The Way of Caine ,The Warcaster Chronicl - By Miles Holmes Page 0,18

enough time, Leto might have begun to earn their trust, one at a time. Thus, he would reduce the sway of any remaining dissidents. The problem is he’s not going to get that time. The nobles have somehow been able to generate significant capital for his ouster. Too much, too soon. As you see on the map, they already have enough to create a credible threat to Leto’s security.” Rebald watched Caine’s reaction, unblinking.

“Right. So they’re getting help,” Caine muttered, rubbing his chin. “I have a feeling this is where I come into your grand scheme.”

“Indeed, Captain.” Rebald looked over the map, his finger coming to rest on the Llael capital of Merywyn. “We have an informant. Kreel. He has identified our noble’s mysterious benefactor. One Thaddeus Montague, royal treasurer to King Rynnard of Llael. You’ll note Baron Malsham’s estate is just south of the Llael border, and Merywyn itself. This would certainly implicate the Baron as part of the conspiracy, though we must keep up appearances for the moment. Once you’ve deployed to his estate, you will keep an eye on his affairs under the guise of protection. Meanwhile, I want you to infiltrate Merywyn and meet with this informant.”

“I don’t understand. You want me to babysit a baron and then sneak out for a chat with this Kreel?”

“You’re going there to kill, Caine,” Rebald corrected. “While your detachment puts on a show of good faith for our nobles, you will infiltrate Merywyn to cut off the head of the snake. Through Kreel, you will get to this treasurer. Interrogate him. Learn his motives if at all possible, but kill him either way.”

“Why me, Rebald? Do you not have sufficient cutthroats at your disposal for such things?” Caine scratched his chin, absently glancing at the map.

“According to Kreel, Montague is well guarded. Yet that is only half of the thing.” Rebald sipped his wine. “There are … complications I believe you are well suited to deal with. Understand this is an awkward time between our nation and Llael. While they are still officially our ally, at present, there is only one thing King Rynnard fears more than licorice root, and that is King Leto.”

“I don’t understand,” Caine shook his head. Rebald looked up from his map, irritated.

“The regime of the most powerful nation in western Immoren is toppled on his doorstep, and you don’t see how that might cause Rynnard concern?” Rebald asked quietly, yet Caine simply shook his head.

“That part I get. What do you mean about the bloody licorice?”

Rebald shrugged, “It is common knowledge that Rynnard takes deadly ill at the slightest taste of it.” Rebald tapped the map, re-focusing. “Now, as I was getting to, it is imperative that you are not caught or identified. A Cygnaran agent discovered assassinating a royal courtier would be nothing less than a disaster. On this point, I believe I have the best man for the job.” Rebald, still absorbed by the map, traced a line across the Llael border. “You see, while diplomatic relations appear to continue as normal, Rynnard has steadily increased border patrols. He’s even gone so far as to mobilize forces south over the last few months. Just north of the border, he has fortified his home, the capital of Merywyn. The city was defensible enough prior, with the Black river serving as moat to the east, and the city walls creating a thick perimeter on all other sides. Recently, he has doubled the garrison there, and the gates are now methodically checking papers for any who approach.”

Caine shrugged, unconcerned, “I could shed my armor and pass as a commoner easy enough.”

“You could. It would be a trivial matter to forge you the papers required. Remember, however, you have no idea what you’re facing. Intelligence indicates your target is well protected. If Kreel is correct on that point, to go in without armor and weapons would deny you a considerable tactical advantage. Is that really what you want?”

Caine frowned. “Ech. I suppose not.”

“Could you not simply flash within the city from the outer walls?”

Caine shook his head. “I’ve not mastered moving to places I can’t see. No telling where I’d end up if I were to try a stunt like that. Halfway in a wall, I expect.

Rebald nodded, swirling the wine within his glass absently.

“Then, in any manner you might contrive, gaining the city will present a challenge. I leave it to you to devise your own strategy, but should you wish to use it, I