Even now, he has been taken for questioning."

The ice that entered the queen's smile promised nothing good for the man.

The arrival of a servant with the news that the infirmary would be prepared by the time the crown prince and crown princess could be carried to it ended the conversation. Sir Jared departed with the stretchers, speaking politely to the still vociferating Lord Rory.

Elise remained behind, unwilling to get in the way. She stood a long moment staring down at the red stains splattered over the once snowy carpet. Firekeeper came to stand beside her.

"Why?" she asked, her query as simple as a child's. "Why?"

Elise met the confusion in the dark brown eyes squarely.

"I don't know," she replied, "but I have all sorts of terrible suspicions. Come with me. We'll get you cleaned up and change into simpler clothing."

"No dancing tonight?" Firekeeper asked a trace sadly. The wolf-woman loved dancing and music above all other human arts.

"No dancing," Elise said. "Not of the sort you mean, but I dare say we'll have much fancy word dancing before this is concluded."

Firekeeper sighed. "Such is so much easier with wolves."

The distant echoing howl of Blind Seer, still trapped in the tower above, gave lie to her words.

"We have some information," King Allister said to the n.o.bles and counselors crowded into a meeting room rather too small for a gathering of this sort. Usually, the Sphere Chamber would have been used, but it was still being scrubbed clean after the events earlier in the day. "I have called you all here to me in order that rumor be squelched as rapidly as possible."

The king of Bright Bay swallowed a sigh and an impulse to rub the back of his hand across his eyes.

Even such a small display of the grief and exhaustion he felt could be misinterpreted. Instead, he sipped from the goblet of watered wine on the table before him and surveyed the gathering.

Most of those here before him were members of his own kingdom, representatives of the houses and families who had been invited to the royal wedding. There were also, however, members of the HawkHaven contingent. He recognized Baron Archer and his daughter, Elise, Earle Peregrine, and Earl Kestrel. Derian Carter was also present, as was his right as king's counselor. So, rather surprisingly, was Lady Blysse, her great grey wolf leaning against her leg and crowding the aisle.

These King Allister was comfortable with. He was less happy, given what had been discovered about the a.s.sa.s.sins, to have the diplomatic representatives present, but they were-not only the dignitaries from New Kelvin, Waterland, and Stonehold, as must be expected, but also from the Isles. To oppose a representative from the Isles attending the meeting would have been too close to an accusation-an accusation for which, as of yet, there was no proof. So fronted by friends, probable enemies, and those whose motives were as yet unclear, King Allister must give his report.

At least he felt certain of King Tedric, who sat to his right, his expression weary, bland, and vaguely concerned. Between them they had decided that King Tedric would keep silent, act the role of the shock-broken dodderer, and see what he could learn from the expressions of those gathered before them.

Putting down his goblet, King Allister continued: "Doubtless rumors are growing with each breath that pa.s.ses. I charge you to join me in ending them."

Duke Oyster, the king's father-in-law, indicated that he wished to be recognized. Allister did so, knowing that Reed Oyster was flaunting his own new importance by demonstrating to his fellow heads of house that he could interrupt the king.

"Your Majesty," Reed said, the tones of a practiced orator rolling out despite the m.u.f.fling effect of the crowded chamber, "one of the most damaging rumors is that your royal self and the crown prince were both slain or mortally wounded. Do you intend to address this?"

Allister replied, "I myself will appear later today to address the populace. My captain of the guard, Whyte Steel, is making security arrangements. Crown Prince Shad is keeping to his bed for the time, under the advice of his medical attendants."

There was a flurry of motion as others signed for recognition. This time the king chose not to acknowledge them. He had done his part for Pearl's father and further cemented the support of that important ally. However, even for political reasons he was not about to turn this audience into an interview. Too much could get out of hand.

"Pray wait," he said firmly, "and listen to what I have to say. You may find your questions answered. In any case, this room is close and overfull. Despite the coolness of the autumn, we certainly do not wish to remain contained at tight quarters any longer than necessary."

A ripple of laughter acknowledged the wisdom of this last statement. When the gathering had stilled, King Allister went on, this time staying to the items on his prepared statement.

"First of all, I am pleased to report that both my son and his bride are recovering from the injuries sustained in the attack."

He went on to itemize the injuries in some detail, having decided that enough people would have seen the blood that pretending at less gravity would only incite the rumors he was trying to quell.

