Fragile Empire

by Christopher Mitchell

  After a few minutes, they reached the Imperial Commission, a grand building set back from the road, and surrounded by lush, green gardens. A wide carriageway led up to the main entrance, and guards at the door saluted them as they passed into a high-ceilinged hall. A large portrait of the Empress hung on the wall, along with copies of the imperial decrees that had established the new Rakanese city.

  ‘If you would wait here a moment, ma’am,’ her escort said, ‘I’ll let the ambassador know you’re here.’

  ‘Of course.’

  Nyane watched the woman walk through one of the doors leading from the hall. She glanced around, nodding at the man sitting behind a reception desk. He ignored her.

  A surge of anger threatened to sweep over her but she controlled it. Never let anyone see that they had upset you, her mother had once said.

  She wandered over to the wall to have a closer look at the decrees. The main one was dated five-thirteen, and granted the land where the city stood to the Rakanese people who had fled the famine in their homeland. It was signed both by the Empress and by Lilimatskouri, the leader of the refugees who had negotiated for the right to settle in the Plateau. The next document along was a copy of the city’s founding constitution, laying down the democratic principles that would govern the young settlement.

  She heard a low cough and turned.

  ‘Lady Nyane,’ the ambassador said, ‘how good of you to come.’

  Nyane bowed. ‘Your Eminence.’

  ‘I trust your stay in Amatskouri has been both pleasant and useful.’

  ‘It has indeed. The city is beautiful, second only to the imperial capital.’

  ‘Quite.’

  ‘I believe,’ Nyane said, ‘that we shall be touring the voting stations today. I must admit, I’m quite intrigued by it all.’

  ‘Are you familiar with Amatskourian politics?’

  ‘I’m afraid not, your Eminence.’

  ‘It may help,’ the ambassador said, ‘if you envision rats fighting in a sack.’

  Nyane hesitated, unsure if she should laugh.

  The ambassador smiled. ‘We have time for a refreshment or two before we set out. I would be honoured if you would join us.’

  ‘The honour is mine.’

  She followed the ambassador into the heart of the building, and then out onto a wide, covered veranda, where several of the mission’s staff had gathered, drinking tea and smoking cigarettes.

  ‘Can I get you a drink, ma’am?’ asked a waitress.

  ‘Yes, please. Do you have any coffee?’

  ‘Certainly, ma’am,’ she said, bowing.

  Nyane glanced at the ambassador.

  ‘So tell me, what are the main political differences among the parties?’

  The ambassador frowned at her, then looked around. She raised her hand.

  ‘Clavers,’ she said. ‘Over here, please, if you would.’

  An older man approached. ‘Your Eminence?’

  ‘Lady Nyane here has expressed an interest in the finer points of Amatskourian party politics. You shall accompany her today. Be sure to answer any questions she might have.’

  His face remained expressionless. ‘I will do my best, your Eminence.’

  ‘I shall leave you in Clavers’ capable hands,’ the ambassador said to Nyane. ‘Now, if you would excuse me, I need to discuss the itinerary with my chief of staff.’

  ‘Of course,’ she said.

  The waitress came by with her coffee, and she took the cup from the tray, nodding.

  Clavers frowned at her. ‘Why are you here?’

  Nyane blinked. ‘Me?’

  ‘Who else would I be talking to? Yes, you.’

  ‘Do you mean Amatskouri, or here in the Imperial Commission?’

  ‘Both, I suppose.’

  ‘I work for the empire,’ she said.

  ‘I can see that from your uniform.’

  ‘The Empress asked me to come here.’

  ‘What,’ Clavers laughed, ‘personally?’

  ‘Yes, as a matter of fact.’

  Clavers quietened. ‘You know the Empress?’

  ‘I have met with her Imperial Majesty on several occasions.’

  ‘Are you here to keep an eye on us?’

  ‘No, I’m here to buy some bricks.’

  She sipped her coffee as Clavers narrowed his eyes.

  ‘Who are you, again?’ he said.

  ‘I’m Lady Nyane, Chief Engineer to the Imperial Court.’

  His mouth opened, and she suppressed a smile. It was petty of her, but she enjoyed seeing the reactions of people change once they knew her position. From rude to deferential in a few words.

