The Habit of the Emperor

by J J Moriarty

  “HYZOU”, the scream rang out.

  Hyzou jumped and saw Safia striding over to him.

  “What are you doing? Are you insane?” Safia asked.

  “What?” Hyzou asked.

  “That’s your baby and you want to show him dead children burning? So you can laugh at it?” Safia said.

  She was close now.

  “That’s not…” Hyzou began.

  Safia went to take Hetep from him, but he stepped away from her.

  “I’m spending time with my son”, Hyzou said.

  “Give. Him. To. Me.” Safia said.

  There was venom in her voice. Hyzou decided it was best to obey her. She took him and began to walk away.

  “Safia wait”, Hyzou said.

  She sighed.

  “What?” She said.

  “It’s the war, isn’t it? This war has changed me, hasn’t it?” Hyzou said.

  She frowned.

  “How couldn’t it? How many people have died by my orders? How could I be the man you fell in love with?” Hyzou said.

  Safia didn’t say anything, but she didn’t walk away from him either.

  “Come peace, I’ll be the man you loved again. You know it Safia”, Hyzou said. “I promise.”

  “Just doing your duty”, Safia said.

  “It’s ruining me”, Hyzou said. “But I’ll be back.”

  Safia smiled weakly, then walked away. Hyzou was about to try and get her to stay with him, but he sensed that it wasn’t the time yet. He shouted after her instead.

  “I love you”, Hyzou shouted.

  She ignored it. She was too busy with Hetep. The toddler was reaching back over Safia’s shoulder and beginning to cry worse than before. He wanted to watch the flames, which were growing with every second.

  Hyzou turned back and just stared at the fire, becoming as transfixed as his son had been. He breathed through his mouth, the black, acrid smoke burned his nostrils. He owned his envy and dreamed of peace. Dreamed of the day Lamybla would fall. Sparrow would reach it first, before him.

  “Gruesome”, Iset said.

  Hyzou had sensed her approach.

  “Necessary”, Hyzou said. “They’ll spread cholera otherwise. We couldn’t just leave them to rot.”

  “Why burn them though? Why not just bury them?” Iset asked.

  Hyzou turned to her.

  “Have you never seen a body pit before?” Hyzou said.

  Iset shook her head.

  “Only the bodies at the top and the edge burn, to provide an extra layer of ash. There’s no water table below this spot, and it’ll be covered with earth. Most of the bodies will be left whole. They’ll nurture the soil, maybe in five years it can be dug up to grow good rice”, Hyzou said.

  “I didn’t know you knew much about farming”, Iset said.

  “I don’t. I was raised in a city just like you. But originally when I joined the Servants I wanted to join the mercenary corps, and they tend to have a lot of bodies to dispose of”, Hyzou said.

  “Is there a lot of things like that you learn in Uqing? Formal knowledge, not connected to sorcery?” Iset asked.

  “The wisdom thing is a bit of a myth, but yes. Safia, for example, is a physician, can breed animals, and is a carpenter too”, Hyzou said.

  “A carpenter?” Iset asked.

  “Yes. I was raised a scribe so while I was a pupil that was what I focused on”, Hyzou said.

  “I never knew”, Iset said. “Perhaps I would have enjoyed a childhood in the Servants.”

  Silence fell.

  “Did you want something? Or just to talk? I sense you’re uneasy”, Hyzou said.

  “I don’t know how to say it”, Iset said.

  “Say what?” Hyzou asked.

  “I heard some bad news”, Iset said.

  “I always want to hear bad news”, Hyzou said.

  “I’m being serious”, Iset said.

  “So am I”, Hyzou said. “If I’m to keep my head on my shoulders I’d better not switch off to the sounds of bad stories.”

  “It’s about that”, Iset said.

  “Bad stories?” Hyzou said.

  “Keeping your head on your shoulders”, Iset said.

  “Oh”, Hyzou said.

  “There’s a plan to see you assassinated”, Iset said.

  Hyzou sighed.

  “It was only a matter of time”, Hyzou said. “Which power-hungry soul is after my throne? I never wanted it, never asked for it. I was nominated because I was the only candidate. Don’t they remember that?”

