The Fireseed Wars

It was interesting that so far Investigator Roxthar had received only a single message; it was from Lord High Marshal Xenophes of Styphon's Own Guard, informing Roxthar that he was joining Grand Master Soton at Thebra City in preparation for the invasion of Hos-Agrys next spring. Phidestros was still trying to figure out how he could make the best use of that knowledge. The truth was he had no love for King Demistophon, nor did he know any of the Agrysi Princes, so he would have to wait and see what Lytris, Goddess of Chance, turned up. He knew there was some way he might yet profit from this information.

"This dispatch is from Styphon's Own Voice Anaxthenes informing Grand Commander Aristocles of Great King Cleitharses' impending death."

"Is it in the usual code?" Ranthos' value had increased tenfold when he'd demonstrated the ability to decipher Styphon's secret messages.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Please, read it for us, Baron."

Ranthos pulled out a parchment with a decipherment of Anaxthenes' words. Phidestros could read quite well for a former commoner who'd learned to read late in life. But he was still a hesitant and slow reader.

Grand Commander Aristocles of the Order of Zarthani Knights,

It is our pleasure to inform you that Great King Cleitharses has less than half a moon to live among us. He is dying from a black tumor in his nether parts. We are allowing his healer to inform the King's subjects of his grave illness.

Before his death, Cleitharses dictated a will appointing Prince Anaxon as his successor. We were able to intercept his missive to the Prince informing him of his decision. We are trying to contain the news of his impending death to within the borders of Hos-Ktemnos. It is both Our and Styphon's Will that the Prince remain with the Grand Host until the Daemon Kalvan is captured and killed.

However, once word of his uncle's death reaches the Prince's ears, it is probable that Anaxon, having unnatural enmity for Styphon's House, will return with his troops to Ktemnos City. It is your duty to use all powers at your hand, including death, to prevent the Prince from leaving the Grand Host of Styphon's House. It would be best that his soldiers thought that this demise was either accidental or by natural means. I have included a few potions in this pouch to simulate death by seizure of the heart.

If possible, it would be to Our best advantage that the Prince be placed at the head of any attacks upon Kalvan, or any other hostiles, that might prove perilous to his health. We have found an older and more malleable cousin who will act as regent until Anaxoris return, and whom we will seat on the Golden Throne upon his death.

Your friend in Styphon's Will, Styphon's Own Voice Anaxthenes

"This letter is priceless!" Phidestros crowed. "In the wrong hands, it would doom Styphon's House's control of Hos-Ktemnos." He paused to stroke his beard. "It could spark open rebellion throughout the Five Kingdoms. Anaxon is young and well-loved by his subjects. One could buy a princedom with the gold this note would purchase from Anaxon, or even Great King Demistophon!"

"Couldn't we use this to bring down Styphon's House?" Sirna asked. "Surely the Great Kings would be most distressed to learn that Styphon's Own Voice is plotting the murder of the next Great King of Hos-Ktemnos."

"Let's not be hasty, Sirna," Phidestros said softly. "There is little to be gained at this moment in time by poking a stick in Styphon's eye. This missive is much more valuable if no one knows that it exists. With this letter, I can bribe Styphon's Own Voice to do my will." Or have them support my claims, he thought. There are some things that are best kept secret from everyone.

"Ranthos, you will be well-rewarded for your loyalty. Five thousand ounces of gold and ten square marches of good farmland to add to your barony."

"You are too kind, Your Highness. But I'll take it!"

The two men laughed.

"You both know how evil and corrupt Styphon's House is. Why don't you use this letter as a lever to bring them down?" It was obvious from her tone that Sirna was holding her anger at bay.

Phidestros shook his head: Women! "It's not that easy, Lady Sirna. First, we'd have to authenticate the missive, which would tell the world that we have broken Styphon's code. However, some princes would choose not to believe that we can do this and instead claim we are inventing these words to cause the Temple trouble. This would give Styphon's House the opportunity to tell everyone that it is a plot against the Temple instigated by myself. Their reply will be to invade Greater Beshta with Soton's Army. I would much rather watch from afar as Soton dismembers Hos-Agrys one limb at a time."

"Furthermore," Ranthos added, "releasing this letter would bring an end to our reading Styphon's House's secret communications. They would switch codes or stop sending them altogether. Then the Prince would lose his biggest advantage against the Temple."