Part 19 (1/2)

OCHAL: What shall we do then, High King?

AIKEN: Your advance party is too small and too lightly armed to risk attempting a stand in Afaliah. Carry on as we planned-be the courtly diplomatist until Cloud takes you to meet Wimborne and the other prisoners. Then spring it on her that you're taking them to Calamosk-and run. Without her brother to back her up, and with Kuhal Earthshaker still in my hands, Cloud won't dare use her aggressive redaction on you.

OCHAL: You will have the reinforcements meet us in Calamosk?

AIKEN: I think the timing will jibe. It's quite likely that Hagen Remillard will be tempted to follow you, and I don't doubt that he has the firepower advantage. But my guess is that these North American kids will recognize the stalemate and hold back, rather than risk killing the Wimborne group in an all-out blitz on Calamosk. That'll be my cue to talk sweet reason with 'em!

OCHAL: You will bring your Flying Hunt to Koneyn, High King?

AIKEN: In time. But count on seeing Me in Calamosk in two or three days! Just remember that I'm relying on you, Harper.

Don't let anything happen to Basil's b.a.s.t.a.r.ds.

SHARN!.

Aikenladdibuck! HowYOU? Longtimenothink!

b.l.o.o.d.ybleatingb.a.s.t.a.r.d whatf.u.c.k BARDELASK?

Nownownownow ... MimeeFamorelViceroy ownhook distantHighVrazel beyondMycontrol Armisticeviolator let oldgrievance vs. Armida Formidable(maysherestG.o.ddesspeaceful) overrule royalpolicy just wait till Ayfa&I gethold MimeeBirdbrainhotspurBAT s.h.i.+T.

Aiken! Lad! You don't seriously think We'd encourage lawless excursions against You? Breaking our Royal Word?

Bet yourb.a.l.l.s I do.

... I swear on My Honour as Monarch of the Heights and Depths Father of All FirvulagPut a bung in it! I know verywell what yourword worth given humanbeing. [Colourful obscene image.] And don't think not wiseto stunt you pulled fingering Lowlives& aircraft for Nodonn!

Well ladomyheart there you got me cold ... I was tempted beyondstrength thoughtofSWORD fell like ripepompelmous into fiendBattlemastertrapMorelikely wholething youridea. Well you backed wrongstarter KingScorpionGlitterguts and screwed self royally! I had planned nicefriendly surprise GrandTourney but nowNo! You didn't!

O Te damme to uttermostchasm!

-now I'll be drawn&quartered&liverfriedwithonions before I let you get perfidioushooks on Sword.

Lad ... KingAikenLugonn ... BrotherSovereign ...

It was just a terrible MISUNDERSTANDING.

[Pitying laughter.] No really! I'll prove it! Force Mimee withdraw BardelaskDammit Sharn Royala.s.sholeness place smoking ruin Armida&knights dead whatflaminggood withdrawal?

Well ... reparations then.

Roniah.

Roniah soddinghypocrite. Call it off.

Abort your planned strike against Roniah with HighVrazelregulars scheduled lastweek September.

As Te is my WitnessOKAY THE HUNT FLIES TONIGHT.