DragonCrown Saga - The Grand Crusade Part 18

"Faugh, you have no respect for me. You hate me; don't bother to conceal it. Your contempt is palpable."

"I was speaking to you as the King of Oriosa, not the man who lurks beneath that crown." She opened her arms. "I speak now to all of you. You have given troops to a vast army with which we will destroy Chytrine. Once you gave troops, they ceased to be yours because the people you have given to this cause are warriors. They understand and accept dangers few of you have known andnoneof you have volunteered to endure. They are going out to fight not only for the glory of their nation, but to preserve the future ofallnations. In doing so, they have pa.s.sed from your control and into mine.

"I am aware of what you voted and what you intended. I know what you fear. The question you need to ask yourselves-the question you should have asked a generation ago-was this. Which is more of a threat to your nation: the people of the south, or the Aurolani Empress? A quarter century ago you came up with the wrong answer. This time your soldiers and I have come up with the right one. We will deal with it."

Her violet eyes hardened. "You have sent good people to fight, to bleed, to die. They are willing to do so not because you bid them to, but because they know it has to be done. They are not fighting for their own immortality, but for the lives of their children and grandchildren. They are fighting for your subjects, not you. And they will fightin spiteof you, because they know Chytrine is more of a threat than any petty political squabbles."

Venebulius, the King of Salnia stood. "General Pandiculia, I order you to withdraw our troops from this alliance."

The Salnian officer didn't even bother to stand. She just shook her head. "No, sire."

"You are pledged to me, General."

Pandiculia straightened up in her chair. "I pledge to be loyal to you, sire, but to serve the nation of Salnia."

The king pounded a fist against his barrel chest. "IamSalnia."

"No, sire. The nation existed before you, and it will exist after you. Forced to choose between you and the state, I choose the state. My people will stay with me." She shrugged easily. "So it is with all the troops in the army. As the princess said, we're willing to shed our blood for our homes, and we'll do it whether or not you think it is a good thing."

Venebulius' brown eyes flared. "Die on the battlefield, then, for you shall never be welcomed home."

"If that is your order, sire, as long as you are on the throne, I have no home."

King Augustus shook his head. "I shall speak for myself, though I suspect King Fidelius will agree, that brave people such as you will find a home in many grateful nations."

Scrainwood snarled. "This is.m.u.tinyand you abet it, Augustus. I thought you a friend, but you encourage my son to depose me. You will welcome the vipers who are his confederates."

"It is not mutiny, Father, it is realism." Erlestoke pressed his hands flat to the top of the table and leaned forward. "Muroso does not exist. Sebcia does not exist. Fortress Draconis is gone. Vorquellyn, Okrannel, the Ghost March, all these places were once independent and free. Bit by bit Chytrine has nibbled away at everything. Yes, we have gotten Okrannel back, but at great cost. Now Saporicia is threatened.

"You are all political. If Nefrai-kesh came riding right into this hall and said that Chytrine wishes peace, you would listen. If she said that she wishes Muroso to become a buffer state to keep our realms distinct, and promised you generations of peace, would you accept it? Any of you shaking your heads are lying. Youwouldtake it, and why? Because you could tell yourself you did the best for your nation in ending the scourge of war."

He straightened up. "You are sheep listening to wolves who say that the last of your brothers they took would be the final one. And, as sheep, you can't fight the wolves. You listen to their lies because you have no choice. But we, the warriors, are your wolfhounds. We can and will destroy the wolves. You may choose to deny us leave, but we will do it anyway. We have seen the flock dwindle and we will not stand by to watch it anymore."

Erlestoke looked directly at his father. "I am bringing troops through Oriosa, Father. Do not oppose me."

"You will find the borders closed and hearts hardened against you, Erlestoke. You propose a civil war."

"No, Father, I propose an end to fear. I don't want your throne. Do not force me to take it from you."

Scrainwood again slammed a fist onto his table, then looked around at the other crowns. "Take a good look at me, brothers and sisters, for soon you will be in the same state as I. You will be dispossessed, not by Chytrine, but by those who would use her as an excuse to do as they will. If you do not stop him, you are complicit in the crime he commits, and my retribution will be to your detriment."