  ‘I know what you’re thinking,’ she said, ‘but I like to see what I’m buying in person. If the clay-pits of Amatskouri are to provide the millions of bricks that I require for the new harbour defences in Plateau City, then I want to make sure of their quality first.’

  ‘But you’re…’ he said, then stopped himself, biting his lip.

  ‘A Rahain? Yes, I am.’

  ‘Apologies, my lady, I didn’t mean to imply anything by that remark.’

  ‘I’m sure you didn’t,’ she said. ‘It’s quite all right, I’m accustomed to such reactions. My family fled the civil war in my homeland when I was a teenager, and I have spent most of my life on the Plateau. There are many such as myself working for the empire. I just happen to be one of the most visible.’

  He whistled. ‘Chief Engineer? That means you rank higher than the ambassador.’

  ‘I suppose so, technically. However, I never like to draw attention to such matters.’

  ‘But where are all your guards and staff?’

  ‘I find I work more efficiently when I travel alone.’

  He offered her a cigarette.

  ‘No, thank you.’

  He nodded and lit one for himself as a servant arrived.

  ‘Your carriages await you,’ he announced to the assembled staff.

  A waiter took Nyane’s cup, and she followed the others down to the gravel driveway by the side of the building, where several covered carriages stood, each harnessed to a double pair of horses. A footman opened the door of one, and Nyane stepped aboard, Clavers a pace behind her. Two others squeezed in, and the door was closed.

  ‘Do you happen to know our route, my good man?’ she asked Clavers, who was continuing to smoke inside the enclosed carriage.

  ‘Democracy Square, first,’ he said, ‘to attend the official opening of the voting stations. Many of the government’s representatives will be there, including the out-going prime minister.’

  ‘Out-going?’

  ‘Yes. Arlo is standing down, no matter the result. His reputation never quite survived the allegations of corruption that were flung at him.’

  ‘And are these allegations true?’

  He shrugged. ‘Probably. Most of the politicians here skim off the top while they’re in office.’

  ‘How dreadful.’

  ‘Not really, ma’am. I mean, look at the city – everyone’s in work, nobody’s destitute or starving, and things get done. Sometimes they take a while, but they get there in the end.’

  ‘I don’t know,’ she said. ‘It seems a little irresponsible to allow thieves to be elected.’

  ‘Do you not approve of democracy, ma’am?’

  ‘No, as a matter of fact I don’t. The empire and its dependents need stable and strong leadership. Of course, I respect that Amatskouri has the right to choose its own style of government, as long as they remain within the bounds set by imperial law.’

  ‘And pay their taxes to the Empress.’

  ‘Yes,’ she said. ‘That too.’

  The carriage began to move, jerking along at first before the motion became smoother.

  ‘Do you mind if I open a window?’ she said.

  ‘No, ma’am.’

  She smiled and pulled down the glass slat a couple of inches, letting out the smoke from his cigarette. The carriages drew out
of the commission grounds and turned to the left. To their right, she watched the water-buses on the river glide by.

  ‘Which colour’s going to win, then?’ she asked.

  ‘I’m sorry, ma’am?’

  ‘Reds, blues or greens?’

  ‘Ah, I see. The greens, most likely. The Workers Party. They’re the incumbent government.’

  ‘But I thought you said their leader was suspected of corruption?’

  He smiled. ‘He is, and their new leader has denounced him, and has promised to root out bribery and favours from her administration if she wins.’

  ‘Another thief?’

  ‘I would say that’s a fair assumption, ma’am.’

  The carriages began crossing a grand bridge over the river, and Nyane broke off her conversation so she could study the structure as they passed. It was exceptionally well constructed. She frowned. Maybe Clavers was right. Who cared if the politicians were crooked if they could build such a city?

  Ahead, Democracy Square was teeming with people. It was the largest open space in the city, and it seemed as though half of its citizens had crammed in. The carriages made their way round the edge of the square towards a long platform, where officials had gathered in front of a tall clock tower. It took some time to get through as the crowds thickened, though the horses did a good job in keeping anyone from getting too close. They lined up behind the platform, and the passengers disembarked. The ambassador led the way, and the imperial party mounted the steps to join the Rakanese officials.

