Needs of the Empire

by Christopher Mitchell

  ‘The deaths we’ve caused,’ Kylon said, ‘are insignificant compared to the annihilation that will follow if we fail.’

  Agang blinked, then started to laugh, tears flowing down his face.

  Keira smirked. ‘You can thank us when it’s over.’

  Chapter 24

  Holiday Visitors

  S lateford, Rahain Republic – Winter’s Day 506

  Frost had turned the neat mansion gardens a sparkling white. On the path were one large set of footprints, and a smaller set to the side, as Karalyn toddled by Killop, holding onto his hand. The sun had come out that morning after days of cloud, and he had wrapped her up against the cold and taken her for a walk.

  He paused, as she bent over to pick up a stone from the path.

  She had asked for her mama when she had awoken, as she had every day since Daphne had left for the capital. Killop had stopped smoking keenweed in case she had been trying to contact them, but there had been no sign of her. Without the narcotics to send him into a deep sleep, Karalyn had been in his dreams each night. He had been wary at first, but had begun to enjoy it. She had taken him on night flights over Slateford, copying what Daphne had done, and he had felt her emotions soar through him as they flew over the villages and fields of the estate.

  In Daphne’s absence, Karalyn’s mind sought him out often, and he began to anticipate whatever it was she wanted, whether food or her nappy changed, before she could ask. Bridget and Bedig had both expressed surprise at Killop’s growing skills, and he had detected a hint of envy in the Brig man.

  ‘Beetle,’ she said.

  ‘No, wee-bear,’ he said. ‘That’s a stone.’

  A squirrel ran across the path, its grey fur flashing in the frost.

  Karalyn pointed. ‘Hedgehog.’

  Killop smiled. ‘Close.’

  She ran after it, chasing it into the bushes.

  Killop rubbed his hands together, and breathed long and deep. The chill air was crisp and fine, and he could close his eyes and almost imagine he was back in Kell. Apart from the sound of Karalyn scampering about the bushes, there was complete silence, and were it not for his worry over Daphne it would have been the perfect morning.

  Where was she?

  He had no doubts about her abilities, but stray crossbow bolts were no respecters of skill. The Old Free rebel army was still blockading the estate, and no word had gone in or out for days. Anything could be happening beyond their borders, and all they could do was wait.

  ‘She’s going to get her clothes dirty, Chief,’ he heard Draewyn say.

  He opened his eyes, and his smile dropped.

  ‘Good morning, Draewyn,’ he said. ‘Happy Winter’s Day.’

  ‘And to you,’ she said, pulling the child from the bushes.

  ‘Let her play,’ Killop said.

  Draewyn ignored him, brushing down Karalyn’s coat with her hand.

  The squirrel dashed out from under the bush and raced down the path.

  Karalyn shrieked, and sped after it.

  Draewyn tutted as the child evaded her grasp, and she turned to Killop and raised an eyebrow.

  ‘Surprised to see you out and about so early, Chief.’

  ‘We might be the only two adults in Slateford without hangovers.’

  ‘If you’d wanted a drink, you should have asked me. I’d have babysat. The chief should be out enjoying himself with his clansfolk on Winter’s Eve, not staying in changing nappies. ’

  ‘Thanks,’ he said. ‘Bedig also offered, but I wanted to spend it with my daughter. We went to a few parties to say hello. It was a late night for her.’

  Draewyn frowned. ‘Left holding the baby, Chief? While her mother’s off doing pyre knows what in the city. It’s worked out quite well for her, hasn’t it?’

  Killop glanced at Karalyn up ahead on the path, and began walking after her, Draewyn following. He had to control his feelings. He could feel anger rising in him, and knew he had to calm himself before the child picked up on it.

  He reached Karalyn and took her hand.

  ‘Dada,’ she said, handing him a stone.

  He smiled, then turned to Draewyn, saying nothing.

  The Domm woman frowned.

  ‘Are you feeding her properly?’ she said. ‘She could do with a bit more weight on her, she’s like a frail wee doll.’

  ‘Daphne says she looks and acts twice her age, compared to Holdings children.’

  ‘But isn’t she half-Kellach Brigdomin? You should be feeding her up, encouraging her to grow.’

  ‘Leave her to develop at her own rate,’ Killop said, fighting feelings of annoyance. ‘She’s the only half-Holdings, half-Kellach child in the world, as far we know. Let her find her own pace.’

