‘What happened?’ asked Magnus.
‘I don’t know, but we don’t have until late afternoon tomorrow.’
The Black Mount was not fifty miles north of the city any more. It was now less than a mile north of the rifts, which meant that at least a million people had been swallowed up by it.
Pug felt tears come unbidden.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR - Oblivion
THE DASATI ATTACKED.
The screaming alerted Pug and the other magicians who had congregated around the Emperor’s pavilion. The argument had been underway for the better part of an hour, all decorum and rank put aside.
The young ruler was being intransigent about staying to the very last, and finally Pug said, ‘Majesty, no one here doubts your heart or your bravery. We know that you die each time one of your subjects is taken, but your people, more than ever, need your guidance.’
He indicated the sea of faces crowded around the large tent, looking in through the large opening, waiting to hear the Light of Heaven’s order. Pug saw priests and high priests of every order, remaining close in case the Emperor ordered them to fight to the death. Pug’s hand inscribed an arc in the air, encompassing everyone outside. ‘Your brave Tsurani nobles are for the most part dead, and each of them gave their lives dearly. That leaves you with only children to claim the titles of Ruling Lords, and a frightened populace. Your people are good people, honest and hard-working, but they will need guidance. Order your magicians and priests, and whoever is left of the nobility, through the rift now.’
He could hear the fighting approaching, no more than a few hundred yards away. ‘Soon panic will set in and no one will be able to get through the rift… before I must close it!’
The Emperor looked determined. ‘No, Great One. I will fight.’
Pug felt exasperated. This was not the time for youthful defiance. But he realized he was talking to a young man whose every whim had been obeyed for most of his life. ‘Sire, have you heard the tale of Emperor Ichindar, the ninety-first emperor, at the first peace talks between the Empire and the Kingdom of the Isles?’
‘No,’ said the young ruler, suddenly uncertain as to where this conversation was going.
‘Good,’ said Pug, and he put out his hand. The young Emperor’s eyes rolled up into his head and he collapsed. Half a dozen Imperial Guards drew their swords and Pug shouted, ‘Hold! The Light of Heaven merely sleeps.’
The Emperor’s First Adviser Chomata chuckled. ‘I know that story, Great One. It was Kasumi of the Shinzawai who knocked Emperor Ichindar unconscious so that he could be taken back through the rift to safety.’
‘Good,’ said Pug. ‘You can explain it to him when he revives.’
To two guards he said, ‘Pick up the Emperor and bear him through the rift. ‘
General Alenburga looked at Pug and then turned to face the throng outside the door. With the tent flaps pulled back, he had an almost panoramic view of the distant battle. He looked down at the faces of those waiting to be told what to do next. ‘You, the priests and magicians and remaining ruling lords, if you love your nation, it is time. Go through the rift and care for your people. Build a new Tsuranuanni. Go!’
Many hesitated, but many moved the moment the order was given towards a smaller rift Pug had prepared to get the command staff away to safety. Magnus said, ‘Father, what about you?’
‘I’m staying a little longer,’ Pug said. ‘It’s all but over here, but there are things I alone can do, and they must be done.’
‘What shall I tell Mother?’
‘Tell her under no circumstances is she to return here.’ He looked out at the distant fighting. ‘Tell her I love her and I will be home soon.’
Magnus shook his head. ‘You know if I tell her not to come she will.’
‘Convince her. Tell her I will be going through the rift gate in a few minutes.’
‘You know I could never lie to her.’
‘It’s not a lie. I am going through the gate, but not this one.’ He pointed over into the darkness. ‘I’m going to go through the first gate, to the Academy.’ He dropped his voice. ‘Tell her there won’t be a "here" soon.’
‘Very well,’ said Magnus, embracing Pug. ‘Do not get yourself killed, Father.’
Magnus departed and Pug turned to what remained of the general staff. Alenburga, Kaspar, Erik and the young officers waited, as Pug said, ‘It’s over, gentlemen.’
Erik von Darkmoor looked out at the distant battle. ‘Yes, finally.’
Alenburga turned to the younger officers and to the Tsurani soldiers he said, ‘Go through the rift to the new world. That is an order.’
As one they saluted and departed. Then to Jommy, Servan, Jim, Dash, Tad and Zane he said, ‘Young sirs, your duty here is over. I thank you for your bravery’ Then, looking at Jim Dasher, he added, ‘And an occasional bit of foolhardiness. Now, go. Get home.’