The Flame Priest (The Silk & Steel Saga) Read Online Free
Author: Karen Azinger
crown.”
The goldsmith flushed with pleasure, giving the queen a deep bow.
Having put the man at ease, the queen turned to the heart of the matter. “Now it appears that you have come to serve the crown a second time. We are told you have knowledge of a plot against the Rose Throne. We are keen to hear your news.”
The goldsmith swallowed, visibly gathering his courage. “I beg pardon for bringing this to your majesty’s attention, but it’s something a goldsmith would notice before all others. At least I haven’t heard any rumors in the marketplace, so there may still be time.” Shrugging, he said, “Best if I just show you.” Fumbling at his waistcoat he produced two gold coins and handed them to the queen.
Puzzled, the queen examined the coins. Both bore the twin roses of Lanverness on one side and a likeness of the queen on the other. Turning the coins, Liandra detected no discernable flaw. She checked the rims for illegal shavings but the edges were clean and uncut. The two coins appeared to be like any other coins of the realm…but then she noticed the subtle difference. Her breath caught in her throat. Liandra willed her face to remain still. Her gaze slipped toward the Master Archivist. Her spymaster’s normally opaque eyes flashed with anger, confirming that he understood the magnitude of the threat. Not only was Lanverness at risk but the plot threatened the stability of all the southern kingdoms. Wearing a mask of calm, the queen turned her penetrating gaze toward the goldsmith. “Where did you get this?”
The stout man took a step backward as if avoiding an onslaught. In a fearful voice he said, “S-so…you see the d-difference. The two coins bear the same face, yet one is pure while the other is tainted.” The goldsmith took a labored breath. “I came across the first in a pub, the Green Briar, and then I began to notice more. I melted one down in my shop. One part in twenty is silver, causing only a slight dilution of the gold color. It is enough to devalue the coin without being blatantly obvious. But once you know what to look for, the muted color cannot be missed.” The goldsmith fell silent, a mixture of fear and pleading on his face.
In a level voice the queen asked, “To the best of your knowledge, have any others seen this difference?”
Trembling, the stout man cast his gaze to the floor and muttered, “I am ashamed to say that m-most of the other m-members of my guild have noticed. They plan to keep the knowledge to t-themselves, hoarding the true coins while using the diluted coins to pay their accounts. They seek to gain an extra measure of profit by knowing the difference.”
The queen sat back in her throne, stunned by the magnitude of the plot. Destroy the people’s faith in coins and the kingdoms would be driven back into barter. Debts would cause disputes. Chaos and suspicion could lead to war. The Rose Crown might even be blamed, yet one honest man had seen the danger and dared to speak up in the hope of making a difference. It was amazing how great events could sometimes turn on the decisions of a single soul. Perhaps the warning came early enough to turn the tide. Liandra prayed for it to be so. “Master Saddler, you have done the realm and the crown a great benefit by warning us of this threat. The kingdom of Lanverness is well served by loyal citizens of your honesty. We will see you suitably rewarded once the threat is averted. In the meantime, we need you to work in the service of the crown.”
“ Me?” The goldsmith’s eyes widened. “But I am only an artisan…”
The queen gave the goldsmith a beguiling smile. “You are the best of our citizens, an honest man.”
The goldsmith flushed crimson.
“We would keep such honest men in our service.”
The stout goldsmith fell to his knee. “I am yours to command.”
The queen reached out and tapped him on both shoulders as if anointing a fresh-sworn knight. “Your fealty is accepted.” Having
The goldsmith flushed with pleasure, giving the queen a deep bow.
Having put the man at ease, the queen turned to the heart of the matter. “Now it appears that you have come to serve the crown a second time. We are told you have knowledge of a plot against the Rose Throne. We are keen to hear your news.”
The goldsmith swallowed, visibly gathering his courage. “I beg pardon for bringing this to your majesty’s attention, but it’s something a goldsmith would notice before all others. At least I haven’t heard any rumors in the marketplace, so there may still be time.” Shrugging, he said, “Best if I just show you.” Fumbling at his waistcoat he produced two gold coins and handed them to the queen.
Puzzled, the queen examined the coins. Both bore the twin roses of Lanverness on one side and a likeness of the queen on the other. Turning the coins, Liandra detected no discernable flaw. She checked the rims for illegal shavings but the edges were clean and uncut. The two coins appeared to be like any other coins of the realm…but then she noticed the subtle difference. Her breath caught in her throat. Liandra willed her face to remain still. Her gaze slipped toward the Master Archivist. Her spymaster’s normally opaque eyes flashed with anger, confirming that he understood the magnitude of the threat. Not only was Lanverness at risk but the plot threatened the stability of all the southern kingdoms. Wearing a mask of calm, the queen turned her penetrating gaze toward the goldsmith. “Where did you get this?”
The stout man took a step backward as if avoiding an onslaught. In a fearful voice he said, “S-so…you see the d-difference. The two coins bear the same face, yet one is pure while the other is tainted.” The goldsmith took a labored breath. “I came across the first in a pub, the Green Briar, and then I began to notice more. I melted one down in my shop. One part in twenty is silver, causing only a slight dilution of the gold color. It is enough to devalue the coin without being blatantly obvious. But once you know what to look for, the muted color cannot be missed.” The goldsmith fell silent, a mixture of fear and pleading on his face.
In a level voice the queen asked, “To the best of your knowledge, have any others seen this difference?”
Trembling, the stout man cast his gaze to the floor and muttered, “I am ashamed to say that m-most of the other m-members of my guild have noticed. They plan to keep the knowledge to t-themselves, hoarding the true coins while using the diluted coins to pay their accounts. They seek to gain an extra measure of profit by knowing the difference.”
The queen sat back in her throne, stunned by the magnitude of the plot. Destroy the people’s faith in coins and the kingdoms would be driven back into barter. Debts would cause disputes. Chaos and suspicion could lead to war. The Rose Crown might even be blamed, yet one honest man had seen the danger and dared to speak up in the hope of making a difference. It was amazing how great events could sometimes turn on the decisions of a single soul. Perhaps the warning came early enough to turn the tide. Liandra prayed for it to be so. “Master Saddler, you have done the realm and the crown a great benefit by warning us of this threat. The kingdom of Lanverness is well served by loyal citizens of your honesty. We will see you suitably rewarded once the threat is averted. In the meantime, we need you to work in the service of the crown.”
“ Me?” The goldsmith’s eyes widened. “But I am only an artisan…”
The queen gave the goldsmith a beguiling smile. “You are the best of our citizens, an honest man.”
The goldsmith flushed crimson.
“We would keep such honest men in our service.”
The stout goldsmith fell to his knee. “I am yours to command.”
The queen reached out and tapped him on both shoulders as if anointing a fresh-sworn knight. “Your fealty is accepted.” Having
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