by Ryan Kirk
He looked up at his two allies. “They’ve called a King’s Council, and my presence has been requested.”
Kiyoshi tried to stand up, but he fell back down. He had given far too much to Masaki. He needed more rest, more food. Daisuke’s look of concern was impossible to miss, and Asa clearly wasn’t sure what to think.
He looked at the two. He had made the same mistake people always seem to make. Everyone always thinks they have more time. It’s rarely true. Life moves quickly, and action is constantly necessary.
“Daisuke, I need you to take Asa with you.”
Daisuke disagreed. “Kiyoshi, if something is happening, you’re going to need me here.”
“You’re probably right, but Minori is clever, and I have no idea what he’s got planned. A sword fight between equals goes to the warrior willing to wait for his opponent to reveal his intent first. The same is true here. I need Minori to reveal his hand before we decide what we will do. You know me as well as I know myself. You’ll know what to do based on what happens.”
Daisuke was ready to argue, but Kiyoshi glared daggers into him. “I know you don’t like it, but it gives us the best chance we’re going to have. I need you to do this.”
There were a few moments of tense silence between the two old friends, and for a while, Kiyoshi wondered if Daisuke would see the wisdom in his approach. Finally, his eyes softened, and Kiyoshi knew his orders would be followed.
Kiyoshi spoke softly. “Thank you.”
Daisuke bowed deeply, and Kiyoshi got the impression his old friend thought this would be the last time he saw him. Kiyoshi returned the bow as well as he was able.
Kiyoshi summoned a guard to escort him into the meeting hall. As they walked, the healer’s eyes and sense took in everything. From what he could see, everything in the palace seemed as normal as it ever was. Had Daisuke overreacted? No, Kiyoshi believed his old friend. Whatever was happening hadn’t reached the palace yet.
When he entered the meeting hall, he saw all the lords were present. If he could have, he would have dismissed the guard, but he wasn’t certain he would reach his seat without support. Better to appear weak than to be proven weak.
Kiyoshi couldn’t see Minori anywhere. He extended his sense, not very far given his current state, and couldn’t feel him, either. That fact worried Kiyoshi more than Daisuke’s report. If Minori was associated with Shin, he would have known about this meeting, and if he knew about it, he would want to be here. If he wasn’t here, more important matters were occurring somewhere else.
After Kiyoshi was settled, Isamu started the discussion. He looked right at Shin. “Lord Shin, why have you called this council?”
Kiyoshi’s fears doubled instantly. His note hadn’t said anything about Shin calling the meeting. Suddenly he was very glad he had sent Daisuke and Asa away.
Shin looked around and took a deep breath. “Lords, it’s time for us to have an honest discussion. We’ve danced around the topic long enough. What are we going to do when Masaki joins the Great Cycle?”
Lord Juro looked over at Kiyoshi. “We have no idea that will happen. Kiyoshi is giving everything he can to heal the king.”
Shin looked as though he was going to laugh, but he didn’t. “Everyone can see Kiyoshi is doing all he can. He wasn’t even able to enter the room unassisted. And we all hope the king will make a full recovery. But we can’t count on such a possibility, and we can’t keep acting as though it will happen. We need to prepare for the worst. When Masaki dies, what will we do?”
The other two lords looked at each other, wondering where this was going. To bring the king’s demise up so straightforwardly was almost certainly an indicator Shin had a greater plan in mind.
Isamu spoke, his words measured. “It would be the most rational to assume one of us would ascend to the kingship.”
Juro nodded, and Shin looked like a predator ready to attack his prey. “I agree. But who is it going to be?” Juro asked.
A heavy silence fell across the table. Kiyoshi watched with wary eyes. Shin was building to something.
Shin only let the silence last a few moments. “Let’s speak honestly. All of us have our eyes on the throne, and even though each of us would renounce the claims to our lands, the agreement, as it has been made, is going to be broken. Even if we tell ourselves we will rule with fairness, we’re going to give preferential treatment to our own lands, and maybe even think about consolidating all the great houses.
