The man called Soot was just leaving the Iron Palace when Aralim caught up with him. He waved for the Walker to join him behind his small escort of guards, so the guards let Aralim pass. They had already seen each other the night before—at the memorial that had been arranged for the just passed Greatfather Athanu. It had not been an occasion to discuss spy-craft, though, and Aralim had deemed the morning after a better fit.
“How was your adventure? Quite a journey, no?” Riyaza asked, over the hubbub of conversation in the crowded Rema streets.
Aralim walked along with his rather ornate lantern staff clicking before each step. “It was somehow both riveting and extremely dull. The people of this land are fascinating. The magistrates…more predictable,” he offered. “How were things at home?”
“Both riveting and extremely dull,” the Councillor said, with a smirk.
“I’ll likely be leaving again soon. It was difficult to gather any real information with a full caravan.”
Riyaza nodded. “I can imagine. Will you still be able to blend in as you once did? The Ambassador is quite popular among our citizens.”
“Yes, the Ambassador’s image is quite well-known, isn’t it?” Aralim asked, mirthfully. “I think that might actually play to my favour.”
“Staff, beard, tattered cloak.” Riyaza watched the road ahead. The crowds gave them a wide berth, with their escort of grey-armoured guards. “I look forward to your next tale then—but I imagine there is more to this meeting than stories?”
“What have you heard of Maykren?” Aralim asked.
The man called Soot looked back at him, smiling. “I’ve heard that Mad Raely is looking or you. I’ve also heard Magistrate Matad relies heavily on his advisors…”
Aralim raised an eyebrow. “Both warrant a second trip,” he said. Then, ensuring that no one save Soot’s guards were near enough, he murmured, “In other news—is it still fair to say that you would like to take the Iron Palace for your own, but wish not to harm your old benefactor?”
Riyaza nodded to him, but then gave a simple shrug. “You’ve spent far more time with His Ascendance than I…do you get the impression he wishes to avoid harm?”
“…more so recently,” Aralim said, glancing down. Tag’na had once asked that Aralim destroy him—but had more-or-less banished him for learning his weakness.
Aralim’s comment caused the Councillor to purse his lips for a moment of contemplation. Then he paused and asked, “You were saying…?”
The Walker went on: “I received a message from a mage during my travels. She warned me of a vision of the Palace in flames—this is the second such vision brought to my attention.” Aralim remembered the other, beneath the waves of the Eye of Maga.
“Interesting…” Riyaza mused. “Do you believe the visions are of a literal destruction of the Palace? Or rather our current leaders, only?”
Aralim shrugged. He had little more information about the Palace-aflame than he had presented.
“You were right, earlier,” the Councillor told him, after a moment. He squinted through the sunlight at Aralim and continued, “I don’t desire to see His Ascendance harmed. The rest of that lot…well, I’d prefer they are harmed.”
Aralim smiled. “That’s why I trust you, Riyaza.”
It was a longer walk than Aralim had expected, back up to the Iron Palace. Along the way, he had gotten waves and smiles for his “staff, beard, and tattered cloak,” and he had returned them with a slight glow of pride. It was the last day of the week, so the grounds of the Palace were closed to the public. The gates were never closed, though, and the Aura let Aralim through without a word. Karmawn, Narr’s twin-like comrade, stood in his usual position, guarding the grounds from the threats that seemed rampant in the streets of the Capital.
The Emperor received Aralim in a far-more-familiar way than their last meeting. Aralim was ushered through the metallic pillars by the Aura and brought into a sitting area abounding with cushions. A small wooden tray bearing three tea kettles rested on a squat serving table near where the shirtless ruler lounged.
“Feeling better-rested, Aralim?” Tag’na asked, leaning up ever so slightly from his pillows. He looked as he always did—except as he had that one, dark night.
Aralim nodded. “Much. I haven’t slept that long in years.”
The Emperor smiled. “I have napped, on occasion, because I miss sleep,” he told Aralim. “But I imagine it’s nothing like a full night’s rest.”
“I find dreams are a good chance to sort out your thoughts,” Aralim said. He approached the tea table without invitation and poured himself a warm serving in a small porcelain cup. “I’ve thought a lot about my conversation with Athanu.”