"Poison," he added, "was used. However, owing to quick action on the part of the attendant physicians, we may hope that its effects have been neutralized."

Ancestors, he thought, grant that this prayer is granted!King Allister knew from consulting with Sir Jared Surcliffe that both victims were still in danger. Indeed, although the knight's healing talent could speed the mending of flesh and bone, it could not neutralize poison. There was some thought that it could even hasten the poison's effect by making healthy the flesh that would carry it. Still, Princess Sapphire's color was returning nicely, and Shad, scared by the risk he had inadvertently taken, was remaining dutifully in bed, his younger brother Tavis doing duty as both trusted attendant and watchdog lest the crown prince forget himself.

"Although both Prince Shad and Princess Sapphire are expected to recover," the king continued, "we did not escape without losses. Several of our guards, both those of Bright Bay and those of Hawk Haven, were injured. Two men were killed."

The king eulogized those who had died in the course of protecting him and his family. As the words flowed easily from his lips, he found himself wondering which of the studious and sorrowful faces before him was nothing more than a mask. Certainly someone here knew the truth behind the attack.

"Lastly," Allister said, "we have determined some facts about the a.s.sa.s.sins. Thanks to the quick actions of several of the guards and of Lady Blysse Kestrel, who took it upon herself to go to the bridal couple's defense..."

He paused while those present craned around to stare at Firekeeper. Stories of her fighting skill, greatly exaggerated, were some of the favorite about the castle and town. These the king felt no desire to quell, for he hoped they would protect her. For the same reason, he had agreed to let Blind Seer, the wolf, have fairly free run of the castle and grounds-as long as he remained with his mistress.

Firekeeper claimed, though Allister kept his private doubts, that it had been the wolf's howl that had first alerted her to the possibility that evil was afoot.

"We have captured alive three of the a.s.sa.s.sins. Under careful questioning, they have admitted their ident.i.ties and nationalities."

He allowed himself to enjoy the drama of the moment. Not a word of this had gotten out, he was certain.

Beside him, King Tedric appeared to be drifting to sleep, his wig slipping slightly over his forehead.

Allister wasn't fooled, but he hoped that others were.

"The a.s.sa.s.sins were Waterland residents. They belonged..."

King Allister was forced to bang the base of his scepter on the table to restore silence, so great was the outcry at this announcement. Cries of "Treachery!" filled the room, countered by fervent denials from the members of Waterland's diplomatic contingent.

Antic.i.p.ating some such reaction, King Allister had alerted the guards closest to the Waterland contingent's seats to be ready to defend them. The guards did their part valiantly, though their stiff, wooden expressions showed how they felt about putting themselves between those who might have arranged for the deaths of their fellows and just retribution.

Order restored, King Allister scowled at his audience. Peripherally, he was aware of King Tedric blinking and straightening his wig as if the commotion had awakened him from a doze.

"If," Allister said icily, "I had proof that the distinguished representatives from Waterland were aware of the a.s.sa.s.sins presence among their servants, I a.s.sure you that they would not be sitting so comfortably in this hall.

"The a.s.sa.s.sins belonged," Allister said, picking up where he had left off when interrupted, "to a subcla.s.swithin Waterland unfamiliar to those of us who reside in Hawk Haven and Bright Bay. As you are all aware, Waterland advocates the practice of slavery."

There was a low growl at this, but no one spoke aloud, not wishing to attract the monarch's wrath. Still, the residents of both Hawk Haven and Bright Bay had ample reason to be aware that Waterland practiced slavery. Prisoners from naval engagements, if not ransomed, were routinely sold at the general market. Many were never heard from again.

The breadth of the White Water River where it separated Waterland and Hawk Haven made slave raids difficult if not impossible, but all along the kingdom's northern border parents frightened disobedient children with tales of slave raiders who swooped down and took those who didn't know their place.

There might have been some truth to those tales, but King Tedric had not been able to say for certain.

"There are two cla.s.ses of slave," Allister went on pedantically, "the born slave and the 'found.'

Sometimes, as it has been explained to me, if a born slave shows particular talent for physical arts-strength or grace or courage-that slave is offered the chance to train as an a.s.sa.s.sin. If the a.s.sa.s.sin slave then performs a 'job' successfully, he or she is given his or her freedom.

"I will not pretend to understand the finer points of this peculiar and, to me, distasteful system. It has been explained to me that such a.s.sa.s.sins are commonly employed in Waterland to decide matters we would a.s.sign to legal courts and local custom."

