Page 127 of City of Secrets and Shadows
There was a challenge in his tone, a testing quality that immediately put me on alert. “I believe in serving the Empire however I’m needed, Lord Gato. If that means combat, so be it.”
“Well said.” His eyes studied me with uncomfortable intensity. “You know, you remind me of someone.”
My heart rate quickened. “Oh? Who might that be?”
“I can’t quite place it. Perhaps someone I’ve seen in passing.” He waved a hand dismissively. “No matter. I understand your dragon is quite exceptional — a royal gold, is it not?”
“Yes, my lord. Sirrax.”
“A powerful name for a powerful beast. You’ll need that power in the months ahead.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Between us, my lady, what the Emperor announced tonight is merely the beginning. Plans are in motion that will change the face of this conflict forever.”
“What sort of plans?” I asked, careful to keep my tone merely curious rather than eager.
“Let’s just say that by this time next year, the Talfen problem will be a distant memory.” He straightened, smiling thinly. “I’ve enjoyed our chat, Lady Cantius. I’ll be watching your career with interest.”
As he walked away, I suppressed a shiver. There had been something in his eyes — a fanatical gleam that chilled me to the bone. Whatever these “plans” were, they boded ill for the Talfen people.
I needed to get this information to the resistance as soon as possible.
“You look troubled,” Jalend said, appearing at my side once more. “Was Lord Gato bothering you?”
“Not at all,” I replied, composing my features. “Just discussing the Emperor’s announcement. It seems our training will be more... purposeful than expected.”
“Indeed.”
“What do you think of the Emperor’s announcement?” I asked.
Jalend was silent for a moment. “I think we’re entering a dangerous time,” he said finally. “This escalation... it’s unprecedented.”
“You don’t sound enthusiastic about crushing the Talfen threat.”
“The Academy will be changing in the coming months. The training will become more... intense. Focused on combat rather than ceremonial duties.”
“Because of the deployment?”
“Yes. But I think there’s more.” He glanced back at the doors, ensuring we were still alone. “I think my… I think the Emperor might be losing the war.”
My pulse quickened. “You do?”
“I do. But I think he’s going to react to that knowledge with more force than anyone has seen before. Be careful who you trust in the coming months. Watch. Listen. Prepare yourself.”
“You’re frightening me, Jalend.”
He took my hand, his grip warm and firm. “Good. You should be frightened. We all should be.”
His thumb traced circles on my palm, a gesture both intimate and comforting. “Just know that not everyone in the Empire supports what’s coming. There are those of us who believe in a different path.”
I was about to ask more, when a couple of noble women walked past, lost in conversation and a snatch of it caught my attention.
“Yes, Lord Varin…”
“…beast, so they say…”
I frowned and looked up at Jalend.
“What was that about Lord Varin? I haven’t seen him in days, I assumed he’d left.”
Jalend shook his head. “He was supposed to, but he never came home from the tavern the night he… Anyway, they found his body a couple of days ago. What was left of it.”
