in water, or so I hear.” Enthack sat casually in his saddle as he expounded.
“That could well be useful if we are under siege. You mentioned earlier that there was a chance that house Inarack might defect to our side. Wouldn’t Reigns punish their families?” Em’risi inquired with a concerned undertone in her voice.
“Most assuredly he would. If he could find them. Quite the vindictive one he is. I once saw him have a courier, who delivered a message late because of a nail in his horse’s hoof, lashed half a dozen times. I am told that the Asgare’s men are busy working on that problem so I wouldn’t trouble myself if I were you my princess.” Em’risi raised an eyebrow as she tried to think of what Urake might have in mind in the way of hiding thousands of people from Reigns.
“Intriguing, he was not speaking lightly when he said that he would be of more use to me on the other side of the lines.”
“One other thing, my princess. What is your official response to Reigns’ offer?”
“We reject the proposal and won’t even recognize Reigns’ authority by offering a counter proposal.” Balinor surly responded causing Em’risi to shake her head sadly at him.
“What Balinor was trying to say is that Reigns’ offer is untenable and that we reject it on the grounds that it is not a legitimate treaty offer considering that I never gave him the right to negotiate for the Braebach Empire. Our counter offer is that should he surrender, he and those loyal to him will be treated fairly and justly.” Em’risi smiled graciously.
“Permission to speak freely, my princess?” Enthack requested seriously without the customary smile that irked Balinor.
“You haven’t needed permission to speak freely heretofore. Why should you need it now?” Balinor’s question unhappily returned that wretched smile.
“If I were to tell Reigns that, he would have my head lifted from my shoulders. I have grown accustomed to having my head and would rather not continue without it.”
“Fine. Tell him that Balinor was surly and childish while I hid behind his back in terror. Try not to mention Balinor’s black horse. He is certain to be enraged by hearing about Elmet.” Em’risi’s proposal was met with a wider grin.
“Farewell, my princess. Perhaps we will meet again in the future.” Enthack nodded to the princess before wheeling and trotting towards the tree line where his escort met him. They would make sure that he safely got back to the tree line at the mouth of the Outlands before returning to their respective companies.
“Surly and childish? I don’t believe that you are frightened of a thing so why make him believe that you were hiding behind me? Reigns will not respect us in battle because of this!” Balinor complained to Em’risi as they returned to the breach in the wall.
“Isn’t that the point? He will underestimate us in the future. Use it to our advantage. It will not last long.” Balinor got the impression that Em’risi was explaining something that she considered obvious.
“It must be in the bloodlines. You are as diabolical as he is.” Balinor mumbled, but his heart missed a beat when Em’risi spun on her horse.
“Who were you comparing me to? Reigns…? No… not him. Not my father either. Who else?” Em’risi had that piercing look that made Balinor squirm like he had when he was a child caught breaking a rule.
“It is just a saying. Nothing more.”
“Balinor… Who?”
“Your uncle. I now know why Reigns wanted all Gifts banned. Sometimes a man should be able to skirt the truth without being read like a book.” Balinor’s rant descended into a rumbling growl of frustration.
“Neither my father nor my mother had any siblings. How could you have known my uncle?” Em’risi reigned Raos up in front of Elmet and Balinor found his consternation was being telegraphed to the horse who was fidgeting rebelliously.
“I am cursed with having met your uncle. He degrades you by claiming you as his relation. It would be better if you don’t know his identity.” Balinor quailed as Em’risi’s regal gaze intensified.
“I will be the one that decides that. Now, please tell me who you speak of.” Em’risi’s icy tone sent shivers down Balinor’s spine.
“He is on your mother’s side. Her brother.” Balinor tried to placate her with only the vaguest of details, but knew from the set in her jaw that the full truth would be forthcoming.
“Balinor please, I would rather not be caught in surprise should he come