Free The Saints of the Sword by John Marco Page B

should go back to your narcotic after all, Biagio.”
    “And maybe you’re a coward,” said Biagio.
    Kasrin bristled. “I’m not.”
    “Then shut up and listen. My homeland, Crote; you know it’s been taken over by the Lissens?”
    Kasrin nodded. Everyone in Nar knew about the occupation of Crote.
    “And do you know who Queen Jelena is? The Lissen queen is on Crote, Captain. She’s been fortifying the island, guessing that I want it back. Obviously she thinks Nicabar is planning a counter-invasion.”
    “Is he?”
    “No. He’s planning to attack Liss itself. But Queen Jelena doesn’t know that.” Biagio rolled the glass between his palms. “Yet.”
    “You’re going to tell her?”
    “I mean to go to Crote, to ask the queen for peace. In return I will tell her what Nicabar has planned. She’ll want something, of course, and that will be part of my olive branch. The Lissens need peace as much as we do, I am sure of it.”
    “So what do you need me for?” asked Kasrin. He already had a good idea of the answer and was dreading it.
    Emperor Biagio leaned forward. “Take me to Crote,” he said simply. “Yours is the only warship available to me. All the other captains are still loyal to Nicabar.”
    “No way,” said Kasrin. “That’s suicide. The Lissens will destroy us as soon as we get near Crote. Besides, Nicabar won’t let me sail again.”
    “He will if he thinks you’re rejoining him,” countered Biagio. “Nicabar wants you back. He needs good men like you. After you take me to Crote, you will find Nicabar. You’ll tell him that you’ve changed your mind, that you’re sorry and will gladly fight against Liss to have your reputation back.”
    “Ridiculous,” muttered Kasrin. “He’ll never believe it.”
    “He will,” Biagio insisted. “I’ll make sure of it. And as for the Crotans, they won’t sink us once they know I’m aboard. Queen Jelena will want to meet with me. I’m certain of it.”
    Kasrin was still not persuaded. “That’s a big gamble. If you’re wrong …”
    “I am not wrong. Liss has been at war for twelve years. They are fighting a war they can never win. Unless Jelena is a fool, she sees that already.”
    “Well, you’re right about one thing,” said Kasrin. “She’ll want something in return. Peace won’t be enough for her. She’ll need convincing. What will you give her, other than the news of Nicabar’s invasion?”
    Biagio’s expression darkened. “The same thing I’m offering you. I’ll give her Nicabar.” He studied Kasrin, waiting for his reaction, but Kasrin kept his face blank. “Well?” he pressed. “It’s a tempting offer, isn’t it?”
    “It is,” Kasrin admitted. “But how am I supposed to destroy Nicabar? Do you have an answer for that in your magic hat?”
    Emperor Biagio looked supremely confident. “My dear Kasrin, I have an answer for everything. There will be a means to deal with the
Fearless
. The wheels are in motion. But you have to trust me. This is all part of a bigger plan. There will be demands on you, things I’ll need you to do. And in return I will give you the thing you desire most.”
    Suddenly, Kasrin wanted a drink. He rose from his chair and went to the cabinet, picking up a bottle of liquor and pouring himself a glass. Biagio’s scheme was delicate and dangerous, and because the emperor played his cards close, Kasrin didn’t really know what he’d be getting into. But one thing was certain—Biagio was a genius at intrigue. He had masterminded the destruction of the cathedral and wrested the throne from Herrith, and when no one thought he would survive for a week he had managed to hold on to power for a year. A man with so many talents just might be able to defeat the
Fearless
.
    In the end, the offer was irresistible. Kasrin put down the glass and wiped his mouth on his sleeve.
    “I don’t want to trust you, Biagio,” he said plainly. “But I don’t think I have a choice.”
    Biagio beamed.