Read Online Agnith's Promise: The Vildecaz Talents, Book 3 by Chelsea Quinn Yarbro - Free Book Online
Authors: Chelsea Quinn Yarbro
Ads: Link
letter and recognized the work of one of the Imperial scribes, but the rest of the parchment was blank, with only a few bits of wax showing on its surface.
The Imperial messenger recited a spell and words blossomed on the square page.
To the most respected Duzeon, Ninianee of Vildecaz, the urgent greetings of the Emperor Riast II of Porzalk, Protector of the Kingdom of Waniat, co-Regent of the Kingdom of Harro-ae, and Honorary Goriach of Pirkenee:
It is my unfortunate duty to inform you that your sister, the Duzeon Erianthee, has been detained in Tiumboj and will remain here indefinitely, or until such time as it is deemed safe to return her to her home. I have come to this decision after much cogitation and reflection, which have served to convince me that I am making a prudent decision.
By now you must know that the Empire has endured a magical attack, which has disrupted trade and travel throughout my territories. It has also devastated many regions of the Empire, causing misery and deprivation for many of my people. Daily reports bring more distressing news of unsafe conditions, and we see evidence all around us of the malign intent of the instigators of the assault. For these reasons, I have had to restrict travel in much of the Empire.
This decision to keep Duzeon Erianthee with the Court has been reached most reluctantly, but as all of Porzalk is reeling still from the conjure-storm that wreaked such destruction throughout the Empire, I cannot ensure the Duzeon’s escort, nor can I provide adequately for her protection anywhere but here in Tiumboj. As you love your sister, you must share my concerns for her safety, and support my decision. I have entrusted her to the care of my mother, to ensure her continued security while in the capital.
I am most truly apologetic to have to do this, but you must agree that it were better to keep Duzeon Erianthee safe than to expose her to the perils as they presently exist on the roads of the Empire, even if I could provide an appropriate escort. While she remains within Tiumboj Castle, I will be pleased to send regular reports regarding the Duzeon Erianthee’s situation carried by one of the Imperial messengers. Be assured that once I am persuaded that she may leave without undue risk, that she will be returned to you as rapidly as man and beast may carry her to you.
With every pledge of my sincere regard for you and the Duzky of Vildecaz, I am most devotedly
Riast II
Emperor of Porzalk, etc. etc.
“A conjure-storm – a very powerful one,” said Zhanf as he refolded the parchment.
“Yes. I witnessed it myself, in Tiumboj. Never have I seen weather shaped so ruthlessly before. Most of the Castle sustained serious damage, but all the Empire was effected. I saw damage all the way here.” Yatsoleon gave Zhanf a long, pointed look. “Such an accomplished magician as you are, you must have known what was happening.”
“I realized there was a magical disruption in the weather – the aftermath of it is still with us,” said Zhanf. “But I had no notion it was on the scale described here.” He set the parchment down. “This is hard news, Yatsoleon. I won’t deny that I was hoping to learn that Duzeon Erianthee would soon be with us. But now – ” He indicated the parchment. “Who knows when she will return.”
“The Emperor asked me to assure Duzeon Ninianee that her sister is in no immediate danger, that she came through the conjure-storm unscathed, and is now in the care of Dowager Empress Godrienee. Aside from the hardships every other man and woman at Court has had to endure, she is well. Also her servants are unharmed. There is no reason to worry on her behalf so long as she is at Tiumboj.” He saw one of the kitchen-waiters coming with a large tray laden with covered plates and bowls with a basket of fresh tube-bread. “This is most welcome,” he enthused. “The last two days on the road, I had little to eat but magical food. I can tell from the
The Imperial messenger recited a spell and words blossomed on the square page.
To the most respected Duzeon, Ninianee of Vildecaz, the urgent greetings of the Emperor Riast II of Porzalk, Protector of the Kingdom of Waniat, co-Regent of the Kingdom of Harro-ae, and Honorary Goriach of Pirkenee:
It is my unfortunate duty to inform you that your sister, the Duzeon Erianthee, has been detained in Tiumboj and will remain here indefinitely, or until such time as it is deemed safe to return her to her home. I have come to this decision after much cogitation and reflection, which have served to convince me that I am making a prudent decision.
By now you must know that the Empire has endured a magical attack, which has disrupted trade and travel throughout my territories. It has also devastated many regions of the Empire, causing misery and deprivation for many of my people. Daily reports bring more distressing news of unsafe conditions, and we see evidence all around us of the malign intent of the instigators of the assault. For these reasons, I have had to restrict travel in much of the Empire.
This decision to keep Duzeon Erianthee with the Court has been reached most reluctantly, but as all of Porzalk is reeling still from the conjure-storm that wreaked such destruction throughout the Empire, I cannot ensure the Duzeon’s escort, nor can I provide adequately for her protection anywhere but here in Tiumboj. As you love your sister, you must share my concerns for her safety, and support my decision. I have entrusted her to the care of my mother, to ensure her continued security while in the capital.
I am most truly apologetic to have to do this, but you must agree that it were better to keep Duzeon Erianthee safe than to expose her to the perils as they presently exist on the roads of the Empire, even if I could provide an appropriate escort. While she remains within Tiumboj Castle, I will be pleased to send regular reports regarding the Duzeon Erianthee’s situation carried by one of the Imperial messengers. Be assured that once I am persuaded that she may leave without undue risk, that she will be returned to you as rapidly as man and beast may carry her to you.
With every pledge of my sincere regard for you and the Duzky of Vildecaz, I am most devotedly
Riast II
Emperor of Porzalk, etc. etc.
“A conjure-storm – a very powerful one,” said Zhanf as he refolded the parchment.
“Yes. I witnessed it myself, in Tiumboj. Never have I seen weather shaped so ruthlessly before. Most of the Castle sustained serious damage, but all the Empire was effected. I saw damage all the way here.” Yatsoleon gave Zhanf a long, pointed look. “Such an accomplished magician as you are, you must have known what was happening.”
“I realized there was a magical disruption in the weather – the aftermath of it is still with us,” said Zhanf. “But I had no notion it was on the scale described here.” He set the parchment down. “This is hard news, Yatsoleon. I won’t deny that I was hoping to learn that Duzeon Erianthee would soon be with us. But now – ” He indicated the parchment. “Who knows when she will return.”
“The Emperor asked me to assure Duzeon Ninianee that her sister is in no immediate danger, that she came through the conjure-storm unscathed, and is now in the care of Dowager Empress Godrienee. Aside from the hardships every other man and woman at Court has had to endure, she is well. Also her servants are unharmed. There is no reason to worry on her behalf so long as she is at Tiumboj.” He saw one of the kitchen-waiters coming with a large tray laden with covered plates and bowls with a basket of fresh tube-bread. “This is most welcome,” he enthused. “The last two days on the road, I had little to eat but magical food. I can tell from the
Similar Books
