Smoking Arrow stared at me. His scrutiny shriveled my scrotum. “Few Caven Hills families earn more than fifty taels per year, eh?”
“Yes, Lord Emperor Arrow.” Who told him that? I wondered. His abrupt change of topic startled me. I had the feeling Smoking Arrow often held several conversations at once.
“Your proposal is interesting, Bear. Why did you ask for my review?”
“To bring the problems of the prefecture to your attention—and that we have a solution to those problems.”
“Few Prefects encourage Imperial curiosity in their affairs. They all like to think they're emperors within the Empire. How do you explain the poverty in the Caven Hills?”
“Inertia, Lord Emperor Arrow. Our people have become so accustomed they can't imagine conditions being better. The Prefects have become so accustomed they can't imagine making conditions better.”
Smoking Arrow frowned at me. “Yet you say you can modernize farming so much that the Caven Hills will be as productive as other prefectures?”
I smiled. “Lord Emperor Arrow, we defeated the Imperial battalion despite their outnumbering us two-to-one because we adapted our strategy and tactics to the terrain. We'll double agrarian production despite the geography because we'll adjust our methods to the terrain.”
Smoking Arrow lifted a sheaf of parchment from the dais beside his pillow. “That's what you mean by 'terrace farming'?”
“Yes, Lord Emperor Arrow.”
“How long will this take, Bear?”
“Ten years, Lord Emperor Arrow.”
“Ten years? You might not live ten minutes!”
“That's as the Infinite wills—or as the Lord Emperor wills.”
“Yes, it is.” Abruptly, Smoking Arrow stood and touched the hilt of the Imperial Sword; the diamond flashed.
I also stood, knowing improper my sitting while he stood.
Through the door behind the dais entered two servants, levitating a tall covered object between them. They set it a pace to the side of the dais, at the forward corner. Stepping up to it, Smoking Arrow pulled off the cover. “I offered the Lord Tiger ten thousand taels for this particular piece. He refused to sell it—'at any price,' he told me.”
The statue depicted a warrior, his blade held high as though to strike a killing blow, three arrow shafts protruding at different angles from the left shoulder, a sheared-off spear head impaling the right thigh, the left arm ending at mid-forearm in a stump, on the features a terrible scowl.
I recognized the statue instantly.
“Ah, you already know who this is, Bear. Did you and your brother leave other statues on the battlefield? If so, please collect them.”
“Forgive me, Lord Emperor, I don't understand.” Did Smoking Arrow think I'd give him the evidence of our insurrection? Collecting the statues was like handing him my sword and asking him to take my head.
“It's a beautiful sculpture, Bear. If you have others of similar quality, I see no reason you shouldn't sell them. Here's my proposal, Bear: Gather all the statues you can and bring them to me. I'll announce an auction and invite the nobility of the Empire. Depending on the quality, the bids should start between two thousand and five thousand taels, eh? For my modest services I get half of all profits. What say you, Bear?”
I realized I'd never be poor again. My elation bouncing around inside my skull, I said, “Twenty-five percent, Lord Emperor Arrow.”
“Eh? Your ingratitude dismays me, Bear. Surely, my sponsoring this event is worth more than that? Forty-five.”
I'd be shitting taels even if he asked for ninety percent. He expected me to bargain because face demanded it. Finally, we agreed on forty percent. The Emperor covered the statue of Howling Tiger and ordered it removed from the audience hall.
Still standing, Smoking Arrow touched the Imperial Sword hilt again.
From the door behind the dais issued a column of exalted nobles; their finery put my shabby garb to shame. I swore by the Infinite I'd never wear anything but the highest quality silk again. They split off into two columns and lined up between myself and Smoking Arrow, four to each side.
“These are the members of the Imperial Ruling Council, Bear. When they tell me what I want to hear, I invite them onward. I'll suffer no lackeys among my advisors. I hereby convene this meeting of the Imperial Ruling Council.” Smoking Arrow eased himself to his haunches.
The men and women who'd entered also sat.
As I began to sit, Smoking Arrow ordered, “You will stand, Bear.”
“Yes, Lord Emperor Arrow,” I said. Knowing they'd decide my fate that day, I began to sweat. Two of the nobles attracted my attention instantly. One because he looked at me almost the entire time, the other because she didn't look at me once.
