A Dragon's Ascension - Ed Greenwood [60]
The Ieiremborans sat like stone statues for the space of a very long breath before their spokesman said in carefully neutral tones, "You are in favor of installing a figurehead king?" j_
"Indeed," Sathbrar replied.
"You might even say our financial support depends on it," Tonthan added, leaning forward. "A man we approve of, moreover."
The eyes across the table from him narrowed. "A king of your choosing?"
"I did not say that. Say rather: a king of your choosing, whom we find agreeable."
The spokesman for the Isles sat back and exchanged glances with his fellow Ieiremborans. It took but a few moments of looks traded with that same careful lack of expression before they reached some sort of consensus, and the spokesman leaned forward again. "We find this acceptable," he said, "so long as all magic used upon this king, and counsel given him, is also a matter of mutual agreement-beforehand, and with full knowledge of what is being attempted, on both sides. That is, all of us here at this table are informed fully, equally, and-as much as is possible-at the same time."
He lifted his brows in query, and Tonthan and Sathbrar both nodded without bothering to confer with each other.
"Have we agreement?" the spokesman for the Isles asked.
"We do," the Sirl merchants said in unison, before Sathbrar held up one finger, and said, "There is one caution we must place before you at this time-before we speak of how many hireswords, under whose command, and where and when whelmed. Although we appreciate both the patience you've shown thus far and the fire of your cause, we are loath to proceed in haste just now. Aglirta is erupting into wizards' wars again."
Ieiremboran faces acquired slight frowns. "Explain. We heard talk here in the streets of 'confounded wizards everywhere' upvale, but were given to understand that this is by no means an unusual occurrence in Aglirta. Yet Blackgult brought no strong force of mages against us."
"Wizards are numerous in Aglirta, yes-though none remain who could seriously challenge the greatest mages of this city, we believe. But as to the warfare we spoke of: the Serpent-followers have been tossing coins to hungry warriors all over Darsar for some time now, and bringing their hireswords to Aglirta. Many of the barons of the realm are riding to war as we speak. Moreover, one mercenary captain by the name of Duthjack- probably better known to you as 'Bloodblade'-marches on Flowfoam Isle itself, with the stated aim of becoming King of All Aglirta. Many Vale folk flock to his banner, seeking an end to strife among barons, lax justice, no peace-and no king they can look to, to set such things right."
"Blackgult remains regent?"
"If he yet lives. He whelmed a paltry force in arms to meet Blood-blade, but we've heard nothing yet of how either fared."
"It matters not," an Ieiremboran who'd been silent all this time said suddenly. "Both of them drew sword on our Isles and shed the blood of our people. Both must die. Yet it would feel better were we to wield the blade that slew Blackgult ourselves-so we can be certain he is dead, and so that he dies by our hands and knowing it."
"Better but less prudent," the Isles spokesman put in. "I've no taste for wading into a realm at war, with unfamiliar foes riding at us from all sides-and even less eagerness for making enemies of the Serpent-priests until a time and occasion of our choosing."
Tonthan nodded. "We of Sirl share your tastes in this matter. We would prefer to bide our time in this matter of your revenge until a victor emerges in Aglirta. That one will have to be the puppet of the Snake-priests, or acceptable to them-or they'll move against him soon enough. We wait, then, until irking is on the Throne-and then we strike, slaying king and priests, and so win all."
The spokesman traded looks up and down his side of the table again, then said heavily, "We agree with and accept