The Still

Chapter 39

Clutching my aching stomach, gritting my teeth, I trudged toward the torches set in the donjon wall.

“There he is.” Genard raced down the steps. “M’lord, we been search-” He skidded to a stop. “Anavar! Lord Elryc!”

Anavar flew to my side. “Sir, let me help you.” Genard wheeled, bolted inside the keep.

“No.” Gently, I set aside his hand.

Faces loomed out of the light, and despite my protests, guided me, shepherded me into the keep.

“My lord Prince.” Raeth, Earl of Cumber, stood squarely under the candle wheel, flanked by the lords of Council. On the stairs was Rustin, bleary, with bloodshot eyes. He bore my dented crown on a velvet bolster. Above, a horde of moths challenged the shimmering lights.

Uncle Raeth bowed, and with him, Vessa, Willem, the Lady Soushire. Rustin. Even Elryc lowered his head to me, his eyes glistening. Groenfil asked, “Couldn’t you hear our call?”

“He’s hurt,” said Anavar. Rust started.

“No,” I said. “I was ill, but am no longer.” The eons I’d spent spattering my innards on the donjon wall were past. All that remained was loathing, and resolve. I shuddered with the memory of tears.

Groenfil said, “Where were you, sire?”

“In thought.” That, at least, was Truth.

Again, Raeth bowed. “Rodrigo, Council dissolved the regency. All so voted except Duke Margenthar, who left us under truce. It’s done, lad. Congratulations.”

“I would be seated.” I glanced round, saw no bench. As if by cue, the throng parted, opening my way to the great hall. With slow steps, I trod to the table, eased myself into the chair at its head. Swiftly the lords crowded in, servants also, and Tresa, Imbar, Tursel, guards.

“Rodrigo …” Uncle Raeth gestured for the crown to be brought. “Will you be our King?”

I paused long. “No,” I said, and sat stolid, as a storm of remonstrations rocked the stones of the citadel.

When the tumult abated, Uncle Raeth made himself heard. “Why, Roddy?”

“If I’m King, Uncle, must I carry out my vows?”

“Why, yes.”

“I cannot.”

Lady Soushire’s beady eyes were suspicious. “What nonsense is this? You schemed and bargained to be crowned, and now …”

I looked to Groenfil. “I swore by the True I’d not harm Lord Mar. Now I tell thee, he shall die by my hand, if not first by another.”

“Why?”

I beckoned to Elryc, and when he came close, took his hand. “In vengeance for my brother Pytor, whom he murdered.”

“Oh, no!” Elryc’s dismay echoed from the tapestries.

At once, Rustin thrust through the crowd, knelt at my side. “Roddy, how know you this?”

“Pytor lies in the cart behind the stable, rotted. Hester is gone mad.”

“My prince-”

“I suppose it was prying him from the ground that unhinged her. Mar buried him by night in the very field where we met. The wire is still on his throat. Hester drove him here, seeking passage to Fort.”

None spoke. Only Elryc’s sobs broke the silence. Rustin stroked my hand. Tresa brought water, and set it before me. It sat untouched.

“So you see, I cannot be King.”

Groenfil said, “How certain he did this?”

“Nurse Hester left us to seek Pytor in Verein. My brother was hostage in our beloved uncle’s care.”

Rustin’s eyes rose, met Groenfil’s.

The Earl nodded. “Sire, I release you from your pledge. My sister only I would see saved.” He glanced right, and left, “A hard man I knew him. But Prince Pytor was an infant.”

My voice was stony. “Hear me, all. I’m not a boy. The youngsire Rodrigo died kneeling on the cobbles, spattered with vomit. I discharge your vows of fealty. Crown me at your peril. I’ll abide no grief, no compassion, no remorse ’til Caledon’s free from Eiber, and Margenthar dead. The promises I’ve made, I’ll heed to the letter; no more, no less.”

I forced myself to my feet. “You feared a weakling as King? Be warned, my lords. Now am I strong, and without mercy.”

Silence, that stretched forever.

Slowly did Raeth, Earl of Cumber, as if mesmerized, lift my crown and set it to my head.

