The Fireseed Wars

"Agrys City has not fallen yet," Lysandros pointed out. "Until it has, it is premature to speak of the conquest of Hos-Agrys. I wish Soton success, but we need help now. I do not know how much longer I can wait here, polishing my sword, for something to happen."

"I am sorry about your difficulties, Lysandros, but you demanded to be co-commander of the Grand Host. And, is it not true that the expenditures you use to maintain your army and your Throne are borne by Styphon's House? What can be given, can easily be taken away; I'm certain that would be Styphon's Voice's response to your leaving."

Lysandros spun around and rose to his feet; his head whirling. "I'm going outside. I need some fresh air." He was surrounded by enemies and his only ally was an untrustworthy former mercenary over a thousand marches away. How, in Galzar's name, was he going to extricate himself from this Dralm-spawned privy pit?

III

Arminta looked down at her swelling belly beneath the shift with wonderment. She felt a jab as the baby shifted positions and smiled. This new child was a miracle as far as she was concerned. Unlike many of her class, she'd always wanted children and been fond of her nieces and nephews. However, she had given up all hope of having children because of her refusal to accept her father's choices for her marriage bed. Fortunately, she'd had an indulgent father and several other sisters who were more malleable to being married off for dynastic reasons.

It was also true that her father depended upon her advice. Prince Soligon was not a stupid man, but a simple one. He took people at their face value and was inclined to believe what he heard. It was his nature. Her mother had been his primary advisor, the steel in his backbone. When she died of the pox, Arminta became her father's confidante and advisor. She was good at it, and had expected to do it until her father went to Dralm's Sky-Palace.

This baby, a gift from the Goddess, and her marriage were proof that one never knew what the gods held in store for the future. Arminta was happier now than she'd ever been. In Phidestros she had found her spirit mate. They talked as equals and warmed the marriage bed with equal fervor. His secret ambitions were fuel to her own; one day, she knew in her heart, they would occupy one of the five Great Thrones. She would have to raise a new shrine to Lytris to thank the Goddess for her good fortune.

True, to others her husband might appear harsh and cold, but she knew that was because he'd never had a father's love. Phidestros had been forced by his hard-scrabble upbringing to guard his feelings and erect a wall of steel, which she suspected was why he'd named his mercenary company the Iron Band. To her and her alone, he opened his heart and his mind.

She wished he were here with her at this moment, but he was off at the Palace in Argros Town talking with her father about the dire situation in Harphax City. She had suggested the meeting as a way to bring the two men she loved most closer together. Her father could use some of Phidestros' steel.

Phidestros was also seeing just how much support Selestros would find outside of Harphax City for his candidacy for Great King. Great King Lysandros was greatly feared, but also widely hated. It was necessary to learn if he was hated enough that his subjects would support his removal and the Election of former Prince Selestros to the Iron Throne. And, whether the Prince's sudden conversion and piety would be believed, or held up to ridicule and scorn by the lower orders. King Kaiphranos' youngest son had a reputation far worse than that of the usual wastrel or drunkard.

One of the maids came into the bed chamber and Arminta put down the scroll she had been trying to read off and on all morning. "Yes?"

"Your Highness, that rascal Kyblannos is here to see you," she said with a giggle. All the maids loved Duke Kyblannos, who flirted outrageously with them and told them wild yarns.

"I'm proper. Send him in."

"Yes, Your Highness," the maid curtsied and left.

"Your Ladyship, you look in fine fettle this morn'," Kyblannos noted.

"Yes, I'm enjoying coming to term. Praise the Allmother, it is truly a blessing."

"I've never seen a woman wear it so well, Your Ladyship."

"Thank you, Baron." she replied. His words certainly matched her feelings, whether they were flattery or not.

"I mean it, Arminta," Kyblannos said, "I know most don't take my words seriously, but I mean what I say. I've been with the Captain now for almost nine winters, and I've never seen him happier or more ready for action- you've been good for him."

She smiled, and patted her belly. "He's been good for me, as well."

"Trust me, it's rare when these arranged marriages turn out to be a love match as well! I pray to the gods that you always share such a love."

Arminta was touched. She'd never heard Kyblannos speak from the heart before. "Thank you, friend. I know my husband greatly values his old comrades."