by John F. Carr
“It’s tempting, old friend,” Phidestros said, as he turned to see the City Elders and their pinched faces. They didn’t expect I’d get such a fine celebration, he thought. They’re probably all scheming to see where their place will be in the new regime. I wonder in which direction they’ll jump when King Lysandros returns with his army?
Of course, now that he and his wife were throwing their support behind Prince Selestros, if the meeting came off satisfactorily, then he would be the one who’d have to face Lysandros and the Royal Army. I’d like to muster these civilians into my Army and see just how much support they’d give me when I put a pike or musket into their arms!
He suspected they’d desert in droves.
At last they reached the Royal Palace and the victory parade came to an end as Phidestros was escorted into the private audience chamber to meet with Prince Selestros, the former King of Concubines. It was the first time Phidestros had ever seen the Prince sober and clear-eyed; he was surprisingly handsome and young in appearance, except for his deep blue-gray eyes, which contained the depths of the Great Ocean.
The Prince approached him with open palms.
He laid his hands on the Prince’s and said, “Well met, Your Highness.”
“Likewise, Your Highness,” Selestros returned.
The only other person in the room was Chancellor Lyphannes, who looked like a cat who’d just bitten the head off a songbird.
“Where is Great Queen Lavena?”
Selestros nodded and Kyphannes spoke, “She is secured in one of the upper chambers under guard, as you requested, Your Highness.”
Actually, he hadn’t requested that exactly, but had demanded her protection as one of his conditions for supporting Selestros’ bid to become Great King. Also, as a Prince Elector of Hos-Harphax, he was guaranteed one vote for the next Great King.
“Good.” Phidestros said. “Now, Your Highness, let me be direct: what can you grant me to guarantee my loyalty to you as Great King of Hos-Harphax? I have been granted lands and a title by your Uncle and have given him my sworn oath of fealty.”
“As my Uncle is a regicide, your oath is invalid both under the laws of man and the gods.”
“And what proof do you have of this terrible crime?”
The Chancellor spoke, “Count Hythar, Lysandros’ Chief Intelligencer, has admitted to poisoning Great King Kaiphranos under Lysandros’ orders.”
“How was this information obtained?”
“Under torture, of course. We broke him on the rack, but it wasn’t a tainted confession. He gave collaborating details, including who provided the poisoning agent. If you want, you can question him yourself, Your Highness.”
Phidestros did not trust men who changed the color of their cloaks so quickly, like Lyphannes. “I will want to see him and the Great Queen after our discussion.”
“Very well, Your Highness. Do understand, his health at the moment is quite fragile.”
“Chancellor, I’ve broken a few men myself. I know the effects of rigorous questioning. Of course, if these charges are true, my oaths to Lysandros will be invalidated.”
“Exactly,” Selestros said. “Your support, as the vanquisher of the Great Usurper, will go a long way in validating my claim to the Iron Throne. To show my appreciation, I will be more than willing to increase your possessions in Greater Beshta, with the addition of the Princedom of Sask. Prince Sthentros, who has claimed the crown of both Hostigos and Sask, will be removed. He was illegally appointed Prince by the regicide and I do not favor traitors, even those that aid the Throne.”
Phidestros was impressed with the Selestros’ directness and the underlying threat. The implication being that Phidestros’ own Princedom, granted to him by King Lysandros, was of uncertain claim were he not to fully support the Prince in his bid to be Great King. On the other hand, there wasn’t an army in the Five Kingdoms that could take his lands away from him.
“Your Highness, you do realize that these former Princedoms of Hos-Hostigos are void of not only subjects but farms, towns and even villages? I doubt there are more than fifty thousand people alive in Hostigos and Sask combined.”
“This is true, Your Highness,” Selestros said, “but we have many subjects here in the City who have no jobs and too much time on their hands; now many are without homes due to the riots. We will provide you with a hundred thousand new subjects for your new princedom of Sask.”
Yes, take all the scum out of the gaols and off the gibbets and move them into my lands.