The King of Oriosa stalked from the room, with Cabot Marsham scurrying in his wake.

Once they had departed the chamber, Alexia began speaking again in low tones. "The decision as to how, when, and where Chytrine will be engaged has pa.s.sed from your hands. The question before you all now is this: will you support your countrymen with more troops, more supplies, and more money, or will you put victory against Chytrine in jeopardy out of your own vanity and fear? King Scrainwood has made his choice. Will you be as foolish as he is, or will you find the spine necessary to save the world at risk of your own life-just as your warriors are willing to do?"

Queen Carus cleared her throat as low murmurs rose. "How certain are you of achieving victory?"

Alexia shook her head. "We have planned as best we can, using all the knowledge we possess of the enemy. Chytrine may have new things to show us, and we will change our plans accordingly. I cannot guarantee victory, but if all I could do was prophesy doom, I'd still be back planning a course that would succeed."

The Jeranese Queen smiled. "I am not a military strategist, but I see no flaws in your plan. You have my fullsupport."

Erlestoke was uncertain why she emphasized the word "full," but the leaders of nations close to Jerana read a particular significance into it. Gurol and Valicia pledged support for the plan. Slowly, and with much posturing, most of the nations present fell in line.

The Salnian leader refused but since the best thing he could have supplied them with was General Pandiculia, his support was moot.

With the plan agreed to, King Fidelius adjourned the Council and invited everyone present to spend the two days of the New Year's festival celebrating there in his court. He promised feasting and entertainment unmatched. Since few were the leaders who could return home even with a good tide and favorable wind, his invitation was greeted with applause.

Erlestoke smiled down at Pandiculia. "They're more excited about the festival than our plan."

"At this point, so am I." She shrugged. "I don't envy you your part in this."

"You'll have the worst of it, I think." Before he could continue, a masked mage appeared at his side.

"Highness, if I could have a word?"

"Certainly." From the mask and accent he knew the man was from Muroso, and given the markings on the mask he suspected he knew what the man wanted. "I have to warn you, however, that there is no way I can convince the princess to let you and your Addermages range to Aurolan to free Princess Sayce."

The man, in his mid-thirties, with thinning brown hair and dark eyes, smiled. "Glad to know you've heard of us, Highness, but that's not what I am here for. I'm Rumbellow, by the way."

"Pleased to meet you, Rumbellow." The Murosan mage, if stories could be believed, had single-handedly slain an Aurolani slaving party, then led the former captives south. He'd gathered around himself thirty Murosan mages of various skill levels. They'd pledged themselves to Sayce's service, and after she had been taken, they'd agitated to go after her. "What is it I can do for you and the Adders?"

"We want to come with you to Oriosa."

"What?"

"We want to be part of your force, sire."

Erlestoke winced beneath his mask. "You're not going to find Sayce in Oriosa."

"We know that." Rumbellow lowered his voice. "We had gathered last night to strike out on our own for Aurolan, when a Vorquelf came to us. Copper eyes, but she's blind. She said she saw two paths for us.

One was the one upon which our toes had already trodden. She said it would lead to Sayce's death, our transformation intosullanciri, and the destruction of everything. The other, she said, was to join you. If we did, there was achanceSayce would be saved."

"Oracle. You talked to Oracle."

"Yes, sire." The mage nodded. "The Adders are not quite as fearsome as our name, but we are the ones who have survived our nation's being overrun. That's got to count for something."

Erlestoke smiled. "I've spent much too much time running from the Aurolani. I know precisely what it takes to elude them. That you have done so counts more than you can imagine. I will be pleased to have you and your Adders in my command."

"You won't regret it, Prince Erlestoke."

"I believe you."

The mage started to turn away, but Erlestoke laid a hand on his shoulder. "Rumbellow, tell your Adders that if Sayce can be saved, she will be. She's smart and resourceful, and so are the rest of us."

The man smiled. "Yes, sire, thank you. Happy New Year to you."