  ‘Well,’ she said. ‘What do I know? I only had four children of my own.’

  ‘And I’m grateful for your advice.’

  She squinted at him, pursing her lip.

  ‘I see that the saga of Bridget and Bedig is still going on,’ she said. ‘On, off. On, off. I never know what I should say to them, because their relationship changes day to day. And I never thought I’d see Bridget acting like a teenage lassie. I’m not sure her mind is completely on the job.’

  Karalyn frowned, and Killop took a breath, trying to fight his anger.

  He smiled. ‘What a beautiful morning. ’

  ‘Eh?’ Draewyn said. ‘Oh, aye. I suppose it is. What’s that?’

  She pointed up at the sky, and Killop turned to look. Above the horizon to the north was a tiny dark speck, with a cluster of even smaller specks above.

  ‘Winged gaien,’ he muttered, hope filling his heart.

  He began walking back towards the mansion, Karalyn’s hand in his, and Draewyn next to them.

  ‘Who do you think it is?’ she said. ‘Have you had word that anyone was coming?’

  He shook his head, his eyes on the approaching black dots in the sky.

  ‘Mama?’ Karalyn said.

  ‘I don’t know, wee bear.’

  They walked under the arched trellises that marked the edge of the gardens, and came out into the courtyard in front of the mansion. It was empty, and a fresh wind was blowing across it. By the entrance to the mansion two guards stood, leaning against a pillar. Their eyes were closed, and their faces pale.

  Killop strode up to them.

  ‘Good morning,’ he cried, and the pair jumped.

  ‘Chief,’ one groaned.

  ‘Anything to report?’ he said.

  They glanced at each other, shaking their heads.

  ‘No winged gaien approaching, for instance?’ He pointed at the sky.

  The guards squinted.

  ‘Sorry, boss.’

  ‘Good time last night?’

  ‘Maybe too good, boss.’

  Killop laughed. ‘Just as well it’s Winter’s Day,’ he said, ‘otherwise you’d both be cleaning the toilets for a third.’

  ‘Sorry, boss.’

  He nodded. ‘One of you, go fetch Bridget, and wake up the guards on dayshift.’

  The shorter guard saluted and ran inside the mansion .

  ‘You’re too soft on them, Chief,’ Draewyn said, as the other guard looked away, her face red. ‘I’d be happy to oversee some punishment for sleeping on duty.’

  Killop bit his lip. He had kept his temper for ten days, determined not to pass bad feelings onto his daughter, and wondered if folk thought he was acting strange. Were they used to him shouting all the time and getting angry?

  ‘Not on the holiday, Draewyn,’ he said, ‘but if they do it again, they’re all yours.’

  He watched as the flying carriage drew closer. After a few minutes a squad of militia came out from the mansion.

  ‘Squad leader,’ Killop said. ‘Take up position to welcome the carriage, but stay ready. We have no idea who’s inside.’

  ‘Aye, Chief,’ she nodded, and the squad moved down into the courtyard.

  As the gaien flew nearer, Killop caught a glimpse of t
he star insignia on the side of the carriage.

  ‘Imperial colours,’ he said.

  ‘Is that good or bad?’ Draewyn said.

  ‘Let’s see.’

  His heart was pounding, and he tried to control his breathing. Karalyn was quiet beside him, gazing down at the steps leading to the mansion doors.

  The four large winged beasts circled overhead, then began to lower the carriage into the centre of the courtyard. Once it had landed, a Holdings trooper clambered out through a hatch on the roof of the wooden structure, and unchained the gaien, who flew off towards the mountains to the south. The trooper climbed down to the ground, and banged on the carriage door.

  It fell open, and two more Holdings troopers peered out. They saw Killop and the Kellach militia, then took a step outside, swinging their crossbows over their shoulders and holding their hands out-stretched.

  Killop began walking towards them, as other troopers disembarked. At the rear, two were helping someone to the exit .

  ‘Laodoc,’ Killop said, as the old man stepped out onto the courtyard, the last to leave. Killop’s eyes scanned the empty carriage, his hopes sinking.

  Karalyn started to cry and he picked her up.

  Laodoc approached, flanked by imperial troopers.

  ‘Chief Killop,’ he said, his expression drawn and exhausted.

