The Cerberus Rebellion (A Griffins & Gunpowder Novel) by Joshua Johnson Page B

a lady of court. But she used the knowledge and experiences that she had collected to advise her husband, and it was one of the aspects of her personality that Eadric was most attracted to.
    “ I would say that while the young prince would not be a poor choice for our daughter, there are other potential families that we might court for a betrothal. Herzog Renwyk’s heir is coming to an age where he might be betrothed. And there is still King Harold’s grandson.”
    “ I had not considered Beldane or Steimor,” Eadric confessed. “I had considered one of our more prominent houses first.”
    “ We have no need of family ties to our own noble houses,” Haley said. “They are already sworn to our service and bound by more than a thousand years of tradition and oaths. But a marriage to the heir of either Beldane or Steimor could have implications far beyond our own borders.”
    “ I will discuss the matter with the ambassadors,” Eadric promised. “Until then, would you care to join me for a walk about the grounds?”
    “ Of course, my love.”
     

Chapter 7 - Magnus
     
    Roland lit the fat cigar clenched between his teeth and took a long pull to make sure it was drawing properly. The acrid stench of bitter leaf filled the room and Magnus shook his head. He had never approved of cigars, especially in the confined space that was his study, but that hadn’t stopped his son from enjoying them..
    The younger Jarmann had brought his ship into Hellhound Harbor, attended all of Magnus’ council meetings, and resumed his role as one of his father’s closest advisors. His youth made him more aggressive than Magnus’ more experienced advisors and his experience in the Ansgari navy gave him insights into their military planning that few others had.
    It had been Roland who had come up with the idea to make their first strike swift, with heavy cavalry unheralded by the slow march of infantry and artillery. They would catch the garrisons of the first forts and armories unprepared and gain a quick foothold in Ansgari territory.
    “ I want to bring in a few of my captains before I send them out to the Straits,” Roland said. Magnus’ right eyebrow raised and he frowned.
    Roland had plotted the Kerberosi naval defense structure and placement of their best squadrons in the southern half of the Straits of Steimor. They would be alone, away from the coastal fortresses that lined the shores of the Earldom of Forest Glen and the Felda Barony.
    “ The more people who know of our plans, the more that can spill them,” Magnus said. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and took a sip. The liquid burned as it slid down his throat but he smiled. “The wrong captain tells the wrong first mate, who tells the first whore in the first port they stop at, and we’ve got the whole of the Ansgari fleet sitting in Hellhound Harbor raining cannonballs on our docks and wharfs.”
    “ The captains I had in mind are smarter than that,” Roland countered. “They come from old blood and are no friends of the Ansgari. And besides, they command the flagships of the three frigate squadrons we are shipping out to the Straits. It would be best for them to know ahead of time so they can decide which of their captains they can trust and which of their captains will need special minders on board before the day comes.”
    “ Only if you are sure of their loyalty,” Magnus said after a moment. “And tell them as little as possible.”
    “ Of course, Father.” Roland took another long pull on his cigar. The gray smoke drifted from his mouth in a slow stream. He watched as it drifted toward the ceiling.
    The younger Jarmann had many of his father’s features: the same strong jaw, tangled blonde hair and eyes that were so blue they were almost gray. But he had his mother’s ambition.
    One day Magnus would pass his holdings to Roland and his legacy would be whatever happened between his armies and the forces of Ansgar.
    His son would be a king and his