Lord Chenowith walked into his father’s suite and closed the door behind him. He stood silently for a long time as his eyes scanned the room. Memories flooded the mind of the lord of the Walkan clan as he pictured his father sitting behind the large desk near the windows. Tears sprang unbidden from his eyes as he heard his father’s laughter. Time ceased to matter as Lord Chenowith watched his father explaining the finances of the clan to the young boy sitting before the desk. The young boy was eager to learn and idolized Lord Bagora. They both laughed as they shared some private humor. Tears flowed down Lord Chenowith’s face, and he closed his eyes tightly.
When he opened his eyes, the vision was gone. The suite was empty except for Lord Chenowith himself. He wiped the tears from his face and walked to the desk. He sat in the chair that he had sat in as a boy and stared across the desk at the empty chair on the other side.
“Your time had not yet come,” Lord Chenowith said to the empty chair. “There was too much life left in your bones. Did you know when we spoke that night that your life was in danger? You could have told me. I would have broken every rule to save you.”
“Perhaps you knew that,” Lord Chenowith said after a long silent pause. “You always knew what I would do long before I did it. You always knew everything.”
Lord Chenowith closed his eyes and put his head down on the desk. The coolness of the wood radiated through his head and brought a surreal calmness with it. He sat immobile for a long time. Suddenly he raised his head and opened his eyes. His turned and stared at the metal box his father had asked him to bring home. He knew that Bagora would frown upon him opening it, but Lord Chenowith couldn’t help but wonder if Bagora had written anything that would pinpoint his assassin. His father did, after all, always know everything.
Lord Chenowith rose and walked to the metal box. He picked it up and held it as if weighing his actions. With determination and anger at the death of his father, Lord Chenowith placed the box on the desk and drew his knife. He nervously attacked the lock with his knife. The lock could not withstand the assault. It was never meant to. The lock was merely a reminder to anyone who would peer into another man’s belongings. Lord Chenowith did not care. He would never have done such a thing while his father lived, but things felt different now. The box might contain a clue to the identity of the assassin, and Lord Chenowith vowed to avenge his father’s death.
Lord Chenowith opened the box and peered into it. The box was stuffed with papers. Lord Chenowith recognized some of them as Imperial decrees that should have been deposited with the Imperial archives. He frowned at the thought that his father had taken the documents out of the Imperial Palace. Picking up the box he moved to sit behind the desk, but he halted as he began to sit. He stood there for a few moments before walking back around the desk to sit where he had before. Even after Emperor Bagora’s death, it felt disrespectful to sit in his father’s chair.
Lord Chenowith started lifting documents out of the box and reading them. He saw that most of the Imperial decrees dealt with an extensive network of spies. Names, locations, and compensation amounts indicated a spy network that was far vaster than anything he could have imagined. Lord Chenowith’s eyes grew wide as he read the secret documents. It suddenly became very clear why the Emperor had not entrusted the documents to the Imperial archive. Emperor Bagora had been spying on everyone. Members of the Lords’ Council, members of the Imperial troops, and even individual clan lords, Bagora had spies watching them all.
At the bottom of the box was a small journal. Lord Chenowith took it and held it for a moment before he opened it. He felt as if he were intruding into his father’s inner mind as he started reading the daily log of random thoughts, meetings, and conclusions. Hours later, Lord Chenowith had to light a new candle. He paused and stared out the window of his father’s study. He saw that the dawn was only hours away. He returned to his chair and sighed as he delved back into the journal. He was beginning to see the life of an Emperor in a way that few men could ever understand.
* * *
Lord Marak and Lord Oktar arrived at the Imperial Palace. Already other lords and their escorts were converging on the capital in preparation for the Assembly of Lords that would begin the following day. It had already become clear to Lord Marak that Khadora had a new Emperor. Word of the rise of Lord Mirakotto had met them halfway in their rush to Khadoratung. Lord Marak did not dwell upon the news. His mission was to secure help from the Lords’ Council for the coming battles with the Jiadin.
They entered the Imperial Palace. Botal led the Torak squad to the Torak quarters while the Balomar squad retreated to theirs. Only Gunta and Halman remained to escort Lord Marak and Lord Oktar. Lord Marak let the small group up to the Lords’ Council Chamber. The room was empty except for Katzu, a Lords’ Council mediator.