The proper words were said. The trumpets rang, and my ascension was proclaimed from the steps of the keep. In the great hall, the lords one by one made their bows, as vassals to liege. The servants brought more wine. All drank to me. Through the uneasy festivity I sat motionless, savoring the ache of my belly.

Now would my careless promises come due.

I snapped my fingers, for Anavar’s attention. “I will speak.”

A noble’s son was he, and knew the decorum of state. He sang out, “My lords, my ladies, hear the King!”

Silence.

I said, “In my quest to claim the throne, I promised what I ought not. My lord Cumber, bring Imbar hence.” Quelling my distaste, I borrowed a sword, laid it to shoulder, granted him the nobility Raeth desired.

Vessa made no effort to hide his distaste. Nor did Groenfil.

“Uncle, provide us a chamber, wherein half a dozen may confer. Rustin, Groenfil, Lady Soushire, Tursel and you three guards, come.” In moments, we stood outside a stone room, whose far wall was a huge hearth. Inside were benches, and a table spread with silk.

“Rustin, now you’ll learn what first I conceived in Soushire’s keep, what I’ve held privy.” I took deep breath. “Now, my lady, my lord Groenfil: your weapons. Don’t bother looking askance; I command it.” Soushire surrendered a dagger; Groenfil dagger and sword.

“Tursel, you and your guards sit with them. Neither is to harm the other. They must stay an hour. Then, they’re free to depart.” I faced Groenfil. “Lady Soushire’s price for her vote was your lands. I granted her petition.”

“Demon’s spawn!” But for Tursel, he’d have launched himself at my throat. “By the True you swore! I gave you fealty, put our fate in your-”

“Did I not beg you to forbear? Did I not?”

“Best kill me now, false Lord!” A moan, from the hearth, as wind stirred the ashes.

“Oh, have peace, sir. I begged you not to press your bargain, but you refused. Take comfort; I give you lands worth as much. My lady, your lands are sworn to Groenfil.”

She growled. It was a sound I’d not choose to hear.

I grated, “I’ll give arms and men to each of you, to secure what I granted. You’re both fools; I abhor your greed. Stay awhile, and consider your course. Would you join in revolt against me? I give you leave. Would you trade estates? It’s done. Would you negate what you require of me, and each keep your own? Merely say the word. Tursel, shut the door.” I left.

Rustin gazed at me with wonder.

“For good or ill,” I said, “it was the only way I could see.”

“If Groenfil had not made his claim?”

“I’d not be King.” I stalked to the hall. “I need air.”

There was no guard. I flung open the door. A raging gale tore it from my hands. The candles guttered.

A slavering mongrel’s red eyes blazed in the night. He lunged. Teeth fastened in my leg. I screamed. Rust’s dagger sliced. The hound yelped and was still.

On the steps, a pack of frantic curs bayed. The wind shrieked. Together, Rust and I forced shut the door.

Shaken, I limped to the great hall. “Demons, Rust.”

“Powers.” His eyes flitted to the chamber we’d left. “You enraged both the Lord and Lady.”

I swallowed, made my way to my seat.

Outside, a fierce storm battered the walls. The maddened howl of dogs stiffened the hair on my neck.

I glanced at the hour candle, burning long past midnight. It had been too long a day, too full.

“We will rest,” I said.

The bedchamber was high above. I set my teeth against the weariness and the ache of the stairs.

Rustin and Anavar helped me disrobe, awkward and unsure as two fresh-trained body-servants. I rinsed my face, and in a daze, let my hands linger over the ewer. After a time, I let Anavar guide me across the chamber, and fell onto the down-stuffed bed. Rust dismissed Anavar, set the sturdy beam in the door’s bolt.

He cast his gaze about, found pillows piled on a lounge. Quickly he threw them to the floor alongside my bed, drew his sword, placed it at his side, lay on the floor at my feet.

Fitting. Now I was King; the time for Rustin’s touch was past. I need be strong, and cold of heart.

I blew out the bed candle, lay unhappy in the windswept night.

“What dreams the imps brought me, last night …” I yawned in the clear cold morn, and froze. Stretching, I’d felt pangs of protest from the stiff muscles of my stomach. “It was real?” Half question, half statement. “Lord of Nature.” I rubbed away sleep, fearing my head would throb from drink. “Had I wine last night?”