“I will miss him,” Tag’na muttered, frowning. “I feel he saw some of my best years—born just after the bloodshed of…my poorer decisions.” He sipped his tea as Aralim got situated on his own cushion. After a moment, he looked at his guest sharply. “Strange—that letter you received. What do you make of it?”
Aralim lifted his shoulders. “I’m not sure,” he said. “They’ve no reason to lie, but no reason to help me either. But apparently Mad Raely is looking for me—so perhaps I should have stayed longer.”
“I did send the coin you requested,” Tag’na confirmed. “I cannot believe that Tussom was wrapped up in this. He was, for a time, a dear friend.”
“It seemed an excessive amount. I wasn’t sure if you’d think it worthwhile.”
The Emperor tilted his head. “I’m sure it will only cause problems for Maykren in the long run, but I think we can safely say that a local gang in a different city is not behind the attacks here in Rema,” he pointed out. “And to be honest, I think the streets of Maykren would be easier to clean up than…whatever this is.”
“Have there been any developments since I left? New suspects?” Aralim questioned. “Or did my journey produce the only new leads?”
Tag’na shrugged. “General Vanra raided another warehouse where they had set up operations. It seems as though our efforts are slowing their attacks at least.” After a pause, he went on, “But as for guilty parties, we have still only heard of an allegiance of Numa lords, from Sunaza; and of Lord Paneran, from Soot.”
Lord Sunaza, the traitorous investigator, had divulged both the report of Numa lords allied against Rema, and the mention of Tussom’s involvement. Aralim shivered, remembering the night he had stayed up questioning Sunaza for hours and twisting him with manipulative half-truths.
“Do we add Selayna to the list? Or do you not view her as a threat?” Aralim asked.
“If my Empire really is turning on me, I expect someone has turned compatriots in each city. Selayna certainly seemed to be involved from what you showed me of her.”
Aralim nodded. He could not deny it.
“My Aura also saw that Fetres and Selayna had a guest before you arrived, that night,” Tag’na told him. Then he scowled and shook his head. “This business has me doubting every lord and lady. Perhaps the best solution would be to give Soot what he wants…”
“You could co-rule. You the religious icon and he the enforcer,” Aralim suggested, with a sarcastic laugh. He sipped his tea, enjoying the warmth of it in his chest, and then continued, “I think you’re right that we’re likely dealing with converts in multiple cities. Perhaps Miresh was right about Tussom, and it is his absence that is slowing the attacks…”
“Well, there must be some limit to the number of assailants. We have dozens killed—they’re attacking my guards, after all.” Tag’na shuffled forward on his cushions to pour himself more tea from a different kettle than Aralim had chosen. He glanced up as he poured it. “I do hope Tussom is alive, but I am used to such allies ending up dead or traitorous. Unfortunate as it is.”
Aralim nodded grimly. He didn’t voice the uncomfortable application of that pessimism to his own loyalty.
“You intend to return to Maykren, then?” Tag’na asked, leaning back once more.
“I thought I should tie up loose ends. Your thoughts?”
“Your efforts abroad have been helpful. I intend to send a few operatives to the cities, but…” he trailed off. Then, he set down his teacup to give Aralim even greater focus. “I grow concerned for Rattar and his efforts in the east. As Ambassador, you have an excuse to set foot in as many courts as he does. Perhaps you wrap up the loose ends in Maykren, and then continue across the sea? I have not decided…what would you advise?”
“I owe Rattar my life, but he also has to answer for bringing your ire down upon me,” Aralim said, with a smirk. He wasn’t even sure if Tag’na knew Rattar’s role in the Opal Valley ordeal. “I can likely wrap up loose ends faster than a ship can be prepared.”
“It sounds as though things are growing more dangerous by the day,” Tag’na explained. “And I haven’t heard from Rattar in months. He spent much of his time trapped in Starath during the siege, before risking a Journeying spell to escape. Then, he arrived at that secretive Isle of Dusk just in time to stop Tarro’s very assault of it! It was a costly victory that left him with more questions than answers as to Tarro’s plans. Last I heard, he was in Saanazar looking for someone who might shed light on his questions.”
