The other great families were represented by minor members and, in three cases, by ambassadors. Two of the ambassadors were cloaked and masked; the families in question, Garrat and Oxorn, were mysterious, isolate and paranoid as only the ancients of Greater Spyre could be. Nobody knew what their nations producedonly that it went for fabulous prices and threat of death on exposure in the outside world.
Three out of twelve for sure. Maybe three others if her reckless divestment of Buridans wealth had done what she hoped. But it was a big if. She was going to need every ounce of cunning and every resource to get through the evening free and intact.
The Council all sat and waited while Veneras new servants placed decanters of wine and tall glasses on the table. Then Pamela Anseratte stood and smiled around the table. Welcome, everyone. I trust the nations are well and that the hospitality of our host has been sampled and appreciated by all? Yes? Then lets begin. Were gathered
here tonight to decide whether to reinstate Buridan as an active nation, in the person of the woman who here claims to be Amandera Thrace-Guiles, heir of said nation. I
Why are you alone? Duke Ennersin was speaking directly to Venera. Why are we to take this one persons word for who she is? Where is the rest of her nation? Why has she appeared here, now, after an absence of centuries?
Yes, yes, were going to get to those questions, soothed Lady Anseratte. First, however, we have some formalities to clear away. Amandera Thrace-Guiless claim is pointless and instantly void if she cannot produce documents indicating her paternity and ancestry, as well as the notarized deeds and titles of her nation, plus the key. She beamed at Venera. You have all those things?
Silently, Venera rose and walked to the table. She placed the thick sheaf of papers shed brought in front of Anseratte. Then she unscrewed the heavy signet ring from her finger and placed it atop the stack.
This was her opening move, but she couldnt count on its effect.
I see, said Lady Anseratte. May I examine the ring? Venera nodded, returning to her seat. Lady Anseratte took a flat box with some lights on it and hovered it over the ring. The box glowed and made a musical bong ing sound.
Duly authenticated, said the lady. She carefully placed the ring to one side and opened the sheaf. Much of its contents were genuine. Venera had found the deeds and titles in the tower. It had been the work of several careful days to extend the family tree by several centuries and insert herself at its end. She had intended to use her own not-inconsiderable talents at forgery but had been indisposed, but Garth had come through, displaying surprising skills. He was not just a gigolo in his previous life, evidently. As the papers were passed up and down the table Venera kept a bland expression on her face. She tried the wine, and adjusted the fall of her skirt again.
Convincing, said Jacoby Sarto after flipping through the papers. But just because something is convincing that doesnt mean its true. Its merely convincing. What can you do to establish the truth of your claim?
Venera tilted her head to one side. It would be impossible to do so to everyones satisfaction, sir, just as it would be impossible for you to prove that you are, without doubt, Jacoby Sarto of Nation Sacrus. I rather think the onus is on this council to disprove my claim, if they can.
August Virilio opened one eye slightly. Why dont we start with your story? I always like a good story after supper.
Excellent idea, said Pamela Anseratte. Duke Ennersin asked why it is that you are here before us now, of all times. Can you explain why your nation has hidden away so thoroughly for so long?
Venera actually knew the answer to that oneit had been written in the contorted bodies of the soldiers inside the tower, and in the scrawled final confessions of the dead woman in the bedchamber.
Steepling her hands, Venera smiled directly at Jacoby Sarto and said, The answer is simple. We knew that if we left Buridan Tower, we would be killed.
This was gambit number two.
The council members expressed various shades of surprise, shock, and satisfaction at her revelation. Jacoby Sarto crossed his arms and sat back. Who would do this? asked Anseratte. She was still standing and now leaned forward over the table.
The isolation of Buridan Tower wasnt an accident, said Venera. Or, at least, not entirely. It was the result of an attackand the attackers were two of the great nations present at this table tonight.
August Virilio smiled sleepily, but Principe Guinevera leapt to his feet, knocking his chair over. Who? he raged. Name them, fair lady, and we will see justice done!
I did not come here to open old wounds, said Venera. Although I recognize that my position here is perilous, I had no choice but to leave the tower. Everyone else there is deadsave myself and my manservant. Some bird-borne illness took the last five of our people a month ago. I consigned their bodies to the winds of Virga, as we have been doing for centuries now. Before that we were dwindling, despite careful and sometimes repugnant breeding restrictions and constant austerity We lived on birds and airfish we caught with nets, and supplemented our diets with vegetables we grew in the abandoned bedrooms of our ancestors. Had I died in that place, then our enemies would truly have won. I chose a last throw of the die and came here.