Page 21 of Of Blood and Fire
Lenny wasn’t at the door yet but his evening counterpart—Janis—was.
“Did Lenny pass on my orders regarding entry into my suite?”
“Yes, he did, Queen Bryn.”
“Has there been any untoward movement?”
“Nary a peep from anyone.” Her gravelly tones were soft but nevertheless carried slightly in the hush that filled the yet-to-waken palace.
“King Aric and Prince Damon?”
“Had meals sent in half an hour ago, but I’ve not seen any sign of themselves.”
“And General Makki?”
“Was here until midnight, just leaning against the stone a few yards up the corridor there, watching all that was happening, then, from what I heard, he was given a room in the servants’ quarters.”
That raised my eyebrows; as a general he should have been given accommodation in either the military section or, if Aric wished him closer, in the advisors’ section here in the palace. I didn’t say anything to Janis though, as she wasn’t likely to know the reason behind the decision, simply thanked her, then headed down the stairs. Both Jarin and Neera turned and saluted as I entered the war room.
“Is it not a little early for you to be taking over the shift, Commander Jarin?” I said lightly. “Or has yet another problem arisen?”
“King Aric and the prince informed me half an hour ago that they wish a dawn tour of the military and armaments sections,” Jarin replied. “They also want to speak to all commanding officers.”
Meaning it was just as well I’d sent his enforcer away. I dared say he’d been hoping for a very different result than what he’d now get without her help.
“Informedyou?” I motioned toward Neera. She was whip thin and tall, and a master of the sword and strategy—the latter being the main reason I’d promoted her over the other candidates Jarin had put forward for night general. “Why did they not ask you?”
“Because I’m a woman?” Neera’s voice was dry. “I bet it busts his bones that he can’t sweep in and take the throne from you.”
Oh, he’s trying, I wanted to say, but restrained the urge. “Allow the tour, but there is to be no meeting ofanyother kind until I arrive back, is that clear?”
Both nodded. Jarin added, “They have also requested that General Makki be allowed to observe here in the war room.”
“No doubt so they can inform us of every little thing we’re doing wrong,” I replied dryly.
“Zephrine’s king never had a high opinion of your father’s leadership style,” Jarin commented. “He might not have said anything, but it remained blatantly obvious.”
Only to those who knew him well enough, or to those, like Jarin, who were more perceptive than most. “Allow Makki, but ensure he’s stuck in an out-of-the-way corner. Who are you considering assigning the tour task?”
Jarin’s expression gave little away, but his eyes danced. “Garolt.”
I grinned. “Absolutely perfect.”
Not because he had close to fifty years’ experience in the military, but because he was a stickler for the rules and suffered no fools. Neither Aric nor the fake husband would be able to convince him to do anything—or take their orders—without him first confirming with the duty general.
My gaze returned to Neera. “Why was General Makki given quarters in the servant sector?”
“He requested it. Refused all other suggestions.”
“According to unsubstantiated rumor, Makki is both a personal guardanda spy,” Jarin said, tone dry, “and is it not a truth that the best place to gather all the juiciest information is from the staff who see the upper echelons in all their glory, be it good or bad?”
“The palace staff won’t talk.”
“Most won’t, I agree, but there are always those who can be turned by the appropriate inducement,” he replied. “I’ve ordered additional guards stationed at the wall tunnel entrances.”
“Good idea.” The rather extensive network of tunnels between the walls throughout the ground floor allowed theservants to carry foods and drinks to the banquet hall and the various smaller dining rooms. There weren’t, as far as I knew, any that ran directly into either my parents’ suite or my own, but there were tunnels that ran from the kitchen and laundry to the upper floor. They all exited into the hall, so if Makki was hoping to catch me unawares and alone via such a tunnel, he was out of luck. “Any further movement from within the fog protecting the Mareritt?”
“Scouts have reported light glowing within and continuing sounds of construction,” Neera replied.
