Free Gold Throne in Shadow by M.C. Planck

Kingsrock. And you already know the new regiment will require more wagons.”
    Tom leaned on his shovel and contemplated Christopher, who was secretly pleased to see he had finally thrown the man off-balance.
    â€œThat’s a lot of arranging you’re asking one young fool to do,” Tom said.
    â€œI guess it is,” Christopher said, pretending innocence. It was something he needed practice at. “I guess I better give you a pretty high title to go with it. How does Major sound?” Of course Tom had no idea what names Christopher had invented for his army organization, but it clearly sounded good.
    Tom didn’t ask for a raise; he merely stood, dumbfounded. He already knew Christopher would give him one. That wasn’t the point. He was going to have a lot of heavily armed men doing what he told them to. On this planet, pretty much as on any other planet, that kind of status was its own reward.
    â€œYou won’t be needing this again,” Christopher said, and with deep satisfaction he took the shovel from Tom’s limp grasp.

    The first of the oncoming crowd was someone he’d tried to hire before, and failed. The troubadour Lalania had refused to work for him, preferring her status as a free agent. Christopher was shamefully happy to see her anyway, and not just because of her long blonde hair and pretty smile.
    â€œMy lord Curate,” she curtsied deeply, “I like what you’ve done with your face.” His nose was no longer slightly crooked, his skin now smooth and unblemished, but her flirtations were only for fun. Christopher surprised them both by hugging her.
    â€œHelp,” he begged. “Tell me everything I’m supposed to know.”
    â€œA mortal life is too short for that, but I did not come without presents.” She introduced the Baronet Gregor like she was displaying a trained bear, a treatment the armored knight bore with patience.
    â€œYou’ve done well by yourself,” Gregor said. He had helped Christopher fight Black Bart several times, including the last and most desperate battle, any of which would have been lost without the blue knight’s sword.
    â€œUm,” Christopher said, less concerned with past success than current dangers. “I couldn’t have got here without your help.”
    â€œI can see I should have stayed and helped you more,” Gregor said. “I had no idea you had the capacity for so much mischief. I’m sorry to have missed all the fun.” The destruction of Black Bart had been somewhat eclipsed by the battle with the goblins, at least in terms of sheer slaughter.
    Karl never let niceties get in the way of business. “It’s not too late to fix that. The Curate is hiring.”
    Gregor was a man of action himself. “Partners, or fealty?” he asked.
    â€œSalary,” Karl said, and Gregor shook his head in disappointment.
    â€œBut if you’ll allow me, perhaps I’ll hang around and freelance for a bit. It’s worked out for me in the past.” Though Gregor made a joke of it, Christopher was sure it meant there was a real need for his presence.
    â€œYou are always welcome, Ser Gregor,” he said. “More than welcome.”
    â€œNot many of those who are to come will find salary acceptable, either,” Lalania warned.
    â€œThen maybe they’ll go away,” Christopher said. “Can you tell me what’s coming? Are they ranked or just commoners?”
    â€œSome of both, though mostly the latter. Still, I suggest you find a more courteous way to disappoint them.”
    Christopher latched on to her. “That’s the first thing you can tell me.”
    â€œYou truly do not seek associates?” she asked. “You would travel all but alone?”
    â€œI’d love to have Cannan and Niona.” Cannan was the most physically intimidating person he’d met, outside of the monstrous Black Bart. Having him onside was