“At least they haven’t killed us yet!”
Ethaniel groaned and covered his face with his hands. “Why’d you have to put it that way?” Sighing, he uncovered his face to look at the Majestix that had them surrounded. He caught Vincent’s grin from the corner of his eye and managed to suppress another groan.
Turning to face the one Tigra that seemed to be in charge, Ethaniel said, “Look, we’ve presented ourselves openly at the border as is proper protocol. We’ll happily accept an escort to the city.”
The Tigra regarded him for a moment, then turned to look at the sky. His sharp whistle was answered by a piercing cry as a raptor plunged from the sky, breaking at the last moment to alight on his arm.
Ethaniel gazed at the bird in admiration. That would make the Tigra a Beast Caller. There were only a few currently in the Academy, none among his current associates. If Ty knew any, he never brought them around. He was broken from his thoughts by the Tigra.
“Daria here says you just appeared a mile from the border.”
After a quick glance at Vincent, Ethaniel nodded. “We’re Shadow Dancers. We didn’t want any Empire patrols knowing what we were up to. Again, we openly approached the border. We could have easily passed you by.”
The Tigra and bird both stared at him intently for several moments. Ethaniel struggled not to squirm while Vincent had the nerve to grin.
“I’m inclined to believe you. My name is Sarjen. I’ll be your escort the rest of the way to the city. Daria will also be keeping an eye on you.” The bird gave a cry before launching into the air. “Now come. I will set a brisk pace.”
“Oh joy.” A brisk pace for a Tigra was going to be a breakneck run for the two humans.
Vincent still wouldn’t stop grinning.
***
“So you’re the two my boys detected at the mage compound.”
Ethaniel and Vincent shared a frown. They hadn’t sensed any watchers during their time watching Feron’s compound. Turning to regard the cloaked Panthra before them, the two continued to frown.
“There is no way they detected us.”
The cloak nodded. “No, they did not. You two, however, have just told me you were there.”
Ethaniel’s eyes went wide. Vincent’s chuckle didn’t help, especially when he turned and said, “Some espionage expert you are! Tripped by the first sentence.”
There was a flash of green eyes within the cloak. Was she laughing at him too? Some diplomat he was turning out to be. Coughing into his hand, Ethaniel said, “If we could get back to the reason that brought us here?” At her nod, he slowly and blatantly reached into his robes and withdrew the communication sphere.
“This sphere is paired with one back in Terrace. Our…” What was their relationship with Ty these days? He wasn’t an instructor for them anymore. Friend didn’t seem right for the circumstances. “... leader, Typhonus, is eager to establish contact with the Majestix in light of the way the Empire has alienated other peoples.”
After displaying the sphere for the Panthra’s inspection, Ethaniel held the crystal up, looking into the smokey depths. “Typhonus, you there? We’ve reached the Majestix.”
Smoke cleared to reveal a miniature mage. Typhonus grinned up at him. “Ethaniel! Perfect timing. I was recently given some important news to pass on to the Majestix. Hand me over!”
One of the attending Panthras stepped up to take the crystal, holding it for the cloaked figure. Typhonus appeared to bow. “You must be Khana Shaka. You match the descriptions and would be the most likely to interrogate the boys.”
A minute nod was the only response.
Grinning, Ty continued. “There is some kind of big attack planned for the Sharthra. From what my sources have been able to find out, it’s supposed to be a major magical spell. The Shartha need to be prepared to evacuate and escape.”
Ethaniel felt his eyes go wide again. An attack on the Sharthra? That was a major escalation of aggression against non-humans.
Khan Shaka was silent a moment before replying. “Thank you for the warning. We will pass on the information. I expect we will have much to discuss in the future. Now if you’ll forgive me, I must meet with my fellow Khans to determine how we will use this connection.”
Turning from the sphere, she locked emerald eyes with Ethaniel. He tried not to squirm as he felt himself weighed and measured. Fortunately, she turned back to the sphere.
“Do you need these two back? I would be interested in comparing how our Shadow Dancers measured up.”
The way Ty grinned and gave the okay sent shivers up his spine.
***
“There’s a stone snake following us.”
Marcus peeked over his shoulder again before returning his attention to Hanna. The two were walking through the gardens of the Academy, where they grew several of the more popular reagents. Hanna wore a small smile, her hands clasped behind her back.
“Oh that’s just Akara. She wanted to join our walk but I told her she had to stay behind.”
Marcus nodded slowly. “Akara. That’s the name of your earth elemental, isn’t it?”
Hanna’s smile brightened. “Yup! She thinks she’s being subtle.”
Resisting the urge to peek at their follower, Marcus kept his attention on the young woman at his side. This was their third official outing together. The previous two had been simple affairs. He planned something slightly more intimate this time.
“She reminds me of you. Very direct.”
That earned him another smile and a hip bump. He was becoming more comfortable around her. Not that he’d ever been uncomfortable around her, but her request for courtship had changed their relationship dynamic. That new closeness and awareness as Hanna as a potential life partner took some getting used to.
They continued walking for a few minutes, making polite chat, until they reached an area with a stone table and benches. Taking Hanna’s hand, he guided her to the bench, then seated himself across from her.
