8 AS

“My Emperor, my Speakers have been to every human settlement. All those who would join us have done so. The rest prove stubborn, declaring their independence and desire to maintain contact with the abominations.”

Speaker Brightheart sat across from his friend, alone in the Emperor’s study. Xius swirled a wine glass, the crimson liquid flowing languidly. Brightheart’s own wine glass sat untouched on the side table.

Xius took a sip of his wine, sighing contently as he leaned back in his chair. “We always knew that not all would understand our vision for a greater humanity. Your Speakers have done all they can and it is now time to take the next step. This is what we’ve prepared for these past few years. Feron tells me he even has some of his slavards available.”

Brightheart smiled broadly. “Isn’t that something. I never have been able to see them perform.”

Xius grinned back. “They are a marvel. Thankfully they are fully under the mages’ control, like a living, breathing combat spell! Even the miners are a tribute to the skill of our hybridization team.” He paused for a moment before adding, “Speaking of the mages, I want you to make a stop before joining the other groups in the settlements. Crighton tells me they’re about ready up north and I want you there.”

Taking up his glass, Brightheart saluted the Emperor. “To human ingenuity. Overcoming all obstacles. And taking our rightful place in the world.”

Emperor Xius leaned forward to clink glasses.

“To taking over the world.”

***

“You’re going to have to admit it to yourself eventually.”

Marcus glared at his friend. “No I won’t, because there is nothing to admit. Best you remember that.”

Typhonus chuckled, shaking his head before running a hand through his hair. “I’ve seen the way you are around her. She has your complete attention.”

Rolling his eyes, Marcus turned away and started down the hallway of the Academy. “She’s one of my students. Of course she gets my attention. They all do.”

Settling alongside, Typhonus clasped his hands behind his back, face ahead even as he eyed Marcus from the side. “Fair enough. Though only one of those students is a young, pretty girl.”

“I do have other female students. You should know, since they all said you recommended me.” The glare Marcus gave his friend really should have set him alight. One of these days he was going to get around to figuring out the spellwork to make it happen.

Typhonus continued to smile. “I just want you to be happy. You’ve been alone too long. You’ve never even courted anyone in all the years we’ve known each other. You need a companion.”

“Says the eternal bachelor.”

“Yes, well, I just haven’t found the right one yet. Besides, I’ve been taking care of you this entire time. Where would you be without me?”

“Stuck in the teleportation matrix.”

They both fell silent for a few moments. Eventually Marcus sighed. “I can never thank you enough for that.”

Typhonus reached over to squeeze Marcus’s shoulder. “Having you back has been thanks enough. I just wish we could have saved Vaughn too.”

“Last I saw him he was heading for Central and the siege shield was closing. There’s still a slight chance that the city was saved. It’s something I plan on looking into once things settle here.” Marcus paused before the door to the lap. “Speaking of which, what did Dallon have to say when you met with him?”

Typhonus followed Marcus into the lap. “They’ve had word that the Emperor has something major planned for the remaining settlements, but don’t have specifics yet.”

Marcus stepped over to the table holding the latest versions of the teleportation crystals. Picking one up, he let his focus drift into the gem, reading the spellwork while still paying attention to the conversation.

“That tracks with what little I’ve gotten out of the mages. They seem to be forming into groups, ones that don’t include those who aren’t fanatically impressed with the Empire.”

Typhonus picked up a slate before flouncing into a chair. “Yeah, I've been getting that feeling too. If the Academy weren’t here, I’d have left to do my research elsewhere. I just can’t turn away from all those resources. Especially with my amplification project nearing testing. I’ll be able to perform spells that normally take entire teams.”

Marucs pulled back from the crystal to look at his friend with worry. “You just be careful with that. We have both seen what happens to mages who try to perform a spell with too much power. It’s not a pleasant way to die.”

Making some notations on the slate, Typhonus nodded. “Hence the exhaustive research and all the precautions.” Setting aside the slate, he looked ever at Marcus. “Anyway, I’ve still got some friends in the Academy, ones like us who just want to do research and don’t like the rumors we’ve been hearing. I’ve been having the boys check into them. I should be hearing back any day on which ones we can trust.”

Marcus set the teleportation crystal to float in the air next to him, checking over the facets and engravings. “I’ll meet with Dallon and his friends the next time. I want them to have a way out of the city and I think I’ve managed to make links to a portable nexus south of Terrace.

“It always pays to be prepared.”

***

“Daddy, I told you. I’m happy at the Academy! The things I’ve seen and been able to do have been amazing.”

Hanna stood with her hands on her hips, facing her father. She noticed she was almost as tall as him. Mom was shorter though.

