Description: A member of the Tortallan delegation is implicated in a plot against the emperor and arrested secretly forcing Arram's hand.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. Everything belongs to Tamora Pierce.

Author's Note: Things start to ramp up over the next few chapters. Hilariously, I realised this chapter occurs at the same point in Of Death and Separation although events are different in this story. That was a complete accident, I swear!

I named the hippo Ernimi which is a subtle adjustment of Erinmi which means water elephant. Also, I know absolutely nothing of sailing so I'm sorry if I got any of the procedures wrong. Please feel free correct me if you know anything!

Chapter 11

A persistent tapping on his door woke Arram from his sleep two hours past dawn. The mage came instantly alert and tumbled out of bed to answer the summons finding a dark-skinned female slave with a shaved head dressed in a simple linen wrap stood on the other side with a worried expression.

(One of the Tortallans was taken this morning. You asked to be informed.) Naylah signed hurriedly with her hands. She was one of the emperor's mutes.

(Who was taken? The Lioness?) Arram replied in sign language, his mind already working on a plan.

(No,) Naylah shook her bald head. (The Tortallan Prime Minister, Gareth the Younger.)

Maybe Ozorne had decided that the Lioness was too much of a risk with her Gift and legendary skill with a sword.

Arram slipped his feet into a pair of sandals before closing his door softly to follow the other slave down the corridors until they opened a concealed panel in the wall and slunk inside. (Where have they taken him?)

Naylah checked their surroundings before she responded. (To the dungeons. His possessions were taken, and a letter left on the bed. It accuses him of inciting a rebellion. The guards are preparing to round up the rest of the Tortallans as we speak.)

(Contact the others in your sect and free the Prime Minister. Have him brought to the closest tunnel that opens out near the river. I'll meet you there with the rest of the delegation.) The mage instructed.

The pair wished each other good look before separating and going in opposite directions. Arram dashed down the slave tunnels, heedless of who he might encounter. It was rare for anyone other than slaves to use these tunnels but occasionally a master or the emperor himself used them to conduct secretive dealings. When the mage arrived at the guest quarters, he discovered immediately that he was too late as heated voices could be heard inside.

"Where is my son? What have you done with him?" the voice of Duke Gareth of Naxen could be heard shouting as Arram approached stealthily, keeping close to the walls.

"He has been charged with treason. You will accompany us to the audience chamber immediately," the guard captain informed them.

The mage peered into the common room to see Duke Gareth, Lord Martin, Harailt of Aili, the Lioness, Daine, and their retinue of clerks surrounded by soldiers carrying short spears and shields. It was unusual for anyone from the army to be allowed inside the palace. Ozorne was either becoming more complacent about his reliance on his military or more paranoid about the omens. Either way, the Graveyard Hag's plan was working.

"How dare you threaten our people! This will be considered a breach of the peace accords," Duke Gareth was red with rage while the Lioness restrained him by one arm looking equally furious.

"This way," the captain ordered, directing the delegation towards the exit.

Arram stepped out from behind the wall to block the captain's path. "One moment, if you please." He looked over towards the dragonet in Daine's arms and held out his wrists. "Kitten, if you would be so kind?"

The dragonet chortled before letting out a loud croak. The guard captain, who had been about to hit Arram with his spear, backed away in fear when his cuffs and collar fell to the floor with a clang. A slow smile spread over the mage's face as he sent out his Gift to freeze the soldiers before any of them could cry out a warning. Going soldier to soldier he used his Gift to wipe their minds before sending them on their way while in a state of confusion. The Tortallans, barring Daine, weren't sure how to react to Arram being released from his bindings: Harailt of Aili and the Lioness readied their Gifts while the duke tried to reach for a weapon he didn't wear.

"Thank you," the mage nodded to Kitten who chirped in response. "If you would all follow me, I can help you escape," he addressed the room.

"Where is my son?" Duke Gareth stepped forward to challenge the mage regardless of the danger he was putting himself in.

"He was taken this morning," Arram explained gently, collecting the fallen cuffs and collar from the floor. "I have arranged for him to meet us near the ferry."

"How do we know we can trust you?" Lord Martin muscled his way to the front giving him a pointed glare. "That this isn't an elaborate hoax to make us look guilty of a crime we didn't commit?"

"You are welcome to stay here and find out," the mage replied blandly before turning and heading towards the slave tunnels.

