The Fireseed Wars

"I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I am under strict orders to admit no one. Not even Roxthar himself, can cross this threshold." There were two big halberdiers standing behind him, with expressions that made it obvious they knew their job.

Sthentros knew how to approach these petty functionaries. He gave the man his most ingratiating smile. "Our great friend, King Lysandros, probably does not know of our arrival. It was requested by the King himself. He wants to see his fiancee."

The word "fiancee" got the steward's attention.

"Please come into the antechamber. You can wait there while I inform His Majesty that you have arrived. How would you like to be announced?"

"Prince Sthentros of Hostigos and his daughter, the Princess Lavena. That will do."

"Yes, Your Highness," the steward said as he bowed, then quickly scurried away. His guests appeared impressed.

It took most of the afternoon before the steward returned and by then even Sthentros' enthusiasm had waned. Things will be a lot different once Lysandros is gone and out of my life!

Lavena, who could make herself comfortable anywhere like a kitten, was curled up on one of the marble benches. One of his retainers had given her his fur cloak to rest upon, not surprising her father in the least. Men always scurried to win her favor.

The steward looked self-important and had a twinkle in his eye, indicating that he'd enjoyed his visitors' discomfiture. Sthentros made a mental note to learn if the steward had purposely kept Lysandros in the dark about their arrival. If so, he'd personally see to it that someday the churl got the whipping he deserved!

"Come with me, Your Highness. You too, Princess." When the others started to rise from their benches, he shook his head. "The rest of you can wait for your Prince."

Lysandros was in the private audience chamber seated on a throne formerly belonging to Prince Ptosphes. I never liked that bumpkin, Ptosphes, but he did have more manners than this Great King.

Lysandros rose to his feet, opened his arms and waited for Lavena to fall into them. He whispered some endearments into her ear and then offered her a seat. Meanwhile, Sthentros was left waiting while they talked for a quarter of a candle, stifling every yawn and the urge to throw a screaming fit. With his luck of late, it might end with him in the Palace dungeon.

Finally, the King looked up and said, "Welcome, Prince, to your new lands."

He did his best to ignore the irony of the King's welcome. "I'm glad to finally be here, Your Majesty. However, it appears that Archpriest Roxthar's enthusiasm to rid Hostigos of heresy and non-believers has completely depopulated the Princedom!" He hadn't meant for his voice to grow so strident, but he was still in a state of shock after his journey through the former Kingdom of Hos-Hostigos.

"You'll have to talk to the Investigator about that. I'm sure he'd welcome the opportunity to learn your opinions concerning his labors on Styphon's behalf." Lysandros all but guffawed at the last. Even Lavena had to gulp down a chuckle.

Then the Great King drew himself up, and his face hardened. "You'd best mind your own business when it comes to the Temple's work, or you're liable to find yourself under Investigation."

"Roxthar has that much authority?" He couldn't help that his voice squeaked.

"You are a former Hostigi, are you not?"

"Yes, but-"

"Then you are subject to Investigation, regardless of what services you have done for the Throne or for Styphon's House. I suggest you not try Roxthar s patience, better yet, try to avoid him at all costs."

Sthentros shivered. He didn't consider himself a coward; he had fought as a Captain at the Battle of Fyk. He didn't like fighting, but he didn't run from it either-although some envious courtiers labeled him a coward when he declined to serve after Fyk. However, for all his faults, King Kalvan had graciously accepted his resignation and allowed him to purchase the services of a younger and more martial captain to serve his feudal obligations. Maybe Kalvan-despite his ignorance and outlander ways-was not the worst of sovereigns.

"But, do as you like. Lavena and I are to be married tomorrow; there is no need to wait upon my return to Harphax City. There are other plans in motion that might require my absence from the Capital for an extended period of time. It is now time to put my thoughts to the future," the King finished, looking at Lavena with lust in his eyes.

Sthentros shuddered. His daughter appeared flattered and was encouraging the King! What was a father to do? He had to remember that having the Great King for a son-in-law would guarantee his crown for life. And, if by some chance, his daughter should come to be with child and carried the King's heir; well, he might find himself the second-most powerful man in all of Hos-Harphax. Certainly, this unpopulated, impoverished and ruined Princedom wasn't going to do a thing for his social standing.

EIGHT