Chapter Twenty-Seven
In You We Trust
The golden eye hung in the air, glittering and shining.
The chain tinkled faintly as Fymryn turned it over in her fingers. It was pretty, but apart from its ability to emit light in dark places, the amulet was seemingly unremarkable.
'And this shape you saw looked just like that?' Mirana asked again.
Marci nodded, indicating one of her own eyes.
Mirana held on to Sagan's saddle as he plodded along the narrow path. They had no choice but to take a narrow, winding track carved out of a cliff. The track was the fastest way to reach Trestaine. Once, it had been a popular route for traders. But poor maintenance had led to a few too many wagons falling off the edge, and multiple attacks by wildwings, stalkers and sky dragons had not helped matters.
It was dangerous, but the only other ways included trudging through swamps. Uneven terrain and a long delay could cost Mirana her leg. Or her life.
There were also creatures hiding in the bogs which were best avoided. At least you could see wildwing or a sky dragon coming easily enough.
Marci kept a wary eye on the edge as they walked. They had seen the rotting wooden wreckage of a cart further back, splintered at the bottom of the cliff. Gravity was another one of those enemies Marci could not defeat with strength.
'What about this "voice" you mentioned?' Mirana inquired. 'Can you remember anything else about it?'
Marci sighed and shook her head. It had been difficult to describe. Even if she had been able to talk, it would have been tricky.
Fymryn handed the amulet back to her. 'I think I saw something like this in the sage's tower. Maybe he can tell you more about it.'
Marci shrugged, then slipped the chain over her head and hid the amulet under her tunic. It was still warm against her skin.
It seemed that everybody needed answers now. Mirana needed to find the lotuses. Davion needed to get rid of his unwanted accomplice. Fymryn... actually, Marci was not sure what she needed from the sage, other than to get her and Mirana to him alive.
And now Marci had questions of her own. For a long time, she had been prepared to simply accept her unusual strength as an unsolvable but useful mystery. It was something she had learned how to control.
What had happened with Kaden scared her. She'd saved her friends, but one thing really bothered her: when the... power had been surging through her, she'd had no idea how to control it. She might have been in control of her actions, but it had simply come and gone without her willing it to. She'd been angry in fights before, but the rage she had felt had been nigh overwhelming.
And it all raised one troubling question: what was she?
Kaden had called her a Demon. She was fairly certain that he was wrong. She'd never made any deals with such an entity, and Mirana probably would have noticed if she was possessed.
Marci was no magician though. Her strength may have been inexplicable, but as far as she was aware it, had nothing to do with magic. She needed no mana to use it. She didn't even need that much food despite her appetite, it was just easier for her to pull off physical feats when she had a full stomach. She'd just assumed that it was a natural quirk, one she'd developed or been born with—unlike the rest of her family.
Had her detractors been right? Was she a freak? Whatever she was, she certainly was not ordinary.
Marci shook her head, as if she could dispel her worries so easily. Droplets of rainwater scattered, settling on Davion's jerkin.
Davion glanced at her. She still felt guilty about killing his fellow Dragon Knights. Yet the smile he gave her was full of warmth. Marci could not stop herself from returning the smile. She arched an eyebrow at him.
Davion shrugged. 'Maybe that voice is a god's.'
Marci raised her other eyebrow.
'Probably not one we know. Maybe they're new.' Davion was not being entirely serious. He had that sly curl to his smile—he was being flirty again. 'Whoever it is, they've chosen well. Beauty and awesomeness in one package? Who could resist?'
Behind them, Mirana rolled her eyes. Fymryn giggled into her palm, privately wishing that Davion would flirt with her too.
Marci felt heat bloom in her face. Her smile wobbled a little though. It was nice to hear, but was soured by what she had done. She looked away, conflicted and guilty over the clashing feelings running through her. Davion still liked her, that was good. But she had killed several of his brothers-in-arms.
She'd killed before. But they had been people who she wouldn't lose much sleep over. Traitors who had served Shabarra. Highwaymen intent on rape, murder or both. Pirates. Nikdo and his vile thugs. Bandits. Assassins. In every case, she had killed to protect others—Mirana especially, just as she had promised.
Dragon Knights though? She had been protecting her friends, that helped assuage her guilt a little. Yet there was no denying the fact that Dragon Knights were not common bandits. To many, they were heroes.