The Tortallans exchanged worried glances before they trailed after Arram. Shutting the door behind them, the mage used the fire of his Gift to draw a rune on the surface to prevent anyone from following.

Placing the cuffs and collar on the floor under a sight shield he spoke softly. "Stay close, please. It's easy to get lost down here."

Taking the lead, Arram checked his stride while he guided the Tortallans down the labyrinth of tunnels ensuring at every junction he hadn't lost anyone. The Lioness trotted on his righthand side while Duke Gareth marched on his left, grim faced.

"Why are you helping us?" His Grace asked after fifteen minutes of walking in uncomfortable silence.

"I have my reasons," the mage responded mildly.

"Are you a member of the secret underground movement to overthrow the emperor?" Lady Alanna's violet eyes seemed to look right through him.

Arram stopped dead in his tracks to stare at the short knight, his heart pounding in his chest. "How did you hear about that?"

"I have my ways," she grinned broadly.

The mage shook his head dolefully before picking up the pace once more. "So much for secrecy."

"What movement? Why didn't I know about this?" Duke Gareth gave the Lioness a sharp look.

"It was only Whispers," Lady Alanna replied casually.

The way the duke's eyes widened made Arram think there was something more to the knight's words than he was aware of.

After another ten minutes of walking the group drew close to the river where the Tortallans were reunited with their missing delegate. Gareth the Younger appeared from a side tunnel with a slave either side of him to embrace his father and the Lioness while Arram signed his thanks.

(They will know he is gone at the next guard change) Naylah warned.

(It is time enough to get them out of here. Return to your posts and don't let anyone suspect you) the mage smiled in gratitude. The slaves disappeared back down their tunnel while Arram addressed the group. "Wait here, please."

The mage didn't wait for them to acknowledge as he cloaked himself in an invisibility spell and exited the tunnel. Walking softly along the path, he spotted the ferry guarded by four armed men. Weaving his Gift into a fog, the mage sent out a sleep spell to drift over the guards who began to yawn until they slumped to the floor. Arram returned to collect the Tortallans drawing on more of his Gift to hide the entire party from sight. It had been so long since he'd been able to draw heavily on his power for something positive, the mage had no qualms about doing so.

Once the delegation had boarded the ferry, Arram transported them down the river, using the water currents to drive the boat until they reached the harbour. Docking next to their ship, the Tortallans boarded their vessel quickly with Duke Gareth and his son shaking the mage's hand in gratitude. Daine brushed past Arram, not even looking in his direction, carrying Kitten on her hip who whistled sadly to him with something that sounded like a farewell.

The mage held up a hand to wave to the dragonet feeling a sharp pang in his chest which he ruthlessly ignored. "I'm glad to have met you, Daine," he called after her. "Don't forget to practice your meditation."

The Lioness paused on the ramp to regard him. "You could come with us, you know. Goddess knows you'd have a better life in Tortall than here. We could use a mage of your talents."

Arram smiled regretfully. "Thank you for the offer but I'm needed here."

Lady Alanna nodded and slapped his arm before boarding the ship as the ramp withdrew. There was a flurry of activity from the crew as they prepared to set sail while the mage hid behind a pile of shipping crates to shapeshift. The journey back to the palace was swift even though his flying skills were severely out of practice. Landing near the tunnels, Arram transformed back into a man, collecting his collar and cuffs to replace them before the mage made his way back to his room hoping he'd taken enough precautions to cover his tracks.

Had Daine looked to the sky while their ship prepared to set sail, she would have seen a black hawk flying in the direction of the Imperial Palace. Instead, the young woman fled straight to her cabin, flinging herself onto the bed and bursting into tears. She'd failed! Failed to find her black hawk, failed to find the one person who could teach her about her magic, and failed the People. The entire trip had been a complete disaster and now they were headed to war. Daine was no fool, she knew Arram had tried to make her hate him so she wouldn't regret having to kill him if it came to it, but the young woman still didn't want to leave the mage behind. He'd helped her to heal the birds and been an unlikely friend in such an awful country. Kitten and Zek joined her on the bed cuddling close in an effort to comfort the young woman when a flash of silver light blazed in the centre of the cabin.

– Idiot kit! You were supposed to return with your teacher not leave him behind! – the badger snarled.

Daine sat up, scrubbing the tears from her eyes. "How can I when he's dead!"

