‘Shit,’ said Libby. ‘We’re going to be fighting in a few hours.’
‘Aye,’ said Cain, ‘but where? That officer was being deliberately vague.’
‘A settlement in the Grey Mountains,’ Lennox said. ‘Does it matter exactly where?’
Logie left the queue to join the other squad leaders by the entrance to the carriage. Loryn leaned over to Lennox, after checking that Kallek was out of earshot.
‘Be careful,’ she said. ‘Logie will be wanting to get back at you after what you said to him.’
‘I’m not scared of him.’
‘Aye,’ she said. ‘I get that, but Logie’s a sly bastard. He’ll stab you in the back when you’re not looking.’
‘She’s right,’ said Libby. ‘Look, I’ll just cut my hair. It’s not worth you getting killed.’
‘It’s not just the hair,’ said Lennox. ‘It’s everything. I’m sick of holding back every time he fucks one of us over. I’m not doing it any more.’
‘Then,’ Loryn whispered, ‘you need to kill him first.’
Lennox stared at her.
‘Right, squad!’ Logie called. ‘Get your arses on board.’
They clambered up into the carriage behind the other four squads that were already filling the interior. Logie was last to get on, squeezing onto a low bench opposite where Lennox was sitting.
Logie smirked at him.
‘It’s not over,’ he said, as the carriage doors were closed and they began to lift into the air. ‘We might be on duty just now, but we won’t always be.’
Lennox said nothing.
‘There’s only one leader of this squad,’ Logie went on, staring at each of the Fifth in turn as they sat on the benches that ringed the interior. ‘Only one person gives the orders. Is that understood?’
‘Aye, squad leader,’ they muttered.
‘Good,’ he said. ‘Get as much rest as you can, because in the morning we’re going to be kicking some arse.’
The squad nodded and tried to get settled. Logie leaned against the side of the carriage and closed his eyes. Lennox glanced at him, then caught Libby’s eye.
‘Whatever you do,’ she whispered, ‘don’t sleep tonight.’
Chapter 26
Negligent
Plateau City, Imperial Plateau – 24th Day, Last Third Spring 524
Karalyn’s vision lifted from her body as she lay dozing on her mattress in the Empress’s study. She rose above the city and began moving south, passing the New Town, then the Old. On her left the river cut the rest of the city in two. Three of the seven bridges that spanned the waters were closed, with soldiers and barricades keeping the Rahain and Kellach quarters apart. Two squadrons of cavalry were occupying Duncan Gardens, with the rest of the garrison spread through the city, guarding street junctions and searching everyone who crossed one of the open bridges.
After days of fighting, the streets were at peace. A few burnt-out tenements marked where the conflict had been fiercest. A curfew was keeping folk off the streets during the night, but feelings were still raw, and Karalyn knew that violence could resume at any moment. She turned for the docks, and her vision flew over the mouth of the river and hurtled south across the Inner Sea. She had ranged this way every day since she had moved into the palace. Dyam had insisted that she practise her powers more, to improve how far she could roam, and she had obeyed. Each time she got a little further, and crossing the Inner Sea had become almost routine.
The sun was an hour from setting as she approached Rainsby. The town had been expanded under the Empress’s reign, becoming the most heavily fortified settlement in the Plateau, with new walls that were higher and wider than those that encircled the imperial capital. The extended harbour came into sight, protected by massive piers that stretched out into the sea. A new naval harbour and yard lay to the east of the old merchants’ port, and the masts of the empire’s Rainsby fleet stood high above the warehouses and docks.
She kept going, and left Rainsby behind. The previous day, she had managed to catch a glimpse of the Grey Mountains before her energy gave out, and she was determined to do better. She focussed, and picked up speed, soaring southwards. A dark line appeared on the horizon, then grew larger, and she smiled as she crossed the point she had reached the day before. The Grey Mountains loomed up, a vast wall of rock barring the way to Rahain. She followed the road from Rainsby, keeping it below her until she saw it ending at the foot of the mountains, where a large fortress swallowed it up. Above the fortress, at the top of a ramp that had been cut out of the rockface, was an enormous entranceway, almost circular, blocked up with rubble.
