Fragile Empire Read online

  She clicked her fingers before his eyes.

  ‘What?’ he said. ‘Oh yeah, you’re close. It was me. Nothing romantic, though, just owed money to the wrong people.’

  ‘Tell me all about it,’ she said, and he drowned in her eyes.

  He awoke as Sable’s wagon jolted into life. He sat up and groaned. His head was pounding. He checked his clothes. Still intact. His memories were clouded, but he was sure he would remember if they had slept together, or even kissed. She had plied him with weed and wine while he had poured out his story to her. He panicked for a moment, but calmed himself. No matter how drunk he had been, he would never have mentioned being a diamond mage. A clay mage maybe, but never a diamond mage. Through the canvas he could tell it was daylight outside, and he scrambled forward to the front. Poking his head out, he saw Sable on the driver’s bench, sitting next to an older woman.

  ‘Morning, Ravi,’ Sable said.

  ‘We’re moving,’ he groaned.

  ‘Indeed we are, Ravi,’ she said. ‘The caravan doesn’t wait for you to wake up.’

  She passed him a skin of water and he drank.

  ‘That was a good laugh last night,’ she said, ‘until you passed out unconscious. You might want to go steady on the wine next time.’

  ‘Next time?’

  ‘Sure,’ she said. ‘Let’s meet up in Anamindhari. I know the place. I can show you round.’

  He grinned, but that made his headache worse.

  ‘Shit,’ he said. ‘I’d better go.’

  Sable nodded. ‘See you in a few days.’

  ‘How will I find you?’ he said, climbing onto the side steps of the wagon, and peering down at the moving ground.

  ‘Don’t worry,’ she said. ‘I’ll find you.’

  He jumped from the wagon, landing on his feet. Sable smiled and waved, then he turned and trotted down the road, passing the long line of wagons on the way to the rear. He checked his pockets for cigarettes, but found none. Grimacing, he trudged onwards, but he began to smile as he thought back to the previous night. Sable was incredible. The way she looked at him melted his heart. How could he have been so stupid to get drunk so quickly? He must have looked like a fool, passing out like that, but she had offered him another chance.

  ‘Hey!’ shouted Yanin as he reached the rear of the caravan. ‘Where the fuck were you last night?’

  Ravi trotted down to where his sister and Kerri were walking by the last wagon. They looked relieved, but angry.

  He shrugged. ‘You were off enjoying yourselves,’ he said. ‘I thought I’d go looking for my own entertainment. Joined a small party.’

  Kerri frowned at him. ‘You stink of smoke.’

  ‘Yeah,’ he said. ‘There was a lot of weed about.’

  ‘Where did you sleep?’

  ‘Wagon near the front of the caravan. Look, there was no funny business. These clothes are still on from yesterday. Had a good time, but not in the way you’re suspecting.’

  ‘You kept it in your pants?’ Yanin said.

  ‘I did,’ he smiled. ‘Why are you both so mistrusting?’

  ‘Do you promise?’ said Kerri.

  ‘I do,’ he said. ‘I was completely faithful to you. I know I’ve been… unreliable in the past, but I haven’t touched another woman, I swear it.’

  Kerri nodded. ‘Okay.’

  He smiled. ‘So how was your night?’

  Chapter 12

  Issues of Trust

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

  Dean sighed and pushed his empty breakfast plate away from him. He had just eaten more than Nyane did in an entire day – beef, eggs, cheese and a whole loaf of bread, washed down with a large ale.

  ‘It’s so unfair,’ she said. ‘How can you eat all that and not be the size of a wagon?’

  ‘I read about this in a Rahain book,’ he said. ‘Apparently, folk from Kellach Brigdomin process food faster than…’

  ‘It was a rhetorical question,’ she said. ‘One that doesn’t require an answer.’

  ‘I know what rhetorical means,’ he said, stretching his big arms. ‘I’m not an utter savage.’

  ‘More like a well-read monkey.’

  ‘Ape, please,’ he smiled. ‘And the last time I looked, only one people in this world were burning books, and it’s not us.’

  She grimaced. ‘You got me there. My kinsfolk do seem to have lost their minds.’

  ‘It’ll pass,’ he said. ‘The important thing is to rescue as much of your science as possible, before it’s lost forever.’

