Pug said, “The one who lives here is brother to one of my old teachers, for whom the pattern was emplaced. That Great One called here often. I hope we may still find friends here.”
Pug went to the door and slid it slightly ajar. He peered up and down the corridor. Dominic stepped up behind him. “How far did we travel?”
“Eight hundred miles or more.”
“Amazing,” Dominic said softly.
Pug led them swiftly to another room, where the afternoon sunlight could be seen coming through a window, casting the shadow of the rooms lone occupant upon the door. Without announcing himself, Pug slid it open.
Before a writing desk sat an old man, his once powerful body shrunken by age. He squinted at the parchment before him, and his lips moved silently as he read. His robe was a deep blue, simple, but finely made. Pug was shocked, for he remembered this man as tower despite his advancing years. The last year had taken a toll.
The man looked up at the intruders. His eyes grew large as he said, “Milamber!”
Pug motioned his companions through the door and slid it behind. “Honors to your house, Lord of the Shinzawai.”
Kamatsu, Lord of the Shinzawai, did not rise in greeting. He stared at the former slave who had risen to the rank of Great One and said, “You are under edict, branded traitor, and without honor. Your life is forfeit should you be found.” His tone was cold, his expression hostile.
Pug was taken aback. Of all his allies in the plot to end the Riftwar, Kamatsu had been among the staunchest. Kasumi, his son, had carried the Emperor’s message of peace to King Rodric.
“Have I caused you offense, Kamatsur?” Pug asked.
“I had a son among those lost when you attempted to entrap the Light of Heaven with your deceit.”
“Your son still lives, Kamatsu. He honors his father and sends affection.” Pug handed Kamatsu the message from Kasumi. The old man peered at it for a long time, reading every character slowly. When he had finished, tears ran unashamedly down his leathery cheeks. “Can all this be true?” he said.
“It is true. My King had nothing to do with the deception at the truce table. Nor had I a hand in it. That mystery is long in explaining, but first hear of your son. He not only is alive, but is now counted highly in my nation. Our King sought no vengeance upon our former enemies. He granted freedom to all who would serve him. Kasumi and the others are freemen in his army.”
“All?” said Kamatsu incredulously.
“Four thousand men of Kelewan are now soldiers of my King’s army. They are counted among the most loyal of his subjects. They bring honor to their families. When King Lyam’s life was in danger, the task of guaranteeing his safety was given to your son and his men.” Pride shone in Kamatsu’s eyes. “The Tsurani live in a city called LaMut, and fight well against the enemies of our nation. Your son is named Earl of that city, as important a rank as Lord of a family, closer to clan Warchief. He is married to Megan, the daughter of a powerful merchant of Rillanon, and someday you will be a grandfather.”
The old man seemed to gain in strength, he said, “Tell me of his life.” Pug and Kamatsu began to speak of Kasumi, his life for the last year, and his rise, his meeting Megan just before Lyam’s coronation, and their rapid courtship and marriage. For nearly a half hour they spoke, the urgency of Pug’s mission forgotten for the moment.
When they were done, Pug said, “And Hokanu? Kasumi asked after his brother.”
“My younger son is well. He patrols the northern frontier against the Thun raiders.”
“Then the Shinzawai rise to greatness on two worlds,” said Pug. “Alone among Tsurani families can the Shinzawai make that claim.”
Kamatsu said, “That is a strange thing to contemplate.” His voice turned serious. “What has caused your return, Milamber? It is not only to ease an old man’s loss, I am certain.”
Pug introduced his companions and then said, “A dark power rises up against my nation, Kamatsu. We have faced only a part of its might and we seek to understand its nature.”
Kamatsu said, “What has this to do with your return here? What cause have you to return?”
“In a vision, one of our seers confronted this dark agency and was addressed in the ancient temple language.” He spoke of Murmandamus and the dark power behind the moredhel.
“How can this be?”
“That is what has caused me to risk a return. I hope to find an answer in the library of the Assembly.”
Kamatsu shook his head. “You risk much. There is a certain tension within the High Council, beyond what is usual for the Great Game. I suspect we are on the verge of some major upheaval, as this new Warlord seems even more obsessed with controlling the nations than was his uncle.”