Blades of Ashes - 5. Chapter 5

5

The sun was already fading on the sea’s horizon. The Sura Clan’s ship was well-tended and busy. The crew was loading cargo into the hold.

Azula had mentioned that the ship would sail back to Sura Island once they were ready.

Raithion stood at the top of the gangplank watching the sun dip down on the horizon. The calm seas in the distance were enticing. He suddenly wanted to join Azula’s crew and discover what Sura Island looked like. Perhaps sail beyond the island to find what lay beyond.

The sound of a rolling carriage on the deck brought him back to the present. Five men pulled a handsome carriage, shouting orders to each other as they rolled it to the gangplank. There was a scramble as they tried their best to ensure the carriage did not tip over. It was heavy. Raithion suspected the carriage held the burnt ore he was looking for.

“People say the Sura Clan’s hair is that color because their ancestors were born in the depths of the fiery Sura Mountain,” Haedor said, coming to stand on Raithion’s left side. “Do you think it’s true? I mean it has to be. Considering that every one of them has the same color of hair.”

Raithion frowned at the myth, but before he could speak, Azula stopped on his right, wearing dark gloves.

“The myth is true,” Azula said, tilting his head to the side and winking at Haedor. “We even return to the mountain depths every year to commune with the molten fire that springs from the depths of the earth. It’s quite a sight. My godfather holds the molten fire with his bare hands and lifts it for all of us to pay homage.”

Haedor stared at Azula in total disbelief for a full minute before he scowled.

“Idiot,” Haedor said, making a face at Azula.

Raithion tried to bite back his laugh, but it was impossible. He laughed at Haedor long and hard gaining a punch on his left upper arm from Haedor. Shaking his head, Raithion looked at Azula and smiled when he found Azula watching him.

“Your godfather must be quite the character,” Raithion said when he could speak without chuckling.

“He is,” Azula said with a small smile. “Now, we plan to get to the capital city by morning. Our supply runs are usually during the day. I hope a night run will allow us to escape the thieves plaguing us. “I have an experienced driver and his assistant from our Sura Island. I promised their families I would bring them home when we finished this run.”

“What if you can’t keep the promise?” Raithion asked.

“I will keep my promises,” Azula said with determination. He folded his arms against his chest as he watched the carriage below. Five men were busy hooking up black horses to the carriage and checking the lines to ensure no mistakes happened during their journey.

“The Sura men coming with us are craftsmen. The carriage is too heavy to carry them. They will ride horses to the capital. Please include them among your legion officers.”

“Where is the ore?” Raithion asked, curious about the storage on such a magnificent carriage.

“Hidden,” Azula said. “The carriage is a distraction but it can store enough ore. We’ll pretend I’m a young master returning from a journey beyond the horizon. Spoiled rotten by my father who has sent a legion of officers and a fancy carriage to take me to the capital.”

“You are a chieftain’s son,” Raithion said. “Aren’t you just playing yourself?”

“I’m not a spoiled brat,” Azula said. "Are you in agreement with my plan?”

“Are the doors on the carriage lockable?” Haedor asked.

“Yes, they are lockable from the inside,” Azula said. “I have the only key, but I doubt that is a hindrance. The door remains a weak point.”

“True. The thieves we are facing have been taking over your cargo carriages. I heard the locks on them are quite intricate. Aren’t you afraid you will be kidnapped if you stay inside the carriage?” Haedor asked. “It would be better to ride a horse. It gives you more freedom.”

“I’m hoping a legion led by General Raithion is strong enough to keep me from being kidnapped.” Azula smiled, dropping his arms to his sides. He turned to meet Raithion’s gaze. “The assets in the carriage are too important to leave alone. I will stay inside the carriage. You can have one of the legion officers join me. In case I do get kidnapped and need help.”

Indeed, the ore assets in the carriage are of great interest, Raithion thought.

The ore was key evidence for the case of the forged silver coins in the capital. Any thief caught trying to steal the ore was a prime suspect.

Raithion hoped the thieves would approach the carriage, otherwise, the Inspector General at the Counterfeit Inspectors Unit would focus on the Sura Clan for this crime. He did not want to see Azula arrested.

Raithion studied the younger man who watched him back with interest and wondered if Azula ever sat still.

Azula seemed to always be on the verge of intense activity at every moment. He vibrated with energy, it was in his gaze, the way he stood, the way he spoke. It looked like he took nothing seriously, a carefree spirit walking into an inn filled with legion brothers. However, the care with which Azula’s fellow clan members were handling the carriage was enough to let Raithion know there had been considerable planning behind it. Planning that looked centered around Azula.

Raithion hid a smile.

Perhaps there was more to Azula than the eye could see.

“Azula,” Sennin called out from where he stood near the carriage. “We’re done. It’s ready to go.”

Azula lifted his hand as he turned to face Sennin and nodded in thanks. He dropped his hand and looked at Raithion.

“What do you think about our plan, General Raith?” Azula asked.

“Haedor,” Raithion said.

“Yes, Lord General,” Haedor said.

“Pair the Sura Clan members with our legion officers. Make sure they are well protected,” Raithion said.

“Yes, Lord General,” Haedor said in agreement.

“I will ride in the carriage with Azula,” Raithion said, startling both Azula and Haedor.

“You?” Azula’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Why not me?” Raithion asked taking in Azula’s wide eyes. He looked so comical, it made Raithion want to laugh.

“I don’t know,” Azula said, then looked away from him, clasping his hands behind his back as though to contain his energy. “I thought you would assign Lieutenant Haedor or one of your legion officers. Even though, I should say I’m glad it is not your lieutenant.”

“Why?” Raithion asked.

“Look at him,” Azula said, peeking at a scowling Haedor. “He always looks on the verge of slaughtering me.”

Haedor scoffed.

“At least you are self-aware,” Haedor said and started down the gangplank headed to the road and the waiting carriage.

Azula shuddered, his shoulders trembling as he watched Haedor leave.

“That one will take some getting used to,” Azula said, making Raithion grin and shake his head.

“We should leave,” Raithion said, giving the horizon one last glance. The sunset at the port was beautiful. The seas gave it an extra shade of beauty that could not be found in the capital.

“I hope we get to the capital in time,” Azula murmured next to him.

“We will,” Raithion said, then led the way down the gangplank.

****

Twenty minutes later, a handsome carriage pulled by six black horses stopped at the port exit, heading to the Naga Main Road. A legion of officers surrounded the carriage. Lieutenant Haedor led the entourage. Then, they started a fast ride down the major road, hoping to get to the capital in record time.

Inside the carriage, Azula sat on a comfortable bench assessing the container of food Alva had packed for him. It looked like she had opted for dry-treated meats and fruits. It was the best type of food when one was on the move. There was no time to heat food on hurried fires this time.

Azula knew the faster they got to the capital, the better it would be for his clan’s workshops. He had made all the plans needed, so now all that was left was the journey. Picking a slice of cured meat, he popped it into his mouth with a happy smile.

***

Raithion sat on the side bench on Azula’s left. He sat straight, his arms crossed against his chest, and his eyes closed. He listened to the pace of the carriage as it moved, and the rhythm of the horses his legion officers were using, memorizing the pace.

“My older sister packed beef jerky for me. She’s always afraid I’ll starve during a journey. Would you like to try some? It is well cured,” Azula said, breaking his concentration.

“Not now,” Raithion said, opening his eyes to find Azula giving him a slice of beef jerky from a cute wooden container.

“Suit yourself,” Azula said and continued eating with a pleased smile.

Raithion wondered how he could be so carefree.

Raithion watched Azula chew on his beef jerky for a while. A frown creased his forehead as he wondered how Azula could be so relaxed. He was not at all worried that he was taking on a fight that may lead to his death.

What the hell was with Azula Doriel? Why was he so maddening?

****

The carriage offered a comfortable ride. It was not cramped but with only two passengers that was expected. Azula was glad to discover his carriage design was quite good. Maybe, in time, they could sell a cheaper version of the model.