  ‘Where’s Daphne?’

  Laodoc’s face fell, and Karalyn’s cries grew louder.

  ‘It’s all right, wee bear,’ Killop said, rocking her in his arms.

  ‘She didn’t make it on board,’ Laodoc said. ‘She stayed behind to fight off Old Free rebels, so that we could leave.’

  ‘You left her?’

  An imperial officer stepped forward, a tall Holdings man.

  ‘We had to,’ he said. ‘The carriage was already airborne when she tried to board, and we couldn’t turn round for her. It would have been suicide.’

  ‘Who the fuck are you?’ Killop said.

  ‘Ahh, I’m Lieutenant…’

  ‘I don’t care,’ Killop said, staring at the troopers. ‘Did anyone see what happened to Daphne after you took off?’

  ‘She ran, sir,’ a young Holdings woman said. ‘I saw her run for a tunnel.’

  ‘She was still alive?’

  ‘Yes, sir.’

  Killop puffed out his cheeks, his heart hammering. He closed his eyes and breathed, trying to force calm thoughts through his mind, as Karalyn continued to cry on his shoulder, tears and snot covering her face.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Laodoc said. ‘Truly. She saved my life from Old Free assassins, and led me to safety.’

  Killop said nothing.

  ‘Shall we go inside?’ said Draewyn. ‘You look like you all could do with some breakfast.’

  ‘That would be wonderful, ma’am,’ the lieutenant said .

  Draewyn smiled, and gestured at the troopers to enter the mansion.

  ‘There’s a dining hall on the right as you go in,’ she said. ‘Get yourself seated, and I’ll speak to the kitchen.’

  Killop opened his eyes. The troopers were filing past him and Karalyn, following Draewyn inside.

  Laodoc remained. ‘We should talk, Killop. Urgently.’

  He nodded. ‘Let’s find Bridget.’

  Killop left Draewyn to look after the troopers downstairs and helped Laodoc up the steps to the upper floor of the mansion, where Bridget was pulling on her boots.

  ‘I’m nearly ready, Chief,’ she cried. ‘Just a second…’ She tailed off as she saw Laodoc.

  ‘Good morning Bridget,’ he said.

  ‘Fuck me,’ she said. ‘The chancellor.’ She looked from Killop to the old Rahain. ‘I’m going to assume you’re not here to wish us a happy Winter’s Day.’

  ‘Is Bedig in there?’ Killop asked, nodding at her bedroom door. ‘I need him to watch Karalyn for a bit.’

  ‘Aye,’ she grinned.

  The old Rahain tried to smile. ‘I never would have thought of you and Bedig together.’

  ‘Why not?’ Bridget frowned.

  Laodoc went red.

  She laughed, then stood and went to her door.

  ‘Take a seat,’ Killop said to Laodoc, while he rubbed Karalyn’s back. Her cries had stopped, but she was still sniffing and whispering ‘mama’ in his ear.

  Bridget came back out of her room with Bedig, who was wearing a pair of shorts and tying back his unruly red hair. He saw Karalyn and held out his arms.

  Killop passed his daughter to him.

  He gazed at Laodoc.

  ‘Might I get angry with what you have to say?’

  Laodoc nodded .

  Killop glanced back at Bedig. ‘Best you take her into another room.’

  ‘Aye, Chief,’ Bedig said. He faced the child in his arms. ‘Come on, wee one, let’s go and play. You’ll see daddy again soon.’

  When they had gone, Killop poured some estate wine into three glasses, and sat down next to Bridget and Laodoc.

  ‘All right,’ he said. ‘Let’s talk.’

  Food was brought up, and while they ate Laodoc told them what had happened in the city over the previous day and night. Bridget and Killop listened in silence as the old man described the attack by the assassins, and his rescue by Daphne.

  When he had finished, Killop stared at his plate and said nothing.

  ‘This is fucked up,’ Bridget said. ‘The Old Free rebels are in charge of the capital? Where’s the imperial army?’

  ‘Still over a hundred miles away,’ said Laodoc. ‘Fifteen days from here, perhaps.’

  ‘And the other cities? Tahrana?’

  ‘I don’t know.’

  ‘What about the old alliance army?’ she went on. ‘Is it still in the Plateau?’

