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Chapter II
Inside a small cell, way below the palace, Jonathan's friends heard a crack and a snap.
Well, that's that, Numair said heavily, sitting on the stone bench and leaning against the wall. Jonathan's handed over the Dominion Jewel.
Alanna sat down next to him. She patted his knee. I'm sure the Jewel doesn't enjoy being passed around - it probably is still in Jon's hands.
Numair shook his head with a sigh. No, Alanna.
George made a face. Surely the Jewel isn't that fickle!
It was given...well, not exactly freely...the closest thing.
Hazel eyes sharp, George said bluntly,
Jon didn't want the kids to die - so he handed over his throne - and all its powers and responsibilities - to Zachary. It's like...succession. When the time comes, the Jewel passes from the King to his heir - the Jewel simply assumed that Zachary is the next-in-line, because Jon gave it freely. Well, not exactly freely, but -
Yes, yes, we know, Alanna interrupted. The closest thing.
From bench opposite of Numair's, Buri, Onua, Raoul, and Gary gazed at Numair.
How are we going to get out of here? muttered Alanna, jumping up and starting to stride. If they hadn't spelled these cursed shackles, we could blast our way out! She fingered the metal on her slender wrists and the collar on her neck.
asked Buri.
Have you any tricks up your sleeve?
Numair hid a grin; George frowned. None. They took my lock-pickers, knife, and everything else which could have helped us out. Sorry.
No pressure, replied Buri with a sad smile.
There was a small silence. Then Raoul smashed his fist into his palm; Alanna looked startled.
Raoul? What's wrong?
Raoul's expression was full of self-loathing. It's my fault we're in here!
snapped Alanna.
Yes, it is! I'm the Knight Commander of the King's Own - it's my job to protect the King and his family. And I weakly stepped back when they came into the room. I should've fought them.
You would be dead in five minutes, Numair said quietly.
Alanna, Raoul, Buri, Onua, and Gary shot the mage scandalized looks.
Excuse me? spat Buri. Have you seen Raoul fight?
He's an unmovable mountain! Alanna snapped. Not as good as I with a sword, I admit - but a fair fighter!
Numair sat through the enraged arguments in silence. When they started to repeat themselves, he gestured for silence. You would be dead in five minutes, he repeated. Less, actually.
When Onua opened her mouth to retort scathingly, George shook his head. Have you seen them fight? he demanded. Onua shook her head.
They're like...energy, Numair said. He suddenly looked very tired. They don't look like much - but they move like energy. They don't waste the energy with unnecessary movements, that's why their walk and gestures are really ugly. But when they fight... He whistled. They surpass the Shang. Hell, they don't even need blades - their bodies are their weapons.
I'll bet Lord Zachary is one, Buri muttered savagely.
Yes, actually, I am, started a new voice.
Startled, everyone looked to the door - which was now open. Zachary entered, followed by Joseph and two more men.
Please, Lioness, don't move; I don't want to break you, he said in a lazy voice; red-faced, Alanna returned to her seat.
You'll be disgusted to know that I am now the ruler of Tortall and all it's powers, Zachary said. The coronation is tomorrow.
You can't be crowned! Alanna cried.
Why ever not? Jonathan's abdicated.
Because the binding powers of the crown -
said Zachary with a grin. They would kill me as soon as the crown touched one of my hairs - if I wasn't somehow related to the Conté line.
Alanna stared at Zachary, her face blank with shock.
With a small laugh, Zachary replied, The Contés established themselves as the royal family of Tortall, hundreds upon hundreds of years ago. But they aren't originally from Tortall. The family's founder, Michael Conté, was a minor lord in Krhandæ, a realm in the Land-Across-the-Sea. Before he left with his people to Tortall, he had a fight with his nephew - Brendan Conté. Something about a woman; Brendan was in love with the woman Michael's son was supposed to marry. Michael refused to change the betrothal, because, not only was Brendan an unimportant nephew, he was bastard-born. His father had been some common soldier. Dirty blood.
Zachary continued, Brendan, his mother, and some of his men stayed in Krhandæ while Michael Conté went to Tortall. A dozen or so years later, Michael's son Jason was the king in Tortall, while Brendan had risen in the ranks of Krhandæn nobility. He was the right-hand of the king there.
What are you saying, then? demanded George. You've given us a nice history lesson, but I don't see the point.
You Tortallans really are thick, Zachary said. I -
What he's trying to say, blurted Numair, is that he's a descendant of Brendan Conté - and since he has the Conté blood, he can have the crown, and with no personal risk.
exclaimed Zachary, chuckling. I guess I was wrong; you Tortallans aren't all boneheads!
It just so happens, Numair replied coldly, that I'm not Tortallan.