The Waterland amba.s.sadorial party looked rather angry at this, but King Allister continued blandly on: "The a.s.sa.s.sins who attacked my son and his wife were these a.s.sa.s.sin slaves. As of yet, we have not determined their owners. When we do so, perhaps we will learn more."

"Surely," exclaimed Duke Oyster in exasperation, "the members of the distinguished contingent from Waterland must know who owns their own attendants!"

The senior Waterland amba.s.sador was a corpulent man who looked as if he had never missed a meal, but had taken care to eat plenty in antic.i.p.ation of the possibility. Since Allister had confirmed that the a.s.sa.s.sins were from Waterland, he had been steadily-almost frantically-signaling to be recognized.

Given that the a.s.sa.s.sins had worn Waterland colors, he had probably already found himself on the receiving end of a good deal of angry questioning. Before this, he could save himself by replying-in all honesty-that the kings had requested he hold his silence until the meeting. Now he must justify himself or face the consequences.

"Your Majesty," he said, nearly groveling once Allister had acknowledged him, "I beg your leave to explain some essential details regarding this matter."

"Speak on," Allister replied cordially.

"First of all," the diplomat, one Opulence Alt Rosen, said, "you should know that I had no part in choosing my entourage."

There were mutters of disbelief, but Opulence Rosen forged on, huffing a bit as if he were running uphill.

"I was already in this part of the world, serving as an observer for my government during the recent military events. When the joyous union of the two heirs was announced, I, of course, included the news in my report home. In interests of saving costs, I was told to remain and represent Waterland at both weddings. However, several members of my entourage were to rotate home in order to report more fully. A new support staff was sent out so that I would not be unduly inconvenienced."Earl Kestrel made a slight scoffing sound that could easily have been ignored, but Opulence Rosen chose to respond as if questioned.

"I a.s.sure you, sir, that I had nothing to do in the choice of my new staff. I was somewhat surprised by its size, but decided that this must indicate the honor in which my government held the weddings."

"Staff, you say," Duke Oyster said, ignoring protocol once more. "Does that mean these killers had other skills?"

Opulence Rosen smiled weakly. "They did, but to be honest, their primary role was as honor guards. As such, they were an extension of my formal costuming, as it were."

"If His Majesty will permit," the Waterland diplomat continued, "I discerned some disapproval when the question of slavery was raised. I would beg your leave to explain further how the custom of the a.s.sa.s.sin slave arose. I would not wish your people to think we of Waterland value human life lightly."

King Allister nodded. He'd heard this explanation already and knew that Opulence Rosen would do himself no favors by giving it, but he had no desire to appear to be censoring any information related to the a.s.sa.s.sination attempt.

"Speak," the king replied, "but remember that this is not a lecture hall and keep to the point."

"Thank you, gracious Majesty," Opulence Rosen replied, bowing deeply before continuing to the a.s.sembled group, "As many of you already know, Waterland has no hereditary n.o.bility. All that a father can pa.s.s to his son or a mother to her daughter is the wealth-whether in property, goods, or coin-that the family has acc.u.mulated. Our rulers are made up from a consortium of the most wealthy adults in the land.

"I shall spare you the details," Opulence Rosen added hurriedly, sensing the less than patient mood among his listeners. "What is essential for you to know in order to understand the place of the a.s.sa.s.sin slave in our society is that we place so great a value on human life that each person is accorded a monetary worth. Slaves who wish to acquire their freedom may purchase it or earn it. In this way, the estate is not diminished in value.

"However, not all slaves have the means to earn their worth in coin. Our wise founders felt there should be other means for them to earn their worth. Taking a risk of one kind or another can provide one of these means."

"Such as killing someone," interrupted Baron Shark.

The diplomat smiled in a thin facsimile of geniality.

"Yes, that's right, or building dams, or any number of other dangerous jobs that-since they create the risk that the owner might lose his or her entire investment-need to be compensated for in coin."

"And your point," King Allister prompted dryly, "is?"

Opulence Rosen flushed, though whether in anger or embarra.s.sment was difficult to say.