“That was I.” Rustin’s voice was listless. “I’m ashamed.”

“Pah.” I padded across the floor, threw open the shutters. “A day we’d all soon forget. You were no worse … oh.” I stared.

“What is it, my prince?’

Beyond Raeth’s walls rippled a sea of black. Already sappers were at work, digging trenches from which they’d inch their way across disputed ground. Officers on horse directed the work, and cantered among an army of billowing tents. Black banners flew above fresh-planted center poles.

“Tantroth.” Rust’s reassuring hand crept to my shoulder.

“Duke of Eiber.” For a time, I stared down at the labor.

“Look.”

I followed his finger. To our north, Tantroth’s force spread out of sight beyond the castle’s east wall. And to our west, a narrow path, less than a spear-hurl, separated them from a second army, facing us for siege. “Uncle Mar.”

“They’ve made common cause.”

With sinking heart I reached for my clothes, and my coronet. “I’d best go down,” I said. “And see who hasn’t fled in the night.”

Uncle Raeth’s breakfast table was set with its customary riches. I found him presiding happily over so many lords and ladies as seldom gathered. “Ah, Rodrigo.” He stood, made the bow of one intimate to another, of the royal family. “Do join us.” Willem and Vessa stood politely.

Across the hall, Lady Soushire watched me with beady eyes. I nodded, choosing among a bowl of fruit “Where’s Groenfil?”

“Here,” said a voice behind me, and I jumped. The Earl’s eyes were cold. “My lord.” He made a short bow, correct in every particular, cold as ice.

Inwardly, I sighed. It was no more than I deserved. I’d somehow have to undo my folly. To divert my thoughts I asked idly, “Has Tantroth sent envoy?”

“None,” said Uncle Raeth.

“Odd, that he’d not seek to divide us.” Or, perhaps he already had. Digesting the alarming thought, I kept my face impassive.

Soushire stumped to the table. “Why go to the trouble, when our King does that of his own?”

I chewed that over, with an unripe apple.

Elryc entered, saw me, ran to my side. “Roddy.” He thrust my arm around his shoulder.

“What troubles you, brother?” My tone was gentle.

“I’ve been … Hester. She won’t even … Oh, Roddy.” He wept.

“She’s no better?” We’d had her brought into the castle, and tended.

He shook his head.

“Raeth, have you place in the courtyard to bury Pytor?” That detail couldn’t wait. Idly, I listened to his proposal. A granite circle, upright stones, a marker of bronze. I waved assent. “Rust?” I craned my head. “Come talk.”

Elryc stirred from my breath. “He’s not here, Roddy.”

“We came down togeth-very well.” I brooded. “And, Anavar?” He too was missing. Abruptly, I stood. “Uncle, lend me your garden. I would be alone.” Without waiting for answer, I crossed to the wide doors, slipped through, shut them behind.

Little was left of Uncle’s pride and joy; the night’s fierce gale had ravaged nearly all his blooms. Nervously, I glanced about, but saw no dogs.

I paced the ragged plantings until my legs grew tired. I sat at a marble bowl, in which the residue of the night’s rain puddled. What would you say, Rust? That I deserved what I’d got? Of course; I’m not complaining.

Idly, I rubbed my palms.

And Rust, why are you so sullen? Is it that I’m King, and escape your counsel, your chastisement? No, you were foul two nights past, before it was decided. Oh, I’ve tried you, I admit. Not as before, in Nurse Hester’s cottage, but surely enough. I’m impetuous, imperious, improvident. Imprudent, at times. But I love-that is, admire you, respect you. Can you not see? I’ll tell you, when I find you. I’ll speak True, so you must believe.

An autumn breeze rustled the torn leaves.

Well, Rust, pretend for a moment you’re not annoyed with me. What shall I do about Groenfil and the Lady Soushire? I abused them, never mind their greed. I tricked them into voting lawfully for my coronation. That gave me the crown, but at the cost of their enmity. How can I make it right?

“Speak True.”

I leaped to my feet, stifling a scream. That voice … “Mother?”

Silence, then a faint voice within. “Do the unexpected.”

I sighed. I need not pretend it was Mother who gave such sensible advice. I’d duped my way to the throne; if I didn’t learn honesty, my kingdom would melt away. As for avoiding the obvious … well, I’d learned something treading the halls of kings.

