Traitor's Moon

you going to tell Klia?”
    â€œYou can tell her after I’ve gone. Tell everyone.”
    It was a still night. The full moon’s reflection lay flat as pearl inlaid in jet on the face of the Vhadäsoori pool.
    Seregil entered the stone circle and walked slowly toward the Cup. He thought for a moment that he was the first to arrive; it gave one power to make another wait for you. Then he saw the moon’s reflection bob and wink out of sight for an instant as a dark figure glided across the water’s surface. Old fears stirred to life, but this was no necromancer’s demon.
    Ulan slid gracefully to shore and stepped up to meet him. His dark robes blended with the surrounding darkness, while his long, pale face and silver hair caught the moonlight like a floating temple mask.
    Seregil distrusted this man, but he had to admire his style. “I had a feeling we might speak again, Khirnari.”
    â€œAs did I, Seregil of Rhíminee,” Ulan replied, linking arms with him. “Come, walk with me.”
    They strolled slowly along the water’s edge as if they were companions. It wasn’t hard for Seregil to imagine Torsin in his place. Had the old envoy been able to sense the power that rolled off this man like heat off a forge? Uncomfortable with such proximity, he freed his arm and halted. “I don’t mean to be rude, but it’s late and I know you didn’t ask me here for the pleasure of my company.”
    â€œI might have,” Ulan countered. “You are a most interesting young man. I’m sure you have many fascinating stories to tell.”
    â€œOnly with a harp in hand and gold before me. What do you want?”
    Ulan laughed. “Truly, you have taken on Tírfaie ways. That’s all right, though. I like the Tír and their impatience. It’s mostinvigorating. I shall adopt the fashion and be direct. Your people still wish to see Gedre open, do they not?”
    Ah, here it was at last
. “Yes, and my guess is that you’re finding Korathan a less subtle negotiator than his sister.”
    â€œI expected as much as soon as I heard he was on his way to Gedre with ships of war,” the khirnari remarked blandly, gazing up at the moon.
    Seregil refused to rise to such obvious bait. Either Ulan knew of Korathan’s original orders or he was bluffing for information. With such an opponent, it was best to offer nothing in return.
    Ulan tilted his head toward Seregil again, seeming not to have noticed his reticence. “You are clever, and wise beyond your years. Wise enough to know that I have the power and the will to fight against the Skalan’s treaty until the Plenimaran fleet rides at anchor in Rhíminee harbor and your beautiful city is in flames. I’ve been watching this prince of yours. I don’t think he has the wit to grasp this, but you do, and you have his ear.”
    â€œI can’t tell him to give up. Gedre is essential.”
    â€œI have no doubt of that. That is why I am willing to abide by the agreement Torsin and I discussed before his unfortunate demise. Rhaish may be dead, and teth’sag satisfied, but I assure you, there are few among the Iia’sidra now who will spare Akhendi much pity. Her new khirnari, Sulat í Eral, is green wood yet, with little backing among the powerful. Your own clan is under a bit of a cloud as well, though I’m certain Adzriel ä Illia will do her best. Yet there are so many who use the actions of her onetime brother as a two-edged sword. Is not yours a cautionary tale for those who wish no contact with the Tir? Will not Lhaär ä Iriel point her tattooed nose in your direction and cry, ‘See what comes of mixing with outlanders?’ Then, of course, there is the matter of the new queen’s honor. That is of great concern to us all.”
    â€œI’ve been wondering, Khirnari—what did you pay the Plenimarans for that information?”
    Ulan raised an eyebrow. “That information came to
me
as payment. The Plenimarans are most anxious for the Strait of Bal to remain open to their ships and to their traders. The Skalans are not the only ones in need of supplies to wage this foolish war of yours.”
    Seregil’s heart sank, though this came as no real surprise. “Are you telling me that you’ve supported them all along? That the Skalans have no hope?”
    â€œNo, my friend, I’m offering you a compromise and my