Catherine Asaro - The Night Bird

No one answered. Allegra didnt envy the queen her decision. Her forces alone couldnt defeat Yargazon. If Cobalts men joined hers, along with Aronsdale and Harsdown, they had a good chance of defeating Yargazon, but Cobalt would then move his men into the palace. Unless Aronsdale and Harsdown were willing to challenge him, he would take the Topaz Throne. But if the queen formally relinquished the throne to Ozarson and joined forces with Jazid, it would swell their ranks enough to defy Cobalt.

It was excruciating. Allegra feared that if they couldnt reach a decision here, the Dawnfields would stand by and let Jazid keep the throne. Yargazon would win. She hated that he had set it up so well; she wanted him to fail so much, it burned inside her. But he had a good chance of achieving everything he and Markus had set out to do.

Two unplayed cards remained on the table. The first was Markus. Whatever her husband might think, Allegra knew Yargazon wanted him back. Cobalt could claim the Onyx Throne and enforce that claim with his army from now until the end of time, but to the Jazid people, Markus was their true ruler until Ozarson came of age. Jazid needed him as a rallying figure, a leader, a symbol that the royal house continued. Nor was it only political; as much as Yargazon was capable of loving a son, he felt that way about Markus. But he would have to negotiate the prince regents release, which put Jarid Dawnfield in a powerful position.

The second card was the mages who had come with the armies. Allegra knew she could do nothing more to affect the war. Nor did Drummer have that level of power. Jarid did, but he wouldnt use it in violence. Iris was a healer, and Aron was still learning. But she wondered if anyone besides the mages themselves realized those limitations. Yesterday everyone had seen what looked like proof of a new mage force. She wasnt certain how they could use that card, but it had to be worth something.

Baz Quaazera spoke. He had a powerful voice; even his quiet tones reached every corner of the room. “The question of these war crimes must be decided before we go any further.

“We are shielded here under the Alatian Code, Yargazon said.

“Only until the summit finishes, Vizarana said. Her voice could have chilled ice. “You would do well to remember that.

Ardoz leaned forward. “Are you suggesting something illegal has transpired, Your Majesty?

No, Allegra thought. She didnt think she could bear it if they discussed what had happened to Drummer or to her. She doubted Yargazon cared that he transgressed against the moral codes of those he tortured; in his view, she and Drummer werent human.

General Cragland spoke. “The legalities depend on what legal code you apply. And that depends on what country rules Taka Mal.

Allegra let out a breath, and she felt Markus shift next to her. An unsettled stir went around the table. It all came back to the standoff: they had to determine who supported whom.

Then Ozarson spoke. “No, it doesnt.

Surprise at the interruption flashed on Yargazons face and his mouth tightened. But he spoke smoothly. “His Majesty has taken the throne of Taka Mal, so the question of who rules is moot. He glanced at the boy. “Perhaps you would allow your humble servants to discuss

“No. Ozarson stood his ground, but Allegra could tell that under his composure, he was scared. He spoke to Drummer. “Your Highness, I greatly regret you came to ill use while a guest of my House. I hope we may in some way offer compensation for the misuse of our pol-political protocols. He stumbled over the last words as if he wasnt sure what fit the situation.

Everyone stared at the boy. A muscle twitched in Yargazons cheek. He sat forward, one fist clenched on the table.

“You speak well, Your Majesty, Drummer said. Wryly he added, “Perhaps in compensation, you might direct your armies to withdraw from Taka Mal.

Ozarson actually smiled. Before he could respond, Yargazon cut him off. “His Majesty has had a difficult time these past few days. He glanced at Ozarson. “We can discuss this later.

The boy started to speak, and Yargazons face hardened. Biting his lip, Ozarson fell silent.

Jarid spoke. “Whether or not compensation can be offered to one hostage wont change the situation for others.

Allegra could almost feel Markus tensing next to her. They all knew which “other hostage Jarid meant. The prince regent.

Yargazon spoke to Jarid. “Perhaps we should discuss

“No. Markuss voice rumbled. “The question of compensation must be settled. As Ozarsons regent, that task comes to me.

Allegra could almost hear the words he didnt add to Yargazon: Not to you.

“You dont appear in a position to settle anything, General Cragland told Markus. Cobalt sat next to the general, seemingly at ease, his booted foot crossed over his knee, his elbow resting on the arm of the chair. Allegra didnt believe he was anywhere near as relaxed as he appeared. She doubted he missed a single detail here. She prayed to Saint Azure her husband took care with his words. Even if she never saw him again, she wanted him to live.

Markus glanced at Jarid, and the king inclined his head in a subtle agreement that the prince regent should continue. Markus addressed the others at the table. “The Rite of DAzare dates from a thousand years ago. Its been centuries since anyone invoked it, but in Jazid its legal.

“What the hell is a right of Dalkazarre? Baz growled.

“DAzare, Markus said, with the glottal scrape in his throat native only to Jazid. “Sending your hostage back in pieces. One of my ancestors, the Atajazid DAzare, began the practice.

Drummer stiffened, and Vizaranas gaze narrowed at Markus. “Youve a charming family history, the queen said sourly.

Markus continued in a neutral voice. “If negotiations led to an arrangement deemed satisfactory to the army, and the hostage was still alive, he was returned to his people. Whatever remained of him. If he had died, his body was sent back to his kin.

Allegra felt ill. Could she truly be married to someone who descended from such a line? He had nothing to do with the brutality of his ancestors, but his total lack of emotion as he described their actions chilled her.

“Do you have a purpose in relating this grisly story? Muller asked. “I dont see how this helps your position.

“Compensations existed for those injured in the rite, Markus said, “if it was later determined the codes of war were violated.

Ozarson jumped to his feet. “Markus, no!

“What the hell? Baz said.

Ozarson started around the table toward Markusa blatant violation of the boundaries that the delegations had all establishedand every bodyguard in the room went on alert.

Yargazon grabbed him. “Ozi, no, he said in a low voice. “Stay here. He nudged Ozarson back into his chair.

“I dont understand, King Muller said, looking from Ozarson to Markus. “What sort of compensation are you suggesting?

“He isnt, Yargazon said shortly.

“Markus, that wasnt what I meant, Ozarson said.

“I know, Markus answered. “But your instincts are right. His voice had the warmth that always came when he spoke with the boy. It didnt surprise Allegra, but she saw shock register on the faces of the others present. None of them had reason to have seen his gentler side.

“I forbid it, Yargazon said.

Markus slammed his palm down on the table so fast, several people jumped. “You forbid nothing! Or shall I exact compensation for what you did to my wife?

“It is I who am owed compensation, Yargazon ground out. “Fourteen more hours.

Shrivel up and rot, Allegra thought at him.

“Prince Markus, Vizarana said. “Just what compensation do you offer my husband?

Markus cleared his throat and took a breath. “I believe the appropriate procedure would be that King Jarid offers it to you.