Goddess (44 page)

‘You were born to lead, Lucien, no matter our differences. Your mother always loved you, you know that.’

Lazar nodded. ‘Here is my proposal. I am providing you with a way to withdraw peacefully from Percheron and save face. There need be no further bloodshed.’

‘What is this proposal?’ Falza asked testily.

‘Luc becomes Zar. He is also named your heir.’

‘Preposterous!’ Herezah exclaimed. ‘He is not a Zar! He is no—’

‘And you are not a queen, Herezah. You are relegated now to slave. I could have the harem disbanded and you turned out later today and no-one would argue and no-one would mourn your departure. I offer you a proposal as well. Be Luc’s guide. No-one knows Percherese politics better than you. He has no mother. Be the grandmother you would have been had you never known the truth of his parentage. You have an opportunity to be the leader you’ve always wanted.’

‘You mean rule until he is of an age?’ she asked, aghast.

‘I mean help to run the realm, yes. Be the figurehead that Percheron needs. The people know how courageous you’ve been these last few days. Build upon it. Win their favour, win their trust. But win it for him. He is Zar, not you. Raise him to be the ruler you would be if you were a man. Raise him to know that cunning you possess but to put it to better use. Raise him with all that knowledge of politics you possess. He could have no finer tutor if you accept this role properly.’

‘I—’ she said, clearly stunned. ‘You trust me?’

‘I want to. Can I?’

‘Yes! But what about you?’

‘Oh, I shall be around. I have something I must do first. And then I have some journeys to make that concern neither Percheron nor Galinsea.’

‘So the boy stays here?’ Falza asked.

‘Yes, he is Zar Luc now. And when you pass away, Father, he will be Zar Luc of Percheron and, named as your successor, King of Galinsea. If you have a senior Galinsean noble’s daughter of an age, we can discuss a formal marriage to seal the realms in more than just word. I was thinking one of mother’s nieces’ children?’

Falza nodded thoughtfully. ‘I can think of two who may suit and she seems to have all girls on her side; I am sure they will produce more females for us to choose from.’

‘That is settled, then. You will send the Crown Valide a list of suitable names in due course and she will make that final decision.’ He didn’t need to look at Herezah to know how much that pleased her. ‘She will see to all the necessary formal arrangements. Perhaps Marius could act as emissary between the two realms. Base him and Lorto here. They could learn the language and begin a new era of our two nations working closely.’

‘I am impressed, Lucien.’

‘That must be the first time then, Father.’ The two men shared a wry smile and Lazar continued. ‘I’m also suggesting that any of your
soldiers, with no family ties to Galinsea, who wish to stay will be made welcome in Percheron. And perhaps you can offer the same courtesy? I can’t say how many Percherese might take up the offer to move to Galinsea but we can begin by relaxing all barriers to trading. The sea routes and the desert route can be developed for a more open trading policy. Merchants will become the lifeblood between the two regions—they will lead the changes.’

‘Lazar, how do we explain this to the people of Percheron, though? Luc may be of Galinsean royal blood, but he is not of the Zars,’ Herezah interjected.

‘We don’t tell them.’

‘You jest!’

‘As far as the people of Percheron are concerned, Luc is the son of Boaz, the reason he courageously went into the desert to rescue his pregnant wife. And he becomes King of Galinsea because it is what we demanded in our peace treaty. No-one but the three of us is ever to know the truth.’

‘But you said Luc couldn’t be my son’s child.’

‘But he is clearly Ana’s. They may have their doubts but the truth is the people just want life to go back to normal with a Zar in the palace. In time they will accept him, no matter what the gossipmongers say.’

‘I understand. Leave it to me. I will start promoting the story that Yozem did a blood-telling
and that Luc took none of his father’s looks, only qualities from his character.’

Lazar smiled briefly. ‘That’s right. Put that cunning to good use for the benefit of your people. Sometimes the truth need not be told if it’s in the greater interest. The people may have their suspicions but it won’t matter in years to come when they have a royal marriage to celebrate across dynasties.’

‘So the harem and life of the Zar as we have known it will change.’

‘Yes. There will be no harem. Luc will marry a Galinsean bride and bind our realms. When he takes the Galinsean throne—pardon me, Father—he will be known as Emperor.’

‘It will take time, Lazar.’

