David Coe - Shapers of Darkness

“I asked if there might be more to the empire’s invasion than just Harel’s greed.”

“What do you mean?”

The woman shrugged, looking uncomfortable, as though she wished she’d never spoken at all. “It just seems to me that the conspiracy has managed to make a lot of things happen that might not have happened otherwise.”

“Like what?” Alao demanded, making Naditia flinch.

“Like the civil war that nearly tore Eibithar apart,” Diani answered for her, drawing a grateful smile from the woman. “Like the recent violence in Aneira. Like the murder of my brother and the attempts on my life.”

“We don’t know that the conspiracy was responsible for all that. I’ve heard of no proof linking the Qirsi to anything that’s happened in Aneira, and at least half the dukes in Eibithar still blame Tavis of Curgh, and not some Qirsi assassin, for the murder of that girl in Kentigern.” Alao’s eyes flicked briefly toward Edamo. “And even with your first minister dead, you can’t prove yet that the Qirsi killed your brother or tried to kill you.”

“You think it more likely that Lord Brugaosa was behind the attacks on my house?”

“Not at all, Lady Curlinte. But as I’ve said in this chamber before, assuming that the conspiracy is responsible for every dark deed that occurs in Sanbira, or all the Forelands for that matter, is just as dangerous as ignoring the threat entirely. The empire and Aneira have gone to war against Eibithar. Is that really such a surprise?”

“Actually,” Edamo said, “now that I give the matter some thought, it is a bit strange.”

First Naditia had challenged the queen, and now Edamo was breaking with the duke of Norinde. This was a most extraordinary day. Everyone was looking at the older man, none with more astonishment than Alao.

“Aneira hasn’t been this weakened in centuries. The failed siege at Kentigern, the death of Bistari and then Carden, the poisoning of the queen and her council of dukes. This is no time for Aneira to be marshaling its soldiers for war.”

“But if the empire proposed an alliance,” Alao said, “offering the Aneirans a chance to strike at Eibithar, of course they’d accept.”

“Yes, but why would the emperor propose such an alliance now? Wouldn’t it be wiser to wait a year or so, to give the regent time to consolidate his authority and allow Mertesse to rebuild its army?”

Diani grinned. “Lord Brugaosa, you should know better than to go looking for wisdom in Curtell.”

All of them laughed, easing the tension in the chamber somewhat. But Olesya quickly grew serious once more.

“Am I to understand then, Lord Brugaosa, that you now favor joining forces with the Eibitharians?”

“To be honest, Your Highness, I’m not certain how I feel about it. I don’t wish to make an enemy of the emperor.” He nodded toward Diani and the duchess of Macharzo. “But I fear that our young friends here may be right. And if the conspiracy wants this war, we might be well served to put a stop to it as swiftly as possible.”

“Throwing our army into the fray will only prolong the conflict,” Alao said, glowering at Edamo. “If we want it to end quickly we should stay out of it and let them fight.”

The queen raised an eyebrow. “I’d like to ask my master of arms about that. I’m not sure what effect our forces would have on this war. But it seems to me a fair question.” She turned to one of guards standing near the door. “Have your commander summoned immediately.” Then, as if as an afterthought, she added, “And the duke of Curlinte also.”

Diani looked up quickly before dropping her gaze to the table, her cheeks coloring. Her father had accompanied her to the royal city when first she came, because at the time she was still recovering from the injuries she suffered during the assassination attempt at the Curlinte coast. Since arriving at Olesya’s castle they had fought frequently over the best response to the Qirsi threat and the complicity or innocence of Kreazur jal Sylbe, Curlinte’s former first minister. Kreazur died in the streets of Yserne, apparently the victim of assassins he had tried to hire on behalf of the conspiracy, though both Diani and her father now had doubts about this. Diani did not doubt that Sertio had some knowledge of the Braedon army or that he would be able to add much to this discussion; he was master of arms in Curlinte. But she and her father remained at odds, and she feared that his presence here would only serve to remind the other nobles that she was the least experienced of the queen’s duchesses.

If Olesya noticed her discomfort, she gave no indication of it, immediately turning her attention back to Edamo. “I believe I speak for all of us, Lord Brugaosa, when I say that I’m. . surprised by your change of heart.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

They all waited, as if expecting an explanation. When it became clear that none was forthcoming, the queen smiled and nodded. “Very well, Lord Brugaosa.”

Before she could say more, there was a knock at the door, and at her reply, the master of arms and Diani’s father entered the chamber. Both men were soaked and muddied, their color high, their breathing heavy. Ohan Delrasto, the master of arms, had a welt under one of his dark eyes, and Sertio had several on his arms and one vivid red mark at the base of his neck. Both of them were grinning like boys caught in some mischief, though Diani thought that Ohan had to be nearly her father’s age.

“Forgive our appearance, Your Highness,” said the master of arms, bowing to the queen. “We came as soon as we received your summons.”

“Apparently. I take it you were in the ward?”

“Yes, Your Highness. We were. .” He stopped, licking his lips.

“We were practicing foul weather combat, Your Highness,” Sertio said. “Not all wars are fought in sunshine on firm ground.”

“Indeed. And your soldiers are still out there, Master Delrasto?”

“They were never out there, Your Highness,” Ohan said, grinning again. “Just the two of us.”

Sertio added, “We were working on techniques that we intend to teach to our armies, Your Highness.”

Even Diani had to laugh. She couldn’t help but feel a bit embarrassed for her father, but she was glad to see him enjoying himself. Since her mother’s death, Sertio had foundered in his grief, until Diani wondered if he’d ever know happiness again. No doubt this day’s mirth would prove fleeting, but the mere fact that he could engage in such swordplay gave her hope. Perhaps the wound on his heart had finally begun to heal itself.

“I would invite you to sit,” the queen said, regarding their stained clothing. “But under the circumstances I think it best that you remain standing.”

“Of course, Your Highness. How may we serve you?”

The queen picked up the missive from Kearney and read it aloud. By the time she finished, both Sertio and the master of arms had grown deadly serious.

“These are dark tidings, Your Highness,” Ohan said, rubbing a hand over his angular face.

“Can Eibithar defend herself?”

He stared at the floor, and after several moments he began to nod slowly. “I should think so. If Aneira was as strong now as she was a year ago, I might say different. The emperor has chosen a weakened ally.”

“Does it surprise you that they should attack now?” Edamo asked. “Wouldn’t you have expected them to wait?”

“You mean until Aneira could rebuild its northern armies?”

“Precisely.”

“Yes, I suppose it does.”

“Some of the duchesses have recommended that I grant Kearney’s request,” the queen said. “They want me to send Sanbiri warriors to fight alongside the men of Eibithar.”

Sertio eyed Diani for a moment, as if he knew that she was one of the nobles to whom Olesya referred.