Path of Fate by Diana Pharaoh Francis

who’d taken her in as a child. But their expressions were closed and harsh like the teeth of the mountains in winter. She shivered at the tangible rage rising from the group.
    Sodur and Upsakes stood quietly with folded arms. Upsakes’s chocolate-furred weirmart coiled about his neck, her long-whiskered nose twitching below his chin, sharp claws clutching into the leather pads on his shoulders. Reisil couldn’t see Sodur’s silver lynx, but it was certain to be close by. Their presence was comforting.
    Varitsema raised his hands. A whispering hush fell, broken here and there by the sounds of coughing, shuffling feet and muttered invectives.
    “You may yell all you like, but the Iisand Samir’s own herald brought the proclamation and there is little to be done about it. I only repeat to you what he said.
    “In fourteen days, a Patversemese envoy arrives in Kallas on his way to sign a permanent treaty in the names of their majesties Karalis Vasalis and Karaliene Pavadone. The Dure Vadonis, his family and entourage, will spend one day and night here. We are commanded to receive them with joy and courtesy and give them all the consideration of our own royal family.”
    An ugly eruption threatened. Varitsema lifted his hand again for silence. When the voices subsided, he said in a cajoling tone, “It means the end of the war. It means we won’t have to send our sons off to die anymore. It means trade and prosperity for us all.” His voice shifted and became commanding. “I know you don’t like it, but hear me! If we should break the truce, fragile as it is, the Iisand has declared that all our lands and homes will be confiscated and we shall be made as homeless as those miserable squatters out there in the copse. We won’t be allowed to take away any more than the clothes on our backs.”
    Stunned silence filled the room. Reisil’s mouth fell open. She looked at Upsakes and Sodur for reassurance. Upsakes stroked his weirmart with a tense hand and Reisil noticed a feverish flush to his face. His eyes were wide and bloodshot. Sodur frowned and rubbed his chin.
    Reisil began to shake her head. It was impossible. There must be a mistake.
    “That’s . . . that’s insane! He can’t do that!”
    Reisil didn’t see who spoke, but dozens of voices rose up in support.
    “I’m afraid he can,” Sodur said in a flat voice.
    “You would support this? The ahalad-kaaslane ? You’re supposed to protect the people of Kodu Riik!”
    “We would pray to the Blessed Amiya and follow Her guidance as we always do,” Sodur said. “But you must realize that the crown is bound to the Lady as the ahalad-kaaslane are. I doubt Iisand Samir would promise such a possibility if he did not believe She would permit it. I would advise you to take the warning seriously, for your own sakes. Geran Samir is not known to threaten idly.”
    “Is that why you’re here? To make sure we cooperate? So that we let the wolves into our gates?” demanded someone, Reisil could not see who.
    “Peace, friend. We are here sorting out the new crop of ahalad-kaaslane and making arrangements for the squatters. Our presence is mere chance, but I promise you we will stay and aid in whatever manner we may,” Upsakes replied in an easy voice that did much to soothe the angry tension.
    But his next words, delivered like the lashes of a whip, sparked it again.
    “I have no doubt that the Iisand will keep his word and you will all be turned from house and home, penniless and dishonored, should you not receive the ambassador from Patverseme with proper ceremony. With no horses or goats, cattle or sheep, what will you eat? Where will you go? How will you earn a living?”
    For a single moment there was shocked, menacing stillness, like the eye of a tornado. Reisil heard her heart beat, and then a single indrawn breath as the crowd breathed together.
    Shouts shattered the silence. Reisil felt herself wilt away from fury that stormed the room. She took a step back