Born of Darkness (William King) - William King Page 0,11
find his way to his throne. Aemon progressed through the people, pausing to nod, exchange words or blessings. He looked like an absent-minded scholar but every person he spoke to was gratified by his attention.
When he stepped upon the dais, he spread his arms wide and everyone fell silent. All eyes were upon him. He dropped his gaze to the floor as if surprised by the response.
He tilted his head to one side, made a slight wave of his hand and said, “My friends, welcome to this celebration. Tonight we are truly blessed. We celebrate the safe arrival of our captains. They have passed far over the sea, outrunning even the storms of the ocean, to bring to us the wealth of the New World. We are grateful to these men for braving the dangers of the ocean and for bringing to us the means to do good work. The treasures they have dared so much to bring us will be put to the best of uses in the service of the Holy Sun. On this you have our word. Now, eat, drink and be merry, in the sight of the Angel.”
He sat down without any further word. Silence fell. Kormak guessed few people were comfortable by the reminder of the nearness of Zhamriel’s armour. He wondered if the King knew this was the case and did not care.
Prince Taran took his place beside the King and gestured for the musicians to start playing. Soon, under the eyes of the King, the ball was under way.
***
“You dance surprisingly well for a barbarian swordsman,” said Rhiana.
“And you for a pirate girl,” Kormak said. Looking over her shoulder he could see that the burning gaze of the Lunar ambassador was fixed on him. Marketa raised her wine glass to him and returned to her conversation with Frater Jonas.
“Now there is an odd couple,” Rhiana said. “The Selenean witch and the King of Siderea’s spying priest.”
“If it makes them happy,” Kormak said.
“I do not think that woman means you well,” Rhiana said.
“What gave it away? Was it the fact she mentioned I had killed people she knew . . .”
“That was one clue. Best be wary. She has the power to do harm. She is a great sorceress. She radiates power like the King-Emperor.”
“All the high level servants of the Courts of the Moon are sorcerers,” Kormak said. “Their courtiers, their generals, their assassins.”
“You’ve had dealings with them?”
“I have opposed their will in many places.”
“Maybe that’s why you are famous.”
“Infamous more likely. She was just too polite to say so.”
“I think she is anything but polite. She reminds me of the King. She is powerful enough to say whatever she wants and get away with it.”
“Perhaps here but not at the Courts. There she is only a human.”
A messenger entered the room and made his way towards the throne. His face was pale. He was breathing hard. He threaded his way through the crowd. At Prince Taran’s side, he bowed and then leaned forward to whisper something in his overlord’s ear. The Prince’s face went pale and he turned his head to speak to the King.
Aemon had been sitting there, eyes closed, moving his head in time to the music. At first, he did not respond but then his eyes snapped open, he placed his hands together as if in prayer and then rose from his throne.
“Friends, an urgent matter of state demands our attention. Please remain and enjoy our hospitality. We shall return momentarily. Brother, Frater Jonas, if you would be so good as to accompany us.” He paused for a moment and looked upwards as if seeking guidance from above. He looked startled then nodded and said, “And Sir Kormak, if you would also be so kind . . .”
Rhiana looked at Kormak.
“I have no idea,” Kormak said. He saw that Lady Marketa was watching him. A look flickered across her face. Possibly it was one of satisfaction.
Kormak strode over to join the King and his brother. As they left the hall a company of soldiers fell into place around them. They were heavily armoured and they carried naked swords. Kormak wondered if someone had attempted a coup.
“May I ask why our services are required, sire?” Frater Jonas asked.
Aemon did not appear to hear. Prince Taran replied. “Murder in the royal treasure vaults. There seems to have been sorcery involved.”
CHAPTER FIVE
THEY MARCHED SWIFTLY through the palace. Soldiers guarded every door, looking around with the alert glances of warriors who expect an