“I need a diversion.”
The King sat speechless for a full minute, then he said, “You need a diversion?”
“Sire, I can show you a course from within the Southern Islands, avoiding Inaska entirely, and you can land an army that would threaten either Opardum or Olasko Gateway. Kaspar would be forced to leave soldiers in Olasko Gateway, rather than bring them up for support.”
“Or he could march armies from both cities and crush my forces between them!”
“He’ll be too busy to risk it, Majesty.”
“Why?”
“Because the King of Roldem will have a fleet at anchor off Opardum, loaded with several thousand Keshian Dog Soldiers.”
“Kesh!” the King almost yelled. “What has Kesh to do with Kaspar?”
“Kaspar has been found out in the murder of Prince Phillip of Aranor.”
“That’s hardly news, Squire, since Princess Alena is guesting here in Rillanon. We have dispatched strong messages to Kaspar on this subject, and expect he will see to her return and assure us that a regent will rule until the Prince is of an age to take the throne.”
“With respect, Majesty, that is hardly likely to happen with Kaspar in Olasko. The King of Roldem also realizes this, and he also knows that Kaspar removed Phillip, just as he attempted to remove Duke Rodoski, to put himself closer to King Carol’s throne. Kaspar means to see himself King of Roldem, Majesty.”
“So it seems, but it also hardly seems likely.”
“It will be very likely if Kaspar marches his army to Farinda and puts ten thousand men and horses on your border, sire. You will have no option but to march your forces up to meet him there. Meanwhile, he will be in Roldem being crowned.”
“And how will he accomplish this? By magic?”
Pug stepped forward. “Precisely, Majesty. And that is why you must act in concert with us in this matter, for if you do not, then I will wager that Kaspar will be sitting upon the throne of Roldem before year’s end, and moreover, he will not be content to stay there. He will move again, first against the other Eastern Kingdoms, bringing Miskalon, Roskalon, and the others into line with Salmater, forming up principalities and duchies loyal to King Kaspar of Roldem, and then he’ll move against Rillanon.”
The King was quiet for a moment. Then he said, “You paint a bleak portrait, gentlemen. Very well, I will hear more. You will meet with my council after the midday meal and present all your evidence. But I warn you, if it is not persuasive, you will be departing this palace instantly. Neither of you is trusted here, sirs, and you must show us a great deal before trust will be forthcoming. Now, your comfort will be seen to, and we will meet again this afternoon.”
Pug, Tal, and Pasko bowed and departed. Outside in the corridor, Tal turned to Pug and said, “So, that’s the first step.”
Pug said, “With many more steps to follow.”
They followed a page who had been sent to show them to guest quarters, where they might eat and freshen up before the afternoon meeting with the King and his council.
Inside the room they found a large table set with refreshments and two day couches large enough to nap upon if they so desired. A servant there waited to act upon their every request, but Pug turned to him and said, “Leave us.”
The servant bowed and left them alone. Pug closed his eyes, waved his hands, then declared, “We are safe from being overheard by magic.” To Pasko he said, “Wait outside the door and see we are not overheard by more mundane means.” Pasko nodded and left the room.
Tal poured a goblet of wine and inclined his head toward Pug, asking if he wished one. “Water will do,” Pug replied.
Tal poured water for Pug, handed it to him, then picked up the wine in his left hand. He flexed the small fingers on his right hand, under the bandages, and wondered again at the magic used. Every movement hurt, but at the same time, it felt wonderful to have true sensation back there. He knew the pain would fade; Nakor had reassured him that it would lessen in time, and that exercise would hasten the healing. He knew one thing: when he faced Kaspar it would be with his sword in his right hand.
Tal said, “So, then, it begins.”
“Yes,” said the sorcerer. “We will have the Isles’ support before the day is out.”
Tal sat in a chair and put his feet up on another. Pug sat on one of the day couches. Tal asked, “Is there even a shred of truth in what we told the King?”
“Truth is a negotiable concept, I’ve learned over the years.”
“Do I have even an inkling of what is really at play here?”
Pug said, “I don’t know if any of us does, or if we’re capable of truly understanding.” He was silent for a moment, then added, “You’ve been through a lot, Tal. You’re not yet thirty years of age, but you’ve suffered more than most men do in two lifetimes. When this is over, if we survive, I will tell you as much as I can.”