Tangled webs - Elaine Cunningham [14]
"Your report, Rethnor?" demanded Taerl, who currently presided as First High Captain. The five of them took turns as leader of the council, conceding the role to another with the coming of the new moon and low tides. It was ancient custom, and it served well to keep five ambitious men from battling each other for ascendancy.
"We are making progress in the conquest of Ruathym," he began.
"Progress?" Suljack, a distant cousin of Rethnors and ever a competitor, spat out the word as if it were a bit of spoiled meat. "Have we become so soft that even our words are weak things? Victory," he proclaimed, pounding the table for emphasis. "That is the concern of warriors." Rethnor leaned back in his chair and hooked his thumbs nonchalantly in the broad strap of his swordbelt. He was the best swordsman in the room, and they all knew it. From his position of strength, he could propose subtle strategies that would be scorned and spurned if they'd come from the lips of a lesser warrior.
"Ruathym is weak and growing weaker," he said in an even voice. "So far this has been accomplished without attracting the attention of Waterdeep and the so-called Lords' Alliance. If we continue this course, we can conquer the island in one sudden, brutal attack. Waterdeep and her minions will be less likely to object if presented with an accomplished fact, but a prolonged war would surely draw the attention of the meddlesome southerners."
"What of it? i do not fear Waterdeep!" growled Suljack. "Nor do i," Rethnor retorted. "But need i remind you, Cousin, that Waterdeep forced an end to our last war with Ruathym? Although we were close to conquest, we lost all!" "There is honor in honest battle," persisted Suljack. "There is no honor in a stupid refusal to learn from the past!" Rethnor thundered, past patience with his fellow Captain. His cold gaze settled upon Suljack, daring him to make the challenge personal. The other man turned away, subsiding into sullen silence.
"i hate the decadent southern cowards as much as any of you," put in Baram, the oldest member of their group and the most conciliatory. "But i hate still more the thought of becoming like them. We are warriors, Rethnor.
Subtlety is not our keenest weapon, and i would not like to see it become the one most often wielded."
"it is but one weapon among many," Rethnor said. "Our fleets, our warriors-their time will come. We cannot conquer Ruathym or rule the seas without them. When the moment is right, we will strike."
"And how are we to know when this strange fruit is ripe?" asked Taerl.
"i will tell you," Rethnor said simply. "i have placed spies in the seas surrounding Ruathym and on the island itself."
"They are worthy of trust?" put in Kurth, a dour and suspicious man with a temper as black as his beard.
"i have ensured their loyalty."
A moment's silence fell over the group. Rethnors voice was so cold, his face so hard, that the other men could not help but wonder what price he'd exacted, what grim methods he'd employed.
At length the First High Captain cleared his throat and agreed, with a curt nod, to Rethnors plan. "We will prepare for this attack and await your word. Suljack and Kurth, you will see to converting merchant ships for battle. Baram, begin to muster warriors in preparation for the invasion." He turned to Rethnor. "All other details we leave to you. You are the only one among us who enjoys intrigue as much as battle."
The distaste in Taerl's voice was not lost on Rethnor. "One weapon among many;" he repeated, placing one hand on the grip ofhis oft-used broadsword. "My blade is thirsty; the wait will be no longer than it must."
Truth rang clear in Rethnors words, and the wolfish grin on his face spoke plainly of his lust for battle. The other men nodded their approval and their relief. Rethnor might have strange new notions, but he was a Northman first and foremost.
*****
Shakti Hunzrin moved through the corridors of House Hunzrin, ignoring the guards and servants that glided through the dark halls. Like most of Menzoberranzan's