"No doubt. What I wish to say, my dear hostess, is that I have been entirely satisfied with what you have served me, and yet—"
"Yes, my lady? And yet?"
"I cannot help but wonder if there is not something you would especially recommend."
"Oh, Your Ladyship inquires as to our specialty?"
"Yes, that is it exactly."
"Well, my lady, but that is the simplest thing. It is our fish."
"Your fish?"
"Yes. We are, after all, on the coast, and the fish are brought to us within minutes of being caught."
"But, what sort of fish?"
"Oh, can Your Ladyship ask? Here is the only place to find the true cryingfish, which is, as my lady must know, famed throughout the land."
"What sort of fish is it? For, upon my honor, I do not believe I have ever heard of it before."
"Well, my lady, that shows you how poor is our world without an Empire, for in the old days—but that is neither one place nor another. The cryingfish is rather like the saltwater pinkfish, but not so strongly flavored, and, when prepared with a few leaves of basil and a smattering of blackberries, has an almost nutty savor, for which it is renowned. Indeed, no other fish—"
"Very well, I shall have some, along with whatever wine you recommend."
"Excellent, my lady. It will be up directly."
"Ah, a moment."
"Yes?"
"Prepare two of them. Unless I mistake, the lady who has just entered will be joining me, and, if she is hungry, she will not have to watch me eat, which I am sure would be unpleasant for her."
"A friend of my lady, then?"
"No, I have never had the honor of seeing her before."
"But then, how do you know she will join you?"
"In the simplest manner, my good woman. I have been told that, sooner or later, a lady of the House of the Dragon would find me here. And, you see before you a lady of the House of the Dragon. Do you often see Dragonlords here?"
"Never, my lady."
"Well, there you have it."
And, indeed, even as she was speaking, Habil, having recognized Illista by her description, approached and begged to be permitted to join her.
"Of course," said the Phoenix. "I have been expecting you. So much so, in fact, that I have ordered you a fish in case you were hungry."
"Is the fish good?"
"So I am told."
"Well then, if two are good, three are better, for we are expecting another."
"Another?"
"Yes, and though I have not met her, I have been given a description which, if it is accurate, would indicate that it is the lady who is just now entering this charming house."
"Three then," said Illista coolly.
And, as the hostess ran to the kitchen to order the fish prepared, the third member of the party, Grita, came to the table and said, "You are Habil? Then I compliment you on the post system that you and your cousin have arranged, because, if you will credit it, three days ago I was in the county of Southmoor. And though I have not had much sleep, to be sure, I have made the journey."
"You must be Grita."
"I am."
"Then you are welcome," said Illista. "I have heard a great deal about you."
"None of it good, I hope."
"I have heard that you are determined."
"That is a polite manner of expressing it."
"And do you object to this?"
"Not in the least; let us be polite by all means."
"Then, my dear Marchioness, if we are to be polite—"
"Oh, let us be polite."
"—then introduce me to your friend."
"Ah. I beg your pardon. I had assumed you knew her."
"And why should I know her?"
"Because, my dear Grita, if I may call you that—"
"Certainly you may. Intimacy is even better than politesse."
"Then, dear Grita, I assumed you knew her because it was you who directed her to us, and us to her."
"Ah, then you must be Illista, as I ought to have known at once from the cut and color of your gown."
Illista, who had listened to this conversation with the greatest coolness, now nodded and said, "You have named me."
"And our charming Marchioness has named me," said Grita, "so it leaves only her to be named, and that is a name we both know, is it not? Cousin to the Emperor—if, indeed, he is the Emperor. I have heard no news. Has your cousin managed to acquire the Orb?"
"No," said Habil. "Our military efforts have failed."
"You said that was a possibility," observed Illista.
"Yes, and the possibility has become a reality. Fortunately, thanks to you ladies, we have other possibilities. I must say, my good Grita, that you have been more than helpful."
"I am glad to hear that I have been of service—the more-so as it gets me closer to my own goal."
"Well," said Illista, "but what is your goal?"
Grita smiled, and if the tree-viper were able to smile, it would have been just such a smile as curled Grita's lips as she said, "My goal is the same as your own, my lady."
"Ah! You speak, then, of vengeance?"
"Oh, yes, vengeance. But more, vengeance against a particular four persons."
"Four?"
"That is their number, yes."
"How oddly that falls out, my good Grita. Four is just my number."
"I know," said Grita, smiling a particularly disagreeable smile.
"Do you tell me—?"
"I do."
"Who are you?"
"I am the daughter of your old acquaintance, Lord Garland."
"Impossible!"
"I must insist upon it."
"Who is Lord Garland?" said Habil, frowning.
"No one of any importance to you," said Grita coolly. "He is dead."
Habil frowned and looked as if she would ask more questions, but, thinking better of it, she ended by saying, "So it seems, the two of you have common enemies."
"Exactly," said Grita.
"And they are your enemies as well," added Illista. "It is remarkable how well it all falls out."