Wearing striped silk robes of white, tan and black, his left fist propped on his thigh, Scowling Tiger stared at me as if I'd pissed in his face. He'd have killed me on the spot if he could've avoided the Emperor's disfavor.
The other noble, her jade-green eyes set wide on her face and her lustrous black hair styled fashionably, was Bubbling Water. Her sister had given her the Matriarchate the day before. I felt the absence of her gaze upon me, remembering her warmth during our conversations. I didn't betray that I recognized her, not wanting the others to know she and I'd already met. She looked nervous. One perquisite of the Matriarchate was a seat on the Imperial Ruling Council, and this was the first time she'd attended council. She sat within five paces of me. Her perfume wrapped me in heavenly delirium.
“First point: My decision is to mandate percentage taxation across the Empire, as the peasant Bear suggests. What say you, Lords and Ladies?” Smoking Arrow looked at the first Council member to his right.
Brown of hair, of eye, of skin, the Sorcerer Flowing Mind said, “I approve of your decision, Lord Emperor Arrow.”
Beside him, tiny at five feet tall, the Matriarch Spreading Oak said, “I too approve, Lord Emperor Arrow, but I can't believe a peasant suggested it.”
Beside her, unrelated to her, was the Prefect of Cove and Commanding General of the Eastern Armed Forces, Towering Oak. “I approve, Lord Emperor Arrow, but ask a ten-percent reduction in taxes,” Aged Oak's father said.
Next to him was a man without a strand of hair on his head. The Imperial Medacor Soothing Spirit said placidly, “I also approve, Lord Emperor Arrow.”
Smoking Arrow stopped further voting, the majority having approved the decision. “Does a Lord or Lady here object to percentage taxation?”
No one answered. After a moment, someone said, “Lower the rate, eh Lord Emperor?”
“Very well.” He sighed. “Taxation at thirty-five percent approved. Second point: My decision is to modernize agriculture in the Caven Hills, per the peasant's proposal. Having read the proposal, what say you, Lords and Ladies?” This time, Smoking Arrow looked at the first Council member to his left.
The Empress Steaming Water was black-haired and green eyed but not nearly as beautiful as her sister. “Before you put the peasant's proposal into effect, Lord Emperor Arrow, put the Caven Hills to the torch,” she said contemptuously. I wondered how her being pregnant had changed her attitudes; mothers guard their young ruthlessly.
Next to her, his gray eyes hooded by lids thick and heavy, was the Prefect Prowling Wolf. “The affairs of another prefecture don't concern me, Lord Emperor Arrow; therefore, I abstain.”
Beside him was Scowling Tiger. Since entering, he'd stared malevolently at me. As he spoke, he didn't look away. “Lord Emperor Arrow, remove this stinking peasant's head today, and I'll obliterate the rebels tomorrow and implement the proposal the next day.”
Next to him was the Matriarch Bubbling Water. She looked far older than her sixteen years and far more beautiful than I remembered from the day before. “I agree with your decision, Lord Emperor Arrow. However, I ask the Empire to assemble a team of chemathons and kinathons to help with the terracing.”
Smoking Arrow looked across from her at Soothing Spiri
t, the Council still a vote away from a majority. The Medacor cleared his throat and said, “I don't know enough about farming, Lord Emperor Arrow. I also must abstain.”
Next to vote was Towering Oak, his height five-four, his name a joke. He glanced at Smoking Arrow. “I approve, Lord Emperor.”
“The Council has a majority. Lord Mind, Lady Oak, do either of you object to the peasant's proposal?” Smoking Arrow asked.
Both shook their heads.
“Terracing the Caven Hills approved.” Looking at the Commanding General, the Emperor asked, “Have you thought about the matter we discussed, my friend?”
Towering Oak glanced toward Scowling Tiger, then looked at Smoking Arrow. And sighed. “I don't like it much, Lord, but you're right. Except possibly my youngest, I don't have a son worthy to succeed me as Commanding General.”
Smoking Arrow laughed with sudden, genuine warmth. “What a conniving whelp he is, eh? We'll have to watch him. Aged Oak's young yet; he'll learn the limits of his ambition.”
