“I could only speak the truth to you, Hocho, no matter how disturbing.”
Hochopepa smiled. “A fact I appreciate, Milamber. I must spend some time considering the proposition.” Some of his usual humor crept back into his voice. “Perhaps you will accompany me to the Assembly? You have been absent much of the time with this house building and all; you would do well to put in an appearance now and again.”
Milamber smiled at his friend. “Of course.” He indicated that Hochopepa should lead the way to the pattern. As they walked, Hochopepa said, “If you wish to study our culture, Milamber, I still suggest you come to the Imperial Festival. There will be more political activity in the seats of the arena in that one day than could be observed in a month in the High Council.”
Milamber turned toward Hochopepa. “Perhaps you’re right I shall think about it.”
When they appeared on the pattern of the Assembly, Shimone was standing close by. He bowed slightly in greeting and said, “Welcome I was about to go looking for you two.”
Hochopepa said with mild amusement, “Are we so vital to the business of the Assembly that you must be sent to fetch us back?”
Shimone inclined his head a little. “Perhaps, but not today. I merely thought you would find the business at hand interesting.”
Milamber asked, “What is happening?”
“The Warlord has sent messages to the Assembly, and Hodiku raises questions about them. We best hurry, for they are nearly ready to begin.”
They walked quickly to the central hall of the Assembly and entered. Arrayed about a large open area was an amphitheater of open benches, they took seats in a lower row. Already several hundred black-robed Great Ones were in place. In the center of the floor they could see Fumita, the one-time brother of the Shinzawai lord, standing alone, he would be presiding over the business of the day. The presidency was allotted by chance to one of those in attendance. Milamber had seen Fumita in the Assembly only twice since being brought here.
Shimone said, “It has been nearly three weeks since I saw you in the Assembly, Milamber.”
“I must apologize, but I have been busy getting my home in order.”
“So I hear. You’re something of a source of gossip in the imperial court. I hear the Warlord himself is anxious to meet you.”
“Perhaps someday.”
Hochopepa said to Shimone, “Who can understand such a man? Taking to building such a strange home.” He turned to Milamber. “Next you’ll be telling me that you’re taking a wife.”
Milamber laughed. “Why, Hocho, how did you guess?”
Hochopepa’s eyes grew wide. “You’re not! “
“And why shouldn’t I?”
“Milamber, it is not a wise course, believe me. To this day I have regretted my own marriage.”
“Hocho, I didn’t know you were a married man.”
“I choose not to speak of it much. My wife is a fine woman, though given to an overly sharp tongue and scathing wit. In my own home I’m not much more than another servant to be ordered about. That is why I see her only on prescribed holidays, it would be bad for my nerves to see her more often.”
Shimone said, “Who is your intended, Milamber? A noble daughter?”
“No. She was a slave with me at the Shinzawai estate.”
Hochopepa mused, “A slave girl . . . hmm. That might work out.”
Milamber laughed, and Shimone chuckled. Several other magicians regarded them with curiosity, for the Assembly was not a regular forum for mirth.
Fumita held up his hand, and the Assembly became quiet. “Today there is a matter being brought before the Assembly by Hodiku.”
A thin Great One, with shaved head and hooked nose, walked from his seat in front of Milamber and Hochopepa to the center of the floor.
He surveyed the magicians in the hall, then spoke. “I come today so that I may speak about the Empire.” It was the formal opening of any business brought before the Assembly. “I speak for the good of the Empire,” he added, completing the ritual. “I am concerned about the demand made today by the Warlord for aid so he may broaden the war against the Midkemian world.”
A chorus of jeers and cries of “Politics” and “Sit down!” erupted from around the room. Soon Shimone and Hochopepa were on their feet with others crying, “Let him speak!”
Fumita held up a hand for silence, and soon the room quieted Hodiku continued “We are precedented. Fifteen years ago the Assembly sent an order to the Warlord to end the war against the Thunl Confederation.”