Martin smiled his crooked smile, a reflection of Arutha’s. “Not even Arutha’s Pathfinders are as adept at traveling through the woods as one elven-taught If this Murmandamus has agents along the woodland trails, there is no one south of Elvandar more likely to win past them than I.”
Lyam cast his eyes heavenward in disgust. “You are no better than he.” He crossed to the doors and pulled them open. Arutha and Martin followed behind Gardan waited without, and his company of guards snapped to attention as their monarch left the chamber. To Gardan, Lyam said, “Captain, should either of our half-witted brothers attempt to leave the palace, arrest him and lock him up. That is our royal will. Understood?”
Gardan saluted. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Without another word, Lyam strode down the hall toward his own quarters, his face a mask of worry and preoccupation. Behind him Gardan’s guards exchanged astonished glances, then watched Arutha and Martin leave in another direction. Arutha’s face was flushed, his anger only partially hidden, while Martin’s expression revealed nothing of his feelings. When the two brothers were out of sight, questioning glances passed from soldier to soldier, for they had heard every word exchanged between the King and his brothers, until Gardan spoke in soft but commanding tones. Steady on. You’re at post.“
“Arutha!”
Arutha and Martin, who had been speaking softly as they walked, halted as the Keshian Ambassador hurried to overtake them, his retinue following behind. He reached them, bowed slightly, and said, “Your Highness, Your Grace.”
“Good day, Your Excellency,” Arutha responded somewhat curtly. The presence of Lord Hazara-Khan reminded him there were obligations of office going unmet. Sooner or later, Arutha knew, he would have to return his attention to the mundane concerns of governance. That thought rankled him.
The Ambassador said, “I have been informed, Your Highness, that I and my party will require permission to quit the palace. Is this so?”
Arutha’s irritation intensified, though now it was directed at himself. He had secured the palace as a matter of course, but had done so without considering the often sticky question of diplomatic immunity, that necessary oil in the usually squeaky machinery of international relations. With a note of apology he said, “My lord Hazara-Khan, I am sorry. In the heat of the moment . . .”
“I fully understand, Highness.” Looking quickly about, he said, “May I also have a brief moment? We could speak as we walk.” Arutha indicated he might, and Martin dropped back to walk with Hazara-Khan’s sons and bodyguard. The Ambassador said, “It would be a poor time to pester the King over treaties. I think it a proper time to visit my people in the Jal-Pur. I will stay there awhile. I’ll return to your city, or to Rillanon, as needed, to discuss treaties, after . . . things have settled.”
Arutha studied the Ambassador. Volney’s intelligence on him had revealed that the Empress had dispatched one of her finest minds to negotiate with the Kingdom. “My lord Hazara-Khan, I thank you for considering my own feelings and those of my family at this time.”
The Ambassador waved away the remark. “There is no honor in besting those afflicted by sorrow and woe. When this evil business is over, I desire you and your brother to come to the negotiating table with clear minds, when we discuss the Vale of Dreams. I wish to win concessions from the best you have to offer, Highness. Now it would be too simple to gain advantage. You need Kesh’s approbation in the matter of the King’s forthcoming wedding to the Princess Magda of Roldem. As she is the only daughter of King Carole, and if anything happens to her brother, Crown Prince Dravos, any child of hers would sit the thrones of both the Isles and Roldem, and as Roldem has long been seen as lying within Kesh’s traditional sphere of influence . . . well, you can see how we are concerned.”
“My compliments to the Imperial Intelligence Corps, Excellency,” said Arutha in rueful appreciation. Only he and Martin had known.
“Officially, no such group exists, though we do have certain sources—those wishing to maintain the status quo.”
“I appreciate your candor, Excellency. We also must concern our discussions with the question of a new Keshian war fleet being constructed in Durbin in violation of the Treaty of Shamata.”
Lord Hazara-Khan shook his head and said with affection, “Oh, Arutha, I look forward to bargaining with you.”
“And I with you. I’ll order the guards to allow your party to leave at will. I only ask that you ensure that no one not of your retinue slips out in disguise.”
“I shall stand at the gate and name every soldier and servant as they pass, Highness.”
Arutha had no doubts he would be able to do just that. “No matter what fate brings, Abdur Rachman Memo Hazara-Khan, even should we someday face each other across a battlefield, I will count you a generous, honorable friend.” He extended his hand.