  Nyane stayed near the back of the group as the ambassador began shaking hands. Uniformed waiters and waitresses circulated among the people on the platform, offering drinks.

  ‘It’s a little early for alcohol, isn’t it?’ Nyane said.

  ‘Election day in Amatskouri is one long party, ma’am,’ Clavers said. ‘Best pace yourself, we’ll be visiting a dozen receptions before voting finishes at sunset.’

  The noise of the crowd increased to a great roar as the clock tower to the rear of the platform struck the mid-morning bell.

  ‘That’s it,’ whispered Clavers. ‘Voting can begin.’

  Nyane had often attended meetings and dinners with the Empress over her many years of service, and was thus accustomed to pretending to drink Kellach Brigdomin quantities of alcohol. It pleased her that those hours of practice had turned out to be useful in Amatskouri. The ambassador also seemed to remain sober, despite always having a gin cocktail or glass of wine in her hand. Clavers, however, was red-eyed and wobbling by the time the sun was setting and the voting was winding down.

  Their final stop was by the seafront, near the long, sandy beach that led to the clay-pits. A long voting pavilion had been erected on the sand, opposite which a dozen bars and cafes over-flowed with exuberant citizens.

  Nyane watched as the ambassador mingled with Rakanese officials, and started to wonder if it was time to go back to the hotel.

  ‘Hey, Nyane,’ said a voice. ‘What a nice surprise.’

  She turned. A young Rakanese man was standing in front of her, a girl on each arm. Nyane had no idea who it was. She smiled.

  The man turned to his companions. ‘She visited me in the clay-pits yesterday. How you doing? You having a good time?’

  ‘Ah yes, Ravi,’ she said, remembering. ‘Might I say you do look very different not being covered in mud.’ And a lot better looking, she thought. ‘In answer to your question, I’ve had a most wonderful day. I was lucky enough to be invited to go along with the imperial ambassador, and I think I’ve seen half of the city.’

  ‘The imperial ambassador?’ said the young woman to Ravi’s right.

  ‘That’s right, miss.’

  ‘I’ve never seen a Rahain before,’ said the other woman.

  ‘I don’t think there are many in Amatskouri,’ Nyane said.

  ‘You don’t look that different.’

  ‘Well, thank you, I think.’

  Clavers staggered over. ‘Are these people bothering you, ma’am?’

  ‘Not at all,’ she said.

  ‘We’re just chatting,’ Ravi said.

  ‘Mind you show her ladyship some respect, right?’ he slurred, pointing at Ravi. ‘She’s the fucking chief engineer of the whole empire, and a friend of Empress Bridget herself.’

  ‘Really, Clavers?’ Nyane said. ‘That’s enough, thank you.’

  He ignored her, and placed his hand against Ravi’s chest, pushing him.

  ‘Go on, get out of here,’ he yelled.

  ‘Hey!’ cried one of the young women.

  Nyane glanced over her shoulder at where the rest of the commission staff were standing. ‘Some assistance, please. I think Mister Clavers has had a little too much to drink.’

  A few rushed over, and took Clavers’ arms. He struggled in their grip as they hustled him away.

  ‘Sorry about that, ma’am,’ one said. ‘We’ll take him home.’

  ‘Much appreciated, thank you,’ Nyane said.

  She turned to the three young Rakanese.

  ‘I apologise for that man’s behaviour. It seems the excitement of the day has tired him out somewhat.’

  Ravi brushed down the front of his shirt. ‘He was well out of order.’

  ‘Quite. Perhaps if you’ll allow me to buy you all a drink as way of making amends?’

  ‘Yeah,’ Ravi smiled. ‘That would be grand.’

  She reached for her purse.

  Ravi shook his head. ‘But you have to come with us.’

  Nyane groaned inwardly, but kept a smile on her face. She wouldn’t like to leave the city with its best clay mage harbouring any kind of grudge against her. She controlled the urge to flicker her tongue, knowing how much it upset a certain type of person.

  ‘Why not?’ she said. ‘It sounds like fun.’

  The young woman on Ravi’s left frowned. He turned to her.

  ‘Come on,’ he said. ‘She’s a friend of the Empress.’

