by Mark Eller
"I can tell," Linley answered. He drew in a deep breath. "Let's go meet an emperor."
"I love you, Daddy."
He gave her a sharp look. "What was that for?"
"Just thought it needed saying before we entered the lion's den."
His laughed nervously. "You're late. We entered the den thirty seconds ago. Onward, Melna. Ever onward. " He touched her shoulder briefly before leading the way to the emperor's table.
"That man does not like you," he whispered just before they reached the half dozen empty seats near Klein. He gestured down the table.
"His name is Clack," Melna supplied. "He is one of the two who wanted to rape me. Aaron killed his best friend a few days later. Do you see the black man to the right of the emperor?"
"Yes."
"His name is Aybarra. He stopped the rape and saved my life so treat him nice. I think he likes Aaron, though I gather they had some sort of disagreement in the past. Aaron does not seem to regard him with the same warmth Aybarra has for Aaron."
"I'll keep that in mind."
Klein's smile turned affable when they reached him. "Good evening, Melna. Sir, I do not know your name. I must ask your forgiveness for not rising or shaking your hand. An unfortunate accident paralyzed me from the neck down."
"Hal Linley. Melna is my daughter."
"She is!" Klein's voice sounded delighted. "We're family. Please, you must call me Helmet, and I'll call you Hal. Sit down. I hope you'll forgive the meal. It's traditional Chin fare so it's rather simple, although some of it can get quite spicy."
Melna sat in the chair immediately to Klein's left. Her father sat beside her. Melna felt nonplussed. Informal as this dinner was, she had no doubt the chair reserved for her granted a significant honor.
A bowl of food was already set before each of them. The cuisine of the day appeared to be finger food. She wouldn't let it throw her. She was a woman of the world. Dipping her fingers in the bowl, Melna tried a taste. It was good.
"Do you know the other people here?" Klein asked. "Down at the end is where the Clan Chieftains sit. I won't bother you with all their names since they're too far away for a decent conversation. The thin weasel faced fellow is Han Chuk. He's sort of my Supreme General, though his title means a little more. Next to him are Wan Chuk, and Ard Chuk. They're his aides as well as his siblings. It's amazing how things work out. Nepotism is a wonderful thing."
Melna gave the introduced trio a small nod and a brief wave of her hand. Han studied her intensely for a short period before lowering his eyes and bowing his head respectfully. Both his aides rose and bent their knee to her.
"Oh, my," Melna found herself saying. "That wasn't necessary."
Klein watched her with a secretive smile. "I don't need to introduce you to Samuel Aybarra. I'll tell your father he's my head of security. The people with him are his most trusted friends. They had better be since they're also his brother and sister-in-laws. Like me, Mister Aybarra is from another world, but he's been made more than welcome in this one. Three women have taken him to husband. I'd introduce you to them but I can't. Two are watching the children. The third one is leading a campaign against a small tribe."
"Mister Aybarra," Melna said warmly. "I will never forget the service you have done me."
"Neither shall I," Clack said to Aybarra, but his tone held warning.
Melna noted the bruises around his eyes had turned all sorts of pretty colors. She thought it rather amusing how a broken nose could improve a man's looks.
Klein nodded toward Clack, but his eyes had turned flat. "I believe you know Mister Bill Clack. Clack is a friend of mine even if he is the leader of those who disagree with my goals. The people with him head one cabal or another. The only thing they have in common is none of them like the direction I'm taking the empire. Despite that, they are all good fellows. At the moment Mister Clack and Mister Aybarra seem to be my heirs apparent so there's no love lost between them. Still, as I say, they are all good fellows."
From the emperor's tone, Melna doubted they were anything but 'good' fellows. Apparently, Klein had many metaphorical thorns jabbing him in the behind, and she bet Clack and his people represented most of those thorns. Melna took cynical note that every person near Clack was male.
"Mister Clack and I have met more than once," Melna told Klein. "I regret to say our meetings have not been entirely pleasant."
