Flewelling, Lynn - Tamir 03 by Flewelling Lynn

Author:Flewelling, Lynn
Language: eng
Format: epub

Chapter 28

Tamir's heart leaped at the sight of every herald. At last the first came in, bearing greetings and apologies from Duke Zygas, now on his way to swear allegiance. He'd been the one most likely to hold out and she took it as a good omen. He and his family arrived a few days later by cart. Tamir received him sternly, but he was so fearful for his children and so earnest in his oath that she gladly upheld his title.

A few days later Jorvai's second herald brought word of another bloodless victory. Lord Erian had come out to surrender the moment Jorvai's force appeared over the horizon, apparently not knowing if it was to Korin or Tamir he was surrendering. Jorvai's letter was disdainful. '"Keep this one well under your thumb. It's the cowardly dog that most often bites.'"

But still no word from Ki. The nights were long, knowing the room next door was empty, and Brother had returned to trouble her dreams again.

At last, on the last day of Shemin, a herald arrived with word that Ki had been victorious and was close behind.

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He arrived just after nightfall with his cavalry and came straight to the great hall, flanked by Grannia and Lynx. All three looked tired and grim, and their tabards still carried the dark stains of battle.

"Welcome back," she said, trying to maintain her dignity before the court when all she really wanted was to jump off the dais and hug Ki. "What do you have to report?" "Majesty, Lord Ynis surrendered and is on his way to you. Lady Alna refused." Ki nodded to Lynx.

Lynx took a leather sack from under his cloak and opened it. Ki reached in and pulled out a woman's head by its bloodstained blond hair.

Tamir did not flinch at the sight of those slack lips and dull, milky eyes, but the sight saddened her.

"Mount it on the battlements above the gate, near Solari's remains, with a sign giving her name and crime.

Did you kill her, Ki?"

"No, Majesty, she died by her own hand on the fourth day of the siege. She killed her two daughters and her son as well, or had them killed. We found them lying together in her chamber."

Tamir had no doubt that Ki would have done it himself if it had been necessary, but she was secretly relieved that he hadn't had to. In any case, Alna had spared her the trouble of an execution.

"Let the heralds carry the news to every town and holding," she ordered. "Have the town criers spread the word. I have been merciful to those who gave me their loyalty. The traitor was not spared. Lord Kirothieus, you have my thanks, and the gratitude of the land. I hereby grant you all the lands of Lady Alna, in honor of your first victory under your own banner."

She smiled to herself as Ki bowed again. There could be no murmuring about that. Such were the spoils of war.

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