‘We cannot talk here,’ Nathair had said to Veradis’ questioning look. ‘I fear Owain does not trust me. At the moment he trusts no one: a lesson he has learned a little too late, I think. Come, you will be shown to your chambers, where you can refresh yourself.’ He sniffed. ‘And wash. I will send for you and we will talk later.’
Veradis had soaked in a hot bath, eaten a good meal and changed into a soft cotton tunic and leather kilt, though he still wore his two swords on his belt. His iron sandals had echoed in the stone corridors as he followed Nathair’s messenger back to the King’s chambers, and now here he was, drinking something disgusting with a Vin Thalun pirate. He never failed to marvel at the surprises the last few years had thrown at him.
The door opened and in marched Nathair, followed closely by Sumur and Calidus. Alcyon came last.
Nathair ushered them to chairs.
‘We must wait for one more before we begin,’ Nathair said.
There was a knock at the door. A man walked in whom Veradis did not recognize. He was fair haired, dressed in tunic and breeches. His beard was neat and trimmed; there was an economy in his movement as he approached the table.
‘This is Evnis,’ Nathair said, ‘until recently the counsellor of King Brenin. He has entered my service, and has already proved his loyalty and his value. You can all speak freely in front of him.’
Evnis smiled, showing creases about his eyes, and sat at the table.
‘I am glad that you are all here,’ Nathair told them. ‘It is no small thing that we are gathered together, hundreds of leagues from Tenebral.’
‘A miraculous sign of Elyon’s approval of our purposes, if ever we needed one,’ Lykos said, raising his cup and drinking deep.
‘And also testament of Calidus’ talents,’ Nathair said.
Calidus waved a hand, frowning at Lykos.
‘Lykos, let us begin with you. I am eager for news of my home.’
Home. I miss Tenebral, and so does Nathair, judging by his look.
‘Your mother sends her greetings,’ Lykos said.
Nathair smiled, warm and genuine. ‘Is she well?’
‘Her health is good, from what I can tell. And she tries to govern Tenebral well, for her part.’
‘Tries?’ said Nathair, frowning.
‘There is unrest in Tenebral, my King. Your barons seek to take advantage of your absence and your mother’s grief.’
What barons? thought Veradis. My own father is Baron of Ripa.
‘What do you mean? Mother has not sent me word.’
‘She has sent a letter for you,’ Lykos said and reached inside his tunic. ‘Here.’
Nathair looked at its seal closely, then broke it and read the parchment in silence.
‘I doubt she would wish to talk much of Tenebral’s internal problems,’ Lykos said. ‘She seeks to reduce your burden, not increase it.’
Nathair looked at him. ‘She says that you, the Vin Thalun, have been causing many of the problems.’
‘You have enemies that seek any advantage they can.’ Lykos shrugged.
‘Tell me,’ Nathair commanded.
‘I had many difficulties building your fleet – some of your barons obstructed the building greatly. Especially Marcellin in the north –’ he glanced at Veradis – ‘and Lamar in the south.’
My father.
‘They limited the supplies, particularly timber.’
I would not put it past him. He hates the Vin Thalun, as does my brother Krelis.
‘When I spoke to your mother of this she intervened. But because of their interference I thought it might be helpful to learn more about these people.’
‘You mean you spied on them,’ Nathair said.
My father would not take kindly to that if he knew.
‘Yes. And I learned that there is complaining amongst your barons, of how you have ruled Tenebral, of your embracing corsairs.’ Lykos smiled grimly. ‘You would expect no different in any realm – there are always those that seek more power. But the things Marcellin and Lamar are saying of you, spreading rumours. It could become more than just words of discontent.’
‘I don’t believe it,’ Veradis said. ‘My father may be many things, but he would not speak ill of you, Nathair. You are his king.’
‘Perhaps,’ said Nathair. ‘But I remember our last meeting, as you must. It did not go well. And I recall him being disrespectful, even then.’
Aye, he was. Veradis had almost come to blows with his father over the disrespect he had shown Nathair. Just the memory of it stirred his anger.
‘What are they saying?’ Nathair asked Lykos.
‘They talk of how you have abandoned your country, your people, to pursue your ambitions.’
A look of anger contorted Nathair’s face. ‘All that I do I do for Tenebral’s good.’ He slammed a clenched fist on the table.
‘I know that, my King, but it seems that Marcellin and Lamar do not. And there is more. Peritus has been seen with Marcellin.’
‘Peritus?’
‘Aye.’