Oathbreaker, Book 1: The Knight's Tale - Colin McComb

“Then all that is required of us is to begin the process of motion. And where else does
this process begin in the body but in the brain?”
“And you suggest that we motivate the brain to begin the exercise anew?” I said. “Surely
you understand that the king is not eager to embark on any new ventures, not with his new child
consuming his attention, nor with the tax situation being what it is. Indeed, I see this time as one
of great precariousness. It is our duty to tread carefully so as to prevent utter chaos.”
“It is a time to walk carefully, or a time to act decisively. Glasyin, you have seen many of
these moments in your life as a leader. You must know when it is time to act.”
“I would first hear your proposal. Grand rhetoric is useful for stirring to action, but
carefully planned deeds direct the unformed into a useful shape.”
“What makes you think that I have a proposal?” she said.
“It would be a pity,” I replied, “if this were simply idle talk. Indeed, if this were simply
idle talk, it might be construed as treason.”
She studied my face carefully. “Thank you for your words and your time, General. I hope
to speak to you again soon.”
“I hope to understand your position on the subject more deeply,” I said, and sketched a
bow. When I straightened, she had moved into the crowd in the shadows under the high, vaulted
ceiling.
So. It was a plot, then, a plot aimed at the very heart of the Empire. And clearly they had
the tacit support of at least two High Houses, or were making an effort to appear as if they did. By
approaching me, they had as much as said that they thought my duty to the Empire was greater
than my loyalty to the king—and they clearly thought that I was the sort of man who would agree
to that.
I resolved to give the matter some thought and to appear in the company of the courtiers
until the conspirators made the next move. I told no one of my suspicions. I could not show my
hand until I knew where I stood. In truth, I was greatly troubled. Was the Empire’s claim on me
greater than my friendship with the king? I could not answer that question. It nagged at me.
These questions were put to me the next night, as I passed quietly along the fringes of the
Autumnal Ball, held under the balmy moonlight in the winter-tinted breeze. It was likely to be
one of the last good nights of the summer before the fall storms hit. Torches flickered in the
gardens, and a calmer yellow light flowed over the king and queen on their dais, pouring from the
Archmagus’s glass globe. Revelry and merriment in the throng, plotting and whispers among the
dark, assignations and threats, promises and betrayals—all the usual despicable entertainment of
the court. I, of course, stuck to the shadows, fending off requests to dance with a slight smile and
Colin McComb Oathbreaker, Book 1: The Knight's Tale
24