“Do you live on the Sura Island all the time?” Raithion asked, interrupting Azula’s thoughts.

“Yes,” Azula said, studying Alva’s packed food. He liked the beef jerky, but now that he had had a taste, he could not eat the sweet dried mangoes. It would make the taste in his mouth strange. He closed the lid on the container and placed it on the bench beside him.

“Where is Chief Doriel?” Raithion asked.

“My parents live in the capital,” Azula said. “My sister travels between the island and the capital every three weeks. She keeps us together.”

“Your older sister will be the next chief, right?” Raithion asked.

“That’s the plan,” Azula said with a happy nod. “My parents will travel to the Sura Island for the ceremony. The crowning ceremony for a new chief is considered sacred and is done when the new chief decides to marry. Alise has chosen a partner, but she has not stated an intent to marry him yet.”

“Ah,” Raithion nodded in understanding. “Everyone in the capital knows that the Sura Clan has the most weddings. Your clan members are always hosting marriage ceremonies every weekend.”

“More pairs mean our numbers will grow the clan,” Azula said.

“Why don’t you live in the capital?” Raithion asked.

“Pa says I am too unruly for the civilized streets of Genad,” Azula said with a smirk.

“I agree,” Raithion said without hesitation.

Azula scowled at him.

“I prefer the wildness of our home island. I would rather swim in the lake near our home, climb the steep slopes of Sura Mountain, or work in the workshop forging metal into useful tools than be in the capital.”

“We’re alike in that perspective,” Raithion nodded.

“Where do you prefer to live?” Azula asked.

“In our family home in Draeya County,” Raithion said. “Our home is also near a lake and we have a lot of family living in the area. Every time I go back it feels like my heart is lighter.”

“What do you do when you’re not in the army camp?” Azula asked.

“I raise war horses, and work with wood to make furniture and tools,” Raithion said with a smile. “I also like to fish for naughty prey playing in the water. If I’m lucky I save them from being in trouble.”

Azula noted the pointed look Raithion gave him and threw the last piece of the beef jerky he was eating at him.

Raithion caught it mid-air with practiced ease. He took a bite and nodded in approval.

“The jerky tastes good,” Raithion said.

“Mm, my sister is very good at curing meat.”

“Alise?”

“Not Alise,” Azula said, shaking his head. “I have another sister not related to me called Alva. She takes care of our family home on the island. She’s the one who makes the jerky. Do you have sisters, General Raith?”

“I do, two sisters. They are younger than me,” Raithion said. “They are my closest family…”

“You smile when you talk about your sisters,” Azula noted with a grin.

“I can’t help it,” Raithion said with a nod. “Noriel had her wedding days ago and Soriel is twenty this year. She is still too young. We’re all hoping she accompanies our parents for another year or two. By then I will have discovered what kind of man Soriel wants to marry.”

“General Raith, I did not think you would be a doting big brother,” Azula said with a happy chuckle.

“I can’t hide it,” Raithion said. “Our mother blessed them my sisters with unprecedented beauty. I’ve had to fight off unwanted suitors for a time. This task grows tougher as they grow older and their beauty intensifies.”

“What a good big brother they have,” Azula said with a happy laugh. “If I tried to chase suitors for Alise she would bash me with the hefty stone she carries around on her belt. I’ll be sure to tell her about you and your ideas.”

****

It was three days after Dio Adertha officiated the Draug wedding. Noriel and her new husband would visit her parents' house to thank them for the ceremony and to show they were getting along in their new married life.

“Lord Draug has already sent word to his parents’ in-law,” Theod Dorn reported. “He will bring his wife to Marquis Draeya’s manor for the lunch hour meal tomorrow, and they will stay the night and leave the next day.”

“I want to visit with them,” Dio said. “Make preparations for me to leave the palace unnoticed tomorrow.”

“I’ll plan for it,” Theod said looking around Dio’s private office.

Dio took the opportunity to take him in.

Theod Dorn was in his late fifties and was head of the palace guard. Theod made sure Dio was safe at all times.

Dio quite literally trusted Theod with his life.

Over the years, Theod had turned into a reliable confidant. He had helped Dio get through the difficult transition of power after Basileus Rokas died. There was nothing more dangerous than a hostile palace. Dio frowned thinking about his ambitious mother.

The Dowager Basilinna, Olneth, had secrets that worried Dio. Secrets he could not dig into yet until his freedom was secure. It was taking everything he had to stay out of her clutches.

“Your Majesty,” Theo said. “Dowager Basilinna met Lord Gesi Ajai’s daughter two days ago. The meeting was disguised as a visit to one of her oldest friends in the capital. Thanks to the two legion officers Marquis Draeya gave us, we were able to follow her and discover the formal meeting. Dowager Basilinna had Lady Ajai pour her a cup of tea in the introduction. The Dowager will find a way for you to meet the girl and propose an engagement.”

“My grandmother is opposed to the match,” Dio said sitting back in his chair. “For the same reasons I’m opposed to Gesi Ajai gaining more power in my court. My aunt Sanan is my strongest backing in the Imperial Diet. The owner of Rose Hall will be someone I love, not some woman my mother wants to use to consolidate her Witia power.”

“It’s easier said than done,” Theod said.

“Yes,” Dio agreed. “So, I’m going to gamble. If I can make a better match before my mother’s proposal is heard, her bid with the Imperial Diet will fail.”

“Is this why you are choosing Maenaer?” Theod asked.

Dio studied the jade ring on his right thumb, then smiled.

“My father sent me a powerful chess piece with a private army. They are strong and loyal to each other. To the Maenaer home, their blood, and their house’s ambitions.”

“Thanir Maenaer does have ambition burning in his eyes,” Theod nodded. “His son has a different kind of energy. Raithion Maenaer invests in the property his father gave him in Draeya County. Anyone looking into him will see he hopes to return there to live a quiet life.”

“I’m afraid I cannot let him,” Dio said. “I don’t want to let him go. I want to keep Raithion Maenaer close. To do that, I need to marry his little sister.”

Theod nodded but did not comment on Dio’s thinking.

Dio glanced at Theod and found him frowning.

“What? Am I cruel in your eyes for plotting against Lord General Draeya?”

“Perhaps,” Theod said with a pained tone.

Dio could see that Theod respected Rathion Maenaer. There was no reason not to, after all, Raithion was quite impressive to have reached the station of General at twenty-seven. The Naga State King also relied on the Draeya General. What was not to admire?

“Draeya General is a good man. He is loyal and true. If you corrupt his life with politics and machinations—”

“I have no choice,” Dio said. “Gesi Ajai is at my door with a daughter he wants to make a Basilinna. That insidious politician cannot gain more than he plans to gain. Thanks to Thanir Maenaer, I have a way to escape his plans. I also now understand Ajai’s purpose with the case of the forged silver coins.”

“Which is?” Theod asked with a deepening frown.

Dio stood up from his chair and walked around his desk. He paced across the marble floor to the windows. He stared out into the cool evening. The palace was quieting down. Most officials had left for the day, leaving the resident palace attendants to clean up and lock down for the night.

Dio’s office was on the ground floor of the palace. He had a wonderful view of the central gardens. The central gardens were a hundred and fifty feet long rectangle divided with four paths. The paths divided the garden allowing for a spectacular walking view. The gardener took pride in his work and the flowers growing in the courtyard were neat and vibrant.

A young palace attendant walked along the paths now lighting the garden lamps built in intervals.

Dio dragged his attention back to the case that had taken over his court for weeks.

“The ministry of agriculture, Ajai’s ministry, can only do so much for his political career,” Dio said. “He needs the ministry of finance to make an impact. It is the same path the current prime minister took to gain a foothold in the capital. So, what would an insidious politician do to gain power in a ministry that has been largely peaceful?”

“Find a way to make trouble for the finance minister,” Theod said with apprehension.

