Prince Eudocles, newly elevated to First Prince of Zygros since his nephew had died, was angry-very angry-far angrier than Count Sestembar could remember for a very long time. The Prince was pacing back and forth before the flames shooting out of the large hearth, slamming his big fist into the palm of his left hand again and again. "Tell me again what this canker from my privy parts said about me!"
"He said you had Prince Pariphon murdered so you could steal your brother's throne. And other words about how his blood was sick with the fester devils of your ambition." Sestembar had invented a number of vile insults, the better to part father and son. Someday he wanted the personal pleasure of ending Phidestros' life.
"You have been ill used, my friend. Are you sure it was Phidestros who broke your arm?"
"Yes, Your Grace. He grabbed it and snapped it like a twig. He is preternaturally strong. Said he would do even worse should your person ever visit Harphax City."
"Now this happens, just when everything was going so well. It is good that no one but yourself knows he is the sport of my loins. Were he to be making such accusations in Zygros City it would be worth his life!"
"He threw the saddlebag of gold to his men as if it were clothes off a beggar's back."
"I'm sure his chests are filled with Styphon's gold ingots. Now we know it's the highest bidder who owns his loyalty. Phidestros' temper will cost him, and his liege lord, more than they know. Had he received you with grace it had been my intention to send him ten companies of horse and twice that of foot for the war against King Kalvan upon your return. Now, he shall receive nothing of his patrimony except my fist in his face when next we meet!"
"I can hardly believe Great King Sopharar would have committed so many soldiers to the Styphoni Army." Ambition, pride and anger were Eudocles' weaknesses, and Sestembar knew better than anyone how to fire these charges. It took all the Count's will power to keep a smile from breaking his lips. Kalvan's agents would pay well for this night's work!
"At this moment, my grief-addled brother would sign any parchment brought before his hand, just to quickly free his hand so that it is able to wipe the tears that continue to flow from his eyes." Eudocles snorted as if he couldn't believe what he had seen. "Maybe some night he will drown in all his tears-it would be a boon for Hos-Zygros!
"As for my false son, I renounce him for all time and any claim he shall make upon my person or the Ivory Throne of Hos-Zygros! So I swear to the Twelve True Gods."