The Daughters' War (Blacktongue, #0)

by Christopher Buehlman

Nouva held the document in her hands, looking at it in disbelief. “He just gave you this?” “He trusts me.” “Yes, but it is me he’s authorizing to assume the privilege of his rank when I want to commandeer food.” “He said not to abuse it.” “This document was made for abuse.” “I trust you, Lanzamachur.” “Well, perhaps there will be a lesson in this for you, Daguera. Read it aloud to me so I can be sure I understand it.” “‘By the let of His Majesty King Kalith the Second of the Illuminated Kingdom of Ispanthia, and by the hand of his agent, Terce-General Pol Finat dom Braga, undersigned below and with this seal as witness to his pleasure, Lanzamachur Nouva Livias Monçera of His Majesty’s First Experimental Lanza of Raven Knights shall have all authority exercised by the terce-general aforementioned in matters touching the supply of food and fresh water for her command. The reader of this military writ is commanded to honor any request she may make touching on provision, and to supply her with such necessaries as her animals and kynd shall require to perform their duties to the King. Witnessed and signed this sixteenth day of Highgrass, 1224 Years Marked.’” “Yes,” Nouva said, “I believe that is clear.” “I believe so too, Lanzamachur.” “This is nepotism, is it not, dom Braga?” “I cannot think of a clearer example of nepotism, as I understand it, Lanzamachur.” “Well. Good, then. Let us get these big, hungry fuckers fed.” What happened next is not one of the proudest moments of m...