“It sounds like he has had an unfortunate time. Is there a way to find him in Saanazar?” Aralim asked. “Or will I need to follow his trail?”
“Even this news is many months old. You’d need to find your own way,” Tag’na said with a grimace. “If this war has nearly cost Rattar his life, I imagine you’ll be even more at risk. I won’t ask this of you, as you’re just as much use to me here on the Numa front. Decide now or think on it—it is entirely up to you.”
“Would you like to know Athanu’s last words of advice to me?” Aralim asked, and promptly took a long sip of his tea.
“I’m more interested in what secret you whispered to him,” Tag’na countered, smiling slyly. “But very well, tell me.”
Aralim waved in assurance. “I can tell you both—but that is a much longer story.”
“It is of little matter now that he is gone.”
“Let’s settle this question of the Ambassador’s duties first—then, as I believe we are entering a stage where we needn’t keep secrets from one another, I will tell you a story,” Aralim declared. “Athanu pleaded that I remember that the Path cannot stop in Rema. My first reaction was to cross the Expanse before I grow too old. A journey few have done—but pursuing Rattar in the east would be an excellent compromise.”
“Crossing the Expanse…” Tag’na murmured. “How long I have dreamed of that.”
“Would your connection to the Aura reach that far? If I brought one of them with me?”
The Emperor shrugged. “We’ve never run into a limit, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t one.”
“Then the trip would double as a test—two birds with one stone. But first, I will go fetch our friend, Rattar. Between Nill and Miresh, you won’t need me here anyway,” Aralim said, with a small smile.
“Will she let you go without her?” Tag’na asked.
“I spoke to her before we arrived in Rema—although it was to be a shorter solo trip then, just to Maykren and back,” Aralim said.
“I heard,” Tag’na reminded Aralim.
Of course, because of the Aura, Aralim thought. It was a very common thought when speaking with His Ascendance. He took a deep breath and set down his teacup. “As for the story…this will be a test to see if I can trust your calm as much as you can trust me.”
At that, the Emperor chuckled. “Oh my,” he said, leaning back, “I do love surprises.”
Aralim smiled. “The good news first then: General Ro is alive. Or at least he was, last I heard.”
Tag’na’s jaw dropped open and he leaned forward. “How?” he gasped. “A secret you shared with Ovoe?”
“After you killed Ovoe, I received a letter from Ro,” Aralim explained. “He faked his death so that you would finally kill Ovoe and relieve him of his duties.”
“Ro? Ro used me?” Tag’na blurted. He spread his fingers and shook his head. Though he seemed genuinely flustered, he was also still taken with the delight of something unexpected transpiring. A slight smile quirked the corners of his lips.
“You wear surprise well,” Aralim said. With a chuckle, he added, “I should keep more things from you.”
“I suppose so…” Tag’na muttered. “I killed Ovoe because he had crossed a line…but he hadn’t…” He trailed off and clenched his jaw.
Aralim readied himself once more. “In the letter, Ro outlined the incident where he discovered Rattar’s Crux.”
Tag’na’s eyes widened and he inhaled stiffly. This was more than his earlier fluster—this was anger. He rose to his feet, started to pace away, and then paced back. “That was not a secret to be shared,” he said, stiffly.
“Indeed.” Aralim remained still, waiting for his friend to calm down a little before continuing.
“I can never be like you, Aralim—like you or like any of my humble citizens. But one small way I can be—is my privacy!” He raised his voice at that point, and continued his angry pacing. “Before you went to Tal’lashar, I offered to share my secrets with you at my own pace. Yet again and again, it is not at my pace!” But then he raised his hands, as though to ask for another moment to process it.
Aralim sipped his tea again. He was unsurprised by Tag’na’s mood, though he had hoped it might go over better. “I understand,” he said. “By my reasoning, if I had corrected you that day to tell you that I already knew this secret—I’d likely be dead.”
Tag’na shook his head, but then nodded. “You may well have been…” he said, quietly. “I killed Ovoe—not for Zarru, whom I loved—but because he had stolen my secrets. Or so I had believed.” A moment passed as he took a deep breath. “I know you did not seek this secret from Ro—how could you have? So, I thank you for telling me the truth.”
