Embers of a Broken Throne Read Online Free Page B

Sea of Clouds that they would enter the Lost Sea.
    “The idea also goes against their complexion. Both the Banai and Cardians are swarthy peoples from their time spent in the sun, on the decks of their ships. The Desorin show no such stain.”
    “Does he mention their fighting prowess?” Ancel asked.
    She traced her fingers along the text, scanning the words. “Here … he claims they are either trained at birth to fight or to sail, and mentions seeing one of them battle five men. The Desorin used a long hammer.”
    “Interesting,” Ancel mused. “If he doubts their skill as sailors, then it might explain how they would reach Ostere to trade. They must possess some route through the Rotted Forest, and are willing to battle Amuni’s Children along the way. Though, I wonder, if they can achieve that, why choose only the Banai? Why not the Harnan or the Astocans also?”
    She shrugged. “Why they avoid the Harnan I couldn’t guess, but I might have an explanation for the Astocans.”
    “Go ahead.”
    “Neither the Astocans or Cardians think much of the Banai. It stems from the Banai’s Formist beliefs. I remember a Cardian Lord berating one of the Banai representatives in Castere when the man voiced his opinion over the coming of Humelen and Liganen, and the subsequent return of the Eztezians. Not many of the dignitaries there appreciated the Banai’s comment, particularly where the Eztezians were concerned.”
    Ancel’s forehead creased. “I guess the Cardians don’t know an Eztezian is among them or might be ruling them.”
    “What makes you think that?”
    “I can feel one in Cardia almost in the same way I can feel you. Not the exact location, but a general idea. It’s as if my mind is looking at a map and I can judge that the person is in a particular area. As for the chance it might be one of their rulers? Ryne once said most Eztezians felt the best way to defend the people was from a position of power.”
    She gave the idea some thought. “Like Voliny did in Astoca. With his people none the wiser although they also loathed Eztezians, and blamed them for the world’s downfall and the Setian reign.”
    “Exactly.”
    “Then the Cardian was shrewd.” She had often felt that way about Lord Traushen whenever she heard the man speak at court. “Countless Astocans died in wars before they finally bent knee to Nerian’s armies. Knowing the Banai would jump at any chance to preach, and that it would be seen as a grievous insult, he must have encouraged the man. Perhaps hoping King Voliny would execute the Banai for what would be seen as a grievous insult. Not only that, but by appearing to be sympathetic to the Astocans, the Cardian Lord made it seem as if the Cardians were properly cowed. Never mind that it’s an ill-kept secret that the Cardians still seek to overthrow them.”
    Ancel stared off at nothing, lost in thought.
    “How soon do you plan to venture to the Broken Lands,” she asked.
    His reaction was a raised brow. “Apparently the Cardians aren’t the only ones with an ill-kept secret. How did you know?”
    She pointed at the book, and the others near him that dealt with similar topics. “It wasn’t hard to figure out.”
    He let out a breath. “I don’t know when I’ll leave, but it won’t be before we reach Benez. Ryne suggests that I go as soon as we reach the city. Jerem was a little less adamant, saying it was up to me. But you know how it is with him. He says something but makes you feel as if the opposite is what you must do.”
    Typical Jerem. Always pulling strings. She hadn’t seen much of her master, but she knew he must be off somewhere setting events in motion. “And your father? What does he think?”
    “He doesn’t know.”
    “You plan to inform him?”
    “Eventually.” He sighed.
    Ever since recovering from his ordeal, Stefan protested Ancel’s involvement in any action that would place him in danger. She understood. Which parent would want to lose their