It was the opening to the Great Tunnel. She had gone through it twice as a child, once on her way into Rahain with her mother, and then on their way out, with her father as well. She had no memory of either journey, but felt satisfied that she had reached it. At least she would have something to tell Dyam.
Soldiers were keeping watch on the battlements, as they had done for fifteen years, waiting for any movement from Rahain. Dyam had told her that their enemies were using other, little known mountain passes to smuggle in agents; that was her theory for how the Kellach Brigdomin assailants had got onto the Plateau.
She felt herself begin to tire, and snapped herself out of her light sleep. She opened her eyes and rubbed her head. Working at the desk next to her was Nyane, engrossed in a pile of documents.
‘Got as far as the tunnel,’ Karalyn said.
Nyane glanced up. ‘Did you?’
‘Aye.’ She stretched. ‘Feeling it now, though. I’ve never been so tired.’
‘The herald does seem to be working you rather hard,’ Nyane said.
Karalyn shrugged. ‘What are you doing?’
‘Reading the statement made by one of the three assassins you captured,’ Nyane said. ‘The two Kellach are still saying nothing, but the Rahain man decided it was time to let us know how much he hates us. He asked for paper and ink and wrote a ten-page treatise on why the empire deserves to be put back onto its proper course.’
‘Maybe I should go back into his head,’ Karalyn said, ‘and show him the truth that his god’s dead.’
Nyane raised an eyebrow. ‘I can think of nothing more guaranteed to break his mind. Anyway, what’s your plan for ranging tomorrow?’
Karalyn stood and opened the window. ‘I think,’ she said, lighting a cigarette, ‘I’ll scout along the edge of the Grey Mountains. See if I can find any of those secret passes that Dyam is convinced exist.’
‘Oh, they definitely exist,’ said Nyane. ‘The assassins that killed Isobel and then tried to maim the Empress, they might have been using some unknown mage power to travel, but the assailants in the markets, the armoured Kellach that have caused so much misery, I believe must have travelled north, either through Rainsby or, more likely, through Stretton Sands, where the security is lighter. From there they infiltrated into the Kellach quarter of the imperial capital, organised and protected by the Rahain man you followed; the agent who knew in advance of the attack on Amatskouri. If we could find him, then so much would become clear.’
‘You seem to have figured out quite a lot.’
Nyane snorted. ‘We know nothing. Not a single name of any of the market assailants, or where they were living before the attacks. Worse, we have no idea if there are more of them, hiding in the Kellach quarter, ready to strike again, or if they will try to assassinate someone else. As Isobel’s replacement, I fear that my name might be on a list somewhere in the Rahain capital. In reality all we are doing is waiting; waiting for the next attack.’
The Rahain woman put her head in her hands. Karalyn gazed at her, unable to ignore the surge of guilt flowing through her friend.
‘It’s not your fault,’ she said.
‘It is,’ Nyane said. ‘It is precisely my fault. I’m in charge of trying to find and stop the assassins and I’m getting nowhere.’
Karalyn glanced away, and turned to the window. The sun had set, although
the sky to the west was still a dark red. Lights were springing up like fireflies across the city, and the warmth of the day had yet to leave the air. She felt her eyes droop and shook herself. She was so tired.
‘I’m sorry for getting all morbid,’ Nyane said. ‘Self-pity is a trait I despise in others.’
‘I saw the Empress this morning,’ Karalyn said.
‘Did you? How was she?’
‘Sleeping. The doctor’s still giving her dullweed for the eye. It’s keeping her knocked out most of the time.’
‘I saw the children myself, today,’ Nyane said. ‘They were getting their lessons as if nothing untoward was happening, except they had six soldiers guarding them. With the Empress sick and the palace ringed with guards, the government is paralysed. Dyam’s making the day-to-day decisions, but nothing’s happening beyond that. No laws are being passed, and all plans are on hold. I can see Ghorley’s tactics clearly, and they are succeeding.’ She shook her head. ‘Apologies. I was getting morbid again.’
The door opened and a soldier poked his head through.
‘Miss Holdfast,’ he said. ‘The herald’s after you.’
Karalyn nodded and stubbed out her cigarette.
