Epilogue
[J, B = Mendaxana]
The high tower’s window looked out over a localised domain of icy tundra, home to those who preferred their residence in more frigid climes. Across the way, a dark black tower, ice-rimed and perpetually surrounded by swirling snow loomed over the other buildings, testament to its owner’s importance and magnitude. The figure staring out at it tapped his fingers on the sill, thinking on the difficult decisions clamouring to be made.
There was the soft susurrus of the meeting room’s door opening and the swish of silken fabric as he was joined at the window. He felt the whisper of a veil brush across his shoulder. “What are we looking at, anything in particular?”
He simply pointed in answer to her question at the black tower in front of them.
“Ah. I wondered why were meeting here. I was only teasing T when I suggested we could have gone to him you know.”
The figure at the window turned away to face her. “Oh I know. That’s not why I suggested here. My contacts tell me that She has been making overtures towards him. One of her lackeys has sent one of his agents to visit him. Several times in fact.”
“Which agent?”
“One of the serpent sisters.”
“She’s getting serious then. I think we need to try and track their movements, they may be key to whatever web she’s weaving.”
“She’s very single-minded, which is why this is unusual and her lieutenant isn’t known for his scheming either. He’s a good tactician but no politician.”
“Well, that’s why he has them on his staff, they do the espionage for him. But what of the other two? What are they doing about this?”
“I think they’re keeping out of each other’s way. I don’t sense sabotage but I suspect lines will be forming. No-one is ready to make any overt move. Indeed, if anyone does I think they’ll have lost.”
“Which brings me to my next little juicy nugget…” She smiled, though the veil and broad rim of her scarlet hat masked this from her companion.
“I know you went to Trenarth.”
She harrumphed. “Spoilsport. But do you know what I found out?”
“No but I suspect it has something to do with your colleague’s favoured agent? He’s had dealings with the group hasn’t he?”
“Yes, the two Joybringers dealt with him on the Zeran-Dubuth case. But he’s just come back from out by the Elemental Pole of Water with some very interesting information.”
“Really? Now what would that be…” He pondered the notion for a while, turning to look at the tower in the hopes of finding inspiration in its glossy depths and icy façade. The harsh screech of one of its perpetual residents elicited a jarring thought. He turned back slowly to face the lady in red. “You don’t mean he found it?”
“Yes. And intact it would seem.”
“Intact? Then that means the cargo may still be on board.”
“Amongst other things.”
He paused as he thought he detected a sense of wistfulness in her voice. “It’s… feasible… that he could still be alive in there.”
“I retain that hope.”
“So who else knows? We must keep this information under wraps as far as possible until we have secured it. Do not even tell the others. This is just between you and me for the moment.”
“Only those two at present, I have been assured. Though if we send the Viziers we should probably tell them something…”
“I think we should try and make it look like an innocuous assignment out West. But I don’t think we should use them. They’re attracting attention and whilst that’s good for diverting it away from us, I have my concerns about their… cohesion.”
“Don’t tell me you’re getting second thoughts now? You’re the one who bid me institute this project. We are committed. We all have a stake in them and what we’re looking to bring back, even though we didn’t know it at the time. What frictions there are, are as a result of our selection processes. We anticipated and planned for these.”
“You’re right but surely you cannot say that you’ve not had hundred and fourth or fifth thoughts about this?”
“Doubts, I’ve had a few. But then, too few to mention. I remain as committed to this group as I did when we set it up eight and a half centuries ago.”
“Such dedication. This is why I have no regrets in recruiting you to be my second. And why I need you to keep me motivated as we go through these troubled times.”
“Honestly, between you, T and B, it’s a wonder I have any time to actually do my day job.” The words were an admonishment but the tone was light.
“Hmmm. On that front, just keep an eye on Ixonin. He’s still got more of an interest in Shroud than I feel entirely comfortable with. There are signs of rifts and others are poised to poison or take advantage. I don’t know who exactly but I feel them waiting. The business at Flowing Lexeme’s party still sits uneasily with me.”
