Sethra Lavode (Viscount of Adrilankha) Read Free Page A

said Zerika. “That isn’t so bad. You greet me as Your Majesty. Does this mean that I have cause to hope the House of the Hawk looks with favor upon my claim?”
    Tiwall bowed. “I use the title because of my own belief, madam, that the Orb is the Empire.”
    “Your own belief—what of your House?”
    “Oh, as to my House—”
    “Well?”
    “They are considering the matter.”
    “Considering it?”
    “Your Majesty must understand that these are difficult times, and no one wishes to be hasty.”
    “Yet, Your Highness has decided.”
    “I have, and I beg Your Majesty to believe that I am using all of my influence within the House on your behalf.”
    “I am glad to hear it. For my part, I shall be glad to use what influence I have on Your Highness’s behalf.”
    “Oh, if Your Majesty means that—”
    “Yes?” said Zerika, frowning.
    “It could be of immeasurable help in that cause in which we are united.”
    “I do not understand what Your Highness does me the honor to tell me. Speak more plainly, I beg.”
    “I only wish to say that should Your Majesty act on my behalf, or, more precisely, on behalf of my House, it would be of great help to me in convincing them.”
    Zerika looked at him carefully. “Does the House of the Hawk wish to bargain with the Empire?”
    “It is their contention—and believe me, I speak of them, not ofme—that, not having been recognized by the Council of Princes, it is not yet the Empire.”
    “I see. So, then, the House of the Hawk wishes to bargain with a certain Phoenix who happens to have the Orb circling her head.”
    “Your Majesty has stated the situation admirably.”
    “I see. And what does the House of the Hawk feel this recognition is worth?”
    “If Your Majesty will permit me, before I answer the question you have done me the honor to ask.”
    “Permit you to what, Highness?”
    “To explain the situation as I see it. Perhaps there are aspects that I fail to understand.”
    “I doubt that,” murmured Zerika. Then she said, “Very well, Prince. State the situation as you understand it.”
    Tiwall bowed and said, “Well, let us see. You already have approval of the Lyorn, have you not?”
    “The Count of Flowerpot Hill and Environs came to Adrilankha within days of my arrival here, and at once pledged the support of his House.”
    “And of course, you have the support of the House of the Phoenix.”
    “As I am the only one in the House, yes, it is true that I gave myself my full support. And I even plan to continue doing so.”
    “But Your Majesty has not yet heard from the Dragon or the Athyra, which are, I should point out, the two most powerful Houses.”
    “Again, you are correct.”
    “It must be said that the indications of allegiance you have received from the Tiassa are important. They have influence.”
    “I received a letter only yester-day from Count Röaanac in which he informs me of the decision of his House and pledges his personal good-will. Your Highness is singularly well informed.”
    Tiwall bowed and said, “So then, will Your Majesty permit me to make an observation?”
    “Certainly, Highness. Do so, by all means, especially if it brings us to the point of this political survey you have just made for my benefit.”
    Tiwall, after clearing his throat, said, “My House occupies an unusual middle ground. We have more influence than the Jhereg and the Teckla, but not so much as the Dragon and the Athyra. We have beenconsulted—informally, I should add—by parties from the Issola and the Iorich, as well as certain of the merchant Houses.”
    “Very well, go on.”
    “Should I manage to persuade my House to accept Your Majesty as the Empress that you are, well—”
    “Yes, if you should convince them, as I know you are trying to do?”
    “I am certain we would bring with us, as a matter of course, the Iorich, the Chreotha, and most probably the Orca as well.”
    “I see.”
    “Once that happens, I cannot imagine the Jhereg