So, now. Shall I fight Tantroth with foes gathered under my very banner? What mischief will Uncle Mar stir among us now? Oh, I deserve it; I already know that. If only I had the Still. What wisdom it brought I sorely needed. But Mar had the Vessels, and we were blood enemies.

“To whom do you growl, my lord?”

I whirled, kneading my hands. “Tresa. My lady.” I gave a short bow, barely polite. “I asked for solitude.”

“I didn’t know.” A scant curtsy, and she was striding off.

“Wait!”

“You wanted to be alone.”

“But now I don’t.” I stamped my foot. “Must I always be childish with you? Help me be other.”

Something in my plea stayed her tart riposte. “All right, Roddy. I mean, Lord King.”

“Roddy. It’s how you’ll always think of me.” I made an effort to smile. “The name sounds sweet on your lips.”

To my amazement, she blushed.

I paced amid the rows of earth. “I was wondering how to make amends.”

“For what?”

“So much. I tried to be kinder, really I did. Rust helped. I even succeeded, after a fashion. But I’ve so much to learn, and no time.” I cocked an ear to the clang and clatter of Eiber’s troop, beyond the walls. “I would lead, but I’m thwarted by who I am.”

“It was you they chose last night.”

“But I-”

“Knowing your faults.”

“Not all of them.” I brooded on Groenfil and Soushire. Hadn’t Rust warned me against deceit, ever more urgently? I turned to Tresa. “Even Rustin, I’ve driven away.”

“No, my lord. He’s your friend.”

I studied her face, and at last recalled her words, cast aside in the heat of the day’s events. “What said you that day when I spoke of Rustin? You thought for my crown we had … what?”

Her face was resolute. “It’s for him to tell you, if he would.”

“I won’t have that!” I could bear no more. “Speak, my lady. As King I command it!”

A few moments later, she left. I stood ashen, staring at a rainbow of blossoms. Was it so lonely, to be King? Was this what must be?

I threw open the doors. Conversation in the great hall ceased. I crossed to the table. “Summon our Lord Rustin, and our ward Anavar.” I took a seat. “By your leave, Uncle. This is your house, but we have business of state.”

“Of course, Roddy. My lord.”

“Very well. Outside, all of you, except my lord Groenfil and Larissa of Soushire. Await my call.”

When we were alone the Lady glowered from across the table. Groenfil’s face was cold and distant.

I hesitated, assailed by doubts. Still, I knew what must be done. “How have you decided?”

Neither wanted to speak. At last Groenfil said, “To keep our realms.”

“It’s wise. You see …” Abruptly I stood to pace; this would be harder than I thought. “Know you this: First, no matter what may come, I swear by the True, by Caledon, by all I hold dear, I shall not again use an oath to deceive you, to trick you by canny wording, or to let you believe that which is untrue. All I have attained by such oaths, I renounce.”

“What say you?” Groenfil made no effort to hide his mistrust.

“This.” I took the coronet from my brow, laid it amid the abandoned dishes of breakfast.

“What trick-”

I looked with longing at the coronet. “Yes. Renounce.” A long pause. “Where was I? Oh, yes. I beg your forgiveness. If you grant it, I swear you’ll have no truer friend, nor more grateful monarch, ’til I draw my last breath.”

I had their attention, fully. I essayed a smile, but it didn’t come out right. “Do I think you greedy and foolish, to covet each other’s lands over some ancient quarrel? Yes. Do I think the less of you for it? Yes.” I bore their searing gaze. “But I turned your greed against you, and sullied the crown I would honor. I can’t have it so.”

Groenfil snarled, “You’ve no right-”

“I’ve no right at all. Last night I bade you confer. Today I ask it again. When you’re done, give the crown to Uncle Raeth for my successor. Or bring it to me in the garden, if truly you’d see me wear it.”

“Roddy!” Groenfil’s command caught me halfway to the door.

“Yes, my lord?”

“Don’t expect the crown, after your treachery.”

“Why, no, my lord.”

“You don’t want to be King?”