‘We have time. There is one more important aspect that is part of this proposal.’

Both Herezah and the king eyed him expectantly.

‘Both nations will formally accept worship of the Goddess as their faith.’

Herezah looked at him quizzically. ‘It matters not to me but why would you ask this?’

‘It will bind us closer still through faith. Father, Galinsea is closer to the Goddess’s way than Percheron but still has a number of gods it pays homage to. Be the first king in a long time to unify your people in one faith. Herezah, Luc can do the same. His mother followed the Goddess and it was her disciples—the giants, the creatures once
bound in stone—who came to our rescue. The Goddess heard our prayers and she answered them. Zarab does nothing for the people and this is about a fresh beginning. To embrace a new faith cannot happen quickly, I understand this, but it can be a part of Luc’s legacy and, indeed, Boaz’s.’

‘Boaz loved the Mother?’ Herezah queried.

‘He did,’ Lazar answered truthfully. ‘Loved her since the moment he was first introduced to her,’ and again Ana was reflected in the peaceful expression on his son’s sleeping face.

‘That’s news to me.’

‘I told you, you spent too much time plotting against his desires rather than listening to them. Learn about Lyana, Herezah. She was once the only faith of our region. Start the revolution today.’

There was silence as the three looked at one another, each waiting for the other to speak.

‘That’s all,’ Lazar concluded. ‘We can keep this simple. King Falza?’

The King of Galinsea nodded. ‘I am in agreement with your terms, Lucien. Marius will sit down with whoever you need to draw up the terms of this treaty.’

‘Thank you. Herezah? Can you keep this secret and agree to its terms?’

‘Yes. I wish no further war or even threat of it in the future between ourselves and Galinsea.’

‘Good. Then have the treaty drawn up, Herezah, for Falza and yourself to sign. It will
declare you simply “Crown” from hereon. You will act as regent for Zar Luc until he is of an age to fulfil his formal role.’

He saw Herezah barely control the shiver of delight at his words.

‘What’s to stop her simply saying yes now and ignoring your terms, Lucien?’ his father demanded. ‘You intimated that she could not be trusted previously.’

‘Father, Herezah will rise to this office. She will make us all proud. I’m sure of it.’ He gave her a sideways glance and realised with a certain amount of sadness how much of her life had been wasted in the harem. She should always have been a queen. ‘Besides, I remain Spur and the army is loyal to my command.’

‘You should come home some time, Lucien.’

‘I am home, Father.’

‘All right. Let me invite you back to your homeland then. Bring your son. I’m sure our people would be thrilled to meet you both.’

‘I’ll bring Herezah. The Galinseans should meet the person grooming their future king.’

‘As you wish,’ his father said. ‘So I presume I can return to my ship?’

‘Your galley is untouched. You may return to Romea under your own banner, if you choose, as soon as the treaty is signed. Beloch and Ezram will agree to transport those who don’t wish to remain here back across the desert quickly.’

‘How quickly?’

Lazar grinned. ‘Percheron to Romea in the time it might take Herezah to have her hair brushed.’

His father’s complexion blanched.

‘Another reason not to pick a fight with Percheron again,’ Lazar added, his smile widening. ‘And the best reason for us all to join their faith. They are of the Goddess.’

‘Then she’s got my soul,’ Falza said, irony lacing his tone.

‘I shall see you before you depart, Father. I need to speak with the giants.’

The king gave him a look of disbelief but simply turned to the new head of Percheron and bowed. ‘Well, you must forgive me my, er, indiscretion of earlier, Crown Valide. Perhaps you would allow me to hold my grandson before I leave.’

‘Of course, Falza. I’m only devastated that his grandmother could not bear witness to this happy day,’ Herezah replied diplomatically. She glanced towards Lazar and he gave her what she had so long desired—his approval with a nod and a soft smile.

Outside, whilst the proud ‘grandparents’ admired their new royal, Lazar found Captain Ghassal waiting.

‘Spur,’ he said, hand across his heart.

‘Captain,’ Lazar replied, mirroring the gesture. ‘Get the Galinseans down to the shore. The king is going to speak with his men.’

‘It’s over?’

‘With Beloch and Ezram on our side, not to mention the other creatures, they have no choice.’

