Imperial Traitor

by Mark Robson

  ‘Are you all right, my Lady?’

  ‘I’m fine, thank you, Reynik. I shall feel even better if you give me news of my husband.’

  ‘He’s well, my Lady. Look, he’s over there coordinating the rescue efforts. Part of the roof collapsed and one of the stone pillars fell. There are people trapped under the rubble.’

  ‘Then I shall go and help him. Thank you.’

  ‘Have you seen anything of the others, Derryn?’ Reynik asked the aging knife-thrower.

  Derryn shook his head. ‘We were on our way out of the Guild passages when we were thrown from our feet by the shock wave. I’ve no idea what caused it, but you’ll have to be careful if you’re intending to go down there, Reynik. A blast of that magnitude will have done a lot of damage. The entrance to the Guild is open, but even if the passageways are not blocked, I’m not confident that the caves will be stable any more. It would be easy to get trapped.’

  ‘Thanks, Derryn. I’ll do my best to be careful. Can you show me the way?’

  Lutalo grabbed his son by the arm, having approached in the middle of the conversation.

  ‘Are you sure this is a good idea, son?’ he said, stopping Reynik as he made to leave. ‘You’re bleeding. There are others who can lead the search. Get your wounds seen to.’

  ‘Femke’s down there somewhere, father. I’m not going to rest until I know she’s safe.’

  ‘She’s that special then?’ Lutalo asked pointedly, giving his son a knowing look.

  ‘That special and more,’ he replied, returning his father’s look with an uncompromising one of his own. ‘What would you do in my position?’

  Lutalo paused for a moment. ‘Exactly what you’re doing, son. Let me bring a few men. We’ll go together.’

  ‘Wait! I’m coming too.’

  Reynik looked around in surprise. It was Calvyn. Reynik had thought him too deep in shock to take any further part in the action. To see him here, pale, but with a determined look on his face, was completely unexpected.

  ‘You might want to be aware that the West Wing of the Palace has totally gone,’ Calvyn added. ‘I took a quick look. There’s nothing to mark where it stood other than a huge crater. Master Jabal is dead – at least I can detect nothing of his life force from here – but I must make sure. I would not abandon him in an hour of need. That explosion involved a magnitude of magical energy the like of which I doubt has ever been seen in Shandar before. I must come with you.’

  ‘Calvyn? Are you sure?’ Reynik asked. ‘You don’t look well. Remember how you felt last time you entered the Guild complex? I don’t want to have to carry you out.’

  ‘I doubt it will affect me this time. Whatever Jabal did down there will have changed the magical properties of the Guild complex forever. You might require my specialist help. If there’s need, then I can use magic to clear the way, or to shore up the roof. Both, if necessary.’

  Reynik nodded. ‘I’d be a fool to turn down the company of one with such abilities. If you’re sure, then let’s go.’

  Femke felt sure she must have died. The darkness was complete and her body numb. The combination of the total lack of light, together with the lack of tactile feeling, gave her the sensation of floating in an eternal void of darkness. She felt dizzy and sick. Was she spinning in the void? Once the idea had entered her mind, it was difficult to banish. Also, there was pain. ‘Is this the sort of echo of pain one suffers on losing a limb, still feeling sensations where the limb used to be?’ she wondered. ‘Am I a spirit now feeling pain where once I enjoyed a body?

  It was the noise that gave her the first flash of hope – the distant sound of someone talking. At first she thought it might be her imagination, but after a moment or two, she realised that there was more than one voice. What was more, they were coming closer.

  She tried to move; tried to do anything that might take away the sensation of floating in the darkness. It was hopeless. She tried to call out, but that also proved impossible. Her efforts, whilst not spectacular, did result in a noise. It was faint, but she was sure it had been real. If the noise was real, then the people she could hear talking were real, and if they were real . . .

  She tried again. The sound she made was muffled, but louder. A faint haze of light filtered through to her eyes. It was not enough for her to see anything, but the voices were still coming closer. There was a sudden sound of running feet. A weight suddenly lifted from her and she flinched from the burning light of the torches that suddenly flooded her sight.

