Julian May - Conqueror’s Moon - Part One of the Boreal Moon Tale

Almost solemnly, he handed out the rare small sweetmeats, each of which was wrapped in a green cloth square and tied with golden cord. ‘Please eat them now to symbolize our unified resolve — and then let’s see what manner of liquid cheer Duke Tanaby has set out for us. I, for one, am now in need of refreshment stronger than wine.’

The nobles sprang up from their stools and crowded toward the laden sideboard, leaving only Zeandrise Marley to stand before Conrig, holding her wrapped tidbit. She spoke in a voice that was almost inaudible.

‘My prince, do you know why I am called the Virago?’

He smiled. ‘I was told that when your wealthy young husband died, and you were left childless, a certain uncouth mountain lord came a-wooing. You spurned him, and he returned with an army to press his suit. Whereupon—’

‘I rallied the knights and thanes of my barony and whipped the britches off the whoreson. And I defeated another force led by my late husband’s saucy cousin, who tried to lay claim to my fiefdom through some trivial point of law. After that, Vanguard gave me the warrior’s belt with his own hand, and I’ve held Marley against all comers for the past twenty-two years. I’m a hard woman, Prince Heritor.’

Conrig bowed his head in acknowledgment, still smiling.

‘And I think you’re a hard man.’ She held up the green-wrapped sweetmeat. ‘What would have happened to those who opposed your invasion scheme? Would they have been given wafers wrapped in a different color of cloth — or with cord tied in a special knot?’

He stepped closer to her, and for an instant something flickered in his handsome face. She stood her ground and his ambiguous expression was transformed into a broad grin. He unwrapped his own wafer and bit into it with evident enjoyment. ‘Absolutely delicious. And much more efficacious against noxious substances than drinking-cups with amethyst talismans. That’s just a silly superstition, as any alchymist can tell you. You may ask my brother Stergos, if you doubt me.’

Her eyes widened. ‘So it was the wine.’

‘Which I partook of, along with the rest of you. The effects of the subtle poison would not be obvious for at least two days, when the unfortunate nay-sayers were well on their journey home. Thus no suspicion would fall upon me or Tanaby Vanguard — who, by the way, knew nothing about my precautionary measures. Earlier, I pressed him to take prisoner anyone who opposed my plan, but he wouldn’t agree to it. My godfather is too trusting and chivalrous. But then, he doesn’t aspire to be the Sovereign of High Blenholme.’

And such a one must be ruthless?’

‘Very.’ He rested both hands on her shoulders in a gesture that might have passed for affection. ‘Are you going to tell the others what I did?’

Her worn face remained calm. ‘No … I won’t tell them. But I think it would bode well for our future comradeship — and the Sovereignty — if you did.’

They stared at each other without speaking. Then he took her arm and led her gently toward the waiting table of drinks where the others were gathered. ‘I’ll think about it, my lady. And you won’t forget to eat your wafer, will you?’

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