  ‘It makes me slightly queasy,’ she said, ‘knowing that we’re putting people’s lives at risk. Not just the imperial agents, but the ordinary Rahain folk. I can only imagine what punishment awaits them if they get caught trying to smuggle books out.’

  ‘What’s the alternative?’ he said. ‘Standing by and allowing the oldest civilisation in the world to obliterate its past? This city runs on Rahain technology. Printing presses, heating, lighting. Pyresake, even flushing toilets. Can you think what it was like before? Of course not, you’ve never known life without all these comforts. Back in Kellach Brigdomin we had none of these things. I was regularly mocked when I was taught how to read by a Rahain slave in the children’s camp. “What use does a fire mage have for books?” Keira used to say to me.’

  ‘I’m seeing her niece today,’ Nyane said, cutting him off before he could launch into another story about when he used to know the famous Mage of Pyre.

  ‘Aye, I remember.’

  ‘I was wondering whether I should tell her I know you.’

  ‘Know me?’ he smiled.

  She laughed. ‘That as well. Do you want to meet her?’

  ‘I don’t know what I would say to her. “Thank you for saving the world”?’

  ‘I was wondering whether to ask her about that as well.’

  ‘Remember, you’re not supposed to know she has powers.’

  Nyane finished her coffee and stood.

  ‘You can let yourself out when you’re ready,’ she said. ‘I should be going.’

  He nodded. ‘Have you still got those papers I lent you?’

  ‘Of course,’ she said. ‘They haven’t left this apartment.’

  ‘Have you read any of it?’

  ‘A fair proportion. You were right, there are some grisly episodes in there. What seems to be missing is any stated purpose for the experiments. What exactly were they attempting to achieve? I had assumed that the entire point was to bestow Emperor Guilliam with the range of powers he acquired, but if so, it’s never mentioned anywhere.’

  ‘Shella told me that was a mistake.’

  ‘Who?’

  ‘Shellakanawara, the old advisor to the Empress. She told me that it was an accident, Guilliam getting all those powers.’

  ‘So what were they trying to do?’

  He shrugged. ‘Maybe Karalyn knows.’

  She leant over and kissed him. ‘Perhaps I’ll ask her. Wish me luck.’

  ‘I’m sure it’ll be fine,’ he said, blowing her a kiss as she walked from the kitchen. She pulled on a long coat, and left the apartment, her head buzzing with curiosity and nerves. She descended the stairs of the tower and emerged into the university courtyard. It was busy, with groups of students standing talking, or ambling to class. She spotted Karalyn by the fountain. She was hard to miss – the only Kellach-sized person with dark skin in the city, maybe the world.

  ‘Good morning,’ Nyane smiled at her as she approached.

  Karalyn frowned. ‘Morning.’

  Nyane hesitated. ‘Is everything all right?’

  ‘Headache,’ Karalyn muttered.

  Nyane glanced up at her. She didn’t look well.

  ‘Oh dear. Do you want to sit down somewhere, perhaps have a cup of coffee?’

  ‘Yeah, sure.’

  ‘I know a nice little teahouse,’ Nyane said, as they started walking towards the way out of the university. ‘Serves wonderful
cake, and coffee too, of course.’

  Karalyn nodded, and lit a cigarette.

  They came out onto the street and Nyane led her across the road to where there were tables and chairs set out on the pavement. A selection of patrons were sitting there, drinking tea and reading the morning newspapers in the sunshine. Nyane selected a table and sat. Karalyn joined her, taking a seat in the shade of the building’s awning. Nyane studied her.

  ‘Perhaps we should reschedule,’ she said, ‘if you aren’t quite well.’

  ‘No, it’s fine,’ Karalyn said. ‘I’m just hungover.’

  ‘Another party last night?’

  ‘Aye. Kellach Brigdomin embassy this time.’

  ‘They do like their drink.’

  Karalyn nodded. ‘And now I’m paying for it. Why does anyone drink, if this is how it makes you feel?’

  ‘If I’m not being too bold,’ Nyane said, ‘you do seem a little inexperienced with alcohol.’

  ‘That evening we met, it was the first time I’d ever drunk anything.’

  ‘Yes, that was my guess.’