"I've heard rumors," Klein admitted. "Melna, you've been hanging around here for a few weeks now. You've sat in on the conferences and listened to the gossip. What do you think of this empire I've built?"
Melna shifted uncomfortably. Her silence stretched on for a moment too long before her father spoke.
"Sir, this empire is amazing. Uniting so many disparate tribes into a nation is an astounding task. I have nothing but respect for what you've accomplished."
Klein's eyes turned hard. "Hal, I value honesty above all else. For now, I'll assume you are ignorant. Melna, your opinion please?"
Melna shrugged. In for a copper. "It stinks."
Klein grinned. "Please expand."
"You created your empire by killing instead of building. You now have all these people combined beneath one umbrella, but there is not much you can do with them. Sure, some of their fighting has stopped, but their lives have not changed for the better except in a few minor ways. They are still herders and warriors. Very few are farmers. Helmet, you do not even have horses, or not many. You have held your empire together through war. Now with your internal wars slowing down, it appears to me you are looking to start one outside your borders, though I will admit I do not know how this league you're pushing will help you there. It seems to me you are throwing out two messages. The league is meant to bring peace, but you are willing to commit war if it does not happen."
"Now that," said Klein,"is an opinion I can respect. Daughter Melna, the obvious answer is simple. Once the league is formed, Chin will be in an excellent position to ask for international aid. You are correct. We have almost nothing, though we do have a bit more than you listed. You are also correct in that I picked a lousy way to build a long-term empire."
Melna nodded. "You said asking for international aid was the obvious answer, implying there is another, less obvious, answer."
He chuckled. "I've been told you're smart. No, I truly don't believe anyone will convince the rulers of the nearby countries to loosen their purse strings. The real reason I set this up was to bring certain people into my presence. Not all those people are here now. I've talked to some and sent them on their way. One or two have left on their own, but they'll soon return. Overall, daughter, I am quite satisfied."
An angry growl originated from further down the table. A grimace of distaste crossed Klein's features.
"What is it, Bill?"
"She's not your daughter," Clack spat out.
"Daughter-in-law then. After all, Aaron is my adopted son. " Klein's voice stayed calm and reasonable.
"You forget I came through the militia compound. I know you never adopted him. "
Melna felt confused. Clack's face was red with fury. She looked to her father and did not like the his expression.
"An adoption of the heart," Klein said. "After all, those really are the best kind. Melna, you must understand I've always desired power. The militia that sponsored both Aaron and I refined my desire. Unfortunately, neither of us, the militia or I, saw a way to reach our goal except through force, so that's what I used when I came over here. In retrospect, I see what I and those who came with me to your world have accomplished is flawed. Unless something happens this empire will not be self sustaining. This belief is what separates Mister Clack from Mister Aybarra and myself. Clack feels the empire should be broken up into two or three smaller pieces to be more easily self sustaining. He sees his role as the ruler of the largest segment, and he wishes to give the smaller segments to his supporters. I want to see the empire remain at its present size, growing only as the remaining few recalcitrant trib
es are brought into our influence. I want us to lean on the international community for its help and financial support. You see, Melna, I no longer want just an empire. I want to improve the lives of my people. I want to know disease and short lives are not the best they can look forward to."
"I find it hard to believe you and Aaron are so close," Linley said slowly. "I barely know the boy, but I've seen him in action. I watched him kill several slavers, and it made him sick. He could never take your path."
"Aaron is a softer man than I ever was," Klein agreed. "Still, do not mistake him. He'll do exactly as he thinks best, no matter what the personal cost."
"So he's like you?"
"I said he is my son. I never said we were alike. In fact, Aaron has proved himself my superior. Look at what he's accomplished. By himself, without the help of anyone else from our world, he has created an empire of his own. His empire is business. His subjects are his employees, and his foundation is solid. So yes, Aaron is different from me, and wiser. I don't know how extensive his holdings and influence are. I doubt anyone knows, not even Aaron. I do know what he built is large, self sustaining, and not likely to collapse in a moment."
