If the west is to have any kind of concerted policy towards the eastern crisis and other
happenings then we must, as the heads of our nations, come to some decisions within the walls of this
chamber.
Do we work on the basis of rumours or of fact, cousin? Haukir asked. His white beard bristled. It was
said that he and his Prelate, Marat, were related, and more closely than might be supposed. The
Almarkan Prelate, gossip had it, was born into the Royal house, but on the wrong side of the blanket.
Certainly the two men were as similarly gruff and obstinate as to be twins.
What do you mean, cousin? Cadamost shot back.
These rumours that Macrobius is alive and at Ormann Dyke, for instance. They must be quashed before
they do harm.
I agree, Abeleyn spoke up. They should be thoroughly investigated, in case there is some germ of
substance at their heart.
Pieter Martellus at the dyke insists that Macrobius is there, Lofantyr said.
Haukir snorted. Do you believe him? He s just trying to inject a little backbone into his garrison, is all.
I have never heard that Torunnan soldiers lacked backbone, Lofantyr flared. I thought perhaps their
conduct at Aekir would have been testimony enough to their courage. My countrymen have been dying in
their tens of thousands so that the kingdoms which shelter behind their bucklers might rest easy at night.
So do not prate to me of backbone, cousin.
Bravo! Abeleyn thought gleefully as Haukir s face darkened and he began to sputter with wrath.
But Lofantyr was not yet done.
It has been brought to my attention that the five thousand Knights Militant promised to my Prelate by the
Vicar-General of the Inceptines have turned around in their march to the dyke and are retracing their
steps to Charibon. So much for the help of the Church. Himerius takes the same line as you, Haukir: he
condemns out of hand without waiting to hear the evidence for or against. Myself, I vow to keep an open
mind. If Macrobius is truly alive, then surely it is a sign from God that the Merduk tide is on the turn. The
news from the dyke confirms this.
Abeleyn shared a look with Mark of Astarac. So that was it. Lofantyr had found the strength to defy the
new Pontiff because of the successes at the dyke. But also, Abeleyn suspected, because there were
Fimbrian at the table making promises of troops. The Torunnan king did not feel he had to rely on
Church forces any longer. Lofantyr was his own man again, and that was all to the good.
Accusations and recriminations have no place at this assembly, Cadamost said, holding up a hand to
forestall Haukir s explosion.
Do we defy the Pontifical bull of the new spiritual leader of the Ramusian world, then? Skarpathin of
Finnmark asked easily, his killer s face creased by a sardonic smile.
Cadamost paused, and Abeleyn spoke quickly into the silence.
The Pontiff may not be adequately informed. He acted as he thought best to prevent disorder,
confusion even schism within the Church at this vital time. But though we can abide by the letter of
the bull, I yet believe that we can conduct ourselves as just men, and await the result of further
investigations with an open mind.
There were rumbles at this, but no open disagreement. Everyone knew that the Hebriate King and his
one-time Prelate had always been at odds with one another. Haukir glared at Abeleyn suspiciously. He
was the irreligious boy-king, the trickster. He must be up to something. Abeleyn kept his own face
carefully bland.
Cadamost flicked a look of gratitude at Abeleyn. Clearly, his role of referee was a wearing one.
The subjects for discussion have most of them been raised, then, he said. This rumour of Macrobius
survival, the defence of Ormann Dyke and the other eastern marches, and the advent of our new
colleagues, the Fimbrians.
There are others, cousin, Mark of Astarac said.
Such as?
Such as these damned burnings that have been going on in Hebrion and which seem set to be extended
to every Ramusian state on the continent.
That is an issue for the Church alone to decide, Haukir said.
It is an infringement of the authority of the crown, and as such will be debated by this assembly,
Abeleyn said. There was nothing of the boy about him now. His dark eyes flashed like glass catching the
sun.
The other rulers stared at Mark and Abeleyn, sensing something there, some secret agreement. Time
enough yet, though, before revealing the Hebro-Astaran Treaty of Alliance. Abeleyn and Mark had
copies of it lurking in their suites, ready to be brought out at the right moment.
Very well, Cadamost said. The issue of the purges will be tabled also, though I do not see what lay
rulers are able to do about it; it seems to me to be the Province of the Church alone.
Let us say that I have my doubts as to the motives behind it, Abeleyn said.
Are you questioning the judgement of the Holy Pontiff? Lofantyr asked, ignoring the fact that he had
done that very thing himself moments ago. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]