“There will be losses before the case of the forged silver coins is concluded,” Dio said. “The battle between the ministries has already started. Ajai’s allies attacked Finance Minister Pamplona in court today, asking him what he is doing to protect farmers against the volatile silver-gold exchange.”

Dio shook his head at the memory of watching Pamplona try not to drown in the face of so much opposition from the agriculture office.

“The inspector general in charge of the case has named the Sura Clan the source of the ore used in the forgeries. Minister Pamplona tried to defend them and faced backlash for his efforts. I had no choice but to order a thorough investigation on the Sura Clan’s workshops and the Ministry of Finance offices.”

“Ajai will ensure evidence is found to remove Pamplona,” Theod guessed.

“I have talked to Thanir Maenaer,” Dio said. “I asked him to do his best to save Pamplona’s family from the aftermath of Ajai’s machinations. Ajai may turn heavy handed and force Pamplona’s family into a deadly corner.”

“What about the Sura Clan?” Theod asked.

“Silver forgery is deadly,” Dio said, shaking his head with a heavy sigh. “Draeya General is in pursuit of clues that may help the Sura. I’m afraid he will not make it in time to stop the damage here in the capital. At best, any evidence he finds will be enough to save the clan’s lives. They have become collateral damage.”

“Why are you so sure, Your Majesty?” Theod asked.

“The Inspector-General will raid the Sura Workshops tonight,” Dio said. “I hope there is no evidence to bring before a magistrate.”

“What is your plan now?” Theod asked.

“I must protect my position before I can help anyone,” Dio said. “That means visiting Marquis Draeya’s manor tomorrow. Grandmother has agreed to write the proposal for me. Aunt Sanan will come with me and present it to the Draeya Marchioness. I will marry Soriel Maenaer. This marriage will give me Raithion’s full support, forcing him into the military command office.”

“He may hate you for this,” Theod pointed out.

Dio turned to smile at Theod.

Theod looked handsome even in his late fifties. Theod was a staunch supporter of Basileus Rokas and the Adertha House. He was the first courtier to point out to Rokas that there was a problem with the Witia Basilinna. The suspicions remained dark for a while before they became strong and hard to ignore.

When Rokas died, Theod continued to support Dio, doing his best to support Dio in a hostile palace and with an imperial diet filled with three supporters of the Dowager Basilinna.

“Draeya General will forgive me in time,” Dio said. “Most importantly, the Imperial Diet needs new blood. You know that as well as I do. Mother has two strong supporters, Jonas Gella, the imperial history minister, and Frio Briale, the imperial tutor now a magistrate.”

Dio leaned on the window seal and thought about the people who helped him manage his bloodline as the Basileus. The Imperial Diet had seven seats. Three were controlled by his mother, The Dowager Basilinna Olneth. House Adertha controlled the remaining four seats.

“On my side, I have the Military Commander, an old fierce general who is always in the defense ministry with no time for palace antics. He has asked for a youthful replacement with the time for palace antics. I have Lathan Ryul from the Ministry of Rites and grandmother. Aunt Sanan breaks the tie but if anything happens to grandmother—”

“You will be vulnerable,” Theod said when Dio broke off. “Olneth will put her relatives in your grandmother’s seat.”

“Yes,” Dio said with a scoff. “If I marry Soriel Maenaer, her mother will take my grandmother’s place.”

“Thanir Maenaer will join the Military Commander’s office and on the outside, you will have Raithion Maenaer,” Theod said. “That is a strong political move, Your Majesty.”

“Draeya General is my powerful chess piece,’ Dio said with a pleased smile. “I may ask too much out of him but I’ll work at making it up to him.”

Theod stood studying Dio for a minute, his gaze quite speculative. He stood tall, dressed in the palace guard uniform. He wore a dark green military coat decorated with gold embroidery and medals of his rank. The six chevrons on his sleeves were enough to declare his considerable service to the Lyria Kingdom.

His brown hair was cut short on the sides and left to grow long at the top. It was dusted with gray thanks to his age. He was a handsome man.

Theod’s brown eyes turned worried and Dio sighed.

“What have you thought of now?” Dio asked.

“Marrying Soriel Maenaer will not remove your problem. Ajai still has his daughter and will be looking for a match to serve his purpose,” Theod said.

“Yes,” Dio nodded. He had spent a considerable time thinking about the consequences of his choices.

“What will you do about Gesi Ajai’s daughter?”

“Send her into the Maenaer manor,” Dio said.

“What?”

Dio smiled at Theod’s wide gaze.

“I told you, I will ask quite a lot out of Draeya General this time. In time, I’ll find a way to make it up to him.”

“That’s—”

“There is no other way, Theod,” Dio said holding his gaze. “Now, please make plans for my visit to Marquis Draeya’s home. No one can know my intentions until Soriel Maenaer walks down the palace court aisle to take her place as the new Basilinna. I’m afraid Ajai and my mother will try to stop me from marrying Soriel.”

Theod let out a heavy sigh and then nodded.

As he left, Dio thought he read disappointment in Theod’s eyes. He did not stop his old friend from leaving. He had no energy to explore that disappointed look further.

Truthfully, if he could keep Raithion from marrying Ajai’s daughter, he would do it. However, the most logical place to place such a volatile chess piece was inside the Military Commander’s house. The Maenaer family would control Ajai’s daughter, nullify Gesi’s influence while growing Soriel’s power as a Basilinna.

Besides, Raithion had not mentioned having a lover. His marriage was meant to benefit the court as Thanir Maenaer had promised himself.

Dio needed this play for now, so he would take it and worry about the outcome later.

“It’s the only way,” Dio murmured to the empty office.

****

“Good news,” Marius Doriel said, holding a note to his wife, Lasma. “Azula reported the thefts to the port magistrate. “The boy has become sensible. I can’t believe he followed instructions. At least with a report of theft, we can have a good standing in the magistrate’s court.”

“I hope so,” Lasma said, changing into the simple white plain dress she wore to bed. Sinking her fingers into her hair, she finger-combed the long strawberry-blonde hair with a blissful moan.

“The day has been too long today,” Lasma said as she moved to sit at the foot of their large bed. “I spent most of the day convincing our clients we will fulfill their orders in time. This is the first time we’ve ever had to deal with such ore scarcity. I’m worried we will lose trust.”

“It’s temporary,” Marius said keeping Azula’s note in a box on his side of the open closet. He was already dressed in comfortable white cotton trousers and a simple matching tunic. His graying hair was in neat braids that Lasma had restored the night before. Marius closed the closet doors and turned to smile at his wife.

“Once Azula arrives, we’ll be able to meet our promises to our customers and find a way forward so that this never happens. Maybe, we will convince Azula to stay here with us.”

Lasma chuckled.

“Until he drives you insane with mischief,” Lasma said.

Marius broke into a rich laugh and crossed the room to join his wife at the foot of the bed. He sat beside her, taking her left hand with both of his. He studied the ring on her right middle finger. It was silver with a dark ilmenite stone as the center piece. He had designed and forged the ring when he wanted to marry her.

Over twenty-five years ago, he thought, so many years of ups and downs. Lasma had stood with him, by him, for him and their children through every minute of it.

“We’ll get through this one too,” Marius said, squeezing Lasma’s hand. He met her gaze and smiled when she leaned in and kissed him.

Yes, they would get over this small crisis too.

The sound of hurried footsteps distracted Marius from his wife’s kisses, then an urgent knock came on the door.

“Pa, it’s Alise.”

“Come in,” Lasma called out breaking their kiss.

Alise opened the door and hurried in her expression one of extreme worry.

“The inspectors in-charge of the silver forgery case have raided all our workshops across the city,” Alise said, her voice shaking. “Yemin says they are headed to our manor next. What do we do?”

“Has there been a message from Marquis Draeya?” Marius asked. “He promised to help—”

“Yes,” Alise said, handing a rolled note to Marius. “We just received this from Marquis Draeya’s people minutes ago. I have our transport drivers watching the gates.”

Marius took the note from Marquis Draeya and read it aloud.

