"These things happen." Charoleia shrugged. "Henceforth, Duke Iruvain won't be nearly so well informed as he has been. His spymaster Hamare is dead."
"Is he?" Evord looked at her with mild surprise.
She looked at Sorgrad and Gren. "You didn't say?"
Sorgrad shrugged. "We thought we'd let you explain."
"It seemed the obvious thing to do." Charoleia looked at Evord with faint challenge.
He met her gaze levelly. "It might be best if we were to discuss such decisions before acting upon them."
"Of course, as far as is practicable." She smiled serenely.
"If Lady Derenna has Sharlac's duchess in her keeping, what's to prevent her doing whatever she sees fit?" Aremil asked quickly.
Kerith spoke up for the first time. "Jettin is keeping us fully informed."
Given the scholar's expression, Aremil concluded he wasn't the only one with reservations about the noblewoman.
Evord acknowledged Kerith with a nod. "All correspondence under Sharlac's duchess's seal is to be read."
"Don't you trust Derenna?" Gruit was looking uncertain again.
"Trust isn't the issue," Evord said mildly. "Staying informed is what matters."
"Do you know what Carluse intends?" Charoleia asked. "Now that Duke Garnot has broken the Guilds' conspiracies, has he been able to make any preparations against your advance?"
"He's aware of some of those who've been working against him," Evord corrected her politely. "We still have allies to call on in Carluse. Mistress Failla is eager to help us contact them, to make amends for her forced indiscretions."
At least Tathrin had the captain-general on his side defending Failla, thought Aremil, even if the Soluran was keeping his eye on her.
Captain-General Evord was still speaking. "For the moment, I suspect Duke Garnot will be more concerned with the immediate threat of our army. Word of Losand's fall should be reaching him just about now."
Gruit cleared his throat. "It's the first day of Autumn Festival tomorrow. Will you be spending it here?"
"I will be marching onwards at first light tomorrow, now that the scouts I sent out have reported back." Evord looked steadily at them all. "We will pursue this campaign as far and as fast as we can through the autumn and into the start of winter if need be. I intend defeating all Lescar's dukes well before Solstice."
"What?" Gruit was astonished.
Aremil saw that Tathrin was equally astounded, along with Kerith and Welgren. The only people who didn't look surprised were Charoleia, Sorgrad and Gren, and even then, Aremil didn't think they had known about this beforehand.
"We march on Carluse." Evord smiled thinly. "I have no intention of giving our foes any more time than I absolutely must to gather their forces to oppose us."
"How long do you suppose you can campaign into autumn before the weather breaks?" Gruit asked doubtfully.
"Mountain Men and Dalasorians are well used to harsher climes than these. They won't baulk at fighting in rain or snow if needs must," Evord assured him, "when our advantage over whatever militias the dukes can whip up will be all the greater."
The merchant wasn't convinced. "My wagons will be hard pressed to keep up with you when all the roads are axle-deep in mud."
Evord was unperturbed. "We waited until the harvests had been gathered before we attacked. Every granary and storehouse is full, so we will buy provisions and forage as we go."
"If you can find any stores, after the dukes have plundered their vassals to feed their militias." Gruit shook his head doubtfully.
"In doing so, the dukes will merely make themselves more hated," Evord pointed out. "While we will offer a share of our supplies to anyone we find starving. We are fighting for the wellbeing of all Lescari, after all. Mountain Men and Dalasorians are well used to living off the land in far less fertile regions," he added with an unexpected grin.
"You have thought all this through." Despite all his aches from the journey, despite all the uncertainties he could still see lying ahead, Aremil felt his spirits rising.
"That's why you retained my services." Evord cracked his knuckles briskly, the sound startling in the silence. "If you have no more immediate questions, I have work to do before we march tomorrow. I suggest you retire to your accommodation to recover from your journey and you can ask whatever new questions occur to you at dinner."
The door to the upper hall opened and the captain-general's men filed back in. How had he summoned them? Aremil wondered.
He set that question aside as he looked at everyone else. Charoleia was contemplating something with half-closed eyes while Gren was tugging at his brother's elbow, whispering eagerly. Aremil found Sorgrad's face as impossible to read as Tathrin did.
Gruit and Welgren were already on their feet. Judging by the way the old wine merchant was pointing to his back, the two of them were discussing medical matters. The apothecary answered with animated hands.
Branca was sitting beside Kerith, listening politely as he spoke. The scholar looked as stern as any mentor at the university. Aremil was determined to discuss the arguments for and against the harsher applications of Artifice with Branca before giving Kerith any answer. He had questions of his own for Kerith too, sure there was more to Nath's antagonism towards Failla than he'd learned so far.
He must talk with Tathrin, openly, just the two of them. They had started this whole enterprise with their earnest discussions back in Vanam. Aremil couldn't bear to think of their friendship breaking under the strains of putting their hopes into motion.