  “They do. That’s why they’ve got a few plans. Rule by a council, for one. Finding another Kheme Servant. But they’re not concerned about that yet”, Iset said.

  “They’re not? Oh no, but that means…” Hyzou said.

  He stopped in the middle of the sentence.

  “What does it mean?” Iset asked.

  “It’s not a coup from an ambitious subordinate. That means they’re doing it because they disagree with some action I’ve taken”, Hyzou said.

  “They have their motivations, yes”, Iset said.

  “I’m winning them the war, what more could they want?” Hyzou asked.

  “The land, sir”, Iset said.

  “The land? What land?” Hyzou said.

  “The land you’re winning in this war. They know what you’re planning to do with it”, Iset said.

  Hyzou laughed aloud.

  “I’m not doing anything with it. They tasked me to save Piquea, and so I’m saving Piquea”, Hyzou said.

  “They claim you’re hording the land for yourself, and if they let you do it, you’ll become far too powerful to be controllable. They’re saving the empire from tyranny”, Iset said.

  Hyzou snorted.

  “The Piquean nobility, the ones who lost their land when the Pharaoh invaded”, Hyzou said.

  Iset nodded.

  “Yes, them”, Iset said.

  Hyzou felt disgust in his gut.

  “They expected to have all their former property returned to them, didn’t they?” Hyzou asked.

  “And more”, Iset said.

  “Then there were others, no doubt, who were eyeing up wealth in Lamybla and Yobo. Maybe to get them in on the plot, these Nobles could promise a few assassins and key people land in Lamybla too”, Hyzou said.

  “That’s how they’re operating”, Iset said.

  “I’m dividing the land out among smaller farmers because, in case they hadn’t noticed, the River Cities has more than two million slaves, and several million displaced peasants. They’ll turn into an army, an uncontrollable rebellious horde, unless I pacify them. So, the peasants become landowners and the slaves become peasants. Peace throughout the realm. I’m doing it because it’s the only way to ensure security in Piquea, in the River Cities”, Hyzou said.

  “To do that though, you’ll have to make many rich men poor. They won’t like that”, Iset said.

  “Who’s behind this? How far along have they come?” Hyzou said.

  “They won’t move until the war is won”, Iset said.

  Hyzou laughed.

  “Until I’ve won them those lands they think they deserve”, Hyzou said.

  “That’s it, the land is useless unless the people are secure”, Iset said.

  “They’d use me like a mere animal”, Hyzou said.

  “You won’t like who it is”, Iset said.

  “Who?” Hyzou said.

  “They’re being led by Gardem”, Iset said.

  Hyzou’s jaw dropped.

  “That treacherous snake. He claimed to be all for the people of Piquea. That it was the sole thing that motivated him”, Hyzou said.

  “No doubt he meant the rich of Piquea”, Iset said.

  “I want to tear him apart”, Hyzou said.

  “And Tsy”, Iset said.

  Hyzou froze.

  “No”, Hyzou said.

  “It’s what I’m told”, Iset said.

  “No”, Hyzou said.r />
  “It’s true”, Iset said.

  “Tsy? He’s as devoted to his duty as I am”, Hyzou said.

  “And he’s planning to assassinate you. Him and several others will be the ones to wield the blade while you sleep. Drugged”, Iset said.

  “I don’t believe that. He’s… He’s a Servant”, Hyzou said.

  “You yourself broke your vows to Uqing once, do you remember?” Iset said.

  “That’s different”, Hyzou said.

  “Is it? Not for Tsy it’s not”, Iset said.

  “I thought he was my brother. I trusted him more than anyone else until you turned”, Hyzou said. “He’s a military man. All he knows is loyalty.”

  Iset shrugged.

  “Perhaps he fears you truly then. Perhaps he sees in you that tyrant”, Iset said.

  “You don’t think that, do you?” Hyzou said.

  “Who knows why, but he’s leading the plans to kill you and I’d say it’s for the same reasons as everyone else”, Iset said.

  “Tsy. And Gardem. I can’t believe it, my own council turning against me. And what of Yan? And Vorska?” Hyzou asked.

