Cormyr_ a novel - Ed Greenwood [211]
"And those who recanted or denied their allegiance to the conspiracy know they are being watched," Cat put in. "Knowing that, they are going to be on their best behavior trying to prove their loyalty like the youngest and most enthusiastic of knights for the next few years."
"And they will not be the only ones," Vangerdahast added slyly. "I made it a point to personally thank the families who sat on their hedges, blowing neither hot nor cold, as the realm almost pitched into the abyss around them. Particularly the supposedly loyal Huntsilvers, Crownsilvers, and Truesilvers. I'm sure they'll spend the next few years trying fervently to prove their loyalty to the crown as well."
"And what of those who passed your little test?" asked the crown princess, her eyes darting to meet those of the old wizard. "Those who risked life and limb when they were convinced Lord Vangerdahast was a traitor?" She lowered her gaze to the floor and added, "As I did."
One of Vangerdahast's large and hairy-backed hands closed over hers. "Lady Highness," he said gently, "how could you have thought otherwise?" The wizard rose and struck an actor's pose. "After all, I learned how to act from the best tavern dancers in Suzail! My performance, I'll have you know, was peerless… simply peerless!"
Tanalasta tried not to laugh, then snorted helplessly, and then roared. Vangerdahast blinked at her, affecting an air of innocence, and Azoun's rich mirth rolled out to join them.
When at last she could speak again, Tanalasta asked, "Seriously, Father, what about those who remained true, like Marliir and Giogi?"
"And Vangerdahast's mob of agents, including the Harper Emthrara, and that turret salesman-" the king snapped his fingers-"Rhauligan. A royal writ, absolving them from any charges, should do the trick. Particularly for the Harper and the merchant."
"And there are absences to be accounted for and holes to fill," continued the king. "For instance, with the passing of loyal Thomdor, I need a new military commander in Arabel. It strikes me that any candidate for such a post should be brave, loyal, and come from a local Arabellan family, so that the city will never go into rebellion again. Young Marliir, are you up to the task?"
"I?" asked Marliir, dumbfounded. "I-I-" He slid from his seat, dropping dazedly to one knee. "Are you sure, Sire?"
"We'll save the ceremony for later, in front of the full court," said Azoun with a smile, leaning froward to clap the young man on the shoulder, "but you'll be a good Warden of the Eastern Marches. It's good to see someone care so deeply about Cormyr. Moreover, your naming to that title will send a message to a number of people about their own place within my kingdom. And as for you, Lord Giogi…"
"Please, Sire," said the Wyvernspur lord, raising a restraining hand, "I'm quite content with my life in Immersea. I desire neither a military post nor a rank."
"Good to hear it, for I was going to offer neither," said the king heartily. "Bhereu's place at High Horn needs to go to someone with fighting blood. Perhaps that Bishop of the Black Blades, Gwennath. Don't take offense, young Wyvernspur, but I don't think even the most capable courtiers could survive you for long-or rather, your unique method of crashing head-on into problems and wrestling them into submission without ever understanding them!"
There was a general round of chuckles. Giogi reddened and ducked his head.
"By the gods, I wish half my nobles were as much fun as you provide," Azoun murmured, then straightened himself and boomed, "Nay, Wyvernspur, into your hands I give the Cormaeril lands, in toto, which should quintuple your income as well as your responsibilities. I hope you are up to it."
"He'll have a little help, Sire," said Cat, taking her husband's hand. Giogi opened his mouth and then closed it again without saying anything. He tried the process over again, several times, and then helplessly poked Cat with a finger.
She looked down at him fondly and said, "Your Majesty, Lord Wyvernspur is