Father sighed, glancing at mother for a moment before looking back at Hanna. “I know you are, but we have hardly seen you at all these past few years. We worry about you. Some of the things we’ve been hearing about the mages have us concerned.”

Hana pulled her braid over her shoulder, toyed with the end, then sighed. “You don’t have to worry about me at the Academy. I can take care of myself.” Pushing on before he could object, she added, “I promise I’m okay, Daddy. If anything else, I’ve got Marcus to look out for me.”

Both Father and Mother gave her a look she couldn’t quite read, though whatever it was meant she was sure she didn’t like it.

“Marcus, was it? That’s one of your, um, what did you call them? Elementalists?”

Tossing her braid back over her shoulder, she shook her head. “No, Daddy. He’s one of the instructors. He looks out for everyone. Even those shadow twits.”

Her parents shared a look. “Well, if you’re sure. We’d love to meet this Marcus sometime. Maybe bring him the next time you visit. Which will hopefully be sooner than usual.” Father paused as Mother gave him a look. “Or maybe we can visit you at the Academy and meet him there?”

Hanna gave a happy squeal and flung her arms around her father. “Really? I’ve been trying to get you to come to the Academy for years!”

Mother chimed in. “Your brothers are finally old enough to look after themselves while we’re gone and your sister lives close enough if they need anything. It’s the perfect time.”

Hanna switched her hug to her mother. “I can’t wait.”

***

Speaker Brightheart stepped away from the teleportation platform, his escort falling in around him. After a moment he waved them away and headed into the site.

Scarlet robed mages swamped the area, moving between a trio of massive towers topped with spheres of magicite. Bound around the base of the towers were numerous groups of slavards, the creatures unusually docile in their chains.

“They’re heavily sedated. We don’t need them squirming around during the operation. This spell is the largest since The Sundering and I’ll allow nothing to jeopardize it.”

Brightheart looked over as Mage Crighton walked up, a slate in his hands. A broad smile came to his face as he clasped his hands together. “Crighton. Quite the operation you have here. The Emperor sent me here to observe the culmination of your research.”

Crighton slid his slate under an arm, coming to stand next to the Speaker, his gaze towards the towers. “It’s been years. My slavards have been mostly without purpose this entire time. I will have their mines returned and be able to continue my other research. Feron might have created the slavards originally, but I’m the one who truly gave them lives.”

Brightheart’s smile gentled. “You do a great service for those creatures, my good man.” Turning to the towers, he added, “Now, tell me about the project. What’s to happen?”

“We’re going to use magical sympathy to attract the mines back above the waves. Since the mines are primarily magicite and iron, we’ve incorporated them into the towers, which were crafted solid and anchored to the ground. The slavards are the sympathetic link with the lives lost in The Sundering and the blood of those who died in the mines before that. The spellwork inlaid into the towers will amplify that attraction. There are also elements of earth and water to move the earth.

“The key is not to rip the mines apart while dragging them back to the surface. With all the earth we’ll be shifting about, that’s the main concern.”

So much power in these mages’ hands. All of it wielded by the hand of the Emperor, with Brightheart helping to guide him. Boyhood dreams come true.

“Well, don’t let me delay you. I’m just here to observe.”

Crighton bowed his head, then strode away, moving between groups of mages. Brightheart watched him for a moment before returning to his escort. It wouldn’t be long now.

***

Palcon watched the Speaker from the corner of his eye while he scanned the site. This place was more elaborate than any setup he’d been exposed to thus far. The magic itself didn’t bother him, but the sight of the slavards all chained up disturbed him. Noone deserved to be treated that way.

What was to be done with them?

A low hum drew his attention up the towers. The spheres atop the tower were starting to glow silver, the light trailing lines down the sides of the towers as the spellwork ignited with power.

Mages stepped forward, their hands extended towards the towers. Rings of magic flared to life around the mages, echoed by larger circles around the base of the towers.

The hum deepened, a thrumming vibration that he felt in his bones. A heaviness seemed to settle on his shoulders, as if a giant was pressing down on him. The weight built with each passing moment. Palcon struggled to stay standing.

Each of the mages stepped up to one of the chained slavards. Silver light flashed on blades as they reached forward and slashed the throats of the captives.

Palcon would have gasped except that he was slammed to the ground by a wave of pressure. He strained his way to his hands and knees, eyes wide.

The sound of the roaring ocean flooded his ears, dragging those eyes to the cliff overlooking the crashing waves. Water writhed and frothed, an echo of the anger and dismay roiling with him. Even the sunken Leyline seemed to hiss and lash in sympathy.

Tremors threatened to stagger him even on all four limbs. Bracing himself, he stared at the sea, gaping as something erupted from the waves. A huge something.

