Sunrunner's Fire Part 27

"Lord of G.o.ddess Keep chosen by Lady Andrade-who taught all of us about power!" he snapped.

Sioned forced calm into her voice, reminding herself that this was a proud and potentially dangerous man. And still so young-only twenty-nine. "Andry, I was a Sunrunner long before I was a princess. Do you forget that I pleaded with your parents to allow your training as a squire to end so your chosen life as a Sunrunner could begin?"

"And have you come to regret it?" he asked bitterly.

"Don't be a fool. I don't always agree with you. I didn't always agree with Andrade. We all have our own functions, duties, responsibilities-"

"And Rohan has usurped mine!"

"You gave him no choice! Can't you see that? There can't be one code for Sunrunners and another for everyone else! The woman's negligence brought about a man's death. You yourself admit her guilt. You and Cabar both came to Rohan, agreed to abide by his decision-"

"And he made the wrong one!"

Sioned gritted her teeth in exasperation. "What do you think Cabar would do if Rohan gave her over to you? What would you you do if Cabar was allowed to decide her punishment? Use your brains, Andry! Rohan's laws provide the only sure justice. That's his duty as High Prince." do if Cabar was allowed to decide her punishment? Use your brains, Andry! Rohan's laws provide the only sure justice. That's his duty as High Prince."

Andry met her gaze coldly. "His duty. His laws. His power. Just exactly the way he likes it."

"You don't understand him at all, do you?"

"I understand him perfectly. I've watched him lead the other princes around by the nose every chance he gets. He loves to exercise his power as High Prince and there's no use pretending he doesn't. And he's as jealous of those powers as-"

"When has Rohan ever acted arbitrarily? When has he ever done anything simply because he felt like it? You've watched him at work for two Riall'im Riall'im since Andrade died. You're right, he uses every trick he has to bring the princes to agreement. But have you ever considered why?" since Andrade died. You're right, he uses every trick he has to bring the princes to agreement. But have you ever considered why?"

He shrugged. "It amuses him, I suppose. Very well, Sioned, read me the lecture. I'm a little old for the schoolroom, but we won't quibble about it."

She controlled her temper with an effort. "Punishment for crimes-even the definitions of crimes-used to make no sense at all. There were two dozen laws about horse theft and G.o.ddess alone knew how many penalties, depending on whose horse was stolen and what it was worth and how long it was in the thief's possession-Rohan studied law all his life, and he he couldn't follow all the ins and outs of such chaos. His work has been to organize all the confusion. Every couldn't follow all the ins and outs of such chaos. His work has been to organize all the confusion. Every Rialla Rialla he hacks away at it a little more, persuading the other princes to agree to he hacks away at it a little more, persuading the other princes to agree to one one law and law and just just punishment. Law is now a.s.sociated with him. As High Prince it's his responsibility to arbitrate-" punishment. Law is now a.s.sociated with him. As High Prince it's his responsibility to arbitrate-"

"And why shouldn't the laws have his name on them? It's only the reality. His His laws, Sioned- laws, Sioned-his power." power."

"The duties of the High Prince haven't changed. Rohan hasn't done anything Roelstra couldn't have done if he'd been so inclined. But because Rohan does so much through the law that affects people's everyday lives, it's perceived that his power is the greater."

"It is is greater. He uses it." greater. He uses it."

"That's exactly what he doesn't doesn't do." do."

"Then let him prove it. Let him not not use this so-called right he has over Sunrunners, and give judgment to me, where it belongs." use this so-called right he has over Sunrunners, and give judgment to me, where it belongs."

Her patience snapped. "Where you'd like all all power to belong, isn't that so, Andry? How dare you prate about traditions when you've tossed them aside without a thought! How dare you accuse Rohan of grasping for power when it's power to belong, isn't that so, Andry? How dare you prate about traditions when you've tossed them aside without a thought! How dare you accuse Rohan of grasping for power when it's you you who reaches out both hands! Lord of G.o.ddess Keep will never be enough for you, will it? Don't think I don't know precisely what you're up to with your emphasis on the powers of the G.o.ddess and your change in who reaches out both hands! Lord of G.o.ddess Keep will never be enough for you, will it? Don't think I don't know precisely what you're up to with your emphasis on the powers of the G.o.ddess and your change in faradhi faradhi traditions! You're the one who's jealous of power, Andry-especially of what will come to Pol when he's High Prince!" traditions! You're the one who's jealous of power, Andry-especially of what will come to Pol when he's High Prince!"

He turned white, and went as still as stone, not even breathing. Then he sent the vases crashing to the tiled floor with a violent sweep of one hand.

She heard the furious snap of his bootheels as he strode from the great hall, but could not watch him go. Servants came in-silent, hesitant-to clean up shards of gla.s.s and pottery. Sioned stared down at her hands. Of all the rings she was ent.i.tled to wear, only her husband's emerald gleamed there.

