by John Marco
"Quiet now," she barked. "My brother isn't lying to you. This is Emperor Biagio."
"My God, it can't be," gasped Glynn. "I spoke to him myself!"
Biagio rose. "It is I," he pronounced. "I am Biagio, Lord Emperor of Nar."
The authority of his tone stilled the crowd. They gaped at him, dumbfounded. Cray Kellen was the only one who moved, shaking his head in shock.
"Redburn speaks the truth," Biagio continued. "So don't stand around like a bunch of mutes. We have important business."
"Yes, please," Redburn implored. "Everyone, sit down. There's nothing to be afraid of."
"But the emperor!" sputtered Kellen. "What . . .?"
"Sit down, Cray Kellen," Biagio commanded. "Now."
Cray Kellen's backside hit the chair instantly. The others dropped to their seats in quick succession.
"All of you, listen to me," said Biagio impatiently. "What I have to tell you is vital. And I don't have time for long explanations. You'll just have to trust Prince Redburn for that. The survival of the Highlands is at stake."
"It's true," said Redburn. "Emperor Biagio has given me remarkable news. And he's right about our survival. I've been turning a blind eye to it, hoping it would go away. Well, it won't. Tassis Gayle has proven that now."
The clan leaders and their people all nodded in agreement. Even Kellen. The Lion of Granshirl rested his elbows on the table and put his hands together. "So?" asked Kellen pointedly. "If there is to be war between us, what will the Black City do? Are you here to broker a peace, Lord Emperor?"
"No," said Oily Glynn. "He's here to offer Naren troops. Will you pledge your legions to us, my lord?"
"Neither," replied Biagio. "I'm not here to offer the Highlands help. I'm here because I need help from you. Talistan is not just a threat to your country, but to the entire Empire. I'm the one who asked Redburn to battle Talistan."
"What?" blurted Kellen. "You haven't come with any troops?"
"The emperor has no troops," said Breena quickly. "He's alone. That's why he needs our help."
The news silenced the crowd. Oily Glynn went blank, staring at Redburn for answers, while Cray Kellen fell back in his chair.
"I don't understand," said Vandra Grayfin. "How could you need our help? You are . . ." She shrugged. "Well, the emperor."
"My lady, you do not know Nar as well as you should," said Biagio. "And I think perhaps that's my fault. We have shunned each other for too long, and now I need to explain myself. Things in the Black City are not as you imagine, and I am not as powerful as I should be. I am no Arkus, sadly."
"Biagio is under siege," Redburn explained. "He has enemies in the capital. The legions won't follow him, and there are kings in the Empire who want him dead."
"Kings like Tassis Gayle?" guessed Grayfin.
"Precisely," said Redburn. "Gayle's whole reason for harassing us into a war is so that he can reach the Black City from our territory. He wants to conquer the Eastern Highlands, and then make war on Biagio."
"He doesn't know I'm here," said Biagio. "If he did, he would already have ordered his horsemen into the Highlands. So he's been taunting you, trying to get you to make the first move. It's his wisest choice, politically."
"The devil," spat Oily Glynn. "So we'll look like the villains."
"Just so," agreed Biagio. "After that, he wouldn't need an excuse for taking over the Highlands, and no other countries would stop him, or even complain."
"And once he had the Highlands," said Redburn, "he could strike against the Black City."
Biagio nodded gravely. "So you see? That's what I'm here to prevent. That's why I need your help so desperately."
"I do not believe you," said Cray Kellen. "We all know you, Biagio. You're a trickster. You're more of a devil than Tassis Gayle. Why should we believe a word you say?"
Prince Redburn started to speak, but Biagio said quickly, "What choice do you have, Cray Kellen? Would you rather have Talistan rape your daughters as they gallop through on their way to Nar City? Because that's what they're going to do. Now that Gayle has slaughtered your precious elk, he's not going to wait forever. If you won't come to him, then he'll simply forgo politics and order the invasion."
The ruler of Granshirl shrank back, astounded by Biagio's venom. "Then we are trapped," he growled. "We can't defeat Talistan; their army is too strong. All of us together have maybe five hundred men. If we bring our youngest sons, maybe another hundred more--hardly enough to defeat Gayle. And even if we attack, he will be expecting us."
