Scion of Cyador

CXXIX

The only four sitting around the Majer-Commander’s conference table are Commander Muyro, Commander Shykt, Rynst, and Lorn. Although the morning sun streams through the windows behind the Majer-Commander, a cold wind whistles outside the closed windows.

“You had three of the large portable firecannon around the Accursed Forest, and three smaller cannon, did you not?” Rynst looks at the dark-faced Muyro.

“Yes, ser. Two remain there. One of each has been stored in one of the Mirror Engineer warehouses in Fyrad, as you requested.”

“I would like you to make arrangements to bring those two now in Fyrad here to Cyad, as soon as you can.”

The faintest of nods comes from Shykt.

“Ser?” Muyro looks puzzled. “That will bring them farther from the Accursed Forest.”

“The Accursed Forest is not the problem it once was.” Rynst pauses, then goes on, almost wearily. “As you know, Commander, we now have four fireships, and perhaps we will have but three in the eightdays or seasons to come. But the firecannon will work so long as the Magi’i operate even a single chaos-tower. The Emperor has suggested that a firecannon or two might well provide greater protection for Cyad-and, upon occasion, its power could be demonstrated for the benefit of the outland traders.”

“Ah…yes, ser…but it could easily destroy…many things…here in Cyad.”

“In fact,” Rynst replies, “it may be used for such. We will be needing it…for a number of practical reasons here.”

Muyro glances across the table at Shykt, who shrugs to indicate he has no words to add.

“How soon could you arrange for the two to be transported here, Commander Shykt?”

“I would have to talk to Commander Inylt, ser, but it is no more than three days by fireship, if we could use one to bring them here. If we use a merchanter vessel, it will take an eightday, perhaps longer, if there are none with cargo space for something that large. And it will cost quite a few golds if we use a merchanter vessel.”

“You have permission to request a fireship…if that is what you were seeking.” Rynst’s smile is cold.

“Thank you, ser. We will work to have the two firecannon here as quickly as possible. Do you wish them kept in the Mirror Lancer supply warehouse?”

“Is there adequate space there-where they will be safe?” asks the Majer-Commander.

“Yes, ser. We can have an iron gate in place on the empty side in the time it will take to bring them here.”

“Good.” Rynst looks at Muyro. “You and Shykt work with Commander Inylt. I’ll expect the firecannon in less than two eightdays.”

“Yes, ser.”

“You all may go.” Rynst stands.

In the foyer outside the study, the bearded Muyro turns to Lorn. “You would not know what this is all about, would you, Majer?”

“I understand that the Emperor has asked the Majer-Commander to find a way to show the outlanders the power of Cyador,” Lorn replies. “I imagine, although no one has said anything to me, that a firecannon could be most impressive. Those used by the Mirror Engineers when I had a company at Jakaafra were extremely effective.”

Muyro shakes his head and turns, muttering to the curly-haired Shykt, “A firecannon, in Cyad. What order-fired good will that do?”

“We are not here to question the Majer-Commander, Muyro,” Shykt responds. “We are to make sure his orders are carried out. We should find Inylt before the Majer-Commander contacts him directly…”

Lorn turns toward the steps that will take him down to his study, and the short report he must write on the meeting.