Free The Grand Crusade by Michael A. Stackpole Page B

disturbing. Your method of handling it will bring the truth to light. If you were to bring it up, duplicity would be suspected and the damage would be done.”
    “We are agreed.” Scrainwood slowly smiled. “And do not think I have missed
    your ulterior motive.“
    Tatyana’s head came up. “What do you mean, Highness?”
    “The sealing of our dynasties. You expect Oriosan gold to be invested in the
    rebuilding of Okrannel.“
    “It would be a hope, yes.”
    “Good, then as we liberate pieces of Saporicia from the Aurolani, perhaps we need an international zone in the south, including the port city ofSanges. It would facilitate trade between ournations if I had an ocean port.”
    “That would require the death of the Saporician royal house since they would never agree to it.”
    “Certainly whoever the liberators raised to lead the nation in the aftermath of that tragedy would happily grant such a boon to his allies.”
    The old woman nodded. “If Chytrine does not manage it, there are ways it can be handled.”
    “I shall check the lineage and perhaps find a suitable family branch with a daughter to marry to Linchmere. It would make things tidy.”
    “Indeed, it would.” Tatyana tossed her wine off with the gusto of a gutter-whore in a dockside tavern. “Your hospitality and time are always appreciated, Highness.”
    “Pity you have to leave so soon, Duchess.”
    She stood and laughed at his remark. “Such sincerity cloaking a lie. Will they never realize you are far more dangerous than Chytrine could ever be?”
    He smiled. “No, they will not. It is just as well. It allows them to sleep.”
    “Then, while they sleep, I shall be about my work.” Tatyana bowed her head to him. “Fare well, King Scrainwood. Together we shall guarantee a future for the world that will suit us perfectly.”
    Prince Erlestoke regarded the Vorquelf sitting across from him. Smaller than Resolute and slight of build, he still had the sharp features of an elf, including the pointed tips of ears rising through a curtain of fine black hair. His intensely blue eyes had no pupils, which made his glance a bit unnerving, though less so than Resolute’s. Erlestoke saw no tattoos, but the Vorquelf wore long sleeves and had his tunic laced up tight beneath a thick sheepskin coat. He even wore gloves, so the prince couldn’t see if he sported rings or other jewelry. Resolute hissed at him in Elvish, and Erlestoke knew enough to catch some words. The tone in Resolute’s voice filled in more, leaving Erlestoke with the impression that Resolute was full of both fury and contempt for his companion. The other elf kept his face composed, betraying no emotion, then slowly shook his head and spoke carefully enough that Erlestoke could understand him
    clearly.
    “I’ve not sought to hide from you, Resolute. Upon my arrival in Narriz, which was only yesterday, I immediately joined our brethren here. I asked after you, but was told you had no congress with them. I did not seek you out, but I do not shrink from you either.”
    Resolute snorted, then slowed his Elvish speech. “Do you still call yourself
    Banausic?“
    “It seems fitting, still, for I am ever practical.”
    “You served Chytrine once. I have not forgotten.”
    “Nor have I, but I have a better master now.” The Vorquelf lifted his chin. “I have served Adrogans well. I liaised between the Nalisk Rangers and the Blackfeathers. I was with them, ahead of the army, from theHighlandsto Svarskya. I gave them no cause for complaint.”
    Resolute’s eyes narrowed, but he said nothing.

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    Erlestoke took the opportunity to ask a question. “I’ve heard a rumor that Adrogans has the secret of firedirt. Is it true?”
    Banausic regarded him coldly. “That would be no business of yours.” Resolute’s hand immediately closed on Banausic’s right forearm and squeezed. “It is business of ours, so you will answer the question.”
    The other Vorquelf tried to keep his face impassive, but pain tightened his eyes. “Very well. We sailed, the lot