Keep grudges well hidden.
Lord Jizu' He, Great-General of Ochelon
The revel had begun. Dancers sashayed around the imperial garden, silk ribbons fluttering like streaks of light beneath the hanging lanterns. The drifting scent of perfumed blossoms mingled with the aroma of spiced wine and roasted meats sizzling on gilded braziers. Nobles cloistered together in groups, chatting over glasses of wine. Blue-robed palace servants wove between them like phantoms, balancing trays of food aloft.
A royal chair had been placed in the heart of the garden, near the central fountain, which gushed water infused with crushed lumina petals, making it glow a soft silver in the dark. Around it, delicate pastries and celebration crackers were arranged on spindly tables of polished jade. The Dowager sat alone, her posture serene, neither servant nor guard flanking her—a deliberate display of royal propaganda. A display of the monarch as humble and accessible.
Occasionally, high-ranking guests approached with raised goblets, offering respectful toasts, which she acknowledged with a slight tilt of her head before sipping. Tez' Mu fixed his gaze on her. She had drunk quite a lot. Yet, her countenance did not change, nor her speech turn.
"Your Majesty," the royal steward, Hu' Ran, stepped forward and bowed deeply, his voice carrying over the garden's revelry. "It is time for the noble offspring's display."
Finally, Tez' Mu thought.
The Dowager inclined her head. "Is it already? Then this queen shall see their progress since my last banquet. Let them spar."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Hu' Ran turned away.
"Tez'," Raq' Mu called in a low voice. Tez' Mu was already on his feet. Across the garden, Keiran' Ru rose from beside her mother. Jun' He also emerged from behind his uncle, stepping into the open. No ke or kel was present from the House of Kest. The Dowager's gaze flickered over to their table, her displeasure subtle. The lesser houses, eager to seize the opportunity, quickly put forth their heirs. Within moments, thirty noble offspring stood before the Dowager, weapons in hand.
Hu' Ran separated them into two groups. He handed each a sleeveless robe—red for the greater houses, green for the lesser. The robes were long vests, fastened at the chest but open at the sides, resembling a warrior's tunic without sleeves. Designed to be worn over their clothing, they draped over each heir's existing attire, reinforcing their status without hindering their mobility.
Tez' Mu found himself at the forefront of the red-clad army, along with Keiran' Ru, Jun' He, and an older Hei girl whose name he did not know. A murmur rippled through the lesser houses' tables, discontented but indistinct.
"The army that lays at the feet of Her Majesty a greater number of the opponents' robes shall be declared the victor!" Hu' Ran shouted.
He lifted a short brass horn to his lips. A deep, resonant note sounded. Almost immediately, shimmering lines of energy arced through the air, weaving a translucent dome around the garden. A controlled matrix—meant to contain the fight and shield spectators from stray attacks. Both armies drew their weapons.
Hu' Ran let out a longer note. "Fight!"
Tez' Mu ran forward, red fabric streaking in his periphery. A burly boy met him mid-charge, a scimitar slashing toward his skull. Tez' Mu intercepted the blow, his arm vibrating with the impact, and countered with a sweeping arc of Moonfire. The boy twisted, evading the strike, then switched stances, launching an essence-infused attack.
Tez' Mu leapt back, just as an arrow whizzed past his ear. He barely had time to register the archer before his opponent lunged again. He absorbed essence into his arm, spun, and drove his fist into the boy's nose with a sickening crack. As his opponent staggered, Tez' Mu seized the front of his green robe.
Riiip! The fabric tore free. He twisted the robe into a loose knot and slung it across his chest, securing it like a sash.
WHAM! A heavy fist collided with the side of Tez' Mu's head. He caught the second punch mid-air, crushing the boy's knuckles in his grip, eliciting a yelp. Tez' Mu shoved him aside and turned, searching for the archer.
Keiran' Ru had already engaged him. The bow was gone—he'd drawn a sword, dueling her directly.
