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

gain
attention. His height and natural air of command were impressive enough.
                 "We
have today agreed treaties of great import," the Domm announced,
"unprecedented in the history of Lysse. Secca joins in alliance with
Aldarin that we may defeat the Kand pirates."
                 A
roar of approval greeted the declaration. Bylath gestured for silence.
                 "Eryn
will build the ships, but they will be manned by the warriors of our two
cities. We have yet to decide the levies needed to finance the venture, and so
my councillors shall attend me on the morrow." His eyes scanned the hall
as though warning those nobles likely to object to such taxation, daunting as
swords. "But know now that my son, Tobias, shall command the ships of
Secca with the title of admiral."
                 There
was a rattle of applause. Calandtyll glanced at his brother, knowing this was
the source of Tobias's selfsatisfaction. Learning there was more to come.
                 "In
proof of my faith I name Tobias, formally, my successor. He shall be Domm of
Secca after me." He paused as fresh applause greeted the proclamation,
waiting until it died to say, "At the Feast of Dera he shall be ordained
heir.
                 "Further,
my younger son, Calandryll, shall assume the duties of the priesthood. Know
that I, Bylath den Karynth, Domm of Secca, declare it so."
                 He
sat as cheering filled the hall. It dinned against Calandryll's ears, drumming
home the stark realization that his future, so far as his father and brother
were concerned, was determined. He had no say in the matter: alliance with
Aldarin might be a new thing, but in Secca the world turned as it always had.
He thought of the endless round of duties that must inevitably follow, should
his father have his way, and the only consolation he could find was in hope of
Nadama's acceptance. He could envisage no way in which Reba's prophecy knitted
with his father's plans.
                 "Congratulations."
                 Tobias's
mocking voice interrupted his self-absorption and he looked up to find his
brother at his side, realising that musicians had struck up a tune, bringing
folk onto the floor even as servants hurried to shift the tables, making room
for the celebrations.
                 "And
to you," he offered, automatically.
                 "It
was decided today," Tobias said. "Had you shown more interest, father
might have wished you in attendance. But as you have not ... Well, it is the
custom. And you will be where I can watch you. Guide you."
                 "Yes,"
he muttered, grimly.
                 "Of
course," Tobias grinned, "you'll have no time for your bookish
nonsense. Save the study of religious observance. I'll see to that."
                 He
slapped Calandryll's shoulder with amiable menace and flourished a bow in the
direction of the Domm and the ambassador.
                 "My
lords, will you excuse me? A lady awaits."
                 Grinning
hugely he sprang from the platform holding the High Table to Nadama's side.
Calandryll's jaw clenched tight as he watched her rise, her smile glorious. For
Tobias.
                 He
sat dumbly as they moved to the center of the floor, Tobias's arm about her
waist, hers about his, their feet moving as though guided by a single mind,
Nadama's eyes radiant on Tobias's face.
                 Had
he been utterly wrong? Had he misinterpreted her affection? That his brother
was a rival he had known, but he had not expected to see such adoration in her
eyes. Not for Tobias.
                 "We
have a saying in Aldarin," he heard Varent murmur sympathetically, "
'The vine bears many grapes.' "
                 "But
not for priests," he answered dolefully, unable to tear his gaze from the
couple.
                 He
did not