“To this day, I’m not sure why he told me,” Aralim explained. “I played no part in his plan.”
Tag’na came back to the short table and reclaimed his tea. “I watched—you spoke with Ro, then soon after, you spoke with Ovoe, then soon after, Ro disappeared,” the Emperor explained. “I think Ro used you to cast the suspicion, so he must have offered you the secret in gratitude.”
“Ah, well that does make sense,” Aralim said. “Very well—be prepared to grow angry once more. The story continues.”
They both sipped their tea, but the Emperor inhaled again in preparation.
“Athanu had caught wind that Rattar has a ‘flawed crux,’ as he put it. He often lamented that his dying wish was to know what that strange phrase meant,” Aralim explained. “So, seeing that he would likely not survive more than a couple days, I told him part of that secret: that choosing a living man, no matter how physically consistent, was the flaw.”
“I assumed that, when you first said ‘Rattar’s Crux’,” Tag’na said, unsurprised. “To be honest…I would have told Niyal, if he had asked.”
Aralim smiled. “I’m afraid we’re starting to think alike after all this time.”
“After all what time?” Tag’na asked, chuckling. For him, the last four years must have felt like a week or a month. But then he muttered, “Perhaps we are. Any more stories to share, while we’re at it?”
Aralim lit up. “Have I told you about the time the Lord of Tharathar invited me to stay in his castle?” he asked, with a chuckle.
“Did it rival this place?” Tag’na asked, smiling.
“The state was amazing. It was almost as big as the Third Court’s amphitheatre,” Aralim said, grinning. He took a sip of his tea. “How about you? Any more dark secrets? Do the Aura turn into bats under the moonless sky?”
Tag’na chuckled dryly. “I suppose I have put you through a lot of late.”
“No more than I can handle,” Aralim assured him.
“Let me think then,” Tag’na breathed. For a moment, they drank their brews in silence. “Ah, here’s one. I haven’t known you to grow angry, but this one might be a little at your expense.”
“I also like surprises,” Aralim said, leaning in.
Tag’na lowered his teacup from his lips. “I thought it fitting to entrust your safety to someone who failed where you had also failed. Succeed together or fail together, I figured,” he said, cryptically. He smiled, as though hoping Aralim would guess it.
“The Aura?” the Walker asked, confused.
Tag’na shook his head. “Grendar was tasked with Zarru’s safety long before you failed to keep her safe,” he explained.
“Interesting,” Aralim said. He remembered the Emperor’s words to Grendar upon their return from Tal’lashar—that Grendar had re-earned the Emperor’s favour. “So, you were more upset with me over that than you admitted…I am sorry.”
“No, I was mostly upset with Grendar as he was the one tasked with her safety,” Tag’na corrected. “You—you did the best you could after I told you to work with Ovoe. It was only a secret that I entrusted your safety to Tal’lashar with someone who had failed me. I am glad Grendar earned my trust back.”
Aralim nodded and took another sip of his tea. “Speaking of Grendar…is he too important to escort the Ambassador these days?”
“If you had asked for him on the rivers of the Empire, I’d have said no,” Tag’na said. “But sending my Ambassador into a war-torn land—I think Grendar would be a good assignment. If you don’t distrust him now.”
“He more than earned my trust in our time together.”
Tag’na smiled. “Good. I’ll see to it. When will you leave?”
“Is five days enough time?” Aralim asked. He saw no reason to make Mad Raely or Rattar wait any longer than necessary. He set down his teacup and readied his lantern staff.
“I will need to check with the General.”
Aralim bowed his head and rose to his feet.
As Aralim started to leave, the Emperor spoke up once more. “All of this business with Athanu has me thinking about how fast my friends fade, these days. A pity to waste any of it. Don’t perish out on some battlefield. I should like to sit at your bedside, too, if you allow it.”
“The Path has yet to decide which of us will walk farther, my dear friend,” Aralim said over his shoulder. Then he faded into the shadows of the Iron Palace, eager to make arrangements for his next grand adventure.