“Indeed, Lord, indeed. Is now the time?” At the Emperor's nod, Towering Oak said, “Lord Prefect Tiger, I formally ask you to become General of the Second, Fourth, Eighth and Ninth Battalions of the Eastern Armed Forces, and my second in command.”
Scowling Tiger glanced away from me to look at Towering Oak, surprised. “Forgive me, Lord General, I … I'm not worthy of such a station,” he stammered. “I'd never consider taking it from your own son, Lord General Oak. Please, I must refuse.” His left fist never moved from his thigh.
“You mustn't refuse, Lord Prefect; you'll train under me for my position.”
“Eh? Uh, forgive me, Lord General Oak, the Infinite's addled my brains. I thought I heard you say you'll train me to become Commanding General.”
“That's what I said, Lord Prefect Tiger.”
Scowling Tiger leaned back and looked toward the far wall, his mind briefly leaving the room. Remembering where he was, he snapped back into his body and put his head to the floor. “With humility, Lord General Oak, I accept the incomparable honor of being your second in command, Infinite help me to serve with distinction.”
Towering Oak nodded. “Lord General Tiger, I accept the—”
“Do all that flattery later,” Smoking Arrow interrupted. “Third and final point: My decision is to invest the peasant Guarding Bear as the Prefect of the Caven Hills. What say you, Lords and Ladies?”
“Forgive me, Lord Emperor Arrow,” I said, wishing I hadn't spoken.
“How dare you, peasant!” The gray eyes smoldered at me.
“I dare because I think making me Prefect inadvisable, Lord Emperor Arrow. Forgive me, but one can't lightly take away a hereditary position. May I suggest, Lord Emperor, that you ask the Lord Prefect Scowling Tiger to appoint me regent Prefect for five years?”
Smoking Arrow looked at me as though I were stupid. I'd have the Infinite to pay if they approved the Emperor's decision as stated. Smoking Arrow's gaze flicked toward Towering Oak, pointing out that he'd preserved Scowling Tiger's face already. The Emperor had tossed him a sop. The situation demanded I also do something to save the Prefect's face. Otherwise, Scowling Tiger would be my lifelong enemy, if he already weren't. I glanced at the Prefect. Scowling Tiger looked at me as though I were scum, knowing now the reason for his promotion.
“What would that accomplish, Bear?” Smoking Arrow asked.
“The Lord Tiger will lose less face, Lord Emperor Arrow.”
“A peasant who understands face?” Smoking Arrow laughed. “I like your suggestion, Bear. Very well. My decision is to ask the Lord Prefect Scowling Tiger to appoint the peasant Guarding Bear regent Prefect for a five-year probation, but responsible only to me. What say you?”
The Sorcerer Flowing Mind said, “I abstain, Lord Emperor Arrow.”
The tiny Matriarch Spreading Oak said, “I agree with your decision, Lord Emperor. We'll see if the peasant can do what seven Tiger Prefects couldn't.”
“Execute the rebellious peasant this instant, Lord Emperor!” Towering Oak said, smiling coldly at me.
Beside him Soothing Spirit said, “I must abstain, Lord Emperor Arrow.”
Nervously, Bubbling Water said, “I agree with your decision, Lord Emperor Arrow.” She looked directly at Smoking Arrow. “However, if this council approves your decision, the Caven Hills will have a native Prefect. The peasants will place more confidence in him than they would an outlander, eh? The Empire must take this opportunity to help its poorest prefecture. Please forgive me for speaking at such length, Lord Emperor Arrow.” She bowed to hide the color in her cheeks, embarrassed. Silently, I congratulated her for having the courage to speak her mind.
Left fist still propped on thigh, Scowling Tiger glanced contemptuously at her and returned his stare to me. “I disagree with your decision, Lord Emperor Arrow. The most uncouth warrior can do twice as well as this stinking peasant. As I said before, remove his head today, and I'll obliterate the rebels tomorrow and implement the proposal the next day.”
Prowling Wolf's gray, hooded eyes flicked toward me. “I disagree with your decision, Lord Emperor Arrow. Investing a peasant with noble station sets a precedent and throws our society into chaos, as does your tacit pardon of the rebels. If you don't execute this peasant immediately, all peasants will think with swords they're Emperors!”
