Senefex rapped the table for order. ‘This is an outrageous allegation, your highness,’ he said. ‘I doubt there is anyone else here who would question the loyalty of the Dragon Lord. The Palindrakes have served the empire for generations. If you are suggesting Valraven is absent today because of guilt, you should consider the tragic circumstances he has recently found himself in. He has good reason to be elsewhere.’
‘Yet you have issued orders repeatedly over the past couple of months demanding he return to his post,’ Almorante said. ‘Were those orders ignored, or did you receive a pleading request he be allowed to continue his search for his family?’
‘At this juncture, I shall not question how you assume such orders were sent,’ Senefex replied smoothly. ‘Valraven Palindrake’s character is not being judged today. We are meeting to discuss the future of the emperor.’
Almorante sneered at Senefex. ‘Does it pain you so much to consider Palindrake a traitor that you cannot even explore the possibility? How can you deny a conspiracy is afoot? Despite all your best efforts, news of Gastern’s decline flies around the city. People are in uproar, vulnerable to any strong voice. My information network is more effective than yours, Lord Senefex. I have recently returned from Mewt, after having been forced to take Lord Maycarpe into custody. He is part of the conspiracy.’
‘What?’ Mordryn roared. ‘By what rightc?’
Almorante cut him off. ‘I shall discuss this in due course, but for now it is imperative you realise that the conspiracy permeates the government at very high levels.’ He paused for effect. ‘A continued resistance to examine the situation suggests you are part of it.’
Lord Senefex got to his feet. ‘I will not countenance such outrage! You are not emperor, Prince Almorante, and will show respect to the Fire Chamber! You have no right to accuse Lord Maycarpe in his absence! If you have him in custody, bring him here at once to defend himself. He is one of our most trusted agents.’
All around the table angry mutters supported Senefex’s words.
Almorante shrugged expressively. ‘I did not mean to give offence. I was merely trying to make you appreciate how serious this situation is. If it takes outrageous words to do that, then I will employ them. Lord Maycarpe is, of course, available for questioning at your convenience, but I feel we should discuss the matter of Palindrake first.’
‘You accuse us all,’ General Leatherer said, ‘for there is not one man in the army who is not loyal to the Dragon Lord. Where did you come by this information? We need all the facts. If there is a conspiracy at work, I’d say it is against Lord Palindrake, to discredit him. He is Gastern’s champion. Anyone wanting to replace Gastern would do well to besmirch the Dragon Lord. He, too, is not here to defend himself.’
The chamber rumbled with disgruntled murmurs of ‘Aye!’
Tatrini got to her feet. Despite her resolve, her heart beat fast. She must remain steady now. The next few moments were crucial. ‘The information came from me, my lords,’ she said in a clear ringing voice.
‘You, your grace?’ Senefex said, and there was a taint of disrespect in his tone.
‘There is an ancient saying,’ she said, smiling wistfully upon the company, ‘that a king’s troubles will inevitably always lie where he least expects them. With this in mind, I have ever been vigilant for my sons, one and all. Some time ago, I discovered that certain people supposed dead were, in fact, very much alive. One of them was Tayven Hirantel, once an agent of Magravandias, who deserted to the Cossics during the campaigns. I learned that he had recently become employed by Darris Maycarpe in Mewt. I took it upon myself to take Hirantel into custody and it was he who eventually revealed the plan to make Palindrake emperor. The conspirators planned to use the instability of Leonid’s death to seize control.’
‘There was no uprising,’ Leatherer snapped. ‘Again, this is paranoid speculation.’
‘No, there wasn’t,’ Tatrini agreed, her voice never slipping beyond the tones of reason. ‘That is because Palindrake did not want to be a figurehead for this movement. He was entirely innocent of involvement. But it is now my belief his opinions have been swayed. He saw the way Gastern’s innovations were going, and against his better judgement, elected to unite with those who desire radical change. Palindrake would never support Almorante or Bayard, who, as everyone knows, are the only other contenders for the throne.’
‘What about Linnard?’ Rinata blurted unexpectedly.