“Your Highness, I have heard stories of how you took the camp followers that trailed your Army home from Ulthor and turned them into hard-working subjects.”
Phidestros nodded. We won’t discuss at what cost. At least a quarter of them tried to escape and were later rounded-up and hanged. Of course, many of the rest have turned into good subjects. “They will do, although I also want to bring any guildsmen and craftsmen from the City that might volunteer to come along.”
“Of course,” Selestros said with a smug look.
As a former apprentice, Phidestros knew there were plenty of young guildsmen and artisans frustrated by the old men who ran the guilds with all their regulations devised to keep them in their place. Selestros would come to rue the day he so cavalierly gave into that provision.
“Now, Your Highness, is there any truth to the rumors that Dralm will be elevated above all other gods and Styphon and His House will be banished from Hos-Harphax?”
Selestros got a beatific expression on his face. “It is Allfather Dralm’s will that all the True Gods be worshipped at the same table, although Allfather sits at the head of that table. The False God Styphon, a demon in disguise, is to be driven from the Kingdom, his Temples destroyed and his false priests gathered up and imprisoned.”
Aha, thought Phidestros. A quick infusion of gold into the Kingdom’s coffers from Styphon’s Temples was what the Prince was counting on. He will also be purchasing the undying enmity of Styphon’s House. This would mean war with Styphon’s House, although at the moment their armies were spread out all over the Five Kingdoms and into the Middle Kingdoms as well.
Phidestros could always renounce his allegiance to Selestros if and when it turned to his advantage. He owed this young tosspot nothing, while Selestros would never dare to sit in his father’s Seat if not for his support.
“I’m not certain that this is a wise policy, Your Highness. After Grand Master Soton has devoured Hos-Agrys with his army, he will turn his soldiers loose on Hos-Harphax.”
“This is why we will support the League of Dralm with soldiers and gold, thus thwarting Soton’s conquest of Hos-Agrys. I have consulted with Great King Sopharar’s ambassador; he is willing to make an alliance with Hos-Harphax against Styphon’s House if we agree to join the League of Dralm and promise ten thousand soldiers and five hundred thousand ounces of gold.” Prince Selestros smiled. “Which will come from the gold taken from Styphon’s temple domes!”
This is unexpected, thought Phidestros, while keeping his face expressionless. He had thought that he and Arminta were aware of the latest intelligence, but apparently not all of it. His wife would find this most interesting. I wonder what my father will make of this new turn of events? It will not be to his liking, and may cause him to remove his brother from the Ivory Throne earlier than planned. Whichever way this works, it will be to my advantage.
“In essence, Your Highness, I agree that Styphon’s House needs to be reined in. For too long, they have considered themselves to be a power above the kingdoms’ princes, and even great kings. However, while I grant that a great king has the power to make treaties and alliances with outside powers, I do not believe that any great king or temple has the power to order its princes to abolish the worship of another god, or pronounce any one temple as superior to all others.”
Selestros looked troubled. “I promised the Allfather that I would abolish the worship of the False God Styphon within the borders of Hos-Harphax.”
&
nbsp; “Your Highness, I do not argue that you cannot put forth such a proposition; however, it is up to each individual Prince of Hos-Harphax as to whether or not he abides by your decision. I will not. However, the other princes, if suitably rewarded with a share of Styphon’s House Temple loot, may strongly support your decision. Of all your princes, only Prince Thukyblos of Dazour has remained a member of the Union of Styphon’s Friends.”
The Chancellor sensing a deal-breaker, cut in with, “Your Highness, Prince Phidestros makes a strong case. You cannot force all of your subjects to renounce Styphon’s House without throwing the Kingdom into open rebellion or war. Is this not the very tactic that Styphon’s House has taken with Great King Demistophon?
“Furthermore, with your uncle Lysandros soon to return, truly we cannot afford any such divisions now. Haven’t we been through enough wars with the war against the False Kingdom of Hos-Hostigos, the war in Phaxos, the wars in Thaphigos and now one with your uncle, the regicide? To start a new war against the false god Styphon will only tax your strength and that of your subjects unnecessarily. Wait until the Fireseed Wars are over. Then you can decree whatever you wish.”