WHACK! A punch slammed into the back of Tez' Mu's head. Two dueling combatants crashed into him. He swung around. A green-robed girl clutched at his vest but lost her grip as he twisted away.
Flick! A short dagger gleamed in her hand. She lunged. Tez' Mu feinted. She adjusted—impressive. But not enough. He knocked the weapon from her grasp and tore her robe away before she could retaliate. He looped it over his belt. The extra weight swung against his hip as he ran.
She pursued him hotly, refusing to give up.
Tzzz! A faint red glow. A matrix!
Tez' Mu nearly stumbled. Even an initial-stage cultivator could draw battle sigils? He gained distance, then turned and countered with a swift matrix of his own. She fell face forward.
Without hesitation, he turned to look for his next opponent. He knew this one.
Han' Ji—his old tormentor from the Academy.
"Tez' Mu! Hand over your robe!" Han' Ji laughed, flicking his fingers. A matrix flared to life—coiling ropes of pure essence ensnaring Tez' Mu's limbs. Typical. Han' Ji had always liked stacking the odds in his favor. He lunged then, seizing Tez' Mu's robe and trying to wrest it from him.
Tez' Mu gasped as the bindings constricted, forcing the air from his lungs. Still struggling, he clenched his fists around the ropes and activated his absorption senses. It should work! They were made of essence after all. Siphon! The ropes pulsed. Han' Ji didn't notice—hands flying to Tez' Mu's throat—until something squeezed his middle. He gasped.
Tez' Mu had gained control, binding him with his own restraints.
Slash! Tez' Mu severed Han' Ji's robe and leapt away, narrowly avoiding a retaliatory attack. He jumped back at once. He couldn't fight him head on. As a Martial Grandmaster, Han' Ji was formidable.
But Tez' Mu was faster.
He weaved through the battlefield, throwing off Han' Ji's attack matrices by dodging behind red robed teammates, vaguely registering Jun' He tearing a robe from an opponent and a Yi boy deploying an intricate matrix to strip multiple foes of their vests.
Gong! A bell rang, deactivating the dome around the fighters.
Tez' Mu found himself suddenly unable to move. A moment of disorientation passed before he realized—everyone else was frozen as well. He suddenly noticed he was standing a few paces from the Dowager. Her eyes were on him.
"The mock-war is over!" Hu' Ran's voice rang out.
Both armies stepped forward, their breaths fast, their postures weary. One by one, they produced the garments they had seized. Green robes piled high on the ground. Tez' Mu stepped forward and added the three he had confiscated.
Hu' Ran counted, then straightened. "The reds win!"
A roar of approval erupted from the nobles.
Tez' Mu sought Raq' Mu's face—but his father's eyes were fixed elsewhere. A tall, lean young man was moving towards the center of the garden, slipping through the crowd slowly but surely. He was sharp featured and dark haired, and his gray robes, though finely made, bore no house sigil. Why is Father staring at him—? Tez' Mu wondered, feeling a twinge of irritation.
The noble offspring began edging back to their seats as a dancing troupe from Calsour Empire stepped out with great fanfare, announcing their acrobatic display. The young man came to a stop near the Dowager and took a knee, as the dancers started their first stunt. One of the more muscular dancers launched into a daring somersault, flipping across another performer's shoulder—the latter precariously balanced on a pole. A wave of cheers and applause rippled through the nobles.
Amid the spectacle, Tez' Mu turned, intending to return to the Mu table—only to find his path blocked. A gaggle of girls had flocked around Jun' He, their dreamy giggles ringing in the air. Tez' Mu's expression darkened.
Annoying.
He shifted his weight, preparing to push through the crowd. But just as he moved, the Dowager's voice rang out behind him.
"What did you say?" It was an unfriendly growl, as opposed to the warm, diplomatic tone she had used since the revel started.
"I said, Your Majesty—" The young man's voice suddenly rose a few octaves, "Why is His Majesty, my noble thorka, Keol' Han, not here enjoying the festivities with us?"
