Fragile Empire

by Christopher Mitchell

  The officer frowned. ‘You’ve no business bringing strangers here. You know the rules.’

  ‘I have my reasons,’ Sable said, smiling.

  ‘Oh yeah? And what are they?’

  ‘I’m saving that for the council. I’ll be taking them there straight away, once you’ve unloaded your goods.’

  The officer nodded, and motioned to the soldiers to begin removing the crates from the wagon.

  ‘How much did you bring us?’ he said

  ‘Same as last time,’ she said, ‘plus an extra crate of armour.’

  She lit a cigarette and stood by Ravi, Kerri and Yanin as the wagon was emptied. The soldiers carried each crate away into a building by the side of the yard while the officer noted down the contents into a logbook.

  ‘You’ve done this before, then?’ Yanin said. ‘I mean, you’ve brought weapons for them?’

  ‘Yeah,’ Sable said. ‘Weapons in; information and the occasional fleeing Rahain out. Your names were not on the list of what they were expecting, so you may get a few funny looks and questions. Just say you’re with me.’

  ‘Why is everyone dressed like a pig farmer?’ said Ravi.

  ‘This is a frontline town,’ Sable said, frowning at him. ‘We’re technically in the Rahain Republic right now. People are on their guard, they’ve no time for frivolities.’

  ‘So the Rahain could attack?’ said Kerri.

  ‘In theory, yes,’ Sable said, ‘but they’d have to know it existed first. As I told you at the beginning of the journey, the empire’s worked hard to keep this place hidden from the Rahain. The pass through the mountains to the Plateau is also a secret.’ She shook her head. ‘I’ve taken a massive risk in bringing you all here.’

  ‘We won’t let you down,’ said Yanin.

  Sable smiled at her and Ravi saw his sister melt under the Holdings woman’s gaze.

  ‘Everything seems in order,’ the officer said, studying his logbook as he walked towards them.

  ‘Excellent,’ Sable said. She removed a slip of paper from a pocket. ‘Could you sign this, please?’

  The officer took the paper and scribbled his initials onto it.

  ‘Thanks,’ said Sable. ‘Alright, if we’re done, we’re off to see the council. I’d appreciate it if you could take care of the wagon and horses for me.’

  ‘Sure, Sable,’ the officer said, his eyes still on the logbook.

  Sable glanced at the others, and they picked up their own packs and luggage and walked out of the yard. Sable took them into the heart of the town, across the long wooden walkways, beneath which the waters of the flooded riverbank flowed. Lilies and reeds were growing up through the slats, and ivy spread across most of the houses. Locals stared as they went past, but they seemed to recognise Sable, and no one tried to stop them.

  They entered what to Ravi looked like the town square, with larger buildings on each side, and a water-garden in the middle. Sable led them to a small doorway, in a narrow, wooden block. She knocked.

  ‘Is this the council?’ Yanin said.

  Sable laughed. ‘No. Imperial business first.’

  The door opened and a Holdings man peered out.

  ‘Ah, Sable,’ he said. ‘You’re back.’ His eyes flitted over the others. ‘And you’ve brought visitors, I see.’

  ‘Make me a cup of tea and I’ll tell you all about it.’

  He nodded. ‘Come in.’

  The Holdings man took them into a comfortable sitting room, where a fire was burning in a hearth, and began to prepare tea.

  ‘This is Ravi, Yanin and Kerri,’ Sable said, ‘from Amatskouri.’

  ‘Hi,’ said Ravi.

  The man nodded.

  ‘And this,’ Sable went on, ‘is Derrick. He also works for the empire.’

  ‘Sit, please,’ Derrick said. ‘There are cigarettes on the table.’

  Sable and the three guests sat on a long couch, and Ravi lit a cigarette. The Holdings man carried a tray over and set it down. He poured tea into five cups and sat.

  He frowned. ‘I’m waiting, Sable.’

  Sable laughed. ‘Go on, Ravi, tell him.’

  Ravi caught the man’s eye. ‘I’m a clay mage. Fifth level.’

  The man’s demeanour transformed in an instant, and a grin split his face.

  ‘Ha!’ he cried. ‘Good work, Sable. Tremendous, in fact. You won’t be surprised to learn that the defensive works have slipped far behind schedule. How long can he stay for?’

