Angus Wells - The God Wars 01 by Forbidden Magic (v1.1)

venture as direct
attack."
                 "Cautious
as ever," Tobias grunted.
                 But
Calandryll saw that for once he had his father's ipproval. Encouraged, he
continued, "There will, inevitably, be problems at first. Who commands?
How shall the supportive levies be organized? Shall the ships be built in the
yards at Eryn, or in our own cities? Does Eryn join the alliance?"
                 "Eryn
remains neutral," said Bylath. "They'll build our galleys, but not
man them; nor join us."
                 "Eryn
sits safe in the north," grumbled Tobias. "The corsairs make no
sallies so deep into the Narrow Sea and Eryn lacks the spine to fight with
us."
                 "Why
should she?" asked Calandryll. "The Kand pirates are no threat to
Eryn."
                 "And
this alliance is unprecedented," agreed Varent. He turned to Bylath:
"Your son has a good head on his shoulders, my lord. He'd make a fine
diplomat."
                 "He's
to be a priest," said Bylath flatly, bringing Calandryll back to earth.
"Tonight I announce it."
                 Calandryll
saw the satisfied expression on Tobias's face and felt his spirits sink afresh.
Decisions had clearly been made in his absence, and while they were hardly
unexpected, their immediacy emphasized his dilemma. He sought solace in
contemplation of Nadama: if she agreed to marry him, the influence of the den
Ecvin family could change his
future.           '
                 "It
cannot be so bad," Varent murmured, his tone pitched low enough that only
Calandryll might hear him. "Even as a priest you must surely find time to
study."
                 Calandryll
shook his head mournfully.
                 "In
Secca, my lord, the priests are denied such luxuries—their only study is the
worship of Dera. And I would marry."
                 "That
lovely maiden?" asked Varent, following his gaze.
                 "If
she will have me."
                 The
Aldarin ambassador nodded thoughtfully. "And does your father know of this
desire?"
                 "No,"
Calandryll murmured, turning to face Varent, "Nor would I have him know
until I nave her answer. Her family has sufficient influence they might sway my
father's decision."
                 "So
you would kill two birds with the single stone," the ambassador whispered,
smiling. "Fear not, Calandryll—your secret is safe with me."
                 "If
she will have me," he repeated.
                 "You
think she might refuse?" Varent studied him speculatively.
                 "I
have a rival."
                 Dark
brows rose, framing an unspoken question. Calandryll said, "My
brother."
                 Varent's
eyes hooded, though the smile remained fixed on his lips. Calandryll paid it
scant attention, though it occurred to him that Varent did not particularly
like Tobias.
                 "What
will you do should she refuse?"
                 It
was on the tip of his tongue to mention Reba's prophecy to the ambassador.
There was something about Varent that elicited trust, and Calandryll thought he
might obtain sound guidance from the older man. Was he, perhaps, the friend
Reba had forecast? But it was too soon; he was not yet sure enough: he said,
"I do not know, my lord."
                 Varent's
dark eyes were contemplative as he studied Calandryll's face and it seemed he
was about to speak, but Bylath claimed his attention and he turned to answer
the Domm. Calandryll applied himself to the food set before him and for a while
he was ignored, left to his own thoughts, which turned like a dog chasing its
own tail back to Nadama.
                 He
was relieved when the eating was done, then alarmed again when Bylath rose to
his feet, compelling the hall to silence. He had no need of a crier to