Deciding on a little theatrics, he tapped the top of the table while concentrating. A ring of magic appeared for a flash, then a blue tablecloth popped into existence, floating down to cover the table. Bursts of light revealed a basket of break, a covered platter, and two place settings.
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Hanna clapped at the display. Marcus smiled at her, serving up the food. They continued their friendly chatter while eating.
Marcus nearly jumped from his bench as he felt something wrap around his leg. Glancing down, he saw Akara nestled on his calf under the table. Hanna’s giggles took his attention from the elemental.
“So much for her being left behind, right?”
Hanna continued to giggle while nodding. He enjoyed the sound of her laughter, so rich and full of life. Reaching across the table, he took one of her hands in both of his. Her giggles slowly subsided as she looked from their hands to his eyes.
Drinking in those blue depths, he said, “Thank you.”
Cocking her head to the side, she asked, “For what? You’re the one who planned all this.”
Marcus gave her hand a gentle squeeze. “For asking me to court you. This isn’t something I would ever have decided on my own. It’s not something I’ve ever thought about. Yet ever since you asked me, it’s made me look at my life in a whole new way.
“It’s made me look at you in a whole new way.”
Hanna gazed at him for a moment, then leaned across the table to press a gentle kiss to his lips.
Marcus felt his brain hiccup. Letting go with one hand, he reached up to touch his lips. They tingled.
Suddenly, he cried out, stumbling on the bench.
“Ack! She’s tightening. My leg!”
***
Brightheart glared at the mirror. The entire side of his face was a mass of scars, pulling his lips slightly to the side. Smiling or frowning tugged on the flesh, distorting the look.
How was he to inspire humanity like this?
“Thought I might find you here.”
Turning to the doorway, Brightheart saw the Emperor standing there. “Xius, my dear friend! What are you doing here in person? An Emperor calls people to him, even his friends.”
Xius stepped into the room. “If I can’t do what I want from time to time, what is the point of being Emperor? Besides, I wanted to bring this to you without involving more people.”
Reaching into his robes, the Emperor removed what appeared to be a porcelain mask. The mask bore an uncanny resemblance to a smiling Brightheart. With a smile of his own, Xius handed over the mask.
“I know how important your image is to you. It’s important to the Empire as well. You inspire the people you work with. You brought more people into the Empire than the rest of the Speakers combined.
“More importantly, you’re my friend. THe one true friend I have in this world. You are more family to me than my own flesh and blood.”
Brightheart took the mask in suddenly shaking hands. There was barely any weight. The inside was completely smooth, with a mirror like finish. Curiously, he couldn’t find a way to secure the mask or to see through it. Turning it over in his hands, he looked from the mask to his friend, who smiled encouragingly.
Lifting the mask to his face, Brightheart felt a slight pressure as the world vanished for a moment. The pressure lifted and sight returned. It was as if he wasn’t even wearing the mask! He could see perfectly. Could breath normally.
Turning to the mirror, he took in his new image. The mask smiled back at him, like a smoother, slightly shiny version of himself. THere was something about the eyes though.
Leaning in, he thought he saw a subtle sunburst in the eyes, like the one emblazoned on his chest. Returning his attention to the Emperor, he pointed at the mask.
“Wherever did you get such a thing?”
“I take it you approve then? Excellent. As soon as I heard you;d been injured beyond healing, I had our friends in the mages craft it for you. Dierdra especially took interest in the project. I think she’s taken a liking to you.”
Brightheart ran a finger along one smooth cheek. He could feel the touch, though the sensation was somewhat diminished.
“This is simply amazing. I’ve always been a fan of her work. I’ll be sure to thank her in person.”
Xius clapped his hands. “Excellent. Because I can’t have you out of things. There are things going on that need your touch. Two major ones. First, we must deal with the Shartha. They’ve given us the excuse we needed to seize their mines. We’ll clear them out of the plains and move in. I think you’ll find our method appropriate.”
Brightheart moved to find himself a seat, listening to the Emperor.
“Our friend Crighton has a liking for big spells. He and his team have crafted a spell that will send a firestorm racing across the plains. Yes, I knew you’d like that. However, some of the mages needed to empower the spell are reluctant to unleash something so destructive on an entire people. As if those furry dirt diggers were real people.
“I need you there to convince those mages to do what needs to be done.”
Brightheart smiled beneath his mask. “Sounds wonderful. What is the second thing you need?”
“Someone needs to bring the half-elves into the fold. I suppose we should call them half-humans. Their blood may be tainted, but they are still human. They even look more like us than those isolationists sitting in their citadel.”
“Are you sure about them? I don’t think we’ve ever actually discussed the half-breeds.”
Xius nodded. “Some of the councilors, especially the mages, have pointed out the potential value, at least in regards to breeding more magic into the population.”
Brightheart nodded slowly. “Looking at the generational benefits. I see. Bring more magic to humanity while helping thin tainted blood. I would have never thought of that.”
The Emperor nodded. “For all the planning we’ve done over the years, we cannot think of everything. That is what the councilors are for anyway. Besides, you’ve been so hands-on since we started that we haven’t had time to really plan our next steps.” He paused a moment, then added, “I suppose there is one more thing you can help me with.”
“Oh?”
Xius grimaced. “I think it’s about time for me to give the people an Empress. You’ll help me choose one.”
“Well then, that is a most interesting project. Yes indeed.”