Tez' Mu turned sharply. The Dowager's face had hardened. The young man was now on his feet, and was smiling slightly.
"Be gone," the Dowager said, her voice low, restrained. But beneath her civility, something steely lurked.
"No, Your Majesty," the man's grin widened, "This loyal servant is concerned, as are the people of our great kingdom." He paused. Heads began to turn.
"Ochelon has a king. I come to inquire about the welfare of our beloved Reigning Sovereign King, Keol' Han. Or should I say," his lips curled, "the 'Reigning' part is merely a title, with no actual sovereignty to speak of?" He let out a dry chuckle, his eyes gleaming. "For a king who reigns, he seems remarkably absent from the throne."
Tez' Mu gasped. The Dowager's eyes had narrowed to slits. The vigorous dancing was still ongoing, but the accompanying music did not overwhelm the man's strong voice. There was no more conversation among the nobles. Asides the movement from the dancers, everyone else was still, listening in.
The Dowager pressed her lips together with displeasure. "Keol' Han is young," she spoke through her teeth, as if the answer was being forced from her mouth. "You would have a child rule you? Do not ruin my mood, subject. From which house do you hail?"
"That is of no consequence, Your Majesty." the man chuckled. Then he sighed. "I see you are determined then, to keep his majesty Keol' Han from his right," he said, taking a step closer. Tez' Mu suddenly felt his limbs tense.
Then everything happened at once.
A dancer sprang onto the fountain, causing the water to surge higher and splash everywhere. A sliver of light flashed within the young man's robe, and he moved swiftly. The Dowager's eyes widened.
Tez' Mu leapt.
CLANG! Three silver-tipped daggers pierced into the shield matrix Tez' Mu raised just in time. The impact shook his arms, but he didn't waver. In the next breath, he drew his blade from its sheath—just as the assassin lunged. He struck out a rapid kick, but Tez' Mu sidestepped and countered with a precise parry. The assassin snarled, hauling out his own sword.
Deng! The shield matrix collapsed, and Tez' Mu met the incoming blow with a swift block, using the momentum to fuel his own counterattack. Moonfire blazed red as Tez' Mu poured absorbed essence into it. The blade sliced through the air, forcing the assassin back two steps, away from the Dowager.
He spat out a curse, and then threw out his arm. A sealing matrix bloomed, a web of essence that caged Tez' Mu immediately, eliciting a yelp of pain from him. He leapt back, gritting his teeth as he decomposed the essence in the matrix and absorbed it, creating a counter-seal of his own with it. The assassin was momentarily immobilized, but he immediately recovered and countered with a wide stroke, following up quickly with a thrust towards Tez' Mu's belly.
Tez' Mu raised another shield matrix, absorbing the impact, and pushed the man back with an aura blast, catching him off guard. But the assassin was only fazed for a second. A shout rang out behind him; royal guards calling orders, rushing in. His gaze turned deadly.
Tez' Mu's arm stung as a thrust found its mark, drawing blood. He changed tactics, absorbing essence into his feet and tripping the assassin. He fell! On his way down, he sliced at Tez' Mu with another hidden dagger. Tez' Mu caught his arm and pinned it to his back, knocking the dagger out of his hand.
A blur of steel filled his vision—halberds and swords leveled as the guards finally arrived, forming a wall around them.
"Find his majesty!" the assassin cried out even as the guards closed in, struggling against Tez' Mu's hold, "Keol' Han is king! Keol' Han is king! Keol' Han is—" He was promptly gagged.
The steward stepped forward, trembling, face aghast. "Behead him!" he cried to the guards.
There was an outcry from the nobles.
The Dowager raised her hand, her face pale. "Silence! There shall be no bloodshed at my banquet! Guards, take him away!" Her voice rang out, drowning out the cries of protest.
Tez' Mu released the assassin into the hands of the guards and rose upright. He was bleeding, but the pain didn't register. His mind was still consumed with adrenaline from the fight and a sense of lingering threat. He stayed poised, watching every movement of the assassin as the guards hauled him away. It wasn't until a second voice—the steward's—cut through his concentration that he realized he had been called.
