Sword of the Deceiver Read Online Free

captain of the soldiers kept his face absolutely still and dignified as he made his bow from where he knelt.
    “Great King, I am Prince Samudra
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Achin Ireshpad, First Prince and Son of the Pearl Throne. I bring you greetings from my brother Chandra
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Achin Harihamapad, Emperor of Hastinapura, Revered and Respected Father of the Pearl Throne and Beloved of the Seven Mothers.”
    Prince?
It was all Natharie could do not to stare in shock. This man in plain and dusty armor, commanding a tiny troop of soldiers from horseback, was a prince? Father would not even send one of her half-brothers out with so little to mark and protect his rank.
    Father nodded once in acknowledgment of the prince’s statement. “You are welcome here, Prince Samudra. What has brought this honor to our house?”
    The big priest flushed, clearly angered by this feigned ignorance. Natharie concentrated on remaining properly composed and calm. Malai shifted her weight, probably itchy. Natharie flicked her little finger. Malai caught the gesture and stilled.
    “Great King,” said Prince Samudra, seemingly unperturbed by having to state his errand aloud. “As well you know, when a new emperor ascends the Pearl Throne it is right and proper that all who receive the Throne’s protection celebrate the continuation of peace and harmony by sending gifts and ambassadors.” He spoke Sindishi without a trace of accent, which somehow eased Natharie’s feelings toward him. She also noted that in his well-mannered speech, he said not one word about the horse, or the soldiers. This one was a diplomat as well as a prince.
    Again, Father nodded. “And this we did. When Emperor Chandra took his father’s place, four years ago.”
    The Hastinapuran prince’s face tightened for a moment, and Natharie thought he might be suppressing a sigh. She found herself wondering how many times he had knelt like this, and made this same demand of other kings. Sindhu was one of twenty “protectorates,” taken by the old emperor. Were all of them visited by the horse and the prince?
    “Your gifts were received with great thanks,” answered Samudra solemnly. “But as the great king knows, not all the proper ceremonies were able to be completed at that time.”
    The big priest’s fingers were tapping now, showing how difficult it became for him to hold his impatience at bay. Natharie felt a cold knot form beneath her heart.
    “And they are to be completed now?” Father asked.
    The prince nodded once. “Even so.”
    Father considered this for a long, uncomfortable moment. The priest’s frown deepened, although the prince remained calm.
    At last, Father said, “I am delighted that the emperor is so secure in his place that he is now able to turn his mind from the affairs of state to the affairs of Heaven by which blessing each of us has our place on the wheel.” Father kept his voice carefully bland. “We are happy to house and feed the pilgrims of the Pearl Throne as they cross Sindhu and, of course, they will be under the king’s protection. I will speak to my generals about proper escort.”
    Natharie’s fingers threatened to curl into fists.
He’s going to make them say it. He’s going to make them demand the tribute
.
    “I am honored to receive the great king’s assistance,” answered Prince Samudra, inclining his head once more. “I fear that we may have to trespass on your hospitality for a little while longer. There are several matters which require discussion.”
    Now it was Father who frowned, in apparent confusion. “Can that be done? It is my understanding of the ceremony that you must follow the horse wherever and whenever the Mothers lead him.”
    That hit hard. The big priest was now the same scarlet color as his robes, and the prince, for a fleeting second, looked distinctly uncomfortable.
    “Great King,” said Prince Samudra quietly. “You and I both know what is happening. I ask your tolerance and forbearance.”
    “Yes, we do know what