Quickly, with economy, Arutha told Guy his story, starting with the return from the long trip with Lyam to the East, then of the first attack by the Nighthawks, through the revelations at the Abbey at Sarth and the quest for Silverthorn, to the false death of the Prince of Krondor. He ended by saying, “To end it, we’ve come to kill Murmandamus.”
At that, Guy shook his head in disbelief. “Cousin, it’s a bold plan, but . . .” He turned to Armand. “How many infiltrators have we tried to get into his camp?”
“Six?”
“Seven,” said Briana.
“But they weren’t Kingdom men, were they?” asked Jimmy, taking out an ebon hawk on a chain. “And they didn’t carry the Nighthawks’ talisman, did they.”
Guy looked at Jimmy in near-exasperation. “Armand?”
The former Baron of Gyldenholt opened a drawer in a cabinet and took out a pouch. He untied the pouch and poured a half dozen of the talismans on the table. “We’ve tried it, Squire. And yes, some were Kingdom men, for there are always a few among those saved by the Armengarians when they raided the Brothers’ slave coffles. No, there’s something missing. They know who the true brigands are and who are spies.”
Arutha said, “Magic, most likely.”
Guy said, “That’s a problem we’ve faced before. We number no spellcasters, whether magicians or priests, in this city. It seems constant warfare, with everyone expected to fight, does not permit the sort of placidity such study requires - or it kills off all the teachers. But whatever the reason, on those few occasions when Murmandamus or his snake has taken a hand, we’ve paid a dear price.” He added thoughtfully, “Though for some reason he seems reluctant to use his powers against us, thank the gods.”
Guy sat back. “You and I share an interest, cousin. To give you some sense of it, let me tell you about this place. You know that the ancestors of the Armengarians came over the mountains when the Kingdom annexed Yabon. They discovered a rich land, but one already inhabited, and those who were here first tended to look upon the incursion of the Armengarians with disfavour. Briana, who built this city?”
The woman spoke, her voice a soft contralto. “The legend is that the gods ordered a race of giants to build this city, then left it abandoned. We took it as we found it.”
“No one knows who lived here,” said Guy. “There is another city, far to the north, Sar-Sargoth. It is a city twin to this one, and Murmandamus’s capital.”
Arutha said, “So if we are to seek him out, there is where we’ll find him.”
“Seek him out and he’ll see your heads on pikes,” snorted Amos.
Guy indicated agreement. “We have other needs, Arutha. Last year he marshalled an army in excess of twenty thousand. As much might as the Armies of the East at full muster during peaceful times. We braced ourselves for a full-scale onslaught, but nothing materialized. Now, I expect your friend here” - he pointed to Baru - “killing off Murmandamus’s favourite general might have aborted the campaign. But this year he’s back and he’s even stronger. We estimate he may have more than twenty-five thousand goblins and Dark Brothers under his banner, with more arriving every day. I expect upward of thirty thousand when he marches.”
Arutha looked at Guy. “Why hasn’t he marched yet?”
Guy spread his hands, inviting comment from anyone. “He’s waiting for your death, remember?” instructed Jimmy. “It’s a religious thing.”
Arutha said, “He has word by now. That’s what he told that renegade Morgan Crowe.”
Guy’s one good eye narrowed. “What’s this?”
Arutha told of the renegade at the inn on the road to Tyr-Sog, and of the plan to hire Segersen’s engineers.
“That’s what he was waiting for,” said Guy, slapping the table. “He has his magic, but for some reason won’t use it against us. Without Segersen’s engineers he can’t bring down our walls.” When Arutha looked uncertain of Guy’s meaning, Guy said, “If he could bring down Armengar’s walls he wouldn’t be trying to hire Segersen. No one knows who built those walls, Arutha, but whoever it was had some skills beyond any other I’ve knowledge of. I’ve seen fortification of all manner, but none like Armengar. Segersen’s engineers might not be able to breach the walls, but they are the only ones I know of with half a chance to do it.”
“So, with Segersen not coming, you’re in good position to defend.”
“Yes, but there are other matters coming to bear as well.” Guy stood. “We’ve more to discuss, and can continue later; I’ve a meeting with a city council now. For the present, you are free to come and go within Armengar at will.” He took Arutha aside and said, “I need to speak with you in private. Tonight, after the evening meal.”
The meeting broke up, with Briana, Armand, and Guy leaving. Dwyne and Amos lingered behind. Amos approached Arutha and Martin while the Duke watched the woman leave. “Who is she, Amos?” asked Martin.
“One of the city’s better commanders, Martin. Gwynnath’s daughter.”