Chapter 6: Mysteries

"Hey, you know, I think it will work."

"I didn't believe you at first, but after I saw that data, I'm convinced."

"The irony of it."

"It doesn't escape me." Pause. "When can we start?"

"Whenever you're finished developing the thing. You'll be able to do it faster than I will."

"I still need help, though. Someone close."

"I can arrange that."

"Really? Yourself?"

"Yes, I know just the person..."


Over the next few days, Lyude received a stream of visitors, many wanting to wish him well, but several on business. He had asked to be given reports of Alfard even though he was still in the hospital, so he kept up with his work the best he could. This position was something of an advantage, because now he could see how the other Imperial leaders worked when he wasn't around. He was surprised and saddened at what he saw.

Once he was gone, a power struggle had broken out. There were arguments over a temporary replacement or even a successor, should he not recover (which he now realized some might not mind) and more subtle maneuvering by the cleverer commanders to get themselves into higher positions in order to "help out" during a "time of crisis." He had at first tried to solve that by authorizing Admiral Bagnost, Commander Davies, Ayme, and Folon to act in his stead, but even those four had broken out in disagreement. Finally, he'd decided upon Bagnost to keep things running with his seniority and experience, and things were a little smoother. But there were issues coming up that he wanted to handle personally, so he had to rest and get better quickly.

If only he could use his right arm.

After he'd recovered sufficiently to be able to stay awake through a whole day without trouble, the doctor had quietly informed him that the bones in his shoulder and right arm were completely shattered and beyond help. He'd even offered to amputate, but the horrified Speaker had rejected that at once. He didn't need to look like a cripple any more than he already was. After that, he'd spent a few days alone, refusing anyone or anything to eat or drink. Finally Lycoris had come in, exasperated with worry to the point of anger, and thrown a pitcher of water in his face. His mouth had been open to tell her to get out, and the liquid flew in and nearly choked him; he had to swallow. The Speaker of Alfard sat shocked in bed, drenched from head to foot, his hair hanging in dim red straggles over his face. Then they both burst out laughing. He didn't refuse food after that.

"Still working?" As if his thoughts had summoned her, the nurse Lycoris opened the door and peered in, smiling. "That's not what the doctor ordered."

"Just because its leader is incapacitated doesn't mean the country stops and waits for him." Lyude picked up a report from near the bottom of the pile and began reading.

Lycoris laughed. "I would expect no less from the Voice of Alfard. But how do you expect to..." She trailed off as Lyude's eyes widened in horror. "What? What's wrong, Lyude?"

"My friends... the report says that there were attempts on their lives also, around the same time as mine. How old is this report...? A week...? Then this group, this Silent Wings, could already be on the move. They're in danger."

"As I recall, you were one of them," said Lycoris pointedly.

"Hm," said Lyude absently, which meant he was really not listening. He labored to write with his left hand. "Send... messengers... to... Anuenue... Duhr... Dia-ah!" He looked at his scribbles in disgust. "Even I can't read this. Lycoris, could you scribe for me, please? I'll dictate."

"You're forgetting something." Lycoris laid a hand on his arm, and he jumped. She took it back hurriedly, looking embarrassed, but continued, "You're in danger too. The Silent Wings also tried to have you killed. I know you care about your friends, but right now, your safety is our top priority. They have the protection of each of their governments – I know they'll be fine."

"I had the protection of my government too, didn't I?" Lyude asked, more harshly than he had intended. Lycoris recoiled, and he instantly regretted it. What had drawn those words out of his mouth?

"Lyude, I'm... I'm not trying to tell you how to govern..."

"I know. I apologize. I did not mean the words the way they came out. I thank you for your concern, but I am still worried for my friends. There is one of them unaccounted for."

"Oh!" Lycoris put her hand to her mouth. "Who?"

"Mizuti."

She looked down at the floor. "I'm sorry."

"If you'll write for me, I'll dictate an order sending out an airship for her."

Lycoris looked dubious as he handed her the quill pen. "Lyude... are you... um... ah... nothing. Never mind."

Lyude looked at her curiously. "Please, what is it? Don't be afraid to speak your mind."

"Well... don't you think... are you sure it isn't, um, abusing your power?"

