“If you had been properly attentive to your duties, this would never have come up to begin with,” said Rose sharply. “When he found that poor waif, he lost his mind, and as much as I wish I could give him a medal for ridding the world of Leomund, I cannot set my desires above the law.” “Because I know him as well as you do,” answered Ariadne sadly. “Then how could you believe he would cast the law aside and kill Leomund?” asked Rose. He set that example for me years ago, though he paid for it with his own pain and blood.” But I won’t twist the law to suit my whims, and Mordecai wouldn’t want me to. Now he’s using this as an opportunity to bring down your greatest supporter.” Have you become so addled by lying tongues you can’t spot the truth anymore? Airedale was there to further some plot he and Leomund were working on. “You’d see an innocent man executed for Mordecai’s crime?” said Ariadne, incredulous. His honorable word will be enough to see Mordecai acquitted.”

Have him testify that one of the servants did it. Remember him? The one you had to execute for betraying James? The apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. “The man is a weasel, Ari,” Rose snapped. “Under oath?” responded Ariadne, seeming surprised. “Put pressure on Airedale to testify in his defense.

What is it that you think I should be doing?” “What would you have me do, Rose? Clearly you blame me for this somehow. “He hasn’t frozen to death,” interrupted Rose. “I wouldn’t keep a rabid dog in such a pit,” said Rose honestly, her eyes flashing.Ībashed, Ariadne lowered her eyes. “How are the conditions down there? Are they feeding him well?” “Exactly,” said Ariadne, thinking that Rose understood her. “Sometimes we have to choose between the two,” observed Rose. As usual he’s more worried about his own concerns than those of the realm.” He’s been after me to release Mordecai, so he could take him home. “He’s as energetic as ever, anxious to return home. I’m sure you are very grateful to your cousin for returning him to you.” She didn’t bother to hide her sarcasm. “Speaking of family,” said Rose, “how is your brother, Roland? You must be very pleased to see him again. No need to make excuses,” interrupted Rose, her tone giving away just a hint of her true feelings on the matter.Īriadne picked up on it immediately, and she flinched as though she had been slapped.

“I already know about political expediency, Ari. “By your orders, no one else has been able to see him.” “As his legal counsel,” said Rose, nodding. “He is well, for now.”Īriadne continued hesitantly, “I heard you’ve been visiting him.” Rising to her feet, Rose met the Queen’s eyes. No need for formality today,” said Ariadne. Painting a smile on her face, she knelt quickly. It was a relief when she was ushered into the small audience room where Ariadne waited. Rose heard Carissa’s voice once more in her memory. In her mind she could sense it: The hounds were gathering around her, waiting to drag her down, anxious for their bloody feast. For years their fear of her had kept their tongues silent, but now they smelled blood. She knew enough to ruin him, and most of the others as well. She didn’t bother to spare a glance for the man who said it.

Tyrian 2000 secrets