Goddess by Fiona McIntosh

Author:Fiona McIntosh [McIntosh, Fiona]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi, pdf
ISBN: 9780732283414
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers (Australia) Pty Ltd
Published: 2009-06-19T04:00:00+00:00

20

Word had come back from the Galiseans but it was not as Herezah had anticipated.

“They said what?” she demanded.

Bin swallowed. “Crown Valide, it is difficult for us to comprehend precisely what the Galinseans are communicating. You understand that we are working through interpreters on both sides.”

“Don’t be fooled, Bin. King Falza, I’m assured, speaks Percherese, no matter how haltingly he might convey it. He is toying with us if he wants us to believe he needs to speak through vague translation. Don’t believe it. Tell me again what was said.”

“The messenger reports this message, Crown Valide: King Falza will meet with the Crown Valide of Percheron via another party. They wish this meeting to take place within the Stone Palace complex. I am taking our own interpretation now, Crown Valide, when I say that they understand that you may prefer not to have a Galinsean war delegation in the palace proper. Thus the King has agreed for the parley to occur on the Daramo River aboard barges.”

“Aboard barges? He dares to tell us where and when and how?”

Bin looked nervous but remained steadfast. “Crown Valide, I’m not sure we’re in a position to argue. It appears to me that the Galinseans are paying you quiet respect.”

“Does it indeed?” she snarled, but his rationale caught her attention, impressed her with its insight. “Well, you’re right in one respect: I don’t have a choice. Set it up for tomorrow. The furthest point of the river, mind,” she warned. “Is he sending this party alone?”

“An emissary–if we may call this person by such a title–plus one servant. You are permitted the same.”

“I am permitted?” she repeated.

Bin stared at her, wide-eyed. “I am telling you only what has been communicated, Crown Valide. I would send many Elim if it were up to me. But you will be strong, Crown Valide, and the people of Percheron trust you to represent them with courage.”

Bin’s words appeased Herezah. He was right. She would show fortitude and she would not feel threatened but would instead be courteous and magnanimous in her dealings with the barbarians. “Fine. Set it up. Advise everyone you need to. Tell Elza and anyone else who needs to get me ready. And send for Salmeo but don’t show him in immediately. Let him cool his heels outside until I’m ready to see him.”

“Yes, Crown Valide, as you wish.”

“Oh, and Bin?”

“Yes, Crown Valide?”

“Do we have a name for this party?”

“Yes,” he said, and Herezah noticed his trepidation.

“Well? Don’t stand there gawping at me, boy. What is his name?”

Bin took a breath. “It is a she, Crown Valide. Her name is Angeline.”

It was Herezah’s turn to suck in a breath. She swung around, momentarily speechless. Her voice finally pushed through the shock. “The Queen?” she asked, fright layering over her initial astonishment as her dream came back to haunt her.

Bin nodded. “So I am told, Crown Valide.”

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