Hammer Of God Read Online Free PDF

when she needed him to act as go-between with the dukes. “Prolate, I don't mean to usurp your proper authority. Of course your province is the spiritual well being of every Ethrean, no matter how high or low his station. I merely seek to remind you that this kingdom is newly healed. Scratching open those wounds can't serve any good purpose.”
    “This kingdom isn't healed at all,” said Edward. “And won't be until these laggard duchies are shepherded to obedience.”
    She could have shouted. Banged a fist on the council table. Reprimanded Edward for his tone of voice. But she was tired, and worried, and she wanted this meeting done with. Needed some small time in solitude, in fresh air, so she could think clearly about what must come next without their burdensome gazes and warlike expectations. Because when the matter of the dukes was dealt with, there was Mijak…
    She felt herself shiver, felt the nape of her neck crawl. I'm not ready. I can't do this. God, why did you choose me? I think you've made a mistake.
    “Edward,” said Alasdair, looking at her. Knowing her fear. “Her Majesty needs no instruction. She was tutored by a king.”
    Edward nodded, saying nothing. But she thought she could hear his thoughts, and those of Rudi and Adric.
    Perhaps she was, but she has yet to show us.
    Which wasn't fair or right and God curse them for their short, mean memories. Hadn't she fought for her crown? Stood against Marlan? Stood against all of them until they saw reason?
    With Dexterity's help. Now I'm alone, without convenient miracles. Now I'm a girl on a man's throne, hesitant to force my authority down anyone's throat with the tip of a blade. Does that make me weak? Was Zandakar right after all?
    Zandakar…fighting…protecting her peo-ple…winning against the dukes…the old days of Ethrea…
    “Rhian?” said Alasdair, suspicious. “What are you thinking?”
    She didn't answer. An idea was forming, outrageous and unlikely. But no more unlikely than an Ethrean queen. She wasn't yet ready to talk about it in council.
    I have to get out of here…
    She clasped her hands before her, chin lifted, eyes wide and carefully noncommittal. All her secrets hidden from the men who would rule her, if they could, even if only with the best of intentions. “My lords, we are agreed that the matter of Kyrin and Damwin must be promptly decided. They have tried our patience to its final length and can no longer be permitted to flout the Crown. Prolate Helfred, you and your Court Ecclesiastica must be ready to depart Kingseat at first light tomorrow. My missive to these egregious dukes shall be placed in your hands before you leave, and we will have further speech on how you should deport yourself while meeting with them.”
    Helfred nodded. “Your Majesty.”
    “Edward, Rudi…” She made herself smile, though a part of her still fumed at them. “Your care for my stewardship of Ethrea does not go unappreciated. Nor is it taken for granted that you stay here in the capital to give me wise counsel when your duchies cry out for their ducal lords. As soon as matters are more settled here I hope to let you return home, if that's your wish. Or, if you prefer to remain on the privy council, that is equally agreeable to me.”
    Edward and Rudi exchanged ruefully resigned glances. “Majesty, we serve at your pleasure,” Edward replied. “For so long as you have need of two old men, we will remain.”
    She nodded, then turned to Adric. “Your Grace, I take comfort in the presence of youth on this council. Don't despair if all seems overwhelming to you now. Time will season you, I have no doubt.”
    “Majesty,” said Adric. He almost sounded sulky. He was such a young man. He would do well to learn from Alasdair how dukes behaved in private and public.
    “Gentlemen, you are excused.”
    The council meeting broke up. Ven'Cedwin nodded respectfully to Helfred as he methodically salted his ink-wet parchment. Helfred spared Rhian a