Caught off guard, Mara hesitated, then bowed low. ‘Great One. I crave pardon for my intrusion.’
The cowled figure turned. Mara recognized Fumita as enigmatic dark eyes swept across her. ‘You do not interrupt, Mara of the Acoma. You merely find two old men reminiscing.’
His statement was kindly meant, but even the casual scrutiny of a member of the Assembly was disquieting in Mara’s state of barely contained agitation. ‘I would return later,’ she apologized. ‘But time is limited, and I have need to speak with Lord Kamatsu.’
The Warchief of Clan Kanazawai waved the Lady toward a sumptuous pile of cushions. ‘Have you eaten, Lady Mara? If not, my servants might bring you refreshment.’
Mara accepted the seat gratefully, but the thought of any food caused her stomach to feel queasy. ‘A little tesh will be sufficient for my needs.’ As one of the Shinzawai servants departed unobtrusively for the kitchen, she glanced around the room. ‘Where is Hokanu?’
The elder Lord of the Shinzawai smiled in a warmth of indulgence. ‘He will be distressed to learn that he missed your visit, Lady Mara. But as acting Force Commander of the house, and Subcommander to Lord Keda, he is needed in the hills with the army.’ Sadness touched his expression as he added, ‘Like every clan in the Empire, the Kanazawai make ready for war.’
Then, presuming she called to learn what had become of her contract of marriage proposal, Kamatsu sighed. As if a weight bore down upon his shoulders, he gestured to his visitor in appeal. ‘Mara, in other, calmer times, nothing would please me better than to bind my house to one as honoured as the Acoma.’ His honesty was genuine as he qualified. ‘Nor could I wish for a daughter-in-law more resourceful than you. But although my first son was not lost, as we first supposed, he will not be returning to rule after me. He has been granted his own title to lands by the King of Isles. As his father, I honour his choice to remain in the land of Midkemia. Hokanu remains my heir.’
Aware that the older man paused to search for words, Mara tried to relieve him of his discomfort. ‘It was not for the marriage contract that I came here. Please, do not feel obligated to deliver your answer to me in times when other difficulties surround us.’
Kamatsu returned a warming smile. ‘Your thoughtfulness is appreciated, Lady Mara. I have always understood Hokanu’s reasons for favouring you. In fact, if the choice were simply personal, he would have had me send acceptance on the day your writ arrived. The delay in answering your request was mine alone, since the future of our land is precarious. I’m not certain any of us will be in a position to enjoy weddings after tomorrow.’
So he also had heard about Tasaio’s call to confront the Emperor. Forgetful of the presence of the Great One who sat motionless as shadow in the corner, Mara regarded the man who was among the most honoured rulers in the Empire. His age lay lightly upon him. The silver hair at his temples made him look distinguished rather than old, and his eyes were kindly with laugh lines. Where Hokanu’s intelligence held an intensity like fire, the father had weathered with years to a quiet, confident wisdom. Intuitively, Mara sensed that this was a ruler to whom she could speak her true mind.
‘Hear me out,’ she said earnestly. ‘For what I say is intended for the Good of the Empire.’ With that formal beginning she outlined a plan she had been contriving to set into play since sundown the day before.
Before the entrance to what had been the High Council section of the palace, Tasaio and his black-and-orange-clad honour guard were halted by a contingent of a dozen Imperial Whites. In full ceremonial regalia, and commanded by a Strike Leader whose golden plumes spread like a fan over his polished helm, they stood in neat ranks across the entrance, barring the way.
Before Tasaio could speak, the Imperial Strike Leader held up his hand. ‘My Lord of the Minwanabi, you are commanded to present yourself to the Light of Heaven, who awaits your presence within the chamber formerly employed by the High Council.’ The officer motioned, and his warriors stepped smartly aside, allowing Tasaio clear passage.