"Master Aremil?" Evord stepped forward to offer his hand. "I'm glad to make your acquaintance."
Aremil braced himself for a soldier's crushing grip only to find the Soluran offering the lightest handclasp. "And I yours."
"I wanted to thank you for all you've done with these aetheric enchantments to keep our schemes marching in step," Evord said.
"I'm glad to be of service," Aremil assured him.
Evord smiled briefly. "As soon as we resume this campaign, you can expect my orders along with everyone else. Until dinner, then."
Seeing Evord step away, Tathrin rose and came over just as Branca appeared on Aremil's other side.
"Can I help you down the stairs?"
"I was just going to say the same."
To Aremil's inexpressible relief, Tathrin shared a wry look with Branca. Whatever other tensions had arisen, the two people closest to him had apparently reached a friendly understanding.
He managed to get to his feet. "It seems the captain-general has plans for me and my Artifice, as soon as the campaign resumes," he confided.
"That doesn't surprise me," Tathrin said frankly. "He won't let anyone sit idle."
Branca nodded. "As he keeps saying, we have a great deal still to do."
The three of them made their way slowly towards the door.
Aremil recalled his sense of achievement as the carriage had reached Losand. That was undimmed. He and Tathrin had first brought all these disparate people together. Through all the unexpected twists of late spring, both halves of summer and early autumn, they had worked together. Now everything was moving towards bringing lasting peace to Lescar.
Deep in his innermost thoughts, he couldn't help wondering what the autumn and winter ahead would see. Just what had they set in motion?
Dukedoms of Lescar
Vanam
One of the leading cities of Ensaimin, a realm of independent city states and fiefdoms.
Tathrin: Originally from the Lescari dukedom of Carluse. Now apprenticed to Master Wyess.
Master Wyess: A prosperous fur trader.
Eclan: One of his senior apprentices.
Master Malcot: A cloth merchant.
Master Garvan: A master blacksmith.
Master Kierst: A less successful fur trader.
Master Gruit: A wine merchant, originally from the dukedom of Marlier.
Aremil: A nobleman crippled from birth living a retired, scholarly life.
Lyrlen: His loyal nurse.
Lady Derenna: A noblewoman exiled from Sharlac where her husband, Lord Rousharn, fell foul of the duke.
Reniack: Originally from Parnilesse, born to a whore in the mercenary enclave of Carif. A rabble-rouser and pamphleteer.
Charoleia: An intelligent and beautiful information broker. Her origins are obscure and her aliases include but are not limited to Lady Alaric, Mistress Larch and Lady Rochiel.
Trissa: Her maid. Extremely discreet.
Tonin: A senior mentor at the university. A noted scholar engaged in unravelling the secrets of the ancient enchantments called Artifice.
Branca: His student, Vanam born of Lescari blood. Adept at Artifice.
Kerith and Jettin: Also his students, also of Lescari origins, both skilled in using Artifice.
Carluse
A dukedom of the fractured and war-torn country of Lescar.
Insignia: a black boar's head on a white ground.
Colours: black and white.
Duke Garnot.
Lenter: His valet.
Corrad. His horse master.
Duchess Tadira: Born sister to the Duke of Parnilesse.
Lord Ricart: Heir to the dukedom.
(Veblen: Duke Garnot's bastard son, killed in battle two years ago).
Failla: Duke Garnot's mistress.
Vrist and Parlin: Grooms.
Ernout: Priest of Saedrin at the shrine in Carluse town and Failla's uncle.
Lathi: Failla's cousin.
Nath: An itinerant mapmaker with links to Charoleia.
Welgren: A travelling apothecary with links to Charoleia.
Wynald's Warband: A mercenary company retained by Duke Garnot.
Draximal
A Lescari dukedom.
Insignia: a golden brazier on a blue ground.
Colours: red and gold.
Duke Secaris.
Sorgrad and Gren: Originally born in the mountains, mercenaries who have been involved in shady dealings the length and breadth of Einarinn.
Arest: Captain of the Wyvern Hunters company of mercenaries.
Ziel, Jik and Macra: Mercenaries in his company.
Reher: A mageborn blacksmith originally from Carluse.
Triolle
A Lescari dukedom.
Insignia: a green grebe on a pale yellow ground.
Colours: green and yellow.
Duke Iruvain: Succeeded his father Duke Gerone less than a year ago.
Litasse: His duchess, born daughter of the Duke of Sharlac.
Valesti: Her lady in waiting.
Hamare: Spymaster and erstwhile scholar of Col's university.
Karn: An enquiry agent. Born in Marlier and orphaned as a child.
Pelletria: An enquiry agent.
Sharlac
A Lescari dukedom.
Insignia: a russet stag on a green ground.
Colours: brown and green.
Duke Moncan.
(Lord Jaras: Heir to Sharlac killed in battle by Veblen of Carluse.)