  Nyane noticed a slight tightening in Ravi’s eyes as he said the words, and prepared herself. Many people had tried to access Empress Bridget through her over the years. She was used to it, but it still rankled.

  She glanced at the young woman. ‘I didn’t catch your name.’

  ‘That’s coz idiot here didn’t introduce us,’ she said, digging her elbow into Ravi’s side.

  ‘Ow!’ he yelled. ‘Um, okay. This is Kerri, my girlfriend.’

  ‘Hi,’ she said.

  ‘Pleasure to meet you, Kerri.’

  ‘And this,’ he said, gesturing to the woman on his right, ‘is my sister Yanin.’

  Yanin did an awkward curtsey, which made Kerri laugh. Ravi joined in, and Yanin’s face went red.

  ‘When I first met the Empress,’ Nyane said, smiling, ‘I slipped on the polished marble floor and landed on my backside in front of the entire imperial court. It was possibly the most embarrassing moment of my life, and the Empress has never let me forget it. Her Imperial Majesty found it highly amusing.’

  ‘So you really do know her?’ Yanin asked.

  ‘I do,’ she whispered. ‘I would be most obliged however if you would keep this our secret, at least for this evening.’

  ‘Sure thing,’ Ravi said. ‘Now, where shall we go? Do you like dancing?’

  ‘Not particularly. Would a quiet drink be acceptable?’

  ‘Yeah, okay. This way.’

  Nyane turned and waved farewell to the others from the commission, then followed Ravi as he crossed the street, leaving the beach behind. There was no wheeled traffic on the road, but a large crowd had gathered, drinking and celebrating. They turned left, then went down a side street. Ravi stopped at a small music club, and they went inside. It was dark and smoky, with only a dozen other customers, who were sitting by low tables. A singer was softly serenading the patrons from a tiny stage, and Nyane thought she detected the scent of dreamweed in the air. She would have to launder her uniform in the morning.

  Ravi chose an empty table and they sat.


  ‘What a charming place,’ Nyane said, as Kerri ordered drinks from a waiter. ‘So, did you all vote today?’

  Ravi said ‘no’, while Yanin said ‘yes’ at the same time. The young woman shot her brother a fierce glare.

  He shrugged and lit a cigarette. ‘Didn’t see the point.’

  ‘You don’t care about taxes, or spawning rights?’ Yanin said.

  ‘Not really.’

  The waiter brought over a tray and set down four large gin cocktails and a bottle of sparkling wine. Nyane reached into her purse and gave the man more than enough to cover it.

  Ravi raised his gin. ‘To the Empress.’

  Nyane suppressed a sigh and picked up her glass. She clinked the side off those held aloft by the others and took a long drink. Why not, she thought. The sooner she finished, the sooner she could leave. She imagined a warm bath and smiled.

  ‘So you’re an engineer, eh?’ Ravi said. ‘Fascinating. Do you know much about stone mages?’

  ‘I am familiar with them, yes.’

  ‘I’ve got a theory, see,’ he went on. ‘What if you could combine a clay mage and a stone mage, working together on an aggregate of gravel and good clay? I reckon they could create a material stronger than anything we’ve ever seen before.’

  Nyane raised an eyebrow. Perhaps the conversation might be interesting after all. She had never spoken in any depth with a highly-rated clay mage before.

  ‘What proportions were you thinking of?’ she asked.

  ‘Maybe seven-tenths clay? We would need to experiment. If the gravel was…’

  Kerri yawned.

  ‘Don’t be rude,’ he said. He turned back to Nyane. ‘Never mind her. Anyway, to get to the point, I was just wanting to let you know that I’m up for the job. You know, if you think the imperial engineers would hire me.’

  His female companions stared at him.

  ‘Are you not already employed?’ Nyane said. ‘I fear the city of Amatskouri might take it amiss if we were to steal their best clay mage.’

  ‘Not if the Empress ordered it,’ he said. ‘Then there would be nothing the city could do about it.’

  ‘Ravi,’ she said. ‘I have no doubt whatsoever that you would be a fine addition to my team, however I’m afraid that I cannot bypass the correct procedures and petition the Empress about something like this. It would be an abuse of my position.’