“My feeling is that it is not of direct concern to us but I’ll check with Sanguine Pisciform. He owes me a couple of favours.”
“Do that. Find some others to handle the retrieval mission, we must ensure they stay together so that is your priority.”
“I will be meeting with Takezo shortly; he seems to be making noises about requesting a transfer away from S/PI/007.”
“That would be extremely problematic. You must get him to stay.”
“I suspect I can appeal to his sense of duty but it may not solve the underlying problem – he appears to have taken exception to Pyramid’s attitude.”
“She can be… abrasive. But we need her determination and her… eccentricity to keep people guessing.”
“I’m going to suggest he works closer with her to better understand her nature. I also hold out significant hope that Succour and he will work well together. They could turn out to be a driving force for any initiative. Pyramid’s skills at social manipulation will then be crucial both to attract and deflect.”
“What of the others?”
“Shroud has been keeping a fairly low profile, he seems content to let the others push their personalities for the moment. Red has ruffled some feathers but I have a suspicion he may have another guardian who will be running interference but he is running a very fine line at the moment. And as for Ennico…”
“Ah yes. That little stunt at the Hall.”
“The fallout will be significant. Wong Bongerok will not go quietly. Myself and O were watching both of them and Ennico seems to have drawn both Holok’s attention and his ire. He plays with fire, though, by pushing him so far, so early.”
“This may work out to our favour. By trying to advance the influence and significance of what has previously been an indolent sinecure or just bureaucratic nightmare, he creates an unexpected thorn that someone is going to have to deal with.”
“Oh, and he more or less declared publicly that Holok tried to have him murdered.”
The man raised an eyebrow in concern. “Really? That seems somewhat… dangerous.”
“I don’t know what he could have been thinking, unless it was simply to discomfit Holok. But as ploys go, it does seem to be inviting trouble.”
“Does he have proof?”
“I don’t believe so. Without the starblade he cannot prove anything and I haven’t been able to work out exactly who gave the order to release it. It may be that he wants to force Holok’s hand; there seems to be something of a grudge or animosity there.”
“Forcing the hand of an accomplished martial artist is not something I’d care to do.”
“Indeed. However, we should have faith in him. He probably has some kind of plan.”
From the shadows he gazed around at the wrecked remnants of the receiving room. Scorched silks, mounds of charcoal and solid puddles of melted metal attested to the wrath that had been brought to bear upon this place. And all by the mansion’s owner.
Flitting from patch to patch of darkness, he slipped silently through the manse, somewhat disgusted that in his furore the owner had not even bothered to activate the defensive systems. Not that they would have been a problem of course, but it showed a laxity – however understandable at this point – that ill befitted one of his, former, stature at least.
He eventually located his target, slumped in a large, gaudy red jade throne, the wine-stained cloth-o-gold robes in such disarray that they barely covered his corpulent form. An unpolished torc with flame motif adorned his neck, dull against the dark skin which reeked of sour wine and burnt sand.
The shadowy figure stepped forth into the dimly lit office and surreptitiously toyed with the moonsilver cord to his starmetal yo-yo.
“I wouldn’t do that, Reckoner. I *am* awake,” came the thin voice like whistling steam from the direction of the throne, though the eyes remained shut.
“The appeal did not go well I take it?” He phrased it as a question despite it being purely rhetorical – naturally, he already knew the outcome. In fact, he had actually taken steps to ensure it… but a certain superior never had to know that.
“What do you think?” the spirit spat, now pulling itself up from a slumped position and wiping a podgy hand across his jowls. He stretched for the delicately twisted metal bottle on the table but was frustrated when it was pulled just slightly out of comfortable reach. He curled his lip in frustration. “Don’t toy with me. I’ve half a mind to shift form, devour you and damn the consequences!”
“You’re welcome to try. But you’re right; you do only have half a mind. Honestly, what did you think, storming into the Hall like that? Did you even get to say your piece?”
