Malafar is here as you suspected, StarWind admitted. We must stop him before he does something foolish.
Like killing Alazar? Ferde whispered as his head nodded slightly.
Yes, agreed StarWind reluctantly. I think that we can stop him, but if the Imperial Guard knows we are here, they can foil our attempt. I must insist that you remain quiet about our presence in Okata.
Mayor Ferde frowned as he watched StarWind. He knew that her request was more than a plea and that she was quite capable of killing him to guarantee his silence. Still, he had to stop the assassination if he was capable.
Why do you and Lyra have a better chance at stopping him than the Imperial Guard or the Monitors? he asked. Lyra dare not show her face outside her room and you can scarcely guarantee to stop a powerful mage by yourself. Convince me that you can avoid this despicable crime and I will remain silent.
I do not think you understand your position, frowned StarWind. We want the same thing. Do not make me do something I have no desire to do.
Are you so quick to spill my blood and still expect me to believe your good intentions? quizzed Ferde. If we both want the same thing, then why not work together?
I can stop you from going to the authorities without hurting you, smiled StarWind. I need not spill your blood, only detain you. The Imperial Guard is not going to work peacefully with Sakovans. If they learn of our presence here, they will spend their time rounding us up and Malafar will strike in the confusion.
Rounding you up? grinned Ferde. So it is not just you and Lyra. Good. Let us not bicker about priorities. As you said, we want the same thing. We both agree that Alazar must not be assassinated, although I have been checking up on your accusations and I am inclined to believe all you told me in Campanil. How can a handful of Sakovans accomplish more than thousands of Imperial Guards?
Did the Imperial Guards protect the last Katana? retorted StarWind. Did they stop Malafar from fleeing the city? Did they prevent him from returning? Did they stop Lyra, others, and me from entering the capital? If they start searching for Malafar, all they will do is find out that others are looking for him too. The threat of a Sakovan conspiracy will rage and they will shut down the city. That didn't stop Malafar the last time. We are the only hope that Alazar has. You could help us.
How could I help? inquired Mayor Ferde.
Get Alazar to avoid public appearances, answered the Sakovan spymaster. Invite him to Campanil and whisk him out of the city quickly. Buy us time to find Malafar and deal with him.
Ferde gazed out the window, looking at nothing in particular as his mind raced with options and questions. How will you deal with him? the Mayor finally asked.
We will do whatever must be done to avoid the assassination, frowned StarWind.
Ferde paced the room anxiously for a while and then turned abruptly to StarWind. The Imperial Guard failed to prevent the last assassination because they had no warning, he stated. I cannot fathom Malafar escaping again if they knew he was planning this foul deed. Besides, are you sure you even want to stop him? Perhaps it would be better for Omunga and Sakova if we let Malafar succeed. Why do you risk yourself to save Alazar?
You forget that Malafar is a potent weapon, StarWind explained. While it might be inconceivable for a mage to carry out the assassination and escape the Imperial Guard, Malafar has no plan to escape this time. He is despondent over being drugged into assassinating the last Katana. We think he plans to die along with Alazar. With his power and desperation, it is not safe to even be in the city when he attacks.
Ferde's eyes opened wide in horror. By the Holy Katana! the Mayor exclaimed. Is he powerful enough to destroy the entire city?
Truth be known, StarWind sighed, we do not know the extent of his powers. It would be better for both countries to be rid of Alazar, but as long as people believe the Sakovans have assassinated their Katana, the call for war will grow stronger. Even if Malafar fails. We will stop Malafar to prevent war, not for love of Alazar.
Mayor Ferde nodded grimly and sat on the bed. If it was just Alazar, we could cheer, he sighed, but not innocent people. I think I could quell the call for war if it happened. Perhaps. I have spoken to some officials and they are now aware of Alazar's deeds. Still, nobody will raise a hand against him. I will do what I can to get the Katana out of the city.
Thank you, Mayor Ferde, StarWind smiled thinly. Will you also remain quiet about our presence here?
Yes, Ferde replied. You have been honest with me and I cannot doubt your good intentions. As you are no threat to Omunga, you are no threat to me. What is Lyra going to say about your actions against her father? Will she reveal your presence? Does she know you are Sakovans?
StarWind stared at the Mayor as she contemplated her answer. She had been totally honest with him so far and she dare not break his trust. He was the only Omungan ally they had, and one that must be kept and cultivated if they ever hoped to end hostilities between the two peoples. Besides, with the number of Sakovan spies that Alazar had been capturing of late, the truth of her identity would not be secret for long. She decided at last to confide in him.
Lyra's mother, Rhodella, was Sakovan, revealed StarWind. Malafar was horrified to discover this and so Rhodella hid it and became the perfect Omungan wife and mother. Still, that makes Lyra Sakovan in our eyes. We sheltered her in Sakova for a time before learning the truth.
The truth? questioned Ferde. The truth of what?
Our god, Kaltara, has chosen Lyra to lead the Sakovan people, declared StarWind. Lyra is the Star of Sakova.