Lyude was startled. "What makes you think so?"

"Well... we don't have many airships, and this is just for a friend of yours... it might seem like you're... giving out favors."

He frowned. "It's a rescue mission. I would do the same for anyone."

"Alfard simply does not have the resources to help every..." Lycoris stopped as Lyude's face began to harden. She threw up her hands. "You're as stubborn as an Azhan. I can't believe you're not related to us... all right, you win."

His face softened. "I know that you too want only what is best for this country. All right, we don't have to send out an airship... what about a boat? Most people have built a few by now. Write that order and I'll sign it."

Lycoris did as he commanded, and the Speaker signed it awkwardly with his left hand. He looked at the illegible mess ruefully. "I'd better start learning quickly, I suppose..."

"They'll understand."

Nodding, he picked up the next report, scanned it, and tossed it aside. He went through a few more before one made him pause. He stopped, went back, and read through it again. His face slowly drained of its color.

Lycoris looked at him silently, her eyes wide, waiting for him to speak. He didn't, for a while. His eyes traveled slowly down the page. He slumped back onto the pillows.

Finally he asked, "How far above sea level is Alfard?"

Lycoris blinked. That question had come out of nowhere. "Um... I don't know. The palace is on the highest ground, and I think Azha is well above it. Mintaka is right on the shore, though, with the docks... why?"

Lyude looked grim. "We're going to have to make plans for its evacuation, then."

"Evacuation? Why?"

"Wazn is melting. The sea level will rise quickly, and soon, and cover everything too near the shore. That includes Mintaka."

Lycoris gasped. "Are you sure?"

He nodded. "I got this from the queen of Wazn herself, Xelha. We'll need to give this report to the council if they don't already know. Send for Folon and Ayme, if you please." He took out a fresh sheet of paper and started scribbling orders haltingly.

Lycoris was almost out of the door when she remembered something. "Oh! Lyude, I was just thinking... if you need someplace that's quiet, I know... a..." She stopped, embarrassed, as she realized how she sounded.

Lyude looked up. "Go on, Lycoris." His flame-colored eyes were gentle.

She blushed. "Well... I visited the Imperial Palace a few times, and on one of my trips I discovered a back entrance. Out there lies a garden surrounded by trees. It must have been started by an emperor many generations before... Geldoblame, because it's wild and the fountain in the middle is broken and overgrown. There's a short path through the trees that goes out into a clearing on top of a cliff over the ocean. It faces east. When I got there, it felt... it felt like the most peaceful place in the world." She looked down shyly.

"How did you find it?" Lyude asked curiously.

"Oh..." Rose stained her cheeks. "There's a secret passage in the weapons locker. I was... um... exploring when I found a little pedestal with nothing set in it, but it moved and opened a passage in the wall. I don't think anyone else knows about it. There are no windows or battlements overlooking it."

"To think that there is a garden growing, of all places, in the midst of a place once home to such terror and destruction..." Lyude's eyes shone. "Thank you, Lycoris. I will certainly pay it a visit."

She blushed again and smiled. "Of course. You're welcome." She turned to go.

As she left the room, she could hear Lyude muttering to himself, "Such crises within weeks of each other... instability... odd coincidences. Or are they? Mysteries..."


"T-The Great Mizuti s-sees land ah-head."

"You s-said that th-three hours ag-go too! It t-turned out t-to b-be a cloud!"

"T-this time, the G-Great Mizuti is c-certain."

"P-Please, M-Mizuti, c-can't we rest a m-moment?" Kee shivered. "I'm g-getting r-really tired…"

"N-No, Kee, w-we must k-keep moving…"

But Kee had already stopped, treading the frigid water slowly and shivering. He shook his head, his sopping green locks flying out in all directions.

Mizuti gazed towards the dark shape on the horizon, but turned and paddled towards Kee. Her own dark brown hair was drenched and slowly coming undone from its tight bun. She had lost her hat somewhere in the sinking of the boat.

Kee's treading got slower as he tried to float and conserve energy. His shivering had stopped – a bad sign, Mizuti noticed.