Water humped up them flowed away, revealing a trio of dark hills, covered in sea life. They underrated for a moment before leaping forward to slam into the cliff, sending Palcon crashing back down to his belly.

The humming faded away, replaced by the sound of rushing water retreating back to the sea or flowing over the site. He had a moment to look up before the wave washed over him. For a panicked moment he thought he would somehow drown on dry land. Wet land. Then the wave passed and people were scrambling to stand up in the mud.

Palcon managed to stand, looked around, then moved to help others to their feet. He also scanned for the Speaker, whom he found looking as immaculate as ever, as if he’d been untouched by everything.

Once assured the men and the Speaker were alright, he looked at the base of the towers. Only bits of torn flesh remained attached to the chains.

Turning back to the Speaker, Palcon saw perhaps the most disturbing sight of the day. The utterly rapturous look in Brightheart’s face as the Speaker looked on the remains of the captives.

***

“What do you mean you can’t duplicate the effect?”

Khan Kubla’s golden eyes gleamed in the light of the forge as he glared at his master smith. The leather clad Lyonin glared right back.

“I mean we’ve been unable to duplicate the effect. It isn’t a property of the metal itself. That we can copy and have to great success, with our armors becoming lighter and stronger. However, the slashing and piercing resistance seems to be a magical property, something having to do with the spellwork inlaid into the metal.

“We can copy the designs but there is at least one piece of the spell missing. Whoever designed it was fiendishly clever.”

Kubla cut short a snarl of frustration, digging his claws into the pad of his paws for a moment. Once calm, he regarded the smith again. Replacing the Lyonin would be pointless, as he was the best in the clan for many reasons.

“What more do you need to pry out the secrets?”

The smith cocked his head to the side a moment, then responded, “More examples of the armor. A couple mages to work with. Any notes on the underlying research.”

Kubla nodded curtly. “You’ll get your samples. Maybe notes. No mages. Not yet. We don’t have many to spare. I’ll find you some eventually though.”

Grunting, the smith nodded, turning away to tend to his forge after wrapping a leather cover over his mane.

Turning away himself, Kubla exited the forge, his shadows falling into step behind him. Once he was sure they were far enough away, he paused. “We’ll need another raid. Find me more of this armor. Also, get me some bodies. I think we need to give the humans a culprit for these attacks. The Shartha should do nicely.”

The companions nodded and headed off. Kubla watched until they disappeared then made his way home.

Where was he going to find mages he could trust? Most of the clan tended towards the martial disciplines, with a few healers and even fewer mages. He definitely couldn’t go to the other clans. Their busy body Kahns would eventually hear about it. Especially that shadowy coward Shaka.

More often of late he got the feeling of being watched or followed. Never once caught sight of them. Assigning some shadow dancers of his own to watch for followers would be pointless, shadows chasing shadows.

Perhaps what he really needed was someone new to trust. The clan had been pushing him to choose a mate. There were several he had been considering though he’d pushed aside those plans in recent years. The right mate would make things easier. At least he would have someone to talk to, be able to delegate some of the more mundane tasks to.

This bore more thought.

***

“He’s up to something.”

Khan Xhere tilted his head to consider his companion. Khan Shaka looked back at him from within her hood, emerald eyes seeming to gleam. “You always think he’s up to something.”

Shaka grinned at him, fangs peeking through. “That’s because he always is!” The grin faded. “Seriously though, there has been more activity amongst the Lyonin than usual, especially among his smiths. His two bodyguards have disappeared again and they almost never leave him.”

Xhere continued walking, paws clasped behind him. “Our own smiths have been busy these past few years as well. My Tigra have stockpiled nearly enough armor for the entire clan, down to the cubs. They have been researching new techniques and designs as well.” He paused for a moment to watch a group of cubs follow a pair of older hunters on their way to hunt some of the great buffalo that roamed the plains to the north of the city.

Nodding to himself, he continued. “There have been many innovations of late. Were it not for the circumstance, I would thank the humans for inspiring this.”

Shaka made a sound. Were it anyone else, he would have thought it a snarl. As it was, he raised an eyebrow, ears cocked towards her.

“They are an intriguing people, always curious, ever learning. Though they are short-lived, they live every day to their fullest.”

Shake rolled her emerald eyes at him. “No one has argued that about the humans. Besides, this isn’t about them humans. At least not directly. It’s about that snake masquerading as a Khan.”

Xhere frowned. “I’ve never understood that saying. The Majestix had good relations with the Sha’rii before The Sundering.”

“That’s because they feared us. Most other people viewed them as untrustworthy and secretive.”

Shaking his head, he offered no other response, content to wait.