Davion moved closer, reaching out and putting his arm around her shoulders. He spoke in a whisper. 'You did what you had to.' He utterly serious now, his eyes soft and full of sympathy. 'Marci, Kaden left you no choice. He was going to kill Mirana. He would have killed all of us. I would have killed him too.'
That admission lifted a huge burden off her shoulders. At the end of the day, she simply could not have allowed anybody to hurt Mirana or Davion. She had made a promise.
She was going to keep it, no matter what.
Lina had to work hard to keep the smile off her face as she walked. If Janulus' agents were watching her, they would wonder what she was so happy about.
The smouldering embers which were the wrath of the common folk were growing hotter. Talim and his friends were feeding fuel to the rising fire. Very soon, it would become a relentless inferno.
Lina smirked. She was going to start talking like Gavenus next.
The streets of the upper city were bustling as usual. Lina kept her hood down, ignoring the curious looks she received. Like Gavenus had told her, she stuck out. She could cope with the staring, but if any of these fops tried to court her she would scorch their eyebrows. It had been a long time since she had burnt anything other than air and a table.
Another meeting, another step closer.
She heard heavy, brisk steps approaching from behind. Metal clinked faintly.
Lina partially turned her head, pretending to admire a statue of some Senator. Out of the corner of her eye, she spied a guardsman marching towards her, his eyes fixed on a point just over her shoulder. He was trying to catch up, but not making it obvious that he sought her.
Like the other Rasolir guards, he was clad in mail, and unlike the legionnaires his tunic was yellow rather than red. One hand rested on the pommel of his sword.
Lina readied herself. If this man was about to haul her off to be tortured and executed, she would fight back. She would rather die fighting.
The man reached her shoulder and marched in step with her for a moment. Without looking at her, he urgently whispered: 'Don't go to the house. Walk around the market, you will be contacted. Do not return to your quarters. Don't do anything to attract attention.' With that, he strode past and left her behind.
Ice formed in Lina's stomach. This could mean only one thing: somebody had been caught.
Their plan now rested upon the edge of a knife.
Lina did as she was told, knowing why. She had to act normally. Any hint that she was aware of something, and she would be next.
Trying to keep her face under control and her breathing steady, Lina walked down to the nearest market and started to browse the stalls. She saw merchants trying to sell her jewellery, spices, fine clothing, but she did not hear them. Fears raced around her head, and she expected to feel the firm hand of one of Janulus' agents clamp around her arm at any moment.
She forced herself to move slowly, trying to look as though she really was interested in the stalls. She even bought herself a bracelet, just to keep up the facade.
At the next stall, she was addressed by the pangolier overseeing it. 'Ah! Madam, you'll be wanting this!' He handed her a fancy looking bottle of fine wine. 'The finest wine from Quath itself!'
'I don't...' Lina stopped, registering the intense gaze of the pangolier. Quath? Who else had a fondness for wine from Quath?
'It is a gift, my dear,' the pangolier told her. 'Oh, but be careful where you open it, yes? Wouldn't want the common riff-raff to see it, would we?'
Lina understood. 'Thank you. I'll tell my friends about your wine.'
Making sure that she was not followed, Lina stepped into an alleyway and removed the cork. It had been loosened already. Inside, hidden by the opaque glass, was a scroll.
A message in a bottle. How original.
Lina glanced around, then pulled out the scroll, unrolled it, and read quickly. It did not say much.
Weaver's Street. Third Shop. Red door.
Lina burned the scroll, hid the empty bottle, and set off. This message had to be from the Wraith, or else she was being directed to her. They had all agreed that if they were discovered, the Wraith presented their best chance of escape. Nobody else knew as many secret ways in and out of the city as she did.
But she could not leave. If she ran, Shabarra would send in his troops to crush Misrule. Failure for the conspirators meant death for her.
If she was going to die, she would try to burn Shabarra first.
Weaver's Street was aptly named. It was a poorer district than some of the others, but its residents turned a profit by working looms and the like. Many rugs, clothes, tapestries and such were made down here. As she walked, Lina could hear spinning wheels rattling away and women chattering inside the houses. Many women who lived here supported their families by providing products for the shops.
Lina stepped through the red door of the third shop. Dust rose as fresh air swept into the empty room and she sneezed.
'Quiet!' The voice was raspy and familiar. The Wraith herself had come to meet her. 'Follow me. Now.'