“The charge is treason like Black Cove. Save as many of your people as you can. The capital is no longer safe for your clan. There is no way to escape what is coming.”

Marius frowned when he finished reading the note.

“What does the Marquis mean?” Lasma asked.

“He means we’ve fallen into a pit,” Marius said, getting up. “Alise, evacuate everyone. Use the plain carriages we use to transport Magnus’s mangoes. Let everyone dye their hair black. Lasma, place the chests in our vaults into plain carriages and send them along with our people to the island.”

“I don’t understand,” Alise said, taking the note from her father. She frowned when her mother ran out of the bedroom to do as Marius asked.

“Pa, what is black cove?” Alise asked.

“They were a mining clan similar to ours. They mined gold in the rivers near Brusan Lake during Basileus Rokas’ period. A case emerged of workshops forging gold coins outside the imperial mint. The members of the Black Cove clan came under suspicion. The ensuing case led to the massacre of all the clan members. It looks like we’ve offended someone in the capital city. We’re now facing the same problem.”

“But we are not forging silver coins,” Alise said, shaking her head. “We can prove it before a magistrate—”

“There will be no time to prove it,” Marius said, taking Alise’s right hand and squeezing it tight. “I trust Marquis Draeya’s reasoning. His warning is not light. The best you can do to help right now, Alise, is to get as many of our people out of the city. I’ll face the inspectors when they come. I will stall them enough to give you time to get everyone out.”

“What about you?” Alise asked. “How will you come out?”

“I’ll find a way. Yemin will be with me. You told me to trust him,” Marius said, smiling as he caressed Alise’s hair.

Alise’s green eyes filled with worry. She was afraid.

“Listen,” Marius said. “You are my daughter. Fearless as they come. Our people have long looked up to you, Alise. You are their future. Show them they still have one. Get them to the Naga State Port. Make sure everyone crosses to the island and then hold our ships on the island. It will be the only way to keep the clan safe and out of imperial reach.”

“What about you?” Alise asked.

“Once I finish with the inspectors, I will head to the port. I can always get a boat from the fishermen and return home,” Marius said. “I may be your old father, but I was sailing our wicked seas before you were born. Hm…don’t worry. I’ll find my way home.”

“What will we do when we lose trade in the capital?” Alise asked.

“I’ll borrow Azula’s words,” Marius said, pulling Alise into his arms for a tight hug. “The world is vas and our ships are sturdy. Lyria Kingdom is not the only land. Azula has always been too brave, but his courage will help you sail beyond our island to Genad. You can establish a new trade route. For now, though, we need to save our people. Can you help me?”

“Yes, Pa,” Alise said, letting go of him.

“Good, now go,” Marius said. “Don’t forget to turn your hair dark. The inspectors will be using our traits to capture us.”

Alise kissed his left cheek then hurried out to complete her orders.

Marius looked around the master bedroom he had used for the last decade as he tried to establish their clan’s presence in the capital city. All his plans had been hatched in this room. It was such a pity that it was now turning to dust.

Thinking about Marquis Draeya’s note, his stomach tied in knots of dread.

*****

The night grew older. Thankfully, the moon was out, the silver light illuminating the deserted road as the carriage raced to Genad City.

Haedor rode alongside the carriage with his five of his legion brothers. While the rest of the team rode far ahead, heading to the first stop on the journey. Haedor gripped his reigns when he heard a boisterous laugh inside the carriage.

Haedor winced wondering how his general was handling that excitable little imp. A deeper laugh followed and Haedor’s gaze widened. Azula Doriel was to be admired. He had somehow charmed the aloof Draeya General. No one knew how they were along inside the carriage.

In the carriage, Azula studied the chess board resting on the bench between him and Raithion. The black and white chess pieces were carved from fine jade. Raith had produced the board from his bags to occupy Azula’s mind.

Azula frowned, as though in deep thought, and then he moved his queen to capture Raithion’s queen. He placed his black queen on Raithion’s side and held Raithion’s queen with a triumphant grin as he met Raithion’s surprised gaze.

“What?” Azula asked.

“That is not allowed,” Raithion said. “Azula, you’re not following any of the rules at all. You’re a game rule breaker.”

“So?” Azula asked. “I don’t like your tone when you call me a rule breaker. I took possession of your queen on the board. Mine has taken over everything. The game won.”

“You ignored all the rules of the game. Your win doesn’t count. You’ve gone wild on the board. You have not won the game. You’re cheating.”

“You said I needed to capture your queen or king. You watched me move my queen to capture yours,” Azula said, pointing to the board. “How did I cheat? Look, this is my pawn. I’ve moved it and boom.”

Azula moved his black pawn to knock Raithion’s white pawn to the side. He took Raithion’s white pawn and placed it on the side to join Raithion’s queen. He made no effort to move the pawn according to the game's rules. It looked like a pawn jumped from one end to another without thought.

“I haven’t cheated you one bit,” Azula insisted with a satisfied nod. “Your eyes are open. You watched me move my jade piece. What cheating? I’m following your instructions.”

Raithion sighed with exasperation, then placed his hand over the chess board scattering all the pieces.

“Only a mad man would try to explain the chess to you,” Raithion said. “We’re not playing your way. Find another game to play.”

“Are you giving up?” Azula asked as he stared at the scattered chess pieces. “I mean, this one was fun. Moving white pieces around with fancy rules. General Raith—"

“Choose another game,” Raithion said.

“Okay,” Azula said. He started putting away the chess pieces into the handsomely carved wood box Raithion had pulled out of his bag. “Do you play this game with your friends?”

“Yes, with Haedor, my father, and my best friend Kailu, among others,” Raithion said.

“Hm,” Azula said as he put away the last pieces.

“Are you sure you don’t fall asleep through it?”

“No, I don’t fall asleep. You’re the only one who would think of sleep while playing chess,” Raithion said.

Azula chuckled at the annoyance in Raithion’s voice. He studied the various neat carvings and decided the queen he stole from Raithion looked handsome. He took the white queen and held it up to Raithion.

“Can I keep this?”

“The set will be incomplete,” Raithion said.

“I can compensate you,” Azula said, closing the handsome box and handing it to Raithion. He held on to the white queen and grinned. “Come on, Draeya General. I know you can find another white queen to complete the collection.”

“It will still feel incomplete,” Raithion insisted.

“Then, think of me every time you pull this board game out to play,” Azula said as he slipped the white queen into his jacket pocket.

Raithion shifted on the bench so that he sat facing Azula.

“What will you compensate me with for this loss?”

Azula studied him for a moment.

Draeya General was fascinating to spend time with. The man watched Azula with equal interest, gauging his every reaction, documenting his mannerisms. It was both interesting and unsettling.

Oddly arousing too, Azula thought with a smile. He suddenly had the mad urge to kiss Draeya General.

So, this was what it felt like to spend time in the company of such a powerful man.

Azula leaned down to touch the wood under the bench they were sharing. He unlocked a hidden compartment and pulled out a leather bag with a pair of daggers he had brought along on a whim.

Azula examined the quality leather bag and then handed it to Draeya General.

“I made this using precious ore I found in my home workshop. My master says the blades are stronger than usual. I have no use for them other than cutting deer meat and maybe firewood to roast it. Perhaps you can use them to defend someone.”

Raithion took the bag, holding his gaze before he untied the leather string and opened the leather bag. Inside the bag were two handsome blades. The handles were crafted with intricate designs meant to support a firm grip.

Raithion placed the bag on the bench and pulled the blades from the leather bag. He studied them with keen interest. The blades were beautifully crafted. Not heavy as too cumbersome when in use. The handles were perfectly crafted for use. The blades themselves were even more fascinating. The steel used was tempered with an extra mineral that made the face of the blade shine like white ash.

Raithion traced his right index finger on the blade wondering if the shine would fade. But it did not. The blades were clean, the glow was part of its structure.

“The handles,” Raithion said after a period of study.

Azula smiled.

“I’m glad you noticed. Otherwise, it would have been quite a letdown, Draeya General,” Azula said.

