The Prince Consort of the elves said, “The Tsurani drew weapons, Lyam. They were ready to attack the pavilion. Could you not see?”
In spite of his fatigue, Lyam’s voice rose. “I saw only your host attack a conference of peace. I saw nothing in the Tsurani camp that was untoward.”
Kasumi raised his head. “Your Highness, on my word, we drew weapons only when we were set upon by those.” He pointed at Tomas’s forces.
Lyam turned his attention back to Tomas. “Did I not send word that there was to be a truce, and a peace?”
“Aye,” answered Dolgan, “I was there when the sorcerer brought word.”
“Sorcerer?” said Lyam. He turned and shouted, “Laurie! I would have words with you.”
Laurie stepped forward and said, “Highness?”
“Did you carry word to the Elf Queen as I bid?”
“On my honor. I spoke with the Elf Queen herself.”
Tomas looked Lyam in the eye, head tilted back, an expression of defiance upon his face. “And I swear that I have never seen that man before this moment. Word of the planned Tsurani treachery was carried to us by Macros.”
Kulgan and Pug came forward “Your Highness,” said Kulgan, “if the sorcerer’s hand is in this—and it has been in everything else, it seems— then it may be best to unravel this mystery at leisure.”
Lyam still fumed, but Arutha said, “Let it be. We can sort out this mess back at the camp.”
Lyam gave a curt nod. “We return to camp.” The Heir turned to Brucal and said, “Form a proper escort for the prisoners and bring them along.” He then looked at Tomas. “You I would also have in my tent when we return. There is much we must explain.” Tomas agreed, though he did not look happy at the prospect. Lyam shouted, “We return to camp at once. Give the order.”
Kingdom officers rode toward their companies, and the order was given. Tomas turned away and found a stranger standing next to him. He looked at the smiling face, then Dolgan said, “Are you blind, boy? Can’t you recognize your own boyhood companion?”
Tomas looked at Pug as the exhausted magician moved close “Pug?” he said softly. Then he reached out and embraced his once-lost foster brother. “Pug!”
They stood together quietly, amid the clamor of armies on the move, both with tears upon their faces. Kulgan placed his hands upon both men’s shoulders. “Come, we must return. There is much to speak of, and thank the gods, there is now ample time to do so.”
The camp was in full celebration. After more than nine years, the soldiers of the Kingdom knew they would not have to risk death or injury tomorrow. Songs rang out from around campfires, and laughter came from all quarters. It mattered little to most that others lay wounded in tents, tended by the priests, and that some would not live to see the first day of peace, or taste the fruits of victory. All the celebrants knew was that they were among the living, and they reveled in the fact. Later there would be time for mourning lost comrades. Now they drank in life.
Within Lyam’s tent, things were more subdued. Kulgan had given a great deal of thought to the day’s occurrences as they had ridden back. By the time they had reached the tent, the magician from Crydee had pieced together a rough picture of what had occurred. He had presented his opinion to those assembled there, and was now finishing.
“It would seem, then,” said Kulgan, “that Macros intended for the rift to be closed. Everything points to the terrible duplicity as having been used for that purpose.”
Lyam sat with Arutha and Tully by his side. “I still can’t understand what would possess him to undertake such grave measures. Today’s conflict cost over two thousand lives.”
Pug spoke up. “I suspect we may find the answer to that and other questions when we reach his island. Until then I don’t think we can begin to guess.”
Lyam sighed. He said to Tomas, “At least I am convinced that you acted in good faith. I am pleased. It would have been a hard thing to imagine you responsible for all the carnage today.”
Tomas held a wine cup, from which he sipped. “I also am pleased that we have no cause for contention. But I feel illused in this matter.”
“As were we all,” echoed Harthorn and Dolgan.
Calin said, “It is likely that we have all played a part in some scheme of the Black One’s. Perhaps it is as Pug has said, and we shall learn the truth at Sorcerer’s Isle, but I for one resent this bloody business.”
Lyam looked to where Kasumi sat stiffly, eyes forward, seemingly oblivious to what was being said around him. “Kasumi,” Lyam said, “what am I to do with you and your men?”