Fragile Empire Read online

  Karalyn frowned, but her mother had her cornered. ‘All right.’

  ‘Excellent, thank you,’ Daphne said. ‘Now, as much as it has been a delight to see you again, my dear, I’m afraid I do need to get on with some work. I should be back at the residence around sunset.’

  Karalyn kissed her mother on the cheek.

  ‘Until then, mother.’

  ‘I do wish you had spoken to your mother earlier,’ Laodoc said, as Karalyn helped him up into the carriage, ‘then we might have saved ourselves another journey.’

  Karalyn rolled her eyes. ‘Sorry, Laodoc.’

  ‘Hmm,’ he said, settling into a seat. ‘That apology had more than a hint of “let’s humour the old man” about it.’

  She sat across from him as Corthie jumped aboard. He went straight to the opposite window and leaned out.

  ‘I can see the river,’ he said, ‘and the Upper City. The top of it looks like a melted marshmallow. Does anyone live up there?’

  ‘I don’t think so,’ Karalyn said.

  ‘It’s where the old palace and cathedral used to be, I believe,’ said Laodoc. ‘I never saw them myself.’

  ‘Mother was here when it was destroyed,’ Karalyn said. ‘I’m sure she’ll tell you all about it if you ask.’

  ‘I will,’ Corthie said. ‘Wow, what’s that?’

  Karalyn peered out of the window in the direction the boy was looking.

  ‘That tall spire?’ she said. ‘It’s the university. The academy is the grey building next to it.’

  ‘Is that where Keir’s going?’

  ‘I think so,’ she said. ‘When he’s a bit older.’

  ‘It’s great not having him around,’ Corthie grinned. ‘And Kelsey too. I like being with you.’

  ‘Me too, little brother.’

  He reached over and hugged her. ‘Thanks for bringing me.’

  She smiled.

  ‘And now you get to see your mother,’ said Laodoc as the carriage got underway. ‘I’m sure she’s missed you terribly.’

  ‘Do you think she’ll be happy to see me?’

  ‘I’m sure she will,’ the old Rahain said.

  Karalyn continued to gaze out of the window as the carriage rolled through the streets. The sun was overhead, and the roadsides were busy with people. A warm breeze came in, filling the interior of the carriage with a hundred different scents of the city, from fragrant flowers to horse manure and everything in between. Corthie waved at people as they went past, and got a few smiles and waves in return.

  The First Holder’s residence consisted of a mansion surrounded by gardens, tucked away in a northern district of the city. The carriage wound its way through the old heart of the Lower City, passing the central square, then turned off into the richer suburbs. Guards were on patrol around the perimeter of her mother’s home, and two of them approached the carriage as it slowed by the entrance gates.

  ‘Good afternoon, officers,’ Karalyn said, glancing at them through the open window.

  ‘Good afternoon, miss,’ they bowed.

  One turned to the gates.

  ‘Open up, it’s the First Holder’s children.’

  The tall iron gates swung open, and the carriage entered a wide courtyard and halted before the steps leading up to the mansion. More guards approached, and a handful of servants, and they formed a line as the carriage doors were opened.

  ‘Good day, Miss Holdfast,’ said a servant at the head of the line as Karalyn stepped down to the ground. ‘I hope you had a pleasant journey.’

  ‘Most pleasant, thank you.’

  ‘The First Holder advised us that you would be staying, and guest rooms have been made ready.’

  Corthie helped Laodoc climb out of the carriage, and they approached Karalyn.

  ‘Mister Holdfast, Lord Laodoc, welcome,’ the servant bowed. ‘Be assured that the household are here for your every need during your stay with us. Anything at all that you require, please do not hesitate to ask.’

  ‘Anything?’ said Corthie, his eyes alight.

  The servant smiled. ‘Anything that is within our powers.’

  ‘Could we have some lunch? I’m starving.’

  ‘Follow me, young sir, I think you’ll find our kitchens exceptionally well-stocked.’

  Corthie beamed.

  ‘Feed that boy,’ Laodoc said, ‘and you’ll have a friend for life.’

  ‘And are you also hungry, miss?’ the servant asked Karalyn.