  ‘They’ve got their hands full fighting the Sanang insurgency,’ Laodoc said. ‘Last I heard, they had been moved up to the old frontier wall on the Sanang border, in the far north-west of the Plateau. They won’t be coming to reinforce us any time soon, I’m afraid.’

  ‘Slateford is at risk,’ Bridget said, sipping her wine. ‘Do they plan on attacking?’

  ‘I think that would be a foolish move on their part,’ he said, ‘but one never knows with Douanna.’

  ‘And the ex-slaves in the city, the New Free?’ she said. ‘You mentioned massacres?’

  ‘Angry, fearful peasants, taking what they think is revenge on the freed slaves,’ Laodoc said, shaking his head. ‘Fed lies by the Old Free, encouraged into believing that if the ex-slaves win, then they must be the losers, instead of understanding that abolishing slavery benefits everyone. The great masses of ex-slaves in the city are my hope. They will not go back into chains again. Douanna and the Old Free will have a harder time controlling them than they think.’

  ‘I’m going to get Daphne,’ said Killop, standing.

  ‘What?’ Bridget said.

  ‘I’m taking the flying carriage back to the city,’ he said. ‘I’m going to get her.’

  ‘But the city is enormous,’ Laodoc said. ‘How will you know where to begin looking?’

  Killop shrugged.

  ‘Let’s think this through,’ Bridget said. ‘We could get a squad together quickly, send them in. Kalden would be the most qualified to lead, no offence. Leave it to the professionals.’

  ‘Not good enough,’ he said, turning for the door. ‘I’m going.’

  ‘Killop, wait!’ Bridget cried. ‘Stop. Give it a minute’s thought. I know you’re worried, and hurting, but Daphne knows what she’s doing.’

  He opened the door.

  ‘At least take a squad with you,’ Bridget yelled. ‘What about Karalyn? What are we supposed to tell her?’

  Killop stopped, torn between leaving and staying.

  As Bridget was sidling up to him, there was a cry from downstairs, then frantic shouting.

  Killop ran for the steps, and bounded down them, Bridget close behind. They reached the ground floor, and saw Draewyn sprawled on the stone tiles.

  ‘Bastar
ds pushed me over,’ she groaned.

  Killop sprinted to the front door as Bridget helped Draewyn to her feet. He ran through the open entrance and into the courtyard as the carriage lifted off the ground ahead of him, the four winged gaien re-attached by chains. They were beating their great scaly wings as they soared up into the sky. In the courtyard, Kellach militia were standing, staring upwards .

  ‘What the fuck, squad leader?’ Killop shouted.

  ‘The Holdings troopers, boss,’ she said, her eyes down. ‘Couple of them said they needed to get their things from the carriage and went outside. A few minutes later the rest of them got up, and when Draewyn tried to stop them, they shoved her out of the way and ran for it. By the time we got out here they were already closing the hatch.’

  Killop said nothing, his eyes fixed on the carriage as it flew away to the north.

  ‘I didn’t think they’d trick us, boss,’ the squad leader said. ‘It’s my fault, I’m sorry.’

  He heard Bridget come up alongside him, and glanced at her. She was trying to conceal her relief as she gazed up at the shrinking speck in the sky.

  Without a word, he turned, and went back into the mansion.

  Sunset came early on the shortest day in the Rahain highlands, and the courtyard lamps were lit for the Winter’s Day feast. It seemed like half the clan had arrived, crowding out the square, and the bottom floor of the mansion, as the kitchens worked flat out to keep everyone fed.

  Brodie had supplied dozens of barrels of estate wine. It was much too young, he had said, but with no one buying it he didn’t want to see it go to waste. Everyone’s hangovers from the previous evening had vanished as the Kellach gathered for their second night of drinking, and as Killop sat down with Bridget and Bedig, a messenger arrived.

  ‘Chief,’ he bowed. ‘A delegation from the Old Free rebels has arrived at the border post, with a flag of truce. They’re asking to speak with you.’

  ‘Just as the party’s starting?’ Bridget said. ‘Inconsiderate bastards.’

  Killop looked up at the clear sky.

  ‘Shall we walk?’ he said, rising.

  ‘Aye, may as well,’ Bridget said.

  ‘Bedig,’ Killop said. ‘Could you…? ’

  ‘Sure boss,’ he said. ‘I’ll watch her.’