Irritation flickered across Klemath’s face, then quickly extinguished. Jemson frowned, looking as if he wished to say something, but did not. Byrne’s expression said that he would see it done if that’s what his queen required.
She’s put him in a spot, Han thought. The bluejackets and the army already hate each other. But she doesn’t have much choice if she really means to make this happen.
“What other business is there?” Raisa asked, stretching her arms out in front of her and rotating her shoulders like they hurt.
“This arrived from Tamron Court via the garrison at Tamron Crossing,” Klemath said sullenly, extending an envelope toward Raisa. “It is addressed to you, from Gerard Montaigne, Prince of Tamron.”
Prince Gerard! Han stiffened. He and Dancer had had a run-in with Gerard in Ardenscourt. Gerard had tried to “recruit” them for his wizard army. If not for Cat Tyburn, he might have succeeded.
Strange that Klemath would give Raisa the message at this meeting, Han thought. Why wouldn’t he just forward it to her with other dispatches from the border?
Unless he already knew what it said and wanted to see how queen and council reacted to the message within.
Raisa stilled herself for a long moment, took a deep breath, then took the envelope from Klemath. It was thick, creamy stationery, sealed with a wax stamp. Ripping the seal free, she slid a folded sheet from the envelope.
She unfolded it and spread it out on the table. Tucking her hair behind her ears, she bent her head to scan the message, so Han couldn’t see her expression. She appeared to read over it twice, running her finger along the page as if to assure herself that she was reading every line.
When she raised her head, her complexion resembled the tawny marble they dug from the quarries in We’enhaven, set with the emeralds of her eyes. Pressing the heels of her hands into the table, she tapped on the page with her fingers, staring straight ahead.
“Well?” Lord Bayar asked impatiently. “What does Montaigne have to say?”
Raisa flinched as if startled, and looked at the High Wizard, her eyes unusually bright.
“What is it, Your Highness?” Bayar said, leaning forward and reaching for the letter. “Perhaps we could shed some perspective on—”
“Here, Lord Bayar,” Raisa said, thrusting the page toward him. “Why don’t you read it aloud for the council?” She sat back, arms folded, gripping her elbows to either side.
Bayar scanned the page quickly, then looked up at Raisa as if seeking clues as to how she might respond.
Clearing his throat, he bent his head over the paper and began to read.
C H A P T E R T W E N T Y - E I G H T
LOVE LETTER
FROM ARDEN
To Her Majesty Queen Raisa of the Fells,
I write in the fervent hope that this finds you well and to offer congratulations on your imminent coronation.
Please also accept my condolences on the sudden and yet remarkably timely death of your mother, Queen Marianna. It is well known that relations between the two of you have been strained of late. Her accident, while unfortunate, has cleared a major obstacle from your path. It appears that you, like me, do not hesitate to shape events to your advantage. This only reinforces my notion that we are natural allies and could be more than that.
“Blood of the demon!” Averill swore.
Clearly, this was not a message intended to be read aloud in company.
Or perhaps it was.
Han watched Raisa’s face. It retained its stonelike quality, stamped with a faintly interested expression. He could tell that she was watching all the other faces in the room.
“Daughter,” Averill said. “You should not entertain this kind of slander. The notion that you would have had anything to do with your mother’s death is ludicrous.”
“And yet many suspect me,” Raisa said. “Especially outside of the Fells.” She gestured to Bayar. “Go on.”
It will take some time to reestablish order in Tamron and rid the kingdom of spies and traitorous elements. The abuses and excesses of the recent king have stoked the fires of rebellion among both nobles and commons. They must understand that those days are over. Indeed, the former prince and princess are at risk of assassination by their own people. You will be glad to know that I am keeping them well secured within my keep.
The current confusion does, I believe, present an opportunity for us to expand our holdings. My brother, Prince Geoff, continues to lay claim to the kingdom of Arden. He has reinforced his borders with Tamron and brought his army west to meet any threat from us. This leaves his northern borders lightly garrisoned and unprotected.
