The Emperor's Chambers
Midnight, the same night

Emperor Dogbert had just finished up his legal studies and was heading into bed. It was a long day, what with Iamthey apparently finding out about Confusion and the assassination attempt. He really had to take care of Iamthey before it got out. Like he said, the last thing Dogbert wanted was the city to know about the war. They could never know... Not like this...

"It isn't like you to keep such dark secrets from trusted advisors, Emperor." The was a shadow in the corner he hadn't noticed before. The voice was familiar, but he couldn't quite place it.
"Who are you and what do you want of me?"
"All I ask of you is to bring truth to your people."
"Why should I listen to you?"
"Your life depends on it. Isn't that enough for you?"
"I would do anything to keep this secret safe."
"Yes... I suppose you would..."

"Show yourself!" the Emperor yelled as he charged towards the shadow with a knife had concealed before. But the was no answer. There was no man standing there. All there was was a black rose. There was blood on the stem. He picked it up and tasted the blood. It was his own.

There was a small cut on the Emperor's right pointer finger when Iamthey came in for a Council meeting the next morning. Nobody really noticed, but Iamthey was looking for flaws. He knew something had happened last night to Dogbert. But he also knew that he would never tell the Council about it. He would haved to find Matthew sometime this afternoon.

The meeting didn't discuss much, just why the assassins would want Dogbert dead. But nobody had any hunch except Iamthey. He didn't say anything, though. At least not until the meeting was over.

"Come here a moment, Head of Council. I wish to speak with you." Dogbet said in his raspy voice to Iamthey as he was leaving.
"Yes, is there something wrong?"
"No, not at all."
Then what can I do for you?"
"I was wondering who you might have gotten such outrageous information from about this Count Confusion figure of yours."
"I... I was given a note about it. No name came with the letter."
"Hmm... interesting. Was there anything unusual about this letter?"
"...Not at all."
"Very well, you may leave."
"Thank you" Iamthey replied and bowed before leaving the room. He had to lie, for he did not want the Emperor suspicious. But he knew that this would not be the last time the subject would come back to him. He went to the restaurant in the Theatre for lunch.