“Furthermore, there’s not going to be any good way of deciding who’s going to be the next king. We could hold some sort of vote, but I would win, because my lands are the most populous. Likewise, we could go by resources, and then Lord Juro, you would be the clear winner. We could choose any number of factors, but choosing a factor is just a facade for choosing one of ourselves. None of us are willing to do that.
“I don’t think I’m surprising any of you when I talk about the buildup of troops at the borders. I’ve been doing so, as have both of you. None of us want war, but each of us is willing to fight because we believe we’re the best choice.
“So, I pose my original question to you all again: What are we going to do when the king dies?”
This time the silence was thick, and Kiyoshi could feel the anger and confusion emanating from the other lords. They hadn’t expected this. Kiyoshi didn’t blame them. To be having this conversation while Masaki was still alive and unable to contribute was the height of poor manners. But perhaps that was Shin’s advantage. He was willing to do what others weren’t to see his ends met.
As energy slowly returned to Kiyoshi, he began to notice a change. Off at the edge of his ability to sense, he felt other blades. He closed his eyes—another rude gesture in the council meeting—but he needed to focus his attention.
Blades were entering the palace, perhaps twenty or thirty in number, and all grouped closely together.
His first thought was for Asa and Daisuke. Had they gotten out in time? He pushed his sense out toward his room and followed the path they’d have to take. He wouldn’t be able to sense Daisuke, but he could find Asa. Fortunately, she didn’t seem to be anywhere to be found.
His second thought was to Shin. He had a few moments. The lords were sitting around the table unaware, each one absorbed in their own ruminations. Minori’s plan must hinge on Shin, and if Kiyoshi could kill the treacherous lord, it would all fall apart.
But Kiyoshi couldn’t bring himself to action. This wasn’t about stopping Minori. This was about saving the Kingdom, and he wondered if Shin wasn’t the best choice for king. He was smart and ruthless and possessed the qualities a monarch would need. Kiyoshi might not approve of Shin’s methods, but at this point, it didn’t seem justifiable to kill him.
Shin’s voice intruded on Kiyoshi’s thoughts. “Well, if no one else has any ideas, I’d like to present my own proposal. Make me king.”
Isamu looked up, anger on his face. Juro rose, his hand going down to his sword. A part of Kiyoshi detached, interested in what was going to happen next. He felt as though he had become a spectator in his own life.
Juro was first to find the words. “You’re mad if you believe we’re just going to make you king.”
Shin smiled, as though he had been waiting for just such a response. “I don’t think you understand. I’m not offering you a choice. You will make me king.”
Juro drew his sword. “Enough of this. Our families are strong enough without us. Let us settle this in the old ways. The person who leaves this room alive is the next king.”
The detached Kiyoshi watched, his eyes widening. He didn’t worry about his own life. None of the men in the room posed any personal threat to him, even as tired as he was. But he was reminded, memories flooding his thoughts, of how quickly civilized humans can lose everything that makes them better than animals. In just a few moments, they had come to violence as the only answer.
Kiyoshi sensed the blade coming, so it came as no surprise to him when Minori strode
into the room. He looked around, the grin on his face so wide Kiyoshi wondered if he was under the influence of some drug. But the only drug at work here was power.
“My lords, there’s no reason for any of this.” He turned to Shin and bowed deeply. “My king, the palace is yours.”
Both Juro and Isamu stared at Minori, their jaws wide open. They made the connection instantly and turned to Kiyoshi. “Kiyoshi, have the blades aligned with a single lord?”
Kiyoshi looked from face to face, unsure of how to answer. He wasn’t certain what powers and permissions Minori had received from Starfall, but he had a hard time believing Minori would act without the council’s blessing. “I hope not. But the Council of the Blades gives my advice less and less credence. I know nothing of Minori’s actions.”
Minori’s smile of victory was almost sickening, but in his pride, he backed Kiyoshi up. “Well, that’s certainly true. A new age is dawning.”
