Keeper (First Ordinance #2)(28)

"No, not since we hold Yevil," Amlis turned to look out his window. "Yevil would have commanded the army had my father fallen, but without his presence, I imagine that many, especially recent conscripts, will merely desert and ride homeward."

"Then there's a simple solution to this problem," Justis muttered. "You don't have an army and it will go badly for all if the Kondari are forced to fire upon your father's troops."

"You're talking of killing my father," Amlis hissed, turning a swift, angry gaze upon Justis.

"Who has killed too many already, including your uncle and the Avii King and Queen. He is also responsible—with that aberration we hold on the roof of your castle, for killing an entire planet. That's what is happening, or have you not reached that conclusion yet?"

Justis' anger frightened Amlis, but he refused to back down. "Can we not capture him instead? We hold Yevil already—I blame him most for the crimes you listed."

"We can attempt a capture, but I warn you now—should it not be successful, his death will be warranted. He's cutting a swath through an already sick and threatened population, employing murder and theft wherever it pleases him."

"Do you have a plan of capture?" Amlis took his seat again with a troubled sigh.

"Not yet. I believe something can be arranged. I'll let you know." Justis rustled his wings and swept from the room.

Amlis was left to wonder whether Tandelis had ever witnessed the anger of the Avii.

*

"Father, I have received word that you should expect visitors," Berel began. He held his tab-vid aloft while a smiling Reah and Kaldill stood behind him.

"What visitors?" Edden smiled at his son. "Those two behind you, perhaps?"

"If you'd like us to come," Kaldill nodded. "Although more important visitors are scheduled to arrive. We merely wanted to coordinate with you to find an acceptable time."

"I'd like to meet you," Edden said. "Is it possible to bring Berel and Quin, too? I can arrange for an airchopper from the ship to deliver you to Kondar."

"We have our own transportation, but yes, I will be happy to bring Quin and your son for a visit."

"I will clear my schedule for tonight; will that leave you enough time to arrive?"

"More than enough," Kaldill agreed.

"Will you arrive in time for dinner? How many guests should I expect?"

"Reah and I will bring Quin, Daragar and Berel. Ildevar Wyyld, Founder of the Reth Alliance, will arrive with two others. That makes eight guests, although only seven will be dining," Kaldill chuckled.

"I'll make arrangements, then," Edden nodded. "A Founder of an Alliance, you say?"

"Yes. You have nothing to fear; Ildevar is one of the finest people I know."

*

Sector Two

Dorthil's Quarters

"You think I don't have spies in Kondar? Think again," Dorthil hissed at President Pragg. "Charkisul is being approached tonight by the Founder of the Reth Alliance. We must act quickly to destroy both. Once we're in charge of Siriaa, they'll never get their claws locked on it."

"Founder? Reth Alliance? What are you talking about?" Pragg growled. "There is no Reth Alliance, unless Yokaru has hidden something from us all along." He spat his last words in Marid's direction.

"Yokaru? Faugh," Marid gestured angrily. "I only told you Yokaru before, because you have no idea what lies beyond this planet. The Reth Alliance swallows planets and demands they conform to their rules and standards. Is that what you want for Siriaa?"

"They will make us slaves? Is that what you mean?"

"Slaves to their will," Marid blustered. Dorthil realized then that the wizard had lied to him all along, but as the lies fell in with his own desires, Dorthil kept the information to himself.

"What can we do? Shall I contact the other Presidents?"

"Too late for that—they'll dither while we must take action," Marid said. "I will take you to the High President's dinner tonight. If you choose to kill him and his guests while we're there, I'll be happy to lend a hand." Marid wiped blood away from his nose with a dark handkerchief, its red color hiding the blood it already bore.

*

Lironis

Quin

"Quin, we're going to Kondar for dinner tonight," Berel beamed at me. He'd run down castle steps to arrive at the healer's quarters as quickly as he could. He looked forward to seeing his father, I could tell.

"Who is going with us?" I asked. I had to know—I felt growing danger about the High President, but didn't wish to alarm his son.

"Reah, Kaldill and Daragar. Father will see a Larentii for the first time. Kaldill says others will arrive; he named the Founder of an Alliance. Isn't that exciting?"

My shoulders sagged in relief when he listed those accompanying us. Too many things troubled my mind of late, and some of them, understandably, swirled about a metal box.

"I will find Daragar, then. I wish to speak with him," I said.

"I heard my name," Daragar appeared magically at Berel's side. He smiled at me, and that served to slow and warm my heart. It was beating too quickly, and I felt chilled and terrified by all I knew.