“The straightest way—the old way—would pass south of here,” Dorrin said. “I had not thought of founding a town, though I had in mind suggesting another new road connecting Harway to some southern town east of Fiveway—”

“Brewersbridge, for instance,” said High Marshal Seklis.

“Yes. That would allow movement of both trade and troops if necessary.”

“Do you really think we need to garrison our border with Lyonya?” the king asked, brows raised.

“From danger in Lyonya? No, sir king. But at the moment Lyonya bears almost all the burden of border watch. They have had incursions of brigands from here. They would be glad if we kept our criminals from crossing the border.”

“I see. That would involve you and Konhalt—and those south of Konhalt as well. Perhaps we could remit some of the Crown levy this year for those contributing to the construction of such a road.” The king looked at Count Konhalt. “Do you have any sort of track along the border?”

“There are forest tracks but nothing like a wagon road,” the count said. “But like Duke Verrakai, we have few outlets for our goods—we formerly traded only through the Verrakaien, who took a toll—” His look at Dorrin was not entirely friendly.

“I’m sure my uncle did,” Dorrin said.

“If you build this middle road,” High Marshal Seklis said, “will it be a toll road?”

“It must be,” Duke Marrakai said. “No one can afford to build a road for nothing. Even maintenance—”

“I haven’t decided,” Dorrin said. “Considering what my family did … I would prefer rather to serve than take. But you’re right, my lord: my family left fewer resources than I really need.”

“Other roads are tolled—even the Valdaire road is tolled in some stretches,” High Marshal Seklis said.

“Indeed,” Dorrin said. “One thing the Crown should insist on is free passage for Crown business—royal couriers or troops moving at royal command.”

The king nodded. By this time they had quit eating; Dorrin nodded to the servants, who cleared the table.

“High Marshal,” she said, “the Marshals sent here have asked if you will have time to visit them while you’re here. We have three granges—or will have when the buildings are finished. Darkon Edge was here when I came, though the Marshal who fought bravely was assassinated later—probably at my uncle’s command. Marshal Nemis is building a grange along what will be the middle road from Tsaia to Chaya; Marshal Fenold has a circuit of villages, including Kindle, a little west of here. Marshal Istan took over Darkon Edge. Marshal Daltor isn’t founding a grange yet; he says the population in my southern half is too thin, but he’s traveling about meeting people.”

“An excellent idea,” the king said before Seklis could answer. “You can report to the Marshal-General, Seklis. I’ll be here a few days; we can spare you the time.”