Holy Shades! Ferde gasped as StarWind's statements struck home. The daughter is the leader of the Sakovans and the father seeks to assassinate the Katana. Your dilemma becomes increasingly clear. Why would you ever bring her here? What is she going to say if you have to kill Malafar?
We did not wish her here, admitted StarWind. I tremble at the thought of her capture or death, but her word is law and cannot be argued. As for her father, we will do whatever she commands.
Surely she will not command his death, objected Ferde. There is no way you can succeed in your endeavors.
Do not underestimate our Star, StarWind stated. She is fully aware of the poor choices facing us and I am confident that Kaltara will guide her well. Lyra has given over her life to Kaltara and she will do what is necessary for the Sakovan people, even if it means her father's life or her own life.
The only course I see is to get Alazar out of the city, Ferde declared as he rose. Let me be about my task before Malafar strikes. I will seek you out when the task is completed. Perhaps I can help you get out of the city. You have never given me your name.
You are most kind, smiled StarWind rising. My Name is StarWind, but I am not registered as such. I will return here later and we can talk.
StarWind crossed the room and let herself out. Swiftly, she descended to the ground level and left the building. On the steps she stopped and surveyed the plaza before crossing it and heading to the Imperial Guard headquarters.
The building was a large four story stone structure with wide steps and columns on either side of the main entrance. Imperial Guards were stationed at the top of the stairs, but StarWind knew they were mostly for show and casually marched up the steps and passed between them. Inside the doors was a large room with a tiled floor and a large oval counter in the center manned with a host of clerks. A number of corridors led off the main room and dozens of Imperial Guards were constantly visible as they moved from one corridor to another or tended to whatever tasks or errands that had to do. Only two other civilians were present and both of them were at the counter, probably filing complaints or seeking information.
StarWind knew that each Imperial Guard post maintained a board with notices and drawings of criminals. She stood just inside the doors and scanned the room until she saw it on the wall to her right. She drew no notice as she glided over to the board and started reading the postings. There were descriptions of many wanted people, but few drawings. Sh
e found Lyra's likeness quickly. The drawing was yellowed and covered by other postings and she did not pause when she located it. She continued to read the other listings while casually scanning the room. While nobody was paying particular attention to her, there was no way she would be able to remove the drawing and get out unnoticed.
While her left hand moved over the board, as if to keep track of where she was reading, her right slid into her pouch and located a small tin. She popped the lid off the tin and dipped her finger into the sticky substance. Returning to the drawing of Lyra, StarWind raised her right hand and moved her finger over the likeness of the Star. With her left hand, she nonchalantly let the drawing on top of Lyra's cover the Star's face and pressed firmly on it, effectively gluing the two drawings together.
It might prove to be little help as each gate would also have a drawing, but any little precaution must be taken when it was available. There were many more recent postings than Lyra's and the guards at the gates would not bother them until it was time to leave.
She replaced the lid to the tin and turned to leave when an Imperial Guard stopped her. Did you find what you were looking for? he asked.
No, she sighed nervously.
I haven't seen you around here before, he stated as he looked her over. What were you looking for?
I was just checking on the descriptions of wanted men, StarWind lied. I am from Campanil and have been searching for a sailor who done my sister wrong. I thought I might check to see if he was wanted for something. That would explain why he never returned to marry her like he said he would.
The guards eyes brightened somewhat as he listened to her explanation. Well if your sister resembles you, I would count the sailor as dead, he smiled. The only accounting that would keep him away no doubt. I just got off duty and I could escort you down to the docks so we could search for him.
You are truly generous, StarWind smiled, but I think you are probably right. It was just a thought coming in here. I did not really have hopes of finding him and she is probably better off without him in any event. I should return to the inn and rest. Thank you for your kind offer though.
The Imperial Guard appeared ready to offer more assistance, but StarWind swiftly moved off in the direction of the doors and exited the building without looking back. She turned left and headed for the Palace merging with the flow of people. She spied a large crowd in front of the Palace and veered towards them. People were standing around watching the construction of a large platform and she moved closer to look at it. She stood staring at the platform as she listened to the buzz of conversation from the onlookers.
How many this time? she heard a man ask.
Three I hears, a woman answered. Sakovan spies they be.
Darn Sakovans, the man spat. It is high time the Katana finished them once and for all.
There will be war for sure, another man interjected. My son serves with the Guard and he says it's a sure thing. Our new Katana is a man of action.
Will he be here? asked the first man.
Never misses a chopping, laughed the woman. Even when he was First Minister he always came. Loves to see the heads roll I hears.
StarWind moved away from the platform and returned to the inn. She stopped at the desk and asked what time the executions would happen. Moving as swiftly as she dared without causing notice, StarWind raced up to Lyra's room.
We have a problem, she stated after MistyTrail let her in the door.
Lyra groggily sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. What kind of problem?
There is going to be an execution this afternoon, StarWind reported. The Katana will be there and I am sure that Malafar would not miss this opportunity.
Lyra rose and went to the window. Is that what they are building the platform for?
Yes, sighed StarWind.
