“When we get her back, Yargazon said coldly, “Ill question her myself.
“Get her back how? Bladebreak demanded. “Shes the consort of the queens damnable cousin.
“I dont care if shes the consort of their Dragon-Sun, the General said. “She was in Jazid when I bought her. Legally shes my property.
“Well, shes in Taka Mal now, Markus said. “If we took her, it would be tantamount to an act of war. Her husband is second in line to the throne.
“An act of war? Bladebreak raised an eyebrow. “Id say we did that last year, when we sent agents to murder the royal family.
“They have no proof those men were ours, Markus said. “The word of one girl, even a priestess, is hearsay.
“Its been a year, Ardoz said. “Surely they would have acted by now if they had evidence we backed a plot against the queen.
Markus glanced at Yargazon. “Could our agent have held out this long against interrogators?
“Had they been trained by myself or your father, no. Yargazon moved his hand in dismissal. “This queen is weak. Afraid of extreme measures. So against her people, yes, its possible.
“Id like to interrogate the queen, Bladebreak said sourly. “Im surprised that cousin of hers hasnt deposed her. What madness possessed her father to leave her the throne?
“Dont underestimate her, Markus said. “If she couldnt hold her own and then some, she wouldnt have survived for ten years as queen. And shes well liked among her people.
Yargazon snorted. “What idiot wants a woman on the throne?
“They think shes the ultimate priestess of the Dragon-Sun, Ardoz said. “They tell themselves the Dragon-Sun is the true ruler of Taka Mal, and it makes a female sovereign more palatable.
Markus smiled wryly at Ardoz, showing more warmth with him than with the others. “If you can figure that out, youd think her own people would see it, as well.
The laugh lines around Ardozs eyes crinkled. “Im sure they do, Mark. Its a justification they let themselves use.
Allegra blinked. Mark? She hadnt known Markus had a nickname. No one else seemed to use it.
“Well, assassination didnt work, Bladebreak said. “And the attempt alone wasnt enough to cause the chaos we needed.
Allegra could see why they needed the confusion that would follow the sudden deaths of the royal family. With only a few hundred men, Markus otherwise had little hope of countering the Taka Mal army, which surely had several thousand.
“The longer we wait in hiding, Yargazon said, “the more it drains our resources.
“I concur, Bladebreak said. “The strain is showing. That fellow who stole the knife isnt the only one worried about his family. We cant keep on like this, with no relief for the men.
“The army needs a focus, Ardoz said. “The men have nothing to do but worry while our supplies diminish.
Markus regarded them intently. “The solution is obvious.
“I agree. Yargazon nodded with satisfaction. “A wise idea.
“Perhaps, Bladebreak said dryly, “you might share this idea with the rest of us?
“Invade now, Markus said. “Weve more men and weapons than last year. Were better prepared.
Allegra was surprised to see the other men nodding. Did they really believe a few hundred men could conquer Taka Mal? Surely not. She recalled Markuss comments about weapons and the TAmbera. Maybe they had found something that would give them an edge.
“This could be a good time for other reasons, too, Yargazon said. “According to my reports, Emperor Cobalts forces are stretched thin and their morale is terrible, especially since he sent one thousand men into Taka Mal and left only a thousand here. Trying both to protect Taka Mal and hold Jazid demands more resources than he can spare.
Markus nodded to Yargazon. “That assassination plan of yours was brilliant, Dusk. Even though it failed, we came out ahead because Cobalt had to reduce his forces in Jazid as a result.
Bladebreak and Ardoz nodded their agreement. Allegra felt queasy, hearing their plans for killing and how they honored someone for his brilliance at bringing about death.
“Cobalts men also arent used to desert fighting, General Ardoz said. “They dont know how.
“Weve had reports of strife, Yargazon said. “The men ask why they must hold this land so far from their own. His smile could have been a knife. “The Misted Cliffs is foggy and cold. They hate the desert. Jazid demoralizes them.
“Well, then, Markus said. “We are decided. Ill present our recommendations to the atajazid.
That intrigued Allegra. It sounded as if they planned to meet up with their hidden king. Asking his permission was probably a formality; she couldnt imagine these sun-hardened warriors putting off their battles at the order of a nine-year-old child.
“There is one other matter, Yargazon said. “My agents have picked up some odd rumors. Something about an engineering guild associated with the Topaz Palace.
“Have they developed a new weapon? Markus asked.
“I dont think so, the General said. “Its something called kindle-powder. Wryly he added, “Actually the rumors are about the failure of this kindle-powder. It doesnt work.
“What is it? General Ardoz asked.
Yargazon shrugged. “Weve no details. It may just be a myth.
Markus glanced at Yargazon. “Keep checking it.
“Weve another point to consider, Ardoz said. “The royal family. Do we still want them killed, except the queens consort?
“Hes an excellent hostage, as Cobalts kin. Markus rubbed his chin. “Ive been thinking on this. Im not so sure killing any of them is a good idea. After we have the throne, well want Queen Vizaranas army to fight with us against Cobalt. They are far more likely to do so if we let their queen and her baby live. And she could give us valuable information.
Yargazon frowned. “Any time some kingor regentlets his enemy live, a survivor comes back for revenge. Look at Cobalt. His family ruled Harsdown for centuries. Then his father invaded Aronsdale. When Aronsdale defeated Harsdown, they should have executed its king and his heir. Did they? No. They imprisoned the king in a supposedly impregnable fortress. And Cobalt, his heir, who was just a little boy? He grew up into a monster, raised an army to free his father and then turned those godforsaken forces against the rest of us. He shook his head. “We cant let either the queen or her heirs live.
“Well, we will see what happens. Markus raised his goblet. “To Taka Mal.
The others lifted their cups. “To Taka Mal.
After they drank and refilled their goblets, Markus reclined on his cushions. Bladebreak smiled at him. “You seem in a good mood.
“Hmm, Markus said.
Yargazon spoke sourly. “Has she had any wine lately?
Markus grinned at him. “I dont give her any.
“Perhaps you should, Yargazon said. “You could keep your belt ready for another thirty.
“Aye, that I could, Markus said, laughing.
Allegra wanted to slap them. Belt indeed. During their ride today, she had walked part of the time because she was stiff after riding so much. But she knew what Markus let everyone think, that she couldnt ride because of the thrashing he had supposedly given her. If he brought that up now, she was going to throw more than wine in his face when she had the chance.
“She sings, too, Markus said. “She has a gorgeous voice.
“Really? Ardoz said. “Youre fortunate.
Markus stretched indolently. “Maybe you would all enjoy a song, eh?
As the others murmured their agreement, Allegra went cold. Surely he wouldnt ask her to go over there. They were all turning toward her, so she closed her eyes all the way. Fabric rustled as someone stood, followed by the tread of boots crossing the tent.