“Greetings Lord Marak, Lord Oktar,” welcomed Katzu.
“Greetings, Katzu,” Lord Marak replied. “I would like to call a meeting of the Lords’ Council. How do I do that?”
“Calling a meeting is fairly simple,” answered Katzu. “I can carry the word to the other members. They are all in residence today. It is most unusual though to call a meeting before the sixth member is elected. Perhaps you should wait until after the Assembly of Lords elects the new member of the Lords’ Council.”
“Time is not my ally,” replied Lord Marak. “Lord Oktar has the provocation needed to ensure help from the Lords’ Council. I fully expect the attacks to commence as soon as the Assembly of Lords is over and the lords make their way back home. I want our troops in place before then.”
“Then I shall contact the other members immediately,” nodded Katzu. “Lord Oktar should wait outside until the council calls for him.”
Lord Marak led Lord Oktar into the corridor outside the Lords’ Council Chamber as Katzu disappeared around a corner. The first member to arrive was Lord Patel and Lord Marak accompanied him into the chamber.
“So it has begun?” asked Lord Patel.
“It has,” nodded Lord Marak. “It is going to be much worse than I imagined. The Jiadin may be untrained as a group, but their skills are impressive. How did Bagora die?”
“An assassin while he was in bed,” frowned Lord Patel. “The knife was poisoned.”
“Has he been found?” asked Lord Marak.
“No,” Lord Patel shook his head. “He vanished without a trace. Marshal Chack is quite upset. Lord Marak, I tried to delay the vote for Emperor until you returned, but I was blindsided by Mirakotto. I left the chamber during the vote thinking that he would have to suspend the meeting. Instead he continued the vote. I am sorry.”
“It does not matter to me, Lord Patel,” replied Lord Marak. “I do not care who rules as long as we work together to defeat our common enemy. I do grieve for Bagora, though. He was a good man and a patriot. All of Khadora will miss him.”
The conversation halted as the other lords entered the chamber. Lord Quilo walked to the head of the table as the other lords took their seats. Katzu closed the door and stood near it.
“Lord Marak,” Lord Quilo began, “I understand that you have requested an urgent meeting of the Lords’ Council. For what purpose do you cause this body to gather?”
“Thank you for coming together so quickly,” Lord Marak began. “Lord Oktar waits outside this room. He would like to register a grievance and request the assistance of the Lords’ Council in preserving his clan.”
“Is this the same matter that you brought before this council before?” asked Lord Quilo.
“It is,” affirmed Lord Marak. “There has been an attack on the Balomar estate. An estimated five thousand Jiadin wearing the Glamaraldi uniform attacked the estate. They were repelled, but I fear that the defenses will not hold long.”
“Rather than sending troops,” frowned Lord Quilo, “shouldn’t we be trying to mediate the dispute?”
“I am afraid that Lord Yungis will not accept any mediation,” reported Lord Marak. “In my discussions with him, he showed nothing but contempt for the Lords’ Council. I do not believe that he would follow the rulings of this council even if we could get him to accept mediation of the dispute.”
“You have spoken to Lord Yungis personally?” questioned Lord Quilo. “Where was this? And when?”
“It was on the morning of the death of our Emperor,” answered Lord Marak. “He arrived unannounced at the estate of Lord Oktar. I was there at the time.”
“I have heard,” interrupted Lord Kiamesh, “that there are a number of clans assembled at the Balomar estate. Is this true Lord Marak? And if so, is this not in itself a provocation?”
“There are a number of clans present on the estate,” nodded Lord Marak. “Their presence there was unknown to Lord Yungis until he attacked. In fact, the large variety of uniforms confused the Jiadin when they attacked. I believe that is what stopped an all out assault. If their presence was not known, how then can it be a provocation?”
“A valid question,” nodded Lord Kiamesh.
“And what are they doing there, Lord Marak?” asked Lord Garic. “Maybe Lord Yungis did not know they were there, but that does not alter the fact that they were present. What clans are present there? And why are they there?”
Lord Marak sighed as he listened to the question that he had wished he would not have to answer.
