(eng) Alan Burt Akers - Dray Prescot 43 by Scorpio Triumph

Author:Scorpio Triumph [Triumph, Scorpio]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter fifteen

Queen Satra was raising an army. She was far too busy to entertain us; but she sent a polite note in explanation with a promise of a banquet in a sennight’s time. We sent back a proper reply thanking her for her hospitality. With both Milsi and Sasha away in Tambu, it was my opinion, and one I was convinced was correct, that Satra didn’t care to be overshadowed by Delia. That, of course, was perfectly understandable in a powerful Queen of Pain, especially one who intended once more to be the Empress of Loh. But, then, the trouble is, as you know, no one can compare with Delia. If that brings jealousy and hatred to the bosoms of many a fine lady, then selah! Delia can handle that!

And, by Zair, in the nicest and kindest way possible on two worlds.

So, because Deb-Lu continued to insist we remained in Hiclantung, we had some time to ourselves, and time to explore the city.

Along with Deb-Lu and Rollo, Mevancy had her own quarters in the palace given over to our use. I said to Delia one fine morning: “What the deuce is Mevancy up to? We hardly ever see her.”

“Plans.”

“Oh.”

“Plans,” she repeated, with that firmness of tone that could stop a vove cavalry charge at fifty paces.

“Does Deb-Lu know?”

“No.”

Well, now, I said to myself. The little minx may be involving the Star Lords in this pretty plot of hers.

As the barracks and outlying camps filled up with mercenaries, the vast majority not from Walfarg, we had to face the unpleasant consequences of Carazaar’s seizure of the ruby from Vondium. Deb-Lu explained that the attack had been almost entirely magical, only a small force of Paktuns being used once the defenses had been breached. That was a similar system to the one he’d used in the Castle of Samral down in Kronenvar.

“Once he has regained his full power, he will become a dangerous enemy again.” Deb-Lu was clearly greatly concerned. He hadn’t liked the cauls of protection he and his comrades had erected being penetrated.

“And you say he can, as it were, pump himself up with extra kharrna to go out and do something similar?”

“Yes, Delia, that he can and will.”

“Makilorn,” I said.

“Naturally.” She lifted her glass, for we were at a small supper. Rollo was off doing his exercises like a painstaking apprentice should. “Is there nothing we can do, Deb-Lu?”

“Khe-Hi, Ling-Li and I are collaborating even more closely. We are sure we can defend the ruby in Makilorn — or wherever we may hide it — but that will take time.”

“So it’s a race.” I spoke glumly.

Delia flashed me a brilliant glance. “Deb-Lu will win!”

On that note of whistling in the dark we retired for the night.

The next morning Nath Karidge, commander of the Empress’s Devoted Life Guard, reported in that they’d caught an assassin trying to climb in through a window of the palace. Although my Guard Corps had gone off to Tambu to fight Shanks, as under the circumstances was perfectly proper, EDLG had refused to desert their prime duty.

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