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"Thank you for your welcome, sir," said Ramil, taking his seat. "May we know who addresses us?"
"I am Nerul ac Mollinder, the Duke of Brigard, one of the last surviving members of the ruling
family."
Ramil stood up and bowed. "Your Grace, I am honored to meet you. We thought your family had
been wiped out by the Spearthrower."
Nerul spat at the mention of Fergox. "The last duke, my uncle, and his sons were killed in battle.
My mother and father were hanged on the battlements of our castle in Mollinder when the
occupier rode in to enjoy his triumph. The rest of my relatives are either dead or slaves. Only my
brother and I slipped through the net like two of our fenland eels."
"I grieve for the old duke and your family. My father always spoke most highly of him," said Ramil.
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A slim red-haired man entered from the private quarters carrying a roll of parchment. From the
strong resemblance between the two men, Ramil
guessed this was the younger brother, but whereas Nerul gave the
impression of authority and strength, this man was handsome and elegant, his movements
graceful--the courtier to the commander.
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"My brother, Merl ac Mollinder," Nerul said in a businesslike tone.
Merl bowed, inspecting the newcomers. He gave Ramil and Gordoc a brief glance, but his gaze
lingered on the Princess. Tashi lowered her eyes, not liking his frank interest.
"So, against the odds, you escaped the Spearthrower and stole his and the she-wolf's
warhorses," Nerul said, his fingers laced together on the desk.
"My spies carry all sorts of incredible tales about the pair of you-- and your giant." He nodded at Gordoc. "You will not be surprised to hear that Fergox and his sister are none too pleased. I
understand that before you said your farewells to him, you were both destined in your different
ways to join the Spearthrower dynasty."
Ramil nodded. "Therefore you will understand why we were so anxious to put some distance
between us and our suitors."
"Quite. But what of the Princess here? You are very quiet, Your Highness."
"I have nothing to say, Your Grace," Tashi replied, still feeling Merl's gaze on her. Each time she glanced up, he was watching her with a strange look in 187
his eyes. Not fear, thank the Goddess, but speculation.
"My spies tell me you endured the ungentle persuasion of the priests of Holin and refused to
convert. The townsfolk are convinced you have demonic powers and that the escape was down
to your evil arts," Nerul said, examining her face for her reaction.
"Then the townsfolk are gullible fools." Tashi folded her hands together, taking the demure
stance of the Fourth Crown Princess in the Hall of the Floating Lily.
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"But it is useful to Fergox for them to believe this as it makes his lapse in security less glaring. He wants no hint of weakness about his rule. He argues that no one can protect themselves against
a demon on horseback."
Nerul drummed his fingers on the table. The girl gave nothing away. "He has vowed to burn you
at the stake in the town square when he catches you, you know, Princess."
"At least he no longer wishes to marry me. I should be thankful for small mercies."
Nerul frowned. "But what should I do with the pair of you, that is the question.
If Fergox gets wind of you being here, he will no longer ignore our presence in this damp corner
of his world. He has written us off as too difficult, content to box us in and cut off our lines of
communication when and where he can, but with you here, that all might change."
"There is a hundred thousand herald reward for your recapture, Princess,"
Merl added in his soft, smooth voice. "Only fifty thousand for you, Prince, I'm afraid."
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"I'm deeply offended," muttered Ramil, trying to catch Tashi's eye and make her smile. He was less worried now that he'd met Nerul as he felt certain that here was an honorable man.
Whatever Nerul decided about them, it would not be to betray them to the enemy.
Nerul stopped drumming, having come to a decision. "Your arrival here is obviously a problem
for us, but I would prefer to see it as an opportunity. I have before me representatives of the last
two free nations-- the next targets on Fergox's list. Before you sits the head of a resistance
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movement that spreads far beyond this sorry-looking bog. I have relations with similar groups
throughout the Empire, even in Fergox's capital, Tigral. Fergox thinks he is invincible. He keeps
on expanding his rule but forgets about the people he has walked over. His slaves are so badly
treated they have little to lose and much to gain if they were to rise. We will not remain crushed
by his war machine, but we need arms and allies. Together we may be able to knock him from
his throne once and for all."
Ramil had no hesitation. "I know I speak for my father when I say that any assistance we can
offer your resistance will be yours for the asking. All I need is a method of communicating with
him and I am sure he will fulfill my words with deeds."
Nerul turned to the Blue Crescent Islander. "Princess?"
"Your Grace, you will know that I share the rule of my lands with my sisters so am not
empowered to undertake alliances without their agreement,"
Tashi said formally. "Also my current status is under question since 189
my abduction. I have no idea what steps have been taken either to restore me or to replace
me."
"Perhaps I can help you there," Nerul said. "I have an excellent source in King Lagan's court who keeps me well informed. The Blue Crescent were going to declare war on Gerfal but were
convinced by King Lagan that he was innocent in the matter of your abduction. The Princess
Briony is guest on your ships as a pledge of good faith. But as to what is happening in your court
at home, I have no idea, I'm afraid. I have insufficient funds to buy information from an Islander
and I have never yet succeeded in placing one of my own spies on Rama, more's the pity."
"No, that would be difficult," Tashi said, allowing herself a small smile of satisfaction. It was very hard indeed to imagine an Easterner successfully infiltrating the court, not least because they
would look like a duck among swans and be caught out at the first ritual. "If I am still recognized 196
as the Fourth Crown Princess, I promise I will ask my sisters to look favorably on your request."
"We could use your help at sea. That has always been our weak point. No rebellion can survive
starved of supplies. Speaking of which, I have been most deficient as a host. You have not eaten
or drunk anything since your arrival and we must repair the oversight. Come with me. We were
about to have supper and it's already laid in the room beyond."
As they relaxed after the meal with a glass of wine and a handful of hazelnuts, Nerul looked
thoughtfully at Tashi.
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"I think, Princess, that we should best keep it a secret that you have joined us--secret from our own people, I mean. As you are no doubt all too aware, some of them entertain strange ideas
about the Islanders and no one is above temptation. A hundred thousand heralds might test the
loyalty of even my most faithful men." He looked over at Melletin, who with Professor Norling
had joined them for supper. "Did you tell your men to keep their mouths shut?"