Stormseer (Storms in Amethir Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page A

could have decided to tax salt."
    Birona chuckled. "The king seems uneasy about the Amethirian ambassador's long absence. They keep making excuses about storm season, but I wonder... You don't suppose that Vistaren fellow is upset about the treaty being broken? Perhaps he'd rather have had Razem to begin with, anyway?"
    Arisanat laughed with Birona. With Azmei's betrothal to the prince, interest had been piqued. It had gotten around Tamnen City, at least in the Families, that Vistaren of Amethir was a same-lover. It didn't much matter now, Arisanat supposed, but the Azmei he had known would have wanted true love and an epic romance like those in the story books. She must have been bitterly disappointed to learn her betrothed's affection ran towards men.
    "Just as well the plans fell through, then," Arisanat remarked. Birona gave him an odd look, but didn't protest. Arisanat bit back a smile. If Birona had recoiled, Arisanat could have blamed his long journey for the gauche words. As it was, he clearly needed no apology.
    "But back to council business." Birona sighed. "I might as well warn you, since you'll no doubt hear it tomorrow. The king has had someone negotiating behind our backs."
    Arisanat went cold. "What?"
    Birona scrunched up his beady eyes. "There's been a Diplomat in Lindira. They've agreed to a prisoner exchange."
    "Damn them," Arisanat whispered. His pulse began pounding in his temple. He had known something like this was coming, but it still hurt to have his suspicions proven. He darted a glance at Birona, hoping the man hadn't heard his incautious words, but of course he had.
    "Damnation seems unlikely, but there will certainly be more loss of profits--and of life, of course." Birona drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair and took a long sip of his wine. "There are too many of us who stand to lose in this proposition." His voice was grim. "I have poured a great deal of my own purse into the rebuilding of Rivarden."
    Arisanat gulped his wine, trying to push down his temper. "Why did you do that? I've always wondered."
    Birona shrugged. "After the Push, I put certain plans in motion. There were quite a few loyal Tamnese citizens volunteering for the war after that, tensions running high and all. My agents had all they could do to keep up with demand. My father always invested safely, but I prefer to invest only when there is a chance of great reward."
    Arisanat offered him a faint smile, though his mouth had gone dry. Perhaps Marsede's foolish actions had given him the opportunity he had been speaking. If Birona would back his claim, Arisanat should have more than enough resources to act as soon as Marsede was dead. He licked his lips and fished for another sliver of cinnamon to freshen his mouth. "No wonder your reception of the peace talks has been so...lackluster."
    "I am sick to death of this whimpering after peace," Birona said baldly. "Particularly when we have the resources to win the war outright, should someone have the balls to commit them."
    "Were I on the throne, there would be none of this whimpering after peace," Arisanat promised. It was the first time he had spoken those words-- were I on the throne --and they stung his lips. But he didn't try to recall them.
    "Would that we could see that day, Arisanat," Birona replied. "Alas, I suspect the prince will not oblige."
    "Certainly he will not. As much reason as Razem has to hate the Strid, he lacks the audacity to defy his father."
    "Then you believe we will come to terms with Strid?"
    Arisanat narrowed his eyes. "You know Marsede's thoughts. He might even entertain the notion of a treaty marriage."
    "Gods forbid!"
    Arisanat allowed a little silence, then he tipped his head to one side and smiled faintly. " I forbid, Birona. The gods sleep, but I will stop it, if I may."
    Birona licked his lips. "And you would have my help, I assume."
    Arisanat tilted his head and smiled. "Who else but the head of the Third Family? We all know Lady Tel supports