"Tez' Mu!"
Startled, he turned around. The Dowager's eyes were on him. Beside her, Hu' Ran was frowning, his expression tense as he tapped his left foot repeatedly, his arms crossed over his chest.
"I called you, son of Mu." The Dowager said, smiling faintly. "You are the reason I am not dead."
Tez' Mu immediately took a knee, holding Moonfire with its tip touching the ground. "It is your subject's honor," he replied, his voice suddenly shaky.
"Rise." The Dowager stood from her seat for the first time that evening. "Rise, son of Mu, brave warrior."
Hu' Ran stepped forward to guide her by holding her hand but she waved him off.
"Son of Mu, this monarch rewards loyalty immediately." She let the words hang in the air, the silence drawing the eyes of every noble in the garden. "Do you offer me your sword?"
Tez' Mu gazed up at her nervously.
This did not sound like a reward.
"I—" Tez' Mu wished he had an eye at the back of his head to see Raq' Mu's expression. But he didn't need one. A shadow crept up next to him, and then Raq' Mu took a knee.
"Your Majesty, I and my House are yours." Raq' Mu said loudly. Nightshaft clinked as he held it horizontally across his palms and raised it above his head.
The Dowager chuckled. "I asked for your son's sword, not yours, Raq' Mu. I know what I am doing," and she turned away from him. "Tez' son of Mu, do you receive my decree?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Tez' Mu lowered his head.
"Then let it be known—on this day, in the presence of these witnesses, I name you Head of the Onan Desar. Raise your head."
He raised his head slowly, blinking. The words echoed in his ears. Head of the Onan Desar? Had he truly just been named captain of the Imperial Bodyguard? The murmurs behind him told him everyone else was just as shocked as he was. He turned his head and glanced at his father. Raq' Mu met his gaze. He was not smiling.
The Dowager's voice came from above them, "Rise, great-general. And rise, captain," she continued.
Tez' Mu rose to his feet, stunned. The Dowager smiled again at him, then faced Hu' Ran.
"The revel is called off," she said, and turned to address the nobles. "You have all seen what just occurred. I am afraid my enemies do not even wish for me to have a banquet in peace. Good night to you all."
She placed her hand on Hu' Ran's proffered arm this time as she began to walk away from the garden.
"Tez' Mu," she called over her shoulder, her green eyes meeting his. "Go home with your family tonight. I will be expecting you tomorrow."
***
"Father, I—" Tez' Mu pushed the door to Raq' Mu's study open. Then, he paused. Four men from the Mu Army were gathered in the room, standing in a loose formation, their eyes trained on him as he entered. Arda' Zi, the Mu flag bearer, stood by the window, while Yu' Jun, Kai' Ai, and another general lingered near the table, mid-conversation.
Tez' Mu took a few strides into the study, nodding at the men. "Where's my father?"
"He's not here yet," Yu' Jun replied.
Tez' Mu took another look at them. It was just a few hours before saorxi, the morning meal, and he had come looking for Raq' Mu to find out what he would do upon arriving at the palace.
"Ahem," the general Tez' Mu did not know coughed. "Good work yesterday. And congratulations on your appointment."
Tez' Mu was taken aback. He lowered his head slightly. "Thank you," he replied. His chest tightened as an awkward silence settled after his words. He shifted on his feet, intending to leave.
He met Raq' Mu at the door.
"Tez'?" Raq' Mu looked surprised, "Why are you here?"
"Father," Tez' Mu stepped back and bowed. "I wanted to see you."
"My lord general," the men in the room saluted. Raq' Mu glanced at then, then at Tez' Mu.
"Tez', give me a few moments." He strode into the room and clasped the generals' hands as he passed them on his way to his chair. "Wait outside," he added.
Tez' Mu nodded, stepped out, and pushed the door shut—then hesitated. A sudden thought made him leave it open a crack. He stomped away from the door with loud footfalls, only to creep back moments later, peering in and straining his ears to catch the men's whispers.
