A Country Falls (Greatest Thief 3) - Chapter 3: Chapter 3

"Deorun will not stop with Zianna."
Tannix's voice carried over the Navirian council. Dozens of nobles, advisors and generals sat around the long table, all of them watching him. Tannix stood at the head of the table. Queen Navire was beside him, and Mayah sat on the Queen's other side. A Navirian woman stood a few paces behind Tannix, translating every word he said.
Tannix looked spectacular. Like I had noticed in the barracks, blue wasn't a popular colour in Navire. The Navirians wore warm colours—reds and oranges, yellows and browns. That evening, the Queen was dressed in red and gold. Mayah wore a green Navirian dress I imagined had been made specifically for her. But Tannix stood out. Bright blue in a room that was just as orange and gold as the Navirians' clothes. Like a pool of water in a desert.
He was spectacular, and he was nervous. I doubted the Navirians noticed, but there were little details I could see. He kept instinctively trying to rest his left hand where his sword pommel should have been, but he wasn't wearing his sword. He kept clenching his right hand.
The most telling hint was that he kept glancing at me.
I was standing at the side of the room next to Mandell, trying to act as though I belonged. Mandell's arms were crossed over his wide chest, and I copied his stance. It wasn't impossible that I could be working as a guard, with the knives hidden in my belt. Not that I was confident enough to throw them in a room full of nobles.
"I'm not implying that Zianna is weak," Tannix continued. "But I will admit that their initial strike did us quite a bit of harm. Deorun moved on us. Unprovoked, they assassinated our king, and two of our most powerful lords. They tried to cripple us, to throw us into disarray, so they could take our cities. We were at peace, and in one night they tried to ruin us. My..." Tannix left hand reached for the sword pommel that wasn't there. "My father was assassinated in his sleep, and Deorun hoped I would fail to rule my city. Lady Mayah's city was burned. My lady?" He invited her to stand with a gesture.
Mayah stood up. She looked lovely in her Navirian dress. It made her look a little like Queen Navire—powerful and bold. "The man who led the attack on Talidor was none other than Prince Kalvahi of Deorun. He allowed his men to burn my city to the ground. They murdered my people, they violated and killed my handmaidens, and countless other women in my castle." The rage in her voice was shocking. She wasn't hiding any of her feelings behind a diplomatic smile. Kalvahi didn't deserve that. "Prince Kalvahi beheaded my parents in front of me, then dragged me to Deorun and threw me in prison. He sank to the utter depths of humanity."
There were gasps around the table, and a few whispered words were exchanged.
Tannix nodded grimly. "My men and I went into East Draulin—Talidor—and tried to rescue as many people as we could. We were captured and transported to Deorun. I was tortured and interrogated," he said. "The Prince's actions would have been deplorable even if our kingdoms had already been at war. But to attack Talidor and its people, in such a horrifying way, demonstrates their disregard for everything that has kept our kingdoms at peace for so long."
The Queen interrupted in Teltish. "Your account is worrying. War has rules, and it seems Prince Kalvahi is choosing to ignore them. What happened in Talidor was a tragedy. Navire will not support Deorun in their attack against you, but you must understand that bringing my queendom into your war is a very difficult decision. Currently, my people aren't at risk."
Tannix nodded. "I do understand your hesitancy, Queen Avaloni. However, there is no guarantee that your people aren't at risk. We are currently holding Deorun at bay, but if their armies get through us, there is no way to be sure they won't cross the Sweni River. Navire doesn't share a land border with Deorun. The Adymuss Mountains and Zianna separate your countries. If Deorun sweeps down our coast, as they're trying to do, what will stop them from attacking Navire?"
Queen Navire looked troubled. "We have been at peace for hundreds of years. Although I do acknowledge that Zianna could have claimed the same just a year ago. Lord West Draulin, Deorun's approach to this conflict is very concerning. While I sympathize with what is happening, siding with Zianna comes with its own risks to my people. Our people have a... troubled history together, to put it lightly."
There were grumbles of agreement from the council.
Tannix's gaze darted towards me. "Most of the people in Zianna aren't Teltans," he said. "Most of them are Zians."
A Navirian man stood up and spoke. The translator said, "We have heard rumours that King Zianna is recruiting Zians to pad his army. To tire the Deoruns before the Teltish soldiers join the fight."
"That isn't true," Tannix said. "Yes, King Zianna did speak to the Zians in Zianna, and invited them to enlist in our armies. He knows that Zians not only can fight, but deserve the right to defend their country. Every Zian who enlists is being trained, supplied with equipment, and paid a regular soldier's salary. Tandrin—King Zianna, he and I agree that everyone in Zianna should be treated equally. We are a multicultural country. We have three large groups of people, and countless smaller communities." He paused, and looked around the room. It wasn't hard to tell that he was looking at the knights. "Queen Navire, when we arrived you complimented the variety in my personal guard. Allow me to more thoroughly introduce my men."
