“Does this mean I get no justice, because all of you approve of the King’s crime?” asked Mara.
“The King’s crime was not against you, Mara. No charges have been laid. In your case the King has made a judgement. You have no higher authority to appeal to,” said Barvolin.
“I have a higher authority, I will appeal to Kiveli herself!” She turned and stamped out of the tent. Her action shifted the mood back to business.
“The King has judged Mara, I will judge my man. Your name?”
“Garth, I am under Treath’s command.”
“Ten lashes, to be given at tomorrow morning’s drill. Put him under guard tonight with only bread and water, Treath. That will teach him, and the rest of the men, never to insult the Anthorians. Also, no one is to leave the camp without good reason. Have guards posted around the perimeter.” Vorish looked at Menish and Menish nodded. “And no Anthorians are allowed in the camp without authority.
“Meanwhile, Barvolin, your suggestion is timely. We can continue this council tomorrow.”
There was a general nodding of agreement and they decided to meet again at noon, which would give the clan chiefs time to discuss what had been decided with their own people. Vorish said it would also give him time to talk with his engineers about Drinagish’s fire. Now Menish wanted to get away from here. There were things he wanted to say to Adhara in private. But, as the others were leaving, Vorish stopped them.
“Menish, wait please. Don't go yet, and you too, Adhara and Drinagish. Let us talk some more.”
Menish shrugged. He would have to wait a little longer. Drinagish looked puzzled but sat down again. When the others had all left them and the servant had poured more ambroth Vorish spoke.
“I really find it incredible that you didn't know, Menish. Didn't you see that my eyes are like yours? What Vorthenki has eyes like these? Even Athun with his dark hair still has blue Vorthenki eyes.”
“I always thought you looked like Thalissa,” Menish said. “You have her shape of face, and her chin.” He grinned wryly, “you have Drinagish’s nose, I don't know how you managed that.” They laughed. “But I couldn't leave you for Thealum’s men. And, since I thought you to be Sinalth’s son, I supported you against Thealum when the time came. It was easy to see you would do better at ruling Relanor than that monster.”
“And you unwittingly put an Emperor of the line of Gilish on the Relanese throne. No wonder the Keeper had to tell you!”
“It means you're not Sinalth’s son at all,” said Drinagish. “I thought that was the basis of your claim to rule the Invaders.”
“That's true, up to a point,” said Vorish. “The Vorthenki are always uncertain about who their fathers are because of their… customs. I could only claim to be a son of the house of Sinalth. Since my mother was one of his women, one of his favourites, the claim is still true. Besides, no one is going to challenge me now.” Menish heard Adhara mutter “barbarians” under her breath when Vorish referred to the Vorthenki customs.
“Drinagish, I asked you to stay behind for a reason. Your contribution to the council was excellent. Menish, have you considered letting Drinagish have a personal guard of his own?”
“Whatever for? He usually forms part of my household. He's too young to form his own yet, and besides, he'll get Meyathal when I'm gone.”
“It would enhance his prestige, and it would be useful in the battle. I have an idea that we could use it to form the nucleus of a standing army for Anthor. A trained army.” Menish suspected that Vorish had something else that he was not saying.
“What would I do with it?” asked Drinagish. He was interested in the idea.
“You would command it in the battle, and it would serve as a bodyguard for you. The rest of the time you'd have people of your own that you could use to carry messages and advise you, rather like Menish has. This would allow Menish to delegate some of his work to you, to give you experience. It might also mean he wouldn't have to make so many journeys in winter.”
“It's a good idea, Vorish,” said Adhara. “Menish works too hard. There are plenty of foolish errands they expect him to go on. With Grath and Hrangil, and now Althak, gone there'll be even more.”
“Who should I have in my guard?”
“That's up to you, but choose eight or ten people of about your own age, people you like, of course. Try and include some that are closely related to the clan chiefs. That will make the chiefs pleased with you, and it'll be useful to have such people near you when you are King one day. Also, choose people who are interested in learning to fight in the Relanese way, people who can work together as a team.
“You should have your own standard too, if we can make one before the battle. People should see where you are.”
“Our family has a standard,” said Adhara. “You can use that if you want.”
“The eagle? I remember it. Mora has it hanging in Kronithal. I'm not sure. She treasures that standard. I'd hate anything to happen to it.”
“Getting the people are more urgent,” said Vorish. “I'd like to begin training them as quickly as possible.”
Drinagish counted on his fingers for a moment.
“Yes, I think all of the ones I'd choose are here in Meyathal, except one. He should arrive any day. The clan chiefs being here means everyone who's important is also here. I'm sure we can be ready by tomorrow except for that one. And… Uncle, I would like to include Neathy if I may.”
“Neathy? Why? I've just appointed her my standard bearer.”
“I would like her to be in my guard.” Drinagish looked embarrassed.
“Oh, I see. How long has this been going on?” Menish turned to the other two. Adhara was smiling. “I suppose you knew all about it?”
“I wondered,” she said.
“We're only friends as yet, Uncle. Nothing further has been discussed.”
Vorish grinned.
“A good choice, Drinagish. She admires you greatly.”
“She does?”
“You can see it in her face.”
“You'll have to put up with that cat of hers if you marry her,” said Menish warningly. “Meanwhile I'll have to find another standard bearer. I hope you'll not steal Bolythak from me.” He sounded exasperated but, like Vorish, he was pleased with Drinagish. Neathy was technically a member of the Rithyhir clan, but she was normally thought of as part of Menish’s household, and therefore she had no strong clan affiliations. If Drinagish married her he would not have the usual problem of placating the other clan chiefs. Besides, Menish liked her too.
“No, Uncle, I'll not steal Bolythak. Perhaps I should have a cat as a standard!” They laughed, but Vorish reached behind him and tugged at one of the wall hangings.
“Something like this?” It was a stylised picture of a leaping lion. With some trimming it would make a fine standard.
“You might change your mind about that standard if you don't marry Neathy. Standards are awkward things to change,” cautioned Menish.
“Perhaps,” said Vorish. “But I'd advise you differently. Set your heart on something, and never rest until it's yours. You quickly find that nothing can stand in your way.”
“That's exactly the sort of thing I'd expect you to say,” laughed Adhara. “Be careful of him, Drinagish. It's said that the Emperor of Relanor never sleeps and knows everything.”
“It's true, of course,” said Vorish, as if she had just announced that day followed night. “But don't let me keep you from your beds. It's getting late.”
They had arrived at the camp by horse, but it was an easy walking distance back to Meyathal. Drinagish chose to ride, Menish and Adhara chose to walk. The night had deepened and there was no moon yet. At first they walked silently, listening to Drinagish’s horse gallop away along the path ahead as they walked. He was in high spirits, probably off to find the friends he wanted in his guard. When the thudding of hoofs faded they could hear the low murmur of the river, sounds from the Relanese camp and, further up the valley, the hooting call of a bull.