“How do they attach?” Raithion asked.

“Face the ends together and you’ll see,” Azula said.

Raithion turned the handles to face each other and the moment he held them close they seemed to snap together. The outer layers of the handles twisted and locked the blades together into a double-bladed spear. One side was longer than the other.

Raithion stared at the weapon with a rare smile. Azula felt like he had discovered Raithion’s preferred weapon.

“How?”

“My secrets,” Azula said, then grinned. “A cleaver combination of magnets and levers. I like to tinker. The mechanism will hold up to the abuse of a true fight. I tested it by hitting it against mountain rock for three months. The speed is sturdy. I thought if it could withstand the abuse of hitting a mountain all day, then a battle would be no issue.”

“Thank you,” Raithion said, twisting the blade handles left to unlatch them. He watched the blades detach with a pleased smile. “Your gift is more valuable than a chess piece from my board game.”

“You’re helping me transport ore for my family at night with no pay,” Azula said. “It’s equal value.”

“Okay,” Raithion said, returning the blades to their pouch. He would need to find suitable sheaths for them.

Azula understood that was something Draeya General would manage with ease.

“Should we play cards?” Azula asked, patting the space between them.

He wondered if Draeya General would dare. So far, they had tried chess, before that there was a game of Go, in which Azula broke all the rules after claiming to be a master. Raithion had positively steamed with annoyance. Azula bit back a laugh at the memory.

“Which card game do you want to play without breaking the rules?” Raithion asked.

“Rules are for breaking,” Azula said, leaning over to look into the hidden compartment under the bench. Azula pulled out a neat pack of cards.

“Your compartment can be considered a marvel,” Raithion commented. “It keeps a Go gameboard, cards, intriguing blades, and a beef jerky box. What else will I find if I look in there?”

“Many things,” Azula said, closing the compartment. He shifted on the bench to get more comfortable and held up the pack of cards to shuffle them. Raithion swiped a card from Azula’s left hand and spent a few minutes studying the beautiful designs on the card.

The back of the cards was decorated with a deep blue background color and gold lines laid out in an intricate doodle. The face of the card had a handsome painting of a lake with a small boat sitting on the horizon. Gold lines made a delicate frame around the painting and the numbers were embossed on the corners with gold.

“My sister makes the cards,” Azula said, explaining the beautiful art to Raithion. “Each card holds a different painting. They are scenes from our Sura Island. Everyone appreciates having them around, especially when our clan members have missed home.”

“The cards are beautifully done,” Raithion complimented.

“My sister would be glad to hear that,” Azula said with a pleased smile. “Should we play?”

Azula reached for the card Raithion held and started shuffling honestly. The carriage happened to go over a bump on the road, and Azula lost his balance leaning forward with a startled gasp. Raithion gripped his shoulders tight to steady him.

Azula looked up to thank the painfully handsome general and found himself looking into captivating green eyes.

His breath caught at the punch of attraction that hit him in the gut. No, not attraction really, but lust. He felt in lust with Draeya General. He wanted to taste Raithion’s lips and find out what it would feel like to have Draeya General hold him, and run his hands all over his body. Fates, what would the weight of Draeya General holding him down feel like? Azula bit his bottom lip hard forcing his brain back to the present. He dropped the cards on the bench and pressed his fists to his hot cheeks, cursing his love for harsh-faced men to eternal damnation.

“Um,” Azula started hoping to fill the ensuing silence with anything other than his shaky breath.

Raithion let out a small chuckle as he studied Azula’s blushing face.

Azula scowled at him for his obvious teasing.

Then before either of them could say more, a knock came on the window.

“Lord General,” Haedor said. “The team ahead sent a scout. Fifteen mercenaries are waiting in a forest clearing five minutes away.”

Raithion’s expression changed, turning into a serious no-nonsense expression.

“Do it as we planned. Let the carriage run without an escort, with only the driver and an attendant. Let’s catch them in the act,” Raithion said.

“Yes, Lord General,” Haedor said.

“Good hunting,” Raithion said.

“You too, Lord General.”

Azula put away the cards scattered on the bench and locked the hidden luggage compartment under their bench. He watched Raithion button his military jacket, then move the daggers closer to his right.

“We will face your thieves. Haedor will replace the driver and one of the legion brothers will take over from your attendant. Your Sura people should already be at the next rest stop. You will not face losses tonight.”

Azula nodded and took a deep breath, calming the riotous butterflies in his stomach. He let it out with a nod for Raithion and sat back.

“General Raith,” Azula said as they counted the five minutes to the attack.

“Yes.”

“Thank you,” Azula said. “In case I don’t get a chance later.”

“You’re welcome,” Raithion said, leaning over to touch the braids in Azula’s hair. “Maybe, we can have a mug of warm ale at our next stop. Talk about why you hate following the rules of any game we play together.”

Azula chuckled and nodded.

“Sounds like fun.”

“Then, it’s a promise,” Raithion said.

*****

Azula looked apprehensive, even as he sat on his bench, back straight, arms against his chest with a tough expression. He looked ready to face the bandits alone but also very nervous.

Raithion hid a smile and closed his eyes, listening to the rhythm of the carriage. The horses accompanying the carriage were gone. Their pace was faster. Haedor was never one to drive a carriage slow if it could get him someplace fast.

Then, the sound of a log falling across the road disrupted the carriage’s momentum. The horses neighed in distress as Haedor pulled them to a stop. Then a shout came and Haedor and his assistant fought off attackers with swords.

Azula shivered, but he did not shake with fear.

Raithion respected him for that, not many could withstand the sound of vicious fighting. A scream rent the air and Azula shifted on the bench, but Raithion remained calm. Listening…the five officers in the legion soon joined Haedor and his partner.

The fighting was intense, the sound of swords clashing turning more vicious.

The inevitable scratch at the door came, and Azula took an apprehensive breath.

“Stay where you are,” Raithion said when Azula started to move. “You’ve done everything you should. It’s my turn now. I’ll be happy if you stay still. That way I can ensure you won’t get hurt, Azula.”

Azula held his gaze for a moment, then nodded.

“Okay.”

“Good boy,” Raithion said, as the door was smashed with a hammer. The thieves had come prepared to break into the carriage. One moment, Raithion sat calmly on the bench, the next, the blades were in his hands and he was sinking them into the two men who rushed in through the door they pried open.

Raithion’s blade was swift. He was glad Azula stayed put in the corner, catching a glimpse of him in the corner of his eyes. Azula sat frozen, eyes wide as he watched Raithion fight off their assailants, not letting them enter the door.

****

Hulan pushed his horse to the limit as he chased after Draeya General and the Sura Carriage he had spied at the port. Now that the Doriel Son had protection from the government, Hulan knew that he needed to stop the last raid on the Sura carriages. Otherwise, it would ruin his master’s plans.

Hulan tried hard to catch up but he was too late. When he came up on the Sura Carriage, it was to witness Draeya General and six of his legion officers fighting the small band of mercenaries that Hulan managed. A bulky muscled legion officer cut down Levi with little effort, stabbing his sword into Levi’s chest without mercy. Hulan fought a scream, caught between going to help his fellow mercenaries and running for his life.

Three of the mercenaries had tried to unlock the carriage with a hammer. Draeya General stood at the doors fighting off two assailants. His blades were swift, he cut into the two men fighting him and kicked them away from the door. The action was fast and brutal.

Hulan realized Draeya General was guarding the entrance into the carriage.

“Shit,” Hulan cursed as he watched his losses grow bigger. The only thing he could do now was run away. Live to fight another day.

Hulan started to turn his horse back into the forests near the scene, but a sharp sword rested on his vital vein at his nick before he could run.

“Caught a scurrying rat,” a soft amused voice said.

Hulan closed his eyes as panic set in and the legion officer took over his horse's reigns.

****

“Lieutenant, I found this one trying to escape the net,” the legion’s scout said. “He was quite interested in the fight. Watched it for a while before he decided to escape.”