Those emerald eyes narrowed at him. “If I didn’t know you as I do, I would suspect you of teasing me with these off topic comments.”

He nodded slowly. “Then be content in your knowledge.”

She glared at him for a moment more before huffing, her tail lashing beneath her cloak. “Kubla hasn’t been bringing up the human situation in our latest council meetings, though he is still vocal about them in public. I’m concerned about some of my recent reports as well.

“The humans have returned to their living experiments, like those that got them expelled from Central Academy. That and something major in the north that I’m still looking into.”

Another frown returned to Xhere’s lips. “The experiments are disturbing news. One would think after the Groka escaped and gained their freedom that humans would stop creating intelligent life.” Sighing, he added, “That is something we may have to deal with.”

Glancing at his companion, he concluded, “Discreetly.”

Emerald eyes gleamed. “Of course.”

***

“Why am I doing this again?”

Typhonus sighed and helped his friend fix his robes, trying to make Marcus presentable. Nothing would rid the man of his academic lok, but at least he looked tidy. “You’re doing this because your favorite student asked you to meet her parents. You can’t say no to her.”

Marcus groaned. “Are you sure this isn’t your fault somehow? I can’t see how you’re involved, but I will, then you will rue the day. Rue I say!” He shook his fist at Typhonus.

Chuckling, Typhonus waved Marcus towards the door. “Let’s just get there, Mr. Professor. Might as well get used to it. Once word gets out, I’ll bet you’ll be meeting with a lot more parents.”

Marucs pushed open the door of his quarters, groaning. “That’s what I’m afraid of. This is going to keep me from my work!”

***

“Daddy, stop pacing and sit back down. Momma, make him stop.”

Hanna watched as Father continued to stride around the common room. She looked over to Mother, who gave her a weak smile. Glancing around the room, she was sure some of the other students were hiding their amusement. This had seemed like such a good idea back home. Then once they reached the Academy, Father seemed to become a completely different person.

Father came to a stop beside her chair. “It’s rude of the man to keep us waiting. Not a good impression he’s giving us.”

Hanna sighed. “Daddy, we’re early. I’ve already told you that.”

Crossing his arms, he harumphed. At least he’d stopped pacing. Nope, there he goes again. Reaching up, she pulled her braid over her shoulder, running her fingers over the intricate pattern.

Why was she nervous? There was nothing to be nervous about. Marcus was a good man and her parents would love him.

***

Marcus strode into the common room. It had been tempting to teleport in but he felt the walk would help him settle his nerves. Not that he understood why he was nervous. It was obviously Ty’s fault for putting those ideas in his head.

It only took him a moment to spot Hanna sitting next to an older woman who could only be her mother. He made his way over.

Stopping before the two, he offered them a brief bow, then extended his hand to the older woman. “You must be Hanna’s mother. A pleasure to meet you. I thought your husband was going to be here?”

The sound of a cleared throat caused him to turn around, where a gentleman sharing Hanna’s blue eyes stood glaring at him.

“That would be me.”

Marcus nodded greeting, then reached out to clasp forearms with the man, who squeezed with more force than was strictly necessary. “A pleasure, sir. Shall we sit?”

Taking a single seat across from the couch Hana’s family sat upon, Marcus settled his robes and waited for the father to be seated. “I have to say, you have a very talented daughter. She has a greater connection to the earth element than I have ever seen. She learns quickly, is diligent in her studies, and the guards tell me she’s one of the best unarmed combatants they’ve had the privilege to work with, even without using magic.”

The mother turned to beam at Hanna, while the father continued to give Marcus a level look. Clearing his throat, Marcus hastily added, “Any questions? I’d be happy to answer them.”

The father immediately spoke up. “What are your intentions towards my daughter?”

Marcus blinked. He caught sight of Hanna covering her face as he struggled for an answer. “Bed your pardon? My intentions? I’m one of her instructors. I intend to make her the best elementalist and over mage she can be.”

There was coughing that sounded suspiciously like laughter somewhere in the room. He kept his attention on the father, whose eyes seemed to have darkened.

“You spend a great deal of time with my daughter, a beautiful young woman. I would not have her time wasted.”

Marcus cocked his head to the side. “How could her time be wasted? She’s one of the top mages of her generation, having eclipsed most of her instructors and requiring more focused attention. I expect great things from her.”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

Marcus noticed Hanna and the mother exchanging looks right before the father leaped from the sofa, reaching for him. A quick teleport had Marcus in a different chair out of reach. Turning to consider the man who’d fallen onto the previously occupied chair, Marcus briefly contemplated several spells.

“Daddy, behave!”

The father heaved himself free of the chair, turning to face Hanna and his wife. “But the man is avoiding the question! I’m only trying to look out for you.”

