 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
Emperor of the Moon. With earthly kingdoms only may we have
commerce. Myth and legend, however grand, may not enter into
the affairs of the Empire lest we become unsettled in our minds,
and the solid rock upon which depends the stability of all the West
become as insubstantial mist or shifting sand.
i Also, Great Kings and Lords, I am distressed by the evident
disregard of long-standing covenants and treaties I have here
witnessed. Most solemn agreements have here been breached. Many
of you have treaties with the Empire, and those treaties state most
clearly that you will have no meetings with other Kings without first
informing the Emperor of your intent. Is it wise to tempt thus the
might of Imperial Tolnedra?'
And rose grey-bearded Eldrig, King of Cherek, and spake, saying,
'Hearken unto me, Noble Mergon. Upon this field Aloria stands
armed. We fear not the might of Imperial Tolnedra. If it please you,
you may carry news of our meeting here to Ran Borune. Cherek
vessels are swift. It is possible that I myself may be in Tol Honeth to
greet you upon your arrival.'
And Cho-Ram of Algaria rose, saying, 'The horses of the Algars
are also swift. I too will be in Tol Honeth awaiting you.'
And Rhodar rose, saying, 'I and my pikemen came a thousand
leagues to this field. The two hundred to Tol Honeth will not even
shake the dust of battle from our feet. I also will await your coming
in Tol Honeth.'
Then quoth Eldrig, saying, 'We would instruct your Emperor in
geography. The armies of the Alorns assembled are invincible. The
boundaries of Aloria are where we say they are, and what we say is
to be, will be. And if we must prove this to Ran Borune and to
Salmissra, then so be it.'
Then spake the Venerable Gorim of Ulgo, saying, 'Care must we
use here, dear Brothers, lest the Spirit of Torak rejoice at our division.
Words of spite and of warlike defiance are easy to say in the heat of
a moment. They are difficult to unsay even after years of sorrow
have proved their folly.
'The Alorn Kings would name Brand of Riva Overlord of the West
by reason of his overthrow of the Maimed God Torak - and also by
reason that he is Alorn. Tolnedra and Nyissa would honor Brand for
his victory' but would perhaps not wish to submit themselves to his
overlordship - because he is Alorn. Might not an accommodation be
reached, dear Brothers? Let us give Brand an Imperial Princess of
Tolnedra to wed and one third of the treasury of Nyissa as tribute if
he will withdraw from the uncomfortable eminence into which he
hath been thrust.'
'Never,' hissed Podiss, emissary of Eternal Salmissra.
And troubled was Mergon, ambassador of Tolnedra, and he
spake, saying, 'Surely the Gorim of Holy Ulgo speaks in jest. The
Imperial Princesses of Tolnedra are the fairest jewels of the Empire.
Their bestowing is decided oft-times even before their birth.'
Then Brand, Warder of Riva, who had remained silent, arose and
spake, saying, 'Peace, Brothers. No wife do I require, since she who
shared my youth and bore my children awaits me in Riva. To me she
is a greater jewel than all the princesses of all the empires of the
earth. And I require not the treasury of Nyissa - nor of any other
kingdom. What should I do with it? The walls of Riva are complete,
built by Iron-grip himself, and he it was who clave the rock that the
river might come forth to bathe the feet of the city. What need hath a