Phidestros noted with that last statement that the Chancellor’s eyes did not meet his own. In their minds, I’ve already been thrown to the wolves! Won’t they be surprised when they see just how big my teeth are.
“There is wisdom in your words, Your Highness,” Selestros conceded.
“Right, Your Highness,” Chancellor Kyphannes added. “I’m sure that the Allfather will understand that you cannot ban Styphon’s House from the Kingdom in a single moon. Besides, with its Investigation, Styphon’s House has a rat gnawing inside its stomach that will one day devour the entire body.”
“In return,” Selestros looked right into Phidestros’ eyes, “I expect full support from you in my war against the Regicide.”
Just by meeting with you, I’ve already sent Lysandros a declaration of war, Phidestros thought. This youth has a lot to learn about kingship. If he survives, I suspect the next two winters will teach him much.
“You have my support, Your Highness.” For now, Phidestros decided. And don’t expect me to provide any of those ten thousand soldiers you promised Great King Sopharar.
FIFTY-FOUR
Duke Mnestros was seated at the table in the Great Hall and drinking from a flagon of ale. Seated to one side were his father, Prince Thykarses, and several other Princes; on the other side were Captain-General Hestophes, Duke Kyblannos, Baron Ranthos and Primate Xentos of the High Temple of Dralm.
Prince Thykarses turned to Hestophes, asking, “What are we going to do about Soton and his army?”
“Nothing,” Hestophes said, who noted to himself that the Prince appeared to have aged five winters since their defeat at Agrys City. “Even if we wanted to fight him, we do not have enough men under arms to stop Soton. If we did fight him, even if he lost, he’d still have enough troops at Agrys City to hit us again next spring. After another loss like the one we suffered at the Battle of Agrys City, the League would be hard-pressed to field a dozen companies.”
“The Captain-General is right, father,” Duke Mnestros pronounced. “In fact, Soton’s arrogant march across Hos-Agrys with his army has angered both the people and the princes. Our muster lists have swelled since his army left Agrys City. Unfortunately, most of our new troops are untrained or untested. Another loss would cripple us for any spring campaign, as the Captain-General said.”
Thykarses’ put his face in order. “Already Styphon’s House treats all of Hos-Agrys as their conquest. Next they will begin their infernal Investigation.”
“What we need is a proper commander for the Army, someone who has successfully fought the Styphoni before,” Duke Mnestros observed. “The next League Council is set for the first quarter of the Moon of the Tall Grass. It is up to us to ensure that this time Captain-General Hestophes is chosen to lead the League’s Army.”
“They will either support him, or I will cut off the Temple’s support for the League,” Xentos stated flatly. “If the League of Dralm truly represents the Allfather’s will, they will support His candidate.”
“The Temple’s support will help our cause greatly, Primate,” Thykarses said. “However, at the moment, it appears that Grand Master Soton is doing even more to ensure the Princes’ cooperation. He has violated the territories of at least four Princes. In Hos-Agrys we do not take our sovereignty lightly. Does anyone know where the Grand Master is headed, or why?”
The Big Switch, as they were now calling the operation to insert Aspasthar onto the Throne of Light, was known only to a few, all of them Hostigi except for Duke Mnestros, Baron Ranthos and Duke Kyblannos. Primate Xentos, whom Rylla no longer trusted, knew nothing. Even Mnestros’ father, Prince Thykarses was in the dark. The fewer who knew about the operation, the fewer the leaks. Hestophes shook his head. “My guess is that Soton wants to demonstrate Styphons House’s power to go wherever they please, whenever they please.”
Thykarses threw out his hands. “It makes absolutely no sense to me that Soton would withdraw half the army besieging Agrys City at a time when the city is about to fall.”
“Maybe it is Soton’s way of showing that no one in Hos-Agrys is out of Styphon’s House’s reach,” Hestophes said. “I’m sure we will find out what he wants shortly. Until then, all we can do is drill the new recruits and work out the logistics for the attacks that will come next spring.”
