"Oh?" A spark of amusement lit the Emperor's eyes. "Not my little scheme, surely? That was but a notion, hardly an order."
"Precisely that, Your Majesty." Doruni's lips curved into a satisfied smile. "Duke Barker ultimately embraced your suggestion. Those pirates who previously haunted Tangabul's waters accepted our commission and sailed to patrol the coastal approaches to Bellita. After engaging the Shahani fleet, our soldiers emerged from their concealment below decks, declaring all vessels they confronted to be legitimate Godma naval assets. We demanded Prince Wally, Shahani's commander, present himself for negotiations—otherwise, we would consider the Seven Seas Kingdoms to have formally declared hostilities against Godma. Those survivors who nearly perished in the depths were their eloquent response."
"A grave matter indeed. Shahani thumbs its nose at us." The Emperor's voice was grim. "And why do I hear this from you, and not from Duke Barker himself?"
"This intelligence reached me only days ago, and the Duke has his strategic considerations," Doruni explained. "From a purely military perspective, he presently wishes to avoid open conflict with Shahani. As for the delayed report to Your Majesty, I accept full responsibility. I was reluctant to divert your attention from the Cynthian campaign."
"The final decisions rest with me, therefore I must possess complete knowledge of all circumstances." William Davidow's tone conveyed not outright anger, but distinct displeasure. "Henceforth, all matters of significance—after appropriate screening, naturally—must be brought to my attention. Particularly incidents involving the honor of our military forces."
The intelligence chief inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Given the current situation, even should we refrain from formal declaration of war against the Seven Seas Kingdoms, they will inevitably issue such declaration while providing aid to Cynthia. Has the General Staff expressed any position on this matter?"
"That inquiry might best be addressed directly to them at tomorrow's council meeting," Doruni replied with a measured smile. "However, I have developed certain suggestions that may prove beneficial."
"Proceed."
"The Cynthians must surely know by now that Shahani sends aid, with the Prince himself at its head. They will spare no effort to find guides who know every stone of the way from Bellita to their capital city. For those islanders alone could never hope to cross the Kulens and win through Wymar Forest."
The emperor gestured for him to continue.
"Therefore, might we not place our own operatives among these guides? This offers dual advantages: first, we could lead the Shahani forces astray, allowing them to vanish amid snow and wilderness. Second, our agents might secure proximity sufficient to eliminate Prince Wally during the journey." His expression conveyed quiet satisfaction. "Two objectives achieved through a single maneuver."
"A promising stratagem," the emperor concurred. "Yet it presents a significant weakness: without intelligence regarding the identities or numbers of these guides, infiltration remains merely aspirational..." His gaze fixed purposefully on Doruni. "Unless you already possess such information?"
"Regrettably, I lack comprehensive intelligence on this particular matter. However, my operatives are already in flight."
"Your 'butterflies' have fluttered all the way to Bellita, then?"
"One might say so. And this one is no common moth. Bryce Banhart. The name should be known to Your Majesty."
You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.
William Davidow's eyes performed a calculating rotation. "The bounty hunter?"
"The very same," Doruni confirmed, a note of pride coloring his voice. "Though on this occasion, he operates not for bounty but under direct commission with advance payment."
"Why employ a hired assassin rather than our own personnel?" The emperor's brow furrowed with disapproval. "Do we not maintain the Crows for precisely such purposes?"
"The Crows are here, awaiting Your Majesty's word to fly against Cynthia. They are few enough as it is; to send a feather of that flock on such an errand would be wasteful. Besides, Prince Wally rides with an army at his back. Against an army, as Your Majesty knows, even the sharpest talons of our Crows can do little."
"What degree of confidence do you place in this man?"
With deliberate composure, Doruni replied, "I trust him precisely to the value of his payment—not a single coin more nor less. Regarding your inquiry about employing an assassin rather than our own agents—this individual possesses exceptional talents uniquely suited to this assignment. He alone can accomplish this task."
"I'm curious what remarkable abilities he possesses beyond efficient killing," the emperor remarked dryly. "Superior talents to our Crow Hunters, you suggest?"
Doruni thoughtfully stroked his beard. "His capabilities defy simple categorization... Consider him, Your Majesty, as something akin to a chameleon—able to assimilate seamlessly into diverse environments without triggering suspicion or alertness."
"He passes unnoticed?" The emperor's eyes narrowed contemplatively. "Such a quality would indeed prove advantageous for an assassin."
"Not quite so," Doruni demurred. "He is not a man easily overlooked--quite comely, in fact, if the whores' whispers are to be believed. No, his true art is in the changing of faces. Give him a man of roughly the same build, and he can become that man, to the life."
"More skilled than yourself?" Davidow inquired with skepticism.
"Naturally. My modest abilities represent mere amateur efforts by comparison."
"Perhaps," interjected Archbishop Sheronle, who had maintained silent vigil at the cathedral entrance until this moment, "he should demonstrate by replicating my current appearance."
The archbishop stood transformed from his customarily austere presentation—today clothed in sumptuous splendor. Bareheaded, he wore exquisite robes of alternating crimson and white, every thread the masterful craftsmanship of Illuviλofer's elven artisans. Upon his chest hung a diminutive yet conspicuous pendant of the Three Sacred Swords. "I scarcely recognized you, Sheronle!" Doruni exclaimed with delighted applause. "You've finally heeded my counsel regarding those drab linens. Previously, each time I entered the cathedral, I feared I had mistakenly wandered into destitute quarters."
Sheronle executed a formal bow to the emperor. "That perception serves a purpose," he responded to Doruni. "It provides constant reminder that many within our empire continue to experience hardship." Doruni maintained his rigid smile, offering no rejoinder.
"This attire suits you admirably," the emperor observed. "I presume the fitting of these vestments accounts for your delayed arrival."
"Your Majesty must forgive me," the Archbishop said, his voice rich with apology. "Such rites demand meticulous care. 'Perfection in all things'--was that not Your Majesty's own command? I could do no less than obey."
"I offer no criticism," the emperor assured him. "I merely note my diminishing patience of late. Now, Archbishop—may we proceed with the ceremony?"
"Most certainly, Your Majesty." Sheronle bowed deferentially as the massive stone portals of the cathedral swung inward with majestic deliberation. Dozens of nuns, attired in immaculate white vestments, formed solemn ranks along either side of the central passage. And at the far end of the sanctuary, where the altar should be, rose the great carving of Yuri Hika Milis--the Three-Who-Are-One, the Fates--shown as Maiden, Mother, and Crone, each with a Sacred Sword in hand.
William Davidow gazed upon the imposing sculpture, drawing a profound breath. Then, with measured step, he advanced upon the immaculate crimson carpet with its gleaming golden borders, entering the Grand Cathedral of Lumfinester. Archbishop Sheronle and Chief of Intelligence Doruni followed in reverent procession. Before the carved goddesses, the Emperor of all Godma sank without pause to his knees upon a cushion of cloth-of-gold, and began to pray.
