Circles, Chapter 2.3

Circles

Chapter 2.3

Into the Maze

Tanalos leaned forward at the table and looked at the others gathered in this private room in the Emperor's private quarters. "So, what do we know?"

"Not much, my lord," Lais said, her long black hair flowing across one shoulder. Her carefully selected gown showed off her lush body to its best advantage even if she was only attending a meeting. Lais was always conscious of being Third Concubine. Tanalos would raise her if he could, he had often told her, but Allanna's father, Duke Shadrow of Stemtis, held more lands and gave more troops to the Imperial army and navy than Lais's father could.

Hashan, his wife, by contrast wore only a simple navy blue robe with a white ermine belt. Her father, Duke Hammera of Nola Farnatho, had given her to Tanalos as well as two legions and one hundred warships. Hashan never worried about being replaced, at least not by Tanalos. They were fairly certain Allanna had attempted to have her poisoned several times, but there was no proof that would hold in court.

Of course, such an accusation would lead to immediate civil war. Shadrow would not allow Allanna to be hanged as a traitor. Hammera would protect his daughter. No one wanted a repeat of the Forty Year War in which Hammera and Stemtis would clash and lay waste to themselves and the surrounding lands.

"We know Allanna, Granite, and Abetis are working together," Maxwell Thord, Head Guardsman of the Emperor's Guard, said. "We know the attacks on the Circles are part of their plan. We know most Circles have submitted to Imperial oversight. And we know Mongarth has been totally destroyed. No survivors."

"The Criers are saying Mage Argent deliberately destroyed Mongarth and killed the students," Lais said.

"Nonsense," Hashan said. "I knew Argent. He would no more do that than I would. They killed children."

"One of my contacts in the airship corps says many of the soldiers and their commanders questioned the orders," Thord said.

"But they still carried them out," Tanalos said bitterly. "I guess the Imperial Army doesn't shirk from killing children. They should get a medal for it."

A brief silence.

"My Emperor, they had their orders," Thord said gently. "Soldiers are trained to not question their orders. They must trust their leaders to give them honorable orders."

Tanalos looked away. It was always his fault. His and his ancestors for allowing the Council to slowly usurp the powers and rights of the Emperor.

"I'm apologize, Thord," he said. "You are correct."

"You couldn't save them, my husband," Hashan said. "Their deaths can be laid at the feet of General Abetis, Mage Granite, and the Great Bitch."

"At least one airship hung back," Thord said. "Sky Favor developed mysterious engine trouble and did not participate in the bombing of Mongarth. A court-martial will be convened, of course."

"Who's the captain?" Tanalos asked.

"I will find out," Thord said.

"If we can, let's try to help him," Tanalos said. "Apparently he has a conscience." He looked around. "Anything else?"

"I have invited Admiral Melleon to luncheon tomorrow," Hashan said. "I will attempt to ascertain his sympathies."

"Be careful, my sister," Lais said. "Melleon is ambitious. I do not know if he is honorable."

"I am always mindful," Hashan said, smiling coolly. "I thank you for your unnecessary but considerate advice."

Lais bowed her head to a careful degree. Tanalos suppressed a smile. Of all his women, he trusted only these two. And in certain ways, he believed it was better for him -- certainly healthier -- if they maintained a certain distrust of each other. They were certainly united in their hatred for Allanna.

"I have been speaking -- carefully -- to Commander Helio," Thord said. "He seems receptive, but the time to approach is not yet."

"I trust you to proceed as best," Tanalos said.

"One more thing," Lais said slowly. "It may mean nothing."

"Go on," Hashan said.

"Amando is missing," Lais said. At Tanalos puzzled face, she added, "Allanna's oldest son."

"Amando ... is he one of mine?" Tanalos asked.

"No, my lord," Lais said. "From her previous life. Before she was exalted."

Tanalos recalled brief glimpses of the boy. Red headed. Tall for his age. A shy smile.

"Perhaps he ran off," Thord said. "But I find it strange she didn't notify the Guard."

"A young friend of his told me he had been acting strange for several days before he went missing," Lais said.

"In what way?" Tanalos asked. For some reason, a shiver ran down his back.

"He was apparently terrified," Lais said. "He told of strange dreams. Of creatures in strange garb." She leaned close. "Two days after, he did not come to the morning meal. Allanna sent her personal bodyguards to find him, but when they did not, she simply said he would return eventually. She acted ... unconcerned."

"The Great Bitch has never been an attentive mother," Hashan said.

Tanalos thanked the gods -- and the potion he consumed before he did his duty with her -- that she had never borne him any children.

"True," Lais said slowly. "But she seemed fond of him. And by not attending the morning meal, he broke one of her rules. She doesn't stand for that."

"Thord, tell your guards to search for him," Tanalos said. "Be discreet, but very thorough. I feel this disappearance may be important."

He stood. "In the coming days, we can expect protests from the parents of the killed students. Be aware they will blame me, not the Council. I don't think Allanna is ready to replace me yet, but this may give her an opportunity to do so. Be alert. I do not think any of you will survive my passing, and they may target you first." He favored each of them with a long look. "You are all precious to your Emperor. Do not fall. We may yet outwit our enemies. We will meet in two days hence."

Thord stood and bowed. He left by a seldom used door.

Lais rose leisurely and gracefully. She courtesied to them both, although hers to Hashan was barely polite. So grateful, she seem to float from the room.

"She is very beautiful," Hashan said, watching him watch her.

"No more so than you," Tanalos said.

"I wish that were true, my Emperor," Hashan said. "But I come from country stock. My grandmothers borne children, fought wild animals and barbarians, and raised many children. We did not breed for beauty. We bred for utility." Her face shadowed.

Tanalos held out his hand. "Come to me, my wife. Let my love be proof of your beauty."

Hashan hesitated. "Thank you. But by your leave, not tonight. I am exhausted and not feeling well."

He nodded, feeling his heart sink. "Of course."

Hashan courtesied and left the room, leaving the Emperor alone with his worries and fears.

Copyright 2011 by Stephen B. Bagley. All rights reserved. No copying without prior express written permission. Thank you for reading.

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