Lips thinning, Azara nodded. Gaulois would be a problem. People there were easily bribed to create false or misleading documents. And if their parents had been sold to a military group...
She shook that thought off. She wouldn’t think her parents were dead until she had undeniable proof. She’d had the same thoughts about her siblings, and here they were, alive and within touching distance. She needed to be more positive. Six years might make records in Gaulois almost impossible to find, but some people’s memories were good.
It also explained why her siblings were closer than she’d ever seen them before. They would have only been around fourteen and sixteen when they were separated from their parents, and with no one else to rely on and being slaves, they would only truly be able to trust each other. Azara understood that. She’d only been able to trust herself.
“Well, we can head to Gaulois and track the sale through there. If we can get a name or a town or country of origin for the buyer, we can track them down. I’m good at that.” Azara’s grin was more threat than expression of happiness.
Anali and Aviur both frowned before the former spoke. “We’re not exactly free to leave whenever we want.”
Azara’s smile was as reassuring as she could make it. “I’ve already spoken to the emperor about buying any of my family off of him. If I don’t have the funds right now, I’m sure I can gather enough shortly and you’ll both have your freedom. I won’t leave either of you in slavery any longer than necessary.”
They looked at each other again before Aviur met Azara’s gaze. “If we leave, it’ll only be a matter of time before someone else tries to sell us again. They took our whole village out of Pocale. Two fire mages are nothing to most slavers.”
“I can protect you. I didn’t get this far, didn’t survive this long, by accident. I’ve freed dozens of fire mages and destroyed entire slaving rings. Now that I’ve found you, I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” Azara hoped they knew just how strongly she meant that. She would die before she let anyone hurt her siblings, would slit the throat of anyone who tried to harm them. She had part of her family and she wasn’t going to lose them a second time.
“We’ll see. Let us know what his celestial majesty says, and we’ll decide from there.” Anali’s eyes were steady as she spoke.
Azara ignored the twinge at the lukewarm response. She didn’t know what had happened to her brother and sister these last ten years. Any number of things could have prompted the response, and if she was honest, she’d admit that she was practically a stranger to them now.
But she had time, and Azara wasn’t about to let anything tear them apart again.
* * *
Jin stood with his hands clasped behind him, the combined gaze of his celestial majesty’s four door guards barely noticed. It was something he’d felt hundreds if not thousands of times before. One only saw the emperor at his celestial majesty’s pleasure.
He wasn’t left in the hallway for long, one of the officials opening the door and bowing him in. Jin strode past the lower-ranked man, not about to keep the emperor waiting. The mass of activity of those officials trusted to work in Sky House, the building that housed the Imperial family’s rooms, was the usual flurry of movement. Like ants, the men and women working created documents, created copies of important papers, and summarized information into reports for those above them.
Guard pairs stood on each of the doorways, while two magi stood on either side of the room to keep an eye on things. Jin nodded at the two men, both technically under him, though ranking among magi was a bit different than the other officials. They returned the gesture before their eyes went to the work happening in front of them. They would ensure nothing untoward was done as well as being available to answer any questions about reports or potential magic abilities.
Jin himself had stood that duty for two years, as did any magus seeking to rise in the ranks. You had to demonstrate your ability to see trouble before it became a problem as well as hold your tongue on matters that you shouldn’t be involved in. It worked well at weeding out some of those not fit for higher offices. It also taught many how to swim in political waters. Some people joined the factions that warred for dominance, while there were a few, like Jin himself, who did their best to stay out of the morass.
The location of two of the Imperial bodyguards told Jin where his celestial majesty was. He stopped in front of the doorway to the emperor’s private audience hall. One of the bodyguards knocked, his eyes never leaving Jin. When he received a single knock in return, the man waved Jin through.
Bowing as soon as he entered, Jin straightened only when he heard the emperor speak. “Approach.”
Jin bowed his acknowledgement. His celestial majesty had changed into less formal robes of scarlet, the colour more brilliant than the walls of the room and the silk carpet under feet. Leaning back into the simple chair that evoked the feeling of the dragon throne, Emperor Bao looked far more comfortable here than he did when he was receiving full audiences.
Stopping in front of the chair, Jin bowed again, before standing straight with his hands clasped behind him. His celestial majesty nodded, which was all Jin needed. “The false merchant woman is of fire mage stock, though not a mage or magus herself. She did not lie about that. Her words about seeking her family were true, and from their reactions, I believe she is the sister of the twins.”
The emperor’s eyebrows rose. “I was not aware the twins had a sister.”
“From their conversation, the twins believed her to be dead. They had not seen her since before they were first enslaved. She would not speak of how she escaped in front of me. She does not trust us, and I feel she would make enemies of us should she feel it necessary. She was far too alert to the guards for my taste.” Jin didn’t add that the woman was both woefully ignorant about different types of magic and about the Empire itself. His celestial majesty would have noted plenty from her uncivilized behaviour. He could admit she had a very nice smile though, similar to Anali in that respect, but maybe brighter than her sister’s... He pulled his thoughts away from that path and back to the emperor.