"You perceive," said Grita, "that I have no special interest in this Empire of yours for its own sake. I aid you because, with your victory, my revenge will be easier."
"I understand," said Habil. "Whereas I have no interest in your revenge, but you have aided us, and we have made a bargain, and I will hold to it by aiding you in every way I can."
"And I," said Illista, "tell you frankly that I should be delighted to have my place in court once more, and so I am glad to aid you, but the thirst for vengeance drives me even more."
"Then we understand one another?" said Habil.
"Perfectly," said the others.
"Good, then," said Grita. "Khaavren, Aerich, Pel, and Tazendra. Those are their names."
"Pel," said Illista, "is the Duke of Galstan—a duke without a duchy. I recall him from the trial. And how I long to carve his face so that he can no longer sneer!"
"Oh, yes!" said Habil. "In his case, especially, I am pleased to give you all the help I can. He had our confidence, and he betrayed us. He must be made to suffer for this."
"That will not be difficult," observed Grita.
"How, not difficult?" said Illista. "I beg to observe that he is a Yendi."
"Well, and what of it?"
"It is rarely possible to gain advantage of a Yendi; their secrets are impenetrable, and their plans are too deep."
"I agree with Illista," said Habil. "If you attempt to cross the plan of a Yendi, well, you are likely to have done exactly what he wishes."
"It is true," said Grita, "that it is very difficult to surprise a secret from a Yendi."
"And then?"
"Well, I have not done so. I have, however, done something better."
"Come, what is it, then?" asked Habil.
"I have surprised a secret of Zerika."
"Well," said Habil, "I do not doubt that this c
ould be useful."
"In particular," said Grita, "I know a secret that, insofar as Zerika knows, is known only to herself—and to our Yendi."
"You think so?" said Illista.
"You sound doubtful, my dear."
"I confess that I may be. I wonder, that is, how you can know for certain that the Yendi knows it?"
"In the simplest way: He has become Zerika's Discreet."
"Well, that is something, to be sure."
"And what better to speak to one's Discreet about than—"
"Yes?"
"A lover."
"Ah!" said both of the others.
"Moreover," said Grita with a malevolent smile, "a lover who is an Easterner."
"What do you say?" cried Habil.
"It is as I have the honor to tell you."
"And you learned of this?"
"You must understand that I have been planning my vengeance for many years."
"I understand that," said Habil.
"In the course of preparing my vengeance, I made close observations of our enemies."
"That is but natural."
"One of these enemies is Khaavren."
"To be sure."
"As I hate him above all, well, you may understand that I watched him more than any."
"That is true."
"He has a son."
"This we already know."
"This son had a group of friends."
"I do not question that."
"One of these friends was none other than Zerika, then living under an assumed name."
"Shards!"
"And I happened, in the course of learning what I could of Khaavren's son, to discover Zerika's lover. An Easterner, I swear it to you. She would go to South Adrilankha, where the Easterners live, and visit him, spending hours alone with him."
"But, where is this Easterner now?"
"With our enemies. It was he who embarrassed us at Dzur Mountain by calling out those appalling animals."
"He!"
"Exactly."
"You perceive," said Illista, "that I am not entirely certain of what you are referring to, but, nevertheless, I confess that I am entirely convinced."
"That is best," said Grita.
"We must now consider how best to use this information," said Habil.
"Oh, as to that," said Illista, "I know something of the ways of Court."
"Well?" said the others.
"You may leave that to me."
"I agree," said Grita.
"As do I," said Habil. "So then, we have a means of attack on the Yendi. I confess, that pleases me; as I have said, I hate him more than the others."
"For me," said Grita, "it is the Tiassa that I desire above all to have under my care for a few hours, or days. He is now Count of Whitecrest."
"A count?" said Illista. "He? Impossible!"
"He married into the title."
"Ah. Well, that I believe. He was not an unpleasant-looking man. But a fool. And Count of Whitecrest, forsooth? Well, my good Habil, that explains certain remarks you made, at all events, concerning the lack of difficulty in making Adrilankha the capital."
"Precisely," said Illista. "He and his family will be removed. As you have said, he is a fool."
"They are all fools."
"Not Temma," observed Illista.
"Yes. The Duke of Arylle. You are right, he is not a fool. We must eliminate him quickly and efficiently."
"Agreed. And the Dzur?"
"She is a Dzur," said Grita, shrugging. "Do not give her the chance to draw a weapon, and she will present no problem. Or, rather, a chance to cast a spell. She has become something of a wizard. But she remains a fool. I am not worried about her."
"Yes. Who else?"
"That is all."
"Let us try not to ran afoul of Sethra Lavode."
"Is there a reason why we should?" asked Habil.
"None of which I am aware."
"Good, then."
"And I remind you both," said Habil, "that the Empire—that is, the forces my cousin commands—are only at your disposal for so long as you are working in our interests."
"Oh yes," said Grita. "We understand that entirely. And the reverse is true as well."
"Naturally."
"In that case," said Illista. "Let us make our plans."
