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beyond all accounting."
Loris shook his head angrily, striking a defiant pose. "Do not blame us for Wencit
of Torenth, Sire. Wencit is not the issue. I will not compromise the will of the
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Lord, not even for the will of the king."
"Then, you had best hear me as king," Kelson said evenly. "As you have pointed
out, I am lawful king in Gwynedd. You yourself poured the consecrated oil upon
my head and crowned me; and what has been done in that manner cannot be
undone by men.
"Therefore, by the authority which you bestowed upon me in the name of Our
Lord, I command that you lay down your weapons and surrender this city to its
lawful lord. Later, when there is more time, we will discuss your differences in
this Deryni matter."
There was the rumble of dissent behind Loris, and the prelate shook his head. "I
recognize your authority, Sire, but I regret that it is impossible for me to obey you
in this matter. I cannot surrender the city. Further, I must urgently suggest that
you and your party withdraw before some of my people anger at your words and
shame us all by an attempted regicide. Much as I am forced by conscience to
disobey you, I would not have your royal blood upon my hands."
Kelson stared up at the archbishop for a full ten seconds, speechless with anger,
then wheeled his horse sharply and began galloping back toward bis lines. His
companions rode hard behind him, keeping careful watch for some overzealous
bowman such as Loris had warned of. Only when they had reached the safety of
the line did Kelson rein in and trust himself to speak. He did not seem even to be
aware of his other generals and warlords crowding around to hear what had
happened.
"Well, Morgan? What should I have said to that insolent priest?" He pulled off his
helmet in a furious gesture and threw it to a waiting squire. "Well, speak, King's
Champion. What ought I to have said? The sheer gall of that man, threatening
me!"
"Peace, my prince," Morgan murmured. Kelson's horse was plunging about,
reacting to Kelson's anger, and Morgan laid a hand on the reins to still it "My
lords, pray, excuse us. There is no immediate cause for alarm. Nigel, if you would
continue to oversee the making of camp, my Lord Bishops, the same. Duncan,
you and Arilan and Cardiel, come with us, please. His Majesty has need of our
counsel."
"I'm not a child, Morgan," Kelson murmured. He jerked the reins away from
Morgan and glanced at him sharply. "Ill thank you not to treat me like one."
"But my Liege will surely listen to the counsel of his trusted advisors," Morgan
continued, crowding his horse against Kelson's and herding it away from the
officers, toward the royal pavilion. "Duncan, you are aware of most of the layout
of Castle Coroth, are you not?"
"Certainly," Duncan agreed, realizing that Morgan was trying to get Kelson out of
the center of attention, "My prince. I believe Alaric has a plan."
Kelson let himself be guided off to the side, where soldiers had finished erecting
his pavilion and were setting up other tents, then glanced at Morgan once again,
his anger apparently abated.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make a scene," he said in a low voice, "It's just that
Loris infuriates me so. Do you really have a plan?"
Morgan inclined his head, a faint smile on his lips. "I do." He glanced around
covertly, then dismounted and motioned the rest to do the same. When they had
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all entered the royal pavilion, he gestured for them to take seats, then stood with
his hands on his hips.
"Now, we can do nothing yet, since we require the cover of darkness and time to
prepare. But once night falls, here is what I propose."
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delighteth.
Isaiah 42:1
That night, a thousand watch fires burned on the windswept plain before Coroth,
their flickering lights like a thousand eyes watching the besieged city. Outside the
king's tent, five specially prepared horses waited, their harness and hooves
muffled against telltale sounds, their trappings dull and dark. Nigel*s son Conall
stood watch over the horses. It would be his task to bring back the animals once
those who would ride them were finished. The boy gathered a black cloak around
himself and scuffed the toe of a boot against the sandy soil beneath his feet, then
looked up abruptly as the tent flap was withdrawn. His father stood in the
opening, back still to the outside, and Conall moved closer to the opening as
Morgan, Duncan, the king, and finally the two bishops came out into the space
before the tent
"You understand my orders, in case we fail, then, Uncle," the king was saying.
Nigel nodded gravely. "I understand." "And you, Bishop Arilan," the young king
continued. know I can count on you."
"I doubt my aid will be necessary, Sire," the bishop said, permitting a smile to
cross his lips. "Your plan seems sound, But you know how to reach me, should
the need arise."
"We will pray that won't be necessary," Kelson replied. He dropped to one knee,
as did Morgan and Duncan. After a slight hesitation, Conall, too, knelt, and
Cardiel bowed his head.
"God go .with all of you, my prince,'* Arilan murmured, blessing them with the
sign of their faith, "/n nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sanctus, Amen."
The blessing completed, the men rose and began mounting up, taking reins
silently in gloved hands. As Morgan begaa to lead out, Duncan following, Arilan
laid a hand on Cardiel's bridle and motioned him to bend nearer.
"God keep you, my friend," he said in a low voice. "I should hate to see you perish
before your time. We have much work to do, you and I,"
Cardiel nodded gravely, not trusting himself to speak, and Arilan smiled.
"You know why it's you who are going instead of I, don't your'
"I understood that you are to aid Prince Nigel, should the need arise. Someone
has to be here to aid him, should anything happen to Kelson, God forbid."
Arilan smiled and inclined his head slightly. "That is par- tially the reason.
However, has it occurred to you that of the four going on this mission, you alone
are full human?"
Cardiel stared at his colleague for a moment, then lowered his eyes. "I had
gathered that it was because I am at least the outward leader of the rebel bishops,
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