Lina obeyed, following the Wraith into the back room. She was unsurprised to see the scarred elf unveil a trapdoor hidden under an old rug chewed by rats. Without preamble, the Wraith climbed down the ladder. Lina followed.
'Get that torch lit!' the Wraith hissed.
'Trying!' It sounded like the same oglodi bodyguard as before.
Lina sighed, lifted her hand and conjured flames to flicker about her fingers.
'Never mind.' The Wraith jerked her head. 'Come on. Quickly.'
'What's going on?' Lina demanded as they set off, jogging down the narrow tunnel.
'No idea.' the Wraith answered simply. 'I was just told to wait for you and bring you to Turlenas' house.'
Lina had to quicken her pace to keep up with the Wraith. The oglodi clomped along behind them. Their footsteps echoed in the passageways as they turned this way and that, totally reliant on the Wraith's memory.
'Here!' The Wraith indicated a ladder. Lina sprung up it, hoping that she was not about to climb head-first into a trap. But she trusted the Wraith. Out of all them, she perhaps had greatest hatred for Shabarra. She would sooner kill herself than sell them out to the man who had ordered his troops to burn her family alive.
A hand reached down and hauled up the rest of the way. Turlenas. He set her on her feet, then helped the Wraith up next. Her guard remained below.
Turlenas' home was a smaller, simpler dwelling than Gavenus'. It was a short walk from his barracks. Lina noticed that he had barred the doors. Though the guards in this area were under his command, he was taking no chances.
Turlenas grabbed a demijohn and splashed brown liquid into tumblers. He tipped his back before Lina could even ask, and then poured himself another one.
'What is it?' the Wraith demanded.
Turlenas knocked back the second tumbler. 'Gavenus has been arrested.'
Lina felt the fear course through her like ice water in her blood. Her eyes widened, disbelieving. This couldn't be true! Gavenus had always been so careful. He had known that he was under scrutiny, and as the head of the conspiracy...
'What?' the Wraith stepped forwards, all but spitting the single word.
'Him and a few other Senators.' Turlenas elaborated. 'Most of them had nothing to do with us, but they also hauled in Literi and Banneal.'
'For what?'
'Sedition.' Turlenas answered bluntly. 'And if Gavenus talks...'
'Then we're all fucked.' The Wraith took up one of the tumblers, drained it, then poured herself another shot. 'Now what?'
Turlenas sighed and put down his glass. 'We wait or we run. I guess it depends on what Kashurra can do.'
'Can he...' Lina shivered. 'Can he help Gavenus?' Her voice sounded unusually small and timid.
Turlenas said nothing at first. He exchanged a dark, meaningful look with the Wraith. The Wraith shook her head, then placed her hand on Lina's shoulder.
Lina lowered her head, blinking as tears filled her eyes. Whatever happened, Gavenus was going to die.
He had been the first person in this grandiose city to befriend her. Not only that, he had offered her hope. He had offered them all hope.
'I know this is difficult, Lina.' Turlenas stood and approached her slowly. 'But we must be strong, you most of all. Gavenus saw something in you, and I've never known the man to be a bad judge of character.'
'Kashurra won't let him suffer, Lina. You know he won't.'
Lina dried her eyes. When she lifted her head, her eyes burned with anger. 'I'm going to make Shabarra pay. I swear it.'
'Good.' Turnelas handed her the untouched tumbler. Lina drank from it slowly, the liquid inside burning as it went down, stoking the fiery anger searing inside her. 'You can stay here until Kashurra sends word. We should be safe, but keep that trapdoor open just in case.'
'I'm not running.' Lina vowed. 'If they come for us, I'll burn every last one of them. I'll set that damn palace on fire. I will burn before they take me.'
Kashurra deftly stepped to one side as the goblet flew through the air. It clattered across room, spilling wine across the marble floor.
'TRAITORS!' Shabarra screamed. Any louder and they would hear him in Candoness. 'I am the rightful Emperor and this is how they repay me?' He came to a halt before the dais, his breath hissing between his bared teeth. 'How dare they? And you, Janulus! You call yourself my spymaster. Some spymaster you are! These dissidents were scheming under your nose!'
'Your divine majesty,' Janulus held up his hands, trying not to visibly shake. 'I believe that we have caught the few malcontents in the Senate who truly oppose you. They will be dealt with accordingly.'
