Casket of Souls

discretion and your concern, but you must put such thoughts out of your mind at once.”
    “Of course.”
    They sipped their drinks in silence for a few moments, then Malthus said, “Princess Elani is a fine girl, very intelligent, by all accounts. But she is very young, don’t you think?”
    “She wouldn’t be the first green girl to wear the crown,” Seregil replied with a shrug. “But really, chances are she’ll be grown and more experienced before she has to rule. Phoria is healthy and from a long-lived line.”
    “Her mother died in battle,” Malthus reminded him.
    “Yes, she did. And I suppose you’re right to think there’s always that possibility. But deposing her heir? By the Light, that would mean civil war. You can’t want that.”
    “Of course not.” Malthus paused. “You have gotten on very good terms with the princess, haven’t you? And Duke Reltheus, who’s so close to her.”
    “Alec and I have that honor.”
    Malthus gave him a thoughtful look. “Perhaps you’ve lost some of your affection for Klia.”
    “I don’t know what you’re getting at, my friend, but I am and always will be Klia’s friend and supporter. And because of that, I could never believe that she would do anything that would threaten Skala’s well-being and stability. Don’t tell me you do?”
    “No, but I’m not so certain about Reltheus and his lot.”
    Seregil shook his head. “I’m completely confused. First it’s Klia, then it’s Reltheus. I’ve never heard anything of this from you before. Please, Malthus, speak plainly!”
    “I don’t know if I can, Seregil. With your new friends …”
    “Are you saying that
Reltheus
is up to something?”
    Malthus nodded. “He’s a smooth man. A very smooth man, and an ambitious one. You’d do well to be careful around him. He may seem to be your friend, but I suspect he’s more concerned with your connection to the throne.”
    “He’s better connected at court than I’ve ever been.”
    Malthus gave him a long, measuring look. “Are you going to report me to the queen, or Korathan?”
    “If I was, we wouldn’t be sitting here talking now. And what is there to report? I’m your friend, Malthus. I don’t mean you any harm. I asked you here to try to save you from disaster, and anyone else involved in this madness.”
    “You’re satisfied with my innocence, I hope.”
    “Of course, and I’m glad of it! You wouldn’t just be putting your own head on a spike, you know. Alec and I are rumoredto be part of it. And if word of this ever reached the queen, do you think she would believe for one moment that Klia wasn’t involved, as well? I only hope it’s not too late to quell such rumors. If I’ve heard of it, then others must have.”
    “Where did you hear of it?” Malthus asked again.
    “Some noble I met at Kylith’s salon. I don’t even remember his name. But you can rely on me to uphold your honor. You have nothing to fear from me, I assure you.” Seregil was beginning to feel a bit heartsick with all these empty promises.
    “And Alec knows nothing of this?”
    “No, and I have no intention of involving him. That’s why I sent him out tonight.”
    Malthus clasped Seregil’s hands tightly. “Thank you, my friend, for this warning. Rest assured that I have taken everything you’ve said to heart.” This time, to his credit, he spoke with an almost convincing lack of concern.
    Hidden in the bedroom, Alec heard the library door open and the sound of Seregil and Malthus going downstairs, chatting amiably. He waited for some time before it was clear that Malthus was in no hurry to take his leave. Perhaps Seregil had suggested a game to finish off the evening. Or they’d gone out together.
    Alec, already changed into a dark, plain coat, was pacing impatiently when Seregil finally came in, looking serious. “Well?”
    “Go.”
    Alec hurried off after Malthus.
    Seregil went to his clothes chest and retrieved the fake message he’d crafted. “Now let’s send you home.”
    The first leg of the letter’s journey began at the inn. One of the scullions took the wrapped and sealed packet and a handful of silver half sesters from Ema, unaware of Seregil—plainly dressed and armed with the tools of his trade—trailing along behind. Not surprisingly, the first stop was the Black Feather, where the boy left it and some coins with the landlord. It was late, and the barmaids began putting upthe shutters. As the tavern cleared, the tavern