Needs of the Empire

by Christopher Mitchell

  ‘A few hundred,’ Bridget said. ‘Not enough, and folk keep leaving. The Old Free are happy to let them pass the blockades, they want us all to fuck off out of Rahain. But hey, we have a vision mage and a fire mage, it could be worse.’

  Daphne lit a smokestick.

  ‘If the Old Free attack,’ Bridget went on, ‘then every able-bodied adult is immediately enlisted. We’ve worked out a plan for Slateford’s defence.’

  ‘I should read it. ’

  ‘I’ll give you a copy,’ Bridget said. ‘Basically, we split the estate into thirds, dividing…’

  There was a knock at the door.

  ‘Chief,’ a scout bowed. ‘A winged gaien has landed outside.’

  Killop turned. ‘Who is it?’

  ‘Two Rahain men, Chief. Say they’ve been sent by the chancellor of the republic.’

  ‘We’ll meet them in the office downstairs,’ Bridget said. ‘Bring them there, see if they need anything to eat or drink.’

  The scout nodded and left the room.

  Killop stood.

  ‘Should I come?’ Daphne said.

  ‘Aye,’ he said. ‘If it’s a message, it might be for you.’

  Daphne glanced at Bridget. ‘I’ll need Bedig to look after Karalyn, is that all right?’

  Bridget scowled. ‘He’s been looking for any excuse to get up here. He’s doing my nut in.’

  ‘I’ve never seen him this way before,’ Daphne said. ‘I’m not saying take him back or anything, but I think he’s genuinely sorry, and that’s a first for him.’

  Bridget narrowed her eyes.

  ‘Fucksake, all right,’ she said. ‘Go fetch the great eejit. Me and Killop will wait for you, but I’m not talking to him when he gets here.’

  Daphne got up.

  ‘Mama bye-bye?’

  ‘That’s right, Kara-bear, but I’ll be back in a minute, with Uncle Bedig.’

  Karalyn laughed and clapped her hands.

  Daphne smiled. ‘At least someone’s happy to see the big oaf.’

  The downstairs office had once been a study, and the walls were lined with shelves. Many of the books that had been there when the Kellach arrived had rotted away, but several old tomes remained, histories of the estate, and guides to the local fauna, that Bridget had cleaned and sorted.

  Two well-dressed Rahain men were sitting by a warm fire. A large pack sat on the floor between them.

  ‘Good afternoon,’ Bridget said as they entered. ‘This is Chief Killop and Miss Holdfast. I’m Bridget, the clan herald.’

  The Rahain rose to their feet and bowed low.

  They all sat. A tray of drinks and food had been set out on a table.

  ‘Please,’ said Bridget, ‘help yourselves.’

  ‘Thank you for your hospitality,’ one of the men said. He reached into his tunic, removed a rolled up document, and handed it to them.

  Bridget broke the seal and opened it.

  ‘Seems genuine,’ she said. ‘That’s the old guy’s signature.’

  She passed it back, and the man put it into his inside pocket.

  ‘So,’ Bridget said, ‘what can we do for agents of the republic?’

  ‘We need to discuss a matter with Miss Holdfast.’

  ‘Oh,’ Bridget said. ‘Well, I’ll leave you to it.’

  She stood.

  ‘Killop stays,’ Daphne said. ‘Anything said to me can be said to him.’

  The Rahain men nodded.

  ‘I’ll wait for you upstairs,’ Bridget said, and began walking towards the door.

  ‘Shit,’ she said, halting. ‘I forgot Bedig’s still up there.’ She sighed. ‘Well I knew I had to speak to him sometime, may as well get it over with.’

  ‘Good luck,’ Daphne said as Bridget left, closing the door to the office behind her.

  Daphne turned to the agents and smiled.

  ‘Miss Holdfast,’ said one, ‘as I’m sure you’re aware, the republic is under tremendous pressure at the moment, with religious fervour gripping the nation, and rebel attacks increasing in frequency. The army is hard-pressed, and there is worry in the capital that the Old Free will mount a coup. ’

  Daphne nodded, and lit a cigarette.

  ‘We have intelligence that Lady Douanna is in the city, plotting against the chancellor.’

  Daphne’s smile froze.