“Daddy, he already answered you. Get back here and sit down so we can talk about some of the projects we’ve been working on. That’s what you’re here for.”

“But…” He trailed off, looking between Hanna and Marcus. Finally he sighed and sat back down. “I’m just trying to look out for you.”

“I know, Daddy, but just sit and listen.”

***

“That wasn’t quite the disaster I was envisioning.”

Typhonus chuckled, looking at his friend slumped in the chair, one hand covering his eyes. “True, he could have tried to arrange a betrothal right there in the common room.”

Marcus groaned and seemed to sink deeper into the chair.

Shaking his head in amusement, Typhonus continued, “At least the mother had sense and seemed interested in the projects you and Hanna were working on. She even had some good suggestions. Not something you usually get from people outside the Academy.”

Marcus spoke from behind his hand. “That’s true. It’s easy to tell where Hanna got her smarts.”

“Well, you can relax. You survived meeting someone’s parents and didn’t somehow end up married like you feared.”

“Gee thanks.”

“Anytime.”

***

“This is my last escort duty. I finally got my transfer approved. I’ll be joining the monster hunter teams once we get back to the Capital.”

Several of the guards came up to Palcon, clapping him on the shoulder and saying how much they’ll miss him. The few who would be joining him with the monster hunters talked about some of the rumors they’d heard from the various frontiers.

Palcon smiled and laughed with the men. Most of them had been together for years now, following Speaker Brightheart around Ryode. While he would miss them, he wouldn’t miss the work or the Speaker.

Glancing over where the Speaker was smiling at the settlement leader, he could tell it wasn’t going well. The leader was scowling and many of the nearby settlers seemed to have similar expressions.

This was one of the few settlements on the border of Majestix territory. There had been a group of Majestix in the town when the expedition had arrived, though they’d quickly left, no doubt not wanting to be around that many armed people. The presence of one of the slavard berserkers probably helped that decision.

After almost an hour of discussion during which the Speaker’s smile never seemed to change, the two parted ways. The settlers were too far away for Palcon to make out what they were muttering, but he guessed they were still unhappy with whatever Brightheart had to say.

The Speaker stepped up to the Captain, smile in place. “Captain, please see to arresting these men as traitors to the Empire. If any resist, kill them.”

Captain Travis started shouting orders. Most of the men stood in apparent shock, Palcon among them. How could these people be traitors to the Empire if they hadn’t joined?

As if sensing the hesitance from the men, Speaker Brightheart turned to face them. “The Emperor has decreed that all human settlements on Ryode are part of the Empire, regardless of formal status. That means that any man refusing their duty are traitors to the Empire. Therefore, men, do your duty or you too shall be traitors.”

The Speaker turned and walked back to the wagons and his own personal guards.

Everyone looked at each other, many seeming reluctant as they moved to obey orders. Palcon watched for a moment, feeling helpless to stop this tragedy. One of the other guards clasped him on the shoulder. “Not now, lad. Nothing you can do except get yourself in chains alongside them.”

A commotion near the center of the settlement caught his attention. Several women and children had stepped in front of a group of the village men, refusing to move. Captain Travis was over there, shouting and threatening.

Palcon felt a moment of pride in his fellow guards when they refused to bludgeon the women and children aside to reach the men.

A piercing scream ripped through the air. Palcon glanced over to see the slavard stepping free of its mage controllers, a massive blade in its hands. It screamed again, then tore across the ground, heading straight for the gathering.

Before he became aware of moving Palcon had crossed half the distance between him and the crowd, his swords in his hands. Pushing himself for more speed, he barely reached the crowd before the slavard, bringing his crossed blades up to deflect the slash from the berserker. The unexpected strength of the blow almost sent him to his knees.

Palcon managed to scream for everyone to get back before he had to concentrate on survival. The berserker was far stronger than him, though they seemed equal in speed. That massive blade was almost impossible to block, needing to be deflected with each strike.

Everything narrowed down to the fight. Never had he been so challenged, not even when he was first learning at home. His hands started to sting from the blows, even deflected. He was going to tire at this rate, long before the berserker.

A desperate plan came to him. With each deflection he was able to move the slavards blade slightly out of position. After a few more moments he was able to turn a deflection into a spin beneath the berserker’s reach. Slashing up with both blades he connected hard with the bracers covering its forearms.

That massive blade slipped from suddenly nerveless claws. Palcon only had a brief moment to save his success before one of those claws flashed across his face.

Half the world vanished in a fountain of blood. Palcon crumpled to the ground, dropping his swords as he reached up, desperate to stop the blood pouring from his ruined eye. He wasn’t sure why he was still alive. Someone must have stopped the berserker. Hands helped him up, others pressed a bandage to his eye. Moments later he felt energy pouring into him as their healer tried to fix the wound.