"But can we make plans," said Grita, "without knowing the results of the engagements presently being fought in the east, not to mention the other matters—apropos, my good Habil, have you found a use for that staff?"
"Oh, indeed. And a good one, I think."
"Excellent. But, until we know what will happen—"
"Contingencies," said Illista.
"Contingencies?" said the others.
"Exactly. We make a set of plans that presume the good Kâna will succeed, another that presumes he will fail, and yet another that presumes the matter is undecided, and we are able to exert some influence upon it."
"Well," said Habil, "as much as I dislike contemplating the second of these, I understand the first two; but I do not understand the third."
"The third," observed Illista, "is the most likely. Consider, if you will: This Khaavren is now advising the Phoenix with the Orb, is he not? And the Dzur is assisting her as well. If these two, for example, should be eliminated, well, would it be helpful to your cousin's plans?"
"Oh, yes, certainly."
"Then that is the third contingency, and, indeed, the one that, as I have had the honor to tell you, I consider most likely."
"Well, I understand," said Habil.
"As do I," said Grita.
"Good," said Illista. "Then, if we are all in agreement, let us make our plans."
"Agreed," said Habil.
"Agreed," said Grita. "But first—"
"Yes?"
"There is the matter of the fish that, even now, the hostess is bringing us. I perceive three servings, which means that you have thought to order for all of us."
"Well," said Illista, "what of it?"
"Only that it was very thoughtful. I foresee much profit in our association."
"Let us drink to our association," said Habil.
"Let us, rather, drink to our enemies," said Grita.
"Our enemies?" said the others.
"Indeed. To our enemies—and may they die in torment."
The three women solemnly drained their glasses.
Chapter the Sixty-Third
How the Empress Felt a Certain Unease
That Would Have Been Even Greater
Had She Heard the Conversation
The Reader Has Just Witnessed
We are now pleased, and hope the reader is also pleased, to return at last to Khaavren, who is, just at this moment, riding up the slopes of Dzur Mountain. The reader, we have no doubt, is wondering how he came to be on this trail, when we had left him, only a few days ago, on the roof of Morrolan's temple; this question we will answer soon, waiting only for our friend to reach Zerika, which will permit us to learn the answer to our question as Khaavren explains the results of his mission to the Empress.
We must admit that it took Khaavren a certain amount of time to negotiate the passages of Dzur Mountain; indeed, he might still be wandering those passages, even as these lines are penned, had he not happened to encounter Sethra the Younger, who conducted him to the sitting room where Zerika was holding court. As he entered, she was engaged in conversation with Aerich, which broke off abruptly. Aerich, observing that the matter was private, bowed and retired after giving Khaavren a friendly smile.
"Captain!" cried Zerika.
"Your Majesty," said Khaavren, bowing. "I came at once. If Your Majesty should prefer that I clean up first—"
"We can save those niceties, Captain, for a time when we hold court in a Palace. However hospitable and comfortable is Dzur Mountain, we may still consider ourselves to be in the field, and so it is useless to pretend to such formalities."
"Very good, Majesty. Do you wish for my report?"
>
"I wish for nothing else in the world."
"Then this is it: I remained near the head of Kâna's troop, although out of their sight—which is proved by the fact that I stand before you now—until I understood their line of march."
"Well, and then?"
"Once I was certain of their direction, I hastened along that path. I give you my word, I did not waste time, and I was able to travel considerably faster than marching troops. Therefore, in little more than a day, I found their destination."
"And this destination is?"
"Two days' march south of here, there lies the camp of the other army about which we had heard rumors have from Southmoor, but have been uncertain as to its precise location."
"And were you able to learn anything of its size?"
"At least fifty thousands of soldiers."
"So many!"
"Sixty thousands, when the remnants of the other army meet them."
"We will, then, be overmatched."
"Not impossibly, Your Majesty. If they wish to attack Dzur Mountain, we will only need to hold our position. Consider that we have the Orb, the Necromancer, Lord Brimford, and, as matters stand, perhaps nine thousands of troops—as well as whatever powers there are in Dzur Mountain itself, which, as Your Majesty is aware, has never been taken by an enemy. I believe we can hold them."
"Well, it is certainly the case that we must try."
"And there is more."
"Well?"
"I do not know how—one never knows—but word of what happened to Izak's army—"
"Izak?"
"The general in charge of the troops defeated by Your Majesty's forces."
"Well, go on."
"Word has reached the other army, commanded by someone named Brawre."
"And has this word had any effect?"
"Assuredly. There have been few desertions, but a great deal of glancing in the direction of Dzur Mountain, and no small amount of talk."
"So then?"
"Brawre's forces have no wish to make an assault upon Dzur Mountain."
"That is good, then. Is there more?"
"Just this: Kâna, whatever else he is, is not foolish. I do not believe he would risk an attack under such circumstances."
"Are you certain?"
Khaavren shrugged. "Nothing is certain, Majesty."
"Then we must prepare to defend this position. See to it."
"As Your Majesty wishes. Will there be anything else?"