Pausing, Klein frowned. "Unless I do something drastic, my empire will not long survive my death, and my damaged body is failing. Within a few months I'll be dead, so I haven't much time. Melna, please stand up. I need to introduce you to my people. Hal, you might want to rise too. "
He nodded toward the approaching Mu Lei. "This is my wife. " Switching languages, he spoke in Chin, but with her Talent, Melna understood.
"Mu Lei, please get their attention."
Mu Lei raised her voice in a sudden shout. The noise dimmed. Another shout finished the job.
Feeling self-conscious, Melna rose from her seat. Her father rose, too. He put his hand on her shoulder and gave it a squeeze.
"There's always formalities at these things," he said. "Translate for me. "
Melna listened carefully while Klein spoke.
"He is introducing us as the wife and the father-in-law of the Terrible Warrior. The emperor reminds them of Aaron's anger and of how he ruthlessly destroyed his enemy. He is telling them how Aaron's cruelty was so great he left a crippled man lying in the dust at his feet. Now he says he is proud of his warrior son, for Aaron has always been the son of his heart. He is now talking about the Chin Empire. He is talking of his plans and his hopes for the future."
Klein's voice stopped, for effect Melna suspected. After a few moments, it started again. "Now he is saying his body is failing. Soon he will be gone."
Low moans sounded throughout the room. Klein silenced them with a brief frown.
"He is saying his duties have become too heavy and he…"
Melna's voice drifted silent. Looking to her father, she saw his anxious expression. She tried to speak, failed, and closed her lips tight once more. Her mouth felt dry. It took everything she had to keep her knees straight.
"No," she finally whispered. "Oh, no."
"What?" Linley demanded. "What is he saying?"
"They will kill him. They will flat out kill him."
Klein stopped speaking and turned his attention to Melna. "I'm sorry. I truly am sorry."
"What happened?" Linley demanded again.
"Daddy," Melna said shakily as she slowly sat down. "The emperor abdicated. He has given up his throne."
"They're going to kill him because he wants to retire," Linley's voice sounded unbelieving. Lowering himself back into his seat, he took her hand. "You're not making any sense."
"No, Daddy, it's Aaron."
"Why would they want to kill Aaron?"
"Some will want to kill him," Klein answered for Melna. "Some won't. I've given my throne to Aaron Turner. " His eyes were sorrowful. "I'm so sorry, daughter. I love Aaron with every fiber of my heart, only I love my empire with my entire soul. I can't save it. None of my people can. Aaron has pulled off the impossible once. I'm betting he can do it again."
By the Gods, Melna suddenly realized, I'm an empress. She found the thought horrifying. Maybe if she was empress of anywhere but Chin the job wouldn't be so bad. Unfortunately, nobody else had offered her the position.
A crash sounded, followed by a cry of fury as Clack and his entourage rose from the table and stormed away. Melna looked the other way to see Aybarra regarding her.
"We need to look out for him," Aybarra said wearily. "I suspect he's been involved in more than one murder. Aaron will have to kill him before this is over."
I love my husband, Melna silently intoned. I love my husband. I love my husband. I love my husband. The sorry son-of-a-bitch had better do something to make this right or she would murder him herself.
I love my husband.
Chapter 25
Autumn fought back an annoyed growl as the unending sound of falling water wore away at her nerves. The drip went on and on and on and on, and she could not get the sound of it out of her ears until she wanted to scream. She wanted to rant and yell until all her pent up frustration released. She wanted to tear a fit but was too frightened to release an involuntary peep. She knew at the least sound Mistress Swiftstrike would punish her in some extremely painful way.
Not that Autumn believed the assassin was always near. On the contrary, Swiftstrike was often away. Unfortunately, Autumn was never sure when the assassin left. There were times when Autumn knew the assassin was gone and almost sought escape, but then Swiftstrike would murmur a warning.