Queen Navire nodded, intrigued. "Carry on."
"The captain of my guard is Sir Lord Atricen." Tannix gestured, and Acen stepped away from the wall so the council could see him. "He is from a lesser noble family in my home city. A family who has been loyal to mine for generations. Some people might think that lineage is why Atricen is the captain of my guard, but they would be wrong. He earned his position because he is an incredible leader. He has an eye for fighting techniques and encourages my men to explore their strengths. He is also not afraid to disagree with me. Sir Lord Jalor."
Tannix paused as Acen stepped back and Jalor stepped forward. "Yes, another noble Teltan. Jalor is from another city on New Teltar—my mistake, Jandor Island. He was lauded as one of the best jousters on the island. His skills as a cavalryman are what gave him his spot on my guard. Since then, he had spent every moment improving himself. He has studied battlefield medicine, and I can confidently say that without his knowledge, not all of us would have escaped Deorun."
I could tell most of the Navirians didn't understand the point Tannix was starting to make, but Queen Navire was still listening intently. Tannix looked more comfortable than he had been the whole meeting. Praising his men was easy for him.
"Sir Korender and Sir Korander," Tannix said next. The twins were standing side by side, and they stepped forward together. "Crelan archers and sailors. Despite what is commonly believed, Crelans aren't Teltans. They are the third largest group of people in Zianna. They are an ocean faring people who believe in an ocean god, who is very similar to your Roe, as well as the Teltish Goddess. Kor and Ender are accomplished sailors, but they are even more accomplished archers."
Continuing around the room, the next pair of guards was Evrik and Joen. Tannix pointed them out.
"Sir Evrik joined my guard as a largely self-taught axeman. He comes from a Teltish farming family. He can fight with an axe and shield, or two axes, and he can even throw axes with impeccable aim. His natural skill with axes far outweighs the circumstances he grew up in. He is proof that wealth doesn't equate talent. Joen is the newest addition to my guard. He's a Zian-Alvarian blacksmith from Talidor. We met him when we were rescuing survivors from the attack. His wife and children managed to get away, but Joen was imprisoned. Without any training, he offered us his help. It must have taken immense courage. I can't even express how grateful we are, because he was invaluable to our escape. I'm looking forward to the day his training has progressed enough for me to knight him."
Then Tannix was looking at us. "Sir Mandell looks Zian, but he is actually from a group of people on Jandor who call themselves Zeltans. They have both Teltan and Zian ancestors, and combined the different cultures into something new. Zeltans are often looked down upon by both Teltans and Zians, but none of that stopped Mandell from becoming the strongest knight in my guard. And..." his gaze shifted to me, and it was like the words caught in his throat for a moment.
"Finagale," he finally said, "is a Zian thief. An uneducated criminal, and easily one of the most intelligent people I have ever met. Of all my men, Finn best demonstrates the point I am trying to make. The circumstances of his birth don't make him worthless, in fact, I think he was shaped by his childhood to become the incredible person he is today. He's earned the respect of myself, every one of my men, and King Zianna."
Tannix turned back to face the council. "My people, Teltans, have a reputation... and I understand. Four hundred years ago we came across the ocean and stole Zianna. We stole some of your islands, and some of Deorun's coastline. I understand why Navirians would be reluctant to help Zianna. But as I said, not everyone in Zianna is a Teltan. Look at my men, and see the diversity of Zianna. Look at my men, equals regardless of their upbringing or faith."
There could be no denying the passion in Tannix's voice. Every Navirian in the room would have to see that he meant every word. "I want Zianna to reflect my personal guard. I want everyone to have opportunities, freedom and respect. I know it can't be done overnight, and nothing I do can truly fix what happened during the conquests. But my brother and I want this. Tragic circumstances gave us the opportunity to help Zianna become a better kingdom."
Queen Navire interrupted him. "Lord West Draulin, your vision is a good one, but you can't possibly believe that other Teltans will allow the sort of changes you're imagining."
"No," Tannix agreed. "Not immediately. Maybe not even in my lifetime. But we can start the process, assuming Zianna survives the war."
"Assuming you and the King survive the war," Queen Navire said. "I quite like you, Lord West Draulin. It seems as though you and your brother are precisely the kind of leaders Zianna needs. What happens if neither of you survive?"
"Queen Zianna agrees with our vision for the kingdom," Tannix said. I didn't like how easily his reply came, because it meant he had thought about it. He had considered a version of the war that included his death. "My sister would become Lady West Draulin, and she believes in the same things I do. Lady Mayah—with or without her city—is a force to be reckoned with. If Tandrin and I die in the war, our ideas won't simply disappear. There are three powerful women who already agree with us."