– What are you talking about? He is very much alive. I thought you realised who he was when you accepted lessons from him. – the animal god bared his teeth while Kitten chattered angrily at him for his tone. – Silence dragonling. Don't think I won't return you to your family in the dragonlands if you vex me. –

Kitten muttered rebelliously while the young woman gaped, awareness slowly trickling into her mind. "Arram…? Arram is my black hawk?"

– Of course! Only a Gift as powerful as his can shapeshift. – the badger puffed his fur in irritation.

"You might have mentioned this instead of leaving me to search all of Carthak for a bird of prey," she snapped.

– Nonsense! Of course I told you. – Daine shook her head firmly. – No? Then the fault is mine. I did not want the Graveyard Hag to discover me in her territory. In Carthak, which is her kingdom, she is one of the great gods and they do not take kindly to the People's gods meddling in human affairs. Especially when I was asking you to steal away one of her own. –

"Can't you use your powers to bring him here?" the young woman asked in desperation.

Badger shook his stripey head. – This you must do yourself. I cannot aid you. –

"But – we're about to leave!" Daine cried. "How am I s'posed to convince him to come with us?"

– That is for you figure out. Do not leave Carthak without him. He will teach you to control your power. I will keep a close watch on you until you leave this forsaken place. – With that the badger disappeared in a flash of silver light.

"Well, a fat lot of good watching me does!" the young woman scrambled off the bed. "Come on. Let's see if we can get off this ship afore we set sail."

Daine dashed up to the deck with Kitten following behind at a gallop only to discover they'd already weighed anchor and were drifting slowly away from the dock. Looking around the young woman spotted Duke Gareth, Alanna, and Lord Martin in the midst of a heated debate. For a moment she considered asking them to halt the ship and let her off, but they'd likely argue or lock the young woman in her cabin. They might be grateful to Arram but none of them would be willing to wait while Daine went to retrieve him. All anyone would care about now was returning home and preparing for war.

There was no sign of the mage on the docks. Was he already travelling back upriver? Creeping to the stern of the ship, the young woman stretched out her magic seeking help from the People. There were crocodiles within range but none of them were willing to come into the harbour and risk being hit by one of the large ships. Daine could see their point. She'd considered jumping over the side and swimming to shore but there was a lot of traffic in the harbour. Something bright shone in the corner of her mind. It wasn't the copper fire she associated with the People or the wrongness she felt near Stormwings and hurroks, this was different.

Excuse me? Daine called curiously.

– What is it you want god-born? – A bull hippo responded grumpily from where it had been taking a nap in the tall grass at the harbour's edge.

Why was everyone so determined she was the daughter of a god, Daine thought crossly. Would you be willing to give me a lift to shore?

– Why should I help a mortal do anything? –

Please? It's important, the young woman beseeched the animal god.

– All mortals think what they do is important. No thought given to any other creature but themselves. – the hippo grunted, and Daine felt its mind start to drift away.

My ship is about to set sail, but I left my friend behind, and I must go back for him, she put all her need into the sending.

– Foolish of you to forget someone you call 'friend'. – the creature replied in amusement, returning his attention to her.

Daine cringed inwardly, I never realised until it was too late. I can't leave him here to suffer at the hands of the emperor.

There were shouts from the crew to secure everything on deck while they manned the fore sheets.

– The waters in Carthak will get choppy soon – the hippo remarked conversationally.– Already most of my kind have moved upriver. Emperor Ozorne bloodies the water for all creatures not just humankind. I remain only to see his downfall. –

My friend stayed to help with that too, the young woman said earnestly. She was fairly certain that was what Arram intended from the bits and pieces he'd let slip.

– What is the name of this friend of yours? – the creature demanded.

Arram Draper, she answered.

– The young mortal favoured by Enzi when he swam these waters. – Daine had no idea who Enzi was but assumed he must be another god. – I will convey you, god-born, if you give Arram a message for me. –

What message?

– Remind him he still has a destiny. He must play his own part in the war against the Dread Queen. Do not allow him to get too caught up in the Graveyard Hag's schemes. – the hippo's mind-voice sounded closer even though the young woman couldn't see him anywhere.

I'll tell him, I promise, she said with complete conviction, peering over the side of the ship trying to spot the animal god.

The rigging was let go and overhauled when the cry came, "Down foresail!" The ship was heading out of the harbour towards open waters! If Daine didn't leave now, she'd never be able to free Arram and would lose the chance to learn about her magic.

"You don't have to come with me. It'll be fair dangerous," the young woman addressed Kitten and Zek.