“That was a fooling thing you did, my dear boy.”

Palcon tried to locate the Speaker from the sound of his voice, but the healer kept his head still.

Brightheart continued, “I understand the urge to protect. Yet you had orders.” The man sighed. “You’ve done the Empire good service over the years, dear boy. For that alone your life has been spared. However, you will be returning to Terrace in chains, and once there you will be dismissed from service, never to serve the Empire again. Consider it a gift from a grateful Empire.”

The voice started to sound fainter, as if Brightheart were walking away. “Oh, and those people you tried to rescue. They might as well have died. They’re being sent to a camp for traitors, where they’ll be worked until death. You could have spared them that.”

***

Palcon woke with a groan, his head aching, wrists weighed down with chains. He panicked when he couldn’t see right, reaching up with his chained hands. Someone grabbed his hands, stopping him.

“Easy, lad. Easy. We’ve got you.”

The room slowly came into focus. Several guardsmen were in the room with him. His head still felt heavy and he fought back a groan. “What happened? Where are we?”

“We’re back in Terrace. The healers kept you out of it all on the way back.” The man who spoke was one of the lifers, an older man who’d been in the Guard for decades. He also shared Palcon’s feelings on the way the Empire was shaping up.

Palcon tried again to reach for head head, but the old man stopped him. “They were able to heal the slashes but they couldn’t save the eye. Sorry, lad.”

Signing, Palcon lowered his head for a moment. “So that means I’m out of the Guard. How will I face my parents?”

Feeling someone sit next to him, Palcon lifted his head to look at the old man. “Listen lad. What you did was what needed to be done. Many of the other lads agree with me. The Captain wanted you strung up but we set him straight. I knew your father when he was in the Guard. He’ll be proud of you, him and your mother both.”

There was a tug on Palcon’s wrists then the chains fell away. He rubbed his wrists then finally reached up to explore his injuries. Three deep grooves ran from his hairline and diagonally down across his nose and right eye and cheek. He felt an eye patch over his eye.

Tenderly, he lifted the eye patch and felt around the socket. The flesh was intact, save for the scars, yet it sank in where his eye should have been. A small laugh escaped him. “This is really going to throw off my bladework.”

The old man laughed, joined by the sound of several others. “Maybe now some of will have a chance against you, lad.”

Shaking his head with a gentle smile, Palcon struggled to his feet with the old man’s assistance. He swayed slightly then felt more steady. “Well, I suppose I better head home.”

Clapping him on the shoulder, the old man grinned. “The lads and I will join you. I imagine we’ll have a few things to talk to your parents about.”

***

“So what do you think?”

Dallon looked across the study at his wife, who gazed out the window. The guardsmen had just left and she was most likely watching them walking away.

Turning away from the window, she looked at him with crossed arms. “It’s what we feared all those years ago. They’re setting human against human. It’s only a matter of time before they have the Empire at war.”

Dallon nodded, settling back in his chair. “It’s worse than that. People have been disappearing in the city. Any homeless, orphans, and the like vanish from the streets. Also, anyone who speaks out against the Empire. I’ve had some contacts vanish. I’ve yet to figure out where they’ve been taken.”

Annamarie harumphed, tossing her head ans setting her long black mane swaying. “I think it’s past time for us to be more active, especially if we’re losing friends.” She scowled and he had to resist a smile. That passion was one of the things that had drawn his attention when they’d met in Central over two decades ago.

Standing, he made his way over to his wife, leaving his cane behind as he wrapped her in his arms. “Agreed. I’ll get in touch with Typhonus and his friend and get something setup. I think it’s time you talked to that lady friend of yours.”

She made a face at him. “Fine.”

***

“The Emperor is insane.”

“The Emperor is my cousin!”

“Yeah, well, your cousin is insane.”

The two women glared at each other, one in close fitted blouse and trousers, the other in flowing white silk gown. They remained that way for a moment, then smiled and fell into each other’s arms.

Annamarie leaned back to look at her friend from arms’ length. “You look disgustingly beautiful as always, Alaina. Royalty seems to be suiting you. DOyou even pick up a bow anymore?”

Alaina chuckled, disentangling herself and striding across the room to pick up her wine glass. “It pays to be cousin to the Emperor, though it does put a strain on one’s social life. I haven’t been allowed near a bow since Xius became Emperor. King was bad enough.”

Annamarie grimaced, then stalked over to grab her own drink. After taking a sip, she said, “I couldn’t imagine not being able to practice. Especially if I’d been one of the best archers in the world.”

