Traitor's Moon Read Free

seriously.
    â€œBecause it will fail,” Phoria snapped. “The Aurënfaie insulted our honor with their Edict of Separation. Now we’re giving them another opportunity, and at the worst possible time. When we most need to appear strong, we’re seen running for help from those leastlikely to give it. Their refusal will almost certainly cost us Mycena.”
    â€œBut the necromancers—?”
    Phoria gave a derisive snort. “I haven’t met the necromancer yet that good Skalan steel can’t deal with. We’ve grown too dependent on wizards. These past few years Mother’s been ruled more and more by them—first Nysander, and now Magyana. Mark my words, this fool’s gamble is her doing!”
    Phoria was nearly shouting by the time she’d finished and was pleased to see Aralain properly cowed. Kor had stopped pacing, too, and was watching her warily. Womb mates they might be, but she never let him forget who held the power. Satisfied, she forced a thin smile and went back to her wine. A few minutes later, a soft scratching came at the tent flap.
    â€œCome!” she called.
    Captain Traneus stepped inside and saluted. The man was only twenty-four, considerably younger than most of her personal staff, but he’d proven remarkably close-mouthed, loyal, and eager for preferment—a most useful combination—and she’d groomed him as a second set of eyes and ears. In turn, he had amassed a useful cadre of informants.
    â€œI kept watch as you ordered, General,” he reported. “Magyana returned to the queen’s tent under cover of darkness. I also heard the voices of two men inside: Thero and the drysian.”
    â€œCould you hear what was said?”
    â€œSome of it, General. I fear the queen’s health is worse than we’ve been led to believe. And Commander Klia is having doubts as to whether she is equal to the task the queen has set for her.” He paused, shifting uncomfortably under Phoria’s probing gaze.
    â€œWas there something more?” she demanded curtly.
    Traneus fixed his gaze somewhere on the tent wall behind her. “It was difficult to make out the queen’s voice, General, yet from what I was able to hear, Idrilain believes the commander is the only one of her children capable of carrying out the mission.”
    Phoria’s fingers clenched momentarily on the arms of her chair, but she schooled herself to patience. Much as the words rankled, she knew they would only strengthen her position with the others. Korathan’s face had darkened. Aralain was studying her fingernails.
    â€œThe queen plans to send Lord Seregil with Klia,” Traneus added. “Apparently Magyana knows where to find him and that young man of his.”
    â€œMother’s pet Aurënfaie brought back to heel, eh?” Phoria sneered.
    â€œDon’t be hateful,” Aralain murmured. “He was always kind to us. If Mother didn’t mind that he left when the war began, why should you? It’s not as if he’d have been any use as a soldier.”
    â€œAnd good riddance!” Phoria muttered. “The man was a sensualist and a fop. He clung to rich young nobles like a tick to a dog’s back. How much of your gold did he help spend, Kor?”
    He shrugged. “He was an amusing fellow, in his own peculiar way. I imagine he’ll do well enough as an interpreter.”
    â€œKeep a close eye on my mother and her visitors, Captain,” Phoria ordered.
    Saluting, Traneus disappeared back into the night.
    â€œSeregil?” Korathan mused. “I wonder what Lord Torsin thinks of that? He’s more of your opinion, as I recall.”
    â€œI can’t imagine Seregil’s people will be in any hurry to welcome him back, either,” Phoria agreed, dismissing the matter. “Now, as for this mission of Klia’s, we’ll want an observer of our own among the company.”
    â€œYour man