"Speak, Vin' Yu," he heard Raq' Mu murmur to the general who had congratulated him.
Vin' Yu stepped forward. "My lord, I was unable to uncover the assassin's identity. The Imperial Palace has cut off all news. In fact, the populace isn't aware of the attack," he reported.
Kai' Ai frowned. "Then what was the reason given for the revel's sudden cancellation?"
"Propaganda," Vin' Yu sneered, "The steward spread the rumor that the Dowager changed her mind and will now use the revel's funds to resettle the refugees in Rikan."
Raq' Mu raised his hand, silencing Kai' Ai before he could retort. "The prestige of the imperial family must be upheld," he muttered. "And from my perspective, Hu' Ran has handled this well. What I want to know, though, is who sent the assassin?"
"We can guess from what he said," Arda' Zi murmured in an even lower voice, "Who wants the young king on the throne?"
No one answered. Raq' Mu suddenly looked displeased. He rose to his feet and sighed, stepping out from behind the table to circle the room once. The men's eyes followed him as he returned to the table.
"We shall see," he said at last, more to himself than to his generals. "Keep an eye on the envoys—especially Arban Empire. They're not in a treaty with us yet and any infighting among us will only profit them."
"What about the Miyuans?" Yu' Jun asked.
"And Tez' Mu's appointment?" Kai' Ai added.
Raq' Mu narrowed his eyes. "It just happened to be Tez' Mu," he shrugged. "It could have been anyone. Now go. Do as I said earlier. The House of Mu and its allies must remain vigilant."
"Yes." the men bowed and began to shuffle towards the door. Tez' Mu quickly pushed it shut, and hurried to stand by the archway with the Four Oaths. He watched the servants sweeping the hall absentmindedly, thinking about what he heard.
Footsteps soon came from behind him and he turned. The others passed by quickly, but Vin' Yu slowed his pace. "Your father is ready for you now," he smiled.
"Alright," Tez' Mu nodded, puzzled as to his friendliness. The Mu generals had never liked him. He mulled it over as he returned to the study. Was their civility a result of his appointment? Were they considering what the Mu Army stood to gain—just as Kai' Ai had implied?
Raq' Mu was bent over a small map when Tez' Mu re-entered the room. A pin was in his hand, his brow was furrowed. Tez' Mu had seen this expression many a time.
"Father," he called.
Raq' Mu raised his head, frowning. "I thought the Dowager asked you to report this morning. What are you dawdling for?"
"It's still early," Tez' Mu mumbled. "And I was waiting to ask you what I am to do when I get to the palace."
Raq' Mu smirked. "Are you offering me your sword, Tez'?"
"If that's what this means."
Raq' Mu's gaze sharpened. "You and I both serve one monarch, Tez'. We should serve as expected and not let others use us to achieve their own aims," he chided.
"But I am first a member of the House of Mu. If we fall, Ochelon falls with us," Tez' Mu stood his ground.
Raq' Mu looked unexpectedly pleased with what he said. He chuckled. "Then, son of the House of Mu, what do you think?" He asked, lacing his fingers and placing his chin on it.
"Someone is after the Dowager's life," Tez' Mu said.
"Not necessarily," Raq' Mu countered.
"Why do you say that? The assassin was fighting to the death against me." A chill passed through him at the memory.
"Of course he would fight to the death against you, but you can't say for certain that his goal was to kill the Dowager," Raq' Mu asserted. "Before you can conclude that someone is after her majesty's life, there should be two or three more attempts. But that's beside the point."
He rose, "What do you want to do?"
"What do you want me to do?" Tez' Mu returned the question.
"Do your duty," Raq' Mu answered as he stepped out from behind his table again. "And do it well. Until it comes to contradict your primary loyalty to the House of Mu." He was now standing in front of Tez' Mu, looking straight into his eyes. "A soldier serves where he is placed, Tez', but some oaths run deeper than others."