  ‘I’ll save myself for dinner, I think,’ she said. ‘Does the house have any books?’

  ‘Indeed it does, miss. We hold quite a considerable library, in fact. Shall I show you where it is?’

  ‘Yes, please.’

  The servant gestured to the other staff, and they began escorting the guests into the house.

  ‘Fine, you were right,’ Karalyn whispered to Laodoc as they walked into the plush entrance hall. ‘We should have come here first.’

  Word arrived at sunset that the First Holder was home, and the head servant led the guests upstairs. The ground floor of the mansion held an enormous dining-room, fit for entertaining the great and good of the republic, with gold-plated chandeliers and marble panelling, but Daphne preferred to take her meals in a much smaller chamber on the second floor close to her personal rooms.

  ‘How was your afternoon?’ Laodoc said to Karalyn as she helped him up the steps.

  ‘I could spend weeks in that library,’ she said.

  ‘Just wait until you see the ones in Plateau City,’ he said. ‘The Empress has amassed a truly wonderful collection, with pieces from all over the world.’

  ‘I wish I were a librarian rather than a mage,’ she said. ‘Then I could read books all day instead of people. This morning I mistakenly caught the eye of a young man on the street and saw a glimpse of his future. I wasn’t meaning to; I wasn’t trying. It just happened.’

  ‘If only there were other dream-mages around that could help you,’ he said as they reached the landing, ‘but I fear that you are the only one of your kind.’

  ‘There was another,’ said her mother’s voice.

  Karalyn glanced up to see Daphne standing in the hallway. Corthie let out a yelp and ran to her. He was almost her height and nearly bowled her over as they embraced.

  She laughed. ‘Look at the size of you! I can’t believe how much you’ve grown in three thirds.’

  ‘I missed you, mum,’ he said.

  ‘Me too.’

  She looked over at her daughter.

  ‘Karalyn,’ she nodded, ‘and Lord Laodoc. How have you been, old friend?’

  ‘Very well, my dearest Daphne. Your eldest took great care of me in the desert.’

  Karalyn smiled. ‘I think it was the other way around.’

  ‘I’m glad you had each other,’ her mother said. ‘Come on, let’s eat.’

  They went into Daphne’s private dining-room, and sat round a small table. A fire was burning in the hearth, and candles lit the chamber. A servant poured wine into the adults’ glasses, and a weak beer was served to Corthie.

  ‘To the family,’ Daphne said, raising her glass. ‘And by that, I include you as well, Laodoc.’

  ‘The family,’ they repeated, touching their glasses.

  Karalyn put down her glass without drinking.

  ‘I’ve talked to your father since you departed Hold Fast estate,’ Daphne said to her. ‘He told me that you were bringing Corthie, and he told me that you wish him to accompany you to Plateau City.’

  ‘Yes,’ said Karalyn. ‘Laodoc has kindly offered to continue his lessons while we’re there. I was also wanting to ask if we could have use of the Holdfast apartments in the New Town when we get to Plateau City.’

  ‘Of course,’ Daphne said, ‘you can use our property there whenever you wish. You are heir to the Holdfast name and estate. It’ll be good to have family in the imperial capital again. I’ve written a few letters of introduction for you to take with you, including one for the Holdings e
mbassy there, to ensure you have full access to your allowance.’

  ‘Allowance?’ Karalyn said.

  ‘Yes. I can hardly send you off to Plateau City penniless. You’ll be meeting imperial royalty, ambassadors, officials, lords and ladies, and you’ll need to be appropriately funded. Your allowance also includes provisions for a full staff, as well as a few guards, and I’m sending one of my secretaries with you. She’ll be able to advise you on a whole of range of matters, from what to wear at court, to the best places to eat.’

  Karalyn looked away, afraid she might say something she would regret. Her mother was sending one of her cronies to spy on her?

  ‘Now,’ Daphne went on, ‘let’s discuss Corthie.’ She turned to her son. ‘Before we begin, I would like to offer you another choice. I know that Keir and Kelsey have been bullying you. I will punish them for it when I return to Hold Fast, but I understand why you’d want to leave. It’s alright. You’re twelve years old. Maybe it’s time for you to stretch your wings and see a bit of the world. Or maybe, instead, you’d like to stay here with me in Holdings City. You could live here in the residence, and I’d see you every day. Well, most days.’

