Part 13 (1/2)

”Oh, Oxeter by all means. I've had a stream of im- practical suggestions from the Queen.”

”Her Majesty finds herself deprived of wise counsel in your absence,” Otorin said diplomatically, and then spoiled it with a wicked smile. ”Oxeter it is, then,” he added noting Darius' expression.

”The doughty Duke is lying low; keeps to his cham- ber most of the time, waiting for word from his son.

Your siege would seem to be tighter than he expected.”

”No one's got out and we've shot down five bungle- birds to date- They're tricky, but they're slow.” Darius'

voice rumbled with satisfaction.

”Yes. I don't think they expected cloudsteeds. Your experience at Bandor has come in handy.”

”Can I expect more forces coming to raise the siege?”

Darius asked.

”I think not,” Otorin said judiciously, ”at least not yet.”

”Then perhaps we should add some f.a.gots to the fire.”

”How so?”

”By setting the granary and the other wooden build- ings alight.”

”And allowing a bunglebird to get through,” Otorin added.

71.

”Precisely.”

Otorin smiled. ”You learn fast, my friend.”

Darius raised his tankard. ”I have a good teacher.”

”In that case, may I suggest an added stratagem?”

”By all means.”

”Organize a company to sap the outer walls.”

”Is (hat necessary?” Darius asked.

”Probably not.” Otorin was imperturbable. ”On the other hand, with the cloudsteedsmen keeping the enemy indoors, there's no danger. A company of experienced sappers would be invaluable to the Crown. Warfare has changed and I suspect that there will be a lot more sieges in the future.”

”I take your point,” Darius said, allowing admiration to surface. ”I'll see to it. Think it'll draw old Paramin?”

”If he's drawable.”

”Would you get sufficient warning if he does decide to move?”

Otorin got up and went over to the window before replying. ”Probably, but if he does rise, he'll not do it alone. As far as I can tell, he hasn't contacted the south- ern group, but he's a devious b.u.g.g.e.r and I can't be sure.”