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on a broad trail and could see somewhat better. The Prince wondered for a
moment what would happen to the vast carcass of Chaffinch, lifeless on the
fields they left behind them.
Van Duyn said, I haven t had much time these few hours we ve known each
other to tell you about my country, about the ideas and ideals from which I
draw my philosophy. I thought that, since we ll be passing some time
travelling, you might care to hear a little of them.
Springbuck agreed guardedly, partly because he felt guilty about the older
man s anguish over Gabrielle s change of fancy, wanting to show that he bore
no ill feeling. Van Duyn spoke at length, fascinating the Prince, about his
home and the great documents and statements of his Reality and his nation. The
Heir of Kings was oddly moved by passages from compacts, speeches and laws. He
considered much of what he heard blatant heresy, held it seditious and
immoral. But it was compelling withal, a vivid narrative of the struggle of
imperfect Man, through battle and the intricacies of law, toward human
enfranchisement.
The monologue came to an end. I ve explained this, Van Duyn finished,
because I must ask something of you. When we ve gained control of Coramonde,
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I d expect you, asKu-Mor-Mai , to abdicate and create representative
government in the suzerainty.
Springbuck was speechless for long moments. Just when he d begun to dream of
taking his father s place with such allies as the deCourteneys and Gil
MacDonald!
Receiving no answer, Van Duyn pressed him harder. After all, you d already
forfeited the throne, more or less, when you came to us.
The Prince chewed his lip and slapped his reins against his thigh. Fireheel
pranced nervously, chaffing at being held to a walk.
This, then, said the son of Surehand, when I depose Strongblade, we ll
hold a plebiscite and let the people of Coramonde decide.
Van Duyn nodded. Fair enough. In return for this, though, your commitment to
our cause is unstinting?
Springbuck concurred, and they rode on together in silence.
Andre left his sister s side and fell in with them. The deCourteneys, of
course, could have gone on to Freegate at far faster pace by means open only
to them. But Andre had reckoned that the others might well need guidance and
perhaps other, special help as well, and so the two went by prosaic paths.
One thing you ve not yet told us, young Pretender, Andre said. When you
ran back to speak to Amon in his hall, what words passed between you and the
demon?
His mind yanked back from thoughts of the carven throne in Earthfast to the
unpleasant problem he d been wrestling with since their return from the
Infernal plane. The Prince hesitated, but he judged that the others had a
right to hear.
I told him that I knew that Strongblade is Yardiff Bey s son, and I asked
who Bey s daughter is. He laughed even then at the humor of our not knowing
and said that . . . that Bey s firstborn, his daughter, is Gabrielle.
Van Duyn went white. A lie! he whispered.
Andre said nothing.
No, I think not, Springbuck said. And I have tussled with this thought for
some time. Rumor has always had it that Bey can wear many disguises.
Put aside your prejudices, then, and think. Why could it not have been him,
Bey, who tempted Andre s father and won for himself the default to beget a
child of Andre s mother. Look you: why has Bey been at odds with Andre for
years untold but never with Gabrielle? He has never offered her hurt, never
struck at his daughter once except in killing the husband who had won and held
her unswerving affections.
And who has been Gabrielle s enemy? Mara, who is Bey s rival before their
mutual patron, Amon. When Bey had Gabrielle at his mercy in Amon s hall he did
her no harm; knowing that Mara would be there, he posted the old woman with
the aclys whom Olivier killed as a guard over both his daughter and the baby
we rescued.
I resist this thought, Andre said, but I find it well reasoned and
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