  ‘Over here! Under the fallen bookcase. Femke? Are you all right? Can you hear me?’

  It was Reynik. More pain flooded her body as blood flowed back into limbs. Her chest, constricted for so long, began to expand and contract normally again. He was touching her face gently, stroking her hair and her back. Shand, but it felt good!

  ‘Fine,’ she mumbled. ‘Fine now. Others?’

  There was a pause. Some of them had not made it. Reynik would not have paused if everyone else had survived. A sudden tingling across her body caused her to shudder. Something was happening. Something unnatural. The pain was receding. Life and energy were returning to her.

  ‘What’s wrong with her, Calvyn? Is she badly hurt? That bookcase was heavy.’

  Another pause.

  ‘No. She should be fully recovered in no time. There’s nothing broken. I’ve just healed the worst of the bruising and abrasions.’

  ‘Can you move now, Femke?’ Reynik asked.

  She opened her eyes again, squinting in the light of the torches. The first thing Femke saw as she pushed herself up into a sitting position was the anxious look on Reynik’s face. She reached for him and he wrapped his arms around her and drew her into a tight embrace. Over his shoulder she saw Calvyn. He looked terrible. She patted Reynik on the back and, though she was reluctant to break the intimacy of the moment, she pushed him gently away.

  ‘Jabal?’ she asked Calvyn.

  He shook his head sadly.

  ‘I’m so sorry. What did he do? Was it he who caused the blast wave?’

  Calvyn gave an apologetic shrug. ‘My guess is that Darkweaver left a trap for any who tried to destroy his work. Master Jabal was an excellent magician, but he didn’t have the devious mind of Darkweaver. The force generated by the destruction of the bonding stone blasted half of the Palace out of existence. It appears that the weakest point in the cavern was directly above the stone, which was fortunate for you, as the majority of the explosion released straight upwards. The cavern was directly underneath the West Wing of the Palace. Before we came down, I heard witnesses say that they saw chunks of masonry hurled halfway across Shandrim by the blast.’

  Femke tried to picture it, but found such an image beyond her? ‘What will you do without him?’

  ‘My duty remains. I’ll return to the Academy and continue my studies. The other masters there will be sad to hear of his passing, but I’m sure they will not attribute blame. Darkweaver’s legacy of magic has caused them more than one hurt in recent times. Jabal was a popular man and an excellent teacher. He will be sorely missed.’

  ‘I certainly liked him. I’ve not had many dealings with magicians in the past, but Jabal was a good man. My deepest condolences, Calvyn. This mission was always fraught with danger. I’m sorry that you’ve been burdened with this loss. I appreciate this might seem insensitive, but I must also ask about the others . . .’ Femke looked at Reynik for information.

  ‘Only Nadrek, Derryn and one other gladiator from your party survived the blast. Derryn got Lady Kempten to safety.’

  ‘Serrius didn’t make it?’ she asked. Inside she felt a measure of surprise that anything could have killed Shandrim’s most deadly gladiator.

  ‘No. His neck was broken when he was thrown on the blast wave across the central chamber. Nadrek says he saw him in those last seconds. He was fighting three of the Guild members at the time of the explosion – fighting and winning, as only Serrius could. Nadrek says he’ll ensure that the tale of
his final fight adds to his legend.’

  Femke nodded. ‘He would have appreciated that. And Shalidar?’

  ‘Also dead,’ Reynik said grimly.

  ‘You’re sure?’

  ‘Positive.’

  ‘Then it’s over,’ she whispered with a satisfied sigh.

  ‘You could say that,’ Reynik replied. ‘Except that there are four of the assassins still unaccounted for, unless you know the whereabouts of the Fox.’

  ‘No. She’s gone,’ Femke said, her tone bitter. ‘She transported shortly before the blast wave, but I shouldn’t worry unduly. I’ll catch up with her eventually. In the meantime, what will the remaining assassins do? The Guild no longer has a headquarters. The majority of the organisation is dead or scattered, and they no longer have a magical getaway system to rely on. They’re a broken force.’