Kashurra suppressed his own emotions carefully. Though this was a great loss for the conspirators, it was also a major victory for Kashurra. Janulus looked like a fool, and his inability to notice Gavenus' actions raised questions not only regarding his competence, but also his loyalty.
Shabarra grew more paranoid day by day. Only last week, he'd had two of his Sun Guard beheaded for "plotting regicide". The men had only been discussing potential entrances an assassin might use. But this was all good for Kashurra and his ultimate goal. Now Shabarra's guardians were displeased with their supposedly divine, benevolent ruler.
'And what of their friends?' Shabarra barked. 'They were not acting alone, were they? And how come they were able to hide from you for so long?' Shabarra stepped closer to Janulus, his voice dropping into a low, sibilant hiss. 'You assured me that Gavenus was being watched. Yet now I find out that he was planning to have me killed.'
Janulus swallowed and bowed his head. 'F-forgive me, divine majesty. My… my attentions were focused on the Prin… o-on Mirana. I will see to it that Gavenus is questioned and his allies found.'
Shabarra turned away, his face twisted with anger. 'You are dismissed, Janulus.'
Janulus bowed low, even though Shabarra was not watching him, and scurried away, throwing Kashurra a venomous look as he went.
Kashurra waited until the doors had closed behind him, then stepped forwards. 'Divine majesty, do you need anything else from me?'
Shabarra was silent for a few seconds, frowning severely at the steps of the dais. 'Are you loyal to me, Viceroy?'
'I am, divine majesty.'
'Yet you were loyal to my brother too.'
'I am loyal to the Solar Throne, no matter who sits upon it, your majesty. I am loyal to the Imperium. I was loyal to your brother, yes. But you proved to be stronger and now you sit upon the throne. Therefore, I am loyal to you.'
Shabarra still did not face him. It occurred to Kashurra that he could have easily killed the man here and now. He had a dagger hidden in his robes. One quick move and it would be buried in the back of Shabarra's head.
But Callardis was standing next to the throne, and five other members of the Sun Guard were arrayed around the throne room. Kashurra could easily kill Shabarra, but he would die here too. As much as he wanted Shabarra dead, he needed to stay alive. And as much as he hated to admit it, he needed Shabarra alive too.
This was a scheme dependant upon time, a long game. Patience was crucial. He had once told Marci that when people depended on her, she had to stay alive for them. That was true for him as well.
'You truly support me?' Shabarra asked quietly.
'Yes, your majesty. You are the rightful Emperor.' Kashurra lied.
'Yes. I am. And I appreciate your loyalty, Viceroy.'
'Thank you, your majesty.'
'You may go. Janulus may have failed to notice Gavenus' duplicity, but you have proven to be a loyal and competent servant, Viceroy.'
Kashurra bowed. 'I live to serve, your majesty.'
The dungeons were not actually attached to the palace. They were located further away, under the grounds of the barracks of the Sun Guard. If a prisoner somehow managed to break out of their cell and made their way up to the surface, they would emerge right in the middle of the barracks, surrounded by the Sun Guard.
Gavenus was sat in his cell, his nose still bloody courtesy of the guard who had arrested him. They had taken away most of his possessions, leaving him with only his clothes. A single torch burned further down the corridor.
Down here, there were no windows. Neither sunlight nor moonlight peeped into these cells. The guards maintained their watch above, out of sight. Meals were delivered randomly. Without a reference, prisoners down here could not determine whether it was night or day. Being unable to perceive the passage of time took its toll on the mind.
Gavenus would not be here long enough to go insane though. Nor would he suffer torment from the instruments of inquest.
He heard footsteps and looked up to see a cloaked figure, his features indistinct in the darkness. The torch he carried deepened the shadows under his hood. Nevertheless, Gavenus could guess who he was.
'Is it time?' Gavenus asked quietly.
'I am afraid so, my friend.' Kashurra tipped back his hood. The torchlight flickered off his bald head. 'I cannot free you. You know that.'
'Yes. I do.' Gavenus spoke slowly and softly into the gloom. If Kashurra freed him, awkward questions would arise. Gavenus had known that this might happen, and he had prepared as best he could.
He considered himself lucky. Though he had children, they were far away and safe from Shabarra. His wife had passed away before the Bloody Dance. There were friends who would miss him, dear friends like Lina, but they would survive. They would see their dreams through without him.
'I would ask something of you, my friend.' Gavenus murmured. 'Something other than the obvious.'
