Like everyone else, the Seablade delegation raised their hands before their faces as the King’s procession passed. Jay read the marks from the corners of his eyes. Nobles, all of them. Three family members, one of whom was Heart of the Seablade. Jay suppressed a sigh of relief. He would at least be able to get some accurate information about First City’s plans. That might just be enough to placate King Silver.
King Silver mounted her dais and stood there. Kings did not have the luxury of sitting through their audiences. Silver could stand for hours without fidgeting, a skill that amazed Jay in spite of himself.
Silver lifted her chin. “It having reached my ears that my kindred in First City would send me words concerning our war, I have brought myself and my Witness forth to hear them.” Her voice was too high and thin for the chamber, even though it was bolstered by the ringing formalities of the high command dialect. “Therefore, choose who among you will speak and let the others bear back witness as to my attentiveness and the full nature of my answer.”
Two of the Seablades detached themselves from the delegation. Heart of the Seablade scrupulously avoided looking at Jay. His wife, Mind of the Seablade, the blood daughter of the house, on the other hand, seemed determined to keep her attention riveted on him.
The Seablades raised their hands to King Silver in greeting.
“I am Lady Mind kenu Mind of the Seablade dena Constant Watcher,” said the daughter of the house. “I am chosen to speak for the blood Nobles, the Bondless, and the Bonded who are attached to the House and Lands where the Blade is the symbol and the protection. I have leave and permission to speak also for Wall’s Shadow, my King in First City.” She lowered her hands. “I say that the blood will spill until the floods are red and still we will not yield to this unprovoked and unnatural war that is fought by the master of Narroways only because her wit and will has been stolen by the Messenger of the Skyman dena Aunorante Sangh.”
Bad enough.
“I am Teacher Heart kenu Heart of the Seablade kenu Fortunate Speaker dena Shadow of the World’s Wall,” said her husband. “I speak for the Temple and the Teachers. Because this war is provoked by the Aunorante Sangh we say that the power-gifted are free to act against them. We also say that Narroways no longer hears the Word in the Temple and those attached to her, like all Heretics, must die.”
Jay had to give Heart this much credit, he held his voice steady as he delivered his pronouncement. But then, he’d said it before. The First Teacher believed firmly in repetition.
“There is forgiveness yet by the law and the Word if Silver on the Clouds as master of Narroways closes the breach in her own heart that let the Aunorante Sangh into her city.”
Oh-ho. This was the first time an offer of compromise had been extended from the Orthodox delegates. Could it be that King Silver’s not the only one nearing the end of her rope?
King Silver touched the tattooed ribbon that adorned her brow. “By the marks of kingship and family, I declare that I and my company have heard and understood the message that you do bear. Now, I charge you hear my words.” She lowered her hand. “Those who call themselves the Teachers in First City are but liars. They are the ones who listen to the Aunorante Sangh, not I. Otherwise, they would speak the truth and say that the Messenger, the Listener, and the Scribe, who are all of the Skymen, do no more than bring us greetings from the brothers who have found us in this place where we were moved by the Servant of the Nameless. The Teachers would kill our brothers. I would defend them. I will not change my mind nor stay the hands of those who take up arms in my cause. If there is to be peace, you must cease this threat against our brethren, or you must take my city from under my rain-polished bones.”
Jay’s stomach turned over. The fate of the Home Ground hung in the balance and it was being argued over by these … things … who were so out of control that they didn’t remember who they were or know what they were really fighting about.
“King Silver on the Clouds,” said Mind. “The dark seasons are coming to the Realm. It can do none of us any good to pursue this war when we should be pursuing a harvest and the stocking of coal and oils.”
“Then lay down your arms and welcome your brothers,” said Silver. “Harbor no murderous thoughts among you. Accept that I am the one chosen to speak for the Realm to the Skymen. This will end the matter.”
“Oh, no, Your Majesty,” said Heart. “It will not even come close.”
Who is that talking, Heart? Jay wondered. Is that actually your voice I’m hearing?
“Is there more to be said?” inquired Silver.