The Fireseed Wars

"I don't see any future in the Great Kingdoms, nor in the Middle Kingdoms. What will the Grand Host do when they've plowed the fields of Hos-Hostigos? Why, they'll turn to other fields, like Hos-Agrys and Hos-Zygros. Or, if they see something they like while chasing Your Majesty's armies, maybe they'll settle in Rathon or Nythros or even Greffa itself- who's to stop them, other than yourself? No, there's no future here, not now. Besides, wherever Your Majesty and your lovely Queen go, excitement and wonder follows."

That was a more astute political analysis than Kalvan would have gotten from any of his present councilors, including Chartiphon and Phrames.

Now, more than ever, he needed someone nimble in thought and quick of plan. It was time to take a chance. "I'm going to make you an offer, Count. I want you to consider it carefully and deeply. You may have heard tales of Duke Skranga."

"Yes, it's been said that he was your Chief Intelligencer and very good at his job."

"Yes," Kalvan replied with a chuckle. "We had some interesting times together. Unfortunately, he was needed to foment rebellion elsewhere and left with some people I wish I had with me now, but they have done their job."

Vinaldos raised his eyebrows. "So, that's why the Blethan Army left the Host in such a hurry. He is good."

"Yes, he is. Prince Pheblon has been overseeing many of his duties, but it is only a temporary position until we've reached our new accommodations. Pheblon could use someone to oversee Our intelligence operation in Ulthor Port; this will allow him time to concentrate on Thagnor City and elsewhere."

The Count looked down at his boots, as if waiting for them to change appearance. He looked up and said, "I would be honored to assume his position."

"Good. But remember, this is only a temporary position. You will be a Special Operative with the rank of Colonel. Your job will be to aid Prince Pheblon and work with General Klestreus. All of Prince Pheblon's Ulthori intelligencers and spies, as I call them, will work under you. Prove yourself, and you will be well rewarded."

Vinaldos brightened. "Maybe with the Prince's job?'

Kalvan laughed. "You are ambitious! Your good work here has opened a door, now it's up to you to prove your worth to the Throne."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. I will do the best job I can."

"Good. Your first assignment, after Chartiphon introduces you to your staff, will be to find out who else knew about the former Prince's plans to defect. You should get some leads from Klestreus after he's finished his interrogation. I want you to round-up any conspirators and take them down to the dungeon for interrogation. I want to know how deep this rot has gotten."

"Yes, Sire. I will do my best in Your Majesty's service."

FOURTEEN

Rylla and Kalvan clung together for a last few precious moments, then she broke away. "I must leave now, before I lose my dignity." Kalvan laughed and smacked her on the behind.

She didn't bother to glare, as she usually would, or knock his hand aside. She would miss his familiar touches and kisses; they wouldn't be seeing each other for a long time-maybe never again. There were no guarantees; they would be fighting for their lives and those of their subjects.

"Take good care of the little one. I will miss her so much!"

"I know. Little Demia will miss her father, too. I will guard her as I guard Our Treasury." The disposition of the Treasury had caused several arguments, but in the end she had won him over with logic: "When you are at sea, you not only have traitorous allies-please, husband, think no other way of the Nythrosi-but pirates, enemy ships and the sea herself, the most unpredictable enemy of all. Many a fleet has been sunk and her men disappeared without a trace. Would you leave me bereft of both husband and treasure?" Kalvan had finally decided to take one hundred thousand ounces of gold and the Styphoni banknotes to pay the Nythrosi for passage. "I'd give you my Guard, if I thought they'd make a difference." "No, you're stuck with Halgoth! His beery breath is too much for me. Besides, he'd never leave your side."

He nodded. "You're right. Halgoth is oath-sworn to protect his Great King; only death will relieve that obligation."

"I am happy that you count such a man among your captains. I will have Chartiphon, Sarrask and Hestophes to protect me. Please be careful, Kalvan. I fear the Saltless Seas more than I do Styphon's armies and Theovacar's fleets."

"Let me go with you to say good-bye to our people."

She willed away the tears that threatened to fill her eyes. "No, it will only make things harder and confuse them. Your speech yesterday said all that needed to be said. 'Now it is up to our will and our arms to wrest a new home out of these faraway lands.' They were heartened by your words and are eager to leave before Styphon's minions return."

"All right, my love. I will see you again in our new Princedom of Thagnor."