Tez' Mu gazed back at him, remembering the day Raq' Mu had pronounced he would one day lead the Mu Army.
"Yes, Father," he said finally, putting his fist over his right breast and bowing formally.
Raq' Mu put an arm on his shoulder. "Since you've lingered, you mustn't leave without saying goodbye to your mother."
The door creaked open. They both turned.
"My lord," Essa-kest' Mu entered, carrying a bei robe on her left arm. Behind her, Eima followed, her arms filled with neatly folded clothes.
Raq' Mu acknowledged her with a nod. "I was just telling Tez' to go look for you before he left."
Essa-kest' Mu's eyes were red and puffy. She looked as if she hadn't slept well. Tez' Mu parted his lips to ask why, but before he could, she crossed the room and draped the bei robe over his shoulders.
"Yellow doesn't suit him," she muttered to herself. "Eima, bring the black one."
"What—what's this for, mother?" Tez' Mu asked as Eima supplied Essa-kest' Mu another heavily sequined robe which she promptly placed over the first.
"You're now a member of the Dowager's Court. And there's also the prestige of the House of Mu to uphold. You can't arrive at the palace without turning heads," Essa-kest' Mu nagged, fussing over the fit as she held up yet another robe against his body.
"Yellow makes him look sickly, green is out of the question—ancestors!" she swore suddenly, startling everyone in the room. "You Mus and your red hair!" She exclaimed as the deep purple robe Eima handed her clashed hideously against it.
"My lady," Eima spoke up timidly, after the pile of discarded robes had grown. "I think the black one suits my ke best," She bent down and retrieved the black robe from where Essa-kest' Mu had tossed it.
Tez' Mu took it from her. "Thanks, Eima-duen." Then he turned to Essa-kest' Mu. "I'll be leaving now, mother."
Her eyes welled up as she put her arms around his shoulders.
"The nest is becoming empty— only Chan' is left. I don't even know where Riel' and Rian' are right now. And Royan'—" She lowered her head. "Royan' has also left home. What can I do for you children to keep you safe?"
"It's alright," Raq' Mu drew her off him, rubbing her shoulders. "As much as you care for him, you can't keep him from his destiny."
***
Tez' Mu held up the gold token of Mu Manor as he rode to the towering gates of the imperial palace. A sentry on the wall shouted to another, and with some creaking of iron and wood, the gates were pushed open. He spurred his horse, and rode slowly inside. Ahead, where the main paved road ended, a uniformed groom awaited him. Tez' Mu swung down from his horse, his movements fluid, and handed the reins to the middle-aged groom without a word.
"My lord," the groom bowed.
Tez' Mu gripped his sword as he walked up to the Scith, the building rising higher and higher within his sight and eventually enveloping him as he entered at the main door. Tez' Mu wondered how it could look avidly different from the previous day, when a reveling mood gripped the whole palace. Now, because of a single disturbance, everything had changed. The Scith was back to its somber mood.
Inside, there were a few lords who sat or stood around, chatting, whose heads turned as Tez' Mu strode in. Their eyes followed him as he marched forward, heading straight for the only person he recognized, the royal steward.
"Son of Mu," Hu' Ran looked him over. "Welcome to the Scith."
"Thank you, steward," Tez' Mu replied, inclining his head.
"I expect you want to know what you are to do?" Hu' Ran raised his eyebrows. Tez' Mu nodded. "It's pretty simple. You just have to stand behind the throne when her majesty comes in. Ancestors forbid another mad man wielding a knife; but precautions must be taken."
"I understand," Tez' Mu replied.
"The assembly is just for a few hours." Hu' Ran continued conversationally. "You can decide to take your title seriously and fix a few things over at the Onan Desar, but that's not compulsory. Your deputy can handle that."
"Oh," was all Tez' Mu could say. A servant approached Hu' Ran and whispered in his ear. The steward nodded and then cleared his throat to announce the Dowager Queen's presence. The lords and judges had moved to stand at their official positions and they all bowed as the regally dressed woman swept in from the door behind the dais and took her seat.
