy a nod and one final squeeze to his
shoulder. He opened his mouth like something else to say, but
shook his head heavily, as if he had decided better. "All right then.
See to you father."

Shadux nodded and watched as the old Lord Holder turned and walked away.
Suddenly, Lord Benaroy seemed like a very old man, more than he had
ever noticed before. He seemed weighed down by something... heavy. But
who could blame him for feeling the burden and strain of merging two
Holds and two Halls into one. With a sigh Shadux turned and closed the
door.

Benaroy walked down the row of cots a ways until he reached an empty
one. He carefully lowered himself down on the edge of it. Shards, but
this was going to be hard. Shayven and Shadux, they were... like
family. He doubted either planned to be going anywhere, and yet he
knew they would never be so close again.

It had to be done. It was best for the Hold. Best for _both_ Holds.
Best for him. Best for _everyone_, except of course them...

Shayven had been an excellent Steward for Amber Hills as it was. But
Benaroy knew his old friend well enough to know that he was not the man
to carry them into the _new_ Amber Hills - the Amber Hills which could
now be. He just didn't have the drive, the desire, the stamina. He was
too comfortable and liked the way things were, and liked to do things
the
way they had always been done. Duty, honor, and tradition - that was
his family's creed. While the first two were certainly necessary
qualities for a steward, the last would no longer suit their needs.
Shayven was fantastic at maintaining the Hold, but now they needed
someone who could see it for what it _could_ be, rather than for what it
was. Times were changing. The Steward had to be changed too.

Cyrek was a good man. A capable man. A passionate man. He had proved
that since the earthquake time and again. Though he might be a bit
stuck on the whole idea of rebuilding Amethyst Cliff, he would soon
learn to call Amber Hills home. Benaroy knew he had to be careful with
the man. As he realized that his people were far more interested in
having a comfortable and stable roof over their head than in re-building
something literally from the ground up, Cyrek's fire and spirit could be
smothered. Benaroy just had to find a way to channel that drive into
making Amber Hills into everything he had helped make their former home,
and even more. His intensity could be re-directed.

With a full population, perhaps the only full Hold in the _region_
since the plague, Amber Hills could be great again, but only if they
could find men with great vision to lead it. They had been living hand
to mouth for so long, it was easy for them to get stuck in their ways,
for them to be held back by memories of hard times and hide behind their
fears. New blood could counter that. A new steward, and soon enough, a
new Lord Holder.

But which of his sons would it be? He had several to chose from, many
with admirable qualities. Surely, not someone _too_ young. Luckily,
none of his son's seemed too _old_. Who _would_ inherit? Benaroy knew
it would not be long now. He had to make a decision. It would take
some careful consideration and a great deal of thought.

But everything happens in steps. He could hold off on making that
decision for now. Benaroy know he must use the time in the most
effective way possible. Before he could chose a son, he needed to lay
the foundations of the new Hold. To give the Hold a strong base, one
that could unite Amber Hills and Amethyst Cliff, he needed Cyrek as
steward. That had to be completed before he could even consider an
heir. And that meant that he would have to take that first, painfully
difficult step. He had to get rid of the current Steward to make way.

Well, he couldn't take any steps sitting on his tail-end. Stiffly he
stood to his feet, and putting one foot in front of the other walked
down the rows of cots to the Healer's offices.

Last updated on the May 2nd 2006

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Taking Steps (part 1)