Her friend took her own sip. “Yes, well, what my family tolerated in a young woman they no longer allowed in one running the household. It’s taken all my influence just to fend off the various nobles the family tries to foist off on me. Fortunately, my younger sister was more than happy to satisfy that requirement.” She paused to take another sip. “Not that it stops her worm of a husband from trying to take control of the family from me.”

Annamarie hid a grin behind her glass at the exasperated look on Alaina’s face.

Putting her glass back down, Alaina spun to face her friend. “Now, enough distraction. You’re here to talk about my cousin, not the past. I have a feeling I know what you want to say. My first question, though, is how do you know I won’t run to the Emperor about this?”

Annamarie gazed at her friend from atop her glass for a moment, then set it down. A gentle smile spread across her lips. “Because you’re the type of person who cannot let injustice pass her by. I’m also aware of the number of orphanages and soup kitchens you used to oversee. Ones recently shut down by your cousin.”

A scowl crossed Alaina’s face. “That idiot cousin of mine shut down programs it took me over a decade to put in place. And before you ask, yes I know what’s been done with my former wards. It took me awhile to find them too.”

Annamarie’s eyes went wide. “You do? Dallon’s contacts haven’t been able to track them down yet!”

A triumphant grin overcame Alaina’s scowl. “There are some benefits to being cousin to the Emperor besides gorgeous gowns. I was approached by a charming pair of young mages. Shadow Dancers. They were a link to a network of mages trying to look into the excesses of my cousin, or some of his more ambitious mages.”

“Those marvelous little rascals.” Annamarie grinned. “I’m pretty sure I know the two mages you’re talking about. I have a feeling that the mage network has been reaching out to more people than I expected. Either way, it’s good news for us.” She trailed off, then suddenly wrapped Alaina in a hug. “You beautiful women. It’s good to see they haven’t been able to corrupt you.”

Alaina returned the hug. “Though you could use some corrupting, my dear. You would look absolutely breathtaking in one of my gowns.”

Annamarie nearly choked, eyes wide. “Not a chance. My husband hasn’t been able to stuff me into a gown and neither will you!”

“Oh, I don’t know. I bet we could melt some noble brains together at some parties. Men with melted brains will talk about anything.”

Annamarie looked at Alaina for a moment, then disentangled herself and returned to her glass. After draining the glass, she turned back to her friend. “Okay, I’m listening. Let’s do some planning.”

***

“Okay, I’m listening. Let’s do some planning.”

Ethaniel waved a hand at the small crystal sphere resting on the cushion, banishing the image and replacing it with smoke swirling within the interior. It was always good to see work paying off. Getting recognized for their efforts was nice as well.

“You know, if Alaina found out you were spying on her, she’d have you killed.”

Ethaniel would forever deny squeaking as he whirled around, shadows gathering around one fist while the other clutched his chest. “Vincent! How did you bypass my warning barrier?”

Vincent waggled his eyebrows. “You forget I regularly get us into Ty’s study. His security is way more elaborate than yours. You’re not nearly devious enough.” He grinned.

Ethaniel released his spell and his grip, glaring at his friend. The glare only lasted a moment in the light of Vincent’s amusement. Sighing, he made his way to a chair. Slumping into the chair, he looked at this fellow shadow mage. “So what brings you barging into my room?”

Leaning on the desk, Vincent continued to grin. “Ty’s got some missions for us. Seems like things are starting to heat up.” He waved to the dormant crystal. “Though it looks like you’re already aware, Mr. Voyeur. I wonder what Ty would think of you turning his communication sphere spell into a spying device.”

Ethaniel’s eyes were wide and he felt his pulse quicken. Before he could reply, Vincent continued with that same smug look on his face.

“Or maybe Annamarie and Dallon would like to know? Oh! How about Hanna?”

How could anyone look so wicked while smiling like that? Each name had Ethaniel cringing further into his chair. Once Vincent finished, Ethaniel sighed. “Extorting your best friend is a terrible thing. Where did we go wrong raising you?”

Vincent chuckled. “It was too late for me long before I ended up at the Academy. Anyway, I’ll think of something appropriate later. Just keep in mind that you owe me.”

“I look forward to the day with trepidation.”

“That’s right you do.”

“I hate you.”

“Love you too. Now let’s go find Ty.”

***

“Brightheart, my friend! Welcome back.”

Speaker Brightheart smiled broadly as the Emperor embraced him by the upper arms. The smile on Xius’s face almost matched his own. “It is good to be home. The mission to the settlement went mostly well. The svalbard was as much a joy to see perform as I had hoped.”

Xius transitioned to an outright grin as he stepped back. “Word of what happened has already spread to the other border settlements. Most of the other Speakers found their work substantially easier, the people nearly falling over themselves to join the Empire. What could have taken years and cost hundreds of lives should be wrapped up in mere months.”