There was a nasty silence. Then Zachary cleared his throat - this was the first misstep he had commited. Well...oh, we're getting off the topic of discussion. Like I said before, I'm the new ruler of Tortall. Jonathan and Thayet are being put on a ship as we speak. They're going to the Land-Across-the-Sea - to Krhandæ. I want to see if they'll figure out any of what I just told you. Joseph, the parchment.
The man walked forward. Just like Numair said, his movements were ugly and restricted. He handed Zachary a scroll, which the lord unrolled and read.
Right. So...Alanna and George Cooper...
Alanna snapped.
I'm sending you two to the Copper Isles. I'm sure they'll be very er...welcoming, as you did kill one of their princesses.
I'm starting to regret that, Alanna muttered to George. They keep on bringing it up.
Zachary grinned. You'll be with my brother, Sir Thomas Teles-Conté. He's very nice - just try not to make him mad. He's very...violent.
George and Alanna exchanged glances; then the Lioness snarled, What about my children?
They're staying here; hostages are necessary, you know. Anyway -
Why is your brother called demanded Gary.
I am Teles-Conté, m'lord, Zachary informed the huge man. My line - the line of Brendan - isn't totally Conté; Brendan couldn't have sons off his mother, could he? He intermarried with a cousin - Mariana Teles. My family are their offspring, thus Teles-Conté. But don't be fooled - all the Teli are dead. We just keep the name because we don't want to be mistaken as part of Michael Conté's line. Anyway...Raoul and Buri, you two are married, are you not?
They nodded slowly.
Both of you are going to Tusaine. My sister, Joana Teles-Conté, is an ambassador to the King there. He's very fond of her. You'll be living in her estate. Be polite - as Thomas' twin, she's a fierce, blood-curdling bitch, and you won't like it if she decides you're scum.
Zachary crossed out the Coopers' and Raoul's and Buri's names, then continued, Gareth the Younger, you'll be going to the Roof of the World. The Doi - my tribe actually - have agreed to take you, and your wife. Your kids are staying here. More hostages; I'm sure you understand. Onua, you're going with Gareth.
He crossed some more names off the list, then turned to Joseph. Please escort everyone to their former rooms. Make sure they pack what they need - use your judgment. Don't try to fight once you're out of this cell, he told the Tortallans as they stood stiffly. I have more men waiting outside. Master Salmalín, please stay behind.
Everyone filed out of the room, silent in their nervousness. Before joining her husband, Alanna kissed Numair on the cheek and whispered, Good luck.
Zachary closed the door. Now both of them were alone; he sat on the stone bench opposite of Numair's. He gazed at him for a moment, then snapped his fingers. Crimson flames enveloped all the walls and corners of the room.
I didn't know you had the Gift, started Numair.
It's gotten me out of several tight places, Zachary admitted. I get it from the Conté line - but, if you've noticed, it isn't blue. He chuckled darkly. I'll wager that it matches Jonathan's Gift.
Numair shrugged, acutely aware of how helpless he'd be if Zachary attacked with magic.
I've heard that you study many different magics, said Zachary quietly.
I do, Numair replied, puzzled.
But you have the Gift? Zachary avoided Numair's question with one of his own.
Yes. I'm a black-robe.
Ah. I am glad I collared you. If you were free, I'd probably be dead in less than three seconds...
That's not my way, Numair admitted. But, since you've turned everything upsidedown, yes, I guess you would be.
Would you harm nine helpless maidens?
Zachary sighed. I brought my nine daughters, out of my first wife. They all have smatterings of the Gift. Unfortunately, I don't have the patience to teach them, and I don't have the time to find them a teacher. Instead of sending you to exile, I'm sending you to the Grimhold Mountains, where they have a small fiefdom. You'll be teaching them everything - from magic to Tortallan customs. You won't be collared, as you need your Gift, but you won't be free. I'll have you linked to me.
Numair's eyes blazed angrily when he asked, And what hold do you have on me? I could refuse.
Zachary's smile was suddenly cold. Not only am I now the ruler of Tortall - which means you obey - but I also have a small lead.
Oh really? asked Numair, praying it wasn't who he thought it was.
said Zachary, nodding. And she happens to be working in the dukedom of a friend of mine, Aeld Larsson of Galla. I think she goes by the name of...Veralidaine Weirynsra(i?)? But you know her as Daine Sarrasri, the Wildmage, am I right?
Numair narrowed his eyes. The Wildmage has been out of Tortall for about two months already. What makes you think she's still with this...Duke Aeld? She could be at the other end of the country by now, healing all the sick animals she finds.
I received a letter from Larsson a few days ago. He said the Wildmage was back at his home, working with the healers, trying to create a long-term cure for the illness. The smile on Zachary's face turned nasty. Over a magical-conversation, I told him to make sure she stays there. I don't want her running off.
Numair closed his eyes. How was he going to get out of this one?
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