“More than I can bear!” I hesitated, looked past him to some dream of Caledon. “But there’s a kind of King I’d be. I’ve started wrong, and must retrace my steps. I think of the honor you showed me, riding at my side from your keep, despite the secrets I withheld. Sir, I would deserve that honor.”

His eyes bored into mine. Uncomfortable, I turned to the Lady. “Larissa, I cannot give you Groenfil. But I proffer my friendship, if you’ll forgive my deceit.”

She snorted. “What have you, to match what Mar and Tantroth would offer?”

“Myself. And that’s little indeed.” Hesitantly, I approached her stolid frame. “Have you never wished, my lady …”

“Yes?”

“For an end to the intrigues, the bargains, the schemes? I’m barely grown, and I choke on them.”

Her lips bared in what might have been a smile. “You’d be King without them?”

I took deep breath. “Not entirely. But I must have those whose souls I trust. If I am betrayed, then so be it. I cannot live otherwise.” I turned back to the garden.

Why was I not surprised, then, when the lords of Groenfil and Soushire brought my coronet to the garden, with civil words? I felt a player in a dream, afloat on a sea of indifference. I embraced them, wishing I could feel the gratitude I’d promised.

After, I bade the doors be thrown open, and my lords admitted. With them came Rustin, Anavar, Tresa. Even Genard, attending Elryc.

Uncle Raeth had been busy; he spoke of the orders he’d given for dispositions of troops, the relative strength of the various walls.

“Does Tantroth attack?” Of course not, else the alarums of trumpets would have overridden all other concerns. “Then send envoy.”

“Why? What terms could you possibly-”

“Say that Rodrigo King of Caledon bids Tantroth welcome to our domain.” I reveled in their consternation. “Invite him to dine. Safe-conduct, and all that.”

“Roddy, have imps taken your wits? He’s come to make war.”

I chose not to hear insult. “See how Tantroth replies. Now, to other business. To each of you I humbly apologize for my late manners. And for toying with the True. I will speak honestly henceforth, and any noble is free to reprimand me should I not.” I sat, drummed my fingers on the table. “The Council of State is disbanded.”

“What?” Whoever said it spoke the dismay of all.

“I so decree. Who claims I cannot rule without Council?” I faced down their disapproval. “Now do I appoint privy councilors, to advise me in all things. I name Lord Groenfil and Lady Soushire, to remind me of humility. My uncle, Lord Cumber, who was first to support me, when my claim was weak. Elryc my brother, whose words are wise and honest. Lord Rustin. And Anavar, late of Eiber.”

“Rodrigo!” Uncle Raeth’s cheeks held spots of pink. “Myself, I appreciate the honor, but Anavar-that goes too far.”

“How so?”

“If you’d reward a lover, give him gold, or-”

“He’s not my bedmate. Rustin’s been that.” It brought stunned silence, as eyes across the hall flickered to Rust, and away. “Did I not tell you I’d speak True?”

The Earl rallied. “It’s not fitting. The boy’s an Eiberian.”

“Easily remedied. Anavar of Eiber, come hence.” I put a hand on his shoulder. “I declare you Baron of the southern reaches of Caledon. Will you be my vassal?”

He fell to his knees. “Don’t toy with me, I beg thee.”

“Will you?”

He gulped. “Sire, in all matters save war against Lord Tantroth …” He could say no more.

A borrowed sword, the ritual words, his palm to my chest, and it was done. “Lands will follow. Perhaps some part of Mar’s estate in Verein, that doesn’t go to Elryc.” I stood. “This afternoon we’ll confer regarding our attackers. Captain Tursel will join us. For now, I retire to my chambers. Lord Rustin, accompany me.” I swept out, oblivious of the hasty bows in my wake.

In our rooms, Rust unbuckled his sword and stretched. “You were wonderful. Did you see-”

I spun him to face me, shoved him to the wall. “Vile creature!”

His eyes widened.

“Among the others, I was silent. But between us, let there be no-” I pummeled his chest.

He caught my arm. “Stay your blows. For what crime do you berate me?”

“Imbar!”

At first he held my eyes. I raised a fist to strike him, but he sank to a chair.

“How could you? I vomit at the thought!”

A whisper. “Stop.”

“Only the son of a foul traitor …” My voice rose, and my invective soared. When I was done, I flung open the door. “Get out! Sleep with your new lover, or with Genard. Trouble me no more!”