I understand that the Fells maintains a standing army of more than five thousand horse and foot soldiers.
Bayar looked up from the letter. “Remarkably accurate count, wouldn’t you say?”
“Remarkable,” Raisa murmured.
Bayar resumed reading.
I propose the following, the details of which are to be negotiated by our representatives:
The Fells will invade the kingdom of Arden from the north, committing at least three thousand of its troops to this campaign. The Fellsian Army will drive south as far as Temple Church and hold its position there. This will divert the Ardenine Army away from the western border and allow us to advance from that direction to take the capital.
“It would also make any future alliance with Geoff unlikely, if not impossible,” Averill said.
Raisa nodded, lips tight together. “Go on,” she directed Bayar.
He continued reading.
Once Arden is securely under my control, I will withdraw most of my army from Tamron, leaving the Tomlins to rule as my regents there, assuming that they can be made to understand certain realities.
Finally, I propose an immediate marriage contract between us, with the marriage to be solemnized as soon as our military objectives are accomplished. It would be best, of course, for our betrothal to remain secret for now.
Following our marriage, we will jointly rule the larger kingdom of Arden, Tamron, and the Fells. You would, of course, retain your title of Queen of the Fells, a title that our daughters would inherit.
We needn’t stop there. Given your line’s history, we would have a natural claim to the rest of the Seven Realms. With our combined resources, we can add these jewels to our crown. You will be the beautiful and glittering symbol of a new age of peace and prosperity.
Do give this proposal careful consideration. I think you agree that this arrangement presents significant advantages to us both, if we act quickly.
I also hope you are able to set aside the unfortunate incidents along the border between Tamron and Arden and know that it was my desire to cement a match with you that drove my behavior. These times call for bold and aggressive action.
Best, Gerard Montaigne, King of Arden and Tamron
Bayar tossed the pages onto the table with a snort. “The new king of Tamron takes you for a fool, Your Highness.”
Raisa laced her fingers, resting her hands on the table. “Do you think so, Lord Bayar?”
“During that unfortunate incident, as he calls it, Montaigne murdered young Wil Mathis in cold blood,” Bayar said.
Raisa nodded. “I was there.”
“Not only that,” Bayar continued, “some speculate that his agents may be responsible for the murders we’ve seen recently, right here in the city.”
“Murders?” Raisa looked from face to face, fastening on Captain Byrne’s. “What murders?”
“Five of the gifted have been murdered in the past fortnight, and the bodies left in Ragmarket,” Byrne said. “The murders seem indiscriminate, connected only by the fact that all of the victims were wizards. One was a member of the assembly, but the last two were students slumming in Ragmarket. They were found in a back alley with their throats cut and their amulets missing, painted over in blood.”
That caught Han’s attention. Cat had mentioned that there’d been several
murders of the gifted in Ragmarket and Southbridge. She’d asked around, but nobody seemed to be bragging about it.
Whoever’s running that crew has starch, Han had thought at the time. Or a death wish.
“Why would Montaigne kill wizards in Ragmarket?” Raisa asked.
“It’s just one theory,” Byrne said. “As you know, Your Highness, Montaigne has abducted wizards and forced them into his army. But it’s likely he’s been having difficulty getting his hands on magical weaponry. So he might be killing wizards in order to collect their amulets. Or seeking to reduce the supply of gifted in the north.”
Bayar rolled his lace cuffs. “Some say Gerard Montaigne is behind it. Others believe we should look closer to home.” He turned his head very deliberately and looked at Averill Demonai. The red-haired wizard leaned forward, nodding her support.
“By all means, look closer to home,” Lord Demonai said, glancing up at the ceiling. “After all, wizards have a long history of preying on each other. Perhaps some have chosen this means to address the shortage of flashcraft.”
“Isn’t it more likely to be gang related?” Raisa’s gaze flickered to Han, then fixed back on her captain.
“That could be,” Byrne said, “but the gangs usually leave wizards alone.”