  “Neither are opposed to you”, Iset said. “The issue of your land reforms was broached with Vorska by Tsy once, I believe, and she said she agreed with them. She’s on your side.”

  Hyzou sank down on his hunkers. He felt as if everything was falling apart.

  “I don’t believe this. Who else has turned? How can I know? They’ll come someday, won’t they? How can I stop such petty plotters”, Hyzou said. “How can I fight a war if there are enemies behind me too.”

  Iset sat down beside him.

  “My life was under threat in Lamybla for a long time. Other Nobles made attempts to assassinate me, and the Pharaoh, and Prince Menes”, Iset said.

  She reached out and touched his shoulder.

  “You know what to do?” Hyzou asked.

  “The first thing, and for now the only thing, you need to do, is nothing”, Iset said.

  “Excuse me?” Hyzou said.

  “Your enemies must think you know nothing. That will be your greatest strength. Lull them into a false sense of security. It’s how you’ll survive”, Iset said.

  “Treat them as I would have before”, Hyzou said.

  “Exactly. Treat them as if you know nothing. As if you’re about to walk blind into their trap”, Iset said.

  “And what then?” Hyzou asked.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  Even beneath the starlight, the summer was making Hyzou sweat. He walked through the camp and every one of the tents were left open while the occupants slept, hoping for the coming of a breeze that could give them the slightest relief.

  Marching during spring and the associated monsoon was impossible because of flooding, but summer wasn’t the season for war either. His men would wilt if Hyzou pushed them too hard, and Hyzou himself felt he was nearing breaking point.

  “Your Majesty.”

  The gelding greeted Hyzou, then bowed. His sole job was the guarding of the Queen and her children. There were thirty geldings who manned her around the clock. Excessive, perhaps, given how talented a warrior Safia was, but Hyzou had insisted on it. His children shouldn’t be left unguarded.

  “Tell the Queen I need to talk to her”, Hyzou said.

  “She’s asleep, sir”, the gelding said.

  “Tell her anyway”, Hyzou said.

  The gelding bowed and entered the tent behind him. It was simple, little ornate about it. Its size was the only thing that saw it stand out among the camp.

  The gelding returned.

  “I’m sorry sir, but she’s not seeing visitors now”, he said.

  Hyzou sighed.

  “Tell her it’s very important”, Hyzou said.

  “Sir, she…” the gelding began.

  “Tell her”, Hyzou said.

  The gelding looked uncomfortable, but he bowed and stepped back into the tent. It was almost ten minutes before he finally returned.

  “Her Royal Highness will see you now”, the gelding said.

  Hyzou followed the guard inside. Inside, it was dark. Cressa was sitting on a simple stool, while two cradles held Hyzou’s three children. Safia was sitting in an ornate riverreed chair, the only thing in the tent that gave hint to her high station. She was dressed in her Servants robes, but Hyzou could tell that they had been put on quickly. She must have been in bed when he had called on her.

  She didn’t want me to see her in her bed. Hyzou thought.

  Sadness filled him at the thought.

  “What do you want Hyzou? What’s very important?” Safia asked.

  Hyzou looked around the tent, at Cressa and a guard who dozed in the corner. He reached beneath his robes and pulled out a tiny vial of ekstasis.

  “Take some”, Hyzou said.

  “No”, Safia said. “I trust everyone in this tent. And so should you. What’s so important to you that you don’t want anyone else to hear you say it?”

  “Please”, Hyzou said.

  “I’m not taking it, so either speak or get out”, Safia said.

  “Safia it’s a matter of state”, Hyzou said.

  Safia rolled her eyes.

  “Give that to me”, she said.

  Hyzou handed it over. She took it, dipped her baby finger into the vial, then licked the liquid off the same finger. Her eyes began to lose focus. Hyzou took the vial off her and did the same, finding enough time only to stopper the vial before he too left his consciousness behind.

  The surroundings were dark, pitch black, and nothing but Safia was before him.

  “What were you too embarrassed to say in front of Cressa then?” Safia said.

  “How are you?” Hyzou asked.

  “Hyzou I need to sleep. Did you just want a conversation?” Safia said.