For Autumn, to speak without permission was to face punishment, perhaps something as simple has having her wrist chains reattached, but more likely something painful. Even so, Autumn could not help it. Her nerves were shot. Her bladder was full, and she had to do something or she would become a thing insane.
She rose. "I'm going to pee."
Air brushed against her skin and a hand grabbed her elbow. It did something that hurt. Hurt bad. Hurt like the joint would rip apart. Autumn whimpered.
"Are you a stupid child? I told you not to move or speak" Swiftstrike whispered.
Autumn fought back a sob. Failed. A cry burst free and then another. Swiftstrike growled, but Autumn didn't care. She was hurt and scared, and still only a child.
"I want my daddy."
The hand grasped harder. Fingers tightened.
"For the One God's sake, let the child urinate," a woman's voice said, gentle despite a small hint of roughness.
Autumn's arm was released. She heard a swish of movement, a hard blow on flesh, a gasp, scuffling, and a soft curse.
"Who are you?" Swiftstrike demanded. "What are you doing here?"
"I am doing the same as you," the voice said. "I am waiting."
Another blow sounded, and Autumn heard a body fall.
"Strike me as often as you wish. The only person you injure is yourself," the voice said. "My God has a need for me. I can't be injured. Try next week or the week after. His whims are never permanent, or they haven't been yet. Now, let the child urinate."
"Pee," Swiftstrike snapped to Autumn,"and then get back here. Woman, who are you!"
"Today I am a seeker. Tomorrow? I don't know. You need not worry about me. I am presently forbidden to harm others. I only wait for events to unfold."
As quickly as her shackled ankles would allow, Autumn hurried toward the area she had been using for her personal toilet. After doing her business, she headed back toward the voices, being careful to keep one hand on the wall at all times. With the cracks and protrusions in the floor, one misstep could cause serious injury, especially with her feet made clumsy by the ankle chains.
A hand touched her shoulder. "Sit here, child."
Obedient, Autumn settled down. The hand moved along her arm until it rested on her still throbbing elbow. Fingers gently rubbed the injury.
"Don't move."
Her elbow tingled and then surged. Something wild entered it. Autumn gasped as power flooded through her, reminding her of when she bonded with her Stone. But this wasn't a b
onding. This was much much more. This was so glorious she wanted to scream jubilation.
The hand moved from her elbow. The lights within her slowly faded until she was once again a child sitting in the dark. Her elbow tingled but no longer hurt. Tears trickled down her cheeks.
"What-what was that?"
"That was the Ecstasy of the One God," the woman told her. "Will you listen while I tell you of Him?"
"I've heard of Him from Miss Bayne and some others, but I've only been taught about the Lady and Her Lord. " Autumn's heart beat fast. She wanted to jump, to sing. Fear seemed foreign. She no longer understood why she had been so frightened.
"We know and honor your Lord and Lady," the woman said gently. "They are the Son and Ward of our One God. Again, shall I tell you of Him?"
"Yes, yes, please."
"Remain silent!" Swiftstrike snapped.
"Be reasonable," Autumn's new friend said. "I cannot harm you, but no geas stops me from allowing you to injure yourself. I remain between you and this child until she is free."
"She will die before then. Do you think yourself capable of killing me?"
"I have killed before," the strange woman answered. "If my God wills it, I will kill again."
"What do you want, Seeker?" Swiftstrike demanded. "What do you look for?"
"Death," the woman answered. "I wait for his minion."
* * *
Hauling back his fist, Aaron punched out. He spun on one heel, flung a leg up into the air, and then threw the other leg after it before the first leg struck the ground. He fell, rolled, and was back on his feet with his body holding the second stance before he had time to draw a breath. He stopped, panting from the hour-long exertion. He looked to his Master for approval.
"You've been practicing," Patton said approvingly. "But you're slower than you should be, and I see a few places where your form has become sloppy. Still, you're much better than when you left."
Aaron fought back a smile. He held his pose because Patton had not yet given him permission to break. He would have sore muscles in the morning. The wound from his duel with Johnston was scabbed over and healing, but it itched and pulled.