“Oh yeah, Ideal Flame heard me out but then dismissed all my concerns. Just because Luisa has the bloody Fist.”
This news was both troubling and yet not surprising to the Vizier. He had actually expected it to be the Deputy, Obfuscant Oleander, who took charge of the appeal, she being the one who accepted the petition in the first place. “The timing of its reappearance is something of a coincidence as is the involvement of those Viziers,” he mused before continuing, “There was always the possibility of it returning but I’m surprised your agents didn’t find out about it sooner.”
“You don’t think I’m not! The Court of Orderly Flame has just secured possibly the most major advancement for their cause and I knew nothing about it! Believe me, I am livid about this. You can bet I’m going to have words with the Dawn Roodra about this.” As he spoke, the stench of burning spices and sand filled the air with pungent anger.
“Well, at least if he tries to push his former agenda we can look to indict him for bias. He will need to be watched closely to ensure this does not happen.” The Vizier smiled, a thin-lipped smile that looked somewhat eerie in the pale purple glow from the caste-mark glittering softly on his brow.
“And what of that other Starborn, the new Grand Commissioner?” he snarled. “What of his involvement?”
Adjusting his robe, the visitor held up his hands placatingly. “I assure you I know nothing about *why* he was involved though it’s possible that he has overstepped his authority…”
He was cut off by an angry retort of, “’Possible?!’ I was reliably informed many centuries ago by Saffron Garda no less that the Commission of Terrestrial Affairs was an indolent and ineffective department, left to rot in the wake of the Contagion because it suited the purposes of Kejak.”
The Vizier paused, as if having been intending to just carry on from where he was interrupted but was now thrown by this revelation. “He did, did he? Hmmm. As I was saying, before you jumped down my throat, if Commissioner Sorell has overstepped his authority, I’m sure that will be duly investigated. The remit of the Commission can be examined… if necessary…”
“Obvious favouritism would seem to be an undeniable sign of such!”
Inwardly beaming, he moved in on his attack vector. “But *is* it favouritism? The waters are often muddy in situations like these…”
“But I suppose you’re able to clear them for me, aren’t you?”
“Well, certain investigations may show things in the… appropriate light.”
“Really, and what would I have to do?”
“Tell me, you don’t have anything to do right now do you?”
Somewhat taken aback by the change in questioning and tone, he hesitantly responded. “No… there isn’t a vacant position for me to take up at present. All 125 officials are filled.” His words turned bitter. “Though, apparently, I’m first in line if something should happen to open up.”
“There are always Magisterial appointments.” The look of pure disgust that fell upon him made him chuckle on the inside.
“Who ever heard of a dragon serving as a Magistrate!”
“Quite.” Reaching inside his pristine tunic, the Vizier withdrew a rolled crystalweave parchment, neatly bound with a violet ribbon. Unfurling it, he slid it across the desk carefully. “Ennico Sorell is not the only one who can authorise a new assignment.”
Reading over the finely printed Old Realm sigils, the spirit looked up at the Exalt. “This isn’t exactly a purview I’m suited for.”
“At this point, I’m not sure you have many viable options.” He glanced around the devastated room. “At least this will keep you in a manner to which you have been… accustomed. While we sort out your next move at any rate. Sign it.” The symbol of Saturn seemed to glow even more brightly as he stated this.
The room fell silent barring the soft scratch of quill on crystalweave, at which point there was a brief flare of green light and the document disappeared.
“Excellent. I’ll be in touch.” And with that, the Vizier walked out the door and vanished from sight.
As he strode determinedly across the plaza, he glanced domeward and noted with more than a degree of satisfaction that Venus appeared to be leading in the Games. Spurred on by such an omen, he quickened his pace under the starlight, heading for the gleaming blue jade spire across the way and, in particular, the highly polished moonsilver-roofed observatory perched high atop it.