“That is quite interesting. Fire magic breeds true, and it is very rare to find someone who did not inherit the power. I had strongly thought she was a fire mage herself. She bears no weapons, and yet has travelled this far unmolested. The reports we received of her prior to her audience make it clear she is typically unarmed. She is hiding some secret, of that I am certain.”
Jin kept the grimace he felt from his face. His celestial majesty’s interest was piqued, and with the woman’s lack of grace and proper etiquette, it could spell disaster. He felt similarly to the emperor, and thought she was hiding something, and that could be dangerous to the whole Empire if not only the emperor himself. “I believe she will be asking you if she can purchase the twins’ freedom.”
His celestial majesty stroked his beard, eyes gone distant. “I imagine she will. I shall provide her with the opportunity to do exactly that. Invite her to the festivities tonight.”
Even Jin’s control wasn’t enough to keep his eyes from widening. “A-are you certain, Your Celestial Majesty? There will be many of the highest ranks in attendance.”
“Yes. The twins are also on duty, are they not?” At Jin’s nod, the emperor continued. “She will do her utmost to stay on our good side so she may purchase their freedom. They will serve as a reminder of that.”
Jin bowed while he wished the emperor would change his mind. The woman could potentially embarrass the whole court. She had none of the quiet dignity and grace of her sister, Anali. He would have to keep a close watch on the woman. Already he could feel a headache beginning to form.
“Our guest may prove most useful. Fewer and fewer fire mages are making their way to our Empire, something that has been of interest to me. She may have heard of why, or may be aware of other aven
ues to pursue. She did not lie about her search for fire mages. From her accent, I imagine she has travelled quite a distance to reach us.”
He had to agree, though Jin wished the woman had never made it to them. The twins were originally from Pocale, and he imagined she must be as well. It fit with her accent. She did speak their language well enough, better than he’d expected, but there was still a rough edge to it. “Do you wish me to personally deliver the invitation, or shall I have one of the lower officials do so?”
His celestial majesty rubbed his beard as he thought. “I believe it would be better for you to invite her. You have spoken to her before and are more familiar with the twins. Have one of the lower officials send word to have a guest chamber prepared for her, those designed for high-ranking merchants. Treating her as an honoured guest may loosen her tongue and make her more kindly inclined towards us.”
The way the emperor’s eyes crinkled up when he smiled had Jin freezing for a moment. That expression meant his celestial majesty was planning something, some kind of plot that was far deeper than what appeared on the surface. Which said he had best take care with the woman so as not to ruin the emperor’s plans. When his celestial majesty was ready and felt it necessary, he would inform Jin of his plans. Until then, Jin would simply have to keep watch over the woman.
Chapter Five: Powers
After the look of horror on Anali’s face when Azara had said she would wear the same clothes, Azara found herself dressed in teal silk embroidered with flowers that made up the borrowed jacket and pants. It was delightfully cool and the material like liquid against her skin. She thought she might buy an outfit for herself before they left. It could prove to be useful, especially if she continued with her trader façade.
She followed behind her siblings as they led the way towards what they’d called Star Hall. She’d half expected Jin to show up to keep an eye on her, especially given the reluctance she’d felt from his polite expression when presenting the emperor’s invitation. It was hard to tell behind his polished face, but she got the feeling he didn’t like her much. Which was fine. The feeling was mutual.
The red hall they walked down was much the same as the others she’d been through. At the end was one large doorway, double doors thrown open, though four guards stood at attention there. Their gazes slid past her siblings dressed in their official dark blue robes to her. One of them squeezed his bayonet harder but otherwise, they didn’t impede her. Azara supposed word had been sent.
“What’s happening tonight?” She should have asked before accepting the invitation, but she hadn’t been about to pass up the opportunity to see what the conditions her brother and sister worked under, let alone been willing to insult the emperor.
Her siblings did that look-swapping thing before Anali spoke. “His celestial majesty is celebrating the completion of the book of poetry he sponsored. It includes many old oral poems from across the Empire, as well as some new ones.”
“I hadn’t pictured the emperor as a patron of the arts.”
“His celestial majesty is a patron to many.” Aviur’s voice was even though he flickered his gaze at her in a warning.
Azara frowned, but didn’t pry further. She followed her siblings towards the area in front of a small dais, the gold throne at its heart smaller though no less ornate than the one in the formal receiving hall. It stood empty, though enough guards were present that Azara expected the emperor to show up any moment.
A few people were here already, mostly officials from their robes. Some dressed in colourful silks that made Azara assume they were nobles. Her siblings set themselves up on either side of the dais, gazes locked on sweeping the room. As much as she wanted to stand between the two of them, Azara knew better than to block the dais. She settled herself beside her sister.
“You act as bodyguards against magic?”
Anali nodded though her gaze didn’t waver. “Sometimes. Sometimes we perform, and occasionally we’re called upon to light the skyfire for the displays. Today will be primarily guarding.”