"It's so empty," he sighed, gazing at the sky. "So cold… the sun doesn't give any heat." He closed his eyes. "But the water's getting warmer… comfortable… I could just wrap it around me like a blanket…"

With alarm, Mizuti saw he was slowly sinking. She grabbed him, somehow managing to keep afloat despite his weight. "K-Kee! S-Snap out o-of it!" She shook him several times, but he didn't respond. Mizuti groaned as she began tugging him towards what she thought was land.

"Th-this b-be the l-last t-time the G-Great M-Mizuti goes s-sailing!" she muttered as they made their way at a snail's pace across the blue, icy depths.

After hours of paddling slowly, Mizuti was relieved to see that it was indeed land she had spotted, and it was drawing ever closer. Seeing her goal within reach, she took what was left of her flagging strength and swam furiously towards shore.

"The G-Great M-Mizuti… is n-never wrong… almost t-there," she panted as the water became shallower. Suddenly her feet touched ground, and she was swept forward gently as a small wave beached, depositing both limp bodies on the sun-warmed sand.

Mizuti lay motionless with Kee beside her, heedless of the ocean still licking her feet softly. "Ah… the Great Mizuti made it," she said faintly, and passed out.


Mizuti awoke to a particularly large wave washing over her and nearly drowning her in salt water. She choked, coughed violently, and startled Kee awake.

"Muh… Mizuti?" he asked faintly, looking around. "Land? Or did we both die?"

"No, Kee, this be land." Mizuti felt like kissing the ground, but knew it would look undignified. "Quickly, we must be getting to higher ground."

The two bedraggled travelers picked themselves up and walked slowly up the beach inland.

"Look, Mizuti… the sand is white." Kee let a handful of the sparkling, pearl-white grains trickle through his hand.

"That be interesting, Kee." Mizuti was searching inland. "I believe we be near fresh water. Look, willow trees."

"Water!" Kee ran, stumbled, and kept going towards the trees. Mizuti followed him over the rise to see a placid pool of clear water sitting peacefully beneath the shade of the willows. Kee nearly threw himself in.

"Drink first, Kee, then we wash." Mizuti knelt and cupped some of the water in her hands, drinking deeply. Kee followed suit, then dragged himself back towards the trees. He leaned against one of the willows, and his eyes fluttered shut.

Mizuti decided to bathe while he wasn't watching, hoping he slept soundly.

While Kee snored softly, Mizuti bathed and washed her clothes, setting them in the hot sun to dry. It did not take long, and soon she lay back among the willows while Kee took his turn.

Presently she dozed off, and when she woke the sun was much lower in the sky. Kee was just approaching her.

"Mizuti, come here. There's something you need to see."

Curious, she followed him back down to the beach. Kee stopped in the shadow of a palm and pointed towards the sea. Mizuti followed his finger and started.

There was a small ship sailing quite close to the island, likely intending to beach. As it came closer, Mizuti could see Imperial marking on the boat.

"Quick, Kee, hide," ordered Mizuti in a whisper. They both dove into the bushes at the edge of the sand. Kee crawled next to Mizuti where they could see the shore.

"Mizuti, why are we hiding? The Imperials are on our side now, aren't they?" Kee asked quietly.

"Yes, but the man who did try to kill us had an Imperial rifle. I believe they be after us."

"Oh." Kee fell silent. Mizuti patted him on the shoulder.

"Don't worry. The Great Mizuti will watch and see what happens."


"They all escaped."

"Yes, I know. No thanks to you."

"Master, it was not my fault. Some of it was luck, but they are skilled, very skilled."

"Don't make excuses. Only Savaron has failed to report back, or someone has not yet brought news of his demise. I can only hope that he does better than you miserable failures."

Yellow eyes flared angrily. "…I am always ready to try again, master."

"See that you do." The hooded figure dismissed her carelessly. "And this time, finish the job. Bring backup so you don't fail again."

She bowed stiffly. "I will convey and carry out your orders, master." She turned and ran off, fleet-footed and light as a deer.

The figure, cloaked in shadow, sighed. "I have waited long for this day… I guess I can wait a little longer." It turned and stared out the window at the clear azure sky. "Why did we lose our wings? Did we not serve well enough? It is all a mystery…"