'You have but to ask.'
'I would like to bequeath my books to Lina. When this is over, give them to her.'
'I will see to it personally.' Kashurra approached the bars. He reached into his robes and produced a small, easily concealed vial smaller than his index finger. 'This could easily have been concealed in your robes. It will be quick and painless if you drink it all quickly.'
Gavenus slowly moved forwards and took the vial. 'Thank you.' He performed a mock toast. 'To your health.'
'Farewell, Senator. You will be remembered.' Kashurra pulled up his hood and walked away.
Gavenus sighed as he uncorked the vial. 'Will you tell my children? When this is all over?'
'I will.'
Gavenus stepped away from the bars and lifted the vial to his mouth. 'Long live the Imperium, and long live Mirana, Princess of the Sun.'
Kashurra did not turn around. He continued to walk as Gavenus tipped the deadly fluid down his throat. He had one more thing left to do before he turned in for the night.
Sleep would elude him once again. He knew that. But he had to maintain the illusion.
It was a pity about Gavenus. But his death was a necessary sacrifice.
'Long live the Imperium.' Kashurra whispered as he put out the torch. 'And long live the Princess of the Sun.'
He barely slept. It had always been hard for him with little but silence in his dreams, even though it had been this way for years. He dreamed, yes, but his dreams were always silent.
He saw them as they had once been. Young, innocent, carefree, the idea that they might one day have to flee for their lives and abandon their futures inconceivable. He saw them sitting in the garden, Mirana singing, matching the tune Marci whistled. He saw them reading together, Mirana patiently helping Marci with new words she did not understand. He saw them play together, learn together, grow together.
Sometimes he wondered how all of this had come to pass. He had tried so hard to make it easy for them, though he had known that his goal would never come without a cost.
When the knock came, he was already awake. He had dreamt of what would come later, and he had woken with it plaguing him. He knew what had to happen. As damning as it was, as hard as it would be, it had to happen.
Kashurra followed the Sun Guard to the throne room, told along the way that Gavenus had been found dead in his cell, along with the other prisoners. All of them had ingested poison.
All of them had thoroughly searched, Kashurra knew that. He had been counting on it.
When he entered the throne room, he knew that he had succeeded with another throw of the dice.
Shackled and forced to his knees, Janulus sat with the swords of two of the Sun Guard pointed at him. The evidence Kashurra had planted had been utterly damning and brilliantly forged. A good lie contained a shred of truth, and Kashurra had lied brilliantly.
Shabarra was sat upon his throne, looking down at them all. His hands were clenched upon the arms of the Solar Throne, his nails digging into the stone like a cat's claws.
Kashurra bowed to him. 'Your divine majesty.'
Shabarra wasted no time on pleasantries. 'As you no doubt know, Viceroy, Gavenus and his cohorts were found dead this morning. Poisoned.' He levelled a finger at Janulus. 'And this man, this traitor provided it to them.'
'I never went near them, your majesty!' Janulus protested shrilly. He was cuffed by one of the guards for this.
'Be silent, worm!' Callardis snapped.
'You made sure that they would die to protect yourself.' Shabarra continued, shaking with barely suppressed rage. 'You did not have them arrested because you were working with them. Were it not for Viceroy Kashurra, I would not have known of this treachery until it was too late. And you have been plotting to have me replaced by none other than the exiled Princess.'
'No!' Janulus whined. He had not been tortured yet, but it would be easy to force a false confession out of him. Not that Kashurra planned to take that risk. It wouldn't be necessary, thanks to his forged evidence. 'I am loyal to you!' He was smacked again for speaking without permission.
'My men found the letters and the reports.' Callardis stated acidly. 'You sent Kalin into an ambush, knowing full well that he and his men would die. You made sure your agents were focused on chasing shadows rather than the Princess, leaving you and your fellow traitors to act freely.'
'You are guilty of high treason, Janulus.' Shabarra announced. 'For this, there is only one fate: you will be executed at noon. You will borne into the plaza of pillars upon a hurdle. There, you will suffer the death you deserve: you will be disembowelled and dismembered, the various parts of your corpse spread across the city as a warning to other malcontents. Callardis will ensure that you suffer. Take him away.'
Janulus bawled as he was dragged from the room, wailing and screaming all the way down the corridor. Kashurra could still hear him even after they closed the doors.