“Good catch, Amola,” Haedor complimented.

The mercenaries were subdued and looked at the new capture with wary gazes.

“Boss,” One of them called out and Haedor smirked, meeting Amola’s excited gaze.

“A really good catch,” Haedor praised Amola, then dragged the man off his horse.

Hulan did his best to walk under Haedor’s unforgiving drag, and soon he found himself kneeling before Draeya General.

“I remember you,” Azula said, peeping from behind Draeya General’s shoulder. “You were in the magistrate’s office. You made fun of me when I tried to report the thieves troubling us.”

“Is that so?” Draeya General said, his sharp gaze resting on Hulan. “Who is behind you?”

Hulan scoffed.

“It doesn’t matter who is behind me. I’m a small part of the plan,” Hulan said.

“Why the Sura Clan?” Draeya General asked. “They are a small clan that mines. They have no political power to exploit.”

“Yet they run most workshops in the Genad City,” Hulan said. “Even a small cog is important in the grand scheme.”

“Well said,” Draeya General said. “You will help clear the Sura Clan’s name. Where is the rest of the clan’s ore?”

“You won’t find it,” Hulan said, then smiled as Haedor grabbed his arms and tied them behind his back. He met Azula’s interested gaze and grinned. “It’s too late to save your clan anyway. We’re all pawns in the end.”

“What does that mean?” Azula yelled, jumping off the carriage, and moving around Draeya General to grip Hulan’s wool jacket. “What do you mean by it’s too late?”

Hulan laughed.

“You’ll know when you get to the city. That’s all I will say.”

“Take him away,” Draeya General ordered.

Haedor dragged Hulan away.

Azula panicked and worried. He turned to Raithion.

“Will my family be fine? You said as long as we reported everything would be solved. You promised, Draeya General,” Azula said.

“I did promise,” Raithion said, holding his daggers in one hand. He wrapped a comforting arm around Azula’s shoulders and led him back to the carriage.

“Don’t listen to the bad guy when we haven’t reached the capital,” Raithion said. “Now that I have the thieves in hand, your case should get easier.”

“Trust me,” Raithion said once Azula was settled in the carriage.

Raithion left to make sure all the thieves who were alive were arrested. He placed the five mercenary corpses under the care of four of his legion officers. Once they reached the rest stop, Raithion would send the morgue attendants to relieve his officers.

It was lucky that Haedor had sent Azula’s companions ahead, allowing them to fight without restraint.

Back in the carriage, Azula’s playfulness all but disappeared. He sat in the corner of one bench with his arms crossed against his chest. The expression on his face was full of worry.

Raithion assumed he was thinking about his family in the capital. Understandably, the next few hours would be difficult for the Sura Clan.

*****

Chaos erupted in the capital city that night as inspectors from the Counterfeit Inspector Unit started a mass arrest of all Sura Clan members. Merchants closed their doors to anyone with strawberry blonde hair or the colorful clothes the Sura Clan liked to wear.

People on the streets scolded Sura Clan members if they met them. They were filled with relief that the case of the forged silver coins would end. No one wanted to suffer more losses at the exchange bureau.

Inspectors dragged Marius Doriel out of his manor with a few subordinates while a coordinated search for the rest of his family started. They searched the Doriel Manor for clues, but when none could be found, the inspectors began a tough interrogation hoping Marius would give up his secrets.

“I have to get them out,” Alise said, pacing the length of the small waiting room at a warehouse owned by Yemin’s aunt. It was on the outskirts of Genad City and served as a station to get Sura Clan members on the Naga State Road to the port.

“Your mother said no,” Juya said, packing up a bag filled with beef jerky to be eaten by children on the road. “You must go to the Naga port to direct our clan’s departure.”

“I can’t just run to safety and leave Pa and everyone caught with him,” Alise said, shaking her head as she paced. She wrung her fingers together and closed her eyes. “What do we do?”

“Let’s get everyone who has made it here into the carriages first,” Juya suggested. He closed the bags he was packing. “Your Ma is not here yet. We need to make sure she leaves too, then we can find out what to do about Chief Marius.”

Alise stopped pacing and met Juya’s worried gaze. He gave her a wan smile which she returned and gave him a nod.

“Alright, let’s do it as you say,” Alise said, taking four bags of beef jerky.

Alise hurried to the back door of the warehouse. Three carriages waited there, all of them used for passengers. Inside the carriages were Sura Clan members, children and their mothers, the elderly and injured. The able-bodied men would ride horses in the forests and ensure the carriages reached the port without catastrophe.

Alise handed out the beef jerky bags and helped Juya distribute large water bottles. When everyone was settled, she stepped back as the carriages closed doors and the carriage drivers took control of the reins.

One of the women leaned out of the carriage window to wave at Alise.

“Take care, Island Princess,” she said. “Be safe and return to the island soon.”

Alise lifted her hand in goodbye and watched the last batch of her people leave for the port. It was almost midday. She and her mother had scrambled to get everyone out using secret routes, but some had not gotten the message to escape or dye their hair.

The Counterfeit Inspectors Unit had captured close to twenty Sura Clan members, along with Yemin, her father, and the ten guards who were left at their manor.

Lasma had taken her long-time guard to ensure Juya’s grandmother made it out. She still had not arrived at the workshop yet.

Alise trembled and her fingers tightened into fists.

“Your mother will make it,” Juya said when Alise stood in the backyard not making a move to enter the warehouse.

****

After five hours of travel ended, Raithion and Azula finally arrived in Genad City.

Azula was nervous, unable to sit still.

“I’ll take the thieves to the Counterfeit Inspectors Unit,” Raithion said. “Along with the order to investigate from the Port Magistrate. From there, we will look into the thieves and find out where they took the ore. Our findings will clear your clan.”

Azula gave him a swift nod but did not speak.

“I’ll leave you to the carriage,” Raithion continued. “I’ll take my horse and Haedor. Your people should have joined us when we entered the city. You can rush to your parents’ manor. Don’t worry so much.”

“Mm,” Azula said, finally looking at Raithion. “Thank you, General Raith, for everything.”

“We never got to have that mug of ale together,” Raithion said with a smile as the carriage stopped.

“No,” Azula said. They were too determined to get to the city to linger at the rest stop. “Maybe we can try after all this is settled?”

“Then it’s a plan,” Raithion said with a quick smile. He got up from the bench and reached out to pat the top of Azula’s head, rubbing his hair and tugging on the braids in Azula’s hair.

“How will I find you?” Azula asked, meeting Raithion's green gaze, his heart skipping with the prospect.

“Don’t worry about that,” Raithion said, thinking he would be occupied with the inspectors, and then with his father and Basileus Dio. “I’ll find you when I’m done managing everything.”

“Okay,” Azula said, as Raithion opened the carriage door. “See you.”

Raithion jumped down and gave Azula one last glance.

“See you, Chieftain’s son.”

Azula gave him a small smile at the address. It was not as bright as the one from the inn, or in the carriage while they played cards, but it was enough to make Raithion want to see it again.

Raithion lifted his hand in goodbye, then closed the door. He turned to mount the horse Haedor led to his side and ensured Azula’s carriage was well-manned before it continued down the street heading to the Doriel Manor.

“We should hurry,” Raithion said, when he turned and saw the thieves in custody riding on horses with their hands tied between his legion officers. “The faster we conclude this investigation; the easier life will get for the Sura Clan.”

“Yes, Lord General,” Haedor said, then called out the order to ride to the Counterfeit Inspectors Unit.

****

Azula could barely contain himself when he reached his family’s home. He ran out of the carriage into the usually busy courtyard only to stop when he found the place empty, and the paths into their manor stained with dark blood.

“Azula,” Sennin came running behind him, gripping Azula’s left arm when he would have hurried into the house. “There is news from our network. Something happened to Chief Marius. Our clan members are running out of the city as fast as possible. Your sister told everyone to dye their hair black.”

“What?” Azula tried to get away from Sennin to enter their house, but Sennin gripped his left arm and dragged him toward the kitchen. “I need to check the house.”

