The Moidart seated himself opposite the three Redeemers, who were sitting side by side and facing the window. Servants brought food. A pie of good steak and braised kidney, some fresh baked bread, and three flagons of strong ale. Marl noted that the Moidart did not partake of the ale, and so he too refused, requesting water. The meal was finished in near silence. Once the servants had cleared away the dishes the Moidart leaned back.
‘I do miss the life at court,’ he said, ‘the intrigues and the politicking. It makes one feel alive. Enemies who become friends, friends who become enemies; each person desperately trying to read the runes and see where the ebb and flow of power will take them. I understand you are particularly adept at such games, Master Coper. I congratulate you. Not an easy life.’
‘I am just a simple man, my lord,’ said Marl, ‘serving my lord as best I can.’
‘And how is Lord Winterbourne?’ asked the Moidart. ‘I hear he has been having problems of late.’
‘Problems, my lord?’ queried Marl.
‘A troublesome general who just does not seem to want to die. Is that not so?’ The smallest of smiles touched the Moidart’s lips, but his eyes remained emotionless. The room suddenly seemed very still.
‘You have the advantage of me, sir. Of whom are you speaking?’
‘Why, my son, sir. Gaise Macon. Is that not why you are here?’ The question was asked innocently and Marl thought fast.
‘I think someone must have overstated the situation to you, sir. The quarrel was never between Lord Winterbourne and your son. Lord Person issued the challenge. Lord Winterbourne was merely acting as his second. The matter is now resolved. There is certainly no ill feeling between the two men. Lord Winterbourne speaks highly of General Macon, who is a masterful fighter and a fine cavalry commander. He is a credit to you, sir.’
‘We come from a family of fighters, Master Coper,’ said the Moidart smoothly. ‘More than that we are intriguers. I have forgotten more about treachery and malice than you have ever learned. So let me tell you how I see the situation. Were I Lord Winterbourne, and I desired the death of Gaise Macon, I would -as he did – try to arrange it in a way that could not be laid at my door. I would do this because I would be concerned about the Moidart. I would think, what do I know about this man? The answer is simple. The Moidart is a killer. He has no sense of remorse, is not held back by principles of honour or chivalry. If I kill his son he will find a way to kill me. Are you following me so far?’
‘I hear your words, my lord, but they have no meaning for me.’
The Moidart gave a small smile. It did not reach his eyes. ‘Bear with me then, young Coper. Think of it as a political lesson. A duel is arranged. This is an excellent plan. If Macon dies all is well. If he lives? Well, other plans can be hatched. The idea of pistols is a pleasing one. So much can go wrong – and pass undetected. A misfire, perhaps. Or . . . who knows? A badly loaded weapon? Yes, I think that is the route I would have followed.’ The Moidart filled a goblet with water and sipped it, his pale eyes watching the three men intently. ‘Yet it failed. Plans do, you know. The best of them. Rogue elements appear. They cannot be planned for. Are you a student of history, young Coper?’
‘I am, sir.’
‘Then you will recall the legendary Battle of Vorin Field. The Keltoi battle king, Bane, had been betrayed and his forces led into a trap. Yet he won. History tells us it was because of his bravery and his heroic leadership. This is only partly true. He won because an officer leading a cavalry troop got lost. The man had been sent, with six hundred riders, to intercept a supply caravan. In the maze of canyons and valleys he took a wrong turn. This brought him and his troops out behind the Stone army. Bane was hard pressed, but when the officer led his men to attack the enemy rear the battle was turned. Rogue elements, you see? Now, where was I? Ah yes, the killing of the troublesome Gaise. The duel failed to achieve its purpose. Now comes the first error. Killers are sent. One of them is a noted swordsman, the other a backstabber. Surely no rogue elements can spoil this plan?’ The Moidart shook his head and laughed. ‘Who could have foreseen the arrival of an ugly dog? Hmmm? Most amusing. Added to this Gaise Macon is also a fine swordsman. I take the credit here, for long ago I hired Mulgrave to teach him. However that is by the by. For now the snake is out of the basket. The killers were Redeemers. Only one man could send Redeemers. Now his problem has truly doubled. Once the Moidart discovers the plan he will become an enemy far more deadly than the naive young general. Therefore – speaking still as Winter Kay – before I can take my vengeance on the son, I must see the father slain. How does that sound to you, Marl Coper?’