‘How so, Prince Quillas?’
‘We covet the resources you possess, to put it bluntly. And now you give us the opportunity to acquire them. A peaceful solution could have been found in your acknowledgement of indebtedness to Lether. Instead, you voice the absurd lie that is it we who owe you!’
Rhulad was silent a moment, then he nodded and said, ‘Letherii economics seems founded on peculiar notions, Prince.’
‘Peculiar? I think not. Natural and undeniable laws guide our endeavours. The results of which you will soon discover, to your regret.’
‘First Eunuch, does the prince speak for Lether?’
Nifadas shrugged. ‘Does it matter, Emperor?’
‘Ah, you are clever indeed. Certainly more worthy of conversation with ourselves than this strutting fool whose nobility resides only in the fact of his crawling out from between a queen’s legs. You are quite right, First Eunuch. It no longer matters. We were simply curious.’
‘I feel no obligation to assuage that curiosity, Emperor.’
‘And now you show your spine, at last, Nifadas. We are delighted. Deliver these words to your king, then. The Tiste Edur no longer bow in deference to your people. Nor are we interested in participating in your endless games of misdirection and the poisonous words you would have us swallow.’ A sudden, strange pause, the ghost of some kind of spasm flitting across the emperor’s face. Then he shook himself, settled back. But the look in his eyes was momentarily lost. He blinked, frowned, then the gleam of awareness returned. ‘Moreover,’ he resumed, ‘we choose now to speak for the tribes you have subjugated for the hapless peoples you have destroyed. It is time you answered for your crimes.’
Nifadas slowly tilted his head. ‘Is this a declaration of war?’ he asked in a soft voice.
‘We shall announce our intention with deeds, not words, First Eunuch. We have spoken. Your delegation is dismissed. We regret that you travelled so far for what has turned out to be a short visit. Perhaps we will speak again in the future, although, we suspect, in very different circumstances.’
Nifadas bowed. ‘Then, if you will excuse us, Emperor, we must make ready to depart.’
‘You may go. Hull Beddict, Acquitor, remain a moment.’
Seren watched Quillas and Nifadas walk stiffly from the throne chamber. She was still thinking about that display from Rhulad.
‘Acquitor,’ Rhulad said as soon as the curtains fell back into place, drawing her attention round, ‘inform Buruk the Pale that he has right of passage for his flight. However, the duration of the privilege is short, so he best make haste.’
‘Emperor, the wagons perforce-’
‘We fear he will not have sufficient time to take his wagons with him.’
She blinked. ‘You expect him to abandon the iron in his possession?’
‘There are always risks in business, Acquitor, as you Letherii are quick to point out when it is to your advantage. Alas, the same applies when the situation is reversed.’
‘How many days do you permit us?’
‘Three. One more detail. The Nerek remain here.’
‘The Nerek?’
‘Are Indebted to Buruk, yes, we understand that. Yet another vagary of economics, alas, under which the poor man must suffer. He has our sympathy.’
‘Buruk is a merchant, Emperor. He is used to travelling by wagon. Three days for the return journey may well be beyond his physical abilities.’
‘That would be unfortunate, for him.’ The dead, cold gaze shifted. ‘Hull Beddict, what have you to offer us?’
Hull dropped to one knee. ‘I swear myself to your cause, Emperor.’
Rhulad smiled. ‘You do not yet know that cause, Hull Beddict.’
‘I believe I comprehend more than you might think, sire.’
‘Indeed
‘And I would stand with you.’
The emperor swung his attention back to Seren. ‘Best take your leave now Acquitor. This discussion is not for you.’
Seren looked across at Hull, and their eyes met. Although neither moved, it seemed to her that he was retreating before her, growing ever more distant, ever further from her reach. The intervening space had become a vast gulf, a distance that could not be bridged.
Her thoughts ended there. As blank as the future now breached, the space beyond naught but oblivion,
‘Fare you well, Seren Pedac.’
Her legs felt wobbly beneath her as she walked to the curtained exit.
Gerun Eberict was waiting for her ten paces from the citadel doors. There was smug amusement in his expression. ‘He remains inside, does he? For how long?’
Seren struggled to compose herself. ‘What do you want, Finadd?’
‘That is a difficult question to answer, Acquitor. I was asked by Brys Beddict to speak to his brother. But the opportunity seems increasingly remote.’
Gerun Eberict smiled, as if he had read the thoughts in her mind.
She looked away. ‘Hull Beddict is under the emperor’s protection.’
‘I am pleased for him.’
She glared. ‘You do not understand. Look around, Finadd. This village is filled with shadows, and in those shadows are wraiths – servants to the Edur.’
His brows rose. ‘You believe I desire to kill him? Where has that suspicion come from, Acquitor? I did say “speak”, did I not? I was not being euphemistic.’
‘Your reputation gives cause for alarm, Finadd.’
‘I have no reason to proclaim Hull my enemy, regardless of his political allegiance. After all, if he proves to be a traitor, then the kingdom possesses its own means of dealing with him. I have no interest in interceding in such a matter. I was but endeavouring to consummate my promise to Brys.’
‘What did Brys hope to achieve?’
‘I’m not sure. Perhaps I was, once, but clearly everything has changed.’
Seren studied him.
‘And what of you, Acquitor?’ he asked. ‘You will escort the merchant back to Trate. Then what?’
She shrugged. There seemed little reason to dissemble. ‘I am going home, Finadd.’
‘Letheras? That residence has seen little of you.’
‘Clearly that is about to change.’
He nodded. ‘There will be no demand for Acquitors in the foreseeable future, Seren Pedac. I would be honoured if you would consider working for me.’
‘Work?’
‘My estate. I am involved in… extensive enterprises, You have integrity, Acquitor. You are someone I could trust.’ He hesitated, then added, ‘Do not feel you need to answer here and now. I ask that you think on it. I shall call upon you in Letheras.’
‘I think, Finadd,’ Seren said, ‘that you will find yourself rather preoccupied with your military duties, given what is about to happen.’
‘My position is in the palace. I do not command armies.’ He looked round, and his gap-toothed smile returned. ‘These savages won’t reach Letheras. They’ll be lucky to make it across the frontier. You forget, Acquitor, we’ve faced similar enemies before. The Nerek had their spirit goddess – what was it called?’
‘The Eres’al.’
