The Heart of Dishonor chapters 4-6

"The Shadow worshippers are being beaten with our current support," noted Elmdoor.

Nesel almost screamed, "The tide may turn! We need more men to drive them once and for all from this land!"

Lakent looked at his nephew-in-law with disgust. "For sooth, Nesel? Why then have we not returned the recaptured lands to their kings?" He turned toward the entire congregation in a dramatic pose. "Listen well, all gathered here. Nesel claims that he wishes to restore Gaiadom, but in his heart he dreams himself its master."

"Then fight me, coward! Prove the virtue of your claims!" Nesel said as he drew his blade. William knew this was unwise. Obviously, Lakent could not refuse the challenge, for that would prove his testimony false. He could, however, hire the best champion money could buy to represent him on the field of battle. Being a noble, Nesel would not be permitted the use of a champion. Lakent’s representative could easily be told to kill rather than wound. It could all end now. Nesel checked his anger and glanced about nervously, realizing the consequences of his outburst.

Lakent’s laughter rang through the hall. "What a prison you’ve crafted for yourself, young fool. You’re stuck between the hammer of my champion and the anvil of your pride."

Fear showed in Nesel’s eyes. He took a step back and sheathed his sword.

"But I, perhaps, am just as foolish as you," said Lakent. William frowned. What was the man planning? "For only by showing mercy to my most powerful foe can I demonstrate the true nature of my ideals." Supporters on both sides were puzzled by this turn of events.

"I refuse the challenge."

In the ensuing silence, Elmwood walked over to Lakent’s supporters, and waited patiently while pages scrambled to produce a chair and table for him to sit at.

Elmwood sat down and spoke doom. "I owe my allegiance to Lakent Bolare." At the other end of the hall, Lakent smiled. He was glad to have this old friend in such a time of need.

Two other Dukes, of Upper Silat and Angelos, crossed over to sit with Elmwood. Nesel kneaded his knuckles nervously. Lakent now completely controlled the Lower Highway, not to mention a direct attack route to Whiterift, should they decide to dominate the debate at the point of a sword. Nesel looked at Lord Randolph. The Marquis clasped his right wrist and tightened his right hand into a fist. Nesel understood the gesture. Should all the forces of heaven or earth seek to destroy it, the city would not fall.

A page gave Nesel a note signed Maceol. Obviously Maceol had not written it himself, being illiterate, but his squire Kay was a skilled scribe, and could have easily worn the black of the scholar, should he have chosen a quieter life.

The note read: Do not fear, for we still control Salushire and South Curith. If need be, we could bring forces down the coast from Hitali and Yantsima to break a siege.

The Duke of Tandar, Lord Heinrek, professed his allegiance to Lakent.

Nesel was outraged. "Heinrek! When your palace was burning to the ground and your family in the hands of the eastern raiders, who pulled you from the flames and rescued your kin? Who saved your family, that your descendents might rule for a thousand years?"

Heinrek looked back. "You did what you were ordered to do. Nothing more. I will not follow a pawn of the Knights."

"You ungrateful bastard! I curse you, and all your kin! May you burn in the flame from which I saved you!"