“My mission,” Lorn said, as they approached a three-storey stone building, its entrance blocked by a dozen watchful marines, “will take me out of the city soon-”
“I don't want any details, Adjunct,” Dujek cut in. “You do what you have to do and just stay out of my way.”
His tone was unthreatening, almost pleasant, but Lorn felt her muscles tense. This man was being pushed, and Tayschrenn was doing the pushing. What was the High Mage up to? The whole situation stank of incompetence.
“As I was saying,” Lorn continued, “I won't be here long. When I am here, however,” and her voice hardened, “I will make plain to the High Mage that his interference in the city's management will not be tolerated. If you need backing, you have it, Dujek.”
They stopped just outside the building's entrance, and the old man gazed steadily at her, as if weighing her sincerity. But when he spoke, his words surprised her. “I can take care of my own problems, Adjunct. Do what you will, but I'm not asking for anything.”
“You'll permit the excessive culling of the nobility, then?”
Dujek's expression set into stubborn lines. “Battle tactics can be applied in any situation, Adjunct. And the High Mage is no tactician.” He turned and led her up the steps. Two guards opened the doors, which looked new and were banded in bronze. The High Fist and the Adjunct entered.
They strode down a long, wide hallway marked by doors on either side every dozen feet or so. Marines stood guard before each one, hands on their weapons. It was clear to Lorn that the incident with the Hound had heightened wariness to an almost absurd degree. Then a thought struck her. “High Fist, have there been attempts on your life?”
Dujek's grunt was amused. “Four in the last week, Adjunct. You get used to it. All these marines here volunteered themselves-they don't even listen to me any more. The last assassin was so badly chopped up I couldn't even make out if it was a man or a wornan.”
“You have a lot of Seven Cities natives in your legions, High Fist?”
“Aye. Loyal to a fault when they want to be.”
Loyal to what, Lorn wondered, and to whom? Seven Cities recruits were being sent elsewhere these days. The Empress did not wish Dujek's soldiers to become aware that their homeland was on the brink of open rebellion. Such news might well tip the scales here on Genabackis, and that in turn would trigger Seven Cities itself. Both Lorn and the Empress were well aware how dangerous things had become, and they had to tread carefully indeed in their efforts to repair the damage. And it was now becoming obvious that Tayschrenn presented a major problem.
She realized that she needed Dujek's support more than he needed hers.
They arrived at the hall's end where stood massive double doors. The soldiers at either side saluted the High Fist then opened them. Beyond was a large chamber dominated by a hardwood table in its centre. Maps, scrolls, ink and paint jars crowded its surface. Dujek and Lorn entered and the doors were shut behind them.
“Tayschrenn has been informed of your arrival, but will be delayed somewhat,” Dujek said, sitting on the edge of the table. “If you have questions regarding the recent events at Pale, ask them now.”
She knew he was giving her the opportunity to hear answers that didn't come from Tayschrenn. Though as to whose version of the truth she would accept was up to her. Lorn began to appreciate Dujek's comment about battle tactics. She strode to a nearby chair and settled slowly into its cushions. “Very well, High Fist. Small matters first. Have you encountered any difficulty with the Moranth?”
Dujek scowled. “Funny you should ask. They're getting pretty highminded about some things. I had a hell of a time getting the Gold legions-their e1ite warriors-to fight Caladan Brood. Seems they consider him too honourable to treat as an enemy. The whole alliance was on shaky ground for a while there, but in the end they marched. Soon I'll send the Black to join thern.”
Lorn nodded. “Similar problems with the Green and the Blue in Genabaris,” she said, “which explains why I came overland. The Empress suggests we make the most of the alliance, since it may not last.”
“We haven't much choice,” Dujek growled. “How many legions will I have in the spring landing?”
Lorn hesitated, then said, “Two. And a regiment of Wickan lancers. The Wickans and the Eleventh Legion will disembark at Nathilog. The Ninth will land in Nisst and join with the conscript forces-the Empress trusts the latter reinforcements will be sufficient to break the Crimson Guard at Fox Pass, thus opening Brood's flank.”