‘I shall. She is my friend. I do not desert my friends in their need.’ ‘Most touching. Think also on what I said about the Rigante, Master Ring. If Eldacre falls you cannot stand alone. I will also supply one thousand pounds in gold to distribute among the Rigante warriors and their families should you decide to fight alongside me.’
Kaelin Ring felt tension easing from his frame. ‘You need to be a little more persuasive,’ he said. ‘All I have is your word that these things are happening. You say an army is coming against you. This I believe. Perhaps the king has finally decided to rid himself of your evil. Or perhaps it is exactly as you say. The problem is that your word is worthless. A long time ago you promised my father safe conduct at a meeting to make peace. You murdered him there.’ ‘He actually died a little later,’ said the Moidart, ‘but that is by the by. Interestingly enough that is the only time I have ever broken my word. I won’t say that I have been haunted by it ever since, or any other such nonsense, but it was regrettable. I will say that because of this – small – regret I did not later seek out and kill the big fool who tried to rescue him on that day. Grymauch was his name. He charged in, wearing a scarf wrapped round his face. It was a ludicrous disguise. He was the biggest clansman in the area, and everyone knew he was Lanovar’s right hand man. However, this is also irrelevant. I do not dispute, Master Ring, that in the eyes of the Rigante I am evil. It is a matter of perspective. History is largely concerned with achievers, men who change the course of their nation. To the people of Stone the Emperor Jasaray was a great man and a hero, and Connavar was a vicious and evil savage. To the Rigante Jasaray was a vile conqueror and Connavar a hero. Heroes and villains, Master Ring, are largely interchangeable depending on historical circumstance. It is almost amusing. I loathe the clans. Always have. Their independence of thought prevents any cohesion of purpose. They were conquered because of this. And conquered peoples are weak. I abhor weakness. Yet – and here is the sweet irony, Master Ring – if we succeed in this venture we will protect the Rigante, and future generations will talk about the blessed, heroic Moidart who stood tall against the forces of evil. The Varlish in the south will view me – a man who admires them above all races – as a grotesque traitor. Perspective, Master Ring. I cannot convince you of the truth at this time, but I expect the Wyrd – if she still lives – will do so.’
‘Then you had better pray she does live,’ said Kaelin.
‘I don’t pray, Master Ring. I act. Given the choice I would now be allied to the enemy and on the verge of becoming richer and more powerful. Unfortunately that enemy chose to threaten my son. They sent men to kill me. So here I am getting ready to battle in a cause I do not believe in, against an enemy with superior forces, and superior powers. The one advantage I have is that the enemy has displayed stupidity. My hope is they will do so again.’
‘That stupidity would be . . . ?’ enquired Kaelin.
‘Coming against me, Master Ring. Oh, and the small matter of trying to kill the child . . . Feargol. They failed not once but twice.’
‘Twice?’
The Moidart swung to Aran Powdermill. ‘Tell him.’
‘They sent killers out to murder your wife and son and Feargol Ustal. They did not succeed,’ he added swiftly. ‘Draig Cochland and his brother got to them first and helped them escape into Call Jace’s territory.’
‘They are safe?’
‘Aye, they are,’ said Aran Powdermill. ‘Though your man Senlic is dead, as is Eain Cochland.’
‘I shall return north,’ said Kaelin. ‘If the Wyrd tells me your words are true I will do all I can to raise a Rigante force and march them to Eldacre.’