Ciara's Song by Andre Norton & LYN McCONCHIE

Author:Andre Norton & LYN McCONCHIE [NORTON, ANDRE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: FIC009000
ISBN: 9780759520493
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Published: 2001-02-14T16:00:00+00:00

* * *

Kirin paid another visit, this time to speak with his wife. He found her infuriatingly unhelpful.

“I’m not becoming involved. I have to live here while you play at lords all over Kars. Your mother picks on me, your grandfather thinks I’m a fool, and you pay me no attention.” She burst into tears. “I’m with child again, too. Go away and do whatever you want. Just don’t expect me to help you.”

Kirin went. He rode back to the city convinced that a dukedom in Estcarp would be a boon greater than he’d thought. He could find some way of ridding himself of Aisha, and taking a younger, prettier wife. Perhaps a girl of Estcarp who would be properly grateful to be wed instead of taken as mistress. He’d take his sons in hand, too. They seemed more unruly and ill-mannered each time he saw them. A tough Armsmaster and a few beatings should cure that.

Once in Kars he was angered all over again to find Pagar was still on the border. The week it would take to ready the army had already stretched to two. Still Kirin could not legally join without causing an outcry. He must persuade Pagar to intervene before it was too late. He rode on to find him there. On the border his duke was triumphant. It seemed that the forces of Estcarp had learned the lessons Pagar had been teaching. He was closeted with his scout head as Kirin stamped in to join him.

“They pull back, my lord. If this continues, we may be through the mountains shortly. The heart is going out of them. We win and win and they see no end to this war. My spies say that the fleet in Es Bay will bear away many of their lords and their households. For that reason, too, no doubt the men fall back. Few soldiers fight well when they know their masters plan to abandon them.” He sneered at the thought.

Pagar agreed. “Keep pressing them, but do not make them too desperate as yet. The bulk of my army will be ready shortly. Once we have that we can advance at speed.” Kirin nodded agreement. Pagar waved the scout chief to depart before continuing his speech to the intent Kirin. He laid his finger on a map. “Here I will split the army. The greater portion of it, led by me, will strike into the heart of Estcarp direct for Es City. The remainder led by you, will turn northwest and travel as fast as they may to the great bay. As soon as we are through the mountains I’ll have a screen of scout-fighters flung far forward in front of that portion.”

He smiled viciously. “I want none of the Witches to know they will be cut off from their fleet in the bay. Let it come as a surprise to them. Those who suddenly have hope taken away break more easily.” He drank deep from his cup, and looked up, face flushed red with wine.

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