I counted two abstentions, three votes for my removal and three advocates for my investiture, the Emperor among the latter. Sweat trickled down my back, but I kept my face impassive. The last member to vote was the Empress Steaming Water, who wanted her mate to raze the Caven Hills. She was ruthless, callous, pitiless—and my life was in her hands. “I agree with you, my mate,” she said. I tried like the Infinite to conceal my relief. “However, I propose that until the peasant proves his ability to govern, he bear the title of chief civil administrator. A title such as 'regent Prefect' would elevate him to full noble status, which he doesn't merit.”
Smoking Arrow nodded. “The Imperial Ruling Council has spoken.
“Lord General Scowling Tiger,” the Emperor said, “I ask you to appoint the peasant Guarding Bear civil administrator of the Caven Hills, responsible only to me or my successors. After five years, the Imperial Ruling Council will decide whether to invest him with full powers and elevate him to noble—or execute him for his treason.”
Scowling Tiger didn't avert his gaze from my face. His left fist ground into his thigh. I could feel the heat of his impotent rage. “Lord Emperor Arrow, I regretfully and under protest appoint this Peasant Upstart Usurper civil administrator of the Caven Hills.”
“Congratulations, Bear.” Smoking Arrow smiled at Scowling Tiger.
* * *
“Scowling Tiger was the first person to call me that,” Guarding Bear said quietly to the boy curled up in his arms. “Blast it, his name stuck like an arrow into a target. I haven't been able to rid myself of it since. Hand, I don't like being the Peasant Upstart Usurper. I wish the Infinite would take that mask away.”
Sighing, Guarding Bear glanced at the medacor sleeping on the pallet, surprised Calming Touch hadn't stirred throughout his story. “Now that I've climbed so far, I find myself wondering why. Why have I come to this station in life? Why haven't I died honorably in battle like so many of my fellow warriors, or suffered a betrayal like my dear brother Brazen Bear? Why have I survived to become an angry old man, when so many others, far more worthy, have fallen under the blade? Why am I still alive, when by all reasoning a Peasant Upstart Usurper like me should be long dead, eh?”
“Maybe the Infinite's got something for you to do.”
“That's probably true, Hand. I wish the ways of the Infinite weren't so inscrutable; I don't like being its puppet.” Guarding Bear sighed. “You'd better go soon, eh? Before someone finds you here.”
The boy nodded absently. “Do you want me to put you back to sleep?”
“Of course.”
His face puzzled, Healing Hand frowned. “Why don't you want me
to free you, Lord Bear?”
“You came here to free me? Is that why you're here?”
Healing Hand nodded.
“Thank you, my friend. You're a wonderful boy.” The General chuckled and sighed. “No, Hand, I want you to sedate me again. Thank you for offering, but you can't give me the freedom I'd like, because my prison's here.” He pointed at his head. “When I stop thinking I'm the Peasant Upstart Usurper, I'll open the door to my cell. When I start thinking I'm the loyal citizen Guarding Bear, I'll leave my prison behind.”
Chapter 16
The power of the matriarchies reached its apex during the reign of the seventh Emperor Arrow. Flying Arrow's aunt and surrogate mother assumed control of the Water Matriarchy when she was only sixteen years old. From a loose network of perhaps a tenth of all Eastern women, Bubbling Water built a tightly-reined hierarchy. Upon her death at fifty nine, the Water Matriarchy included almost half of them and extended into all four Empires. So avidly did she barter hers and her daughters' pleasures that her enemies called her “the Imperial Whore.” She withheld those pleasures for equal gain. She was the archetype of wanton female sexuality that instills so much fear in our male-dominated society today.—The Women, the Power, by Shriveling Stalk.
* * *
“Why did Snarling Jaguar summon you?” Healing Hand rocked back and forth with the gentle swaying of the richly-decorated palanquin.
“I wish I knew, Hand.” Sitting opposite him, Bubbling Water glanced through the thin curtains, watching landmarks as they passed them. Warriors marched in ranks three-thick beside the pair of palanquins. “You'll have to get out before we reach the gate, eh?”
“Yes, Lady Water,” he replied glumly.
“Do you know what's ahead? It might not be pleasant.”
Healing Hand nodded. “I don't understand all the excitement, though.”
The Peasant Page 18
