"After I fled the war, I journeyed east and found Maester Corwyn The Wise. With eyes that seemed to see beyond time, he warned me of the cursed fates woven by the false gods. a darkness yet to unfold."
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"the alternative is war. And war benefits no one."
The words hung heavy in the air. Around the table, men shifted uncomfortably, the reality of what they were discussing settling over them like a shroud.
"Lord Tarkun," Arzash said slowly,
"surely we can find some middle ground. Perhaps a joint council until the next scheduled rotation? and an independent investigation into Belshaz's death?"
"Joint council?" Tarkun's voice dripped with contempt.
"You mean Dabru control with Urartu window dressing. piss off."
"Then what do you propose?" Anumi demanded. "That we simply ignore a murder and pretend everything is normal?"
"I propose you accept reality," Tarkun replied coldly. "Belshaz is dead. The treaty grants his position to my family. If you have evidence of wrongdoing, present it. Otherwise, step aside and let legitimate authority take its place."
"Evidence?" Arzash's remaining eye sharpened.
"What evidence would satisfy you, Lord Tarkun? What proof would you accept?"
"The kind that would convince the capital's magistrates," Tarkun replied smoothly.
"Witnesses, physical proof, something more substantial than whispered suspicions and political convenience."
Anumi felt a chill run down her spine. There was something in Tarkun's tone, a confidence that suggested he knew they had no such evidence. Had he been so careful in planning Belshaz's death? Or were they simply innocent that their accusations were based on suspicion rather than fact?
"You speak of the capital," she said carefully. "Have you informed them of Belshaz's death?
"Of course. Such news travels quickly along the trade routes. I'm sure they'll send investigators in due time."
"And you're not concerned about what they might find?" Tarkun's grin returned, cold and predatory.
"Why the fuck would I be? My family has nothing to hide. Can yours say the same?"
The veiled threat was unmistakable. Anumi exchanged a quick glance with Arzash, seeing her own fears reflected in his expression. If Tarkun had killed Belshaz, he was clearly confident he could weather any investigation. But worse he was implying the Dabru family had secrets that wouldn't survive scrutiny.
"Lord Tarkun," Arzash said with forced calm, "let us speak plainly. What would it
take for you to accept a delay in assuming the burgomaster ship? Some compromise that would allow tempers to cool and facts to be established?"
"Facts?" Tarkun laughed, but there was no humor in it. "The only fact that matters is strength. And strength is something your family seems to have forgotten."
He stood abruptly, his massive frame casting a shadow over the table like a storm cloud.
"You want to know what I think happened to Belshaz? I think he finally realized what kind of family he was serving. I think he discovered things that would have made him reconsider his loyalties."
"What are you suggesting?" Anumi asked, though ice was already forming in her stomach.
"I'm suggesting that perhaps Belshaz's death wasn't murder at all. Perhaps it was justice. Perhaps he found out about certain....activities...that his own family would prefer to keep hidden."