The Fireseed Wars

"Well, not exactly. We'd like for you to continue working undercover on Kalvan's Time Line. You'll also be financially reimbursed for your time. Of course, the final decision is up to you. You can always return to the University; I can set up a meeting with Scholar Raldrov Varn, the new Director of the Kalvan Study Teams."

Sirna shrugged. She really didn't have anything or anyone on Home Time Line to return to. Her parents would be happy to see her, for a day or two. Then they'd go back to their usual preoccupations. After all the excitement of the last few years, returning to the University and its hothouse environment would be stifling.

"I would be remiss if I didn't admit that we are very interested in your close relationship with Great Queen Lavena." He paused to smile. "However, if you plan to put on any more plays we highly recommend that you take the plots from your own fertile mind, and not that of some outtime playwright. After all, in the highly unlikely event that Calvin Morrison were to see King Kaiphranos performed, he might well uncover the Paratime Secret."

"I actually used another version of the play from a different time-line for just that reason. But, you're right, the plot is still too close to the original for comfort. I had no idea it would become so infamous and cause this much trouble."

"I suggest that you bring it to the Great Queen's attention that the play is still being performed outside the City. She can order the Chancellor to have the Harphaxi secret service take care of shutting it down. You might remind her that she'd better do it before Lysandros returns and finds out what you girls have been up to."

Sirna nodded. "I believe Lavena's afraid of her husband. She'll do whatever I suggest to placate him."

"Good. Now, Sirna, I want to completely debrief you on everything that's happened since the attack on the Royal Foundry. You don't mind, do you?"

"No, I've got nothing to hide," Sirna said, but the little voice in her head declared, except for the little bit of spying I did for Hadron Thorn. At least that's over, she told herself. I hope.

"You don't have a thing to worry about. I'll put a good word in for you with the University Study Team. I can tell them that you were doing undercover work for the Department."

IV

Great King Lysandros was seated at a table in a hastily erected building that was serving as the Grand Host's temporary headquarters reading the latest dispatches and letters. Queen Lavena's letter mentioned riots in Harphax City. He wished she'd been more informative. His Chancellor had blamed the riots on supporters of former Prince Selestros. How could that be? There was some nonsense about visions of Dralm. On top of that, Duke Kaphros, who should have been handling such matters, for all intents and purposes was on his deathbed.

What's been going on in Harphax City during my absence? he wondered.

Captain-General Demnos rushed into his room. "Grand Commander Aristocles just rode up in a rage, Your Majesty."

"Bid him enter."

The Grand Commander came in, still removing his silvered burgonet helmet. "Your Majesty, King Theovacar is evacuating with his Army!"

Now, more than ever, Lysandros regretted taking co-command of the Great Host. I should have returned to Harphax City with my bride and left all these headaches to Captain-General' Phidestros. "Says who?"

"That's what our scouts report," Aristocles said. "The Grefftscharr Army took a good drubbing from the Hostigi at the West Gate, but not bad enough to cause Theovacar to retire from the field."

Captain-General Demnos stuck his head through the door. "We've got a small party of Grefftscharrers approaching."

"Have them brought to me as soon as they arrive," Lysandros ordered. "Maybe they can tell us what's going on."

About a quarter candle later, Captain Demnos brought in the Greffan Captain-General Petrus, whom Lysandros had met once before after the disastrous Battle of the West Gate. Petrus was still wearing his battle armor, with lead splotches on the breastplate; the red and white plumes had been sliced off his helmet display. He had the grace to look thoroughly dejected.

"Your Majesty and Grand Commander, I would like to apologize for King Theovacar's sudden change in plans. However, the King has had a grave setback, and his actions must be viewed in that light. He has asked me to implore your understanding and to tell you that the alliance between Grefftscharr and the Grand Host of Styphon is still in force-"

"Then where in Regwarn is he?" Lysandros interrupted. "Theovacar's left us without a by-your-leave or explanation!"

"We have suffered a terrible reverse, Your Majesty. The Usurper Kalvan has taken Greffa City!"

"What? Wasn't it the Usurper's personal banner we saw flying on the Thagnor battlements? How can he be in two places at once?"