  ‘Until the end of the summer.’

  ‘And his two… friends?’

  ‘Yanin’s his sister,’ Sable said. ‘They’re not mages, but I’m sure we can find them something to do.’

  ‘How in the world did you find him? Did Amatskouri agree to release one of their mages to us?’

  ‘Not exactly,’ Sable said. ‘Just got lucky, I guess.’

  ‘So the government in Plateau City know nothing of this?’

  ‘No. They only agreed to come when we were in Anamindhari. I had no time to send word back to the capital.’

  ‘I’ll inform them when I make contact this evening,’ Derrick said.

  Sable shook her head. ‘And I hadn’t told them that.’

  Derrick smiled. ‘Well, if they’re going to be working for the empire they probably should know.’

  ‘Are you a Holdings mage?’ said Yanin.

  ‘Indeed I am, young lady,’ Derrick said. ‘I can communicate my thoughts across the Grey Mountains.’

  ‘You can talk to the Empress?’ Ravi said.

  Derrick coughed. ‘Eh, no. My powers do not allow me to range that far. I can, however, reach a fellow mage in the port town of Stretton Sands, and she can relay my messages north to the imperial capital.’

  ‘I intend to take Ravi to see the town council,’ Sable said. ‘Is it alright if I leave the other two here with you for a while?’

  Yanin looked for a moment like she was about to object.

  ‘Certainly,’ Derrick said. ‘I can prepare some lunch for them. Where will they be staying?’

  ‘I haven’t worked that out yet,’ Sable said. ‘I’m hoping the council will find them a place. Oh, and before I forget, could you speak to Yanin while we’re gone? She and Ravi have family stuck in Arakhanah. If she gives you their details, could you send the information onto the capital, see if there’s any way the government can assist in getting them to Amatskouri?’

  ‘Ah, I see,’ he nodded. ‘Is this how you managed to persuade them to come?’

  ‘That,’ Sable said, rising from her chair, ‘and rather a lot of money. Come on, Ravi. Time to let the council know you’re here.’

  Ravi nodded and stood, leaving his tea untouched.

  ‘See you soon,’ he said to Yanin and Kerri, then followed Sable back out into the square.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ Sable said as he cast a nervous glance back at the home of the Holdings mage. ‘He’s a good man, is Derrick. Gives everything he’s got to the empire. Too much, sometimes. His vision powers exhaust him utterly, and he’s sick for days each time he uses them to contact Stretton Sands.’

  ‘His powers make him ill?’

  ‘Not normally, but Stretton Sands is at the very edge of his limits, and he has to push himself to reach it.’

  ‘I wish you hadn’t told him about the money.’

  ‘Embarrassed, are we?’ Sable said. ‘You see how much Derrick does out of loyalty alone, and now you’re feeling a little bit guilty about the price you demanded?’

  Ravi shrugged.

  ‘I’ll have to tell him,’ she went on, ‘because he’ll need to let the government know so they can get your payment ready for when we get back.’

  They stopped in front of the largest building in the square.

  ‘Here we are,’ Sable said. ‘Be polite in there. Don’t speak unless they ask you a question and remember, most of the council think I’m just a merchant.’

  He nodded and they went up the low flight of wide steps to the main entrance. Gua
rds were posted at the doors and they passed through, into a large wood-panelled hallway.

  ‘I have urgent news for the council,’ Sable said to an official standing by a set of inner doors.

  ‘Oh yes, Mistress Sable?’ said the man. ‘Concerning what?’

  ‘I have brought strangers to Silverstream, and need to report their presence.’

  The official eyed Ravi. ‘Strangers?’

  ‘The other two are in the Imperial Mission with Mage Derrick.’

  The official frowned. ‘You seem to have broken several laws, Mistress Sable.’

  ‘Which is why I need to explain myself to the council.’

  ‘Very well, follow me.’

  The official led them through the doors and down a wide corridor. They passed more guards, and Sable handed over her boot-knife to them before they were allowed into a large chamber, where rows of Rakanese sat on tiered benches listening to a woman speak from a small podium.

  ‘Wait here,’ the official whispered to Sable, then approached the woman. They whispered together, and the woman turned to them.

  ‘Bring the stranger forward,’ she said.

