The Emperor's Men 7: Rising Sun
Page 30
“Never!” Langenhagen asserted.
“Don’t be too polite. Save your diplomatic skills for those you may encounter in America.”
Sattmann handed the officer his forearm, and they kissed their goodbyes. “I wish you God’s blessing and all the best for your journey, Navarch,” the old man said solemnly. “I’ll listen to your reports every week, right to the end.”
“I am honored. And I pray that I will be able to tell you personally about my experiences. I am glad that you will follow my descriptions.”
“Rather be not. Feels like I want to supervise you. Maybe I’ll take control of the transmitter and send you unsolicited suggestions.”
“That too will honor me.”
“I see diplomacy is good for you, Navarch. You are already a better politician than you would like to believe.”
Helga Aureliana put a hand on Langenhagen’s shoulder. “Also best wishes from me. See you again at the official farewell. But my blessing is to accompany the whole expedition from now on.”
Langenhagen swallowed the lump in his throat, bowed, and then saw how the two old people carefully turned their steps and walked along the pier to the waiting carriage.
He waited for them to get in, then turned and returned to his ship.
The feeling of having lost something very important – and not just him, all of them – didn’t want to fade all day.
List of characters
Ahk: military leader from Mutal
Aktul: warrior from Mutal
Balkun: warrior from Yaxchilan
Aritomo Hara: First Officer of Submarine No. 8
Inocoyotl: envoy from Teotihuacán
Tako Inugami: Captain of Submarine No. 8
Isamu: Prince of Japan
Itzanami: priest from Mutal
Ixchel: daughter of Tzutz and Chitam, sister of Nicte
K’an Chitam: Prince of Mutal
K’inich Tatb’u: King of Yaxchilan
Robert Lengsley: British engineer
Meztli: King of Teotihuacán
Nicte: daughter of Tzutz and Chitam, sister of Ixchel
Pakul: military leader from Yaxchilan
Queca: soldier and officer from Teotihuacán
Yuto Sarukazaki: mechanic of Submarine No. 8
Daiki Sawada: tutor of Prince Isamu
Siyaj Chan K’awiil II: King of Mutal
Tzutz: wife of Chitam, Queen of Mutal
Une Balam: sister of Chitam, daughter of Siyaj, Princess of Mutal