XXII. AT SEA

  The Semperimar was calm as the first neptor made their stops along the continent’s coastline. Admrilia’s days fell into a busy routine spent keeping careful stock of the tributes and dispatching ships back to Aegtrys. The grain from Kinos was already well on its way to being distributed among the small towns and villages that lined Aegtrys Territory’s coast for the upcoming winter.

  Inside the Conqueror’s large tent, Admrilia ran a hand along the Conqueror’s map of the empire, her thoughts drifting to what Asho would be doing in that very moment. She was certain that Asho would drink and whore his way through Iornore. So what if he received training in the wyrd at the Conqueror’s side? The Conqueror could hardly stand Asho—

  Besides, her cousin had always had grandiose notions of himself. Surely his hubris would be his downfall. And, the Conqueror had trusted her, not him, to root out a rebellion. Admrilia’s hand found the letter that had been delivered to the Conqueror back in Kinos. She had reread the missive so many times she knew it by heart.

  Atesh the Conqueror: Divine Emperor, Stormlord Chosen, First Citizen of the Ashenian People, and he who is most merciful, it is I, Wyn-Kai, Governor of Ker, writing with the most grave suspicions concerning your personal safety as you embark on your most honored Triumph.

  There are whispers of a rebellion brewing throughout Ker Territory. The kerai in the remaining Houses may be planning to overthrow your legions. I have recently received the most horrible news that the honorable Legate Xur has been assassinated. The House of Sky is in chaos. More of your Houses may be on the brink of uprising.

  Please be cautious in your travels.

  Your humble servant,

  — Wyn-Kai

  Governor of Ker Territory

  This was her mission. To be sent to the capital of Ker Territory, to root out a rebellion and crush it beneath her fist. She had done it before, she was the Argenti. Admrilia pressed the papyrus back down on the desk. And it will not be like last time. Her scowl deepened as Advisors Khispen and Clavo dipped their permanently balding heads into the tent. Of course the Conqueror would not have left her completely unsupervised…

  “What news.”

  Khispen looked down his shrewd nose as he kissed her knuckles. “Yes, Argenti. The ships have been making steady progress as anticipated.”

  Admrilia nodded. “And of Ker?”

  “I have written to my contacts, Argenti.” The senior Clavo’s voice was calm. “My son has yet to respond.”

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  “I trust you have informed all of the legates of Triumph's changes.”

  “I have, and I will inform you at once when I receive a response.”

  “And from the Emperor?”

  “No news.”

  Admrilia bit the inside of her lip to hide her disappointment. “Very well.Thank you both?” Advisor Clavo bowed stiffly and took his leave. Khispen stood halfway between the desk and the tent flaps. “Is there anything else?”

  “In fact, there is. News from Aegtrys.” Khispen pulled the missive from the folds of his never ending robes. Khispen’s arthritic hand held the letter aloft for a honeyed moment before passing it off.

  Admrilia eyed the seal. “If you’d excuse me.”

  The letter smelled of her mother’s cyprus as she opened it. The letter was written in kiyr cypher, and Admrilia cracked a smile. She spent the next hour deciphering her mother’s letter.

  Daughter,

  I trust that you are well. Your father has received news that the Conqueror has continued to Iornore while you sail for Ash-Kai. The Conqueror is wise in his council.

  It hits me that we have never discussed much of my homeland. This is entirely my fault. You were sired and raised for your role to the Ashenian Empire. I see now the potential error of this. Forgive me if I am belaboring your beloved tutors.

  The Kingdom of Ker was once a collection of ten noble Houses. The Houses were run by their ruling families, and coexisted in their separate territories. Fifty years ago, when the Emperor had his conquest he eradicated the House of the River, the House of the Valley, the House of the Ram, and the House of the Embalmers. The remaining Houses joined forces and fled into the Dunelands, seeking aid from the First House.

  The Conqueror’s legion followed and laid siege. The carnage was terrible as the survivors were trapped with no food or water. My father, the wise Wyn-Kai, negotiated a surrender. Some in Ker call my father ‘The Great Betrayer’ but make no mistake, my father saved Ker. For the Conqueror can—

  Admrilia groaned in frustration. Her mother had scratched out several lines of blocky text, clearly changing her train of thought. Adrmilia scanned to where the letter picked back up.

  While I pray that a brewing insurrection is nothing but a fantastical plot, I fear the worst. I would turn to the remaining Houses with surviving members of the old ruling class. They have lost everything to the Conquering. My father, as a loyalist to the Empire, has no shortage of enemies.

  Attached to this letter is another for my parents. Please present it to them and enjoy their company as much as possible in my absence. I hope you gain an appreciation, if nothing else, for my homeland.

  Duty Above All,

  — Raja-Kai

  Admrilia took the enclosed parchment and stashed it away. She brought the letter to her nostrils, inhaling its scent of cyprus and salt. She watched as the candle flames ate the words. When she left the Conqueror’s tent hours later the clouds had swelled and burst with warm rain. The droplets hit her tongue as she went below decks to retire.

  Her dreams were occupied with honeyed memories of the tidepool’s water trailing up her calf. Then the water rose further up her thigh, sliding around her torso and along her back. She effortlessly coaxed the Semperimar to the edges of her fingertips. And then, a watery hand seized her throat, dragging her down to an abyss darker than the Conqueror’s eyes.