Tez' Mu dropped to a knee at the foot of the dais, then ascended the steps and took his place behind the throne.
"Commence proceedings," the Dowager muttered to Hu' Ran, her voice low and dispassionate. She wore a flowing white wudan robe embroidered with iridescent threads that shimmered like captured starlight. Tiny rhinestones, reminiscent of morning frost, adorned the sleeves, glinting each time she moved. Her hair was twisted into a ruhan bun, a style reserved for sovereign matriarchs, fastened with a golden hairpin shaped like a coiled dragon.
Hu' Ran straightened. "Commence proceedings!" His voice rang through the vast chamber, reverberating off the high vaulted ceiling where painted constellations bore silent witness over the court.
One of the lords stepped forward, fingers absentmindedly twirling a ring set with onyx. "Royal affairs or kingdom affairs first, Your Majesty?"
Tez' Mu heard the Dowager chuckle. He could not see her expression, but he was sure she sneered.
"Have it your way," she replied.
Two lords stepped forward in unison, their dark ceremonial robes embroidered with sigils of their respective houses. They bowed deeply, pressing their hands against their chests in a gesture of respect.
"Your Majesty, these subjects want access to the confession of the assassin," they said in unison.
"For what reason?" A judge raised his eyebrows as he countered them, his ceremonial chain of office glinting against his chest.
"The Scith must be informed," another lord answered, his voice measured. "If there are those within our midst who seek to shatter the kingdom into ruin, should we continue to hold friendly relations with them?" as he spoke, Tez' Mu focused on the totem on his chest. A silver deer, its eyes inlaid with lapis. This was the lord of House Kel.
"It's your blame if lords and judges of the Scith maintain dubious relations in the first place," came a low murmur from another noble.
"But I agree with Lord Kel and Lord Ren," Muri' Ji lent his voice, "The Scith should know the fate of the assassin, Your Majesty. If we are to serve as your subjects, our minds must be at rest. Moreover, we will be better positioned to aid in eliminating the masterminds behind the plot."
"Her majesty must have her reasons for withholding the confession," another judge countered, shaking his head. "What if the mastermind is among us?"
A sharp intake of breath spread through the gathered nobility. Then, a storm of voices erupted, each lord loudly affirming their allegiance, some going as far as to curse the judge who dared cast such a suspicion. Tez' Mu stood still, but his fingers twitched. He noted that the noble lords of the largest houses—Jin' Hei, Lord Lu, and Great-general He—had yet to speak.
"Silence!" Hu' Ran suddenly barked.
"Next case," The Dowager yawned, the golden dragon on her pin flashing as she tilted her head lazily.
The murmurs quieted as the lords debated their next matter. Eventually Lord Ren, his face drawn, stepped forward. He was in charge of diplomatic affairs.
"Your Majesty," he began, hands folded within his sleeves. "There is disturbance on the Ochelon-Arban border, especially the Najan station. A band of dissenters of uncertain origin are raiding Arban villages on one side while also pillaging desert settlers on ours."
"What do they want?" The Dowager asked.
"Uncertain." Lord Ren admitted. "It appears to be ideological. But, Your Majesty, coupled with the assassination attempt—" he hesitated, glancing around as if weighing his words, "—I fear we have a revolt at our doorstep."
Murmurs started among the judges again.
Hu' Ran raised his hand. "You have not finished, Lord Ren. What ideology are the bandits pushing?"
Lord Ren blanched. He opened his mouth, then closed it. Feeling all the courtiers eyes were on him, he paled even further.
"I—I really—"
"The legitimacy of the head with the crown!" A powerful voice cut through the air. All turned toward the entrance of the Scith.
Illuminated by the sunlight pouring in from the wide windows of the Scith, the flag of the House of Mu moved as if on fire. Behind the flag bearer, Raq' Mu marched in, his red hair reflecting the light, scattering ruby-tinted patches on his face. He was clad in full armor, and Nightshaft was visible on his belt.