“All right,” Raisa said wearily, as if she were adding this problem to some mental list. “Let’s get back to the matter at hand.” She looked around the table. “What about the rest of you? What do you think of Montaigne’s proposal?”
Is she really considering it? Han wondered. He’d met Gerard Montaigne, and he wasn’t buying anything the prince was selling.
“I agree with Lord Bayar,” Byrne said, “whether or not Montaigne has anything to do with those murders. My guess is, since he hasn’t been able to defeat his brother on his own, he’s hoping the army of the Fells will distract Geoff long enough for him to gain a foothold.” He paused. “Our losses could be devastating. Our army is trained for mountain fighting, where our smaller numbers aren’t such a disadvantage. Out on the Arden plains, we can be flanked and overwhelmed.”
“Let’s not be hasty,” General Klemath said, adjusting his bulk in his seat. “While there is some truth to what Captain Byrne says, his knowledge of our army and the tactics of flatland warfare is limited. Many of our mercenary soldiers have trained in Arden and Tamron for just this kind of fighting. In this instance, it may be that our employ of experienced mercenaries will lead to success rather than failure.” He smiled smugly, as if he felt redeemed.
“A strong marriage to the south would cement your position,” Klemath continued, “and discourage those who might seek to take advantage of a young and inexperienced queen.”
Why is Raisa’s general offering political advice? Han wondered. What’s his dog in this fight?
Lord Hakkam nodded in agreement. “There may be opportunity here, if we proceed carefully. Whether any alliance with Arden would be acceptable to the Council of Nobles would depend on how claims for land and holdings are adjudicated and whether southerners have any claims on properties here in the north.”
Tilting his head back, Hakkam looked down his nose at the others. “If we come to Gerard’s aid, it would seem that grants of lands and estates in Arden should be ceded to us as victors. There’s the potential that many of us could do very well on a larger stage, with more resources.” He smiled, his eyes lighting with avarice. “Arden and Tamron! Think of it—miles and miles of fertile fields and riches such as we’ve never seen in the Fells.”
He’s in as long as he gets shares, Han thought. Everybody here is voting his own interest. Running this council is like herding cats and rats together and trying to keep anybody from having a meal.
“I was just in Arden,” Han said, “and it’s not what you think. They’ve been at war for almost a decade, so it’s pretty torn up. A lot of the crops have been destroyed, and they’ve been pouring money into their armies for so long there’s been little to spare for building and repair.”
They all looked at him as if a dog had suddenly spoken up, offering military advice.
“Well, then,” Hakkam said, folding his fingers carefully together and wrinkling his nose like he smelled something bad. “Likely many of the major landholders have been killed, so there will be properties available and in need of management. There may also be the opportunity to negotiate advantageous marriages with prominent families in Arden or Tamron.”
“That may be, Lord Hakkam,” Averill said, “assuming that Gerard wins. I’ve not been impressed with his military efforts so far. If Geoff wins against us as Gerard’s allies, I suspect we won’t be making any marriages to the south.”
He paused. “Your Highness, you already know my opinion of Gerard Montaigne. He’s a snake, and a snake doesn’t change its basic nature if you dress it up and give it a fancier title. I think it wise to look both inside and outside the queendom for a match, but as a father and a counselor, I cannot advise that you go to Montaigne. You would never sleep soundly in his bed.”
A ghost of a smile passed across Raisa’s face, coming and going so quickly that Han wasn’t sure he’d really seen it.
Maybe Montaigne wouldn’t sleep soundly, either, Han thought. That cheered him. But only a little.
“We may be able to secure our objectives without committing to your marriage to the Prince of Arden, Your Highness,” Lord Hakkam said. “Perhaps he would be satisfied with another match. My daughter Melissa, for example, is cousin to you, and a marriage between them would strengthen our ties outside the queendom.”
“It would be a grave error to allow Gerard Montaigne to gain a foothold here,” Lord Bayar said. “The next thing we know, we’ll have the crows of Malthus flocking into the cities and taking over our temples.”