Tatrini made sure the repression of her smile was visible to all. ‘My dear,’ she said kindly, ‘any reasonable person can see, even should they be half blind, that Linnard is not made of the stuff of kings.’ She knew these words were the private thoughts of everyone present, despite the earlier words of rightful succession. If anything, there was relief in the air that someone had voiced the consensual opinion. She turned her eyes away from the empress and swept her gaze around the chamber. ‘Lord Palindrake has ignored orders to return, hasn’t he?’
Lord Senefex looked slightly troubled now. Tatrini knew her tone of reasonable authority had touched him. ‘Lady Pharinet sent a message that her brother had vanished into the wilderness of Caradore,’ he said, ‘following a lead concerning the whereabouts of his wife and daughter.’
‘He knows the empire is threatened by instability,’ Tatrini said. ‘His first responsibility is to be here in Magrast, and he knows that.’ She placed her hands against the table, leaned forward on straight arms. ‘Come, my lords, see what lies before your eyes. How many of you here believe his marriage to be one of close affection? He cares only for his son, who is safe in the palace. He has already sent Merlan Leckery - who incidentally is part of the conspiracy - out to search for Varencienne. Palindrake has many trusted and able men capable of finding his wife and daughter. I do not personally believe he is emotionally involved enough to warrant this long absence of search and worry. It is not in him, and I believe, in your hearts, you think that too.’
‘Bring Lord Maycarpe and Hirantel to this chamber!’ General Leatherer cried. ‘I want to question these men myself!’
‘The general is right,’ Senefex said, in a milder tone. ‘We cannot go upon hearsay. We need hard evidence and facts.’
Tatrini inclined her head. Much as she felt uncomfortable about it, she could not refuse permission. ‘Might I suggest that Lord Senefex, Archimage Mordryn and General Leatherer interview the prisoners and report back to the Fire Chamber?’
‘You must hand over these prisoners,’ Senefex said. ‘We will decide who interviews them and where.’
She paused a moment, as if to consider, then spoke with calm confidence. ‘Tayven Hirantel is no longer a prisoner, but is now in my employ, as one of my agents. I have assured him of safety in return for his co-operation. I feel this should be respected, for he has many uses. You may interview him in my chambers. As for Maycarpe, Almorante delivered him into my custody to ensure the news of his capture remained private. I will bow to the circumstances and surrender him, on the understanding you will allow me to be present at all interrogations.’ She knew she was taking a risk here. She had no real authority over the Fire Chamber. Senefex could rightly send a deputation of men to her quarters to apprehend Tayven and could also prevent her from being involved in any subsequent discussion with the prisoners.
‘We must take a vote on this,’ Senefex said. ‘Does anyone here object to the Grand Queen Mother’s requests?’
The generals and Rufus Lorca registered their objection, as did a few minor councillors, but the majority gave their consent.
‘Perhaps we should now return to the matter at hand,’ Senefex said dryly.
Tatrini noticed the slight tremor to his voice now. He was shaken utterly. Mordryn looked little better, like a choleric toad spread out in his seat. They would be confused by the apparent alliance of Almorante and his mother. They would be wondering where Bayard, who had kept uncharacteristically quiet throughout the meeting, fitted into this picture. They woul
d be worried that Valraven Palindrake, upon whom so many relied, might have withdrawn his loyalty from them.
‘Are all agreed,’ Senefex said, ‘that Prince Almorante should stand in as regent until further decisions can be made? The people need to be assured the situation is under control. A statement must be issued as to Gastern’s abdication.’
Everyone gave their assent, although a few, notably the representatives from the military, clearly did so with reluctance.
‘Gastern should be moved to one of the family estates in the country,’ Tatrini said. ‘We must do what we can for him out of the public eye.’
Mordryn shook his head gravely. ‘Nothing like this has happened in the history of the Malagashes,’ he said. ‘Today is a sad day for all.’
‘The only thing certain in life is uncertainty,’ Tatrini said.
