The Stormcaller by Tom Lloyd

Author:Tom Lloyd [Lloyd, Tom]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 9780575079267
Amazon: 0575079266
Publisher: Bill
Published: 0101-01-01T08:00:00+00:00

'Firstly, if you'll forgive the observation, my Lord, even a white-eye of Lord Bahl's ability cannot face an entire army. With necromantic powers augmenting their forces and the military support of those nobles they controlled, the danger was very real.'

'But surely most are loyal still?'

'Possibly, but by rigging the election of one of their own to High Cardinal of Nartis they have great authority over the people, as well as the ability to declare Lord Bahl Forsaken.'

Isak sounded confused. 'What does that mean?'

'Forsaken means abandoned by the Gods. While we are servants of the Gods, they rarely pay much attention to us. Nartis is like any other God of the Upper Circle. The Chosen must be able to protect both their positions and persons, otherwise they do not deserve his blessing. If the Cardinals declare Lord Bahl to be Forsaken, then they can order those loyal to join them or stay away. Not all would obey, but enough. Lord Bahl is head of the cult of Nartis, but the Cardinals speak with divine authority. With intelligence and magic they could manipulate the mood of crowds; they could turn public opinion even against the chosen Lord of the Farlan.

'Half the tribe seems to have been implicated by one rumour or another. Mostly these have been false – petty revenge or family feuds, such is court life – but some must be true. I believe that there was a large faction of Devoted involved.'

Sir Cerse looked at Bahl for comment but received merely a blank stare. He coughed and continued quickly, To best Lord Bahl in battle, Malich would have needed to control at least one duke and five powerful suzerains. That's the only way he could be confident of defeating the loyal troops. The true extent of how many were involved we may never know, but the tribe has been severely weakened by suspicion. Many have failed to maintain proper, lawful levels of stock, trained soldiers, campaign supplies…" His voice tailed off as gloom overtook the tent once more.

Isak looked around at the faces staring at the ground. Bahl's own naturally grim expression was reflected on the faces of Tori, Vesna, Sir Cerse – even the beautiful assassin, Legana. Suzerain Ked, normally a calm and reflective man, had his jaw clamped tight and anger tightened his brow.

With a start Isak realised their dismay was not at the task facing them, but shame that their own people could turn on each other in

such a way, and against the will of the God.

Insurrection was nothing new, but plotting the downfall of the entire nation was a completely different matter. Their tribe had remained strong by relying on its own – an arrogant and xenophobic Way of life, possibly, but one that had kept them whole nonetheless.

'Thank you,' he said quietly. 'Now I understand what's at stake, of course I'll be part of it – I'll do anything you need.'

Expressions faded to acceptance and resolve. The next few hours saw each man writing a painfully long list while outside, winter tightened its grip on the mountains they called home.

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