Age of Myth (The Legends of the First Empire #1)

Persephone clapped her hands against her sides. “If the Fhrey do intend to burn Dahl Rhen to the ground and kill every last man, woman, and child, how could matters get worse? Don’t we stand a better chance with these Galantians as allies?”

“If is the important word in what you said. What if the Fhrey have already enacted the full extent of their retribution? If they have no plans on attacking us, we’ll give them a reason to change their minds,” Konniger said, a stern look on his face.

“Our best option is to appease them,” Tressa said. “Maybe if we handed over these outlaws. Could we do that? Could we send word to Alon Rhist and tell them they’re here? Wouldn’t that prove we’re not like Dureya?” Tressa’s eyes widened with excitement. “We could hand over the God Killer, too! I’m sure it would impress them. They would see we aren’t a problem. They might even reward us.”

“According to Nyphron, the Galantians’ leader, the Fhrey of Alon Rhist have been ordered to eliminate all Rhunes. This goes beyond retribution for one Fhrey’s death. They are bent on killing all of us.”

“Nyphron?” Konniger stopped her. “So you’re on a first-name basis with this Fhrey?”

“He told us his name, yes.”

“He told you is what you mean,” Tressa said. “Why hasn’t this Nyphron presented himself to Konniger? Why hasn’t he come before the chieftain?”

“I don’t know. Maybe they’re expecting someone from the lodge to come out to speak with them.”

“And I’m wondering why these outlaws are so willing to help us. Why would they go against their own kind?” Tressa asked. “What’s in it for them?”

“I’m not sure. Which is why you should go talk to them.” Persephone was getting frustrated now. “I would think you would want to find out such things.”

“And I think you can’t help butting in. You can’t accept it’s me, and not you, sitting in the Second Chair. You forget who rules Dahl Rhen now.” Tressa’s face had turned red.

“Tressa,” Persephone said in a quiet voice. “People who lead don’t need to remind others who the leader is. All I want is for you to do your duty.”

“All you want from me! How dare you stand there and demand—”

Konniger patted his wife’s hand, apparently trying to calm her. “I think there is a bigger point being overlooked.” He gazed sternly at Persephone. “Up until a few days ago, everything was fine. Now two of the dahl’s most capable hunters are dead and we have been overrun by not only the famed God Killer but a contingent of Fhrey warriors whom you invited in against my orders. The whole thing seems a bit too convenient for my taste.”

The others in the lodge were nodding and exchanging knowing looks. Something was going on—had been going on—since before she had entered. While she talked, the men scowled. Persephone had expected to find relief or appreciation; although she could have understood finding concern, worry, or fear. Instead, she saw agreement on the faces of the men gathered in the Great Hall.

What has Hegner been saying about me?

“You don’t think I see what you’re doing?” Konniger accused. “If you wanted to rule, you should have made a proper challenge like Holliman did. Oh, but you couldn’t, could you? You didn’t have anyone here strong enough to act as your champion. So you had to plot and wait while you maneuvered outsiders. Now you have your own personal army of Fhrey.”

“Konniger, you’ve known me since you were a boy and protected me and my family for a decade. You know me. You can’t possibly believe I’d kill or arrange for others to kill Adler and Sackett. You’re jumping to conclusions. I know you’re in a difficult position, and it’s Hegner’s word against mine. But look at the sources. I’m a respected chieftain’s widow who helped lead this clan through the Great Famine and the Long Winter, whereas Hegner’s claim to fame was when he stole Wedon’s prized calf. Who deserves your trust?”

“I didn’t steal no calf!” Hegner shouted.

“You’ve also said you didn’t take a jug of Bergin’s beer, but you were caught with it.”

“Yeah, well, okay. I took the beer, but I didn’t steal no calf.”

“There,” Persephone said. “This is who you are listening to? Do you really think I’ve been having secret meetings in the forest? You know damn well I haven’t set foot in the forest in all the years you’ve guarded me and my family. And except that one time, I haven’t left Sarah’s house since Reglan’s death. I was gone for one day…just one. As for the Fhrey, they aren’t my personal anything. But if they were, why would I come here and try to convince you to step up and go see them? The only reason I’ve talked to Nyphron at all is because no one else was.”

“So what did you tell this Nyphron?” Konniger asked, folding his arms over his chest.

“I told him he had permission to speak on behalf of Dahl Rhen if more Fhrey arrive.”

This brought a wide smile to Tressa’s face and made Konniger’s head nod along with the rest. They all seemed pleased, with the exception of Hegner, who slunk back into the shadows.

“You didn’t think you should ask your chieftain before making alliances?” Krier asked. Until then he had leaned against a winter post, but at that moment he took a step toward her.

Krier was an ugly man who’d first come to Persephone’s attention for beating Gifford. The bully often taunted and threw rotten vegetables at the potter. The matter had come before Reglan, and Krier defended himself by saying the cripple had attacked him with his crutch, but witnesses said Gifford had simply fallen on Krier after tripping. Gifford is cursed by the gods. Having him around invites bad luck, Krier often said. Although no one was ever accused, someone had tried to set fire to Gifford’s house, and it was no secret whom most suspected.

Tope, who was no friend of Krier, straightened up and spit in his direction.

“You have a problem, Tope?” Krier asked.

“Yeah,” Tope replied. “You’re too far away.”

Persephone put a hand on the farmer’s sleeve, trying to calm him. Then said to Konniger, “Would you have said differently? Would you have refused their help and tried to keep them out of Dahl Rhen?”

“That’s not the point,” Tressa nearly shouted, and slammed her hand down on the arm of the chair. “You had no right! Reglan is dead, dead and buried. You aren’t in charge anymore!”

“Enough!” Konniger raised his hands. “I’m the chieftain of this clan, and I need time to figure this out. One thing I do know, the Galantians represent a threat. Maybe they are in league with Persephone, or maybe their kind will attack us because we are providing shelter. Either way, we would be safer if they weren’t here. So this is my decree…” He looked directly at her. “Persephone, you’ll go out there and tell the Fhrey you had no authority to speak on behalf of Clan Rhen. Then, you’ll inform them we don’t want their help and tell them to leave. As for this matter between you and Hegner, I’ll decide that later when I can address it properly.”

Persephone looked at Delwin and Tope. The two stood rigid, their eyes shifting nervously.

“You have a problem with that?” Konniger asked.

Persephone nodded. “Yes, yes, I do. I did what I thought was best to save this dahl. It was not my intention to challenge your authority but rather to encourage you to exercise it. You’re the great chieftain—so act like it. If you want the Fhrey to leave, you go out there and tell them yourself, and I’ll go back to living off the kindness of friends. Maybe I’ll start knitting a shawl. I think I’ll need one come winter…if you haven’t killed us all before then, that is.”

Persephone turned and walked away so abruptly that Delwin and Tope were momentarily left behind.

As she left, she heard Tressa say, “See, what did I tell you?”





CHAPTER THIRTEEN


The Bones




Suri had a wolf named Minna. They were the best of friends and roamed the forest together. She had tattoos, was always filthy, afraid of nothing, and could do magic. From the first time I met her, I wanted to be Suri…I still do.

—THE BOOK OF BRIN