Migo let the conversation end there as they proceeded to eat. The lavishness of the feast was far beyond Migo’s wildest expectations. There were foods he’d never seen before, which was impressive enough considering the fact that he’d been raised as a prince of a nation well known for its food, but simultaneously not surprising since he hadn’t eaten with his mother since his father’s death.
Not that Migo was fond of elaborate foods to begin with. He stuck with the meats while Katsi shamelessly ate every fruit within reach, occasionally flicking something behind her so Scales could eat as well.
Migo caught snippets of conversation amongst the shamans. In order for his plan to work, he needed their utmost devotion, a fact that felt more than a little disconcerting. Adrina, who sat between Katsi and Jafir, was discussing the progress of completing the artifact from Ranaz’s blood. He seemed confident that it just needed a few tweaks and then fitting, which could be resolved with a single visit to his workshop.
Further down the line, Geshan was discussing a recurring vision she was having. Something about a thick fog and many faces in the snow. It was eerie, and Migo could only wonder if it would become more distinct.
As the meal ended, Migo stood for a brief speech. “Thank you everyone for attending,” he said, wondering why he was thanking them for eating the food that he provided. “I hope my marriage serves as a symbol of growth, not only for a single family, but for all of us. There are good days to come that will make the dark days worth it.” He paused for a small applause. “Also, let it serve as an example of unity. As you know, I am not a shamanfolk, unlike the previous emperor, but my wife is. Shamanfolk and Marems have not been openly allied for centuries. It is one of the greatest tragedies. Let it be known that your empress and I have every intention of serving all people. To the end.” He lifted his glass to a round of applause before everyone else lifted their own drinks.
Migo emptied his glass of whatever fruity beverage they’d filled it with. He would have preferred water, but never had an opportunity to express this to the servants yet.
He watched carefully as the room celebrated his speech. Katsi looped her hand around his arm as she finished her own juice in one large gulp.
Satisfied with the results, Migo nodded to Katsi and they stepped out from their chairs, but the day was not done. He and Katsi stood behind the shamans as they got up from their chairs as well, turning to face them.
“I believe it’s time we had an official meeting,” Migo said, addressing the shamans. “We are long overdue for discussing your roles and the fate of Malahem. Care to join me?” He pointed his arm toward the nearest door.
“Of course, Your Excellency,” Daraden said with a bright smile, regarding the others with the same expression. He led the way toward the door as the rest of the shamans followed, Adrina giving him the slightest of nods.
Katsi squeezed Migo’s arm as they navigated their way out of the dining hall. They gave a final wave to the guests. Katsi directed the group to the best, nearest room as she was more familiar with the castle than Migo was. It was a practice room, one wall equipped with racks of weapons. A long bench lined one side of the room.
The shamans all shuffled in, but nobody chose to sit. “I will make this simple,” Migo said, folding his arms. “I need your allegiance or I need you to leave this castle immediately.”
Geshan immediately started for the door, but she was alone.
“Geshan,” Adrina said. “I have already promised to serve the emperor.”
“But he is a child,” Geshan protested.
“All the more reason to stay and help, wouldn’t you say?” Adrina said.
Geshan frowned, looking to the rest of the shamans for any help, but none came. She shook her head. “You are all ready to die for some Marem child, are you?”
“It will not come to that,” Jafir said. “However slim a chance we have, we must believe it is worth fighting for. Unless you have lost your faith.”
“Of course not,” Geshan snapped.
“Then perhaps you intend to go to the bleeders,” Adrina said, picking invisible lint from off her impeccable black and blue dress.
“How dare you?” Geshan scowled back at Adrina before turning her gaze to Migo. “Alright then, Your Excellency. I will serve you. I will trust you because apparently, I have no other option. I only hope our efforts will not be in vain.”
Migo tilted his head to her in respect. “I can make no promises there, but I can at least assure you of my complete devotion to this cause. I will never ask any of you to do something that I would not be willing to do myself if I had the power to do so. Now for the rest of you, do you swear to serve me as your emperor?”
“I swear it,” Daraden said, raising a hand.
“I swear it,” Jafir said.
Tebane shook his head. “I swear it as well. We need to prove that bleeder magic is good for something besides making monsters.” He glanced quickly at Migo, raising his hands and shoulders sheepishly. “No offense, Your Excellency.”
Katsi burst out laughing, slapping Migo on the shoulder. The rest of the shamans smiled nervously.
Migo shook his head, but couldn’t help the smile that crept onto his face as Katsi laughed relentlessly. She eventually covered her mouth and turned around so that her back was facing them.
Migo held back a sigh and continued to address the shamans. “Now that that’s settled, we have a couple experiments to run. I’ll share the enhancement artifacts with each of you so that we can better utilize your abilities. Adrina, Jafir, I will need your assistance. We need to travel by portaj.”
“Where are we going? Jafir asked, stroking his black mustache.
Migo bit his cheek, then said, “Rhian.”
Chapter twenty-nine
Defense
A steady rain pounded the streets of Jehubal. Hatan watched from a second story covered balcony of Rikaydian Palace, leaning against one of the support pillars with arms folded. In the distance, steam issued from the Frozen Waste. The air was warm and humid. He wondered how much things would change. Perhaps the Scorched Waste would become an ocean, a massive body of water that hadn’t existed since before the tidal locking.
Shanon leaned against the pillar on the other side, breaking the silence. “It seems we have a pattern of ending one war only to start another,” she said.
“Unfortunately,” Hatan said. “And young Migo Rikaydian and Katsi Danan bear the burden of changing the world. It lies with us to find a way to survive the wakes of such change.”
“It should be easier now that we are unified.”
“Is that the sentiment among the people?”
“Indeed. They are quite pleased with the outcome of the civil war, though they still wonder about the status of King Rikaydian, Savior of Jehubal.” Shanon held her hand out beyond the protected cover of the balcony, catching the rain in her hand. She and a couple other agents had spent some time in sleephouses and markets throughout the city, gathering whispered rumors.
“Well, he’s an emperor now,” Hatan muttered.
“What?”
