“All the better. Those inside the empire will compete for power amongst themselves. Everyone on the ladder wants to be on a higher rung. Because Alric isn’t part of that ladder, no one will feel slighted when he receives preferential status. If you were to act similarly with a noble within the empire, you will generate resentment of that favoritism. You can proclaim aid to Melengar as prudent foreign affairs. By endorsing Alric, you’ll be building a supporter who won’t be easily assailable. And one who will be more grateful than those who consider it their due.”
“But won’t this be expensive? Where will I get the funds? The people are already suffering under a heavy tax,” the empress said.
“I would suggest meeting with the DeLurs. They generally operate outside official channels, but offering them legitimacy can provide mutual benefit. Given recent events with the Ba Ran Ghazel in Delgos, Cornelius DeLur in particular should be most receptive to a proposal of imperial protection.”
“I’ve been thinking about Cornelius DeLur quite a bit lately. Do you think I should appoint him as trade secretary?”
Nimbus smiled, started to speak, paused, and then eventually said, “I think that might be a little too much like placing a drunk in charge of a tavern, but you’re thinking along the proper lines. Perhaps a better choice might be to appoint Cornelius DeLur Prefect of Colnora. Until recently, Colnora was a merchant-run city, so recognizing this officially would go a long way toward good relations with merchants in general and the DeLurs in particular. Best of all, it won’t cost you anything.”
“I like the idea of Cornelius as prefect,” Modina said, and turned to Amilia. “Please summon him for an audience. We can present the idea and see what he says.” The empress returned her attention to Nimbus. “Is there anything else I need to be looking into at present?”
“I suggest creating sanctioned imperial representatives, trained here in Aquesta, to travel and relay instructions. They can be your eyes and ears to check up on local administrators. You might consider drawing these representatives from the monasteries. Monks are usually educated, used to living in poverty, and will be especially devoted because of your Novronian lineage. Religious fervor can often be more powerful than wealth, which will keep your agents bribe-resistant. Oh, one other thing, be certain to avoid appointing anyone to a province who is from that area, and be sure to rotate them often. This will prevent them from becoming too familiar with those they administer.”
“As if I didn’t have enough to do.” Modina sighed. “The best approach is to divide and conquer. Do you have a short list for the remainder of the prefects, Nimbus?”
“Yes.” He reached into his piles and pulled out a stack of parchments. “I’ve compiled what I think are the best candidates. Shall we go through them?”
“No, I trust your judgment.”
Nimbus looked disappointed.
“To save time, call in your top choices and interview them yourself. If you’re satisfied, I want you to go ahead and appoint them. What’s next?”
“What about Saldur?” Nimbus asked.
Modina sighed once more and slouched in her chair.
“Many of the others can be tried for treason, but he’s different,” Nimbus explained. “He wasn’t just the regent. He was also once a very powerful officer in the Nyphron Church. An execution would be… well… awkward. Saldur is too dangerous to let go and too dangerous to execute. I suppose we could keep him imprisoned indefinitely.”
“No!” Modina suddenly said. “I can’t do that. You’re right in that his situation is unique, but we must settle the matter one way or another. Even though he’s in the tower and not the dungeon, I won’t let anyone stay locked up forever. Even with adequate food, water, and light, the knowledge that you’ll never be free has a way of destroying you from the inside. I’ll not do that to anyone, not even him.”
“Well, the Patriarch hasn’t left for Ervanon yet. He’s taken up residence in the cathedral. If we could convince him to denounce Saldur, that would make it possible to execute the ex-regent without fear of reprisal. Shall I set up a meeting?”
Modina nodded.
“Is that it?” Amilia asked. “Can we go to bed?”
“Yes, I think that will do for now,” Modina told them. “Thank you both for all of your assistance. I couldn’t hope to do any of this without you.”
“You’re most welcome, Your Eminence,” Nimbus replied.
“You know, Nimbus, you don’t have to be so formal. We are alone, after all. You can call me Modina.”
“Don’t bother,” Amilia said. “You can’t stop him. Trust me. I’ve tried. I’ve badgered him for nearly a year, yet he still calls me milady.”
“My respect for you both prevents me from doing otherwise.”
“Honestly, Nimbus,” Modina told him, “you should be chancellor permanently. You are already doing the job behind the scenes. I don’t know why you won’t officially take the position.”
“I am happy to serve now, in your time of need, but who is to say what the future might bring?”
Modina frowned.
“Oh, one more thing,” Nimbus said. “There have been some strange rumors from the north. The information is sketchy, but there appears to be some kind of trouble.”
“Like what?”
“I don’t know exactly. All I’ve heard is that the roads from Dunmore are choked with refugees fleeing south.”