Gods of War III, Ummana

As if on cue, all gazes turned to Casto, who sat at the table next to his mate. He was slowly getting used to being treated like an especially valuable possession, which, according to the prophecies, he somehow was. Now that Ana-Isara had officially recognized him as Renaldo’s heart, the divine brothers were only waiting for the arrival of the last Emeris before they would conquer this world for good.

Casto’s place in the hierarchy had changed considerably, and he was still busy assessing and analyzing the resulting consequences.

His relationship with Canubis and Renaldo was indisputable. He owed them obedience, period. Even though he resented it, his scope regarding those two was narrow, and he was in no hurry to test its limits. Hulda, Noemi, and Cornelia were out of the equation. They were very intelligent, immensely powerful ladies he would always treat with the greatest of respect, since he was neither a barbarian nor stupid. Aegid and Kalad were almost like friends, even though he still felt unsettled by Aegid’s intense personality. Wolfstan and Bantu were level, reserved characters, but you did not become a member of this elite circle without a will of steel and special talents.

In Ummana, Casto had learned that it always paid not to neglect the silent ones. If you did, you could very well die. Noran, on the other hand, was his enemy. He was torturing Casto’s best friend, did it on purpose to hurt Casto as well, and he would be damned if he did not make the master smith pay for his sins one day.

“Therefore, Renaldo and I have decided to attack and destroy Medelina.”

Canubis’s voice pried Casto from his musings.

“It’s one of the cells where the Good Mother is strongest, and according to the traitors we tortured, Assani and Damon were schooled there. I want that city down in the dust.”

The amber eyes lit up dangerously; there was no doubt about Canubis’s determination and anger. It was a terrifying display of his dominance. Kalad was the first who dared to voice some doubt.

“I do understand your fury, Canubis, and please believe me when I tell you that I share it wholeheartedly, but Medelina is incredibly fortified. The city is one of the few that still have something akin to a standing army, so they’re not defenseless. Even with forces like ours, it’s questionable whether the city will fall.”

“I agree with my brother.” Aegid’s voice was level, as always, but it carried weight because of that. “Attacking Medelina is madness. It will cost us many fighters, and we can’t be sure about the outcome.”

As usual in such situations, Renaldo’s face was frozen into an impenetrable mask. His brother, on the other hand, showed his agitation openly.

“We can’t let them get away with this. We have to set an example.”

Now Bantu spoke as well. “I do understand, Canubis, but the question is….”

Casto studied the map pinned to the wall behind the Wolf of War. There was a truly simple solution to this problem, even though he had hoped to have left this part of his life behind for good. Just thinking about it made his head ache, but he was a member of the Pack, mate to a god. He owed it to all of them to neglect his own well-being for the greater good, especially when the alternative meant losing so many skilled warriors. It’s also your chance to get your revenge! the voice in the back of his head whispered persistently. It was too good an opportunity to pass on.

He cleared his throat.

“I agree with Aegid and Kalad. Attacking Medelina would be a calculated waste of lives. Besides, it doesn’t make sense to go against a city you can easily control with other means.”

Canubis glared at him. He had anticipated that his plans would not meet with immediate approval, but he did not like how his brother’s mate not only opposed him, but also spoke in riddles.

“Explain yourself, Casto. I don’t have time for one of your games.”

For a moment anger bloomed in the noble features of the prince, but after a sidelong glance at Renaldo, who looked at his mate with a clear warning written all over his face, Casto held back. Nevertheless, he could not keep himself from speaking with exaggerated patience, as if his audience were a slightly slow child.

“All I’m saying is that Medelina is a member of the Confederation of the Plains. The mistress of this alliance is Ummana. The Twin Cities are superior to all other members.”

“And?”

Canubis, like the other Emeris, did not see where Casto was going. Even Renaldo seemed confused. Casto sighed.

“The key is Ummana. And it so happens that I know from reliable sources that the rightful king of Ummana was married to a barbarian god from the North only a week ago. According to the laws in the Valley, Ummana is yours and your brother’s.”

Silence. They all stared at Casto as if seeing him for the first time. The young man rolled his eyes.

“What do you think ‘Your Highness’ means? It’s not an empty phrase. I’m the firstborn. This summer I turn twenty-two, which means I’m of age and can claim the throne for myself. It could be that the Council won’t accept my marriage because Renaldo is male and thus the continuation of

the line is in danger, but they can’t deny my claim to the throne. You’re going to rule through me.”

Kalad started laughing.

“That’s brilliant! Crazy, but brilliant.”

As if these words had lifted a ban, they all started talking at once, all enthusiastic about the idea. Only Canubis watched Casto with a questioning look in his eyes. Renaldo silenced the Emeris with a gesture. Canubis took over again.