After the meeting had broken up, Tatrini went to her garden. No doubt Leatherer and Lorca would send panicked messages to Caradore at once, begging their Dragon Lord to return and proclaim his innocence. No chance of that. Tatrini knew, because of what Lady Pimalder had told her: Palindrake would not return. In some ways, this suited her purposes admirably. Palindrake would be the sacrificial goat. Eventually, the Magravandian army would sally north to Caradore to subdue him. She would make sure, by whatever means, that both Almorante and Bayard would be included in that venture. As to what outcome would proceed from it, Tatrini had yet to make up her mind.
Almorante would, in many ways, make a better emperor than Bayard, but he was far less compliant, and although not lacking in charisma, too much of a dark lord to represent the light of Madragore on earth. Yet there was something about him that Tatrini admired; it encompassed the noble will, which Bayard also had, but it was more than that. Tayven had channelled the elemental powers into Bayard, but had indicated that they would be worthless unless Bayard was destined to be the True King. Even now, Tatrini doubted such a man existed. Humans had to make do with what they could. Pure, sacred kings, if they existed at all, were a thing of the past, of innocent times. Now, they had to be tough and dispassionate. They would not rule for long otherwise.
It had almost been too easy to cast doubt upon Linnard as a future emperor, but his blood could not be denied. Mordryn and Senefex, if they secretly agreed that the boy should never assume his father’s position, would have some plotting to do. An old decree would have to be unearthed in the archives to uphold their view. The libraries were bulging with impenetrable texts that could be interpreted in any manner desired, but the common people might be uncomfortable with a departure from dynastic tradition. In contrast with whatever Palindrake might have to offer, the Malagashes had to continue standing for continuity and permanence. Still, Linnard was a sickly boy. Anything could happen in the intervening years.
Tatrini leaned back in her chair, her hands folded comfortably on her belly. She had imagined the Fire Chamber and the Church would be an impediment to her plans, but the truth was they were as anxious to secure their positions as she was. Ultimately, all talk of what the people desired was a sham, at best lip service to a potentially ungovernable threat. She imagined that already the worm of paranoia was munching its way into the heart of everyone who’d been at the meeting. While she and Bayard might once have been regarded as a menace, now all that fear would be transferred to Valraven Palindrake. He was adored throughout the empire, regarded almost as a supernatural creature. How many hero-worshipping boys would rise to his banner should he choose to wave it in their direction? Leonid had kept the Palindrakes close to his hearth, but with his death a link had been severed. Something important had died with her husband, but Tatrini did not regard this as regrettable. They were all facing perilous times, but if handled calmly and with care, a new order could be established, to everyone’s liking. Well, nearly everyone.
It was possible that Darris Maycarpe would try to incriminate her and Almorante when the Fire Chamber interviewed him. This was why she needed to be present. Would he reveal the Crown’s existence to Mordryn and the others? What about Sinaclara? It was possible Maycarpe might start revealing all manner of things in order to win sympathy. Tatrini considered for a moment whether Sinaclara and Maycarpe were rather too much of a nuisance to live. Unfortunately, their demise at this point would cast unwelcome suspicions upon her. No, Maycarpe had to be allowed his say. Tatrini planned to reveal the Crown of Silence just before the next emperor was to be inaugurated. Two men desired to wear it, but which one? Which one?
The same afternoon, Almorante summoned Tayven to his chambers. ‘Events are in motion,’ he said. ‘Give me your insights.’
Tayven had realised something was afoot that morning, but Tatrini had not revealed what it was. ‘Be like your father,’ he said.
Almorante narrowed his eyes. ‘Meaning?’
‘It is something you should think about. It came into my head, that’s all.’
‘I have a feeling you already know the outcome of everything,’ Almorante said. ‘But I think I have news that you may not have anticipated. You are to be called before the Fire Chamber to give account of what you know about the Palindrake conspiracy. My mother revealed you as her informant at a state meeting this morning.’
Tayven sat down heavily in a chair near to the hearth. ‘This is not good news.’
‘Not for you it isn’t, no,’ Almorante agreed. ‘I’ll tell you everything that transpired.’
Tayven sat in silence as Almorante gave his account. With each word, his heart became heavier. His tenuous security had vanished.
When he’d finished the report, Almorante said, ‘So, what will you say to them when they summon you?’
‘I do not have a ready answer,’ Tayven replied carefully.
