self-deprecating little smile. I forgot just how hungry Chalkin was
for a Lord Holder’s power.” But you kept your promises,’ Paulin said,
nodding approval.
The least I could do to restore self-esteem, and Vergerin executed a
little bow to Paulin and the others.
Dare I hope that you wish to keep this Bloodline in Bitra Hold?” He
cocked one of his heavy dark eyebrows, his glance candid and accepting.
Paulin did a quick check of the expressions on the faces of the other
four Lord Holders who had arrived on the scene.
You will certainly be considered by the Conclave when it meets at
Turn’s End,’ Paulin said, nodding. The others murmured agreement.
Loud protestations of innocence suddenly broke up the tableau as
Chalkin, bracketed by Bastom and Bridgely, was walked down the main
stairs. The tears of his wife and the frightened shrieks of his
children added to the tumult.
At the last landing, Chalkin halted, wrenching his arms free from the
two Lords as he flung himself down the stairs at Vergerin.
You! YOU! You betrayed me! You broke your word! You did it.
You did it all!” Bastom and Bridgely, moving with creditable speed,
managed to recapture Chalkin and restrained him from physically
attacking Vergerin, who did not so much as recoil from his nephew.
You did it to me. You did it all,’ Chalkin said and shrieked louder
than his children when Vergerin, with an expressionless face, slowly
pivoted away from him.
Then Lady Nadona saw Vergerin and her cries turned raucous with hatred.
You’ve taken my husband and now you stand there to take my Hold, my
children’s inheritance – – Oh, Franco, how can you let them do this to
your sister?” She fell against the Neratian’s chest.
Franco’s expression was far from repentant as he quickly unwound her
plump arms from his neck with the help of Zulaya and the Istan Laura.
Nadona was still in her nightdress, with a robe half-closed over the
thin garment. Richud had the two boys by the arm, and his spouse the
two weeping little girls who certainly didn’t understand what was
happening but were hysterical because their mother was.
Paulin took Vergerin by the arm and led him towards the nearest door,
which turned out to be Chalkin’s office.
Decanters and glasses were part of the appointments and Paulin hurriedly
poured two glasses. Vergerin took his and drank it down, the draught
restoring some colour to his face.
He exhaled deeply.
Paulin, impressed by the man’s control in a difficult situation, clapped
his shoulder and gripped it firmly.
It can’t have been easy,’ he said.
Vergerin murmured, then straightened himself. What was hardest,’ and
his smile was wry, was knowing what a consummate idiot I had been.
One can forgive almost anything except one’s own stupidities.” Despite
the thick stone walls the screams and bellows continued, the sound
altering slightly as Chalkin was hauled out of the Hold and down the
courtyard steps.
Lady Nadona’s shrieks became earsplitting and then abruptly ceased, at
which Paulin let out a sigh of relief. Irene might have knocked her out
but she’d probably fainted. Either way the silence was welcome.
More shouting and confused orders! With an exasperated sigh, Paulin
went to the shuttered window and threw it open on the most extraordinary
scene: five men struggling to lift Chalkin to Craigath’s back while the
dragon, eyes whirling violently with red and orane, craned his neck
about to see what was happening. Abruptly Chalkin’s body relaxed and
was shoved into position on Craigath’s neck. M’shall leaped to his back
and waited while two other Weyrmen roped Chalkin to M’shall and then
added the collection of sacks and bags which would accompany the former
Lord Holder into exile.
Craigath took off with a mighty bound and brought his wide wings down
only once before he disappeared between.
An island exile?” Vergerin asked, pouring himself another glass of
wine.
Yes, but not the same one we sent the guards to. Fortunately, there’s
a whole string of them.
Young Island would be the safest one,’ Vergerin said dryly, sipping the
wine. Then he made a face, looking down at the glass.
Wherever does he get his wines?” Paulin smothered a laugh. He’s got