"And to you, Rumbellow."

Alexia came over as the Murosan departed. "The answer is no."

"It's a different question. The Adders have joined my command."

The princess smiled. "I don't envy you the headache, but it's one less for me. I also don't envy you..."

"Don't say it, Alexia. We knew how he would react."

"Yes, but I hoped..."

Erlestoke shook his head. "I learned a long time ago not to pin my hopes on my father. He's hoping I will balk at killing Oriosans. That's the only way he wins, because he can't fight a civil war."

"Will you?"

"It is my preference not to." He shrugged wearily. "If they stand between me and Chytrine, I'll have no choice. If they are not helping me, they are helping her, and there's a heavy price they'll pay for that mistake."

A lexia stood on the stone balcony outside what had once served King 11 Scrainwood as a receiving room. With the king's hasty departure, Rounce 1 1 Playfair had once again taken possession of the estate and invited all of Crow's friends to spend the two-day New Year's festival there. As was the custom, the previous night they had all gone to the gala hosted by King Fidelius at the palace. The second night was meant for more intimate gatherings of true friends.

Alexia wore a gown that was not as fashionable as the one she'd had on the previous night, nor was her long hair bound up to expose her neck. She felt comfortable-perhaps not as at ease as she might in leathers or mail-but such clothes were not meant for greeting the new year. Besides, she would be wearing them soon enough and for quite a long time.

She looked out over the city ofNarrizand saw lights blazing, both in buildings and in small processions as people wandered the streets, singing gay songs of good fortune. Not only were the songs their gifts to others, but they were meant to be omens of the new year. Alexia certainly hoped they would be and that people would sing for joy throughout, but she was too realistic to imagine that would be true. Even if her forces were victorious, there would be families who would lose loved ones, and their songs would be anything but joyous.

Also out there, distantly, she caught the huskier songs sung by warriors. Valiant tales voiced l.u.s.tily, unit histories and ballads of great heroes also filled the night. The warriors had a much better idea of what their year would be like, and their omen-songs invited courage and gallantry to visit them. Some were wishing they would not falter, others were laughing in the face of doom; but whichever, the singing bound them closer-and in that closeness they would come nearer Victory than without it.

She wondered for a moment if someone out there was singing a song of Crow or Will. She hoped so.

Word had fast circulated that Will was dead, but just as quickly Oracle's statement that he was waiting on Vorquellyn raced through the city. The warriors all knew Will was waiting, and each seemed to think the Norrington was waiting for him. "You just get us started, General," she heard often enough, "and we'll be helping the Norrington finish the Nor'witch."

Alexia sipped her wine. The red was dry, with just a hint of bitterness. It tasted like the winter, but had enough body to promise a full spring. Preyknosery had predicted the weather would turn quickly enough, meaning the roads would likewise turn to mud and slow everyone down. And as hard as that would be, she still preferred it to having soldiers with frostbite.

She shivered and imagined what it would have been like had Kerrigan not exposed Tatyana. Chytrine herself would have helped shape the south's strategy. She'd have moved troops into Oriosa prematurely and ambushed Erlestoke's command. With that wing of her army crushed, Alexia would have been forced to withdraw and wait for Chytrine to press the war into Saporicia. And at that point, had Chytrine offered a political settlement, the crowns would have taken it and the Aurolani problem would have pa.s.sed to another generation.

She heard the sc.r.a.pe of a boot on stone behind her and smiled, knowing that step anywhere. "I wondered if you'd notice me gone."

"Instantly, beloved." Crow leaned on the bal.u.s.trade beside her. "Rounce asked me to recount the story of his wounding, which, given his embellishments, he remembers a bit differently than I do. He's made it into a comedy."

"I noticed you were laughing."

A smile bared Crow's teeth. "I was indeed. You know that I've not seen him since the first campaign.

Resolute always spoke with him. I would have thought him bitter, but he's not. He dealt with his wounding much as my brother did. Neither let what happened keep him from being a whole person.

They scored a victory over their tragedies."