Shabarra drained his goblet of fine wine, then stepped down from the throne and approached Kashurra. He reached into his robes and produced a scroll, bearing the royal seal. 'You have proven yourself to be a true friend to me and the Helio Imperium, Viceroy. I would make you my new spymaster, if you believe that can manage your new duties along with your duties as Viceroy. Replace Janulus' spies if you must. Do what must be done, Viceroy. You act with my authority in all matters, and none shall question you. You have my trust, Kashurra, now and always.'
'I will strive to be worthy of it, your majesty.' Kashurra accepted the scroll and inclined his head. When he spoke, he was genuinely grateful. 'I live to serve the Imperium, your divine majesty. I am honoured to accept.' He lifted his head and looked Shabarra in the eye as he vowed: 'I swear to you, divine majesty, that I will not rest until all of the enemies of the Imperium are dead.'
'They came this way.' Eserren muttered, peering at the marks in the mud. 'See these prints, Caewyn? These could only have been made by their night-beast.'
'They're heading towards Trestaine.' Caewyn said. 'They must not know about the bounties.'
Eserren grimaced as she stood. 'I hope we can catch up to them before they reach the city.'
'The people will tear them apart.' Caewyn murmured, sounding less than her usual happy self.
'No matter what they are, they have some semblance of honour.' Eserren climbed back onto her horse. 'I would rather they surrender, or else choose to die in battle.' She nudged her horse's flanks.
Caewyn followed automatically. 'I'd rather they not die at all, Mum.'
'Sadly, that is not our choice to make.'
'Isn't it?'
Eserren sighed. 'Caewyn, your heart is pure, and I admire that. No matter what others say, I am proud of you. But you know what is at stake. If we fail, we will be cast out of the Order.'
Caewyn combed her fingers through her wet hair. The brigandine vest still felt too large, despite Eserren's efforts to adjust it. Normally, she would not have bothered with it. There was little which could protect against a dragon's claws, and she preferred to avoid being hit in the first place. Her use of a crossbow meant that it was easier for her to stay out of immediate danger.
It would not save her from Marci, she knew that for certain. If Marci attacked, and Caewyn was hoping that she would not, only a well aimed bolt would stop her.
Caewyn glanced at the various quivers hanging from her mare's saddle. She was something of a tinkerer and alchemist. She had no magic and no draconic armour, but she understood chemicals and powders better than anybody else in Steelpoint Vigil. She had put these skills to use by creating bolts which had a variety of effects. Some exploded on contact, others emitted blinding flashes of light, some released clouds of stinging vapour. All had their uses against dragons, and would work just as well against people.
Caewyn had been forced to kill people before. Greed could make people stupid and murderous, and a dragon's scales were worth a great deal of gold.
Eserren reached over and gently squeezed Caewyn's shoulder. She knew how she felt about this. Though neither of them had any love for the servants of Selemene, they knew that Mirana and Marci were perhaps more innocent than some members of the Dark Moon Order.
Selemene was a liar. Such was the way of usurpers.
Neither of them worshipped Mene, nor did they want to see her return. Their duty was to protect people from dragons. Eserren thought of vengeance as pointless and destructive, and Caewyn agreed with her. They were not hunting Davion and Marci for the sake of avenging fallen Dragon Knights.
They had their orders, and if they wanted to stay with the Order they would have to obey them. Caewyn enjoyed having a purpose. She slept well knowing that she helped to protect people from dragons.
Would she continue to sleep well after this?
Caewyn looked down at the Warbler hanging from the saddle. It would confuse any nearby dragons, giving them a chance to slip past unnoticed.
What they did not know was that there was a dragon out there which could not hear the Warbler. Perhaps it could no longer be called a dragon, for it was more of a puppet than anything else.
Lina ran her thumb across the leather cover of the small book Gavenus had given her. It was all about the greatest Emperors and Empresses of the Imperium, their deeds and virtues.
Gavenus would have made a decent regent, no matter what he had said. He had given up everything to save his beloved nation and return the Solar Throne to Mirana.
Everybody was subdued. Owing to his capture, Gavenus' house was now surrounded by guards. They had instead gathered in Marsian's home tonight.
Few of them spoke. The ones who did conversed in hushed whispers. Now and then, they would glance at Lina. She was ignoring them. She knew what was going to happen, and it actually worried her.