"Well, beloved," she whispered, "I made a fine job of that, didn't I?"

She wiped her hands on a towel and decided she'd better go upstairs and warn Rohan that because of her, Andry was one step away from becoming their open enemy.

Rohan and Pol were also discussing the ramifications of power-or, rather, Rohan was talking and Pol was listening. The events at Rivenrock and the outcome of the morning audience having been briefly recounted, they sat alone in the Summer Room.

"n.o.body's going to be made happy by this," Rohan sighed. "It's what usually happens when I use my authority as High Prince."

"But there wasn't anything else you could have done."

"No. But that's not how it's going to be perceived. And perception is all, you know," he added ruefully. "The scriptorium at New Raetia is a good example. I contracted with several princes for the physical makings-hide for parchment and bindings, ink, and so on-but I ordered ordered each prince to provide copyists. It was the only way to reproduce the volumes at speed. I used Desert wealth to buy the materials, but I couldn't buy the people. So I made it an order of the High Prince. And n.o.body approved, even though the future advantages ought to have been obvious." each prince to provide copyists. It was the only way to reproduce the volumes at speed. I used Desert wealth to buy the materials, but I couldn't buy the people. So I made it an order of the High Prince. And n.o.body approved, even though the future advantages ought to have been obvious."

Pol said, "But by now everyone's cooperating for the good they get from the library. The same thing will happen with the school for physicians."

"One hopes so. Still, it's my my decision, you see. decision, you see. My My use of power. use of power. My My name that gets a.s.sociated with it all." name that gets a.s.sociated with it all."

"It may take everyone a while to understand, but-"

"Oh, it always takes more than a while. I never deluded myself I could accomplish it all in my lifetime. Laws, in particular. How do you correct such a mess in thirty years? I could've decreed things and made the princes bow down to my authority. But I don't think I would have lasted long if I'd tried. Not even Roelstra attempted to rule all the princedoms by decree.

"Almost everything I've done has been through the Rialla, Rialla, slowly enough so no one gets too nervous. I let them thrash out an issue among themselves and mostly they end up agreeing with me. When they don't, there's usually something wrong with my reasoning and I have to rethink my position. As often as possible I've let them believe the whole thing is slowly enough so no one gets too nervous. I let them thrash out an issue among themselves and mostly they end up agreeing with me. When they don't, there's usually something wrong with my reasoning and I have to rethink my position. As often as possible I've let them believe the whole thing is their their idea. But I'm still High Prince. I'm the one whose name goes at the top of the parchment." idea. But I'm still High Prince. I'm the one whose name goes at the top of the parchment."

"You're proud of it, Father, don't try to fool me," Pol said with a smile.

"Of course! But that doesn't change the fact that however much benefit comes from the laws I initiate, however careful I am to bring the other princes into the process, some still think I just wave my hand and say, 'This shall be done because We order it so!' " Rohan laughed shortly. "G.o.ddess, if it were only that easy!"

"You're more tender of their feelings than they are of yours. And it's not fair. You're right almost all the time."

"Ah, so you're experienced enough to see that I've made mistakes-and impudent enough to throw them in my face!" He laughed more easily this time.

"Oh, there haven't been that many," Pol rea.s.sured him, grinning. "But it's a little daunting, you know. And another reason I wouldn't mind at all if you lived forever. You're going to be difficult to follow."

"Did I ever tell you I felt the same about my own father?"

"But you two were so different from each other. You always knew you couldn't be the kind of prince he was, so you never tried to live up to what he was. I've I've always known that to be like you is the best ambition I could have." always known that to be like you is the best ambition I could have."

Rohan was absurdly flattered. "Just don't ever start believing that you're always right, Pol. I haven't been-as you so ungraciously pointed out! And you won't be, either. Listen to the other princes. Know what their prejudices are, where their self-interest lies. Don't rule them-guide them. If you can't present an issue in ways that satisfy them, then you're probably acting in your own favor. And they'll scent it as quickly as a hungry dragon does fresh game."

He shifted in his chair and frowned. "Along the way something happened that I never intended. Roelstra projected power through his personality and the art of the well-timed whim-and the equally well-timed art of causing fights that only the High Prince could settle. He didn't care much about the thoughts of ordinary folk. But what I've done touches people's lives. And now they look to me to effect changes-with my name on them. So it seems I have more power and use it more often than is true."

"As long as the work gets done, what does that matter?"

"It matters a great deal. A jealous prince-Cabar is a prime example-is a dangerous one. He can make trouble. I took the decision about this Sunrunner out of his hands. He'll see that as a threat to his power. Wouldn't you?"

"If I was the suspicious type, certainly." Pol paused for a moment. "The new school will make it easier for Cabar to swallow."

