Flamecaster (Shattered Realms #1)(96)
Robert cleared his throat and read. “‘A miners’ riot has turned into a full-blown rebellion, supplemented with what appear to be Fellsian Highlanders from the north. The rebels now control the mines, the heights, and the town, and our headquarters is under attack.’” Robert swallowed hard. “‘As it is unlikely that reinforcements from temple church can arrive in such time and in such numbers as to change the outcome, I recommend against risking more troops until a sufficient force can be deployed to assure a decisive victory. Captain Halston Matelon, Commander, His Majesty’s Army, Delphi.’”
The entire room had gone silent with shock.
General Karn spoke. “It sounds to me like Captain Matelon is making excuses for his poor performance.”
Blotches of color blossomed on Lord Matelon’s cheeks. “Explain, General,” he said.
“First off, everybody knows that the northerners never poke a toe south of the Spirit Mountains,” General Karn said. “Even if they decided to change their tactics, only a fool would attempt to bring a force through the Spirit Mountains at this time of year. The passes have been closed for a month.”
“Perhaps,” Matelon said, biting off each word, “the witch queen has decided to spend the winter in the south this year. Perhaps her mages melted all the snow with sorcery. All I know is that, from the beginning of this damnable war, every assurance we have received, every prediction that has been made, every report that victory is at hand has been wrong.”
Montaigne directed his response to the entire room. “As many of you know, Lord Matelon’s support for the war and his loyalty to our person have been lukewarm for some time. Which leads me to wonder—could this be part of a larger conspiracy? Multiple assassination attempts here in the capital, while Matelon’s son betrays us to the rebels in the north.”
Why is it, Your Majesty, that when things go wrong, it’s always somebody else’s fault? Ash thought.
“Your Majesty,” Matelon said. “I have provided unflagging support through twenty-five years of war. No one has contributed more troops or treasure to this effort. People are suffering and starving throughout the empire. Now, it appears, I have sacrificed my eldest son. And for what? Control of a small realm infested with sorcerers and savages whose major exports are things we do not need. Enough is enough. I am done.”
“Are you saying that you will not submit to the command of your sovereign, anointed by God?”
“I am saying that I am tired, and I want to go home and mourn with my lady wife, and see to my estates, which are sorely in need of attention.” The thane inclined his head, then turned and strode toward the door, attended by his men-at-arms and his son.
“Go home if you like,” Montaigne said, “but your lady wife is not there.”
Matelon froze mid-stride, then turned to face the king. “Explain yourself,” he said.
Montaigne spoke to the entire hall. “In view of events in Delphi, I have taken the precaution of sequestering the families of my Thane Council members in keeps far from the northern border. That way none of you will have worries about their safety, and all of you will be able to focus on winning this war.”
At this, the thanes around the table pushed to their feet, many of them with their hands on their swords. It was a vicious move, even for Montaigne.
“And yes,” Montaigne said, “that includes the ladies who have just left the hall.”
The doors to the dining room swung open, and blackbirds flooded into the room, most of them collared mages. They took up positions all around the perimeter.
“Do note that I don’t expect you to carry the entire weight of this new effort. I have initiatives underway that should provide some relief from the demands of this war, in terms of levies of money and men. I just ask for a little . . . forbearance.”
If I killed the bastard now, Ash thought, none of these lords would lift a finger to stop me. But then they’d turn around and execute me, because, you know, precedent.
He’d have to wait a little longer. Since he’d met Jenna, it had become increasingly important to survive.
“Now,” Montaigne said. “I would ask you to remain in your city houses until the end of the month. By then, I should have some good news for all of you. You may go—all except Lord Matelon, who will remain here as our guest during our inquiry.”
By then, the thane and his men-at-arms were nearly at the door. He turned to face the king. “With all due respect, Your Majesty, I decline.” He turned, a blade in each hand, and cut the throats of the blackbirds nearest to him. His men formed a circle around their lord, prickling with swords. They drove a wedge through the King’s Guard and out the door.
The banquet was, for all intents and purposes, over. The king hurried from the room, insulated by a crowd of guards, while Ash accompanied the queen back to her quarters.
Ash’s skin prickled with a growing unease. The fall of Delphi and a possible civil war might be good news for the Fells, but it would make Ash’s job that much harder. An embattled king would be harder to get at than before. Prisoners didn’t usually fare well within a kingdom in chaos. And the rebellion of the thanes would make a potential deal with the empress of Carthis more appealing than ever.
34
THE EMISSARY
When Ash arrived at the king’s Small Hall for the meeting with Strangward, the room was already crowded. Pettyman, the king’s steward; Jerome, his new taster; and far too many blackbird mages were already on hand.