“That will never happen,” Lord Averill said, glancing at Speaker Jemson, who, as usual, listened more than spoke. The expression on Averill’s face reminded Han that he had been and still was a Demonai warrior.
“Come, Gavan,” General Klemath said to Bayar, ignoring Averill. “Surely we can work this to our advantage and manage this in a way to keep us all safe. I’ll match our wizards against Gerard Montaigne any day. There is some risk, but there is much to gain in this.”
“Arrows are faster than jinxes,” Han murmured. Once again, they all stared at him.
“Alister is right,” Byrne said. “Used strategically, wizards could play a pivotal role in a military campaign. But we’re not used to cooperating in that way. We’ve not fought such a war in a thousand years.”
It was a peculiar marriage of interests—Lord Averill and Captain Byrne and Lord Bayar and Han Alister agreeing on anything was as rare as gold in Ragmarket.
“I think you’ll find that the Council of Nobles will concur that an alliance with Gerard Montaigne presents a rare opportunity,” Lord Hakkam said. “Especially now that he holds Tamron. Perhaps we should meet with his representatives before we come to a decision.”
“By all means, let us open negotiations with Montaigne’s representatives,” Raisa said. “That commits us to nothing, and we may learn more about his intentions. At the very least, it may keep him at bay as long as he thinks it is a possibility. While I am not keen on a match with Gerard, I certainly wish to keep all options open when it comes to the best interests of the realm. I think we have to be practical in such matters, whatever our personal inclinations. Uncle, I will leave this in your hands.”
Hakkam smiled like a sharp that spies a nick-ninny mark. “I will keep you apprised of developments, Your Highness.”
Ignoring the scowls on Bayar’s and Demonai’s faces, Raisa folded the letter, returned it to its envelope, and set it aside, closing the subject. “Is there anything else before we adjourn?”
Lord Bayar stood. “Your Highness, as you know, the queen appoints one member to the Wizard Council, who speaks for her interests. Our next meeting is scheduled a week from now, and it would be wise for you to have a representative there. We will wa
nt to choose a new High Wizard as soon as possible to provide you proper protection.” His gaze swept over Han, as if he were an example of improper protection.
“Really?” Raisa said, raising an eyebrow. “It’s scheduled in a week, is it?” She drummed her fingers on the table.
Bayar should have known better. Either he was blind to Raisa’s moods, or he didn’t care to try to read her. “As time is short, may I suggest my daughter Fiona?” he said. “You grew up together, and, as you said, it would be useful to have another young lady on the council.”
A young lady who would like to nudge Raisa right off the throne, Han thought.
Raisa folded her arms, a sign of resistance. “Don’t the Bayars already have a seat on the council? In addition to your role as High Wizard and chair?”
Lord Bayar nodded. “As my eldest, Micah, has turned eighteen, he will assume the Bayar seat on the council. I, of course, will continue as chair until a new High Wizard is chosen.”
So Micah’s the older twin, Han thought. Add Fiona, and that’d be three Bayars on the Wizard Council. That wasn’t such a good idea, especially if they were getting ready to pick a new High Wizard.
“Thank you, Lord Bayar,” Raisa said. “I appreciate your suggestion, but I have already chosen a representative to the council.”
Lord Bayar’s head came up, and he wiped a look of startlement off his face. “Really, Your Highness? So quickly? Is it someone I know?”
“Alister has agreed to serve,” Raisa said, nodding toward Han, where he stood against the wall. Once again, heads turned like beads on a string.
Street face, Han said to himself, looking back at them.
Gavan Bayar didn’t bother to hide his opinion.
“Your Highness,” he protested, turning back to Raisa. “No doubt Alister would bring a refreshing new perspective to our deliberations. However, despite your generous pardoning of him for past crimes, he would be ill suited to represent your interests among members of the oldest and most illustrious families of wizards in the queendom. His rather colorful history doesn’t prepare him for his duties there.”
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