The Flame Priest (The Silk & Steel Saga) Read Online Free Page B

question now is whether to act on the knowledge and tip our hand to the Red Horns or to wait until we know the traitors’ identity.”
    In a grave voice, the queen said, “There is nothing to debate. This plot goes beyond the threat to our throne. Lanverness provides the coinage for all the southern kingdoms. Should word of the false coins spread, it will spark panic and chaos across all of Erdhe. War and economic ruin are the surest outcomes.” Shaking her head, the queen said, “We must nip this plot in the bud, even at the risk of our crown.”
    The master’s voice showed rare emotion. “You dare not take the risk!”
    “The leader of the Red Horns has called our bluff. We must act before panic spreads across the kingdoms.”
    The master grimaced, “Then we must stop the mint in a way that does not alert the Red Horns.”
    Fingering the strand of pearls at her neck, the queen said, “We must act without seeming to act.”
    Nodding, the master crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in thought, a pillar of shadow anchored to the center of her solar. Tugging on his thin gray mustache, he said, “I can think of only two ways to halt the production of the false coins. The first is to commission a new die for the royal coins, one with an updated visage of the sovereign. The minting of coins could be halted until the new die is cast.” Lowering his voice, he added, “The second solution is less eloquent. Assuming that those who work in making the false coins are equally guilty of treason, my shadowmen could arrange for ‘accidents’ to occur in the mint. Working with molten metal is very dangerous. The workmen could be replaced with men more loyal to the crown, ensuring the production of pure coins.”
    The queen gave her spymaster a sharp glance. “We will not loose assassins against our own people.”
    Her spymaster had the grace to blanch at the rebuke.
    The queen stared into the hearth. “But suddenly announcing the commission of a new die is too blatant. The Red Horns would spring their trap before we are ready.” She shook her head. “We must hide our actions beneath subterfuge. Halting work in the mint must be blamed on chance and happenstance rather than calculated design.” The queen paused in thought, considering her own words.
    Lightning cracked outside the casement window, startling both the queen and her advisor. A storm raced across the spring sky, dark clouds on the horizon.
    The queen stared at the open window, considering the inclement weather. “We need a fire in the heart of the mint, a fire that is caused by accident rather than a deliberate hand. Something fierce enough to put the mint out of commission until the plot of the Red Horns is foiled.” Gesturing toward the window, the queen said, “A lightning storm could provide the perfect spark for the blaze...assuming it strikes the proper place.” The queen stared at her spymaster. “The sooner the minting of the false coins is stopped the better.”
    Bowing, the master said, “It shall be as you command. In the meantime, my shadowmen will keep a close watch on those who work within the mint. Perhaps they will lead us to the Red Horns.”
    “Pray that something leads us to our enemies. Time grows short and the leader of the Red Horns has proven to be a most cunning adversary. It is past time your shadowmen found the clues needed to unmask this traitor.”
    “I shall do my best.” The master bowed. “With your majesty’s permission, I shall see to your ‘lightning bolt’.”
    The door clicked shut and the queen sat in silence, the spring storm thundering outside her window. Unclenching her hands, she stared down at the mismatched coins. The motive for the false coins screamed of avarice but Liandra sensed an underlying stench of Darkness. Her opponent was both dangerous and cunning, but this plot reached beyond a single kingdom, threatening chaos on a grand scale. Staring at the coins she realized her opponent was more than