The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

You sound very sure of that, Sieh said dubiously.

I had the sudden urge to tousle Siehs hair. He might even enjoy it given his nature, but he would not enjoy the thought that triggered the impulse: Sieh really was a child in one fundamental way. He did not understand mortals. He had lived among us for centuries, millennia, and yet he had never been one of us. He did not know the power of hope.

I am very sure, I said. But I would be grateful if youd come with me.

He looked surprised, though immediately he took my hand. Of course. But why?

Moral support. And in case Im horribly, horribly wrong.

He grinned, and opened another wall that would take us there.

* * *

Relads apartment was as large as Sciminas, and each was three times the size of mine. If I had seen their apartments my first day in Sky, I would have immediately understood that I was not a true contender for Dekartas rule.

The configuration of his quarters was entirely different from Sciminas, however: a huge, open chamber with a short stair near the back leading up to a loft area. The main floor was dominated by a square depression set into the floor, in which a world map had been formed of beautifully colored ceramic tiles. Aside from this the chamber was surprisingly austere, with only a few pieces of furniture, a side bar heavily laden with alcohol bottles, and a small bookshelf. And Relad, who stood by the map looking stiff and formal and uncomfortably sober.

Greetings, Cousin, he said as I came in, and then he paused, glaring at Sieh. I invited only Yeine.

I put a hand on Siehs shoulder. He was concerned that you meant me harm, Cousin. Do you?

What? Of course not! The look of surprise on Relads face reassured me. In fact, everything about this little scene suggested he was set to charm me, and one did not charm expendable people. Why in the Maelstrom would I? Youre no good to me dead.

I set my smile and decided to let this tactless remark slide. Thats good to know, Cousin.

Dont mind me, Sieh said. Im just a fly on the wall.

Relad made an effort and ignored him. Can I get you something? Tea? A drink?

Well, since you asked Sieh began, before I squeezed his shoulder hard. I didnt want to push Relad, at least not yet.

Thank you, no, I said. Though I appreciate the offer. I also appreciate your warning, Cousin, the night before last. I stroked Siehs hair.

Relad wrestled for an appropriate response for a full three seconds before finally muttering, It was nothing.

Why did you invite me here?

I have an offer to make. He gestured vaguely at the floor.

I looked down at the world map in the floor, my eyes automatically finding High North and the tiny corner of it that was Darr. Four polished, flattened white stones sat ranged around Darrs bordersone in each of the three kingdoms that Id suspected were part of the alliance, plus a second stone in Menchey. At Darrs heart sat a single marbled-gray stone, probably representing our pathetic troop strength. But just south of Menchey, along the coast where the continent met the Repentance Sea, were three pale yellow stones. I could not guess what those were.

I looked up at Relad. Darr is all I care about right now. Scimina has offered me my peoples lives. Is that what youre offering?

Potentially more than that. Relad stepped down into the map-depression, walking over to stand just below High North. His feet were in the middle of the Repentance Sea, which struck me as irrationally amusing for a moment.

The white are your enemies, as Im certain youve guessed; Sciminas pawns. Thesehe pointed at the yellow stonesare mine.

I frowned, but before I could speak, Sieh snorted. You have no allies in High North, Relad. Youve ignored the whole continent for years. Sciminas victory is the result of your own neglect.

I know that, Relad snapped, but then he turned to face me. Its true I have no friends in High North. Even if I did, the kingdoms there all hate your land, Cousin. Sciminas simply facilitating what theyve been itching to do for generations.

I shrugged. High North was a land of barbarians once, and we Darre were among the most barbaric. The priests may have civilized us since, but no one can erase the past.

Relad nodded dismissively; he didnt care and it showed. He really was terrible at being charming. He pointed at the yellow stones again. Mercenaries, he said. Mostly Ken and Min pirates, some Ghor nightfighters, and a contingent of Zhurem City strikemen. I can order them to fight for you, Cousin.

I stared at the yellow stones and was reminded of my earlier thought about mortals and the power of hope.

Sieh hopped down into the map-depression and peered at the yellow stones as if he could see the actual forces they represented. He whistled. You mustve bankrupted yourself to hire so many and get them to High North in time, Relad. I didnt realize youd acquired that much capital over the years. He glanced back at Relad and me over his shoulder. But these are too far away to get to Darr by tomorrow. Sciminas friends are already on their way.