‘See you later,’ she said to Nyane, and followed the soldier from the study. They went downstairs and into the herald’s office, where Dyam was standing, gazing out of the window with her hands clasped behind her back.
‘There you are,’ she said. ‘Did you range?’
‘Aye,’ Karalyn said. ‘Got as far as the fortress at the foot of the tunnel.’
‘How long did it take?’
‘Half an hour, I think. I’m getting faster.’
‘So in thirty minutes you could see if the tunnel was breached?’
‘Aye, I suppose.’
‘Good to know.’ She turned and glanced at Karalyn. ‘You look tired.’
Karalyn shrugged. ‘Been using my powers a lot.’
‘I need you again tonight,’ Dyam said, frowning. ‘Are you up to it?’
Karalyn yawned. ‘Aye.’
‘Drink more coffee.’
‘I’ve already had plenty. It’s giving me a headache.’
‘Have you tried keenweed?’
Karalyn frowned. ‘You want me to smoke weed?’
‘I’m not necessarily recommending it,’ Dyam said, ‘but I remember your mother used to smoke it. And before you say anything, aye, I know you’re not your mother, but she used to say that it helped her stay awake, and it improved her vision powers. Shellakanawara said much the same, though with her it was probably for more recreational purposes. I’m not saying you should try it, I just wondered if you’d ever considered it.’
‘No,’ Karalyn said, ‘and I don’t remember my mother ever smoking weed, though I wouldn’t be surprised if she’d kept it from me. I know my father hates all that. He wouldn’t allow smoking in the house at all.’
Dyam went over to a drawer and withdrew something. She handed it to Karalyn. The young mage stared at the weedstick in her hand.
‘Just in case,’ Dyam said. ‘If you need it, it’ll be there.’
Karalyn sighed and put it into her belt. ‘Mistress Golspie would not approve,’ she said. ‘Neither would Laodoc for that matter.’
Dyam smirked. ‘I’m a bad influence.’
Karalyn frowned. First alcohol, then weed. What would her mother think? She smothered another yawn.
‘Alright,’ said Dyam. ‘Let’s get to work. Lady Belinda is making an appearance at the palace tonight, and I need to know what she’s up to. Her wealth seems limitless, and the scouts still haven’t returned from Fell Grange to verify her story. Half the nobles in the city have been won over by her lavish bribes and others look sure to follow.’ She opened the window as Karalyn lit a cigarette. ‘I know you can’t read her, but I want you to read everyone close to her. Surely she must have confided in at least one of them what her true aims are.’
‘How many are coming?’
‘A dozen. We extended an invitation for Lady Belinda to come to the palace for dinner so I can get you to read her companions, among other reasons.’
‘I’ll need to be in the room,’ Karalyn said. ‘Lady Belinda will see me; I can’t hide from her.’
‘You work for me and Nyane,’ Dyam said. ‘Your presence won’t be anything unusual. It’ll be fine.’
The herald walked to the door and opened it as Karalyn stubbed her cigarette out. Dyam glanced at the guards standing outside in the hall.
‘I didn’t know it was time for a guard change-over,’ she said. ‘Who authorised it?’
A sergeant saluted. ‘We’re from the New Town garrison, ma’am. Commander Malley gave the orders.’
Dyam frowned. ‘Fine. Come with us, we’re going to the dining-room.’
‘Aye, ma’am,’ the sergeant said.
They trooped off through the palace corridors together, and Karalyn noticed other guards arriving to relieve the soldiers on duty. They paused at a set of high double doors and the noise of conversations within reached them. Dyam took a breath, and gestured to the guards to open the doors.
‘Greetings,’ she said, striding into the large room. A long table ran down the centre of the polished wooden floor, and round it almost twenty people were already sitting. Lady Belinda, who was seated at the centre of one side, rose to her feet and the other dinner guests followed suit. Karalyn saw Olin, the lawyer, and several Holdings nobles, including Lord Flavin, the minister of justice.
‘Imperial Herald,’ said Lady Belinda, bowing. ‘Our thanks for the kind offer of dinner.’
Dyam sat. ‘We have a lot to discuss.’
‘Not so much, I think,’ Belinda said, sitting back down.
