The Fireseed Wars

"This is why we will support the League of Dralm with soldiers and gold, thus thwarting Soton's conquest of Hos-Agrys. I have consulted with Great King Sopharar's ambassador; he is willing to make an alliance with Hos-Harphax against Styphon's House if we agree to join the League of Dralm and promise ten thousand soldiers and five hundred thousand ounces of gold." Prince Selestros smiled. "Which will come from the gold taken from Styphon's temple domes!"

This is unexpected, thought Phidestros, while keeping his face expressionless. He had thought that he and Arminta were aware of the latest intelligence, but apparently not all of it. His wife would find this most interesting. I wonder what my father will make of this new turn of events? It will not be to his liking, and may cause him to remove his brother from the Ivory Throne earlier than planned. Whichever way this works, it will be to my advantage.

"In essence, Your Highness, I agree that Styphon's House needs to be reined in. For too long, they have considered themselves to be a power above the kingdoms' princes, and even great kings. However, while I grant that a great king has the power to make treaties and alliances with outside powers, I do not believe that any great king or temple has the power to order its princes to abolish the worship of another god, or pronounce any one temple as superior to all others."

Selestros looked troubled. "I promised the Allfather that I would abolish the worship of the False God Styphon within the borders of Hos-Harphax."

"Your Highness, I do not argue that you cannot put forth such a proposition; however, it is up to each individual Prince of Hos-Harphax as to whether or not he abides by your decision. I will not. However, the other princes, if suitably rewarded with a share of Styphon's House Temple loot, may strongly support your decision. Of all your princes, only Prince Thukyblos of Dazour has remained a member of the Union of Styphon's Friends."

The Chancellor sensing a deal-breaker, cut in with, "Your Highness, Prince Phidestros makes a strong case. You cannot force all of your subjects to renounce Styphon's House without throwing the Kingdom into open rebellion or war. Is this not the very tactic that Styphon's House has taken with Great King Demistophon?

"Furthermore, with your uncle Lysandros soon to return, truly we cannot afford any such divisions now. Haven't we been through enough wars with the war against the False Kingdom of Hos-Hostigos, the war in Phaxos, the wars in Thaphigos and now one with your uncle, the regicide? To start a new war against the false god Styphon will only tax your strength and that of your subjects unnecessarily. Wait until the Fireseed Wars are over. Then you can decree whatever you wish."

Phidestros noted with that last statement that the Chancellor's eyes did not meet his own. In their minds, I've already been thrown to the wolves! Won't they be surprised when they see just how big my teeth are.

"There is wisdom in your words, Your Highness," Selestros conceded.

"Right, Your Highness," Chancellor Kyphannes added. "I'm sure that the Allfather will understand that you cannot ban Styphon's House from the Kingdom in a single moon. Besides, with its Investigation, Styphon's House has a rat gnawing inside its stomach that will one day devour the entire body."

"In return," Selestros looked right into Phidestros' eyes, "I expect full support from you in my war against the Regicide."

Just by meeting with you, I've already sent Lysandros a declaration of war, Phidestros thought. This youth has a lot to learn about kingship. If he survives, I suspect the next two winters will teach him much.

"You have my support, Your Highness." For now, Phidestros decided. And don't expect me to provide any of those ten thousand soldiers you promised Great King Sopharar.

FIFTY-FOUR

Duke Mnestros was seated at the table in the Great Hall and drinking from a flagon of ale. Seated to one side were his father, Prince Thykarses, and several other Princes; on the other side were Captain-General Hestophes, Duke Kyblannos, Baron Ranthos and Primate Xentos of the High Temple of Dralm.

Prince Thykarses turned to Hestophes, asking, "What are we going to do about Soton and his army?"

"Nothing," Hestophes said, who noted to himself that the Prince appeared to have aged five winters since their defeat at Agrys City. "Even if we wanted to fight him, we do not have enough men under arms to stop Soton. If we did fight him, even if he lost, he'd still have enough troops at Agrys City to hit us again next spring. After another loss like the one we suffered at the Battle of Agrys City, the League would be hard-pressed to field a dozen companies."