  ‘There is reason to believe that the rebels are planning their coup imminently, now that the vast majority of alliance troops have left Rahain.’

  The man paused, but Daphne said nothing.

  ‘The chancellor of the republic has sent us here,’ he went on. ‘He has personally requested your assistance.’

  Daphne took a long draw. ‘To do what?’

  ‘To throttle the conspiracy and prevent the coup,’ the agent said. ‘Chancellor Laodoc believes you have the ability to take care of the matter, and he is prepared to offer you a free hand to do so. Of course, you’ll be well rewarded in gold.’

  Daphne chewed her lip.

  ‘The chancellor thinks that this task, if you accept it, should take no more than a few days, and for service to the republic, you will be paid two hundred thousand gold sovereigns, up front.’

  Killop spluttered.

  ‘That’s a very generous offer,’ Daphne said. ‘Be sure to thank the chancellor on my behalf, but I’m afraid I must decline.’

  The two men shared a glance. ‘If you wish more gold,’ said one, ‘please know that we’re authorised to negotiate.’

  ‘It’s not the money,’ Daphne said. ‘I have plenty. This is my life now, in Slateford. I have a family, and that’s what I have to concentrate on. I’ve no intention of getting back into Rahain politics, and I’ve no desire to kill again.’

  ‘Not even to save the republic, miss?’

  Daphne shook her head. ‘You can’t put this on my shoulders. If the republic falls, and I sincerely hope it doesn’t, it’ll be because of things far beyond my control.’

  ‘But you have an opportunity to make a difference, miss,’ the Rahain man said. ‘A chance to take control, and stop the rebels from overthrowing the chancellor, your friend. Lady Douanna has made it clear that she will have Laodoc executed if he is overthrown.’

  Daphne frowned.

  She turned to Killop. ‘I want to talk to you alone.’

  ‘I can’t believe you’re thinking about going,’ he said, leaning against the wall of the small chamber where they had gone for some privacy. ‘It feels like you only just got here.’

  ‘I know,’ she said. ‘I don’t want to leave. Believe me, I’d rather stay, but it would only be for a few days, and I might be able to do some good. You and Karalyn could spend some time together. And you’d have Bedig to help.’

  ‘I don’t understand,’ he said. ‘I know how good you are, I’ve seen you fight, and I can see why Laodoc wants you for the job.’

  ‘But?’

  ‘You told me about when you were in the Rahain Capital before, and how much you hated it. You said that you didn’t want to kill any more, not unless you had to.’

  ‘Maybe I have to.’

  ‘It is because of folk like Draewyn?’ he said. ‘Is Slateford getting you down?’

  ‘No,’ she said. ‘Being with you and Karalyn, it’s been the best time of my life. Not being liked has never bothered me. If people think bad of me, that’s their problem. But Laodoc? I feel sorry for him. I can’t let Douanna beat him, not after everything that’s happened. You know she was responsible for Simiona’s death?’

  ‘Aye.’

  ‘Can you imagine the Old Free back in charge?’ she said. ‘It would be a bloodbath. The New Free wouldn’t take kindly to being put back in chains, and the whole country would go up in flames, with Slateford stuck in the middle. If I can prevent a coup from taking place, then the estate will be safe. You and Karalyn will be safe. ’

  ‘So you’re doing it for Slateford?’ he said. ‘Is that what you’re saying?’

  ‘If the Old Free rebels are
defeated,’ she said, ‘we can get on with living again.’

  He said nothing.

  ‘I don’t want the money though,’ she said.

  ‘Then give it to Bridget. I’m sure she’ll find a thousand uses for it, our finances are in a bad way with the blockade. And I know you don’t care what Draewyn thinks, but she’ll treat this as a victory.’

  She nodded.

  ‘All right then,’ he said. ‘For Slateford.’

  They walked back to the office. The two Rahain agents looked up as they approached.

  Daphne smiled as they sat. ‘What arrangements have been made for me if I say yes?’

  ‘Then we’re at your service, miss,’ said one, his eyes wide. ‘We can fly you to the capital at your convenience, as soon as you’re ready to leave.’

  She nodded.