  ‘Don’t underestimate the Fox, Femke. She’s as cunning as her namesake. I wouldn’t put anything past her. She reminds me somewhat of you . . . but with longer legs.’

  Femke cocked one eyebrow and gave him a dangerous look that set him laughing. Even Calvyn managed a watery smile at the expression. Femke could not hold the look long, for Reynik’s laughter was infectious and she found herself joining in. He reached out, grabbed her hands and helped her up to her feet.

  ‘Do you plan to return to the Legion now, Reynik?’ she asked him softly, as they picked their way through the wreckage of the room and out into the passageway beyond.

  ‘Actually, I was thinking of asking for a long-term secondment,’ he replied. ‘I’ve found the last couple of months working with the Imperial spy network most informative. I thought I might suggest to my Legion Commander that I build on my recent experience by working directly for the Emperor with a view to a permanent transfer.’

  ‘Really? Is that the case?’ Femke said brightly. ‘You’d need a lot more training, of course.’

  ‘Of course.’ He slipped his arm around her waist.

  ‘I wonder who the Emperor will assign to train you?’

  ‘Oh, I’m sure he’ll find someone with the relevant experience,’ Reynik said sagely. ‘If I ask nicely he might even assign me a female operative. Of course she’d have to have very long legs . . .’

  Calvyn shook his head, wincing. ‘And I thought I was the naïve one when it came to women!’ he said as Femke gave Reynik a punch to the stomach that was only half playful. ‘You might be a good soldier, Reynik, but I’m beginning to think you have a death wish.’

  EPILOGUE

  It felt strange to be back in the Emperor’s study, Femke realised, particularly now that Emperor Kempten had placed his personal touch upon it. Gone was the sparse, military Court room feel. The room felt warm and friendly, with soft rugs on the floor and bright, cheerful wall hangings. There were comfortable chairs and dahl tables, plants on stands and bookshelves filled with books and ornaments.

  It only seemed like yesterday she had poisoned Vallaine’s wine here, and browbeaten Surabar into becoming Emperor. Did that make her responsible for Surabar’s death as well? It was a question that had nagged her ever since hearing the Imperial Bell the night she and Reynik had first escaped the Guild complex. Femke did not think she would ever truly be able to resolve that question. If she had not twisted General Surabar’s arm to become Emperor, it was most likely that he would be alive today. However, it had been Surabar’s idea to take on the Guild. Femke had not had any part in that decision. Looking around the room she felt echoes of the previous three occupants, as if their ghosts were watching on with interest to see what she would do next.

  The spy shuddered inwardly at the thought.

  ‘Sit down, Femke. Please, make yourself comfortable. It’s good to see you again. Did you enjoy your break? Are you feeling rested?’

  ‘Yes, thank you, your Majesty. It’s been good to relax for a while, but I’m ready to come back to work.’

  ‘So you wish to remain in the Imperial spy network, then. I’m glad.’ Kempten’s voice held the warmth of genuine feeling. ‘I was worried that after all your trials during Surabar’s brief reign, you might decide to try your hand at something different.’

  Femke laughed. ‘I briefly considered an apprenticeship as a stonemason, your Majesty. Members of that particular guild are all walking around with fixed grins at the moment. The work created by the destruction of the West Wing, combined with your commission of the new theatre has them all very excited. You’ve given them enough work to last generations.’

  Emperor Kempten smiled. ‘Well at least I can be sure of the unreserved support of one of the guilds.’

  ‘The truth is, your Majesty, I don’t think I’m suited to much else. I thrive where the action is. Also, Reynik has decided that he would like to transfer from the Legions to join the network, which has brought an added attraction to the work.’

