Arms-Commander Read Online Free PDF Page B

you.”
    Dyliess turned and hurried up the steps.
    Saryn waited several moments before crossing the black-stone foyer. “Everything is in readiness, Marshal.”
    “Except for my daughter and her accomplices.”
    “She wanted the trio to be part of the demonstrations?”
    Ryba nodded. “It would do no good, as we both know.”
    “It might frighten them into building an alliance with everyone against us, you think?”
    “That’s possible. Right now, the rulers of those lands bordering the Westhorns all have the idea that disaffected women from their lands and elsewhere comprise the majority of Westwind. They can accept that, if reluctantly. If they see that we’re able to actively train and develop another generation in addition to those who flee, that will intensify their opposition. Right now, that’s outside their belief structure. They just don’t think that way, and I’d like to leave it like that as long as possible.” There was the briefest pause before the Marshal added, “And please don’t tell me that we can’t keep training youngsters if they aren’t born here. You’re right about men, but I don’t have to like it.”
    Saryn understood those words were the greatest concession she’d get from Ryba on that.
    A single horn triplet echoed down from the upper levels of the tower.
    “It won’t be long now before the Suthyans are here,” Saryn said.
    Ryba and Saryn walked from the base of the stairs across the foyer, halting just short of the closed ironbound door that afforded access to the causeway where the Suthyan envoy and his escorts would rein up. Only when the Suthyans were in position would the two women step out to greet the functionary and his entourage.
    “He has two squads of troopers.” Ryba wore a silver-gray tunic, belted in black, above black trousers and boots.
    “That’s enough to protect him and not enough to be considered a challenge.”
    “It’s also an expression of their beliefs. They’re traders who’d rather not spend any unnecessary golds. In the end, they’ll be easier to handle than Arthanos.”
    “Because they’ll weigh the cost of losing men against the dubious value of controlling inhospitable territory, while Arthanos will fight to maintain the myth of masculine superiority?”
    Ryba nodded. “But traders are more likely to deal in treachery because it costs fewer golds.”
    The tower door opened, and Llyselle stepped into the foyer. “The envoy is here, Marshal.”
    The Marshal stepped forward, and Saryn followed, a pace back. Once outside the tower, Ryba halted on the wide single stone step above the stone-paved causeway. Saryn stood by her left shoulder and Llyselle by her right.
    Suhartyn and a half score of Suthyans were reined up on the causeway, with guards on each side. The remainder of the Suthyan force was reined up on the road leading to the stables. Saryn had also taken the precaution of stationing several archers inside the tower windows overlooking the causeway.
    For a moment, Ryba said nothing. She just stood there, radiating authority. Then she spoke. “Welcome to Westwind, Suhartyn, as envoy and honored guest. While we can provide but austere hospitality, that we do offer.”
    “I am pleased to be here, Marshal. All have heard of Westwind. All know that the only entry is as a guest, and we look forward to learning more about the Roof of the World.”
    “We will be pleased to let you see Westwind.” Ryba smiled. “Once you have had time to settle in the guest cottage and your men in the auxiliary barracks, we will be offering you some demonstrations on the arms field that I am most certain you will find entertaining.”
    “Entertaining, Marshal? Or of great interest?” Suhartyn offered a smile that was half-pleasant and half-ironic.
    “We would hope that you would find it both interesting and entertaining. After that, your men will be fed, and after that you and your closest advisors will join me and mine.”
    “You are most