A Malazan Book of the Fallen Collection 3

the one thing I fear the most.'
    'I expected that sort of answer.'
    Two K'risnan met the party at the entrance and escorted them into the throne chamber.
    Emperor Rhulad was seated once more, his new wife standing at his side, on the left. Apart from the two K'risnan, no-one else was present. Although Mayen's face was fixed and without expression, something about it, ineffable in the way of the secret language among women, told Seren that a consummation had occurred, a binding that was reflected in Rhulad's dark eyes, a light of triumph and supreme confidence. 'Hull Beddict,' he said in his rough voice, 'blood brother to Binadas, you arrive in questionable company.'
    'Emperor,' Hull said, 'your brother's faith in me is not misplaced.'
    'I see. And how does your prince feel about that?'
    'He is no longer my prince. His feelings mean nothing to me.'
    Rhulad smiled. 'Then I suggest you step to one side. I would now speak to the official delegation from Lether, such as it is.'
    Hull bowed and walked three paces to the right.
    'Acquitor?'
    'Emperor, I come to inform you that I am about to leave, as escort to Buruk the Pale.'
    'We appreciate the courtesy, Acquitor. If that is all that brings you into our presence, best you join Hull.'
    She bowed in acquiescence and moved away. Now why did Nifadas want this?
    'Emperor Rhulad,' Nifadas said, 'may I speak?'
    The Edur regarded the First Eunuch with half-closed lids. 'We permit it.'
    'The kingdom of Lether is prepared to enter negotiations regarding the debts incurred as a result of the illegal harvest of tusked seals.'
    Like a snake whose tail had just been stepped on, Quillas hissed and spat in indignation.
    'The issue of debt,' Rhulad responded, ignoring the prince, 'is no longer relevant. We care nothing for your gold, First Eunuch. Indeed, we care nothing for you at all.'
    'If isolation is your desire—'
    'We did not say that, First Eunuch.'
    Prince Quillas suddenly smiled, under control once more. 'An opening of outright hostility between our peoples, Emperor? I would warn you against such a tactic, which is not to say I would not welcome it.'
    'How so, Prince Quillas?'
    'We covet the resources you possess, to put it bluntly. And now you give us the opportunity to acquire them. A peaceful solution could have been found in your acknowledgement of indebtedness to Lether. Instead, you voice the absurd lie that is it we who owe you!'
    Rhulad was silent a moment, then he nodded and said, 'Letherii economics seems founded on peculiar notions, Prince.'
    'Peculiar? I think not. Natural and undeniable laws guide our endeavours. The results of which you will soon discover, to your regret.'
    'First Eunuch, does the prince speak for Lether?'
    Nifadas shrugged. 'Does it matter, Emperor?'
    'Ah, you are clever indeed. Certainly more worthy of conversation with ourselves than this strutting fool whose nobility resides only in the fact of his crawling out from between a queen's legs. You are quite right, First Eunuch. It no longer matters. We were simply curious.'
    'I feel no obligation to assuage that curiosity, Emperor.'
    'And now you show your spine, at last, Nifadas. We are delighted. Deliver these words to your king, then. The Tiste Edur no longer bow in deference to your people. Nor are we interested in participating in your endless games of misdirection and the poisonous words you would have us swallow.' A sudden, strange pause, the ghost of some kind of spasm flitting across the emperor's face. Then he shook himself, settled back. But the look in his eyes was momentarily lost. He blinked, frowned, then the gleam of awareness returned. 'Moreover,' he resumed, 'we choose now to speak for the tribes you have subjugated, for the hapless peoples you have destroyed. It is time you answered for your crimes.'
    Nifadas slowly tilted his head. 'Is this a declaration of war?' he asked in a soft voice.
    'We shall announce our intention with deeds, not words, First Eunuch. We have spoken. Your delegation is dismissed. We regret that you travelled so far for what has turned out to be a short visit. Perhaps we will speak again in the future, although, we suspect, in very different circumstances.'
    Nifadas bowed. 'Then, if you will excuse us, Emperor, we must make ready to depart.'
    'You may go. Hull Beddict, Acquitor, remain a moment.'
    Seren watched Quillas and Nifadas walk stiffly from the throne chamber. She was still thinking about that display from Rhulad. A crack, a fissure. I think I saw