‘Spur, I’m still at a loss—’

‘I know. I suspect the giants and their companions will be gone from our midst soon enough. For now do not fear them. Calm everyone down, remove the dead, get help to the wounded. Get food passed out to the hungry. Everyone must be very confused and disoriented.’

‘Fortunately, the majority who stayed are not hurt. They took refuge in the palace.’

‘Get word out amongst the foothills. Send riders in every direction and let people know it is safe to return to the city. Any news of Salmeo?’

‘No, sir. But we can return to the search now that a truce has been achieved.’

‘Someone knows something somewhere. Find that person. I want to know where he is or at least where the eunuch headed.’

‘Yes, sir.’

‘And the woman who was here?’

‘Er, she’s in the Sapphire Room, Spur. Shall I fetch her?’

‘No, I’ll go there. Escort King Falza, with full respect please, to the foreshore.’ The captain bowed, made to leave. ‘And, captain?’

‘Yes, Spur?’

‘You take your orders from me and only me but don’t be surprised if you find the Crown Valide more assured of her position. The soldiers of Percheron do not answer to her directly but she is now the titular head of our realm. Zar Boaz and Zaradine Ana have welcomed a son and heir, Zar Luc. The infant will take the throne when he is of an age. Until then, Herezah will be known simply as Crown. Please let it be known, although I’m sure she’ll organise a ceremony soon enough to formalise the title.’ He saw the man’s expression turn to one of dismay. ‘Trust me on this, captain. Herezah’s tremendously capable and Percheron needs a steadying, strong mind at the top. And remember, captain, Herezah is a grieving mother as much as she is our new Crown. Please tell the men to remember this.’

‘Yes, Spur.’

Lazar nodded and left the man as he strode to find the woman who had brought his child. He found her admiring the Sapphire Pools. She swung around in fright as he entered the chamber.

‘Spur Lazar,’ she said, ‘you scared me.’

‘My apologies. Also for keeping you waiting.’

‘Oh don’t be sorry. I never thought I’d ever see the inside of the palace. I could stay here forever.’

‘Don’t be too sure of that. I’m sorry, I don’t remember your name. I was expecting the other woman, the wet nurse.’

‘I am Harras, Spur. The woman who fed your baby was not feeling terribly well. She asked me to bring him to you.’

‘Well, I’m very grateful for your swift help and would like to make a donation. Will you tell the senior woman in charge that I will organise that soon?’

‘Of course.’

‘I also wanted to thank you in person. Is there anything else that the palace can do for the hospice? You have, after all, just assisted the new Zar of Percheron.’

She giggled coquettishly and then suddenly appeared coy, as if embarrassed by his personal attention. He’d seen that expression and heard that girlish laughter many times and sighed softly to himself that he was unlikely to ever respond to a woman again. The two women he had loved had died. There was no room in his shattered heart for a third love.

‘No, Spur, the palace provides kindly for us, although if you’d bring your donation in person I know your presence would brighten many of the grieving mothers.’

‘I’ll do that once we have settled Percheron back into some sense of normality. The wet nurse—is she going to be all right? What does she normally do for a living? Perhaps I can find her a position.’

‘Again, that’s most generous. I shall find out. She looked very poor. The child she lost last night was her first son so perhaps she would appreciate a chance to start afresh.’

‘Please make sure to let me know. I won’t forget her name—Alzaria.’

‘Actually, Spur Lazar, I should tell you, for she made it rather clear to me to advise you—Alzaria is not her real name.’

‘Oh?’

‘I think she was mindful of repercussions. The child was conceived outside of a marriage.’

‘I understand. What is her real name, so I can commit it to memory?’

‘She asked me to tell you that her name is Garjan.’

Lazar felt his blood turn to ice.

‘Spur Lazar, are you all right, sir?’

He grabbed her by the shoulders, unable to stop himself. ‘Harras, tell me exactly what Alzaria said to you.’

She looked down at his fingers digging into her flesh, terrified, but repeated the message word for
word, her eyes scared by the intense way he regarded her. ‘Is something wrong, Spur Lazar? The child is fine, isn’t he?’

He let her go, smoothed the fabric of her robe. ‘Please forgive me. I’m so sorry for scaring you…again.’ He seemed very calm now. ‘Did you leave him alone with her?’

‘Only briefly, Spur. Barely moments.’

‘That’s all it takes,’ he murmured, frowning.