She imagined part of it was a display of strength. Fire mage slaves were the most expensive slaves one could buy, and having them out was as much a show of wealth as weighing yourself down with gold.
More people trickled in, gathering in small clumps to talk, the hum of conversation edging ever louder as the air warmed from the bodies present. Azara was glad for the carved windows on three sides of the room, the breeze running through them the only thing keeping the room from being stifling. A sudden hush had her turning to look behind her.
With none other than Jin trailing behind with several guards and officials, Emperor Bao entered the room at the same time a gong rang out. Azara didn’t need the rustle of cloth and movement of the others to tell her it was time to bow again. She held her pose while keeping everyone else in the corners of her eyes. Only when they straightened did she do the same.
The emperor stood in front of his throne, arms raised. “I bid you welcome. We celebrate the preservation and continuation of the art of poetry, so that future generations may experience this culture unfaded.”
Azara was only a beat behind in bowing a second time. When she straightened, she found that everyone had resumed their conversations, though most kept one eye on the emperor. For his part, Emperor Bao appeared deep in conversation with Jin and another official.
While she might want to ask him about buying her siblings’ freedom, Azara didn’t think this was the appropriate place for that kind of discussion. With how everything had gone, she shouldn’t push her welcome and would only speak to the emperor if he sought her out. Instead, Azara watched the people who had gathered here. It wouldn’t hurt for her to get a better understanding of how the Empire ran.
Azara was shamelessly listening to two officials discussing the sudden rise in iron prices from Nalbin when the sound of soft footsteps approaching drew her attention away. Jin came to a stop in front of her, offering a tiny bow. Azara returned it and waited for him to say what he wanted. She didn’t miss the way he glanced towards her sister before focusing on her.
“His celestial majesty has invited you as a guest. You are free to mix with the others here, to speak to whomever you so choose.” Jin’s voice was precise and even, his face a polite mask.
She found it irritating. She understood why he would want to hide his emotions, that as a member of the Imperial court it was necessary for survival, but it rubbed her the wrong way. Jin was too polite and too carefully neutral. Especially since she got the distinct impression he didn’t approve of her. She preferred people to dislike her openly, rather than bottling it up. He was liable to explode that way.
Still, it would be rude not to answer. “I appreciate his celestial majesty’s very kind invitation, and I don’t want him to think I’m not deeply grateful for this opportunity. But it’s been years since I have seen my siblings and I would like to stay close to them, if I may. As well, I am newly come to your Empire and am unfamiliar with some of the finer points of etiquette here. I would hate to embarrass myself.”
Jin’s mask cracked for a moment, his eyebrows rising a little before it was smoothed over. “I will inform his celestial majesty of your desires. I will see that tea is sent to all three of you. If you will excuse me?”
Azara bowed her head, and Jin nodded before he turned to rejoin the emperor. He was at the top of the dais when Anali spoke. “You did well with that. Jin hates those who are rude and don’t follow protocol. I’m sure he was worried about what you would do or say among the officials, and especially the nobles.”
Snorting, Azara crossed her arms over her chest. “I know when I’m swimming in waters deeper than I can handle. I can move in polite circles for short periods of time, but not at something as formal as this, especially since I’m not as familiar with the Empire’s rules of etiquette.”
Anali smiled faintly.
“I don’t think most people move in these kinds of circles.”
Instincts honed over years killed her smile before it reached Azara’s lips. A jolt ran down her spine and her pulse sped up. She looked around the room, searching for whatever was out of place, whatever was dangerous. Her veins warmed and she clamped down on them. Not now, not unless there were no other options. Revealing herself could make things...interesting.
Her sister glanced at Azara, a frown pulling at her lips. “What’s the matter?”
“I don’t know. But something’s not right.” Azara studied the people closest to them, but didn’t see or hear anything out of the ordinary. Two women and a man were discussing music, while a couple dressed like nobles sounded like they were talking about their son.
Her gaze shifted to the official sipping at tea, the hem of his white underrobe visible, then moved past to the clump of three younger officials talking about their hometowns. She froze as the hairs on her arms stiffened. But it was too late.
The man dressed as an official was moving, pulling a knives out of each of his wide sleeves, tea bowl shattering in the ground. His trajectory was taking him not towards the emperor, but towards her brother. Aviur’s eyes widened, his arms coming up.
Anali was moving beside her, but neither of them would be able to get flames up fast enough. Not hot enough to melt the metal so he didn’t get stabbed. Azara swung one arm out, pointing in front of her brother, her feelings making her trigger word of “Long blade” unnecessary.
Pouring out of her skin, the living crystal that had claimed her body all those years ago shaped itself into a thin bladed sword and shot forward. The twin knives of the false official slammed into the crystal with a ting. He stopped, eyebrows jerking upwards even as Aviur’s fire bloomed orange behind the crystal. She had to clamp down as the crystal tried to reach for her brother’s flame.
Heart of Crystal Page 3