MistyTrail, commanded the Star, round up the troops. Nobody is going to find Malafar in another part of the city now. We need to concentrate on the Palace and we do not have much time left. StarWind, split up the city with her. The sooner everyone gets back here the better.
Chapter 39
Death Throes
Lyra sat by the window of her room and stared out. The inn was too far from the platform to suit her, but occasionally she saw one of her people searching the gathering crowd. The Sakovans had been in place for hours trying to catch Malafar when he arrived for the execution, but the fear that they might fail to stop Malafar now screamed inside Lyra's head. Lyra's worrying was interrupted by a knock on the door. Leaving her seat, she crossed the room and opened the door for StarWind and Mayor Ferde.
Lyra, this Mayor Ferde of Campanil, introduced StarWind. Mayor Ferde, this is the Star of Sakova.
The Mayor seemed confused on how he should greet the young girl and finally managed a bow. It is a pleasure to meet you, Star of Sakova, he said.
Lyra will do fine, Mayor Ferde, the Star smiled tightly. Please come in.
StarWind closed the door and went to the window while Lyra showed the Mayor to a chair and then sat on the bed. I fear we are running out of time, Lyra began. Were you successful in getting the Katana to not appear today?
Unfortunately no, admitted the Mayor of Campanil. While he will consider my invitation to come to Campanil, leaving today is out of the question. I tried to stop him from attending the execution, but he would hear nothing of it. I have never been close to Alazar, nobody has, and I guess he little values my input. I fear that all is lost.
Not while Alazar lives and breathes, Lyra declared stubbornly.
But how could you stop Malafar now even if you did find him? questioned the Mayor. The execution is so public now that the crowds have arrived. Even if your people see him and try to stop him, it will be seen as a Sakovan assassination attempt.
He's right, agreed StarWind as she turned from the window. There are too many people assembled and too many Imperial Guards. Even if we stop Malafar, Alazar will have his excuse for war.
And all of you will be dead, Ferde added. Better to leave the city while all attention is on the execution. Slip away while you can. You tried your best and there is no reason for more people to die. I will try to stop the inevitable call for war.
Lyra closed her eyes and let their words echo through her mind. She knew that StarWind was not one to quit while any chance remained and Mayor Ferde's suggestion to leave did make sense, but…
No, she said opening her eyes. Kaltara would not send me on a fruitless journey. There is a way to accomplish our goal. We are just too blind to see it.
Forgive my ignorance of your ways, but perhaps you just think your god wants you here, suggested Mayor Ferde.
You are forgiven, smiled the Star. I am not mistaken though. Kaltara told me to come. It was a command, not a suggestion.
Your god speaks to you? he asked with an incredulous look.
And I to Him, nodded Lyra.
Ferde's eyes opened wide and his brows rose in wonderment. Then ask him what to do next.
I have, sighed Lyra. Kaltara does not affect my movements like a puppet, but rather guides me through difficult times. As I have faith in Him, so He has faith in me. I have the tools to achieve the end that I seek, but I must choose to act on my own as I see fit. If it were otherwise, there would be no chance for failure and no need for thought. Kaltara has no use for puppets.
But you said he commanded you to come here, argued the Mayor.
True, agreed Lyra, but I am free to do as I wish. I have come and fulfilled His command. I could leave now as you suggest and not be disobedient, but I will not. My purpose is to avoid a war and the slaughter of thousands of people. I will do whatever must be done to accomplish that end, even if it means saving the life of someone who dearly deserves to die at the cost of my own father. Oh, what a bitter remedy that would be.
Mayor Ferde stared at the young girl before him with awe and respect. Losing her mother at a young age and thrust into leading a country and now faced with killing her father to save that country
, he thought. Not many people could face such tragedy and pressure without breaking. You still love him, don't you?
Dearly, Lyra sighed as she rose from the bed. I must go to the execution now. It is almost time for Malafar to appear.
No! exclaimed StarWind. It is not safe for you down there. We agreed that you would remain here. My people will take care of Malafar.
She's right, agreed Ferde. Let me at least escort you out of the city while there is still time. If Malafar does show, the city will be sealed again.
Lyra smiled thinly at Ferde and turned towards StarWind. They are not your people, but mine, she declared, and it was amongst you that agreement was reached on my actions. I never agreed to actions that I knew could not be. Will you come with me, or must I go alone?
StarWind was practiced in not showing her emotions, but Lyra clearly saw the fear etched in the spymaster's face. She reached for StarWind's hand and held it reassuringly. I will be all right, StarWind, the Star of Sakova proclaimed. Let us go see what test Kaltara has in store for us.
I will tag along and give what aid I can, offered Mayor Ferde.
You endanger yourself needlessly, cautioned Lyra. StarWind reminded me that my likeness is still posted in the city. If things go poorly, you will be convicted by your proximity alone.
Perhaps your willingness to face danger for the greater good is contagious, grinned Mayor Ferde. I am willing to do what I can to help you.
Lyra smiled at the Omungan Mayor and nodded. If things do go poorly, she said, distance yourself swiftly. Sakova needs you as much as Omunga now. Our peoples must learn to live together and only people such as yourself can make that happen.
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