"You're right," said Redburn. "He will be expecting us. That's why we won't be fighting alone."
Then, very carefully, he proceeded to explain Biagio's strategy. When he was done, Cray Kellen shook his head.
"Inconceivable," said the Lion. "To think that Richius Vantran would agree to help you, Biagio. You have his word on this?"
"No," admitted Biagio. "I have not."
"But you have spoken to him, yes?"
"No."
"No?" Kellen leaned forward. "Then how in heaven do you know he'll help us? I'm not going to order an attack on Talistan unless I have proof of this plan, Lord Emperor!"
"Be easy, Kellen," pleaded Redburn. "I also have my doubts. But Biagio is convinced Vantran will join us."
"And there's more," said Biagio quickly. "A dreadnought of the Black Fleet. It will be off the coast of Talistan on the appointed morning. It has orders to open fire, to distract Tassis Gayle and his troops. We won't be alone, Cray Kellen, I promise you."
Kellen considered this, rubbing his chin. "The Black Fleet, hmm? How many ships?"
Biagio hesitated. "Just the one."
"One ship? That's all? It won't be enough!"
"It will!" growled Biagio. A flash of old madness flooded him, making him slam down a fist. "With the Dread Sovereign and the Triin army, Talistan will be trapped. They'll be closed in east and west, if you're not too cowardly to join the battle!"
Kellen jumped to his feet. "I'm no coward. And I'm not a madman, either. This plan of yours is ludicrous. Redburn, if you listen to this lunatic, you are as insane as he is!"
"You still haven't answered me, Kellen," said Biagio. "Do you have a choice? You don't have to trust me. I don't really care if you do or not. I've given up trying to win the trust of strangers. But if you don't attack Talistan, if you don't take this one chance to beat back Tassis Gayle, then you'll lose this country, because you're all going to be dead!"
His speech finished, Biagio sank down into his chair. Silence filled the hall. Biagio felt Breena watching him. He glanced at her, saw pain in her face, then glanced away, uncaring.
"Well, that's true," said Redburn. "The emperor makes his point harshly, but he's right. I don't want war, Kellen. But I saw what was done to the latapi, and I know Tassis Gayle isn't going to stop. And no amount of wishing can make it so."
But the Lion of Granshirl remained unconvinced. "This is a damnable puzzle. If the emperor is wrong, then we will be alone against Talistan. Without help, we'll be slaughtered."
"We'll be slaughtered anyway," said Breena suddenly. To Biagio's surprise, she began defending him. "The emperor is right. We can't hide. So we can do nothing and be killed, or we can fight."
"Vandra Grayfin?" said Redburn. "What say you? We've heard from Kellen, and we already know Oily Glynn's mind. But I welcome your wisdom, old friend."
The head of Clan Grayfin pushed back her chair and stood. She spread her hands to the gathering, saying, "I have always dreaded this day. I had even hoped to be dead before it came. For years, Talistan has looked on us as savages. They call us wildmen, and they call our children tramps." Her gaze drifted toward Biagio. "Even in Nar City we are called barbarians. Isn't that so, Lord Emperor?"
Biagio stiffened. "Yes," he admitted. "I'm ashamed to say it, but it's true. But I've learned about you, Lady Vandra. My time here has taught me much."
"That pleases me," said Grayfin. "But it's too late for us to ignore the truth of things. Tass
is Gayle has done the unspeakable. He has slaughtered our latapi, the gentlest, noblest of beasts. I cannot see how any of us can turn away from such a crime. I'm sorry, Cray Kellen, but I'm with Redburn." She smiled grimly at the young prince. "I vote for battle."
A surge of triumph went through Biagio. Beside him, Redburn let out a sigh of relief. Oily Glynn cheered and banged his goblet on the table, and even Breena nodded. But Cray Kellen was silent. The Lion rubbed his forehead, looking down at the tabletop in thought, and everyone waited for him to speak. When the wait became interminable, Redburn pressed him.
"Kellen? Will you join us?"
Still Kellen said nothing.
"We need you, Kellen," said Biagio. "We need your men, your strength. We can't do it without you."
Finally, the clan leader lifted his head. "What do we do first?" he said.