  ‘Upon arrival,’ the agent went on, ‘the chancellor would wish to speak with you. We have already secured an apartment, fully equipped with everything you should require. The two hundred thousand gold sovereigns would be flown here as soon you landed in the capital. I trust that the chief is an appropriate person to hold the money for you while you are away?’

  ‘Yes,’ she smiled, then glanced down. ‘What’s in the pack?’

  ‘Some gifts,’ the man said, ‘for whether you say yes or no.’

  He leaned over and passed her the bag.

  She opened it and laughed. ‘Coffee, sugar and cigarettes.’

  ‘Some chocolate I think also.’

  ‘Thanks.’

  ‘May I ask then, Miss Holdfast, if you accept our offer?’

  She glanced over to Killop, who nodded.

  ‘All right,’ she said. ‘I’ll do it. We’ll leave tomorrow.’

  They left the two agents in the office with the promise of rooms and a good evening meal, and went upstairs.

  The sitting room was quiet. The fire was burning low, and only one lamp was lit as evening fell. Killop poured out two measures of ale while Daphne went into their bedroom.

  She came back out. ‘Karalyn’s in her cot.’

  ‘Sleeping?’

  ‘Yes. No sign of Bedig, though.’

  ‘Or Bridget…’

  Daphne rolled her eyes.

  ‘So they’re back together,’ he laughed.

  ‘Or they’ve murdered each other.’

  They pulled their chairs closer to the fire. Killop threw on a few logs, and Daphne lit up a smokestick and drank her ale.

  ‘When I get to the capital,’ she said. ‘I’m going to try to contact Karalyn. I’ve never made it that far before, but my connection to her is strong.’

  ‘What is it, about eighty miles?’

  ‘I think so. I’ll miss her. I’ve never been away from her before.’

  He nodded.

  ‘And I’m going to miss you,’ she said. ‘Stay off the keenweed tonight, I don’t want you falling asleep too early on me.’

  He smiled.

  The door opened.

  ‘I’m not interrupting, am I?’ said Dyam, walking in.

  ‘It’s all right,’ Killop said, smothering a frown. ‘What are you up to?’

  ‘Just here to see Lilyann,’ she said. ‘Ask her why she didn’t turn up for lessons today.’

  ‘I thought she left about noon.’

  Dyam shrugged. ‘Well, she didn’t come to class.’

  The Domm woman strode over to the young mage’s door, and knocked on it. When there was no reply, she opened it and walked in .

  Daphne glanced at Killop. ‘Try not to shout at her.’

  ‘I think I’m past that stage,’ he said. ‘I could just about put up with her when she was a cocky smartarse, but I lost her when she found religion.’

  Dyam came out of the bedroom, clutching a scrap of paper to her chest, tears flowing down her face.

  ‘You need to read this.’

  Killop took the paper. He held it before him and groaned as he read the words.

  Daphne raised an eyebrow.

  He glanced up as Bridget emerged from her room, Bedig close behind.

  She gazed around, then paused when she saw the expression on Killop’s face.

  ‘What’s happened?’

  ‘Lilyann,’ Killop said. ‘She’s gone.’

  Chapter 21

  Full House

  P lateau City, The Plateau – 25 th Day, Last Third Autumn 506

  ‘Look at those walls,’ Jayki said to Thymo as they hung out of the carriage window. ‘The highest and strongest of any city in the world.’

  ‘My turn,’ Shella said, tugging at Jayki’s belt. ‘Move.’

  The boy paid her no attention as she took Jayki’s place at the window, keeping his eyes fixed on the view. The road from the east wound down a gentle slope, and the imperial capital was spread out before them.

  It was a blustery autumn morning, with clouds scudding across the sky, allowing shafts of sunlight to illuminate different quarters of the city. The great silver dome of the palace shone, and Shella noticed several high towers and spires that had been constructed in her absence.

  ‘What do you think?’ she asked Thymo.

  ‘Arakhanah is bigger.’

  ‘Yeah,’ she laughed. ‘It is.’

  She gazed over the city, then noticed something. She sat back in the carriage .

  ‘They’ve finished the walls,’ she said. ‘The whole Kellach quarter is now enclosed.’

  ‘Really?’ Jodie said, leaning up to the window to look.

  ‘Why have they done that?’ said Jayki. ‘I thought work on the wall had come to a halt. I mean, who’s going to attack?’

