Scion of Cyador

LXXXIII

The two men pause in the third-floor corridor, outside the main and empty audience hall of the Palace of Eternal Light. Fifty cubits behind them are a pair of guards. Otherwise, the corridor is vacant.

“Greetings, most honored Second Magus,” offers Luss.

“Greetings to you, Captain-Commander.” Kharl inclines his head. “I have not seen you often recently.”

“With fewer audiences being held by His Mightiness…I have been occupied in the Mirror Lancer Court.”

“Ah, yes, I understand. The difficulties in Jerans…rather embarrassing, I would imagine. It must be difficult to persuade the Emperor of the necessity of more lancers in the north when a sub-majer is able to ravage the land and take a major port with less than six companies, and then bring back more golds than his expedition cost.”

“He moved quickly, and raided effectively,” Luss counters. “He took nothing…except, of course, a number of blades, including quite a few that were shipped to the barbarians by the house of the former Merchanter Advisor…and one other house. The Mirror Lancers remain astounded, of course, that the farseeing Magi’i were unaware of this.” The Captain-Commander bows slightly. “There is talk, I also have heard, that Vyanat’mer may move to strip clan status from Bluyet House.”

“There is always talk, but we have not heard such from Vyanat himself, and he is most direct.”

“Oh, most honored and devious of Magi’i, you suggest that some plant the rumors so that Vyanat will seem weak when he does not do such.”

“That has been known to happen,” replies Kharl smoothly. “And when will your young sub-majer who caused this…unsettling…return to Cyad?”

“He should be here shortly.” Luss glances to the west, toward the lower building that holds the headquarters of the Mirror Lancers.

“Today?” presses the Second Magus.

“That is possible.” The Captain-Commander smiles, and his bushy black eyebrows lift. “You seem most interested in a mere sub-majer. But then you do have a certain…interest.”

“I do,” admits Kharl. “He is a former student magus, and all such reflect on the Magi’i, although to date he has reflected most credibly upon the Mirror Lancers. You act as though you are worried about him coming forth to present himself. Will he? Or does he indeed need to worry?”

“You would know better than I, honored Second Magus, for he is related to you, if somewhat indirectly.”

“Were he my son, or a full magus, I would have no doubts. But since he is not, and since he is a lancer…” Kharl shrugs. “That is why I inquire of you. I also must admit that I am curious to see how you and the Majer-Commander receive him. And scarcely for-as you put it-for personal interests.”

“Oh?”

“His actions have pointed out weaknesses in the Mirror Lancers and corruption in the merchanters. Were anything to happen to him, particularly immediately, more questions would be raised about the Mirror Lancers being somehow…indebted to the merchanters.” Kharl laughs. “I know that such could never happen, but the perception would be there, nonetheless. It would not affect the less-senior officers, for young Lorn’s actions would be taken as more…representative…of their abilities and motivations.”

“The Majer-Commander is most aware of the subtleties of the situation.”

“As I am most certain you are, Captain-Commander,” Kharl suggests. “You have always placed the reputation of the Mirror Lancers high in your priorities.”

“As have you the reputation of the Magi’i in yours.” Luss bows. “If you will but excuse me, honored Second Magus, the Majer-Commander expects me most shortly.”

“I am most certain that he does, and I wish you well.”