Yesterday's Kings (44 page)
Authors: Angus Wells
“And Vanysse?”
“Slept with Amadis,” Abra said, blunt as Eben. “Do you go back, then name her adulteress and give her to the Church’s arms.”
“I’d not do that,” Bartram said. “She was, I know, but even so …”
“Then stay here,” Pyris suggested again. “Be welcomed and honored.”
“I’d name you a commander,” Isydrian said, “and make you greater than ever you were in Kandar.”
“Save I took vows,” Bartram returned. “I thank you both for the honors you offer me, but I must go back.”
“Why?” Abra gasped.
“Because I must confront my traitorous wife,” her father replied, “and tell her that her lover is dead, and the priest who supported him. And then I must let King Khoros know that there shall be no more war between Lyth Keep and Coim’na Drhu. And perhaps that shall end this warfare.”
He looked at Cullyn. “How say you?”
Cullyn swallowed hard, embarrassed. “Why do you ask me, my lord?”
“Because you’re syn’qui.”
“Only a forester.”
“Syn’qui! Now answer.”
All the eyes around the table fixed on him. He wanted to look away, to go away, but he met their gazes and fastened his own on Bartram.
“Must I,” he said, “then I’d say go back and deal with your wife as you see fit. And then look to broker a peace between Kandar and Coim’na Drhu. And does the king not listen, then either rise against him or come back here—to friends.”
“Young and foolish, but wise in his simplicity.” Eben nodded his silvered head. “He sees the way to the future, even if he doesn’t recognize it. He’s like a blind man who can take you safely through the darkest night. He might not see it, but he hears and knows, in his blood and bones, and can therefore lead you to safety.”
“I hope so,” Lord Bartram said. “And I shall do my best.”
“And we shall all see where that leads us,” Eben returned.
BOUT THE
A
UTHOR
ANGUS WELLS
was born in a small village in Kent, England. He has worked as a publicist and as a science fiction and fantasy editor. He now writes full time, and is the author of The Books of the Kingdoms (Wrath of Ashar, The Usurper, The Way Beneath) and The Godwars (Forbidden Magic, Dark Magic, Wild Magic). Lords of the Sky, his first stand-alone novel, debuted in trade paperback in October of 1994, and was followed by the two-book Exiles Saga: Exile’s Children and Exile’s Challenge. He lives in Nottingham with his dog, Elmore.
YESTERDAY’S KINGS
A Bantam Spectra Book / April 2001
SPECTRA and the portrayal of a boxed “s” are trademarks of Bantam Books, a division of Random House, Inc.
Copyright © 2001 by Angus Wells.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information address: Bantam Books.
eISBN: 978-0-307-57541-8
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