Traitor's Moon

flew to her knife.
    â€œIt’s me,” Thero whispered, coming far enough into the light for her to make out his swollen, red-rimmed eyes.
    â€œI suppose it’s best that it’s over with,” Beka said, pushing away the image of those severed fingers.
    â€œI only hope she survives the shock of it,” said Thero. “She’s shown no signs of waking and it worries me, and Mydri, as well.”
    Seregil opened his eyes, then nudged Alec’s knee. The younger man jerked awake and looked around blearily.
    â€œAny trouble at the funeral?” he asked, voice raw with exhaustion.
    â€œNo. The ’faie who showed up gave him a good send-off. Were you here?” She gestured at Klia’s bandaged hand.
    â€œNo. We just got back a little while ago,” said Alec.
    Seregil hooked a chair her way, then passed her a half-full flask of wine. “Here, you’ll need this.”
    Beka drank deeply, then looked around at the others. “So, now what’s happened?” Her heart sank when Thero sealed the room, then pulled a letter folded in Magyana’s characteristic fashion from the air.
    â€œSomething none of us thought possible,” he told her. “This is hard to make out. I’ll read it for you. It begins, ‘My friends, I write you as I flee Mycena and the queen’s displeasure. Phoria has ordered an attack against Gedre to secure the port.’ ”
    Beka let out a gasp of disbelief. “An attack!”
    Seregil motioned her to silence.
    â€œÂ â€˜There is a spy in your midst,’ ” Thero continued. “ ‘Someone has been sending reports of the Iia’sidra’s reluctance to act. I have seen these with my own eyes. In this way the queen also learned that it was I who sent you word of the old queen’s death. I am banished.
    â€œÂ â€˜Make no mistake; Phoria was preparing for such a strike in any case. Recent attacks on Skala’s western shores have given her the excuse she needed to secure the support for this madness. Her recent victories in Mycena have cemented the loyalty of most. Generals who a month ago would have questioned such an action nowsupport her. Those who don’t keep silent in the wake of the execution of General Hylus.’ ”
    â€œHylus?” said Beka. “Why in the world would she execute him? He was a brilliant tactician, and a loyal soldier.”
    â€œLoyal to Idrilain,” Seregil observed with a cynical frown. “Go on, Thero.”
    â€œÂ â€˜Prince Korathan left Rhíminee harbor with three fast warships yesterday at dawn. I believe he means to approach under the flag of a messenger ship and take the port by surprise. The surprise is more likely to be his. He might be reasoned with, if only you can find some way to prevent his arrival! Even if he is able to secure Gedre, whatever brief advantage this might afford will never offset the loss of Aurënen as an ally. If the ’faie turn against us now, what hope have we for Skala and the Orëska?’ That’s all she says.” Thero folded the letter, and it vanished between his fingers.
    Beka rested her head in her hands, feeling ill. “Bilairy’s Balls. Does the Iia’sidra know?”
    â€œNot yet, as far as we can tell,” Alec replied. “Everyone is still busy accusing everyone else of poisoning Klia.”
    â€œIt’s only a matter of time before news leaks out,” Seregil cautioned. “This will undo everything. Not only is it an act of war, but it proves every suspicion Ulan has raised about Phoria’s motives.”
    â€œHow could Phoria do this?” asked Alec. “Doesn’t she understand what this means? Klia could be killed, or held hostage.”
    â€œPhoria’s a general,” Beka told him. “In war generals spend the lives of a few to gain advantage for the rest. She’s decided we’re expendable. Still—her own
sister
?”
    Seregil let out a bitter laugh. “Klia’s always been the people’s darling, and the cavalry’s. Now, with Korathan being promoted and their other brothers dead, she’s next in line as High Commander of the Queen’s Cavalry. It’s her right by birth, unless Aralain is forced into it. I don’t think Phoria wants her youngest sister quite so powerful.”
    â€œPhoria is using what’s happened here to double advantage,” said Thero.