He was winning them over. Venera had one last hand to play, and it was her weakest. She stood up.
Then who am I? She strode up to the table and leaned across it to look Sarto in the eye. If Im a fraud I must have come from somewhere. Was I manufactured by one of the other nations, then? If so, which one? Spyre is secretive, but not so much so that we dont all keep tabs on one anothers genealogies. Nobodys missing from the rosters, are they?
And yet! She turned to address the rest of the council. Gaze upon me and tell me to my face that you dont believe I am noble born. She sneered at Sarto. Its evident in my every gesture, in how I speak, how I address the servants. Jacoby Sarto says that he knows I am a fraud. Yet you know I am a peer!
So then where did I come from? She turned to Sarto again. If Jacoby Sarto believes I did not come from Buridan Tower, then he must have some idea of where I did. What do you know, Sir Sarto, that youre not telling the rest of us? Do you have some proof that youre not sharing? A name, perhaps?
He opened his mouthand hesitated.
They locked eyes and she saw him realize what she was willing to do. The Key to Candesce was almost visible in the air between them; it was the real subject of tonights deliberations.
Sacrus has many secrets, as weve seen tonight, she said quietly. Is there some further secret you have, Sir Sarto, that you wish to share with the Council? A name, perhaps? One that might be recognized by the others present? A name that could be tied to recent events, to rumors and legends that have percolated through the principalities in recent weeks? She saw puzzled frowns on several facesand Sartos eyes widened as he heard her tread the edge of the one revelation Sacrus did not want made public.
He looked down. Perhaps I went too far in my accusations, he said almost inaudibly. I retract my statements.
Duke Ennersin leaned back in his chair, openmouthed. And Jacoby Sarto meekly sat down.
Venera returned to her seat. If I lose, everyone learns that you have the key , she thought as she settled herself on the velvet cushion. She took a sip of wine and kept her expression neutral as Pamela Anseratte stood again.
Well, said the lady in a cautious tone, if there are no more outbursts let us put it to a vote.
Venera couldnt help but lean forward a bit.
All those who favor this young ladys claim, and who wish to recognize the return of Buridan to Spyre and to this Council, raise your right hand.
Guineveras hand shot up. Beside him, August Virilio languidly pushed his into the air. Pamela Anseratte raised her own hand.
Oxorns hand went up. Then Garrats ambassador raised his.
That made five. Venera let out the breath shed been keeping. It was over. She had failed
Jacoby Sarto raised his hand.
His expression was exquisitea mixture of distaste and resignation that you might see in a man whos just volunteered to dig up a grave. Duke Ennersin was staring at him in total disbelief, and slowly turning purple.
Lady Anserattes only show of surprise was a minute frown. All those opposed? she said.
Ennersin threw his hand in the air. Five others went up.
And no abstentions, said Anseratte. We appear to have a tie.
Jacoby Sarto slumped back in his chair. Well, then, he said quietly. I move we take the matter to the Council investigative team. Let them visit the tower and conduct a thorough
Dont I get a vote?
They all turned to stare at Venera. She sat up straighter, clearing her throat. Well, it seems to me She shrugged. Its just that this meeting was called to confirm my identity and claim to being head of Buridan. Confirmation implies a presumption that I am who I say I am. I am Buridan unless proven otherwise. And Buridan is a member of the Council. So I should have a vote.
This is outrageous! Duke Ennersin had had enough. He threw back his chair and stalked around the table. You have the temerity to suggest that you
Shes
right.
The voice was quiet and languid, almost indifferentbut it stopped Ennersin in his tracks. His head ratcheted around slowly, as if pulled by unwilling forces to look at the man who had spoken.
August Virilio was lounging back in his chair, his hands steepled in front of him. Article five, section twelve, paragraph two of the Charter, he said in a reasonable tone. Identity is presumptive if there is no other proven heir. And Buridan is a member of the Council. Its title was never suspended.
A mere formality! A courtesy! But Ennersins voice had lost its certainty. He appealed to Pamela Anseratte, but she simply spread her hands and smiled.
Then, looking around him at Venera, she said, It appears you are right, dear. You do get a vote. Would you care to?
Venera smiled and raised her right hand. I vote in favor, she said.
Ennersin was yelling at Jacoby Sarto. It was music to Veneras ears.
She looked for Garth but couldnt see him at first. Thenthere he was, sidling in the entrance. Hed changed to inconspicuous street clothes. Had he been preparing to sneak away? Venera pictured him leaving through the wine cellar exit to avoid the councils troops. Then he could have circled around to stand with the street rabble who were waiting to hear the results of the vote. She smiled; it was what she might have done.