“There are a number of clans present on the Balomar estate,” answered Lord Marak, “including the Torak clan. The reason that they are there is to repel foreign invaders from Khadora, an exercise that this body should be eager to aid. If the question of legality is an issue, I can assure this council that it is perfectly legal. My plan was presented to the Emperor before I instituted it. He approved of it and declared it to be legal. Still, that is not the issue before this council today. There has been a clear provocation, and Lord Oktar waits outside this chamber to seek help in preserving his clan. May I bring him in?”
“Are you sure that Lord Yungis would resist mediation?” questioned Lord Kiamesh.
“Positive,” nodded Lord Marak. “His contempt for our government is severe. I must make this council aware of the reasons for his contempt. He has five thousand Jiadin warriors at his disposal. That army would present a challenge to the mightiest of our Khadoran clans. Worse, he has allies who can quickly multiply his force by four. The Vessi and Lejune clans each have five thousand Jiadin warriors. You have heard of their recent conquests on the eastern frontier. There is also a fourth clan, the Pikata, who also have Jiadin warriors. My fear is that these four clans will join forces to sweep across Khadora. The Balomar estate is only the first of many conquests. If we do not make a stand now, Khadora as we know it will cease to exist. I implore this council to provide troops immediately.”
“I move that this council immediately agree to take a stand on this provocation,” said Lord Patel. “We have lost several clans already to these Jiadin armies. How many clans must we lose before we awaken to the real threat they present to Khadora?”
“There is merit to your request, Lord Marak,” conceded Lord Kiamesh, “but you are proposing a solution that has never been used before. The Imperial troops are not numerous enough to halt the Jiadin. What do you want us to do?”
“I want armies,” answered Lord Marak. “Each member of this council could send troops in the very least. Optimally, other clans outside this council could be convinced to send troops. We need fighters, Lord Kiamesh. Lots of them.”
“And who will lead these troops?” asked Lord Kiamesh. “Are these great armies to be under your command?”
“Each clan could lead its own armies,” answered Lord Marak. “To be effective, there must be coordination among the clans. I would be willing to accept that responsibility and report directly to this council.”
“So you want our men for your own army?” asked Lord Garic. “That is preposterous.”
“That is not what I said,” frowned Lord Marak. “Look, I don’t really care who coordinates them as long as we succeed in pushing the Jiadin back into Fakara. This is not about me, Lord Garic. This is about preserving Khadora.”
“I am hesitant, Lord Marak,” admitted Lord Quilo. “The eastern frontier is quite a distance from Khadoratung and the Imperial Valley. While some minor frontier clans may indeed disappear, I really don’t think the Glamaraldi, or any other frontier clan, has the ability to battle its way here.”
“Are not the frontier clans part of Khadora, Lord Quilo?” posed Lord Marak. “Does the Lords’ Council exist only to serve the interests of the Imperial Valley? If that is the case, why should the frontier clans abide by your rules? Suppose other clans decide to take the attitude of Lord Yungis and declare that the government in Khadoratung is not relevant. Will Khadora then shrink to only those clans in the Imperial Valley?”
“If the frontier clans want to ignore us,” retorted Lord Quilo, “they will do so at their own peril. The Imperial Valley clans are the heart of Khadora. We have the armies to crush any opponent.”
“Then use them,” grinned Lord Marak. “That is exactly what I am asking you to do. The Jiadin are stealing portions of Khadora as we speak, Lord Quilo. They are using a few fool lords to accomplish their goal, but do not for one minute think that Lord Yungis really controls these men. He may believe it now, but I do not. When Lord Yungis has served his purpose, the foreigners will toss him aside.”
“We may have to in the future,” conceded Lord Quilo, “but I think you see this as a chance to seek power for yourself, Lord Marak. Do not take me for a fool.”
“Perhaps there is a way to resolve this,” offered Lord Kiamesh. “We could choose one of our marshals to lead this force. I think we should first vote on the proposition of supporting Lord Oktar, and later deal with what the force will look like and who will lead it.”
Lord Garic frowned and rose from his seat. “I request a short recess,” he said.
“Five minutes,” nodded Lord Quilo.
Lord Garic walked swiftly out of the room and raced to the Emperor’s office. He was immediately admitted.
“What is it?” Emperor Mirakotto asked distractedly.