“We need to follow your sister’s instructions. Disguise ourselves before looking for what happened,” Sennin said, winning the struggle.

The kitchen, which usually had over twenty people working at any given time, was empty. Dishes were in disarray and vegetables were trampled on the floor. Azula felt a pang of fear cut through his chest.

“Something’s wrong,” Azula said.

“I know, let’s change the color of your hair first,” Sennin said, hurrying into the pantry. He returned with a pot filled with finely ground charcoal. “Looks like someone worked hard to grind charcoal. Let’s get this done, Azula. The faster we finish, the better.”

Azula fought the urge to scream with frustration and followed Sennin to the sink basins in the corner to change his hair color. His heart pounding too fast as he wondered what had happened to their family.

*****

Raithion led his entourage determined to reach the Counterfeit Inspectors Unit, eager to complete his tasks. However, he never reached the gate to the compound. His father’s guard intercepted their progress, with over twenty soldiers armored and armed. The guard flanked them on all sides.

“Lord General, Lord Draeya invites you back home,” the head of the guard insisted.

“I am on official business,” Raithion said. “I have prisoners to turn in.”

“Lord Draeya invites you back home now,” the head of the guard insisted. “We should go. Please don’t resist, Lord General.”

Raithion understood that the guard would subdue his legion of officers without effort. It was difficult to fight on the main street in the busy capital. The Head of the Guard knew he had to comply with the request.

Raithion turned to Haedor, thinking to let him take the prisoners to the inspectors.

“Everyone goes with us,” the Head of the Guard said.

Raithion frowned and gave Haedor a nod to do as the guard insisted. They changed directions and headed toward the new Draeya Manor.

Thanir Maenaer and Basileus Dio were waiting for him when he arrived home. Raithion walked into his father’s study feeling tired and irritated by the detour. He had wanted to conclude the case of the forged silver coins tonight so he could have time to find Azula in the next few days.

“Sit,” Thanir said when Raithion stood facing the large desk in his father’s study.

Basileus Dio sat in his father’s chair behind the desk, while Thanir stood by the windows, staring out into the bright afternoon. His window had a nice view of a rose garden where Noriel, Hujan Draug, Soriel, and Silveren were having tea while sitting on outdoor chairs under a large umbrella. They laughed and spoke with joy enjoying the sun.

“I prefer to stand,” Raithion said, frowning as he studied Dio’s excited expression. “What’s going on? Why did you stop me from turning over prisoners to the counterfeit inspectors?”

“The case is closed,” Dio said.

“It can't be without my evidence. What have you done?” Raithion’s gaze shifted to Thanir who glanced at him with a scowl.

“Not me,” Thanir said. “I’m not always the architect of political schemes.”

Raithion tightened his grip on his riding gloves and turned to look at Dio.

“It wasn’t me either,” Dio said, lifting his hands. “Blame Lord Gesi Ajai. The court swiftly agreed yesterday to investigate the Sura Clan’s workshops and the Minister of Finance’s offices.”

“No one has had a peaceful night,” Thanir said. “A brutal purge has left the Minister of Finance dead, and the chief of the Sura Clan in prison undergoing intensive torture to give up his accomplices. The Sura people are being captured on the streets like rabid dogs. Some are dead, others have managed to escape. Ajai is leaving no stone unturned to bring justice to the people who had corrupted the kingdom’s money. He attributes his good work to Basileus Dio.”

Raithion closed his eyes, his thoughts filling with Azula.

“Any evidence found is fake,” Raithion said. “I captured the ore thieves in the act. I have brought them with me. What happens now?”

“The guard that intercepted you should have already managed your prisoners,” Thanir said meeting Raithion’s gaze.

Realizing what his father meant, Raithion started to turn away and head out of his father’s study to stop his father’s crazy plan.

“There is a much larger plot at play here, Raith,” Thanir said

Raithion stopped his exit with his father's next words.

“Soriel is engaged to Basileus Dio. The Grand Dowager has proposed to your mother and she accepted.”

“What?” Raithion looked at his father in shock. “No—"

“It is the only way to protect Basileus Dio’s position,” Thanir said, taking a few steps toward Raithion. “Gesi Ajai wanted his daughter to become the next Basilinna but we cannot let that happen. So, let him have the conclusion he wants in the case of the forged silver coins. His success in closing this case will make him the new finance minister. Meanwhile, we will have thwarted his attempts to enter the palace as a relative.”

“Dad, you—,” Raithion broke off his thoughts filled with Azula’s hopeful gaze. “You’re killing the Sura Clan.”

“Not all of them,” Dio said. “Theod, my palace guard, left to secure one last deal with Lord Gesi Ajai. The Sura Clan’s future will depend on your answer to my next question, Raithion Maenaer.”

Raithion’s grip on his gloves tightened as he met Dio’s gaze.

“What question?” Raithion asked, his voice filled with unwillingness, even as he faced the rule of the kingdom.

“Will you marry Lady Naeri Ajai?” Dio asked. “She will enter the Maenaer House. After your wedding, you will become Commander General of the Kingdom’s forces. Qualified to command all the army forces of this kingdom on my behalf. Your new position will make Lady Ajai a Commandery Princess.”

Raithion closed his eyes then.

“What about the Sura Clan?” he asked.

“Your acceptance of this proposal determines their fate,” Thanir said. “Gesi Ajai will be willing to allow them to leave the capital unhindered, never to return.”

“You mean you want them to give up their livelihood,” Raithion said, his words bitter even to his ears. “You’re destroying an innocent clan.”

“We are saving them,” Thanir answered in a harsh tone. “Your marriage will guarantee their lives. It was the least Basileus Dio could do for them.”

“The least,” Raithion said, shaking his head, disappointment sinking into his bones. “Who will tell the Sura the truth?”

“They can’t know,” Dio said, his voice a command and edict. “Draeya Commandery Prince, Raithion Maenaer. You are forbidden from sharing this conversation with anyone else outside this room. Otherwise, you will ruin plans that are yet to come.”

Azula’s face filled Raithion's thoughts and he blinked hard as tears filled his eyes at the order.

“You will never understand what you’ve done…” Raithion said, trailing off. He turned around and Thanir hurried to grip his left arm.

“Raith—”

“Don’t worry, father. For the sake of the Sura, I will do what you say,” Raithion said, shrugging his father’s grip on his arm away. “Doesn’t mean I have to like or respect it. Now, I have to go. There is something I need to do.”

“Raithion,” Dio called in a panic, but Raithion ran out of his father’s study.

Haedor met him in the front courtyard of the manor.

“Lord General, the guard has executed all our prisoners,” Haedor said. “I only managed to get Hulan to sign his confession before they cut his head off.”

“Keep that confession safe,” Raithion ordered. “We must find Azula and get him out of the capital city safely. He is not safe.”

“What’s going on?”

“Betrayal,” Raithion said, as he ran out of his father’s manor, mounted his horse, and raced toward the Sura Clan’s stronghold.

*****

Night came down on Azula like a hammer. His family’s existence burned down to ashes, returning to nothing. No rain fell, no the night breeze was warm, almost comforting. The moonlight was bright.

Thanks to Sennin, Azula had found Alise and Juya in a remote warehouse where Sura Clan members were boarding carriages and heading to the Naga State Port. When their mother boarded a carriage with Juya’s family, Alise insisted on finding their father.

So, the four of them took horses taking advantage of the night to head to the magistrate’s compound in their district.

Juya had a contact he was paying who would show them a way into the prisons to visit Marius, Yemin, and all the other Sura Clan members under arrest.

However, when they found the contact, the man led them to the district morgue and asked them to identify the Sura Clan bodies lying on countless mats in the open space inside.

At first, it felt like a bad dream, until Azula recognized his father’s distinctive hair clip. It held several braids crafted by his mother. Azula had crafted the silver clip and gifted it to Marius as a birthday gift two years ago. Their father had worn it every day since.

