Page 83 of The Queens and the Kings
“That’s finally out of the way,” he said brusquely, “now we can talk business. Do you, or do you not, want to be involved in our battle against His Glory? Attempt to convince me that anything less than a military attack will be required, if you like. It will be difficult.”
The edges of Einar’s lips lifted in amusement. “Good to officially meet you, General. How should we address you?” he asked.
“Nils is fine.”
The lack of formal diatribe, and the General’s requirement of it, was another point in his favor.
Einar inclined his head toward Henrik. “This is Henrik and I am Einar.”
The General gave a formal—if not annoyed—tilt of his head.
“We’re brothers,” Einar continued, “and we do everything together, but it would be more correct to say thatIam the one most interested in a plot against His Glory, and to whatever extent you like.”
Einar sent Henrik a look, as if to say,your turn.
Henrik nodded. “I fight with Einar.”
Nils set an assessing eye on him, then back to Einar. “Why do you want to kill His Glory?” How refreshing, his straightforward approach.
“His Glory has taken enough from us,” Einar said with unflinching ice. “We’re not interested in seeing him gain further. We care about Stenberg,” he added. “The islanders are good, even if the leadership is not. We’re not willing to abandon the island. We’d rather kill His Glory and allow good islanders to experience improved leadership.”
“We share that, at least.” Nils glanced at Henrik. “You’re the one seeking his mother, right?”
Another nod.
Nils made ahumphnoise. “Well, the Ladylord will deal with that, but I thought it worth mentioning that there is a Selma from your island here. I remember her only because of her story.”
Henrik’s heart sped up, beating hard. He didn’t speak as Nils finished with, “She was cast out. Sent on a merchant vessel, actually. They made her work her way to the mainland and swore Stenberg would revolt if she ever returned.”
Revolt?
That didn’t make sense.
“Thank you,” Henrik said.
“To the plan?” Nils inquired.
Einar nodded. “We have input into your plan, mostly based around geographic presence. The Ladylord let us read your written course of action the other day. A few of the officers discussed ideas you’re considering on your approach to Stenberg, and you have a few aspects wrong. You can’t approach from the north. It’s too rocky. No one approaches from the north. Or the east,” he added.
Nils smiled, and something diffident lived inside it. “That’s whattheyhave told you. But the farther you venture into Elestra,the more you’ll realize that everything you understood to be true is a lie.”
Einar blinked once.
Twice.
Henrik snapped, “We don’t have time for vagueness or condescension. Get to the point.”
“Do youknowthat Stenberg can’t be broached from the north? Or is that something you’ve been told? Are you aware that there is a healthy and thriving port on the east in which ships dock and depart all the time?”
“That can’t be true,” Einar immediately countered. The certainty fled his voice.
Nils chuckled. “Have you personally been to that shore?”
“No,” Einar whispered.
Nils lifted his brow. “Are you certain that what I say can’t be true?”
A furious, “I’m not,” followed.
