… the Count died shortly after; his eldest son, Ferran, inherited the title. Lûn and Immervale have both certainly fallen, and I believe Cortes Cilwan is certain to follow, if it has not already. Though there is little travel on the great road in winter, Cortes Vonja reports refugees from downriver. I have that from a reliable source. Foss Council offered a winter-season contract at one-third pay, with immediate increase to last year’s, to remain in readiness in case of attack. I agreed in your name. I have urged Valdaire’s Council to ally with Foss and have been assured all reliable mercenary companies will be contracted soon. Aesil M’dierra has contracted with Andressat and has moved a cohort of mounted infantry …
In another hand and less easy Common, Arcolin read the Aldonfulk prince’s assessment.
Though we meddle not in human affairs and wish no meddling in our own, yet in fair exchange for information received and as Law requires between princes, I say thus. It would be well if you gave your command to your captains in Valdaire, which should make contract and set them free to act until you return. By kapristi, word of this mad duke comes from east: from the Takkinfulk, the Varonfulk of the Eastbight, and the Kastinfulk of the Copper Hills.
Arcolin had heard of none of those gnome tribes; the prince had included a map. Gnome tribes inhabited many hills he had not known about, both north and south of the Dwarfmounts, excepting the area of Lyonya labeled Sinyi.
The prince’s letter went on, giving information from other tribes and the latest information available on the whereabouts of the Duke of Immer and his resources.
“Extraordinary,” he said aloud, then looked up at the gnome sitting patiently in a chair too large for it. Faksutterk nodded. “And your prince has more, by word?”
Faksutterk spoke in rapid gnomish, taxing Arcolin’s ability to follow. Time and again he held up his hand, asking Faksutterk to repeat something. The Aldonfulk prince, he understood finally, proposed a regular courier service between them, including carrying messages to and from Fox Company when Arcolin was not there. The gnomes were positive that the necklace—Arcolin could not help thinking of it as “Paks’s necklace”—was now in the Duke of Immer’s possession and that it posed a special threat. The prince also asked questions about the organization of Arcolin’s tribe “that their names may be written.”
“Is there then a single list of gnomes?” Arcolin asked. “All the gnomes in all the princedoms?” As far as he knew, only granges, in Tsaia, tried to keep count of everyone. Towns and nobles reported only certain categories to the king.
“Yes. Is most secret; only for prince to know.” Faksutterk stared at Arcolin without saying more.
The next morning, Dattur appeared at the front gate even as Arcolin and Faksutterk were emerging from the inner court on their way to Arcolinfulk stone-right. Arcolin greeted him in gnomish and introduced Faksutterk.
Dattur bowed; Faksutterk returned his bow. Dattur said nothing; his expression offered Arcolin no clue.
“Faksutterk brought news from the South,” Arcolin said. “And word from his prince.”
Still Dattur said nothing. Arcolin sensed a resistance to … something … a resistance like that of a mountain of rock. “You had a message for me?” he asked Dattur directly.
“It is invitation for prince—” The word was accented heavily, “—to visit and see what has been wrought since Midwinter.” He spoke in Common, not gnomish; his gaze held Arcolin’s, conveying more than the words themselves.
“I see,” Arcolin said, trying to decipher that message. Surely the gnome wanted a fellow gnome to come to the stone-right … or did he? What if he didn’t? Why wouldn’t he?
“It is Law to speak tongue of Law to speak Law! It is to speak kapristi!” Faksutterk said to Dattur in gnomish. “Human speak kapristinya—no need talk man-talk.”
“It is Law to speak as other understands best,” Dattur said, this time in gnomish and slowly. “It is to speak to one spoken to and not to one overhearing.”
Faksutterk turned a darker gray and said, “Kteknik!”
“It is your prince gifted this Law–teacher correct attire,” Dattur said. His eyes glittered. “It is that you argue with your prince?”
This would not do; three recruits had turned to stare at the quarreling gnomes, and Arcolin was sure those on watch on the parapet were watching as well.
“It is not Law for kapristi to argue in front of all,” Arcolin said in gnomish. “If words must be said say them indoors: come to my office, both of you.”