Scion of Cyador

VIII

The two most senior Mirror Lancer officers sit across a polished table desk from each other in the capacious study on the highest floor of the Mirror Lancer Court, two blocks west of the Palace of Eternal Light. A light drizzle falls outside the antique panes of the windows that date to the ancients, but the day is bright enough that none of the polished cupridium wall-lamps are lit.

His eyebrows lifting slightly, Rynst’alt looks at Luss’alt. “I understand that I as Majer-Commander of Mirror Lancers have transferred young Captain-pardon me, young Overcaptain Lorn-to the port detachment at Biehl, and that he is on his way there, or will be, most shortly.”

“Yes, ser. He was assigned to the northeast ward-wall, and he saw more fallen trees and creatures in little more than a year than most patrol captains do in a full tour.”

“So you decided he should be transferred to a duty with which he has no experience, not by his family, nor by his education?” Rynst smiles brightly at his Captain-Commander, then leans back in the chair upholstered and covered in green shimmercloth.

“The Emperor’s Enumerators are the ones who apply the tariff and port laws, ser, and Overcaptain Lorn need only support them.”

“An officer who has been commanding in combat and against the Accursed Forest will sit back on his mount or behind his table and accept their word? Do you think that likely?”

“Most officers would be pleased with such duty, ser.”

“Pleased or not, is it wise? With Bluoyal’s kin everywhere? How do we know that Bluoyal does not have some relative in Biehl?”

“I thought it wise, ser,” Luss replies stiffly.

“You mean that the Second Magus thought it wise?”

Luss does not quite meet Rynst’s eyes. “Overcaptain Lorn has also been seen walking with a lady merchanter-the head of Ryalor House,” Luss says. “She has suddenly become most powerful. Out of nowhere, one might say, and that seems rather odd, especially for a woman.”

“A woman who comes to power easily can be vanquished easily. Were he walking with the daughter of Liataphi, I would be concerned, Luss, but a merchanter? Even a wealthy merchanter cannot influence the Magi’i, and no merchanter can be more of an influence upon the Palace of Eternal Light than Bluoyal already is.”

Luss looks impassively through the light rain at the gray water of the harbor, and the darker water of the Great Western Ocean beyond.

Rynst points at the polished reflector of the lamp on the corner of the desk. “Cyad is like that reflector, Captain-Commander. Or like many reflectors set opposite each other. Each and every action is mirrored in every other. I know that you know what I do and plan, and you know the same of me, and each of us hides in the open behind those reflections.” A cold smile crosses the Majer-Commander’s mouth. “You are a good second-in-command, Luss, so long as you allow me to think for you. You allow Kharl to direct your thoughts…and there will be no one to protect you, for the Magi’i certainly will not. Nor will the merchanters. Especially Bluoyal.”

“He seems most capable, ser.”

“He is too capable for the merchanters, Luss.” Rynst pauses. “Rather, he is seen as too capable. Being seen as such is more dangerous than being so. As for young Overcaptain Lorn, I would watch what Kharl wishes of him. You know that Kharl’s son is the consort of the overcaptain’s younger sister, of whom young Lorn is most fond?”

“I had heard such, ser.”

“That other ambitious young magus to watch-Rustyl-he is pressing a suit for Kharl’s daughter. Watch the honorable Second Magus far more than the overcaptain. Keep such in your thoughts when you meet with the Second Magus. Also keep in mind that the First Magus cares little for the Second, and that all the Magi’i respect the fourth magus far more than the three with titles. There is a reason why they call Kien’elth ‘the Fourth Magus.’ He is most capable-and also young Lorn’s father. We are fortunate that he has no ambition to become First Magus.” Rynst pauses. “Then, given the first three Magi’i, perhaps we are unfortunate.”

“Yes, ser.” Luss’s brows lift ever so slightly.

Rynst gestures toward the door, suggesting that the meeting is at an end. “For all that, I could not have planned it better. I suggest that you consider why that is so before your next clandestine meeting with the Second Magus.”

“As you suggest, ser.” Luss’s face is impassive as he stands and offers a perfunctory bow.

“I do look out for you, Luss, even though you do not see it as such. You might also ask whether my actions and advice have benefited you. Then ask the same of what others offer.” Rynst returns Luss’s bow with a curt nod.