Fate of the Tyrant (The Eoriel Saga Book 3) by Kal Spriggs

Author:Kal Spriggs [Spriggs, Kal]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw3
Publisher: Sutek Press
Published: 2016-06-28T23:00:00+00:00

Grand Duke Christoffer Tarken

"... as you can see, your Grace," Lord Einian said with a broad smile, "I think an alliance between us would be of great benefit to us both."

"I see," Christoffer said with a glance at Siara. She sat quietly, hands folded and an attentive expression on her face. He knew her well enough to know she had her own opinons, but he didn't know how those opinions might have changed.

Christoffer sat back as he considered the Count of Panagor's offer. At face value, it presented an excellent deal, with a transfer or weapons and equipment to the Taral nobleman's alliance in return for him increasing his patrols, essentially purchasing a secure shared border. Not a trivial thing, especially when the highlanders of Taral often raided livestock across the border in addition to raids of the Norics.

Yet Lady Miel's information that Lord Einian had allowed Lord Admiral Hennings' army to march through his lands unopposed sat poorly with Christoffer. He could understand the man and his allies allowing Hennings' men and mercenaries through... but what about the Norics? Not only had they marched through unopposed, in early winter, but they had done so with few precautions. Lord Einian had not attacked his ancestral enemies and, even worse, the nobleman had apparently put effort into preventing his people from doing so.

And that bothered Christoffer quite a bit.

"Well," Christoffer said, "I will need some time to consider things. I trust you and your people will stay some days, at least, before you head back to Panagor?"

Lord Einian's smile congealed a bit, "Yes. Indeed, we had planned to stay and make preparations for our alliance." He stroked his big, red beard. "I understand that you may need some time to organize things, but I hope you don't delay in making a decision. I'll need time to organize my warriors, to recruit more soldiers for patrols. If you delay a decision, I may not be able to guarantee as much as I would like."

The threat was clear in his voice. The Count of Panagor could secure the border, but he could also leave it open. Christoffer gave him a polite smile, "Well, I will certainly consider that as I make my final decision."

He rose while the Taral nobleman made his way out. As Gervais shut the door behind their guest, Christoffer gave his senior armsman a raised eyebrow, "What do you think, Gervais?"

"Me, your Grace?" His armsman asked. "I'm not sure I can add much of value to the discussion."

Despite his statement, Christoffer had come to value Gervais Wachter's judgement of character. "Tell me," Christoffer said, "would you take someone like Lord Einian as one of my armsmen?"

Gervais scowled, "I wouldn't have him armed in your presence, Your Grace."

"That," Christoffer replied, "is what I thought." Gervais had as much as said that he wouldn't trust his back to the man... which was what they would be doing if Christoffer trusted Lord Einian to screen their border.

The Count of Panagor would remain a staunch ally.

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