  ‘Probably just being cautious,’ Jodie said, sitting back down.

  ‘It was still summer when we left,’ Shella said. ‘A lot could have happened since then.’

  ‘I guess we can ask Daly when we get to the embassy.’

  The road levelled off, and the line of carriages approached the great eastern gates. To their left, the new wall followed the extent of the Kellach quarter, jutting out where their old camp had been. Ahead, the gates were open, and pennants flew from the tall towers of the gatehouse.

  A company of imperial soldiers in grey armour halted their convoy on the road in front of them. Shella leaned out of the window and watched as an officer talked to the guard on the lead carriage. Next to the officer a soldier was writing in a ledger. The officer nodded, and waved them on. As each carriage passed, the officer took a look inside, and the soldier took notes.

  Shella sat back down as their carriage began to move.

  ‘Come inside,’ she said to Thymo. He frowned, but did as he was told.

  ‘Your Highness,’ the officer bowed when Shella’s carriage drew level with him. ‘Welcome back. The Lord Vicar is expecting you at the Institute.’

  ‘Thank you, Captain,’ she said, and the carriage moved forwards.

  They passed through the entrance gate and emerged onto a busy street, with tall stone buildings on either side. Shops lined the road, with houses piled high above them. Over the tiled roofs to their right Shella saw the top of the cathedral, and at a crossroads they turned towards it.

  Her nerves rose, and she kept her gaze out of the window. The street was busy with people, but had a subdued air, and no one was smiling. Ahead, she saw the cathedral. Not yet complete, it nevertheless rose to the same height as the palace, its three central spires rising above the vast body of the church. Next to it, and conjoined on one side, was a smaller building, with a high wall around it. A set of gates in the wall opened and the carriages were pulled into a large courtyard, where they halted.

  A black-robed church warden approached, and opened their carriage door.

  ‘Your Highness,’ he bowed as she stepped down.

  Shella nodded, then turned back towards the others in the carriage. ‘Stay inside.’

  ‘There you are, your Royal Eminence,’ Lord Arnault said, striding across the courtyard towards her. A large number of wardens from the One True Path were prese
nt, many armed, and they had surrounded the line of carriages.

  ‘Lord Vicar.’

  ‘My dear princess,’ he said, bowing and kissing her hand, ‘might I say how radiant you look with that crown upon your head?’

  She smirked and looked away, and saw the Rakanese mages being unloaded from the carriages. The young criminal was in chains, and the three others were gazing around in bewilderment as wardens led them away.

  Shella turned back to Arnault, a loathing for him filling her.

  He caught her expression.

  ‘On behalf of the Emperor and the holy church,’ he said, ‘I offer my sincerest thanks for what you have done. In bringing us these Rakanese mages you have proved your loyalty to the empire. Thanks to you, we can at last proceed with enacting the will of the Creator. I will forever be in your debt, your Highness.’

  ‘Fuck off.’

  Shella turned, and climbed back into her carriage.

  She leaned up to the driver. ‘Take us to the embassy.’

  The carriage lurched into motion. For a second, none of the wardens surrounding them moved, but Arnault raised his hand and the black-robes parted, allowing the carriage to pass through the gap.

  ‘What happened?’ Jodie said, as they went back out onto the street.

  ‘I think I’ve done a terrible thing.’

  ‘You had no choice,’ Jayki said.

  ‘They were volunteers,’ Jodie said. ‘Well, most of them.’

  ‘They looked scared,’ Shella said. ‘We handed them over as a sacrificial offering, to stop a fucking bully from pulling our hair in the school playground. Fuck knows what they’ve got planned for them. Fucking priest freaks.’

  Thymo stared at her, and she paused.

  ‘Sorry, little man,’ she said. ‘I know I shouldn’t swear like that, but I’m angry.’

  The boy’s eyes widened.

  ‘Not with you,’ she said. ‘With myself.’

  She looked away, gazing out of the window, her heart welling with bitterness.

  She felt a small hand take hers and squeeze.

  ‘This is your uncle Sami,’ Shella said, pointing at the drunk prince.

  ‘Well hello there,’ Sami slurred from the couch where he lay. ‘Who’s this again?’