‘Pardon, sir?’

‘Nothing, Harras. I’m sorry to have startled you. The name she used came as a shock.’

‘That’s all right, Spur. Garjan…I don’t know it. May not be from these parts.’

‘It isn’t. It’s Galinsean.’

‘Oh? Is that bad?’

‘It’s neither here not there,’ Lazar answered, distracted. ‘Is she still at the mothers’ home?’

‘That’s where I left her, Spur Lazar. She said she needed to rest.’

‘Thank you again, Harras,’ he said, his mind spinning towards his son’s safety. ‘One of my men will escort you out.’ He showed her to the door, signalled to one of the guards and mustered a distracted smile for her in farewell. He closed the door to think.

Maliz was already here in Percheron. How could that be?

He needed advice.
Beloch?

Yes?

Maliz is here!

I’ve just learned that Ezram felt him
.

What? I thought you were not connected to the demon.

We’re not, but your magic, that released us from his spell, also made us sensitive to his presence…Ezram more so than me it seems.

So where is he?

We believe he has entered the city.

How can that happen? He was travelling across the desert. I thought I had time to prepare for him
.

Lyana rose. When he is fully empowered he has new magics at his fingertips.

He held my son.

There was a terrible silence across their link.

Beloch!

What happened?
Lazar could hear the trepidation in the giant’s voice.

He posed as a wet nurse
.

And Luc?

Well, I’m going to check him again but he seems fine. He was delivered to the palace gurgling happily enough, then sleeping, as babies do, through his finest hour
.

Lazar, you know that cannot be right.

I do. I’m thankful he’s safe, relieved beyond belief, but also utterly confused
.

Me too. Wait, let me bring Ezram into this. Ezram, tell Lazar what you sense about Maliz. I feel nothing
.

I can’t feel him any more,
Ezram answered.
It was an initial sense of nausea and it got worse for a while.
I told Beloch after you’d arrived that it might mean Maliz had entered the city. I can’t know for sure—I was assuming.

No, you were right. He was here. He held my son.

Then your son—if he is concealing Lyana—should be dead,
Beloch interjected.

I know. It doesn’t make sense, does it? Why would he leave him untouched?

Ezram sighed.
Because your son is obviously not shielding the Goddess.

Lazar paced, frustrated.
Where is she, then? Ana died for this! Who else is going to be hiding the Goddess if not Luc? Who?

Be calm, Lazar
, Ezram soothed.
I cannot feel Maliz any longer. It is as if he is no longer here. Perhaps the threat has passed?

Lazar gave a sound of disgust.

But Beloch sided with his twin.
It’s true. I can’t feel him at all. My attention was diverted when we arrived but even then whatever I felt was weak enough not to have any impact on me.

What Ezram felt was obviously far more potent.

He was in full blazing power, I tell you. I felt unsteady from Lyana’s rising that provoked that power. Now, there’s nothing. And if he was still around, apart from the fact that Luc would surely be dead, we would be fighting against his spellmaking again
.

You know, Pez always told me that Maliz could not be killed by a mortal. Perhaps he was wrong. The woman Alzaria was definitely sickening. Maybe she is dead and he was lost with her
? Lazar asked.

I can’t believe that, but something strange has certainly occurred
, Ezram said gravely.

Lyana is obviously up to something more cunning than Maliz ever imagined
, Beloch said.
All we can do is wait. What do you wish us to do now, Spur? I think our presence is too unsettling for everyone.

Where would you go if you could?

Back to the mountains
, the giants said as one. Lazar heard them chuckle softly.

Then go. Take the others as well. You have done more than we should ask of you and Maliz is obviously biding his time, wherever he is, whoever he is
.

We’re never far. We can be with you in moments should you need to call upon us. When you’re ready, we’ll help you tear down the temples and rebuild them for Lyana.

Lazar nodded.
The priests will not make it easy for us so it will happen slowly. The Galinseans may need some transport back to Romea, by the way
, he added,
and I may need swift passage somewhere too
.

I’ll get the Galinseans home
, Ezram offered.
Beloch can take you wherever you need.

Thank you
, Lazar said.
No sign of those riders?

No,
Beloch confirmed.
But if they’re smart, they’ll wait for dark.

Of course. And that’s precisely what Arafanz will do. Nevertheless, alert me to anything suspicious.