The Fireseed Wars

"Never once has the ambassador brought up the possibility of an alliance, other than to further their own gains at Theovacar's expense. We can trust no one there until they have unequivocally proven their loyalty."

Phrames appeared crestfallen. "I see the 'big picture' now, Your Majesty."

Kalvan paused to relight his pipe. "Which brings me to the second reason for your visit: I know you were 'promised' the Princedom of Thagnor; however, I'm going to have to rescind that promise."

Phrames looked stricken, and bent over as if he were about to be sick.

Kalvan held up his hand. "Please, Phrames, let me explain. Upon further consideration of Middle Kingdoms politics, as well as Our own need for a home base, I have decided that Thagnor is the ideal place for the capital of our new Kingdom, Nos-Hostigos. I plan to have Highpriest Mytron enthrone me as King of Thagnor."

The Prince nodded, but his eyes were stricken. "I trusted Your Majesty-"

"Stop!" Kalvan said, cutting his friend off before he said something that could not be unsaid.

"I know you're tired of all the incessant warfare-almost four winters now. And, I know you were looking forward to retiring and ruling a peaceful and prosperous kingdom."

"I am sick to death of all the killing and atrocities I've been a part of. I've seen enough killing for a hundred lifetimes…"

"As I well understand," Kalvan said nodding. "I feel the same way at times, but destiny refuses to release me from the death grip it has on the nape of my neck! I have my duty to my subjects and to Queen Rylla and my daughter. These I must place above all other things, including my friendships, my fortune, my life."

Phrames nodded. "I understand, Your Majesty. I would not for all of Lytris' good fortune share Your Majesty's seat."

"I don't blame you. Thus, instead of the Thagnori throne, for your loyalty and good service to the Throne, I intend to crown you as Prince of Gytha."

"But Gytha, Your Majesty, is an independent and free Princedom. Nor are we at war with Gytha."

"Not at the moment, but I'm about to make them an offer they will not be able to refuse. The current ruler of Gytha is an oligarch and friend of Varrack's. We cannot allow them to continue as Our closest neighbors without a change of alignment. This will not be voluntary. Already, our attempts at negotiation have been rebuffed. Furthermore, it is a rich Princedom and we can use its assets. We will start bombardment within the quarter moon."

"Won't this further exacerbate our poor relations with King Theovacar, Your Majesty?"

"Yes and no. Gytha is not, nor has it ever been, a vassal of Grefftscharr. Of course, taking more territory in Theovacar's 'Seas' will anger him. But, this may be inevitable, if Theovacar is not interested in an alliance. Things will get even worse when the Grand Host arrives. Theovacar may even be driven into a partnership with Styphon's House. However, we cannot drive our strategy on 'what might happen' and fears of Theovacar's reactions. Conquering and holding Gytha will make any attack on Nos-Hostigos, our new kingdom, that much more difficult. I doubt the Grand Host would deliberate for an eighth of a candle over its conquest."

"True words, Your Majesty," Phrames said, as he put his armor back on. "The Styphoni have no qualms. I would very much enjoy the honor of being so close to Your Majesties, as well as ruling fairly over such a prosperous princedom. The salt of Gytha is known throughout the Five Kingdoms."

"Then you shall be granted your wish, by Galzar's Mace! You shall lead the attack. As soon as we've taken Gytha, I will announce your new title."

TWENTY-TWO

Prince Phidestros looked around, studying the Great Hall of his Beshtan palace. It was newly built over the ruins of the old palace by Prince Phrames and looked solid, but the stone walls were bare. There were no hangings and only a few old paintings. Most of the tapestries and furniture had been removed by the fleeing Hostigi. However, Geblon had made sure that the Iron Company's old banner, displaying a gold thunderbolt breaking a black iron chain on a green field, was hanging from the highest beam.

Former Prince Phrames had rebuilt most of the outbuildings as well, and expanded the audience chambers, putting in stained-glass panels of all the major gods, except Styphon. As long as Archpriest Roxthar didn't Investigate the palace, Phidestros decided that was fine with him.

Not that he expected to invite the Archpriest over for any social visits, unless it was to hang him from a spit in the kitchen fireplace.

"Well, Prince, what do you think of our new home?" Captain-General Kyblannos asked.

"I find it far more welcoming than the Gull's Nest."

Kyblannos cackled, "By Galzar, that's the gods' truth. It was time to leave that bordello; Madam Menandra was beginning to hang over me like an old cloak. She was even talking about setting up shop here in Besh Town!"