  Corthie said nothing, his eyes darting between his mother and his sister.

  ‘I’m not saying you have to,’ Daphne said, ‘but I do have a few concerns about you living in Plateau City.’

  ‘What concerns?’ said Karalyn, barely keeping the edge out of her voice.

  Her mother smiled at her. ‘Don’t get angry, my dear. You are going to work for the Empress when you arrive, are you not?’

  ‘Yes. Well, I hope so.’

  ‘And,’ Daphne said, ‘if the nature of that work entails what I suspect it will, then I fear that Plateau City might end up being a dangerous place, not just for you, but for anyone close to you. Now, Lord Laodoc can choose to accompany you, and I am very glad indeed that he has chosen so, but Corthie is still a boy…’

  ‘Wait a minute,’ Karalyn said. ‘Why would my work for the Empress endanger him?’

  Daphne paused, looking genuinely taken aback.

  ‘What is it that you think I’ll be doing?’ Karalyn went on.

  The door opened before her mother could reply. Servants entered, wheeling a trolley laden with covered dishes. The table fell silent as food was laid out for them, and their wineglasses were topped up.

  ‘Is everything to your satisfaction, my lady?’ asked the head waiter when the trolley had been unloaded.

  ‘Excellent, yes, thank you,’ she said.

  Daphne waited until they had left the room, then turned to her daughter. ‘Perhaps we should speak in private regarding this.’

  ‘Why?’

  Her mother frowned. ‘Are you being naïve or bloody-minded?’

  Karalyn said nothing.

  Her mother stood. ‘Come with me.’

  She turned and left the room without another word. Karalyn sat for a moment, a feeling of dread building in her abdomen. So far, she had resisted the urge to peer inside her mother’s head, partly because in the past she had always seemed to know that she was doing it, but also out of the love she had for her.

  ‘Laodoc,’ she said. ‘I’ll be back soon.’

  She got to her feet and walked from the dining-room. Daphne was in the hall outside, waiting for her. She nodded, and they followed the passageway until they came to a door leading to a balcony. Daphne opened it, and they stepped outside into the warm evening air of the city.

  Her mother lit a cigarette.

  ‘I noticed you weren’t drinking in there,’ she said.

  ‘I don’t drink.’

  Her mother shook her head and gazed out over the city.

  ‘I’m not sure,’ she said, ‘that you fully understand the world you are about to enter. A lot of that is my fault. I’ve done precious little to prepare you for adulthood. I seemed to spend all of my time protecting my other children from you. After Keir, I wasn’t willing to take any more chances. And then after what you did to your father, I was so angry that I wanted nothing more to do with you. Things change, of course, but what’s done is done, and I cannot wind back the clock to fix my mistakes.’ She gazed at Karalyn. ‘I’m sorry. Kalayne warned me how hard it would be, but I still made a mess of it.’

  ‘I wish I wasn’t a mage.’ Karalyn said.

  ‘I know. It’s been nothing but a burden on your shoulders, but now you’re an adult, and suddenly your powers are extremely valuable. Not just to you, but to the empire if you go to work for Bridget.’

  ‘I don’t understand. What will they want from me?’

  Daphne shook her head. ‘What would an empire with enemies want from a mage who can read minds, implant suggestions, see the future and appear invisible? You know that the imperial capital is riddled with spies working for the Rahain Republic?’

  ‘Is it?’

  Daphne sighed. ‘Maybe you’re not ready. Your father also told me what you did to Corthie’s mind. I’m glad it was a few days ago that we spoke, because it’s given me time to calm down. I’m very disappointed in you, Karalyn. You shouldn’t have done that.’

  Rage exploded within Karalyn. ‘What?’ she cried. ‘I should have left him to be tormented by that little bully, Keir? Or are you just annoyed that you’ll no longer be able to spy into Corthie’s mind? Is that why you want him to stay here, so that you can try to break down the barriers I put up to protect him? You won’t be able to, you’re not good enough.’