  Karalyn stared at her. ‘Was it that obvious?’

  ‘Well, you went from shy and nervous to the loudest person in the room in about fifteen minutes.’

  ‘Damn. Did I make a complete fool of myself?’

  ‘No,’ Nyane said. ‘You were good-humoured with it. However, it will have been noted among the diplomatic core and government circles that Karalyn Holdfast is new to this life.’

  She paused as a waiter approached.

  ‘Two coffees, a jug of cool water and a selection of cakes, please,’ she said.

  ‘Certainly, ma’am,’ he bowed.

  Nyane turned back to Karalyn, who was sitting with a deep frown on her lips.

  ‘It’s a fact,’ she went on, ‘that the parties in the embassy district are where all the interesting information can be found, and it’s just unfortunate that there tends to be large quantities of alcohol consumed at these events. If you’ll take my advice, learn how to pretend to drink, if you’re not used to it.’

  ‘Pretend?’

  ‘Yes. Always have a glass in your hand, and keep it more than half full, otherwise someone will top it up whether you ask them to or not. And stay away from spirits.’

  The young woman nodded.

  The waiter reappeared with a tray, and began to set down cups and plates. A tall coffeepot was laid next to a bowl of sugar and a jug of milk, and the waiter bowed again and departed. Nyane filled two cups, and slid a cream pastry onto her side plate. Karalyn stirred in several sugars and sipped as Nyane gazed at her. She had so many questions, but didn’t want anyone to know that Dean had betrayed his oath.

  Karalyn caught her eye. ‘So,’ she said, ‘tell me how you found out about my powers. I mean, I already know, but I want to hear you say it.’

  Nyane gasped and put a hand to her mouth. She took a breath, calming herself. The young woman was right. She should be honest and tell the truth.

  ‘Dean told me,’ she said. ‘I took advantage of the fact that he’s devoted to me to pressure him into breaking his vow to the Empress.’

  Her tongue flickered before she could stop herself. Why had she just said that? Her cheeks flushed.

  ‘A Rahain and a Kellach Brigdomin trading secrets?’ Karalyn said, a slight smirk on her lips. ‘Do you love him?’

  ‘With all my heart,’ she said. ‘Please don’t tell the Empress that he told me about you.’

  Karalyn drained her coffee cup and lit a cigarette. ‘I know you haven’t told anyone else.’

  ‘How?’

  ‘I’m a dream mage,’ she said. ‘There. I’ve told you myself, so now you won’t have to lie if the Empress asks you.’

  ‘So you won’t tell her about Dean?’

  ‘No, as long as you don’t speak of it to anyone. Do you promise?’

  Nyane nodded, a certainty growing in her heart that she would never tell another person about it.

  ‘I promise.’

  Karalyn glanced away, and Nyane felt as if she had been released from something that had been gripping her. She gazed at the young woman, fear rippling through her. Karalyn had forced her to speak about Dean, overriding her will to make her betray him. Guilt at the ease with which she had been manipulated shook her. She felt used, and started to cry.

  ‘I’m sorry,’ Karalyn said, her eyes wide. ‘I shouldn’t have done that.’

  ‘No,’ Nyane said, tears falling down her cheeks, ‘you shouldn’t have.’

  ‘I needed to make sure that you weren’t a spy, that I could trust you.’

  ‘Was that the only reason you agreed to meet me?’

  ‘It was.’

  Nyane wiped away her tears and got to her feet. ‘I think I should be leaving.’

  ‘I was wrong,’ the young woman said. ‘When I read your thoughts, I could see that you’re loyal, and a good person, someone I could trust. Someone I could even be friends with. But I screwed it up. Please don’t go.’

  ‘I’m sorry, Karalyn. I don’t think we can be friends.’

  Nyane glanced down at her. A feeling of pity for the young woman washed through her. She seemed so lonely; isolated by her powers. Nyane blinked. Was she being manipulated again? How would she ever know?

  ‘I’m not manipulating you,’ Karalyn said. ‘The pity you feel for me is genuine. Laodoc was right. This is why I have no friends.’

  Nyane hesitated. ‘But how can I trust you? You’re in my head right now.’

  ‘You have my word that I’ll never try to alter your thoughts again, but I’m finding it hard to control my powers. I’ve already seen two flashes of your future without meaning to.’