"Are we going to war, Raq' Mu?" Jin' Hei was the only one who spoke.
Raq' Mu's lips curled, but his eyes were dark. "Perhaps, in a bit," he said. Then, he strode to the foot of the dais and bent one knee. "Your Majesty!"
Tez' Mu gazed at him, stunned.
"As I said, the robbers in the west resist your leadership," Raq' Mu said as he rose. "And it is no coincidence that their actions align with the assassin's attack. Najan, Guho, Kehir—" he raised three fingers, "—all are witnessing simultaneous upheavals. This is separate from the headache called the Haru Invaders of the south. This is something else."
"I received intelligence," Raq' Mu continued, "that all three factions bear the same name, despite the vast distances separating them. This is a coordinated strike against the imperial house."
Hu' Ran narrowed his eyes. "What are they called?"
Raq' Mu exhaled. "Keolyor. 'The King's Army.'"
The words sent a ripple of unease through the hall. Tez' Mu's gaze flicked to the Dowager. Her knuckles whitened as she gripped the armrest of the throne.
She took a deep breath.
"Is there anyone in this chamber who wishes to ask me a foolish question?" She growled.
"Pardon, Your Majesty?" Even Hu' Ran was shocked.
"Good." she hissed. "I'm glad there is none. Raq' Mu! Jizu' He!" Her voice rang through the hall. "I leave these bandits to you both." She moved to stand.
"It is not that simple, Your Majesty," Jin' Hei said, stepping forward. The crowd parted for him.
"Killing rebels will not kill their cause. For now, they are few; the minority. As soon as you start exterminating them, however, you have begun to feed a cancerous sore that will be difficult to excavate: public pity. Once the citizens take up their request, you will have no choice but to give in" His voice was grave.
"What exactly are you saying, Lord Hei?" The Dowager's tone was cold.
"Give the citizens an explanation first, before you start killing the rebels. In fact, give the rebels an answer as well. What do they want to know?" Here his face became stern, "Where is the king?"
The Dowager's lips curled. "This again?" she suddenly chuckled dryly, "Then answer yourself, Lord Hei. Where do you think he is? Where does a king live?"
Jin' Hei did not flinch. "Wherever a king pleases, Your Majesty. Since he was born, I Jin' Hei and, I can vouch, the majority of these lords here, have never set our eyes on His Majesty. We lords don't even know what he looks like. Naturally, some people will want an explanation. Where is he? Why has he never appeared? For how long will you stand in for him, Your Majesty?"
The Dowager was silent. No one countered Jin' Hei. Some were even nodding. Hu' Ran was incensed, but he could only restrain himself.
"You will still answer yourself, Lord Hei," The Dowager finally spoke, sharply, pointing her finger down at the court, "How old is that child?!"
"His majesty is eight years old," Jin' Hei replied calmly, smirking. "There are a lot of kings that are young. That is not what the Scith is asking. We will understand that his majesty is young. We can even understand if his majesty is sick. What we do not understand, is why he has never appeared. The Scith wants answers. The Scith wants to see their king. Alive. And I ask, is he even—" He paused, his eyes searching the room, making a bold, nearly dangerous assumption, "—alive?"
"Insolence!" Hu' Ran could not take it any longer, "insolence, Jin' Hei! Treachery!"
Jin' Hei sneered. "So I am treacherous for demanding the presence of the rightful ruler in court?" he chuckled. "If that is so, steward, then I accept the charge."
"Enough!" the Dowager slammed her hand down on the armrest. "I will no longer stand for this! Court dismissed!"
She rose swiftly, stalking out of the throne room. Tez' Mu, startled, did not know whether to follow her. Hu' Ran did, immediately, and Tez' Mu was left standing alone on the dais.
Raq' Mu beckoned to him, but at that moment Hu' Ran returned and crossed the landing of the dais to seize Tez' Mu's hand and drag him out after himself.