Page 31

I almost admire the lack of subtlety.

“The western mining road,” Varrus says, “the royal trade passage, and the approach to Simimuese Bluff.”

“The western road lies under House Varrus protection,” I say.

His red eyes find me across the court.

The nobles quiet enough to hear his reply.

“House Varrus protects what it is given the strength to defend.”

“You requested and received an additional company last winter.”

“One company cannot control a mountain range.”

“No army can. That is why intelligent commanders defend roads rather than empty peaks.”

A few nobles shift their attention toward Varrus. He expected me to remain silent until the king invited my response.

He smiles, displaying no warmth.

“Lord Morwen’thir speaks of intelligence while caravans disappear beneath his walls.”

“The missing caravan entered waira territory after its master ignored a posted diversion.”

“The dead cannot confirm your account.”

“The surviving outrider did.”

Varrus turns toward the king. “One witness preserved by Morwen’thir guards.”

“The implication is unworthy of this court,” I say.

“Is it?”

King Rython lifts one hand.

The exchange ends because he has decided it does.

“Lord Rhysandir,” he says, “do you oppose increased patrols?”

“I oppose spending soldiers without addressing why the roads remain vulnerable. House Varrus tolls have redirected caravans toward shorter, less defensible routes. Doubling patrols protects the result of that pressure while leaving its cause untouched.”

Faces turn toward Varrus.

His scarred brow lowers. “Trade levies fund defense.”

“Then your current levies should have produced the soldiers you claim to lack.”

A low sound of amusement comes from the upper tier. Varrus hears it.

“House Morwen’thir prefers counting coins to drawing steel,” he says.

“I prefer using both where each is effective.”

“Your ancestors understood that strength must be demonstrated.”

“My ancestors lost three valleys by demonstrating it without calculation.”