As he finished speaking, a number of Shin’s soldiers and nightblades entered the room. Considering all the people in the immediate vicinity, Kiyoshi couldn’t sense what was happening in the entire castle, but most of the fighting was apparently over. The takeover, as violent as it had been, was quick. The military aspect of Kiyoshi’s mind had to give Minori and Shin respect for their clean invasion of the palace. Not bloodless, but perhaps as bloodless as possible.
Juro and Isamu were speechless. Shin was clearly prepared for this moment. “Guards, take Lords Juro and Isamu from the grounds to their palaces.”
Shin turned to the lords.
“We will have plenty of time to speak in a day or two. I will come to you and discuss what has happened here today and what options you have. You can choose to believe me or not, but it is my desire not to harm either of you. I will be king, but I would prefer to do it in as peaceful a manner as possible. You each will have the option of supporting me and maintaining the lives you are used to, or you can elect not to. Choose wisely.”
Rage consumed the faces of the other two lords, and Kiyoshi worried they wouldn’t be making choices based on wisdom anytime soon. Yet they both managed to keep their mouths shut, and they were led firmly out of the room by Shin’s guards.
That business completed, Shin and Minori turned to Kiyoshi. Minori still had the grin of victory on his face, and Shin spoke first. “Kiyoshi, your service to the Kingdom is well known. As I expect you’ve guessed already, Minori and I have been planning this moment for some time. Minori is no supporter of yours, but I have nothing but respect for what you’ve done. I know you are an honest man, so I’ll ask you directly. Will you support me as king?”
Kiyoshi’s answer was firm, but he spoke softly. “Perhaps if Masaki were dead, I would, but while the true king lives, I cannot.”
Shin nodded. “I had expected nothing less from a man of your reputation. I have many things to take care of, and I cannot worry about a devoted dayblade. Minori would have you thrown in prison with a death sentence, but for now, you are confined to the palace. Any attempt to escape will result in violence.”
Kiyoshi met Shin’s steely gaze with one of his own. “I thank you for your generosity. What about Masaki?”
Shin didn’t flinch. “There are messages being spread throughout Haven and the Kingdom. As far as anyone knows, Masaki died tonight.”
Kiyoshi didn’t respond.
Shin sighed, as though he didn’t think he was making the right decision. “Rationally, I should just kill him and put him out of his misery, but I spoke truly to the lords. I’d prefer to shed as little blood as possible. You are closer to him than anyone else. I know you’ve kept him alive to prevent just this moment, but now that it has happened, you can choose based on your own conscience. If you think he should live, you are welcome to keep trying to heal him. Otherwise, you can let him pass into the Great Cycle like he should have a half moon ago.”
Minori looked as though he were about to argue but thought better of it. Kiyoshi had to admit the terms were more than fair from a conqueror.
Minori turned to several of the nightblades who had come into the room after him. “Escort Kiyoshi back to his quarters. If he tries anything, don’t hesitate to kill him. I want at least four of you with him at all times, even when he’s asleep. He may not look like much, but he’s not as helpless as he’d have you believe. Am I clear?”
One of the nightblades bowed slightly to Minori. “Yes. Never less than four.”
With that, four nightblades detached from the rest of the group and came over to Kiyoshi. He nodded, and they formed a loose perimeter around him. Kiyoshi walked with his guards, now a prisoner in the palace he had once considered home.
Chapter 19
Asa’s world was turned upside down yet again. She was getting to the point where she wished she could have a single day without being in danger. Perhaps saving the Kingdom wasn’t for her. She didn’t understand why Daisuke was so worried. All in all, a few troops leaving a compound didn’t seem like that big a deal, but Daisuke looked as though he was ready for the battle of a lifetime.
After Kiyoshi left, Daisuke went rummaging around Kiyoshi’s small room, pulling out various vials and packages. He took each of them and threw them into a small sack.
“What are you doing?”
