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.And when they open, we may find we have bitten off far more than we can chew.'Which was true as well.The fact that the Hael portals were closed had been a big factor in herdecision.But like Vanelke she knew they might not stay closed for ever.Everything dependedon how fast they moved, how fast they won.Blue suddenly felt very old.Before she becameEmpress, it had all seemed so very simple.You had the Realm and you ruled it - what could besimpler? But once the crown was on her head, it all became so complicated.'The problem, General Vanelke,' she said patiently, 'is that you talk as if it's a choice between warand peace.But I don't believe that's the choice we face.I believe my uncle will very soon decideto begin a war himself and we shall face all the horrors you describe and worse, with two addeddisadvantages: we won't be prepared and we'll have lost the element of surprise.At least if westrike first, we may get a quick victory and reduce the horrors to a minimum.''Perhaps we can avoid the horrors altogether,' a new voice interrupted.77 Fifteen'Where were you?' Blue asked crossly.They'd left the others in the little conservatory and werecrouched together in one of the security cubicles behind the main throne.Pyrgus said accusingly, 'You set your guards on me!''What else was I supposed to do?' Blue hissed furiously.'I sent you two messages and youignored them.''Yes, well, your little army got itself hijacked, didn't it?' Blue stared at him.'What?''Your guards.They got themselves hijacked.Where do you think I've been all this time?''That's what I just asked you,' Blue pointed out, exasperated.'I've been with Uncle Hairstreak,' Pyrgus said.And that shut her up, he noted with satisfaction.But after a moment she said, 'Hairstreak kidnapped you?''In a manner of speaking.''You're infuriating in this mood, Pyrgus.What do you mean "in a manner of speaking"?'Pyrgus decided he'd had enough fun.'He put a lien on your Guard Captain.Poor fellow took medirectly to him instead of you.'78'What about the other guards?''They followed orders.'Blue stared at him thoughtfully.A lien was a very costly spell, even for somebody withHairstreak's wealth.He'd clearly wanted to get his hands on Pyrgus very badly.'Tell me the worst,' she said.'Actually.' Pyrgus said, 'it may not be the worst.That's why I wanted to talk to you away fromthe others.He's sent you a message.''About what?"Pyrgus, who was really getting a bit too tall for the security cubicle, slid down until he wassquatting comfortably on the floor.After a tiny hesitation, Blue joined him.It was the sort ofhuddle they used to get into as children, when life was far less complicated.'I don't know whether I believe it,' Pyrgus said quietly, 'but this is what happened.' Pyrgus still had his halek blade and was wondering about the political repercussions of using iton his uncle.But the very fact he still had his halek blade was peculiar.The manor was crawlingwith Hairstreak's men, yet he hadn't been searched once.That was not at all like Hairstreak, whowas only alive today because he took security seriously.For the moment, Pyrgus decided to keep his hands by his sides and wait.Hairstreak said shortly,'Refreshment? Ordle, or something of that sort? Or would you prefer a drink? I suppose you'reold enough for ale now, are you?'Pyrgus thought he was, but you needed a clear head.Food held no appeal either.It was almosttraditional to79poison ordle when you wanted to get rid of an enemy.Four Purple Emperors had died that wayin the past five hundred years.Pyrgus had been poisoned once already and had no wish to repeatthe experience.'No, thank you,' he said coolly.They were standing together in what looked like a smallish dining room.There were logsburning in the grate and the smell reminded Pyrgus of the forest.Hairstreak had his back to thefire, an old trick to throw himself into silhouette and make him look threatening.But he made noattempt to sound threatening as he said, 'I suppose I should say Em sorry to bring you here likethis.'It was the first time Pyrgus had heard Lord Hairstreak apologise for anything.He waited.Hairstreak said, 'I should be talking to your sister, but she won't see me and, quite frankly, she'snot as easy to get hold of as you are.' He contorted his face into what he probably thought was anavuncular smile.'You really should pay more attention to your safety, Pyrgus.'Pyrgus watched him, idly wondering if his uncle shouldn't take his own advice.Three steps, fourat the most, and he could have the halek buried in his stomach [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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