  ‘You can see the future?’

  ‘Aye, and I know you have a hundred things you want to ask me. If you stay, I’ll give you some answers.’

  Nyane sat back down, her mind swithering between fear and curiosity.

  ‘One more chance, then,’ she said, ‘but I swear, if you make me say or do something against my will again, I’ll walk away and never come back.’

  Karalyn nodded, a smile breaking across her face. ‘Thanks.’

  Nyane poured herself a glass of water.

  ‘Ask me anything,’ Karalyn said.

  The Rahain woman considered for a moment. ‘What is a dream mage?’

  Karalyn laughed. ‘I’m not completely sure myself. I can vision like Holdings mages, but my powers are far stronger than any of theirs, even my mother’s. There was another one like me, but I don’t remember him. He died when I was little.’

  ‘And your powers came on in childhood?’

  ‘According to my mother, I developed them while I was still in her womb. She claims she could sense my feelings even then.’

  ‘Do you remember what happened on the roof of the Old Fortress?’

  ‘Not really. I mean, I think I can remember bits, but my memories are confused with the stories I heard growing up. Both of my parents were up there when it all happened, and Laodoc. You’d be better off asking them. Or Dean, of course. You must have spoken to him about it.’

  ‘Yes, though he doesn’t particularly like discussing it. One thing I don’t understand, though. What was the Emperor trying to do?’

  Karalyn fell silent, her lip pursed, as Nyane sipped her water, watching her.

  ‘Never mind,’ she said. ‘If it’s an imperial secret, I understand.’

  ‘He was trying to destroy the world.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘That’s the bit I can’t tell you,’ Karalyn said. ‘Maybe after I speak to the Empress in a couple of days’ time. If she thinks it’s alright to tell you, then I will.’

  Nyane nodded. She could respect that. What a strange girl, she thought. Sad and lonely. She shuddered to think what her childhood had been like, cursed with such powers.

  ‘Are you going to work for her Majesty?’

  ‘Aye,’ Karalyn said. ‘Well, I’m going to offer my services. Whether Bridget wants m
e or not will be up to her.’

  ‘Let me see, you have vision powers, only better, and can see the future. Anything else?’

  She gasped as the young woman disappeared before her eyes. She glanced around, but no sign of her was evident.

  ‘And I can do that,’ Karalyn said, once more in her seat facing her.

  ‘Where did you go?’

  ‘Nowhere. I was here the whole time. I just asked your eyes not to see me.’

  ‘Yes,’ Nyane said. ‘I think her Majesty might well be interested in your services.’

  After finishing their coffees, Nyane took Karalyn for a tour of the city. They strolled along the wide avenues of the aristocratic district, then entered the Old Town through the gate in the walls. Rather than veering left towards the Kellach quarter, Nyane kept straight ahead, into the harbour area. Gulls circled over the rooftops, and a breeze was lifting the sea air through the tight, tenement-lined streets.

  ‘This is where I do a fair proportion of my work,’ Nyane said. ‘My speciality is in harbour defences. I am a stone mage, as I’m sure you’re already aware?’

  Karalyn nodded and Nyane suppressed a frown, remembering she was supposed to behave like a professional. The young woman couldn’t help who she was.

  They went along cobbled streets, rutted with wheel troughs, and through a wide arch in the harbour wall. They emerged into the noon sunshine onto a long stone quay, from which a dozen piers extended out into the waters of the Inner Sea. Ships of all sizes were tied up, and workers swarmed over the decks and piers. Cargo was being loaded and unloaded by tall wooden winches and cranes, while wagons and carts were dotted throughout the crowds.

  ‘This is the old harbour,’ Nyane said. ‘Across the bay is the new one, in the Rakanese quarter on the eastern bank. Both are always busy, except in winter, when the storms are too rough for most merchant vessels.’

  A man in uniform saluted Nyane as he walked past and she nodded back at him.

  ‘Aside from the university,’ she said, ‘this is where I feel most at home. Come on, I want to show you the imperial docks.’

  They turned left and walked along the crowded wharf, squeezing between the clusters of workers, sailors, merchants and guards. They passed the final pier, and came to an iron gate, where a squad of soldiers stood on duty.