“That’s truly wonderful news. Though with things going so well, I’m not sure what my own next steps will be. I had expected at least another couple of expeditions to the southern frontier.” Brightheart shook his head slowly.

The Emperor just chuckled. “Well my friend. The reward for a project well done is another project. I’ve had some time to think and plan while you made your way back here.”

Xius made his way over to the table, searching through scrolls for a moment before grabbing one in triumph. Turning back to Brightheart, he handed the scroll over with a flourish. “The Guard has been preparing an expedition to take control of the Silverspine Mountains Valley. There were reports of people escaping through the valley. Not to mention those abominations the Trelk. Feron even mentioned that the lost herd of Groka had escaped through the valley, those ungrateful horses. You’re to go and oversee that expedition.”

Brightheart cradled the scroll. “This will give us unfettered access to the east as well. That area isn’t nearly as settled as the Empire. All that space for growth. Not to mention the peoples waiting for our guidance. The Majestix before The Sundering never allowed many humans to settle there but those who did have grown prolific.”

The Emperor poured himself a glass of wine, then saluted the Speaker. “To controlling the gateway of the mountains.”

***

“At least the eyepatch is stylish.”

Palcon lowered his practice blades, panting and covered in sweat. Lifting and tilting his head, he finally spotted his father standing with both hands resting on his cane just outside the practice grounds. Father was dressed in his combat leathers and a practice shield and sword leaned against the post near him.

Once he could breath properly, Palcon switched his blades to one hand reached up with the other, fingering the black leather patch over his right eye. “I don’t even feel it there, but the lack of full sight is frustrating. It’s difficult to read proper distance with only one eye. My blades go where I tell them, but I’m telling them the wrong places to be.”

Grimacing, he retrieved his blade and settled into a stance, slowly running through one of the sword forms Mother had taught him. “It’s going to take time to get used to seeing this way.”

Father nodded, then set aside his cane to pick up his shield and sword, then entered the practice grounds. “It is good to see you like this, son. I’ve seen too many good men destroyed by such an injury. I was nearly that way before when I injured my leg, though thankfully your mother was able to talk me through it, not to mention helped me work through the injury itself to maintain my fighting form. I was afraid I would have had to come down here to beat some sense into you.” A slight smile tugged at his lips.

Palcon surprised himself with a chuckle. “You and Mother taught me too well for that.” Finishing his form, he turned to salute his father. “Besides, I knew you or Mother would be around to straighten me out eventually. Though I really was expecting Mother.”

“Your mother had an important meeting tonight. You’ll have to settle for me. Now come. I may not be as mobile as I used to, but I can help you work through some basic stances and attacks so you can see the way they look to you now.”

***

“I need you two to talk to the Majestix.”

Ethaniel and Vincent glanced at each other, then turned back to Typhonus. Ethaniel grimaced. “No offense, Ty, but are you crazy? Practically the entire Empire has become violently anti-Majestix and you want us to stroll on down for a visit?”

The older mage scowled. “There is a reason I picked you two for this. Besides being some of the most trustworthy people I know, you’ll also be able to do this without being seen. That whole shadow mage thing you two have going on.”

The two shadow mages turned to each other again and blinked, as if they’d forgotten their own abilities. Vincent chuckled softly while Ethaniel reached up to run his hands through his hair. “Okay, fair points. That explains why us, but not why.”

Typhonus reached into his robes and withdrew a small crystal sphere with a smoky interior. Ethaniel gave a sharp start that he tried to turn into an interested look. By the raised eyebrow from the old man it looked like they’d have a different conversation later.

“I’ve linked this sphere to one in my study under layers of protective spells. I believe we’re going to need to communicate with the Majestix, to coordinate if we’re going to prevent things turning into a war that will engulf all of Ryode.”

Vincent whistled. “That’s some heavy gloom and doom, Ty.” Ethaniel nodded in agreement.

“Yes it is, boys. It’s the worst thing that could happen. While there are things we’re trying to do here in Terrace, we need more spells in our tome if things don’t work out.”

Ethaniel reached out to take the sphere, securing it in his own robes. “You can count on us, Ty.” Vincent nodded and gave a sloppy salute.

Typhonus grinned and then shooed the mages from his study. As he stood at the door, he added, “I’ll send some money to your rooms in an hour or so. Try not to spend all of it on the trip.”

The shadow mages were grinning to each other when Typhonus left them with one last thought. “Hopefully the Majestix don’t kill you at the border.”

They watched the door close in shock.

“Ty, you’re just joking, right? Ty? Seriously, you’re just joking?”