The Wraith stood at her side, oddly comforting despite her manner and appearance. She had stuck by Lina's side when they had hid in Turlenas' house, not saying much, but providing solace with her solidarity.
The messenger had come from the tunnel below early in the morning. He had simply nodded, and they had agreed to meet with the others later to discuss the future of their mission.
Lina was determined that nothing would change, except she was going to do her utmost to ensure that Shabarra died screaming.
At last, Kashurra arrived. His normally impassive face was weary, and Lina could see a little hint of remorse in his eyes. He placed a hand on her shoulder, not needing to say anything.
He would not have allowed Gavenus and the others to suffer, she knew that.
'Though we have lost valiant friends today, our cause remains.' Kashurra announced, his voice steady. 'All is not lost, and I have exacted revenge for Senator Gavenus. Spymaster Janulus has been accused of high treason. He will be executed today at noon.'
'Janulus?' One of the Senators stared at the Viceroy, obviously shocked. 'How did you manage that?'
'I planted evidence which implicated him, but exonerated the rest of us.' It was true. The fake evidence he had planted had not mentioned the others. To make it seem plausible, he had instead implicated others. Some were loyal to Shabarra, and their deaths would weaken him further still. Others were innocent of any wrongdoing, but sacrifices had to be made. The Imperium had to survive and flourish, no matter the cost.
'And what about Lina?' the Wraith asked. 'It was well known that she and Gavenus were friends.'
'I took that into account. The documents I planted absolved her too.' He had left forged letters which stated that Lina had not been recruited because she was too closely watched. A shred of truth which once again sold the lie. Lina was closely watched, but not closely enough. Her apparent lack of rebellious action had made her watchers complacent. And now her watchers were under Kashurra's command.
'What now?' Marsian inquired. 'When will Shabarra appoint a new spymaster?'
'He already has.' Kashurra answered. 'He chose me. I now have control of every spy in this city and beyond.'
They all stared at him. As terrible as the loss of their leader had been, this was an extraordinary stroke of good luck. At least they perceived it as luck. Kashurra had known that Shabarra would choose him, he had played his role as a loyal advisor and servant well.
'We must move quickly.' Kashurra told them. 'Or else I will be forced to hand innocents over to Shabarra to ease his suspicions.' He would if he had to, but he needed Rasolir to be strong when the Princess returned. 'With Janulus out of the way, and with Shabarra believing him to be ringleader of the conspiracy against him, we have bought ourselves some time, but not much.'
'Then what should we do?' a Senator asked quietly.
'Continue to follow the plan.' Kashurra answered. 'Shabarra is planning something even I am not privy to, but I have no doubt that he will one day present us with the opportunity we need. When the people rise against him, that is when we will strike. But for now, we need to choose a leader.' He looked round at Lina. 'And I know who Gavenus would have chosen, and it is who I too would choose. Lina was to be our figurehead until the Princess returned. She should be our leader now. It is her passion and dedication which will carry us to victory.'
'Yes,' the Wraith nodded. 'I will follow you, Lina. And when Shabarra lies dead, I will help you to free the rest of the Imperium.'
'Why not you, Viceroy?' Turlenas asked.
Kashurra shook his head. 'I am an advisor, not a leader. And as we agreed before, the people will want to follow Lina. Besides, my role will be played out at Shabarra's side. I can hardly lead you from the palace whilst feeding lies to Shabarra.'
'I see.' Turlenas accepted. 'In that case, I too cast my endorsement to have Lina lead us.'
'So do I.' Marsian added. 'I know that we have not always seen eye-to-eye, Lina, but when the battle begins, I know that you will fight for us. I would be honoured to fight by your side.'
One by one, the others agreed to make Lina the leader of their rebellion. Kashurra allowed himself a smile. Lina was still reeling from Gavenvus' death, but if anything his demise had fuelled her anger and her desire to bring down Shabarra—just as he had known it would.
He had given them hope to advance the cause. Now he gave them fury.
All he had to do now was give them opportunity. The people of the city had been fearful, and the many poor and unfortunate citizens were growing angrier as the days came and went. Soon, he would give them what they needed to rise up: hatred.
Yes, there is a Star Wars reference in that last little bit there. I've been a fan for as long as I can remember.
I'm overcoming the burnout, so hopefully I can get this finished soon. Wish me luck! Reviews would be appreciated, since they seem to fuel my enthusiasm, particularly if you approve of my work.