"The first day of summer," said Redburn, "is only three days away. You have that much time to call your armies. On the dawn we will meet at the Silverknife."
"Three days," said Kellen sourly. "Not much time."
"And when we form our forces?" asked Oily Glynn. "What then?"
"Then we will cross the river into Talistan," answered Redburn. "And we will not stop until Tassis Gayle is dead."
Raucous cheering ensued. Oily Glynn jumped onto the table and danced. Biagio rose and looked across the table at Vandra Grayfin.
"Thank you," he mouthed silently. Vandra Grayfin nodded. Then Biagio turned to Breena. "Thank you, too," he said softly. "This is not easy for me to say, but I appreciate your help."
Breena rose from her chair. "You want to thank me? Be right about Richius Vantran."
"I am right," said Biagio. "I know I am."
Breena leaned over and kissed his cheek. She whispered, "I hope so," then quickly departed the hall.
Biagio's fingers went to his face. "I am right," he repeated. "God, let me be right about this."
Next to Biagio, Prince Redburn was shaking hands and making solemn promises to his followers. Biagio slipped himself between the prince and a man from Granshirl, taking the prince by the arm and pulling him aside.
"Redburn, a word, please . . ."
"What?" asked Redburn with annoyance.
"Your plan to cross the Silverknife--it won't work. Now that Gayle has slaughtered your elk, he'll be waiting for you. He'll be expecting your attack. We won't make it across the river."
Redburn nodded grimly. "Then that will be our battlefield." He squeezed Biagio's shoulder. "Sharpen your sword, Lord Emperor. It's time for battle."
FORTY-ONE
Elrad Leth could barely believe his ears. "Dead?" he cried. "What do you mean she's dead?"
"She laughed at me, so I killed her." Tassis Gayle quit fussing with his garments and pointed at the bed. "There, when we were sleeping. I strangled her."
"What?" Leth's eyes danced frantically between the bed and the king. "She can't be dead! I saw her a week ago."
Gayle nodded. "That's right. That's when I killed her." He checked himself in the mirror, dazzled by his royal garb. The sunlight coming through the window made him gleam.
"I can't believe this," gasped Leth. "She's been dead for almost a week and you're only telling me now?"
"I wouldn't have told you at all, but I thought you should know. Anyway, that's not why I summoned you. I want to talk about the Highlands."
Leth put up his hands in exasperation. "Wait, goddamn it, just wait. What the hell happened to Ricter?"
Gayle sighed as if talking to a child. "I told you; she's dead."
"You told me you strangled her!"
"That's right." The king took a cape from his wardrobe and draped it over his shoulders. "What do you think of this one? I want to look my best for the troops."
"Tassis, are listening to yourself? You just said you killed the baroness."
"Stop clucking and help me with this," said Gayle, fumbling with the chain of his cape. His old fingers couldn't seem to work the clasp.
"What did you do with the body?" Leth pressed.
"Redd and Damot disposed of it. They threw it into the river, I think."
"Oh, my God. Are you mad? Have you lost your goddamn . . ."
The king looked up at him. It was all the warning Leth needed.
"My lord," he said carefully, "let's try to act rationally here, all right? You murdered the baroness. What do you think is going to happen when her men find out?"
Gayle shrugged. "I don't know."
"Well, neither do I! God almighty, aren't you worried?"
"No, I'm not. Her soldiers think she's gone back to Vosk to gather more troops. I told them our own people were accompanying her, so they wouldn't get suspicious."
"Oh, brilliant. Yes, that's very convincing."
"By the time her men realize she's dead, we'll have already taken the Eastern Highlands. Now help me with this bloody cape."
"The hell with your cape!" Leth tore the garment away from Gayle and threw it to the floor. "Haven't you been listening to me? We're in trouble!"
The king's expression became dangerous. "No, we're not. Ricter's troops know nothing of her death. Redd and Damot won't say a word, and I'm certainly not going to tell anyone about it. Will you?"
"Of course not," flared Leth. "But sooner or later they're going to find out. And when they do, we're going to have a revolt on our hands. Are you prepared for that?"
"You worry too much," said Gayle. He picked up his cape and began arranging it around his shoulders again, admiring himself in the mirror. "When the baroness doesn't return to Vosk, it will be supposed that some horrible accident befell her. And who are we to argue with that?" The king smiled. "Look at me. I'm still beautiful. I look barely half my age. I can't wait for them to see me!"