In the corridor, his hand reached out, as if in supplication. “It was for you.”

“I won’t hear it!” I slammed the door with a mighty crash.

I’d no sooner begun pacing when a knock came. “My lord?” Anavar.

“What, boy?” I tried not to snarl.

His face was tear-streaked. “You do me too much honor.”

“Bah. I’m protecting you from my rages.”

“I have title, yet I’m still your ward.”

“Well, of course. You’re not grown.”

“Father says-”

“Please!” I covered my ears.

“I’m sorry.” Tremulously, he crossed to face me. “Sir … Lord King-”

“‘Sir’ will do, as before.”

“I didn’t know how to thank you, in the great hall. You raise me from servant to earl-”

“Not in one step.” I had to smile.

“They speak of you in awe. They say Groenfil and Soushire converse, who’ve been foes for years. They say Earl Cumber …”

I sighed. “Anavar, already I’m lonely.”

“I’ll call Lord Rustin.”

“No, he’s the cause.” I closed my eyes.

“What’s come between you?”

“That’s none of your-” I grimaced. Would I speak True, or no? “He allowed Imbar to debauch him, so the valet would urge Uncle Raeth to support me. Our friendship is done forever.”

“Father says forever lies across steep hills; your steed may tire before reaching it.” He hesitated. “Sir, I’ve no love for Rustin; he beat me with his scabbard. But don’t lock him from your life.”

“Who are you, to tell me what to do?”

“Baron, and Privy Councilor, sir.” His gaze was defiant.

“Oh.” I swallowed. “Yes. Well …” I sighed, suddenly finding it hard to speak. “I loved him. Not, of course, as I’d love a woman.” My words seemed too hasty, and perhaps a touch false. No, I wouldn’t think of that. “He was my true friend. And he betrayed me.”

“As did his father.”

My eyes burned. Smoke from the kitchens, no doubt. I forced my mind elsewhere. “Anavar, I have no proper court. The best service you can give is to attend me. Call those whom I seek; relay my words. When we’re home in Stryx, protocol will sort itself out. Chamberlain Willem will help …” I made a vague gesture. “Let’s find Raeth.”

In the courtyard, Tursel had made great progress in settling the displaced townsfolk. His men had improvised rough shelters, in which villeins and merchants alike huddled. The pathways had been cleared of carts and barrows. Raeth’s stables were full to overflowing with horses and mules.

I found my uncle outside the kitchens, glaring at sweating cooks who labored over bubbling cauldrons. “That we have a horde of guests doesn’t mean you need oversalt the soup. By the demons’ lake, you know better! Tresa, watch over them. We’ve a reputation to uphold. Hello, Roddy. Or shall I call you King?”

“You’re too old to change your ways,” I growled. “Tease me as you will. It’s your nature.”

“Isn’t he a gracious sovereign, Anavar?” My uncle pursed his lips. “Perhaps I owe you an apology, my Lord of the Southern Reaches. Yet you were a foreigner at the time, perhaps I don’t. What say you?”

Anavar gaped.

I said, “He’ll delight in disconcerting you, boy, now you’re landed nobility and worth the trouble. Pay him no heed, unless the candles flicker.”

Uncle bowed to acknowledge a point scored. “No reply yet from our, um, guest outside the walls. Ah, Imbar, what have you, a scroll? Perhaps I spoke too soon.”

Breathing heavily, the erstwhile valet read aloud his missive. Tantroth Duke of Eiber would partake of Cumber’s hospitality, and meet under truce the boy pretender to the throne of Caledon.

I clenched my teeth, determined to make no outburst. After, I was proud of the effort.

So Tantroth would commit to our honor, knowing that one prick of a dagger could end him. He was no coward. I filed the knowledge.

For a warrior in siege, Tantroth made an imposing entrance. He’d been allowed only six retainers, but two dozen men-at-arms accompanied him as far as our torchlit walls. They bore banners enough for a legion. After the gates closed I would slip inside, and be waiting when Tantroth entered the great hall, but now I paced the battlements with agitation, disguised in a shabby cloak.

