Cormyr_ a novel - Ed Greenwood [205]
Aunadar Bleth smiled crookedly and said in silken tones, "I have done so-and have an answer: a blade that I am confident can cut down a hundred war wizards!" He raised his hand and made a quick, intricate gesture as he called, "Hear us, Lady Brantarra! Attend us, Red Wizardess of Murbant!"
A moment later, as everyone in the chamber watched in breathless silence, a cluster of moving, winking lights appeared at Bleth's shoulder, and a low, purring voice that carried from end to end of that hall spoke out of it.
"Greetings, Vangerdahast, Royal Magician of Cormyr. Call me Brantarra-call me your nemesis. Long have you wondered who it was who shielded rebels and contrary nobles and outlaws from your seeking spells, and who protected them against your magic of rulership and punishment. I stand ready now to shield all the other nobles of Cormyr who desire such protection-from you and your petty magelings. I am the bane of the war wizards. I am the one who has frustrated you for so long."
Vangerdahast shifted and stirred on the step where he stood but said nothing. The triumphant voice rolled on.
"You think these were your masterminds, these clever young nobles unable to see beyond the ends of their swords? Mine was the hand that stole the abraxus from your precious vaults. Mine was the hand that guided these pawns before you. Mine was the skill that took your king's will, on a night eighteen years ago, in the sight of the walls of Arabel. Mine was the body that bore the son who will be your next king!"
Aunadar Bleth's head snapped around in surprise. He gaped at the sparkling, circling lights as the voice from the heart of them added, "Know, nobles of Cormyr, that the war wizards you fear so much will be shattered within the season and gone utterly soon after-as I and those mages loyal to me ensure that each war wizard is hunted to extinction."
There was a brief but sharp chorus of gasps and murmurs from the courtiers crowded up against Cat's barrier. The next words spoken, though they were soft, cut that noise off as if a knife had fallen across their throats.
"And who will protect Cormyr against the Red Wizardess and her wizards then?" Vangerdahast asked mildly, taking another step down from the throne. Giogi and Dauneth moved with him, their eyes watchful.
"Protect Cormyr against me?" came the low, rich voice out of the lights. "Why? I know and love the realm well. I have borne a son by King Azoun to prove it. A future king…"
More murmurs, and even some laughter, came from the crowd of watching courtiers just inside the entrance to the hall. The gathering of lights hissed a deep curse and the laughter quieted, but the murmurs continued. Even the densest courtiers realized the minimal value of an unrecognized son of Azoun.
Tanalasta cast a look at the dark doorway where she'd seen the figure that counseled her to silence, and then looked away again.
"This land has had enough of kings," Aunadar Bleth said firmly, "and despite what you have just heard her say, this Red Wizardess and I have a solemn agreement on this point. I know not the measure of Thayvians, but noble families of Cormyr keep their word and expect others to do the same."
"Do they?" Vangerdahast's voice was as soft as silk, or the edge of an oversharpened dagger. "I am pleased to hear of this new shift in their natures."
Aunadar Bleth showed anger for the first time, tossing back his head to glare up at the old wizard. "Don't bandy words about falsehoods with me, wizard. For over a thousand years and more, the Bleths have served the crown of Cormyr well, fighting and dying for their country. Yet somehow the Obarskyrs they served so loyally managed to overlook the Bleths time and time again. One can grow used to being taken advantage of, but one need not grow to like it. Now the blood of the Obarskyrs has run weak indeed, and the Bleths shall be overlooked no longer. Now will come