“The Lords’ Council is in session,” answered Lord Garic. “They are considering a proposal to send troops to aid the Balomar clan against the Glamaraldi.”
“That nonsense again,” snarled the Emperor. “Why do none of them understand that the frontier just doesn’t matter in the overall scheme of things? Has there been a provocation?”
“There has been,” nodded Lord Garic. “It looks like a resolution will pass the council this time. Lord Patel and Lord Kiamesh appear to be leaning towards it. Lord Quilo and myself are against it.”
“Just let them do it,” smirked the Emperor. “Their armies will suffer loses, and they will be the weaker for it. I cannot believe that they are such fools.”
“Very well,” frowned Lord Garic. “I thought you would be opposed to it.”
“Why?” questioned the Emperor.
“There is talk that Lord Marak would lead the armies,” shrugged Lord Garic.
“What?” shouted Emperor Mirakotto. “You did not mention anything about Lord Marak.”
“Well he is the one presenting the plan to the council,” frowned Lord Garic. “I thought that I had mentioned that.”
“So Lord Marak is seeking yet more power?” mused the Emperor. “He is a threat, Garic. I know that he had meetings with Bagora, but I cannot find any record of them. I am curious what schemes they had planned together.”
“Lord Marak did say that the Bagora had authorized the other clans that have armies out there already,” mentioned Lord Garic. “He said the Emperor had declared it legal.”
“What other clans?” inquired Emperor Mirakotto. “Do you know who they are?”
“He did not say,” Lord Garic shook his head. “He only mentioned that there were several and that the Torak clan was one of them.”
“And he is seeking more troops to fight under his banner?” questioned the Emperor.
“That is what he is proposing,” nodded Lord Garic. “Not only armies from the Lords’ Council, but also from other clans. He says that he is facing twenty thousand Jiadin warriors.”
“Such nonsense,” scowled the Emperor. “I will not allow Lord Marak’s power to grow any further. He may well become a thorn in my side.”
“My vote will not stop this resolution from passing,” declared Lord Garic. “I doubt that I can convince Lord Patel or Lord Kiamesh to vote against it.”
“Well I can stop it,” snarled the Emperor. “Return to the meeting, and tell them that all votes of the Lords’ Council on this matter must be authorized by the Emperor. Tell them that the Emperor has been notified that there are potential illegalities concerning the placement of troops at the Balomar estate. These illegalities will be fully investigated before the government can authorize any help to Lord Oktar.”
Lord Garic grinned and nodded as he left the office. He hurried back to the Lords’ Council Chamber. The other lords had already reassembled and Lord Garic took his seat.
“Very well,” Lord Quilo said. “Now that we are all refreshed, shall we put this issue to a vote?”
“You cannot,” replied Lord Garic. “I ran into the Emperor while I was out. He is most disturbed by reports of clans assembling at the Balomar estate. He has ordered an investigation into the legalities of the matter. He has ordered that the Lords’ Council votes on this matter must be authorized by him personally until the investigation is complete. There will be no help for Lord Oktar until this is all settled.”
“Did you empty his chamber pot while you were there, Lord Garic?” retorted Lord Patel.
“Is it legal for the Emperor to stop the Lords’ Council from voting on this?” asked Lord Marak.
“The Emperor can step in if he feels that the Lords’ Council is doing something in violation of the law,” nodded Lord Quilo.
“But there has been a provocation,” countered Lord Marak. “Emperor Bagora has already ruled on the legality of my troops being there, and additional troops after the provocation is clearly legal.”
“This has nothing to do with legalities, Lord Marak,” stated Lord Patel. “This has to do with his hatred of you. To allow this council to send troops under your command is to give you prestige. Mirakotto will never allow that. His investigation is merely one of the weapons that he will use to crush you. I advise you to withdraw the request.”
“What if Lord Oktar makes the request?” asked Lord Marak. “I will step out of the entire affair and turn the troops over to someone else. This is not about me. This is about saving Khadora.”
“I believe your offer to step out of this is sincere,” Lord Kiamesh smiled thinly, “but once Mirakotto has entered into this fray, it will not matter if you withdraw. He will continue to block it no matter what. Believe me in this. I have been an outspoken foe of Mirakotto’s since the day I joined this council. He is like a starving dog that has sunk his teeth into a piece of meat. He will not let go until it is devoured.”