“No.”

Azula wasn’t aware of the words leaving his lips as he jumped over his fallen clans’ men to the pallet where his father lay. A white sheet covered his face. Azula pulled it down half hoping he was wrong, but then he stared at his father’s face, and the world crashed around him.

*****

Raithion was too late when he found Azula. It was right before dawn, the moonlight fading to give way to the sun.

Raithion had ridden all over the city trying to find Azula. Raithion followed a gut feeling as dawn approached and returned to the Doriel Manor. A pang of fear filled him when he saw dark smoke rising in the backyard. He stopped at the open back door when he saw the large fire burning in the middle of the back courtyard.

Azula knelt on the ground in their family’s back courtyard. He wore white robes and his hair was without braids and turned a strange black color. The messy strands fell down his back in disarray.

Next to Azula was a young woman who had also dyed her hair black. She wore a white dress and seemed unresponsive.

Raithion assumed she was Alise, Azula's older sister. She knelt next to her brother staring at the large funeral pyre that was burning away.

Two men hovered next to the two siblings. Their gazes were wary when they saw Raithion and Haedor who stood behind him.

****

“We should go, Azula,” Sennin said. “Let’s go back to the Sura Island. You and your sister will be enough to give our people a way forward and to rebuild. We’ll survive this.”

“How?” Azula asked his gaze on the burning funeral pyre, his father’s remains burned to ash, reduced to nothing.

“Step by step, breath by breath, Azula. We will gain back what our family has lost. Build a strong foundation so that we don’t fall this hard again. You are your parents’ son. I know you can help us rebuild. But we need to leave here,” Juya said. “Your sister needs you now.”

Azula closed his eyes doing his best to take in Juya’s words. They sounded like a dream. A dream he did not think he could bring to life. Opening his eyes, he stared at the funeral pyre where his father and Alise’s betrothed, Yemin, burned.

Alise had fainted the moment she saw Yemin’s body. Her reaction was so strong, that they had needed a healer to help wake her up. So, Juya and Sennin were looking to Azula for decisions.

He could barely believe his father’s death. Marius Doriel was dead.

Azula let that truth sink in for the duration of his father’s cremation. He kept kneeling until the fires cooled and only ashes were left of twenty-eight Sura Clan members. Sennin was resourceful. He put Marius and Yemin’s ashes in different white cloth bags and brought them to Azula and Alise. Alise held the white cloth bag with Yemin's ashes tight, hugging it to her chest.

Juya and Sennin worked fast packing away the other twenty-six ashes and labeling each one carefully for transport. Their families would be waiting for them on the island.

Azula waited on his knees. He untied the white cloth bag and stared at his father’s ashes. He dipped his right thumb into the ashes and brought the pad to his forehead making a large black dot.

"I’ll find out who did this to you, and Yemin. I vow to protect our clan, Papa. They will never suffer injustice again. I, Azula, will see to it,” Azula said.

“We’re ready,” Sennin said, coming to help Azula up while Juya helped Alise to her feet.

Azula tightened the tie on the bag he held and turned away from the spent fires. The manor was of no use anymore. If it were up to him he would burn the place down, but there was much he did not understand yet. Maybe his father had left a clue here. He had no time to look at it now, but maybe later…much later he would return to see.

Azula paused when he saw Raithion standing by the back door staring at him in the fading moonlight. Anger rose so hot it threatened to drown him.

Sennin’s grip on his left arm tightened, restraining his reaction.

“We can’t touch him,” Sennin reminded him.

Azula nodded and kept walking, aware of his sister who was still listless. Juya was guiding her into the manor. They would not stop. The carriage Azula brought would carry them back to the port. No one knew whose it was, so they would not be stopped.

Azula walked up the short steps to the back door and froze when Raithion blocked his way.

“Azula.”

“Get lost,” Azula said, his voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m sorry,” Raithion said. “I’m sorry that I was late. I—”

“Get lost!” Azula shouted now, his voice gaining strength. “You broke your promises. I thought you were going to protect us, but instead…instead—”

Azula gripped his father’s ashes and shook his head, tears spilling down his cheeks. He looked up and met Raithion’s distressed green eyes.

“Those blades I gave you, consider them blades of doom,” Azula said, barely able to hide his hatred of all that Raithion stood for. “Draeya General, you wield nothing but blades of ashes. I never want to see you again. Get lost!”

Azula pushed Raithion away with his right hand and continued into the house, walking fast. Sennin followed behind him. Azula's tears fell faster as they stepped out the front door. Sennin led Azula out of the manor’s compound and into the carriage. A carriage that was meant to bring hope to his people, was now packed with ashes and his unresponsive sister.

Azula broke into hard sobs as he hugged his father’s ashes and wondered what the Sura Clan had done to deserve so much tragedy in one night.

****

Much later, in the afternoon, Gesi Ajai stood beside his wife in their great room watching Thanir and Silveren Maenaer lead their eldest son, Raithion, into the room. The trio stopped before him and his wife and exchanged pleasantries.

Basileus Dio and Soriel Maenaer followed behind the trio. Their hands were clasped tight, and a happy glow wrapped around the couple. The new imperial couple was engaged to be married in a week.

Their union was to be blessed by the Grand Dowager herself.

Gesi had never thought there would be another making plans to wed the Basileus to a powerful house. Had he known the Grand Dowager had more power than Dio’s mother, he would have approached her instead.

Too bad he had missed out on the Basileus.

However, he did not suffer any losses this time.

The finance minister was no longer a threat thanks to his Gesi's careful plans. Gesi Ajai anticipated the Basileus would appoint him to the Finance Ministry in the coming weeks for a swift closure of the forged silver case.

As for the Sura Clan. The Counterfeit Inspectors Unit had done its job, scaring everyone in the capital into giving up business with the prosperous clan. The Sura were suspected of forging silver, thanks to the ore samples, coin molds, and the Sura transport carriages discovered in their busiest workshop. The evidence was not enough to convict Marius Doriel and his clan members, but the torture they received in the interrogation had led to their deaths. Leaving the case closed and the Sura Clan exiled from the capital.

Gesi was satisfied for now.

Plus, his daughter marrying the Basileus’s brother-in-law was a bonus.

After all, thanks to Basileus Dio’s marriage to Soriel Maenaer, Raithion had risen in the ranks of nobility. He was a Commandery Prince, a title Gesi Ajai could not hope to understand how it had been crafted. He could only assume the Grand Dowager was getting on in years.

Either way, it meant Raithion Maenaer had access to all the kingdom’s armies and weapons. He could raise and command an army to defend the kingdom, which meant his wife would have some power in his domain.

Gesi smiled with glee.

Perhaps fate was helping his ambitions.

Gesi squeezed his wife’s arm, urging her to accept the engagement letter Silveren Maenaer held out to them. Benira stepped forward and took the letter with a graceful curtsy.

“I accept the engagement of our children,” Benira Ajai said with a cordial smile as she rose and met Silveren’s kind gaze. “May my daughter find happiness by your son’s side.”

“I’m glad,” Silveren said, then held her right hand to Naeri Ajai.

****

Naeri was apprehensive as she took Silveren’s hand. Her gaze was wary when she stole a look at a quiet Raithion.

“Welcome to the Maenaer House, daughter,” Silveren said as she pulled Naeri into a tight motherly hug.

Naeri instantly loved Silveren’s warmth and hoped they would be good friends as the years came. Silveren held her right hand as she introduced her to Thanir Maenaer and Raithion.

Raithion was so handsome that her heart fluttered with excitement. He was so tall too, his eyes so green and his hair so dark. She blushed at the thought of him kissing her. He stood tall, untouched by the events happening around him.

Naeri frowned when it was time to toast their engagement.

Raithion was cold through the short ceremony of their engagement.

She tried to smile at him more than once but his gaze remained indifferent, even as he hooked his right arm with hers to sip from his goblet for their toast.

Naeri started to worry that she was marrying an ice berg.

What fate was this her father had bought her?

****