  The gazes of everyone in the chamber turned to Ravi as he stepped into the centre of the hall, Sable by his side.

  ‘Mistress Sable,’ the woman said. ‘Please explain yourself to the council.’

  ‘Yes, ma’am,’ Sable said, bowing. ‘I have brought three unauthorised strangers from Amatskouri into Silverstream without receiving permission beforehand as required by the laws of this town.’

  There was a low gasp from the benches, and a few angry mutterings.

  ‘This is Ravibattanara,’ Sable went on, her voice clear. ‘He is a fifth-level clay mage.’

  The hubbub in the chamber died away to nothing.

  ‘Fifth level?’ said the woman on the podium.

  ‘Yes,’ said Sable, ‘and he has volunteered to work here until the end of summer.’

  ‘But then he shall return to the Plateau?’

  ‘He shall. I ensured that he and the two others, his sister and a friend, were blindfolded before we passed through the hidden ravine. They would never be able to find it on their own. Furthermore, the empire will carry the entire costs of travel, lodgings, food and his payment once the work is complete.’

  The atmosphere in the chamber changed.

  ‘You have done well, Trader Sable,’ the woman on the podium said. ‘Your breaking of the rules will be over-looked. The three arrivals must not leave the town during their stay here, and must swear oaths before they depart in autumn not to reveal anything about Silverstream.’

  ‘Of course, ma’am,’ Sable said.

  ‘Will they be staying in the Imperial Mission?’

  ‘I had hoped for a little help in finding them some accommodation,’ Sable said, smiling.

  ‘I’m sure something can be arranged.’

  ‘With enough space for myself, too.’

  The woman raised an eyebrow. ‘Are you planning to stay with them?’

  ‘I am,’ Sable said.

  ‘Then if the empire is paying, I’ve no doubt we can find you somewhere comfortable.’

  Sable bowed. ‘My thanks. We shall be at the Imperial Mission, awaiting your word on the matter.’

  The woman turned to Ravi.

  ‘Welcome, mage,’ she said, eyeing him. ‘Do you have any questions?’

  ‘Yeah,’ said Ravi. ‘When do I begin work?’

  The woman smiled. ‘Tomorrow.’

  ‘This house is incredible,’ Yanin said, as they walked though the quiet rooms. ‘And it’s ours for the whole summer?’

  ‘It is,’ Sable said. ‘Bedrooms are upstairs, with connecting balconies ringing the building. Kitchen, dining-room and the rest are all downstairs. One rule – no smoking in the house. The owner hates it.’

  ‘What will we eat?’ Kerri said.

  ‘I’ll buy what we need,’ Sable said.

  ‘Why are you staying with us?’ Kerri said. ‘Don’t you need to go back to the Plateau?’

  ‘There’s no immediate rush,’ Sable said, shrugging. ‘If I stay I can keep an eye on you, and help out Derrick at the same time. It’s hard for him, being the only Holdings in the town. And I promised to take you all back at the end of summer, and it’s easier to do that if I’m here.’

  They climbed the wooden stairs to the upper storey. The four bedroom doors were wide open, and Ravi could see the balconies through the windows.

  ‘This is my room!’ Yanin yelled, running through a door.

  Sable glanced at Ravi. ‘Are you and Kerri sharing a room?’

  ‘Yes,’ said Kerri.

  Sable smiled. ‘Great.’

  Ravi walked into a room, and saw an enormous double bed. ‘We’ll take this one,’ he said, dropping his bags onto the floor.

  ‘I’ll take the one at the back,’ said Sable, ‘then start making dinner.’

  Kerri came in and closed the door. She crossed the room and opened the sliding doors that led onto the balcony. She stepped outside and Ravi joined her.

  ‘Okay,’ she said. ‘Maybe she was telling the truth, but I still don’t like her.’

  Ravi lit a cigarette and gazed out over the rooftops of the town. Beyond lay mountains in every direction, and the buildings seemed tiny in comparison. He put his arm over Kerri’s shoulder and kissed her on the neck.

  ‘Want to try out that bed?’

  Chapter 20

  Close to the Throne

  Plateau City, Imperial Plateau – 16th Day, Last Third Spring 524

  ‘Good morning, Chief Librarian,’ said Nyane, breaking the silence of the university library.