She turned and lifted a hand to caress his scarred cheek. "Not unlikeyou"

He kissed her fingers, then glanced down at his hands. "I wasn't whole until I met you. The second time I met you. I had run from being Hawkins. I'd utterly abandoned who I had been and become Kedyn's Crow. Until I saw you, I never felt I wanted anyone to know that Hawkins had done more than kill himself."

Alexia smiled. "The night you saw me was in the town ofStellin.You saved my life with a long bowshot."

"That shot was inspired. I was outraged that a vylaen would think of ambushing you. Then you saved my life at Svoin and again at Tolsin."

"I, too, was inspired." Alexia untied a small leather pouch from her gown's belt and extended it to him.

"This is for you, beloved. For the new year."

Crow set his wine goblet on the bal.u.s.trade and opened the pouch. He poured the contents into his left palm. "This is your anklet."

She nodded. Like many n.o.blewomen, she had an elven charm that prevented her from conceiving while she wore it. "That is how much I want you and our future together, Crow."

"I have nothing to give you, Alexia."

She raised an eyebrow at him. "Given what you have in your hand, how can you say that?"

"Ah, well, yes." Color flushed his cheeks. "I meant that the gift I have for you is back in our room. I meant to give it to you privately."

"You realize you're just digging yourself in deeper here, don't you?"

Crow laughed. "I guess I am." He straightened up, turned, and gathered her into his arms. "I will give you all you desire, Alexia. I will give you all that I am, my future-everything. I will love you always and in all ways."

She leaned forward and kissed him, much preferring the taste of his lips to her wine. "I know, Crow. It is the same for me."

He hugged her tightly. "Cold, lover? Shall we go back in?"

"On your arm, it would be a pleasure." She linked her hand through his elbow and let him guide her into the main room. Off to the left were tables laden with food. Kerrigan hovered near them, with Oracle, Rym, and Bok. Nay and his son were speaking with Dranae, Arimtara, and Prince Erlestoke. Rounce and several other Oriosans of his acquaintance were gathered aroundPerrinein the center of the room, while Resolute brooded in a distant corner. A group of four musicians played in the corner opposite the Vorquelf, filling the room with gentle songs and cheer. Qwc darted through the air as if a hummingbird moving between flowers, listening in to each conversation, then moving on before making a diving raid on the food table.

The two of them crossed to where Resolute stood. "The happiest of new years to you, Resolute."

"And you, Princess."

The gravity in his voice concerned her. "Are you incapable of enjoying yourself, Resolute, or does some immediate problem keep you from celebrating?"

"Forgive me if my behavior dampens the atmosphere, Highness."

"That's not what I meant, Resolute. I do want to know what you are thinking. Of all the undertakings this year, yours is the most arduous."

The Vorquelf remained silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "I have many unknowns to deal with, and Oracle's visions keep changing. Today she informed Banausic that he would be joining me. He's a logical choice since he has been on Vorquellyn, but he did not want to go. The company I will be leading is blind, sick, weak, reluctant, or made of wood. At least Rymramoch is useful because his limbs can be made into kindling."

Crow shook his head. "With Kerrigan along, you'll have no trouble starting fires."

"I wish that were true, Crow, but it isn't." The Vorquelf looked across the room. "He's very powerful, yes, but he is not a war-mage. Princess, you saw him kill Neskartu. He didn't use a combat spell. The way he did it was quite novel, I admit, but given what we will be facing, I could use someone who put his sort of power into more offensive spells."

Resolute shrugged. "Then again, I'm not sure I want to see Kerrigan have to make that change. He's not a killer. And for him to have to kill might change him, and I don't know what he would do if he did."

Crow rested a hand on Resolute's shoulder. "It's not that you are anxious about what you have to do, it's that you're anxious about having to lead that party. You'd do it by yourself gladly, but having the responsibility for the others..."

"Yes, my friend, that is most of it." Resolute managed a small smile. "Will gave me the sword that demands I accept such responsibility. On Vorquellyn, I can thank him yet again."

Alexia smiled, but it quickly faded. "You'll need to tell him about Sayce and his child."