Entering the archway, his familiarity with the place barely registered the walls decorated with repeating sigils of the Five Maidens, instead heading straight for the reception desk. He wished he could bypass all of this and head straight to the office he desired but certain protocols had to be followed and divisions of the Bureau of Destiny were less prone to the slipped standards noticeable throughout the rest of the Celestial Bureaucracy.
“Welcome to the Division of Celestial Intercessions. How may I direct your visit, sir?”
Internally sighing, he activated his caste mark and saw the receptionist take note of the soft cerulean glow from his brow. “Important message from the Vermillion Tower for the Incandescent Director of Woven Extrapolation,” he stated curtly. The administrator checked her log before nodding and adding his name to the visitor’s record. “You are expected, sir. She is waiting for you in the Assembly of Fire. Please go on up.”
He proceeded up the winding marble staircase and exited on the floor of the Southern Directorate. The air on this floor was always extremely warm more as an indulgence to the Director than for any particular preference. As with all the Directorates in the tower, the walls were lined with jade panels set with softly glowing gemstones depicting the night sky as seen from that direction. He passed the constellation of the Gauntlet and knocked on the door to the Assembly chamber.
“Enter,” came the soft female voice from within. He pushed open the stout wooden doors and entered the meeting hall. As he made his way to the front dais down the central aisle of the horseshoe desk layout, he nodded in familiar greeting to the aide of Jaksa who passed him by, before bowing slightly before the tall, dark-skinned and sienna-feathered goddess seated there. Her owl-like eyes regarded him warmly and she bade him sit.
“Greetings, representative of the Vermillion Tower. To what do I owe this visitation? Nazri does not usually send anyone quite so important to see me.”
“Matters of serious import bring me here in my capacity as the Watcher of Paragon.”
“Straight to the point. I have come to expect that from those of your kind trained in the South. Suffice to say I expect to be spending a lot of time over in the Perfected Lotus.”
“So you are aware that a major event has taken place in that city?”
“Yes. I was alerted to a significant resonance event in the fate strands concerning the population of that city. The repercussions on the local astrology will be wide-ranging. I expect that we will experience a surge in petitions as folk test the boundaries of the new edict. I’m somewhat surprised that the Perfect has decided to relax his control. Is this some kind of test?”
He pondered his reply. Obviously she was aware that something had happened but not exactly what. Not entirely surprisingly, though such details would come out when she attended the various Southern fate planning committees. He decided to be honest with her, within reason of course. “Not a test. The Perfect is dead. One of his former Ministers is disguised as the Perfect and has decided to waive the enforced loyalty requirement temporarily.” He opted not to tell her it was simply because his ‘replacement’ no longer had the necessary artefact to do so.
“Interesting. I wasn’t aware of the Perfect’s death but that would explain the report I heard that there is a lot of vibration in that area of the Loom at the moment.” She smiled and preened the umber feathers around her eyes. “But what brings you here? This is not a social call I imagine.”
“A request. A quite far-reaching request for the sake of stability in the South. I will be candid with you Director, at this point we can ill-afford for there to be untoward ‘movements’ in the area. For the time being, the status quo should hold.”
“This sounds serious. I’m listening.”
“You are directed that no astrological petition calling upon persons or events connected to Paragon or its environs should carry any of the hallmarks indicative of solar or sidereal benison, the Maidens, the Unconquered Sun, orichalcum or otherwise suggest connections to Lawgivers.”
The goddess stifled a surprised squawk before composing herself. “You ask a lot Joybringer. You are asking me to conceal fated events from their rightful bearers. Though the fact that you are concerned about such things before I have even used my powers to determine the results suggests you know something more than you are saying.”
“Believe me Director, you are better off not knowing why this is asked of you. Simply take it as a Bureau request concerning the stability of Creation. I seem forever to be cleaning up after other peoples’ messes.”
“Surely this was foreseen? Why did the committees not pick this up from the Loom? That’s the jurisdiction of S/PI/011 for any hidden activities.”
“Due to the nature of the persons involved, the recent events were not prepared for in the appropriate way.”