  Dean glanced over the top of the book he was reading. ‘Wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon.’

  She placed the roll of papers and documents onto the desk in front of him.

  ‘I thought I’d return these,’ she said. ‘I forgot to give you them this morning before you left.’

  He put down the book and picked up the roll. ‘Find anything useful?’

  ‘Not really,’ she said. ‘It was interesting though, an insight into the madness afflicting the last regime.’

  He nodded, and put the roll of papers into the drawer under his desk.

  ‘Thanks for returning them.’

  ‘No problem.’

  ‘You want to meet for lunch later?’

  ‘I can’t. I’m seeing the Rakanese mage about our little project, and then I‘ve got a meeting with the Empress’s council.’

  ‘Alright,’ he said. He bit his lip. ‘Last night,’ he said, ‘you were worried, and saying things about…’

  ‘I’d had too much wine,’ she said. ‘I’m fine. It’s been thirteen days since the attack in the Rahain market. I’m fine.’

  ‘Tonight then?’

  ‘Sure. Your place?’

  He nodded and she leaned over the desk and kissed him, after checking no students were looking.

  ‘What’s that you’re reading?’ she said. ‘A book on the Collision?’

  ‘Aye. It’s alright, though parts of it seem too unlikely to be true. How could five separate continents crash into each other at the same time?’

  ‘I’ve no idea,’ she said. ‘I vaguely remember the subject at school in Granite Heights.’

  He smiled. ‘It almost makes me believe in a creator.’

  She laughed, a little too loudly. A few students turned. Dean squinted at her.

  ‘Well, I’d best be going,’ she said. ‘I’ll see you later.’

  She turned and strode from the library, her head buzzing. Dean was right. The Collision must have been caused by the Creator. She had kept the knowledge she had learned from Karalyn deep within her, since that morning in her study when the young dream mage had told her the truth about the Creator. It was fascinating, an intriguing piece of information, but it had nothing to do with Nyane’s life. Only at Dean’s words had the implications started to take hold. If the Collision had been caused by the Crea
tor, then what else? Everything? Were the Rahain and the Holdings and the Kellach Brigdomin just things he had made? Was everything she had learned at school wrong? She paused in the university courtyard, holding her stomach as if she were about to vomit.

  It didn’t matter, she thought. He was dead. He might have made everything, but he was dead, and they, his creation, lived on. She composed herself and resumed walking.

  ‘Mage Seda Happonawa,’ Nyane said, striding into the laboratory. ‘How good to see you again.’

  The Rakanese woman turned from the workbench.

  ‘Lady Nyane,’ she said, ‘thank you for coming.’

  An older Rahain man was also present.

  ‘Good morning, Tiadon,’ Nyane said.

  ‘My lady,’ he bowed.

  Both were wearing clay-spattered overalls, and the bench was covered in samples of different kinds of rock. Nyane walked forward to take a closer look. At the end of the bench were a few formless lumps of brick fused with veins and clumps of stone running through them. Most were split, or crumbling.

  ‘That sorry pile,’ Seda muttered, shaking her head, ‘represents the work of over ten days. Me and Tiadon have been making slow progress unfortunately.’

  ‘It’s all about the timing,’ Tiadon said.

  ‘No, it’s not,’ said Seda. ‘It’s the proportions, I keep telling you.’

  The Rahain man’s tongue flickered, and Nyane guessed he was trying to keep calm because she was there in the room with them.

  ‘Both seem important to me,’ Nyane said.

  ‘Yes,’ Tiadon said, ‘they are, my lady.’

  ‘We just have to work our way through every permutation,’ Seda said. ‘It’s not an exact science. Perhaps if we had access to more mages?’

  Nyane shook her head. ‘Our budget only covers the two of you, I’m afraid. Resources will open up if we can show a usable finished article. I can get you a couple of un-maged assistants, if that would help.’

  ‘They’d only get in the way,’ Tiadon said.

  Nyane nodded. ‘May I see your records?’

  ‘Of course,’ he said.

  Tiadon led her to a desk by the side wall, which was littered with papers and chunks of broken ceramic. He extracted a leather-bound book from the detritus and blew the dust from its cover. Nyane took the book and opened it. The first dozen pages were filled with numbers and details of their experiments, all scrawled in a tiny, cursive script.