“It only makes sense to adjourn this meeting,” nodded Lord Quilo. “You will have to manage with the troops you already have, Lord Marak. This meeting is adjourned.”
The lords filed out of the room. When only Lord Quilo was left, Katzu quietly closed the door and walked across the room and sat down next to the Organila lord who was writing a journal entry about the meeting.
“What is it, Katzu?” Lord Quilo asked without looking up from his task.
“You ended the meeting quickly,” commented Lord Quilo.
“What if I did?” shrugged Lord Quilo. “There was not going to be a resolution. Why listen to more arguments about it?”
“You were against Lord Marak’s proposal then?” asked the mediator.
“You always were a keen observer of people, Katzu,” smiled Lord Quilo. “Of all the mediators for the Lords’ Council, your services are the most in demand. Your rulings have never been questioned. That is because you understand people and what makes them do what they do. You make me proud.”
“Most of the time,” frowned Katzu, “you have made me proud as well. That is why I wanted to speak to you about this, Father.”
“What is there to speak about?” questioned Lord Quilo. “While Lord Oktar may indeed have a problem, I see this whole request as a ruse by Lord Marak to gain power. He has already positioned troops illegally at the Balomar estate. Now he seeks thousands more to serve under his banner. Can you deny that he seeks power?”
“I know Lord Marak to be an honest and patriotic Khadoran,” replied Katzu. “Let me ask you a question. The Organila clan has long had an alliance with the Morgar clan. I know there have been several times over the past few years when Lord Saycher has talked to you about the Situ’s ambitions at Raven’s Point. Is that not true?”
“That is correct,” nodded Lord Quilo, “although I fail to see what that has to do with anything. The Situ were always desirous of expanding, and Lord Saycher relied on the Organila clan to protect him. Why shouldn’t he? Our clans have had an alliance for generations.”
“Didn’t you on more than one occasion send troops to the Morgar estate to halt the Situ ambitions?” asked Katzu.
“Not to the Morgar estate,” corrected Lord Quilo. “We did move troops close enough to warn the Situ that any attack would result in war with us. It always dissuaded the Situ from doing anything foolish.”
“And you would have attacked the Situ if they had made a move against Lord Saycher, wouldn’t you?” questioned the mediator.
“Without question,” nodded Lord Quilo. “Force is the only way to stop a thief, son. That is the one thing that I never seemed to be able to teach you. Had you understood that, you would have made a fine replacement for me as head of the Organila clan.”
“You know I abhor force if there is another way,” smiled Katzu. “The life of a mediator serves me well. How has Lord Saycher been doing now that Raven’s Point is a Torak estate instead of a Situ one?”
“Lord Saycher is very pleased,” admitted Lord Quilo. “He has no fears that the Torak clan will infringe upon his lands. I guess it is all part of the strange peacefulness that has invaded the southern frontier.”
“That peacefulness is no accident, Father,” declared Katzu. “It was brought about by Lord Marak, who by the way is trying to protect Lord Oktar just as you would have protected Lord Saycher.”
“He did not move his troops close to the Balomar estate,” Lord Quilo pointed out. “He moved them onto the estate. There is a large difference there. What he did was illegal.”
“Not true, Father,” Katzu shook his head. “I was present when the Emperor ruled on this matter. Lord Marak has every legal right to be on the Balomar estate.”
“Every legal right?” echoed Lord Quilo. “That is not possible. Unless…” he frowned. “What I am thinking only proves the danger of Lord Marak. He is trying to increase his power at the expense of other clans.”
“No, Father,” Katzu shook his head. “You said that I have a special skill in seeing the true motives of people. I understand Lord Marak, as others do not. I am privy to much secret information about him and his dealings. I cannot betray that confidence, even to you, but I can assure you that he works for the good of all of Khadora. Emperor Bagora felt this about him as well. Why do you think he made that rare appeal in the Assembly of Lords? Bagora never nominated anyone for the Lords’ Council, even when he was just a member of the council. Open your eyes, Father. I know you trusted Bagora’s judgment, and I know you trust my judgment. There is no finer patriot of Khadora than Lord Marak. Support him.”
Lord Quilo stared at his son for a long time without speaking. Finally, he picked up his papers and left the room.