Lord Kerlin: Second son and now heir.
Lord Narese. Friend and associate of Lady Derenna.
Marlier
A Lescari dukedom.
Insignia: three silver swords on a scarlet ground.
Colours: silver-grey and red.
Duke Ferdain.
Ridianne: His mistress, lady of Sanlief Manor and captain of mercenaries.
Ulick: A mercenary serving with Beresin Steelhand.
Parnilesse
A Lescari dukedom.
Insignia: a green wreath overlaying black sword and halberd crossed on a blue ground.
Colours: green and black.
Duke Ostrin.
The Kingdom of Solura
An ancient kingdom beyond the Great Forest that borders the west of Ensaimin.
Evord Fal Breven: Retired captain-general of mercenaries now living peacefully at Castle Breven.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Juliet E McKenna has been interested in fantasy stories since childhood, from Winnie the Pooh to The Iliad. An abiding fascination with other worlds and their peoples played its part in her subsequently reading Classics at St. Hilda's College, Oxford. After combining bookselling and motherhood for a couple of years, she now fits in her writing around her family and vice versa. She lives with her husband and children in West Oxfordshire, England.
Acknowledgements
This book sees the beginning of a new series, with a new publisher, through the good offices of a new agent. A writing life is always subject to change, so I'm grateful other things remain so constant.
Heading into the twentieth year of our married life, and my tenth as a published author, Steve always provides unfailing moral and practical support together with crucial insights whenever I'm hesitating over the best next step. Mike and Sue, best of friends, sister Rachel and invaluable pal Gill sustain me with timely reassurance and unflagging encouragement. These days, the next generation's lively interest in exactly what I'm doing with all the maps and notes and bits of research also keeps me keen.
Maggie Noach's untimely death robbed me and many others of a champion. Thankfully, working with new agent Sam sees me looking to the future with enthusiasm and optimism. Similarly, it's a tremendous pleasure to be working with the Solaris team, George, Christian and Mark, as their passion and professionalism spur me on. Lisa has done her usual sterling service polishing the blemishes out of my prose, for which I remain sincerely grateful. None of this would be possible without Marc's original vision and initiative so my profound thanks to him.
The community of SF & Fantasy writers and fans, through the Internet, through conventions and much else besides, provides support, inspiration and opportunity to grow as a writer. Listing half the people who deserve a mention would be impossible, so I'll content myself with acknowledging this book's particular debt to Pete Crowther. Writing the novella 'Turns & Chances' brought the Lescari Civil Wars into focus for me; the people, the places, the plots and calamities. Reading that, Chaz Brenchley was the first to see that resolution demanded revolution. Thanks for pointing it out, Chaz. This series is the result.
Read the first novel in The Chronicles of King Rolen's Kin, the bestselling fantasy series from Rowena Cory Daniells and Solaris Books!
Only seven minutes younger than Rolencia’s heir, Byren has never hungered for the throne. He laughs when a seer predicts that he will kill his twin. But the royal heir resents Byren’s growing popularity. Across the land the untamed magic of the gods wells up out of the earth’s heart. It sends exotic creatures to stalk the wintry nights and it twists men’s minds, granting them terrible visions. Those so touched are sent to the Abbey to control their gift, or die. At King Rolen’s court enemies plot to take his throne, even as secrets within his own household threaten to tear his family apart. Political intrigue and magic combine in this explosive first book in an exciting new fantasy trilogy.
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Read the second novel in The Chronicles of King Rolen's Kin, the bestselling fantasy series from Rowena Cory Daniells and Solaris Books!
Thirteen year old Piro watches powerless as her father's enemies march on the castle, while a traitor whispers poison in the King's ear, undermining his trust in her brother, Byren. Determined to prove his loyalty, Byren races to the Abbey; somehow, he must convince the Abbot to send his warriors to defend the castle. And Fyn, the youngest of King Rolen's sons, has barely begun his training as a mystic, but wakes in a cold sweat, haunted by dreams of betrayal...
www.solarisbooks.com
Read the final novel in The Chronicles of King Rolen's Kin, the bestselling fantasy series from Rowena Cory Daniells and Solaris Books!
Now a slave, Piro finds herself in the royal palace of Merofynia, serving her parents' murderer. She must watch every step, for if her real identity is discovered, she will be executed. Fyn is desperate to help his brother, now the uncrowned king of Rolencia. Byren never sought power, but fin
ds himself at the centre of a growing resistance movement as people flee Palatyne's vicious soldiers. Can he hope to repel the invasion with a following of women, children and old men?
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Indicia
Also by Juliet McKenna
Title Page
Map of Hadrumal
Map of Lescar
The Political Almanac
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Chapter Thirty-Five
Chapter Thirty-Six
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Glossary
About the Author
Acknowledgements
Irons in the Fire (Chronicles of the Lescari Revolution) Page 47