‘You must contrive one,’ Almorante said, ‘because you can be sure they’ll question you remorselessly. If you fail to satisfy, they will throw you into a pit from which you’ll never emerge, and neither my mother nor I will be able to save you.’
‘How reassuring,’ Tayven said.
‘They will question Maycarpe too, and if he chooses to reveal the existence of Sinaclara - which I hope you will not - they will interview her as well. They want evidence of the conspiracy to put Palindrake on the throne. If you are wise, you will give it to them in abundance, so that their questioning of Maycarpe will not be as crucial as it could be.’
‘That is sensible advice,’ Tayven said. ‘I’ll think about it.’
‘On a more cheerful note, the Fire Chamber has appointed me as acting emperor.’
‘You must be pleased,’ Tayven said.
Almorante grimaced. ‘The battle is not won yet,’ he said. His gaze, perhaps unconsciously, flicked to every corner of the room.
Tayven rubbed his hands over his face. He would have to take action now, and quickly. He should get out of Magrast. But how could he do that when Maycarpe and Sinaclara were still held captive? It was his fault they were imprisoned. He couldn’t abandon them.
Almorante came to his side and put a hand on the back of his neck. ‘I wish I could help you,’ he said in a gentle voice, ‘send you to Recolletine, perhaps. But I have to act carefully. You do understand that, don’t you?’
Tayven nodded. ‘It is not your responsibility, Mante.’
‘Tayvenc’
There was a silence. ‘What?’
Almorante withdrew his hand. ‘There is something I wish to say to you.’ He walked across the room to the window, gazed down towards the plaza below, where palace staff went about their business, ignorant of the storm building up within. ‘Since I found you again, I’ve thought much of the past, the things we did together. I remember you as you were, and how I believed you to be the embodiment of the magic of the land.’ He turned. ‘You may have changed, but some things remain the same. You are a creature of destiny, Tayven, and even though as your emperor I should stand by what has been decided for you, I believe strongly that you must not be constrained by those who do not understand your
light.’
‘What are you saying?’ Tayven said cautiously.
‘I have given you advice concerning your interrogation. I have told you I cannot help you. There is another course, though it pains me to consider it.’
‘Mantec?’
Almorante held out a hand. ‘Come to me, Tayven. Come one last time to my arms.’
Tayven stood up. ‘As my emperor, you should advise me to speak honestly to the Fire Chamber, to co-operate.’
‘I should, yes, and I have.’
Tayven stared at him for a moment, then said carefully, ‘It is not as easy for me as you think. What of Maycarpe and Sinaclara?’
Almorante gestured with both hands. ‘Come one last timec’
Tayven knew Almorante would say no more. He crossed the room and allowed himself to be enfolded by the prince’s embrace. He heard Almorante sigh, heard the great sadness in it. ‘I want you to know that I love you,’ Almorante said. ‘It is a great love, and princes are often denied such a thing. My path is lonely and made all the more so by all that I feel for you and have felt since the time I first saw you. I abused you in so many ways. If I had had any sense, you would not be in this position now.’
‘You never abused me,’ Tayven said. ‘All that was good in you allowed me to make my own choices. I do not regret them.’
Almorante took Tayven’s face in his hands. ‘I had hoped that, as men, we could learn to love one another, but circumstances have taken that possibility from me. You must go, Tayven. Very soon. I don’t know whether fate will allow us to meet again, but I will dream of it.’ He pressed his forehead against Tayven’s own, his skin burning hot. Then he kissed Tayven’s brow and released him. ‘I do not feel optimistic about the future. We will ride to Caradore, Bayard and I, to confront Valraven. I do not know when this will happen, but do not think of going to him, Tayven. Do not sacrifice your life. Find another way.’
‘You are emperor now,’ Tayven said hurriedly. ‘You could be the king that everyone desires. There is another way for you too. You could end it, all of it. Do not listen to your mother. Please. If you will take on the heritage of the True King, I will remain here, stand beside you as your bard. There is no one person fit to be king; the potential exists within all of us. It is a choice. This is destiny. This moment. Now. Can’t you feel it? Even Palindrake will stand beside you if you make the right decisions.’