this young fol-lower of Brother Avelyn?" he asked.
Master Mackaront shrugged and seemed content with the change of sub-r ?Young Abbot Braumin should not pose too great a threat. He is not a ?namic man, of himself, and it is only his ties to Avelyn's disciples - one rtvred, the other held in the highest regard of all the land, Church and re alike that even allows his name to be seriously mentioned. It is more > other rival, a powerful Master of St.-Mere-Abelle, and thus, sitting at Father Abbot Agronguerre's right hand, who concerns Abbot Olin, and he will have to wage a strong campaign if he is to defeat the man."
Wage a strong campaign, Yakim Douan echoed in his mind. The words were telling indeed, and explained much about Master Mackaront's visit.
Abbot Olin had come begging.
"Abbot Olin is prepared to wage such a battle," Mackaront went on with great enthusiasm. ?He understands the great gain to both our peoples if he can ascend to the position of Father Abbot while Yakim Douan is hailed as Behren's Chezru Chieftain. Perhaps then our respective flocks can mend old wounds in a way that kings and ambassadors have never envisioned! Perhaps the bonding, then, of Jacintha to Entel will strengthen the ties to a point where few would ever consider war between our peoples ever again!"
"Entel?" Yakim Douan asked skeptically. ?Why, Master Mackaront, if your Abbot Olin ascends, will he not be forced by custom to move to the north, far from his beloved Entel, to the dark halls of St.-Mere-Abelle?"
"Perhaps," Mackaront responded, his momentum a bit deflected. ?Ab-bot Olin has spoken of moving the Abellican seat of power to Entel."
"Old traditions die hard."
"Or, even if he is forced to move to St.-Mere-Abelle, he will ensure that St. Bondabruce and St. Rontlemore of Entel are headed by men who under-stand the growing relationship between our peoples. Abbot Olin wishes me to assure you that his loyalties to you as his friend will not end - "Of course not," interrupted Yakim Douan, who had heard more than enough. ?And please, when you return to Entel, assure your master that I am no less loyal than he. Though I suspect you will not even have to speak the words when Abbot Olin views your cargo." As he finished, he stood up and turned for the door, and an elated Master Mackaront was quick to take the cue.
As Mackaront bowed and turned to leave, Merwan Ma rushed ahead of him to open the door.
"Return to me at once," Yakim Douan instructed his assistant, and then he turned to Mackaront. ?I will instruct good Shepherd Ma on how prop-erly to prepare your wagons."
You are most generous, God-Voice," the overwhelmed Mackaront said with another clumsy bow.
Yakim Douan just smiled and showed him out of the room, nodding to Merwan Ma, a signal for the man to hurry. Then, comfortably alone, the Chezru Chieftain returned to his seat and his wonderful view, awaiting Merwan Ma's return and taking this quiet moment to reflect on all of the events happening about him, all of those circumstances that would deter-mine when he could at last shed his aching mortal coil.
"I do not understand, God-Voice," came Merwan Ma's voice behind him sometime later, startling Yakim from a pleasant nap. He jumped a bit and turned, and Merwan Ma blanched at the realization that he had just wak-ened the Chezru Chieftain.
"My pardon..." he stammered, and bowed repeatedly, heading for the door.
"I prefer that my attendants are not blabbering fools," Yakim said to him, stopping him cold. ?Do not act the part of one, Merwan Ma. It is not becoming."
"Yes, God-Voice."
"What did you say when you entered?"
"I said that I do not understand," Merwan Ma repeated. ?Master^ Mackaront left here in fine spirits."
"As I intended."
"Of course."
"Then what is not to understand?"
"All of..." Merwan Ma started, but he stopped and just shook his head, seeming quite flabbergasted.
"You are surprised that I would help to finance Abbot Olin's ascension?"
"That is the business of the Abellicans, and something whose effect should end at the mountain range, God-Voice. I do not understand why we would choose to get involved. I know that Abbot Olin is your friend - "My friend?" Yakim gave a heartfelt laugh. ?No, he is not my friend. Or at least, I would not call him my friend - except, of course, to those who need to hear such assurance, such as Master Mackaront. Abbot Olin and I have an understanding."