  “No. I’ve something to say. It’s important”, Hyzou said.

  Safia looked at him, expectant. Hyzou held his tongue for some time before he spoke again.

  “How are you?”

  “I’m well, how are you?” Safia said.

  “I’m not well Safia”, Hyzou said.

  “You look well”, Safia said.

  “It’s not physical”, Hyzou said.

  “What’s wrong?” Safia said.

  “The things I see every day. They’re driving me insane”, Hyzou said.

  “Then stop doing it. Why do you need to oversee the burnings yourself? Why do you need to watch while prisoners are executed?” Safia said.

  “I can’t sit here and pass it along to someone else. This is my war, and I’ve to fight it, even the bits that are ugly. Especially the bits that are ugly”, Hyzou said. “It’s my duty.”

  “You and your duty”, Safia said.

  “I can’t do this for much longer”, Hyzou said.

  “Peace will arrive soon. Lamybla will fall and peace will come”, Safia said. “You’ll be fine.”

  “I hope so”, Hyzou said.

  “Until your next war”, Safia said.

  “Next war?” Hyzou asked.

  “We know you won’t be able to leave it. Vymnym lies just to the south, surrounded by your new empire. The Empire of Nuyin they call it, did you hear?” Safia asked.

  “I did”, Hyzou said.

  “Vymnym, the jewel of the south. It doesn’t matter really who starts the war, you’ll be in one with them before this decade ends, won’t you? And you’ll go through the same things fighting those wars as you did this one. Then there’s Qypan, and Nippon. After the Lake Cities are yours, you can take CaSu. My husband, more powerful than the twenty-six families put together. The kind of thing a girl dreams of growing up in CaSu”, Safia said.

  “I don’t want that”, Hyzou said.

  “You’ve gone too far. You can’t stop it now. You’ve rolled the dice, now you must wait for your numbers to turn up. The first ever man to unite Sira Su. To unify the Crown Cities. Congratulations, Hyzou, you’re going to conquer the world”, Safia said.
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  “Why are you so bitter?” Hyzou asked.

  “Because the man who built the Empire of Nuyin wasn’t the one I married”, Safia said.

  “I’m still in here”, Hyzou said.

  “I didn’t want to have this conversation. Especially not tonight”, Safia said.

  “What conversation?” Hyzou asked.

  “I wish I believed that, actually, a part of me does, I think. That the Hyzou I love is still in there somewhere”, Safia said.

  “I don’t want the power, or the empire. I don’t”, Hyzou said.

  “I know what you want”, Safia said.

  “What’s that?” Hyzou asked.

  “That same vision, the one you told me about. The cottage in the summer, Tabiry and you. Your sister and you. Your parents and you. Eating a meal together. You want to go back to the life you had before the sack of Piquea”, Safia said.

  “I don’t want that life. I want you”, Hyzou said.

  Safia shrugged.

  “Whatever you believe Hyzou, whatever you believe”, Safia said.

  Hyzou waited, let the silence grow.

  “Was there something you wanted?” Safia said. “That matter of state you mentioned. Otherwise I think I’ll go to bed.”

  Hyzou steeled himself.

  “There’s a plan to assassinate me”, he whispered.

  Safia frowned.

  “You’re about to be Emperor of the known world. Of course, people want to kill you. My father had an attempt on his life at least once a month”, Safia said. “And he had nowhere near the amount of enemies you have.”

  “No. Not like that. This threat, it’s internal”, Hyzou said.

  “Internal?” Safia asked.

  “It’s not the Lamyblans planning to assassinate me. It’s my own deputies, to force me from the throne”, Hyzou said.

  “How serious do you think they are? Do you know who they are?” Safia said.

  “Tsy and Gardem are their ringleaders”, Hyzou said.

  Safia’s jaw dropped.

  “Members of the council?” She said.

  “Members of the council”, Hyzou confirmed.

  “I don’t believe it”, Safia said.

  “Iset told me yesterday”, Hyzou said.

  “And you believe her?” Safia asked.

  “It’s Iset. Of course I do”, Hyzou said.

  “You’re right. But I can’t believe this news”, Safia said.