Heirs of the Enemy by Richard S. Tuttle Read Free Book Online Page A

know Zaran culture through the eyes of a merchant,” explained Jenneva. “I can share that point of view with you, but caravan warriors see a different side of everything. They will be more familiar with the seedier parts of the cities, and their mindset will be closer to the average soldier than a merchant would experience. I think it is a good idea.”
    The spymaster scratched his chin and stared at Alex. “You two have been on the scene for over a year now, and I value your advice greatly. If you think it is a good match, I will accept it. Who are these men?”
    “Their names are Cobb and Bork,” answered Alex, “and you can trust them. I will also arrange for unicorns for the three of you, but you must not reveal their existence. That is imperative. Too much of what we are doing would be compromised if the Federation knew about the unicorns or the fairies. I assume that you will need a fairy too?”
    “Actually,” smiled Zachary as he gently patted his breast pocket, “Flea has been with me for some time now.”
    Alex glanced at the spymaster’s pocket and saw a pair of tiny eyes staring out at him. He laughed.

Chapter 3
Kyrga Uncovered
    Ships from all over the Sea of Tears sailed towards Despair. Each ship was filled with generals, monarchs, and notable citizens of elite status, and they all were bound for the Imperial Palace for a weeklong celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the founding of the Federation. The excitement of the occasion did a great deal to temper the feelings of defeat brought on by the disappearance of the Dielderal elves. In fact, no one seemed inclined to speak of the seemingly impossible emptying of the reeducation centers. This was especially true of the ship carrying General Forshire and eight other Federation generals from the port of Giza in Aerta. In addition to the seven Aertan generals, General Marashef from Tyronia was also onboard.
    Clint leaned on the starboard rail watching the coastline of the Empire of Barouk pass by. General Marashef was on his left and Generals Antero and Whitman were on his right. All four men stared at the magnificent mansions that lined the cliffs north of the city of Despair.
    “I have been in and out of Despair many times,” commented General Forshire, “but I never knew that these huge estates even existed.”
    “The elite of the empire do not reside in the city of Despair,” General Antero replied. “Oh, they do have mansions in the city as well, but it is here along the coast where they really live. There is enormous wealth among those estates.”
    “The Coast Road swings inland north of Despair,” added General Marashef. “Some say the whole road was moved further inland many years ago to ensure privacy for those estates. I do not doubt it for a minute. Those nobles are the true power of the empire.”
    “Of the empire, perhaps,” scowled General Whitman, “but not the Federation. The Empire of Barouk is only one of the countries of the Federation. Aerta has plenty of powerful nobles, too.”
    “Be civil,” General Antero warned softly. “We are here for a celebration, not to disparage our partners.”
    General Antero was the Commanding General of Aerta and Whitman’s superior. General Whitman took the rebuke without comment, but he soon separated from the other three generals and went below deck.
    “He needs to watch his tongue,” General Marashef said softly after General Whitman had left. “Grand General Kyrga would take offense at his words.”
    “Hopefully he will never run across the Grand General during the celebration,” replied General Antero. “There will be hundreds of people at the celebration. I am sure one of them will grab Kyrga’s attention before Whitman misspeaks.”
    “Probably true,” chuckled General Marashef. “Kyrga can be offended easily enough.” The Commanding General of Tyronia turned and looked at Clint. “I am surprised that you have not gotten on his bad side already, General