suggest?’
‘To be honest, my lord, I doubt there’s a sane man in the Empire who knows why we invaded the Isles. If we were going to attack, the Vale is the only place worth claiming, and the cost of winning it is more than that lush valley is worth. It’s clear that the evolution of reasons, the displacement of rebellious tribes from the Confederacy, the “reclaiming” of Bosania, the ultimate subjugation of Queg, and the re-establishment of ancient borders were simply a means to create as much war fever as possible among those members of the Gallery of Lords and Masters who were not directly under Prince Harfum’s influence.’ He shook his head slowly. ‘Until the Emperor, blessings be upon him, is safely back in his palace, I have no idea what is possible.’
‘You could pick up your toys and go home,’ said Lord James.
‘We have colonists scattered from Carse to the Yabon border in the Far Coast region, my lord. We occupy half of the city of Ylith. We have three enclaves along the coast of the Free Cities, and a total blockade of Krondor and Port Vykor. And you want us to “pick up our toys”?’
‘Yes,’ said James.
Jim watched his grandfather closely and saw a determination in his expression he’d not seen for years. Half of Jim’s life had been involved in criminal behaviour, but the other half had been in service to the Crown, and his exemplar for that sat to his right. His grandfather was prepared to die this very moment for what he believed in.
‘I have no authority to negotiate a settlement,’ said Prince Jantashi.
‘Just what authority to you have?’ asked Duke Vladislas.
The Prince smiled. ‘Not much really. Anything I agree to can obviously be countermanded by the Emperor, blessings be upon him. Just as your kings can overrule you.’
‘Understood,’ said James, ‘but you’re not just sitting here taking up space, are you?’
‘I can agree to maintain the current armistice until more formal negotiations are undertaken. I think you’ll agree that given what we endured earlier today, any hope of a quick resolution is unreasonable.’
‘We want concessions,’ said James.
‘What do you ask?’
‘Get your boys out of Yabon. Pull them back to the border with Crydee so we can get some up there. Young Lord Martin’s got a starving city and no easy way to bring in food and relief.’
Jim barely could contain himself. His grandfather was lying like a gambler with a pair of loaded dice. Caravans of foodstuff had already been dispatched from Krondor via Sarth and the Quegans were keeping Kesh’s fleet south of their island in check. In fact, relations between the Kingdom and Queg had never been better: nothing like a common enemy to get rivals to put aside differences. No, Jim’s grandfather was already planning a campaign to retake Crydee from Kesh and wanted Kesh’s permission to go ahead. Jim hoped this Keshian prince was as ignorant of geography and politics in the north as most Keshian Truebloods.
Prince Jantashi nodded. ‘I’ll ask for a withdrawal to the border.’ Then he smiled. ‘Plot your invasion of Crydee, Lord James. I am certain that within a year or so the Emperor will gladly return it to you. No need for bloodshed if you’re patient.’
Jim could barely contain his smile as his grandfather fumed. Apparently this Keshian prince had been selected for more than who he was related to. He turned to Jim and said, ‘I will seriously consider your recommendation regarding Lord Hazara-Khan. The men of the Jal-Pur have been among our most loyal subjects for centuries, and he was one of those who obviously was not ensorcelled by Prince Harfum and his minions.’ To their host, he said, ‘Lord Vladislas, our thanks for your hospitality. Kesh knows that Roldem is entirely blameless for the butchery done this day and our Emperor, blessings be upon him, wishes his beloved brother King Carol to know that he is held in the highest regard. Kesh’s fleet in the Sea of Kingdoms will withdraw to our traditional spheres of control.’ He rose and the others rose as well, then sat down again after he had left.
‘Well, James,’ said Vladislas, ‘now that the formalities are over, what do you suggest?’
‘I don’t know about you, Vlad, but I think this would be a very good time to get drunk.’ He reached for a flagon of wine as he spoke.
‘How is your king?’ asked the Duke Vladislas.
James said, ‘I fear the worst. Gregory was never a robust man. He … looked stricken when they carried him out. We have to wait for what the chirurgeons say.’
‘I will pray for him tonight,’ said the Duke, and Duke James knew he would, as his old friend was a pious man. Still, he surprised everyone when he reached for a goblet and said, ‘But I find your suggestion earlier a very good idea.’
Jim looked at Franciezka, who nodded at him. They stood up from the table simultaneously and indicated that Ruffio should join them, leaving the two old dukes to spend time alone. When the three were out of the room, Jim said, ‘Where is Pug?’
Ruffio glanced at Lady Franciezka.
Jim said, ‘Speak freely. I tell her everything.’
If there had been a single moment in her life where the Lady Franciezka Sorboz had to muster up every bit of control she could to keep from laughing, this was that moment. Most of her entire relationship with Jim had revolved around them keeping secrets from one another, secrets the other was desperately seeking to uncover.
Ruffio seemed to understand the jest, and shrugged. ‘He and Magnus are off on an errand he judges critical.’ Lowering his voice, ‘Apparently Miranda and Nakor are back.’
James Dasher Jamison was speechless. Finally he said, ‘But they’re dead.’
With a rueful smile, Ruffio said, ‘Such was the general consensus. Several of my colleagues saw Miranda die, and Nakor never returned from a journey to another realm with Pug and Magnus. But two of my most trusted aides sent word that they had returned to Sorcerer’s Isle and were having lunch with Amirantha the Warlock, and Sandreena the Knight-Adamant of the Order of the Shield.’
‘Aides?’ asked Jim. ‘You’ve been promoted?’
Ruffio nodded. ‘Pug anticipates everything. As Magnus will some day replace him, I am to replace Magnus. I am now leader of the Conclave in their absence.’
Franciezka chuckled. ‘Well, I’d better update my journals.’
Ruffio said, ‘I will leave you now.’ He reached into his belt and pulled out a small pouch. ‘I understand your last orb failed. Here’s another for your convenience. The first setting will take you to the Villa, of course. I’ve set the second setting to return you to the palace in Rillanon, and the third to the palace in Krondor.’
Jim was delighted. ‘Thank you, Ruffio!’
‘There is also a small cube. Throw the small switch and I will be summoned.’ He glanced around and said, ‘I fear that the damage done by those three … homunculi or whatever they were, is far from being undone. We have war and distrust and three nations at a standstill and it may be years before we return to something approaching tranquillity.’
Jim nodded. ‘It is my considered opinion that the object of all this madness is nothing more than to lock three nations up in such a fashion that they are unable to respond to any new threat.’
‘Such is Pug’s thinking,’ said Ruffio.
Before anyone could say anything further, a squire in the livery of the Isles hurried by, dashing into the room they had just left. Franciezka glanced at Jim, as the colour drained from his face. She gripped his arm; then he ran into the room.
‘I can feel it. King Gregory is dead,’ Franciezka said.
Ruffio let out a slow breath. ‘May his journey on the wheel bring him more joy.’ He looked at her and said, ‘I need to return to the Academy and explain that involving Stardock in politics is the height of folly. Then I will away to the Isle and see to the business of the Conclave.’ He smiled at her. ‘Your reputation does you no justice, in either beauty and acumen, my lady. Know that the Conclave means no hard to any nation or ruler. We serve only to protect the world.’
Then he was gone.
Franciezka turned as Jim came out of the room his grandfather occupied and said, ‘Now we have no king, and no heir.’
‘What are you going to do?’
‘First go to Krondor. I must speak with my cousin Richard and Prince Edward. He ranks highest in office, but
