The Invisible Hands - Part 1: Gambit Read Online Free PDF

boy. Granted, for rather important documents. We had a little chat and—”
    “Out with it already,” Anaxantis interrupted him.
    “I was just coming to it. You are familiar with the encampment near Ormidon?”
    “Camp Prista? Yes, it’s where they gathered most of the Army of the South, before leaving for the border, isn’t it?”
    “Correct. Well, it seems it will be used again shortly.”
    “What? Is Father recruiting additional troops?”
    “No, not exactly.”
    “I don’t understand.”
    “Frankly, neither do I. It seems they’re readying the barracks for thirty-five thousand troops who are returning from the border.”
    Anaxantis sat fully upright and stared with open mouth at Tomar.
    “What’s happening? How is that even possible? That is almost half his army. Is he decommissioning the troops? Is there a peace treaty with Lorsanthia? A truce? Is he preparing to move against us?”
    3
“I wish I knew, but I don’t,” Tomar said. “In fact, I asked the selfsame questions of my, eh, friend. He knew nothing further. It seems they’re playing this one close to the chest.”
    Anaxantis took a deep breath. Then deep furrows appeared on his brow.
    “What in heaven’s name is happening? Father is weakening the southern border. Is he relying on the new and repaired fortifications, or has he come to some kind of understanding with Vartoligor? That would be highly unusual. In the past, the kings of Lorsanthia were only appeased by unconditional surrender. Whatever the case, he feels safe enough to send half his standing army inland. The question is, will they remain there? Or is he indeed moving against us? Damn, I have too many things going on to get involved in another conflict. I want to build, not fight. On the other hand, Father must know that it won’t be easy to enter the Highlands, if I were to decide to bar his way. And Lorsanthia isn’t to be trusted. He knows that as well. In-ternecine strife would be a golden opportunity for them, and an excuse to break whatever treaty there might be is found easily enough.”
    He looked up and saw his friends studying him.
    “I don’t think there’s an immediate danger,” he said.
    “At the very least the situation bears further investigating,” Tomar, who didn’t seem so sure, answered.
    “I agree. Let me think about it. The first troops have yet to arrive at Ormidon. It’s not as if they’re standing at our borders, is it?”
    It sounded more self assured than he felt.

    3
Anaxantis had thrown his mantle, scarf and sword belt on the big
    table when they returned home. He saw Ehandar picking them up and carrying them to the wardrobe.
    He felt a pang of remorse.
    “I’m sorry, love. I keep putting my stuff everywhere, instead of putting it in its place.”
    “It’s no problem. I don’t mind,” his brother answered, putting both their mantles away and hanging the swords on a peg on the wall.
    “I really don’t,” he thought, surprised. “I’m used to it.”
    He saw his little brother had sat down in the big chair by the hearth and went over to him.
    “It has been a beautiful day, but tiring. And you seem tense. Shall I give you a foot bath?”
    “Oh, Ehandar, I don’t know. Do you really think you—”
    “That’s a yes then,” Ehandar smiled, and he went to the bathroom.
    Minutes later he returned, stark naked, carrying a basin, towels and soap.
    “Love, what are you doing?” Anaxantis asked, surprised. “You needn’t—”
    3
“I just don’t want to get my clothes wet,” his brother interrupted
    him. “It’s just us anyway.”
    Anaxantis didn’t answer. He saw Ehandar kneel, take off his boots, roll up his pants and gently guide his feet into the lukewarm water. He let his head fall backwards against the suspended cushion, letting out a deep sigh. It felt heavenly having his feet both washed and massaged by the experienced hands of his brother.
    When he was finished and had set the basin aside, Ehandar climbed in his