Shadow of the Otherverse (The Last Whisper of the Gods Saga Book 3) Read Online Free PDF

dragon, I doubt Basingham’s walls will be able to withstand it. So I ask you again: how can my city be saved?”
    Myselene said nothing.
    “As I thought. Ambassador Uthgarb and several of my other advisors believe I should treat with the enemy: seek reasonable terms and surrender to him. Handing you over would undoubtedly be part of the deal. As long as you live, Justin’s position on the throne of Vantok is insecure and the fact that he hasn’t destroyed the city means he intends to rule it. Tell me, Your Majesty, are the rumors of your pregnancy true?”
    “They are,” lied Myselene.
    “All the more reason Justin needs you under his control, or dead.”
    “But you see a danger in that course.”
    “You’re perceptive. I’m not like King Azarak. The nobility that afflicted him and led to his death hasn’t settled in my bones.  Don’t misunderstand: I care about my people. But I don’t intend to be a martyr. The moment I surrender Basingham to The Lord of Fire, my life is forfeit. Oh, it won’t be part of the agreement. Justin will claim that I can rule as long as I submit to him but he’ll eliminate me at the first opportunity. I would in his position and I have no doubt he’s at least as ruthless as I am - probably more. So I’m not inclined to surrender to The Lord of Fire unless there’s no alternative.”
    “It seems inevitable that, no matter what you do, The Lord of Fire will take Basingham.”
    “My city is lost,” admitted Durth. “The Lord of Fire was born here and, even if we capitulate, he’ll grind us under his heel. What concerns me most is safeguarding my person and assuring my future. To that end, I have a simple proposal.”
    Myselene knew what was coming but she kept her expression neutral.
    “Do you plan to challenge for the throne of Obis?”
    “My chancellor advises me to do so.”
    For the first time during the conversation, Durth’s smile slipped. “Come now, Your Majesty! Don’t bandy words with me. Do you intend to take your father’s crown?”
    “It’s likely,” admitted Myselene.
    “Then here’s my proposal. In exchange for my promise not to hand you and your unborn heir over to The Lord of Fire regardless of the consequences of refusal to Basingham, I require that you provide me a promise of sanctuary at Obis once you have the throne. Furthermore, as long as I live, I’m to be recognized by your government as the rightful king of Basingham regardless of who actually wears the crown.”
    “You’d have me make promises for a city I don’t hold?”
    Durth’s smile had returned. “If you should fail in your bid to seek the throne of Obis, I’ll have to seek an accommodation elsewhere. It’s a worthwhile gamble. Do we have an agreement?”
    At the very least, this made it less likely that Durth would confine her for use as a bargaining chip with Justin. A pragmatist, he recognized that his days as Basingham’s king were numbered while The Lord of Fire survived. From that perspective, the agreement made sense for him: hole up in the strongest human habitation, hope Justin could be thwarted, then use the alliance with Obis to help him retake Basingham. “Very well,” said the queen. “We have an agreement. Will any of the invisible ears listening spread word of this to parties who wouldn’t be pleased?”
    Durth’s smile widened. “For this room, the only ones listening are sworn to secrecy on an oath of personal service. You may be assured word of what we have discussed won’t circulate. Now, let’s talk about the role Lord Sorial may play in the upcoming hostilities that now appear certain to erupt between my fair city and the invader to the south.”
    * * *
    Although the sun was shining brightly, it was dim within the close confines of the covered wagon where Ariel was being kept. It took Sorial’s eyes a few moments to adjust to the lower level of light. This was the first time he had visited his sister since her departure from Vantok. She looked