“But you are still asking me to alter the results of petitions in your favour. Whilst I am sympathetic to your desire for stability, I would have much to be concerned about if other people were to come asking questions.”
The Vizier looked as if he were considering this matter whilst actually musing on how easy it was to manipulate the petty desires of some gods. He might take amusement in it if such were not the behaviour of the ill-mannered. “I suppose… we could do something for you to make the request more amenable.”
“I’m listening.”
“I understand that Woven Caste has been particularly… talkative of late. Perhaps a reminder of the benefits of the current hierarchy would be in order.”
“You’d be willing to have a… chat with him?”
“I’m sure that the appropriate discussions can be had. Assuming that you would like me to that is.” He considered about making the visit himself, he’d always had a reasonable fondness for Varangia.
He watched as she looked conflicted, wrestling with the favour being asked of her – twist her divinations to something befitting the status quo and further serve it, and the stability of her own position, by gentle dissuasion of a political rival. It was all quite neat. If she acceded that is.
“Very well, I’ll do as you ask. Jupiter only knows if there is anything for me to do but we’ll see.”
“Thank you. I will make the necessary arrangements for my end of this arrangement.” He turned and made his way back to the doors. He paused though when he heard her call out, “You may want to speak to Onyarnoktos [[God of Prophetic Dreams]] as well. I cannot interfere with his demesne.”
“That has been taken care of.” He closed the door behind him.
* * * *
Stepping wearily from the cloud, the Joybringer crossed the roof and descended the wrought silver and enamelled iron spiral staircase into the central chamber of his manse, the Prismatic Susurrus. Hexagonally arranged, six paths of variously coloured lacquered woods lead away from this atrium. Closing his eyes, he walked the corridor that led to his living quarters, refusing to look at the riot of clashing colours, truly evocative of the personality of his previous incarnation. It hurt his senses. If he spent more time here he might be inclined to get the place redecorated but at present his position at the Vermilion Tower kept him away from Yu-Shan for so long as to make it not worthwhile.
Well, it was only for one night – he’d head back to the Chiaroscuro Gate in the morning and report to Nazri. So distracted was he, that he didn’t notice the figure in his bed until he had undressed and climbed in. He froze as the slender fingers danced across his bare shoulders before relaxing as they entwined themselves in the soft hair at the base of his skull and rubbed playfully. “Hey you,” came the softly whispered words in his ears as a comfortable weight settled against his back.
“Hey yourself.” He smiled and relaxed back into the tender embrace. “How did the meeting with Onyarnoktos go?”
“Business before pleasure, eh?” There was the gentle pressure of lips against his skin and a gasp was elicited from the merest touch of those talented fingers. “It went as planned. He was conducive to our offer, as we expected him to be. I believe we have managed to contain any fateful overspill from the power change as well as stopping either the Bronzites or the Goldies from capitalising overmuch.”
“We’re not going to be able to keep Scarlet Whisper’s identity secret for long. Red Dawn is a known associate of Succour-in-Extremis and he’s… talented enough at extracting information in his own way. If Red hasn’t revealed it of his volition.”
“I am sure there is more to your fellow Caste-mate than meets the eye… Well, even if he has, Mistress Ura cannot move too quickly lest she draws attention.”
He closed his eyes as the finger wandering across the bare planes of his back dipped ever lower down his spine, teasing and warming as it went, sending frissons of growing delight through ever more stimulated nerves. “He… he has an… an interesting reputation…” The finger carried on wandering. He sighed heavily, the breath laden with thick emotions. “But… we’ve bought the… needed time… I think.” He gasped.
His companion smiled broadly before quickly finding themselves underneath their bedmate, a hungry desire shining in his eyes now lit with an eerie blue glow from the brow. A long sweep of the tongue across scarlet lips accompanied a reciprocal scarlet glow. “And a welcome interlude for the two of us,” was their husky response before lips met in passionate lock and flares of lilac light suffused the room.