  Daphne’s features twisted in anger. ‘I have never once looked into that boy’s mind, not once. Or Kelsey’s. And Keir’s only after you scoured him, when I was trying to repair the damage you had wrought upon your brother. You, daughter, are the only child I linked minds with. After you, I learned it was wrong of me to enter the minds of my children. How dare you accuse me of that.’

  She looked away, a tear rolling down her cheek. Karalyn remained silent, guilt replacing the rage from before.

  ‘How I wish Kalayne was still alive,’ her mother said after a while. ‘He would have been able to train you, help you control and develop your powers. Without his guidance, I’m not sure that…’

  ‘What?’ Karalyn said.

  Her mother turned to face her. ‘I’m not sure that you’re in complete control of your powers. What you did to Corthie could so easily have gone wrong. That’s why I was angry. And you’re right, my powers are no match for yours, and haven’t been since you were about three years old.’ She smiled, despite the tears welling in her eyes. ‘I wish there was someone who could help you, but there isn’t.’

  ‘I’m not like you, mother,’ Karalyn said. ‘I’m not a killer, or a soldier or assassin. I want to help the Empress if I can, but I don’t intend to place my life, or the lives of those I love, in danger. You don’t need to worry about me, or Corthie, if you decide he can come with me.’

  ‘You can tell a mother not to worry,’ Daphne said, ‘but that doesn’t make it so.’ She sighed. ‘Very well, if you promise that you’ll refuse any of the more dangerous tasks that the Empress might ask of you, then I’m prepared to allow Corthie to accompany you to the imperial capital with Laodoc. Do you promise?’

  Karalyn smiled at her mother, despite the pounding of her heart. ‘I promise.’

  Chapter 7

  Coal into Diamonds

  Amatskouri, Imperial Plateau – 27th Day, First Third Spring 524

  ‘Come on,’ Ravi said, ‘stay out for another drink. I don’t want to go home yet.’

  Kerri frowned. ‘I’ve got work in the morning.’

  ‘So have I.’

  ‘Yeah,’ she said, ‘but I take my work seriously. And you can’t afford to be late.’

  He flicked the butt of his cigarette into the gutter of the busy street. Young Rakanese bustled around where they stood, including several attractive girls that caught his attention.

  ‘Hey,’ Kerri said. ‘I’m standing right here.’

  ‘Eh, what?’

  ‘I said you can’t
afford to be late again. You need the money to pay back what you owe.’

  Ravi snorted. ‘It’s been eleven days since the deadline passed,’ he said. ‘They were bluffing. They know they can’t go around threatening mages.’

  ‘Does that mean I can move back in?’

  He paused. He had sent Kerri away after the money-lenders had come round to his apartment, and she had been sleeping at her mother’s house. He thought about what he had just said to her. Did he believe it?

  ‘If you think it’s safe?’ she went on.

  ‘Maybe we should give it a few more days,’ he said. ‘You know, to make sure.’

  She frowned at him. ‘Just how many girls have you had up to your apartment since I moved out?’

  That was an easier question, he thought. ‘None.’

  ‘Really?’

  ‘Honestly, I swear it.’

  It felt strangely good not to lie to her. It was true that he had tried to entice a few young ladies up to his big, empty apartment, but none had actually agreed. He hoped he wasn’t losing his touch.

  ‘Thank you,’ she said, eyeing him.

  ‘It’s a matter of respect, you know,’ he said. ‘It would have felt wrong.’

  She sighed. ‘Don’t push it.’

  He smiled at her. ‘One more drink, then?’

  She came closer and whispered in his ear. ‘How about we have it in your bedroom?’

  ‘Okay, definitely, yes,’ he said, grinning. It had been eleven days since they had slept together, one of the longest barren spells of Ravi’s post-adolescent life. He took her hand. ‘Let’s go.’

  Kerri laughed as he pulled her along the street, dodging the crowds as they went. He opened the entrance door to his apartment block, and began to climb the stairs.

  ‘What am I about to see in there?’ she said as they reached the top floor. ‘Have you tidied up since I moved out?’

  ‘Don’t spoil the moment,’ he said. He fumbled for his keys, then noticed that his apartment door was already unlocked, and slightly ajar. ‘Shit.’