Treason's Shore by Sherwood Smith Read Free Book Online Page B

guard positions around the dais, out strode Prince Rajnir, dressed in silver armor over white, the only color the gold of the Tree on his chest plate. Flanking him to left and right were the equally tall forms of Stalna Hyarl Durasnir (also dressed in his battle armor, which glinted in the candlelight) and Dag Erkric, who wore the blue-on-white of the Dag of all the Venn.
    The king said, his voice reedy with his effort to be heard, “Prince Rajnir, Breseng-chosen candidate for king. The council has convened the Frasadeng. In this chamber you are answerable to all, and all will be granted the chance to speak. It is for you to begin.”
    Prince Rajnir stepped forward, bringing his hands together and then outward in the sign of peace. He was tall and even at a distance the deep blue of his eyes was remarkable. His hair had darkened to the color of ripened corn, and the bones of his face had hardened, but otherwise he seemed the same young prince who had taken ship for the south years before.
    “O king-father of us all,” he said, his voice clear and strong; he used the respectful old mode. “Skalts and Houses, Oneli and Hilda. Dags, artisans, and people. Last the thrall. You have heard only that we return with empty hands instead of bringing the rich grains and the fine steel of the Marlovans. We would have succeeded. We nearly did succeed, so my commanders assure me.”
    He paused as whispers susurrated through the hall, amplified by the curved stone.
    “But.” Silence fell. “But we were betrayed by one of our own, in a traitorous action that broke all law and custom. Because of the actions of this traitor, many of our people died, and we reached an impasse. It was then that the news came of the death of the king, and I deemed it best to return.”
    Again a hissing of whispers.
    Prince Rajnir lifted his chin. “The homeland must always come first. I made a vow to the Tree: once the Land of the Venn is again at peace, I shall sail to the south again to strengthen our force at Ymar, and from there we shall prevail.”
    The king bowed his head, then lifted it.
    “Can you name this traitor who acts against the king’s will?”
    “I can.” Prince Rajnir faced the Hall. “Born as Jazsha Signi Sofar, she was a family outcast before becoming a Sea Dag, known as Dag Signi.”
    Voices rose in exclaimations; the king lifted a hand, and one of the silent guards struck his spear on the stone three times, the sound cutting through the hubbub.
    “I further call for a formal Blood Hunt, that this traitor may be brought before the seat of judgment.”
    The king said, “Prince Rajnir, have you witnesses to attest to the truth of what you say?”
    “I so attest,” Dag Erkric said, hands open, head bowed. “Though this dag was one of my own. I witnessed countless acts of magic.” His voice sounded tired, filled with sorrow. “You will hear them all when the time comes.”
    “I so attest,” said a young dag favored by Erkric. “She interfered with our protective wards when we attacked the castle at Sala Varadhe.”
    His presence barely caused a stir; all knew he would speak at the command of his master.
    But then Stalna Hyarl Fulla Durasnir spoke. “I so attest. I witnessed a single act of magic, one that lies outside of the duties of a sea dag.”
    This time the reaction was louder, and again the spear struck the marble.
    The king raised his hands, palm out in the mode of it-shall-be. “Then with the concurrence of the Council of Elders, I will enjoin the Erama Krona to oath-bind a team to the Blood Hunt, and we shall reconvene when we have secured the accused.”
    The council spoke, one at a time, each saying, “Aye.”
    The old king put his hands together. “So be it.”

Chapter Four
    I NDA, Tdor, and Signi set out from Tenthen Castle two days after the wedding. Everyone at Tenthen gathered outside in the cold to cheer and drum as the outriders blew the trumpet calls for a Harskialdna and Harandviar. Even the horses