“There is no question in your mind that the City will fall?” the Prince asked.
“None at all. Agrys City is doomed.” His last thought, Hestophes kept to himself. Unless a miracle occurs, all of Hos-Agrys is doomed!
“Let us say a prayer to Allfather Dralm asking for his assistance and help,”Xentos intoned. “Without his help, the false idolaters and blasphemers of Styphon’s House will prevail.”
II
Verkan Vail was running over the new muster lists for the Greffan Royal Army when he heard a commotion at the chamber doors. He quickly pulled out his hideaway pistol with his right hand and grabbed his dagger with his left. His hideaway flintlock pistol was a First Level replica, which actually held several hundred needier cartridges. With its firepower, he could take out a Temple Band of the Red Hand. Assuming, of course, they stood still like paper targets.
A moment later the door careened open and Dalla came crashing into the room, dragging two of his guards behind her.
The Captain of the Guard rushed in behind. “I’m sorry, sir, but this woman claims to be your wife ... ?”
“You’re excused. You’ve just met Queen Dalla. Captain, don’t penalize the men; my wife’s a force of nature not to be thwarted by mere mortals.” He quickly put away his weapons.
The Guard Captain, his face beet-red, turned smartly and exited the chamber.
Verkan rose from his chair, attempting to hug Dalla.
She pushed him away. “The nerve of you, leaving me all alone in Dhergabar to deal with all those politicos! How dare you!”
“It was your idea! You told me you could handle the job. I was giving you some breathing space. The newsies were after my hide and I didn’t trust myself around them, especially Yandar Yadd! I figured you needed some time alone to learn the ropes--”
“So you threw me to the wolves!”
“Darling, you’ve got it all wrong. I didn’t want you to have any distractions, and I had a political circus trailing my heels.”
“I still can’t believe you quit the Chief’s job.” She shook her head. “I thought you’d leave for a ten-day or two and come to your senses. I didn’t really expect you not to return.”
“Dalla, it was either stay away or I was going to kill someone. I don’t have the patience to be a political bull’s-eye. So, like I told you, I thought I’d take a vacation on Kalvan’s Time-Line.”
“Some vacation, Vail. I arrived at the Fifth Level Police Terminal, Greffa Equivalent, only to learn that you’ve made yourself King of Greffa!
What’s that all about?”
“It wasn’t my idea ... believe me. After we invested the City, Kalvan decided I was the best man for the Iron Throne. What could I do, Dalla? Turn him down? ‘No. Great King Kalvan, I can’t take the job; I’m a former Paratime Police Chief!’ I don’t think so. I didn’t ask for the job, nor did I expect it.”
“Well,” Dalla said, shaking her head, “that much I believe. You do know this isn’t going to help our situation once word reaches Home Time Line. Opposition called for a Vote of Confidence right after you left, and it came within several votes of passing. You know what that would have meant?”
Verkan nodded. “It’s a mess, but I’m thinking about staying here in Greffa for the next fifty years so I don’t have to worry about it.”
‘And what about me?”
“Darling, I’ve got a great idea. Why don’t you resign, too? Then we can both stay here and run Greffa.”
Dalla shook her head, hair flying. “Someone’s got to take care of the mess you left behind, Vail. I know a lot of it isn’t your fault, but much of it is. And there are problems you don’t even know about. Deputy Bureau Chief Altarn Vor just finished briefing me on his investigation into the missing paratemporal conveyers; it’s a lot worse than anyone suspected. It’s not just Paratime Police conveyers; a lot of commercial units have vanished, too. To the order of several thousand. A lot of people are involved, possibly some of the Wizard Traders; it’s too early too tell yet. But it’s trouble, big trouble.”
Verkan shrugged. “Dalla, really there’s not much I can do from here. Sorry.”
“So you refuse to help!”
“That sounds terrible when you put it like that, but no, I’m not going back. Our civilization has flourished for ten thousand years without my help; I suspect it can flourish for another ten thousand if I stay here.”