“If the lowlands fall, the highlands will be next.”
A rumble of outrage, like the buzz of hornets. Venick saw the way the men bristled, as if to face a threat. But the Elder was mild. “My army is the largest in the land. Even if you are right, the lowlanders will hardly swell our ranks. What need have I of a few thousand more soldiers?”
“We bring with us the northern elves,” Venick said. “They have joined our resistance and share our interests. Humans have knowledge of war, but elves are the superior fighters. Their techniques are unmatched. They could teach your men their tactics.”
“While that is an interesting offer, I am not yet persuaded.”
The men grinned at each other. Venick saw one soldier draw a finger across his throat.
“However,” the Elder continued, “you do have something else that I want.” His smile was a nested doll. It seemed to hide inside itself. “The lowlands have an excellent seaport. Your ships are some of the best—a fleet worthy of an emperor. And your land is fertile. All that mountain water running through your fields. Not to mention the Golden Valley. It is quite a prize.”
Venick replied carefully. “The lowlands are not mine to give.”
“Yet here you are, speaking as if you own them.”
“A spokesperson is not a king.”
“Your mother was Spokeswoman on your council, before her death.” Venick stiffened. He didn’t know how the Elder knew about that. “From what I understand, you have taken command of the council in her place. Do you mean to tell me, as Spokesman, you have no power over your people? Now, you will insult me if you think I would believe that.
“A marriage,” the Elder announced. “I have a daughter. I offer her hand to you in marriage. Our lands will be joined. You will have access to my army, and I will have access to the lowland’s riches. A true alliance.”
For a moment, Venick couldn’t speak. “Your daughter wouldn’t want to marry me.”
“My daughter will do what is best for her people, as I thought you would. Or am I mistaken?”
“I haven’t even met your daughter.”
“Actually,” the Elder said, “you have.”
The scrape of a chair. Harmon stood from her seat.
Venick gaped. “You?”
“You see?” the Elder continued. “My daughter is beautiful. She is my only heir. A marriage between you will solidify this union. You get my army, and I get your land, and together we can defeat the dark elves. It is the perfect solution, I believe.”
It all ticked into place. How easily Harmon had arranged this meeting. How she’d marched them through the city with little friction. How she stood there now, the only female in a hall of men.
The Elder had always wanted the lowlands. He’d attacked the Golden Valley more times than Venick could count. Had this been the man’s plan all along? Had it been Harmon’s?
Venick’s neck was hot. He realized he was furious. He’d been tricked, utterly fooled. Harmon must have known this was what her father would offer, yet she’d allowed him to walk into this hall blind, unaware of who she was, unaware of who her father was. Venick needed the Elder’s army. Gods knew that was true. Had the man’s proposition come a different way, Venick might have even considered it. But it hadn’t come a different way, it had come in exactly theworstway, and so all Venick felt was his own disgust, his utter contempt of his man and his daughter and their schemes.
Venick was sick of schemes. Gods knew he’d endured his fair share.
“Well?” the Elder prompted. “What say you?”
Venick spoke through his teeth. “My answer is no.”
The man’s face closed. “Then so is mine.”
???
They were given permission to leave without interference. The Elder watched them go. “As soon as you are out of this city,” he warned, “my protection ends.”
Harmon did not escort them out. Instead, a steward walked their group back through the city. By the time they exited Parith’s gates and reached their waiting army, the sun was making its final descent.
Venick spoke to his soldiers plainly. He explained what had happened as best he could, though he could tell from the faces of his men that they didn’t understand. So what if he’d been asked to marry someone he didn’t know? They needed the Elder’s support.
“What does your happiness matter if we are all dead?” Branton asked, golden eyes flaring. “You should have taken the deal.”
