Prophet of Moonshae - Douglas Niles [29]
"And my task?"
It involves many steps, which you will learn as you need to. We shall have powerful allies, but we must work with subtlety as well.
The time we begin is now.
* * * * *
Talos the Destroyer was the subject of attention in another part of the isles on this same dark night. To the south of Gotha's isle and a little to the east, the great island of Alaron darkened the surface of the sea, forming the eastern bulwark of the entire Moonshae group.
The southern portion of Alaron, mostly rolling hill and fertile dale, fell under the dominion of the High King himself, for this was Callidyrr. The Fairheight mountains formed the northern frontier of that kingdom. The remainder of the island, a rough and tumbled expanse of rocky crag and icy fjord, fell under the sway of the northmen of Gnarhelm.
In the heights of the range, farthest cantrev to the north and west of Callidyrr, was the Earldom of Blackstone, and here met two men to whom the workings of Talos were very significant indeed.
They gathered in a darkened hall at the heart of Caer Blackstone, the earl's manor. The Earl of Fairheight himself leaned forward, his scowling features etched in the light of an oil lamp as he listened earnestly to the hoarse whisper of the second man's voice.
The latter sat in the shadows, visible only by the soft outlines of his dark cloak and the hood that fell far forward on his head, masking his face.
"The money, then?" inquired the cloaked figure. His voice was like the rasp of a file on coarse wood. "Have you the coin for my labors?"
"Of course." Blackstone, too, whispered. He hefted a sack from the floor-the brawny lord needed both hands to lift it-and grunted as he set it on the table.
"Excellent. My apprentices maintain their charms and beseechments. It pleases Talos to continue his onslaughts against the farms of the Ffolk, and your payment has ensured that we can purchase the necessary components to extend the castings indefinitely."
"With a little extra, no doubt, to compensate for your troubles," growled Blackstone, his humor very dry.
The nameless robed figure made no response, nor indeed was any reply necessary. For five years this man had represented himself as the agent of Talos the Destroyer, claiming influence over that capricious god. Supported by the wealthy coffers of the earl, he had exhorted his vengeful god to smite the Moonshaes with all manner of storm-wracked violence.
"My god works his violence against the farms, while you get rich from your mines. It is a fair trade," suggested the stranger.
"Aye-satisfying to both, as long as your god does as he is bid!" grunted Blackstone, his mind already considering other problems.
The other man looked at the earl, his eyes hooded but blazing scorn at the man's arrogance. Blackstone missed the expression, but undoubtedly he wouldn't have noticed even had he looked up.
"And the queen?" The stranger asked the question. "When do you expect her?"
"I don't." Blackstone shook his black mane of hair. "I received word today. The elder princess, Alicia, journeys here in place of the queen. I took it as good news." The black-maned lord nodded his head. "The High Queen was once a druid. I'd rather she not be the one to have to condemn a Moonwell."
"Do not be too delighted," cautioned the robed figure. "The daughters of Kendrick are not without capability."
"Do you mean that we should fear her?" asked the earl in disbelief.
"It is a wise man who practices eternal vigilance. Now, I must make haste to Callidyrr. I, too, have a meeting with a princess of the isles."
The lamp still flickered, and the shadows remained thick, but even in the darkness, the earl could see that his robed visitor had gone.
* * * * *
The party of Alicia, Tavish, and Keane rode alone, since the reign of Tristan Kendrick had seen a virtual end to banditry and danger on the highways. At first the queen had planned to send along an escort of the king's guards, but Alicia