The confusion grew stronger, tainted with anger.
"I know," said Tessolar simply. "I know." He took a deep breath. "I saw High Lord Koraku with my own eyes as he gave his assurances that he was voluntarily joining his house to the Emperor’s. If he was acting, it was an excellent performance."
"What does this mean?" someone called.
Lord Devon frowned but High Lord Tessolar regarded the man gravely. "What does it mean? It means a great increase in the Emperor’s power, both economic and military." Tessolar did little to disguise his anger. "It will be impossible for any house to improve their fortifications or build new ones without the express permission of the Emperor. The Toraks will now take on imperial purple and the sun and star raj hada of Raj Tingara. Torakon will just be a land within Xenovere’s borders."
"What about the Primate? Surely he must have said something."
"What could he say?" Lord Devon replied for the High Lord. "High Lord Koraku’s move was voluntary. The Primate said he can only interfere if there is a threat to the peace. He says there is currently no threat to the peace."
Everyone started to speak at once. High Lord Tessolar held up his hand. "I go now to consult with our allies, Raj Halaran. Perhaps they can shed some light on this. Be wary of who you speak to, Altura has few friends here. Go in peace."
Once more the High Lord touched his fingers to his lips and forehead, and then stepped off the podium.
~
MIRO was as shocked as anyone. It was such an unexpected move, coming from nowhere. What house would voluntarily give up its traditions, its colour, its lore, its raj hada? The very idea was repugnant.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and jumped. It was Tuok.
"Guard duty. Your head still troubling you?"
Miro shook his head. "No."
"Come on."
Once more the Alturans paid a visit to the Halrana market house. Miro wondered if there was some subtle political nuance here, why High Lord Tessolar was always visiting Halrana home territory.
He entered the strange room and again lined up against the far wall with the other Alturan soldiers. The tension was higher than ever before. Without fanfare the lords took their seats.
"Firstly, so I know. Have you found your Lexicon?" High Lord Tessolar began.
High Lord Legasa sighed. He looked older. The Halrana High Lord wiped a hand over his forehead. "No. The High Animator says he has made some small progress. That is all I know."
"I am sorry," said Tessolar.
Legasa spoke, "This makes it even more imperative that we plot a course of action. The Emperor is moving. He consolidates his power as we speak. Lord of the Earth, what was Koraku thinking? They have always been fiercely independent. Allies of the Emperor, yes. It would be hard not to be when they share such a large border. But merging with Raj Tingara? It’s unthinkable!"
"Well the unthinkable has happened," Lord Marshal Devon said.
Legasa put his head in his hands, and then looked up. "Tessolar — let me speak plainly."
Miro was surprised to hear the High Lord addressed by his first name.
"Our every bone screams against this move of the Emperor’s, but we are weak. We need to combine our forces, for Altura to send her men to stand by our side. Together we will be stronger. We have the Ring Forts, but we need your men. He is going to attack, I can feel it."
Miro’s blood went cold. Two rulers were here in front of him, plainly discussing war. War between his nation and the nation he was presently in.
"I agree with you," Tessolar said. He licked his lips. "Something is happening here that we’re only just coming to terms with. This is the biggest threat we’ve faced since the Rebellion."
"I agree, so let us be ready! Let us make the first move! We cannot take the defensive like we did last time. With Torakon lands at his disposal Xenovere will simply continue to build his forces on the Azure Plains until we are forced to surrender due to lack of supplies, lack of essence, and lack of men."
"We need time!"
"We cannot afford it!" said High Lord Legasa.
"As old as our alliance is, you must give us time. In the name of the men who died in the Rebellion, Alturan and Halrana, you must give us time. If we provoke the Emperor now, we don’t have a chance."
"Think about what you are saying, Tessolar. The Emperor will attack, you agree, but you don’t want to deploy your men to the Ring Forts because you think it will provoke him. We need to take the initiative! Honour our alliance, Tessolar."
Captain Sloan spoke up, "High Lord, I believe…"
"Silence," Tessolar snapped.
Devon took a breath. "High Lord Tessolar, the Halrana speak sense."