"But not for the others. At the Rialla Rialla this summer I intend to order each prince to contribute at least two physicians for the teaching staff. The benefits won't become clear for some time, just as with the scriptorium. But this time I intend to have someone else's name a.s.sociated with it-yours, if you're not careful!" this summer I intend to order each prince to contribute at least two physicians for the teaching staff. The benefits won't become clear for some time, just as with the scriptorium. But this time I intend to have someone else's name a.s.sociated with it-yours, if you're not careful!"

"Mother's!" Pol laughed. "She was the one who thought of putting it in Gilad to soothe Cabar."

"Not a bad idea, but she'd never agree. Besides, it wouldn't do us much good. Everybody knows at least half of my best ideas were hers to begin with. And that when I use 'we,' I mean the two of us." Rohan hoped Pol would consider the advantages of having a wife who shared his work as well as his bed. From what Rohan had seen of Meiglan, she was hardly the type. Yet it suddenly occurred to him that perhaps Pol didn't want or need that kind of woman.

When Pol spoke, it was of filial and not marital relationships. "When I was little I used to get into all sorts of trouble just to get you and Mother away from your work-"

"You think I need reminding?" Rohan chuckled. "After you left for Graypearl we'd get a whole season's work done in a single day-and then sit staring at each other, cursing the quiet."

Pol smiled. "I guess I did demand a lot of attention. And you always gave it to me. But when you and Mother disappeared into your study, I wanted to be there, too. Have you talk to me the way you talked to each other, about important things. Oh, I was far too young to understand any of it, but-do you know what I mean?"

"My father kept me wrapped in silk until I was eighteen years old. I do understand, Pol. When you grow up around powerful people, it's only natural to want to be in on it. It's not until you're older that you realize the responsibilities."

"Andry would say it's the gift of the G.o.ddess. He seems to find that justification enough for all the changes he's made."

Rohan shrugged. "I don't presume to know the G.o.ddess' mind on this."

"Ask Andry. He seems to have her ear these days."

"Belief is becoming less personal and more public, isn't it? Ostentatious, as Barig said this morning. If Andry has his way, the gentle and very comfortable relationship we have with the Lady is going to change. I find that sad, Pol."

"These long speeches of Andry's worry me. It's as if he's emphasizing his own importance by emphasizing the name of the G.o.ddess. Connecting himself to her."

"Giving a perception of greater power than he in fact possesses?" Rohan shrugged. "Perhaps strength is justification enough for use of power. After all, if you've got it, why not use it?" He was pleased to see Pol grimace.

"If that's so, may the G.o.ddess have mercy on us all."

"I agree." Rohan stretched the tension from his shoulders and sighed. "By now power is expected of me. I don't think I'll be disappointing anyone this time. Not even you," he added.

Pol cleared his throat. "I know I've said some harsh things in the past. I understand why you wait, Father, I just haven't learned your patience yet."

"Mine was a hard school. Your mother and I have tried to make yours a little easier without sacrificing the most important lessons. And this is one. Few people really understand the limits I impose on myself."

"My own limits are what I'm trying to define," Pol said seriously. "I wanted to talk about-well, I don't think you're going to approve, but-"

He broke off as they heard Arlis' adamant voice from the other side of the door. "I'm sorry, my lord, but it's impossible. His grace is-"

"I don't give a d.a.m.n if he's making love to his wife!" Barig roared. The door was flung open. Arlis tried to block the furious Giladan, saying, "Forgive me, your graces, but-"

"Do you know what's happened?" Barig waved a parchment from which a ribbon and a broken seal hung. "Do you?"

"Not until you enlighten us, my lord," Rohan replied. "Please calm yourself and tell us what news Prince Cabar has sent." The pink ribbon was Gilad's, and the characteristic grayish tinge to the parchment.

"She's dead! The miserable woman is dead!"

Pol caught his breath. "The Sunrunner?"

"Who else?" Barig rattled the parchment at him. "Because of you, she was allowed the sunlight, a daily walk at noon, and for all I know used her arts to contact other Sunrunners. Then she pretended to be ill one noonday, delayed her walk until later-and when she went out at dusk, she-"

"Oh, G.o.ddess, no," Rohan whispered. "Shadow-lost. Deliberately."

"Yes, deliberately! It took her two days to die. His grace's Sunrunner tried to keep her alive, but it was hopeless. And I know who's to blame! He'll never admit he ordered her to do it, but he's as guilty of murder as she was!"

"Lord Barig!" Rohan made his voice a whiplash under which stronger men than this had flinched. "We have no desire to hear unsubstantiated accusations." He rose and held out his hand for the letter. Barig surrendered it with poor grace. Scanning it quickly, Rohan felt the muscles of his neck and shoulders twist with repressed fury. "We share Prince Cabar's shock. But we are disgusted by his suspicions. You may so inform him when you reply to this." He let the parchment drop to the carpet as if it was too foul to touch. "Arlis, be so good as to find Lord Andry and bring him to us."