Was I wise to let Tantroth within our keep? He’d be well watched and amply guarded, but nothing would blunt his observations. Yet Caledon had never been an armed camp. His spies had entered Cumber’s gates on many an occasion, and he no doubt had maps of the castle as fine as our own.

Tantroth’s honor guard reined in well clear of the wall, so we need not fear treachery. Nonetheless, two scores of our guard stood ready to force shut the door.

Tantroth passed through without incident, and his six retainers behind. Black he wore, as did his men. Fine colors for autumn, I thought. But what of summer? Did his men, outlandishly forced to dress alike, suffer from heat in their garb? Perhaps someday I’d take that into account.

Tantroth’s hair was gray, his face grizzled and lined. I was shocked; I’d not thought him old.

I stared down from the battlement, reminding myself it was his orders that had burned peasants in their huts, in search of me. Yet I’d invited him to my table. Was I any better than he?

The Earl of Cumber stood forth, to welcome Tantroth with due ceremony. It was a marvel we could all pretend the Duke of Eiber had no army waiting to breach our walls, and we weren’t stocked for siege.

Reluctantly, I trotted to a side stairs, and disappeared into the throng of the courtyard. Moments after, I was at the head of Uncle Raeth’s table, awaiting our guest. As I’d ordered, Elryc sat at my side. I’d promised he’d be my counsel, and today redeemed my pledge. Genard watched him from the servants’ place by the wall, with eyes of pride.

As for Anavar, he was banished to my chamber with a plate of dinner, ordered to open for no voice save my own. I would not allow that he and his first liege meet. For a moment I wondered if I’d truly done the boy good service; how his head must spin in sorting out his loyalties.

Cumber’s voice rang out from the entry. “My lord King Rodrigo: your vassal Tantroth, Norduke of Eiber, and his retinue.” To me, Uncle Raeth made the formal bow, the deep bow of state.

Tantroth’s lips played in a smile. He bowed politely to Raeth, and acknowledged me with barely more than a nod. Not the bow of vassal to lord, it wasn’t even the notice of equals.

He’d left me no choice; I kept my seat. Better to ignore his bend entirely than to reply with similar discourtesy or, worse, bow to him as a superior. I glanced about, hoping for a moment to catch Rustin’s eye, but of course he was absent. I said, “My lord Norduke, we bid thee welcome.”

“Greetings, Roddy.” He coughed. “A fine banquet, Lord Cumber.” At that, Tresa caught my eye with a sympathetic smile. My fingers eased their grip on the armrest.

Uncle Raeth waved airily. “Simple fare, I regret.”

I said, “Come, Lord Tantroth, sit at my right. Brother, meet our esteemed Norduke.” Elryc stood, bowed with such respect that Tantroth was forced to bow in return or seem a churl. Perhaps I should have done the same, and set the Norduke in his place. I filed the lesson in the recesses of memory; I could learn much, if I watched.

Over the soup I turned to Tantroth and said pleasantly, “So, my lord. Will you presume on our hospitality this winter, when your men freeze in their tents?”

“I’ll be long home-” He was stopped by a deep, hacking cough that seemed without end. Finally, he wiped his mouth, took a swallow of wine. “My seven thousand are ample to surmount your walls. I’ll leave my barons here to rebuild our holdings.”

“I think not.” I smiled agreeably. I trusted Tursel’s estimate of eleven thousand. Of course, Tantroth wouldn’t want me to know his true strength, but it was a wily move to undervalue it.

He said sourly, “Boys your age know nothing of war.”

Even Uncle Raeth drew sharp breath.

I said, “A pity you left me no choice. I really hoped not to cede Eiber.”

“It’s not yours to cede me.”

“Not to you, my lord.” I broke bread, dipped it in the remains of my soup. “To the Norlanders. They have the strength to evict you.” While I seemed to watch my bowl, my whole being waited his reaction.

What I suggested was no idle threat. Eiber served as a buffer between us and the feared Norlanders. Their nation dwarfed Caledon, and moreover the Rood of the Norland was justly feared in battle.

“You haven’t treated with the Norland. I’d know.” His voice was confident. “And you wouldn’t. Their sword is sharpened at both edges.”

