Chapter 9: New warlord

While my tenure at Wadi Halaf is secure from the machinations of meddling aldermen, the role of city warlord is another matter entirely. The warlord is responsible for dealing with any external threats to the city, and the position carries some political power. During his tenure as warlord, my father cemented our traditional alliances with neighbouring cities, and he often prevented the aldermen from making rash self-serving decisions. However, the aldermen are responsible for appointing a new warlord. Their belief that the position is no longer necessary could easily be put into effect by simply not selecting a new warlord. But that would put responsibility for the defence of the city onto the aldermens’ shoulders. It’s unlikely such a move would be popular with the city’s elite, and military matters are certainly beyond any of the current aldermen’s capabilities. A powerful warlord isn’t someone the aldermen would welcome. But a weak warlord, who is nothing more than their puppet, could be far more dangerous.

The subject of a new warlord doesn’t attract more than idle speculation from the gathered mourners. The funeral is soon over and Hayk accompanies Gülnihal, Aren, Zoe and me back to Wadi Halaf. Since slaves aren’t allowed to attend a funeral, we hold a private commemoration so that all those at Wadi Halaf can pay their respects. Fortunately my brothers Hugo and Prot, along with the other male slaves commandeered by the aldermen have returned to Wadi Halaf. Gülnihal doesn’t join us although she hands Efrem into Mia’s care so that he can participate.

The commemoration is relatively brief since we have three caravans staying at Wadi Halaf today. The guards and slaves are soon back at work, while Hayk joins me in my office to discuss what to do next.

“We must discuss the future of the Halls of Valhalla,” says Hayk once we are alone. “You will have your hands full managing Wadi Halaf, and Zoe needs to get married now that she is a free woman. I need to secure the future of my business. It will be at least a decade before Tigran is old enough to manage.”

The death of my father has alerted Hayk to the risks of dying without an heir old enough to manage his business. Unlike my father with me, Hayk has never allowed Zoe to learn much about running his business. Consequently, Hayk’s preferred solution is to gain a suitable son-in-law through Zoe’s marriage.

“Does Zoe want to get married?” I ask. “You refused to acknowledge her as a member of your family while she was a slave. And you sold Zoe in a public slave market as soon as Lady Giselle gave birth to Tigran.”

“Selling Zoe like that was a huge mistake, which I regret,” says my uncle. “Zoe will be well rewarded if she agrees to my proposal. She hasn’t rejected the idea out of hand.”

“And what future do you contemplate for the Halls of Valhalla?” I ask.

I’m well aware that without Zoe or me in charge, the Halls of Valhalla will soon struggle to compete against the larger slave trading houses. The Halls makes a modest profit, but not enough to attract someone to purchase it as a going concern. Few locals can speak the languages of distant lands. While training new slaves in our local language may be a service that will be missed, it’s unlikely anyone will want to purchase a niche business like the Halls of Valhalla.