Karalyn sat to Dyam’s left as everyone else took their seats. She conducted a quick count. Fourteen Holdings, five Kellach Brigdomin and four Rakanese guests were present, if Belinda was counted as a native of the Holdings, which Karalyn still wasn’t completely sure about. Staff poured drinks for everyone, and a few of the Holdings lit cigarettes.
‘I do hope the chefs haven’t gone to too much trouble,’ Belinda said.
‘It’s no trouble for such distinguished guests,’ Dyam said. ‘I see we have guild merchants and representatives of the landowners present, and even two members of the government. The only person whose role I’m unsure of is yours, Lady Belinda.’
‘Alas,’ said Belinda, ‘the burden has fallen to me to speak for the others. Yesterday evening, in an emergency session of the Plateau Senate, I was selected as spokeswoman.’
Dyam frowned. ‘The senate wasn’t open yesterday.’
‘Such is the nature of the crisis befalling the empire,’ Belinda said, ‘that an emergency session was deemed necessary. It was conducted in the Great Fortress.’
‘Without the authority of the palace?’
‘Permission from the palace is not required,’ said Olin, fidgeting with his cutlery. ‘Under the terms of the constitution, in certain circumstances the senate is allowed to convene itself outwith the normal hours of business.’
‘Indeed,’ said Belinda.
Karalyn glanced at the guests as Dyam scowled. She read Olin and found his thoughts swamped with shame and fear. His loyalty to the empress remained clear however, and she moved on. As she was about to enter the mind of a Holdings woman sitting next to Olin, she felt a burst of vision power thrum through the air, headed for Dyam. Without thinking, Karalyn moved to block it, shielding the herald’s mind with her own power. It took an effort. Not only was she tired, but whoever had used their power was a strong vision mage, as good as her mother was.
Her eyes widened. It was Belinda.
The woman turned to look at Karalyn, as if she knew who had blocked her. She looked surprised for a moment, then smiled. Karalyn glanced at her eyes, but they remained impenetrable, covered by the invisible barrier.
Belinda turned back to Dyam. ‘The senate passed some resolutions,’ she said.
‘Aye?’
said the herald.
‘Yes. The first was that, as you have failed miserably to protect her Imperial Majesty and her family from harm, the Empress is to be moved to a more secure location. The palace is completely unsuited for defence; my own apartments here in the city are better protected. Therefore, her Imperial Majesty and her children are to be re-located to the Great Fortress with immediate effect.’
‘Forget it,’ Dyam said, laughing. ‘You’re out of your mind.’
‘I thought you would be glad,’ said Belinda. ‘After all, the move will show people that the Empress is still alive, and squelch the rumours among the lower classes that you are covering up her death.’
‘Rumours that you spread,’ said Dyam.
‘What utter nonsense. It matters not; the legality of the senate’s resolution is beyond doubt.’
‘This is true, madam Herald,’ said Olin, sweat-patches appearing under his arms. ‘The emergency powers under clause nine of the constitution allow for it.’
‘Clause nine?’ said Dyam. ‘You want to impeach the Empress? Good luck with that.’
Belinda smirked. ‘Tell her,’ she said to Olin.
The lawyer swallowed. ‘The wording of the clause, madam Herald, concerns the bearer of executive power. With the Empress incapacitated, that authority falls to the Imperial Herald. In effect, articles of impeachment are being laid against you.’
The room fell silent. Karalyn watched as everyone stared at Dyam, and she could feel their hostility towards her. Dyam sipped her mug of ale, her gaze steady.
‘Are you attempting a coup?’ she said.
‘Attempting?’ said Belinda. ‘It’s done. And all perfectly legal.’
Lord Flavin stood. ‘Madam Herald, you are hereby stripped of your authority, on the grounds of gross negligence. Your ineffectiveness has placed her Imperial Majesty into a position of intolerable danger. If you are loyal to the empire, you will acquiesce immediately.’
‘Fuck that,’ cried Dyam, turning. ‘Guards, seal the room. Fetch Nyane and two squads…’
Her voice tailed off as the soldiers ignored her.
‘Sorry, ma’am,’ the sergeant said. ‘The Empress comes first.’
The Magelands Epic: Fragile Empire (Book 5) Page 37