If he was certain I hadn’t, he’d not want me to have the knowledge. My heart leaped. “You started so well, Lord Tantroth, taking us by surprise. And after, your intelligence was brilliant; how did you guess Mar sent plague victims to rest in Stryx Castle?” I barely paused. “I’d reckoned you’d enter and your armies be decimated by now.”

His smile was crooked. “Say all of that by the True.”

“Hardly. I won’t ever speak to you by the True, not even in treaty. Else you’d know when I lie.”

“As you do now.”

“Perhaps you’re right. Yet you’re beaten, my lord, by your own miscalculation.” I had to take care, and phrase my insinuations as questions. A false declaration might cost me the Still.

Again, the hacking cough, but only for a moment. “How say you?”

“Mother, fair Elena, would have died to keep Caledon whole. I’m a callow boy; I’ll take what I can get. What if I ceded the Norlanders all Eiber, and half of Cumber with it, and gave Uncle Raeth Verein to compensate?”

I glanced to Lord Cumber for his accord, and luckily, he was up to it. He managed to look dour, and not surprised.

Tantroth was seized with a fit of coughing.

I said solicitously, “You’re ill, my lord.”

“Aye, it will carry me off, this wheeze.” His face set in a death’s-head grin. “But not yet. You were saying?”

“That you’ve erred. Do you think Hriskil of Norland will promise me your head? And should you try to withdraw, I’ll harry you to the hills.” I owed him no mercy.

Tantroth snarled, “You’d toy with me, youngsire? No wonder Mar wants to box your ears. Go with women, before you call yourself a man!”

A sharp rap, from several seats below. Willem raised his glass. “Your health, my lords. I salute you both.” His face was earnest, and compelling. Seething, white of face, I raised my glass, spilling half my wine.

After the dinner, and Tantroth’s ceremonial departure, Elryc and I walked to his room. “You confused him, Roddy. That’s good. Even if he thinks you gull him, he sees you as a worthy opponent.”

“Wonderful,” I grumbled. “Now he’ll respect me as he slays me.”

“He won’t.” Elryc drew me into a hug. “You act the King. I’m proud.”

I rustled his hair, speechless. What had come of our carping and enmity, in days so recent?

“Roddy …” He faced me, resolute. “We’ll fight off Tantroth, or he’ll leave. You’ll rule well. But one thing you must do, and soon.”

“What’s that, brother?” After the night’s tension, I felt magnanimous.

“Make your peace with Rustin.”

“Devils and imps take-what’s come over my court? You, Anavar-shall I have no reprieve? Rustin is my problem, not yours!”

Elryc was unfazed. “Am I your counselor? Do you keep your oath?”

“Yes!”

“Heed my advice. Else you’ll be miserable.”

“Because we shared a bed when I had need? I’m past that now. A man must-”

“Would I had a friend as close as he to you!” His eyes teared. “You throw away treasure!” He darted into his room.

Not knowing where else to go, I climbed the stairs, searched out Hester’s chamber. Perhaps there was some remnant of sage advice in the ruin of her mind. A servant quietly let me in.

“Hello, Nurse.”

She opened an eye, lifted her head from the table. She peered about, as if dazed. “Where are we?”

“In Cumber.”

“Ah. They told me.” She pried open her other eye. “I’m still half-blind.” Pus oozed from under the eyelid.

I pulled up a stool, and sat. “It must hurt.”

“I’m beyond hurt.” A laugh, that became a cackle. “You’ve grown, Roddy. My lady will be amazed when I tell her.”

My heart leaped. “You know me?”

“How could I not?” She sat rocking. “The boy who would be King.” She shook her head. “Pytor was here, last hour.”

“You mean Elryc,” I said gently.

“Think you I don’t know them apart? Pytor it was, after Elryc left. He cursed Mar.” Her single eye glared balefully.

“I’ll avenge him, Nurse.” If I kept no other vow, I’d honor that.

“Of course.” Her gaze flitted to the window. “Think you we’ll go riding today, my lady and I?”

“Oh, Hester.” I took her gnarled hand, laid it to my cheek.

“Go, you great overgrown-no, out!” She hobbled to her feet. “You’ve better to do than crumble my dreams!” She shooed me to the door. “Leave an old woman in peace!”

I beckoned the servant. “Tend her well,” I advised. “As you value your life.”