Daisuke didn’t even spare Asa a glance as he continued ransacking Kiyoshi’s place. “I don’t think we’re going to be returning. Many of the items here are valuable and have powerful healing properties. It is best if Kiyoshi has them wherever we go.”
Asa couldn’t hide her disbelief. “You really think this is that serious?”
Daisuke paused for a moment, turned, and stared at her. “If I’m right, tonight is the night the Kingdom collapses.”
Asa’s jaw opened in amazement. “What do you mean?”
Daisuke had gone back to rummaging through the small room. “Minori and Shin have been working together. I believe Shin is preparing for an assault on the palace. That’s why there is a council meeting tonight. He’s going to catch them by surprise, and by tomorrow, he will have declared himself king. But the other lords and their families will not stand for it. We’re going to be looking at war in a matter of days.”
“You’re not very optimistic, are you?”
He laughed. “Just realistic.”
“That’s what all the pessimists say.”
A few moments later he was done packing. He slung the sack over his back and stood up. “It’s time to go.”
They stepped out into the hallway, and Daisuke looked up and down. “Come on, this way.”
Asa frowned. “Isn’t the exit that way?”
“We’re going to have to take a different route.”
Without waiting for her to agree, he took off. Asa frowned, but before she asked any foolish questions, she took a moment and extended her sense. What she felt surprised her. The palace was a hive of activity; there were so many people that she had to back off or risk stunning her mind.
“We’re being attacked.”
Daisuke didn’t bother to respond. He walked, but his steps were fast and determined. Asa realized she’d never really met anyone like him. The fact that she couldn’t sense him was still disorienting, although she was getting used to his ability. But the world seemed to be collapsing all around them, and he was walking through the chaos like he knew every step he had to take.
The palace was a maze. Asa knew only the route to Kiyoshi’s chambers and was quickly lost. Daisuke turned and turned again, and if he hadn’t looked so calm and focused, Asa would have guessed he was choosing hallways at random. But at times she would extend her sense, and she could tell he was avoiding different groups of warriors.
Finally he came to a stop. He looked at Asa and seemed to ask himself a question. She had no idea what it was, but he seemed to answer decisively. “There’s no way we’re getting out of here without fighting. However, I think I can find us a path that won’t have any more than one or two nightblades. Don’t kill anyone.”
Daisuke didn’t give her any time to ask the questions. Instead, he turned around and continued the pace he had set before. Asa took a deep breath. She was a nightblade, and here she was acting as though she was useless. Daisuke clearly didn’t think so. His comments indicated he expected her to fight, so conflict seemed likely.
She centered herself and extended her sense out past her immediate vicinity. She couldn’t extend her sense very far, but it was enough to give her ample warning. She drew one of her swords and took off after Daisuke.
Asa caught up with him after a few running steps, but as she did, with her newfound awareness, she started noticing other things. For one, Daisuke was focusing his sense ahead of him. She understood, her training inserting itself into her memory once again. They were moving like a small convoy, and he expected her to cover the path behind them, allowing each to focus a little farther out.
Asa couldn’t remember the last time she had worked so closely with someone else. Her dedication to finding and killing Osamu had made her a loner, but with Daisuke’s calm competence, she slipped into the pairing without difficulty. They moved forward, finally starting to turn toward the palace door.
Asa sensed two soldiers behind them, but they weren’t in line of sight and neither was sense-gifted. In general, the commotion seemed to be moving toward the center of the palace, which was understandable if the Kingdom really was being taken over.
Ahead, two soldiers turned and headed straight for the blades, but they weren’t sense-gifted either and didn’t have a chance. Daisuke slowed just slightly, timing his gait so that he would run into them right at the intersection of the hallway.
The pair of guards was taken by surprise. Daisuke turned the corner and struck the first guard with the hilt of his sword, knocking the breath out of him and bringing him to the ground. The second guard was just beginning to react when Daisuke chopped at his throat with his hand. The man also went down, clutching at his throat, trying desperately to bring air into his straining lungs.