"What I wish your people to realize, Your Majesty, is that the owner of an a.s.sa.s.sin slave may choose not to use that slave for his or her own needs. However, in all fairness to the slave, we believe that the slave should be permitted to employ its complex and exhaustive training before it becomes useless through age or injury. Thus, the a.s.sa.s.sin slave's services are often hired out to another contractor."I mention this most particularly because I wish you to understand that discovering the owners of these slaves who acted here during the wedding may not lead you to whoever set them on the good prince and his bride. They may have been contracted out to another party and the original owner may be innocent of any complicity."

Duke Oyster snapped out, "Tell me, Your Opulence, do you hire these a.s.sa.s.sins to foreign contractors?"

"I," Alt Rosen answered carefully, "do not currently own any a.s.sa.s.sin slaves, nor, given my earnings as a foreign representative for my nation, would I think it wise to hire them abroad. However, there are in Waterland who do so, who even prefer to do so since such contracts have fewer domestic ramifications."

Red-faced with fury, Duke Oyster surely would have said more, but King Allister hammered once again for silence.

"Thank you, Opulence Rosen, for clarifying the place of the a.s.sa.s.sin slave within your society. Let me further inform those gathered here-since Your Opulence has already a.s.sured me upon this point-that you and your a.s.sociates will be a.s.sisting us in every way possible as we work to track down the original owners of these slaves. Indeed..."

The king permitted himself a humorless smile. "Indeed, Opulence Rosen will be remaining with us in Bright Bay indefinitely while other members of his party return to Waterland to undertake the necessary research. Since we are greatly concerned for Your Opulence's safety in these troubled times, we will be a.s.signing guards to follow you wherever you go and to remain close to you at all times. In this way, your safety will be a.s.sured."

King Allister stopped, sipped his watered wine. He didn't need to actually say the word "hostage" to make his intent clear to everyone present. To the man's credit, Alt Rosen concealed his dismay quite well.

"I thank Your Majesty for your concern for my person," he said.

Bowing stiffly, he resumed his seat.

King Allister nodded graciously, then resumed addressing the general a.s.sembly.

"That concludes my remarks regarding the current tragic happenings. If there is some rumor I have failed to address, I have some few moments remaining before my next appointment during which I may attempt to answer your questions."

Taking this opportunity, d.u.c.h.ess Pelican asked about the possibility that the canceled festivities-a ball and several banquets-would be rescheduled. The king regretfully announced that the events would not be rescheduled out of respect for those who had died in defense of their monarchs.

This decision was well received. The next question was less easily dealt with-all the more so because it was raised by young Derian Carter, who was apparently unaware that he was treading on sensitive ground.

"Your Majesty," the red-haired youth said seriously, "what puzzles me is why the a.s.sa.s.sins chose to strike during the wedding. Surely there would have been better times and places. Did your interrogation reveal anything that might help this make sense?"

Had King Allister believed the young man was playing at politics he would have given some bland answer, but that wouldn't do in the face of Derian's evident sincerity. Brushing him off would raise morequestions than the young man's query had brought out into the open.

"A bit, Counselor Derian," the king replied. "The ceremony enabled them to get near to all of their targets at one time. Even at a banquet or ball, the parties in question would have been more spread out.

"The targets," Allister went on, antic.i.p.ating the question, "were first of all the bride and groom-preferably as one. Then myself and/or King Tedric, followed by my younger son Tavis, my daughters, and, if the a.s.sa.s.sins' luck extended so far, any ranking n.o.bles within reach. Since the queens are not in line to either throne, they were relatively safe. Since successful a.s.sa.s.sination would have thrown one or both of our allied nations into chaos, it is impossible to deduce from those orders who the contractor for the a.s.sa.s.sinations might have been."

A sort of guilty thrill went through the audience as all the members realized that they had been in at least some danger. Earle Peregrine of Hawk Haven, representing her quite elderly father, asked: "And have measures been taken to protect the targets?"

"Considerable measures," King Allister a.s.sured her, "including plans for the dispersal of this n.o.ble company so that we will not remain so vulnerable."

That provided an ideal note upon which to end the meeting. Suddenly, everyone was eager to get out of the crowded room. As they left, Allister overheard anxious discussions beginning as to how soon it would be polite to take leave of both castle and city.

Allister retired alongside King Tedric. Once they were vanished into a more private area, the old monarch looked at his nephew and smiled sardonically.

"You put the wind up them nicely, Allister. You have the makings of a fine king."

"I put the wind up, all right," Allister agreed, "but I must wonder how that wind will fill their sails and to what harbors it will drive them."

Chapter V.