The dragonet shook her head, squawking irately while her scales tinged with red at the implication of being left behind.

You won't let me drown? Zek asked trembling at her shoulder.

"You could stay here. I'm sure Alanna or His Grace would be happy to look after you," Daine offered gently. He'd hidden in her shirt the entire journey down the river.

The marmoset shook his head, a very two-legger gesture. No, I will go with you to free the mage. He doesn't deserve to be a pet any more than I did.

The young woman cuddled him close before picking up Kitten and balancing the Immortal on her hip. There was no sign of the hippo god as the ship approached the harbour wall.

– Jump, I will catch you. –

I don't see you, Daine cried.

– I am under the water where the humans and their wooden vessels do not trouble me. – the animal god chuckled.

Clutching the dragonet and marmoset close, Daine took a deep breath and leapt off the ship, plunging into the cold water. For a few seconds she hung there but instead of floating back to the surface a force took hold of her and dragged the young woman down until she faced an enormous hippo. The bull had purplish-grey skin with a brownish-pink underbelly, eyes, and ears.

– Climb onto my back – the hippo ordered.

Daine swam forward to wrap her arms around the hippo's massive bulk. Instead of kicking his small legs and swimming, the creature simply walked along the bottom. The young woman's lungs started to burn with the need for air, beginning to fear she would pass out if they didn't surface soon.

– You will breathe normally so long as you remain in contact with me – the bull informed her.

Daine took an experimental breath, amazed when she took in air not water. Kitten sat up and chirped curiously as she did the same.

Zek had buried himself deep under the young woman's shirt, Tell me when it's all over!

The animal god walked and bounced along the harbour floor until they reached the River Zekoi where he surfaced briefly amongst the reeds to take a breath. Submerging once again, the hippo continued to walk upriver along the sandy floor. Daine was horrified at how filthy the river was while she and Kitten looked around. Skeletons of dead animals and two-leggers lay submerged in the sand including an excessive amount of trash. Tiny fish swam around broken crates, barrels, bottles, pottery, and furniture, occasionally coming to investigate the human and young Immortal. As the hippo god passed through the city, Daine noticed the sparkle of hundreds of coins lying on the riverbed.

– Humans are stupid enough to think that throwing gold into the river will solve their drought problem instead of taking their offerings to the temples – the animal god shook his massive head disdainfully.

Why aren't they going to the temples? The young woman asked.

– Emperor Ozorne outlawed worship of the gods. He told his people that if they wish to worship someone then it should be him. –

Why don't the gods just strike the emperor down if he's so bad? Daine demanded crossly.

– There are rules. We gods cannot directly interfere in mortal affairs. We require a mortal vessel which we can work through – the hippo explained.

The old slave woman's words drifted into her mind from their conversation a few days ago. What makes a perfect vessel?

– Inquisitive, aren't you? – the animal god grunted in amusement. – A mortal vessel must have imagination, a strong will, determination, and plenty of anger. You should be wary god-born. You possess many of these qualities. The Graveyard Hag may try to use you. – the hippo warned.

Daine lost track of time as the hippo god carried them upriver. It wasn't a particularly fast ride, but no one saw her on the back of the animal god and the young woman had no idea how she'd have reached the palace without getting turned around in the streets or arrested elsewise. It was close to midday when the hippo surfaced and walked up the shallow bank.

– This is as far as I can take you. –

Daine clambered off the animal god's back, bringing Kitten with her and smiled gratefully. "Thank you…" she stammered realising she'd never asked the animal god his name.

– Ernimi – the hippo god regarded her with black eyes before opening his mouth wide and letting out a loud wheeze-honk. – I will see you again god-born. –

Ernimi turned his massive bulk and entered the river until he disappeared out of sight. The palace stood a short distance away from the young woman's position, surrounded by its high walls and guard patrols.

"Now what do we do?" Daine asked Kitten.

The dragonet let out a series of quizzical chirps and whistles when an Ibizan hound approached wagging his tail. He stood as tall as Daine's thigh with coarse red fur, long legs, a slender muscular body, and large pointed ears.

I am Elias. I belong to Cholombi of the Banjiku, the hound introduced himself. I heard Ernimi's call and came to offer my assistance.

"We need to get into the palace, can you take us? I've got to speak to Arram Draper," the young woman requested politely.

I can lead you through the tunnels, but I am not permitted enter the palace, Elias said. You will need to ask another to guide you to the stork-man's room.