Torrent by Paul J Bennett

Author:Paul J Bennett [Bennett, Paul J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Paul J Bennett

Envoy

Summer 1109 SR

Crown Prince Beringar, son of the King of Ostrova, stood a head taller than most of the court. His youthful energy and thick, blond hair marked him as a man of consequence, while a scar on his cheek warned he was not a fellow to be trifled with.

Once announced, he strode into the great hall with purpose, his boots echoing on the stone floor as he approached King Maksim. Behind him came a pair of warriors carrying a chest between them, their armour rattling as they struggled to transport their burden.

Beringar halted some ten paces from the throne, then bent at the waist in an overly dramatic bow, his arm sweeping the floor. Ignoring the small knot of people off to one side, he addressed the king. “Your Majesty, I come bearing greetings from my father, King Eugene of Ostrova.”

“Welcome, Highness. I trust your father is in good health?”

“He is, thank you, and I’m certain he’ll be most pleased to hear of your concerns for his well-being. I, too, am well, although I must admit to some fatigue from the long journey. I assume word of my arrival proceeded me?”

“It did,” replied King Maksim, “though regrettably, it lacked details. I understand you came by sea?”

“Yes, by way of Braymoor. The roads are better in that part of the Continent. I feared a more direct route would lead me astray in the wildlands to the south.”

“Yet these very same wildlands are of interest to your father.”

“Indeed,” said the prince. “I see news travels fast in these parts.”

“Perhaps you might explain why, precisely, you’re here.”

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to negotiate the purchase of the south.”

“A difficult task, given there are no accurate maps of the area. What part in particular is Ostrova interested in?”

“A strip of land running from the border of Braymoor in the west to the wilderness in the east.”

“And when you say a strip, how much are we talking about?”

“To a depth of fifty miles, Majesty, although my father is willing to negotiate a lesser distance if desired.”

“That is a substantial amount of my kingdom,” said King Maksim. “Might I ask what brought on this sudden desire to expand your border?”

Beringar’s smile revealed unnaturally white teeth. “Ostrova does not currently border Braymoor, Majesty, and we aim to improve trade with that kingdom.”

“Do not take me for a fool, Highness. Were that the case, he would only need a small parcel of land in the west. Why, then, does he want the rest?”

“Does it matter? The land is undeveloped, and we would be doing you a favour by taking it off your hands.”

“You still haven’t answered my question.”

“Did I mention he will pay handsomely for this land?” The prince stood aside, sweeping his arm to indicate his warriors. “Within this chest is a generous offer for the area in question.”

King Maksim waved them forward, and they deposited it at his feet before backing up three paces.

Athgar, watching from the side, stepped forward. “Your Majesty, permit me the honour of opening it.

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