  ‘Ah, I see. He’s a fine young man, full of fire and enthusiasm. You’ll make a good match, I feel.’ Kempten paused for a moment and tapped his forehead as if trying to remember something. Suddenly he raised his finger as his mind located the elusive scrap of memory. ‘Femke, do you happen to know someone named Kalheen?’

  ‘Yes, your Majesty. He’s a servant here in the Imperial Palace.’

  ‘Ah, then his claims are not totally without foundation.’

  ‘What has he been saying, your Majesty? I trust he’s not compromised my status.’ Femke looked concerned as she remembered Kalheen’s incessant storytelling during their trip to Thrandor.

  ‘No, I don’t think so. He’s currently locked in a cell. He’s been there ever since the night of Surabar’s death. It was he who rang the Imperial Bell.’

  ‘He did?’ Femke was genuinely surprised.

  ‘He says he received a letter from one of the Emperor’s advisors telling him to do it. He gave your name as the author of the letter, but would say no more. I’m told he has been driving the guards mad by constantly begging for them to confirm his story from the moment they confined him. He’s due to be tried for treason later this week.’

  ‘I didn’t write the letter, your Majesty,’ Femke said thoughtfully, ‘but Shalidar knew that Kalheen and I were acquainted. He also knew that Kalheen was aware of my status here in the Palace. I would not be surprised to find Shalidar used my name in order to enlist Kalheen’s cooperation. Kalheen is many things, but he’s no traitor, your Majesty. I’ll vouch for him in this.’

  ‘Good enough. I trust your judgement, Femke. I shall have him released.’

  ‘Thank you, your Majesty. On a different note, has there been any word of the four missing assassins?’

  ‘None.’

  ‘Then we still have a clear-up operation to manage. The Fox in particular should be eliminated. She could prove dangerous if ignored.’

  Emperor Kempten shook his head. ‘I won’t deny that I’d like to see the last of the Guild members apprehended, but I’ve decided not to expend vital resources chasing them. The power of the Guild is broken. The few remaining members are scattered and weak. I doubt we’ll experience any lasting trouble from them. Without their ability to disappear into the night they are vulnerable. Actually, I’ve another task for you, if you’re interested – one threatening more imminent danger. I’ve been hearing some ugly rumours about a group of Lords who live in the Western quarter. Now I think about it, this is a rather delicate matter that might require more than a single spy to sort out . . .’

  Femke grinned as the Emperor allowed his sentence to tail off teasingly. ‘You know, ever since I conducted Reynik’s initial training, I’ve been meaning to show him around the Western quarter. His knowledge of that part of the city is sadly lacking. I think it’s time I filled that gap in his education. As we’ll be in the neighbourhood, we should be able to do a bit of checking for you.’

  Lord Kempten nodded. Despite the coronation ceremony, being Emperor did not feel real yet. It was good to know that while he was finding his feet, he had some reliable people to help him re-establish order in Sh
andrim. As for the rest of the Empire – well, one thing at a time.

  ‘Excellent!’ he said aloud. ‘In that case let me fill you in on the gory details . . .’

  A deadly war has been triggered in the city of Shandrim. Declared outlaws by the Emperor, the Guild of Assassins strikes back hard. Emperor Surabar needs someone to infiltrate the Guild, but Femke is already known to them.

  Reynik steps up to the challenge, but first he must hone his spy skills with Femke – then locate the assassins’ headquarters.

  Penetrating the Guild’s inner circle will be dangerous enough – after all, secrets kept hidden for over five centuries command a high price. But there are some perils for which even the best training cannot prepare him . . .

  ISBN: 978-1-4169-0186-0

  In a world of magic and murder, Femke is entrusted with a vital foreign mission by the Emperor. The task appears straightforward, but the young spy quickly finds herself ensnared in an elaborate trap.

  Isolated in a hostile country, hunted by the authorities and with her arch-enemy closing in for his revenge, Femke needs all her wit and skills to survive. Only Reynik, a soldier barely out of training, appears willing to help. But with no knowledge of her true mission, Reynik soon discovers loyalty is a dangerous business.

  ISBN: 978-1-41690-185-3