Free Treason Keep by Jennifer Fallon Page B

Almodavar out of the Hall and into the night, to the curious stares of his companions.
    The two spies proved to be boys, frightened and defiant. Both had mousy brown hair and freckled skin, and they were enough alike to be brothers. The older of the two wore a sullen expression and the evidence of a beating. The younger was more defiant, angry and belligerent. He wore a pendant with the five-pointed star and lightning bolt of Xaphista, and leapt to his feet when Damin entered the tent. The older brother didn’t rise from the floor. Perhaps he could not. Almodavar was not renowned for his tender interrogation techniques.
    “ Hythrun dog !” the younger boy cried, spitting on the ground in front of Damin. Almodavar stepped forward and slapped the boy down with the back of his gauntleted hand. The lad fell backwards, landing on his backside.
    “That’s Lord Hythrun Dog, to you boy,” Damin told him, placing his hands on his hips and glaring at the youth. The boy cowered under his gaze.
    “They are Jaymes and Mikel of Kirkland,” Almodavar told him. “From Lord Laetho’s duchy in Northern Karien.”
    Duke Laetho’s banner had been identified months ago. He was a rich man with a large retinue, but rumour had it he was more bluster than bravery, a fact borne out by the presence of these two boys. Who but a fool would send children to do his reconnaissance for him?
    “Almodavar says you have interesting news, boy. Tell me now, and I might let you live.”
    “We would give our lives for the Overlord,” the older brother snarled from the floor. “Tell him nothing, Mikel.”
    “No, I’ll tell him, Jaymes. I want to see the Hythrun quivering in their boots when they learn what is coming.”
    “Then out with it, boy,” Damin said. “It would be most unfortunate if I have you put to death for the glory of the Overlord before you get the chance to see me quivering, won’t it?”
    “Your day of reckoning is coming. Even now, the Karien knights advance on you.”
    “They’ve been doing that for months. I’m scared witless at the mere thought.”
    “You should be,” Mikel spat. “When our Fardohnyan allies join with us to overrun this pitiful nation of atheists, we will descend on Hythria and you will be knee-deep in pagan blood.”
    Damin glanced at Almodavar questioningly before turning his attention back to the boy. “Fardohnyan allies?”
    “Prince Cratyn is to marry Princess Cassandra of Fardohnya,” Mikel announced triumphantly. “You can’t defeat the might of two such great nations.”
    “You’re lying. You’re a frightened child making up wild stories. Kill them, Almodavar—just don’t leave the corpses where I can smell them.” He turned his back on the youths and pushed back the flap of the tent.
    “I do not lie!” the boy yelled after him. “Our father is the Duke Laetho’s Third Steward in Yarnarrow, and he was there when the king received the offer from King Hablet.”
    That had the ring of truth to it, Damin decided, although he didn’t stop or turn back. Once they were clear of the tent, he turned to his captain, his face reflecting concern and firelight in almost equal measure.
    “You think he speaks the truth?”
    “Aye, he’s too scared to think up a convincing lie.”
    “This changes the rules of engagement somewhat,” he said thoughtfully. “Perhaps our visitor from the Citadel can shed some light on the news. He’s supposed to be in Intelligence, after all.”
    “And the boys? Did you really want me to kill them?”
    “Of course not. They’re children. Put them to work some place they can’t cause any trouble. I believe the Kariens think hard work is good for the soul.”
    The captain smiled wickedly. “And deny them a chance to die as martyrs for the Overlord? You’re a cruel man, my Lord.”

CHAPTER 9
    Adrina’s departure from Talabar was an occasion of some note, and Hablet was determined to see his daughter off in style. The hastily repaired wharf was lined