The Unfortunate, стр. 51
5-2-1, 1-4-1—1-4-1, 3-2-1, 3-2-1, 1-4-1, 2-3-3, 2-4-4—5-2-1, 1-2-1, 2-4-4—1-2-1, 1-4-1, 3-2-2, 3-2-2, 1-4-1, 3-2-2, 2-3-3—1-4-1, 1-4-2—1-1-2, 1-2-3, 1-4-2, 2-4-4.
1-2-3, 5-2-1—1-1-1, 1-1-2, 1-3-1, 1-1-1, 1-3-2, 2-3-3—1-3-1, 1-2-3, 1-1-2, 1-1-2—2-8-1, 2-4-4—1-1-1—4-2-2, 1-4-1, 1-3-3, 1-4-2, 1-4-1, 3-2-2, 5-2-1
1-4-2, 3-2-2, 1-4-1, 1-3-3—5-2-1, 1-2-1, 2-4-4—1-2-1, 1-1-1, 3-2-2, 2-3-3, 1-2-1, 1-5-3, 2-4-4, 2-3-3, 2-3-3—1-4-1, 1-4-2—5-2-1, 1-2-1, 2-4-4—1-1-2, 1-2-3, 2-1-4, 1-2-1, 5-2-1.
The smaller man studied the strange message and shook his head. “What this?”
Although Molan had offered no indication of his ignorance being an act, Gildas still searched for the slightest hint of falsehood, but there was none. The owner of the academy, having wanted to catch the Drunishman in yet another lie, cursed to himself before answering, “A code. It was delivered to me this afternoon.”
“I not understand. How can I help?”
“I asked because I was able to decode this using the message you were carrying when you and your cousin were arrested,” he promptly answered and retrieved a second parchment.
No response was provided, and for a second time, Molan’s expression altered from shock, to realization, to fear.
“The letter you were carrying, were you aware of its content?”
Molan nodded. “I wrote it, but my words are not my own. A man contacted me with a message to transcribe into Drunish.”
“Who?”
“He did not—how you say?—show himself.”
Gildas was prepared to ask if Gruagh had ever seen the man’s features, but he quickly realized no matter the response, it would be of no use. He instead nodded and inquired, “Was this stranger a native of Winnix, or Yorcia, or Armania?”
“He spoke nothing but Drunish, but his accent was not that of my native language.”
Gildas again nodded. Despite the information he was no closer to solving the mystery. Even more questions had been presented, but he at least had pieced some information together, and he concluded, “I believe the individual who gave you the initial letter is the same who sent the one I decoded.” Gildas paused. “I also believe he means harm.”
Molan’s expression suggested he was more surprised than confused. “Are you sure?”
“I wish it were otherwise.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
The owner of the academy smiled meekly. “I doubt there are any answers to my questions, but there will be a time for your assistance.”
The Drunishman’s interests peeked.
“Return to Winnix with me and help me find who is responsible. If you do this, I shall convince King Wyman to pardon your crime.”
Molan deliberated momentarily but eventually nodded.
The agreement caused Gildas to feel more at ease. One conflict had been resolved, but there was an even greater issue. It was the message he had decoded, and he continued to recite it to himself, trying to interpret its meaning but to no avail. The message, another poem, made little sense.
The darkness, it is an embrace
To counter the horrors of life.
It always will be a comfort
From the harshness of the light.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
BANAN
For most of the morning, he had remained in his chambers. The recent games had been more than enough excitement, but that was not the reason for Banan’s self-confinement. More than anything he had requested time to think. Initiating a war between Yorcia and Drunacht had been easier than he had anticipated. Despite initial reluctance and the appearance of being uncooperative, Raedan had not disappointed. The advisor had been able to stage an attack, had been able to initiate the first conflict of an inevitable war, and had been able to make it appear as if Drunacht had been responsible. Despite this the true challenge had only been revealed, and it was Banan who needed to decide what involvement Armania would have.
He knew well what his father’s decision would have been. The king would have supported his strongest ally. His father would never betray Ryce, not for anything. But what if I were to support Drunacht? The thought was only momentarily, like a cloud passing over the sun and dimming the world briefly before the return of light. No. I could never.
Not only would it result in Armania being isolated, of being left with no true ally, it was also too great a risk. There were too many uncertainties, the foremost being what Aengus would ultimately do. Banan sensed there was nothing to gain from an alliance with Drunacht. Supporting Yorcia, however, would be different. Armania and Yorcia were the strongest of allies. This second option would further strengthen relations, being the most sensible and diplomatic choice. It would also adhere to the plan that had been flawless so far and if successful would allow Jenn and him to become lord and lady of Drunacht, regent figures of Armania’s new domain. Despite the prince’s inner debate, however, the leader to whom he would pledge support had never been an issue. The prince needed to consider the alternatives he could use to obtain what he desired, and as he did, he sighed, glanced back to the parchment, and read what he had written of the proposal.
In this the year two hundred sixty-nine, I, Banan of the Royal House O’Nechtan, Prince and Lord Regent of Armania, do offer my support to you, Ryce, King of Yorcia, during the conflict with Drunacht.
Our kingdoms have maintained the strongest bonds for generations, more so than any of the other realms. It is vital this relationship does not falter, and I can think of no better way to strengthen this bond than to raise Armania’s banners alongside those of Yorcia.
Of course the best way to strengthen our diplomatic ties would be through a marital union, but that will never, can never, occur! To nullify such an event had been the entire reason for what was occurring. But Banan dismissed his thoughts, looked back to the parchment, and resumed.
My father has aided you for many years, and for the loyalty I offer, I request for Drunacht to be placed under Armania’s domain if we are victorious. I understand if you are hesitant, if you deem this request outlandish, but consider the outcome and the amount of land we would