Elrad Leth was speechless. Was Gayle so mad that he couldn't see the shriveled reptile staring back at him? Worse, he had come at the king's behest to discuss the Eastern Highlands and Redburn's response to the slaughter of his elk. Tassis Gayle had even sent a carriage for the governor. Leth had spent the trip to Talistan fretting over Gayle's state of mind. Lately, the king had gotten worse. But Leth never expected murder. He watched Tassis Gayle primping like a bride before the mirror, preparing to meet his horsemen, whom Major Mardek had assembled on the parade grounds outside the castle. He was going to tell them all about Redburn's imminent attack, and how they needed to make ready. It would be like the old glory days for the king, and he was eager to get outside. But first he had to look perfect. In that strange way the insane have of obsessing over minutia, he couldn't seem to decide on an outfit. Leth's mind raced for something to say. Somehow, he had to reach the king's diseased mind.
"My lord," he said gently, "let's talk."
"Yes, let's. We have a lot to do. Major Mardek and his troops are waiting for me. I must address them, tell them to make ready. Redburn's attack could come any day."
"No, my lord," said Leth. "I want to talk about you. Here . . ." He eased the king away from the mirror and directed him to the bed. As Gayle sat down, he let out a sigh.
"Leth, I don't have time for this. I want to talk about Wallach and his ships."
"Yes, all right. But listen to me first. You're not well. You've murdered Baroness Ricter." He scrutinized the king, looking for a sign of recognition. "You do realize that, don't you?"
"What the hell have I been saying? I know I killed her."
Flabbergasted, Leth said, "That's murder, my lord. She was a baroness! She was your lover."
Gayle scoffed. "Some lover. She said I was old. Well, I am not too old! And I intend to prove it to you!" He rose from the bed and shoved Leth aside, going back to the mirror. With a flourish he tossed the cape over his shoulders, his nostrils flaring. "You will return to Aramoor. Tell Wallach to have his armada set sail for the coast of the Highlands as soon as they are able. I want them to set up a blockade. I don't want Nicabar's navy interfering with our invasion."
"Nicabar is dead, Tassis."
"I know th
at. But his captains might still try to stop us. I won't take any chances. Zerio and his ships must set sail at once."
"My lord . . ."
"At once!" growled Gayle. This time it was he who tossed the cape to the floor. "Goddamn it, why won't anyone listen to me? Why all this bloody arguing? I've given you an order, Governor. Obey me!"
Leth struggled to subdue his rage. "I will obey you, my lord," he spat. "And I will give your message to Duke Wallach. Zerio's fleet will set sail, as you wish."
"Good," snapped Gayle. He turned to the mirror again, scowling at himself. "I am the King of Talistan. You will follow my commands without question."
"And what are your orders for me?" asked Leth. "Am I to fight here against the Highlanders?"
"You, fight? No, I don't think so." The king chortled. "Fighting is a task for real men, Leth. Men like myself. You will return to Aramoor and stay there. See to it that Wallach's navy sets sail as ordered. Then protect Aramoor from the Saints. Once they learn we're at war with the Highlands, they may try to attack. You're to see that they don't. Do you think you can do that without complaining?"
"Of course I can. I'm as much a fighting man as you are, Tassis."
"You are a flower, Elrad. Any Highlander would have no trouble pulling off your petals. Even Lady Breena could best you, I think."
"And what about you, my lord? What will you be doing when the Highlanders attack?"
"I will be where a king should be," declared Gayle. "I will be at the head of my army."
"So you're going to fight?"
"Of course."
"You're going to ride into battle?" Now it was Leth who was laughing. "Are you sure that's a good idea, my lord? After all, you're . . . well . . ."
Gayle turned on him like a cobra. "What? Too old? Is that what you were going to say?"
"You? Old? Don't be ridiculous. There are plenty of seventy-year-olds still clanging around in battle armor. Go off and ride into action, my lord," said Leth. Without waiting for the king to dismiss him, he started toward the chamber door. "Enjoy yourself. But if you get out of breath, ask the Highlanders if you could take a break. I'm sure they'll accommodate you."