"At once, your grace." After a warning glare at the Giladan, the squire bowed himself out.

Barig had recovered some of his aplomb and his words were tinged with as much sarcasm as he dared use to the High Prince. "This changes nothing. The guilt is still there, and the right of Master Thacri's family to rest.i.tution."

"Don't you understand what this woman did to herself?" Pol exclaimed. "That she used the very craft that was was her life to her life to end end her life?" her life?"

"An unfortunate end, your grace. But self-chosen."

"Yet you just accused someone of ordering her to it," Pol snapped. "Make up your mind, Barig. Give your supposed culprit a name, if you dare!"

"I am not required by his grace my cousin to be insulted by-"

"By the next High Prince," Rohan pointed out. "We suggest you choose your words and your att.i.tude most carefully, my lord. It would be unfortunate if Prince Cabar were held responsible for them."

Barig knew when he was outmanned. He made a jerky bow in Pol's direction, a lower one in Rohan's. "Your grace's permission to withdraw?"

"Granted." Rohan waited just long enough for the door to close, then sank numbly into his chair.

Pol picked up the letter. "Andry's going to spit fire." After a moment's pause, he added without looking at Rohan, "You don't think there's anything in Barig's accusation, do you?"

"Of course not." He shook his head. "Pol-I saw a Sunrunner die that way once. His name was Kessel. Merciful G.o.ddess, to die that way, shadow-lost, mindless-ah, why couldn't she have been patient just a little longer?"

"Perhaps she thought she was doing the right thing. Perhaps she only wanted to escape. Whichever, Barig had a point. It doesn't really change anything."

"No." He paused. "It might be better if I told Andry myself."

"I'll stay, if you don't mind. Father, what's to be done if Cabar makes a public accusation?"

"He won't." Rohan straightened his shoulders. "His grace of Gilad has certain . . . vulnerabilities . . . known to me." He gave Pol a tired, bitter smile. "Knowledge of secrets is also power, my son."

Chapter Twenty.

Stronghold: 33 Spring.

Marron stood guard duty in the Great Hall during dinner, a tall staff hung with Miyon's heavy orange banner wearing a groove in his shoulder. The evening had begun with another of Andry's invocations to the G.o.ddess. He had quite an audience; even the most humble castlefolk were permitted to dine in the presence of the High Prince, except for those actually serving the meal, on duty at the gates, or at posts of honor inside. It disgusted him that Rohan chose to break bread with the commonality instead of banishing them to the stables and kitchens where they belonged. He saw nothing of the easy sense of community among the people here, nothing of their affection for their princes that came from a.s.sociating with them in every aspect of their lives.

When the meal was over, Marron would partake of the same excellent food, seated with the other servants at reset lower tables. But with his ancestry and his powers, by rights he should be sitting at the high table-now, this moment, eating off fine Kierstian plate and drinking from delicate Fironese crystal. That he would soon be able to do as he pleased at Stronghold was small comfort. He had had enough of playing lowly servant.

The strain of this charade was wearing on his nerves. Constant vigilance to make sure the face presented was not his own was bad enough. It was exacerbated by the equally nerve-wracking alertness required to stay out of range of those Sunrunners whose diarmadhi diarmadhi blood made them sensitive to the spell he had spun around himself. And on a more personal level, he was d.a.m.ned sick and tired of following orders and being a good boy. blood made them sensitive to the spell he had spun around himself. And on a more personal level, he was d.a.m.ned sick and tired of following orders and being a good boy.

He had taken this duty night after night so that Mireva and Ruval could have time to make further plans and still know what went on at meals. He had volunteered to sleep in the stables, ostensibly to guard Miyon's precious horses, in reality to make sure no one came upon him when he slept and resumed his true shape. He had followed orders to escort Meiglan on today's ride, though it had been chancy keeping out of Riyan's way. He had frightened Meiglan's horse with a brief but vivid conjure, giving Ruval time to sneak up to one of the caves for who knew what purpose. He had succeeded in every task given him-other people's tasks that gained other people's ends. He had endured years of bowing to that b.i.t.c.h Chiana, and after this spring of consorting with lowborn guardsmen he'd had enough. The disguises would be over with sooner than Mireva or Ruval thought.

He absorbed the details of the Great Hall with a discerning eye. Intimately familiar with Swalekeep's ancient elegance made a bit garish by Chiana's taste, he found Stronghold a marvel of cla.s.sic beauty and strength. Only the best for High Prince Rohan, he told himself sourly. Exquisite dinner service, magnificent tapestries, furniture carved of the finest Syrene woods, candles from Grib giving soft white light instead of oily, smoking torches-though this was a warrior's castle, always battle-ready, it was also that of a prince.