The Navirians liked that. A moment later, when the translator caught up with Tannix's words, there were calls of approval from around the table.
When the noise died down, Tannix continued. "I'm asking you to consider helping Zianna for three reasons. To help us halt Deorun's army before they reach your borders. To help save the many different citizens of Zianna. And finally, to help King Zianna and I tear down the prejudices that have hurt so many people in Zianna. With your queendom's help, we can save Zianna and repair some of the damage our people did four hundred years ago."
Tannix paused. It wasn't the kind of pause that invited interruption, and so no one said a word. This was why Tandrin had sent Tannix. He might have hated politics and public speaking, but he was good at it. The council waited quietly for whatever he was going to say next.
Tannix broke the silence. "To prove that our plans for reparations are genuine, Queen and King Zianna are going to return the Pitten Islands to Navire."
The Navirians broke out into conversation. Some of them sprung to their feet and tried to call to the Queen, some of them leaned closer to their neighbours for whispered conversation. Some of them just looked shocked.
And Tannix, who suddenly looked exhausted, sat down.
"The Pitten Islands?"
Tannix groaned. "I know."
"But—"
"I know, Atricen," Tannix snapped.
It was just the three of us in his chamber. Tannix's declaration hadn't been the end of the meeting, but it was the last time he had talked. A long discussion had broken out between the Navirians. Mayah had chimed in occasionally, but Tannix had just quietly listened to the translator. When the meeting was finally called to a close, Tannix had waved over Acen, who in turn had waved me over.
Tannix collapsed into a plush armchair, and for a moment closed his eyes. Acen seemed to barely be holding himself in check. I didn't have to know anything about politics to understand the significance of what Tannix had said. Still, I didn't want to get drawn into the conversation.
Acen pounced the moment Tannix opened his eyes. "Is this why we stopped in Pagea?"
"Yes."
"And Lord Varlok is just going to give up his lands?"
"Lord Varlok doesn't have a choice," Tannix said stiffly.
Acen crossed his arms. "I understand the idea of reparations. But the Pitten Islands are hugely beneficial to Zianna. We're going to lose our entire southern trade network."
"There's a relatively large, but underutilized, fort city on the southern shore. Dallo. It used to export salt. Tandrin is giving it to Lord Varlok. The southern trade network can use the port there. It's better, in some ways, because they can launch some land routes from there. It's all handled. More or less. Losing the islands is worth gaining Navire's help." Tannix's fingers went to his cloak pin, but he wasn't paying attention and failed to undo it.
Acen took a deep breath, and let it out slowly before replying. "Tandrin's going to make enemies."
"Ideally he'll make more allies in the process." Tannix stood up, cloak pin forgotten. "Varlok is an Island Lord, and the Island Lords stand with West Draulin. He isn't happy about it, but he isn't going to be an enemy."
"He also won't be an Island Lord," Acen said.
"So you think it's a mistake?"
"If the islands buy us Navire's help, no. If they don't... I don't envy Tandrin having to make the decision."
"It was Esmeranda's idea, actually, but people will blame Tandrin." Tannix held up his hands. "Can we talk about something else? How are the men doing?"
I slipped closer to Tannix, and reached to undo his cloak pin. I took the cloak from his shoulders and lay it over the table. Tannix hardly seemed to notice.
"Fine. We're getting along well with our three guides. Mostly we've been passing the time with little contests. Overall, I would say we're making a good impression. How is Lady Mayah?" Acen asked.
I took Tannix's hand and tugged him back towards the armchair. He sank into it wearily. "Mayah is flourishing. She's very good at all of this." He waved a hand at the room, but he was probably trying to indicate all of Navire. "Has he said anything?"
Acen shook his head. "No. Not to me, at least. He might choose you."
Tannix's smile was sardonic. "Who would choose me over her?"
"I would," I spoke up. "I'll always choose you."
Tannix's gaze landed on me for the first time since we'd left the courtroom. He reached for my hand. "Acen, who's on duty tonight?"
"Me. Ender's taking over at midnight, and Kor's on early morning. Finn can stay until I leave."
"He's staying the whole night," Tannix said.
"Tan—"
"Acen, please. I need him."
I could have sworn my heart skipped a beat as he said those three words. It felt like ages had passed since we last spent the night together, even though it had only been a few days. He needed me.
Acen looked back and forth between us, then nodded with a sigh. "All right." He turned away from us to push open the door. "But Ender's going to bring him back to the barracks in the morning. Understood?"
"Yes," Tannix said, but he wasn't really paying attention anymore.
Acen grumbled something before letting the door close behind him. The moment we were alone, Tannix tugged me onto his lap.