“I have been trying to remember when it changed,” said Michael thoughtfully. “In the aftermath of our last campaign through the Shadow World, perhaps. That was certainly when it started, but as miserable as I felt afterward, I still don’t think it ever truly struck home until I saw Derwyn ride up and see me standing there over his father’s body, holding his severed, bloody head. I shall never forget the expression on his face. I see it in my dreams.”
“It had to end with either Arwyn’s death or yours,” said Aedan. “Arwyn would have settled for nothing less. Derwyn knew that.”
“Still. I killed his father, then made him a duke and gave him my sister for his wife, as if that could make up for it. And now we travel to Seaharrow, where he plays host to us for Summer Court.” He shook his head. “It all seems mad. At least a dozen times, I have thought of forgetting all about this, turning around, and going back to Anuire.”
“You could,” said Aedan. “After all, you are the emperor. No one would question your decision.”
“What about you? I don’t imagine you’re very eager to see Seaharrow once again.”
“I could do without it,” Aedan said. “It holds unpleasant memories. But we both know this trip is necessary. If we canceled it, Derwyn would regard it as a snub.”
“Yes, Laera would make sure of that,” said Michael. “I did him no favor by marrying him off to her.”
“By all accounts, she has made him very happy.”
“So they say. I find that difficult to believe. It doesn’t sound much like Laera, does it?”
“Perhaps she’s changed,” said Aedan.
“Do you really believe that?”
“No.”
“Neither do I. She always was a mean-spirited little harlot. I’ll never understand what you saw in her.”
“That is because you can only look upon her as a brother,” Aedan said wryly.
Michael remained silent for a moment. Then he asked, “Does Ariel know?”
“Yes. I told her everything.”
“Did you? And how did she react?”
Aedan paused to consider his reply. “She was very understanding.”
“What did she say?”
Aedan found this topic of conversation awkward, but he could hardly refuse to answer. “She said the past was in the past.”
“And that was all?”
Aedan cleared his throat. “She said Laera would never forgive me, and if Laera ever tried to hurt me, she would kill her.”
Michael chuckled.
“You find that amusing?”
“Only that it sounds like the Ariel I remember from our childhood games. She nearly killed you once, as I recall.”
“It does not disturb you that my wife has sworn to kill your sister?”
“If she ever tried to harm you, is what you said,” Michael corrected him. “And if it ever came to that, I’d kill her myself.”
Aedan was nonplussed. “Well… I don’t know if I should be flattered or alarmed.”
“If she ever tried to do you any harm, it would be an act of treason,” Michael said. And then, almost as if in afterthought, he added, “Besides, you are my best friend.”
“You honor me.”
“No, you honor me,” said Michael. “As emperor, I can have no friends, only subjects. You are the only true friend I have. The only one I can really trust.”
“What about the empress?”
“It is not the same. She is my wife, and I love her. I never expected that. I had looked on marriage as a duty, but I have found it to be a joy. And I have you to thank for it.”
“I cannot claim the credit,” Aedan said. “It belongs to my wife. Ariel chose her. She said she would be perfect for you.”
“And she was right,” said Michael. “You are fortunate in having such a wife, Aedan. I hope you appreciate her.”
“I do,” said Aedan.
“Well, we have been through much, you and I. We were captured by goblins and almost taken into slavery, we have fought a war and saved the empire, and we have found good wives. Now we must settle down and start having sons who will carry on for us and secure the future.” He stared out into the distance. “I have decided there shall be no campaigns next year. Our army has fought hard and long. They deserve a rest. I shall send the mercenaries out to the frontiers to establish outposts to secure our borders. The empire is strong now. In time, we shall expand it, but I think my vision of one nation that stretches out across Cerilia from sea to sea is one my son shall have to realize.”
“A wise decision,” Aedan replied, nodding. “A builder must not rush to lay a strong foundation. You have already done more than any emperor before you. Your father would have been proud.”
“As would yours have been,” said Michael. “There is still much left for us to do. We must have our reckoning with Thurazor, for Gorvanak shall always think we fear him if we do not punish him for taking Arwyn’s side in the rebellion. Aside from which, you and I still have a personal score to settle with those goblins. We have put it off for far too long. I intend to lash Gorvanak to a crude litter, as they did with me, and drag him all the way back to Anuire.”
“I must admit, that is certainly something I would like to see,” said Aedan.
“You shall see it before the summer turns to fall,” promised Michael. “And after we have done with Gorvanak, there is still the Manslayer to deal with. Rhuobhe has grown ever bolder in his raids and has expanded his territory well into the forests of Boeruine. He has been a thorn in our side for much too long. I mean to pluck him out. However, after that, we shall cease our campaigning for a while and devote time to our families.”
“I would like that,” Aedan said. “Ariel is with child again and the midwives say it will be a son. In the coming years, I shall need to spend more time at home to supervise his early training and prepare him for the time when your son shall doubtless make him as miserable as you made me when we were children.”
Michael chuckled. “Was it really so bad?”
“To borrow a term your sister used, you were insufferable,” said Aedan.
“Talk about the pot calling the kettle black. Well, I shall make you a promise, Aedan. After my son is born, I shall take pains to instruct him in how to be more considerate of his future lord high chamberlain. I shall tell him that when they play at war, dying once is quite sufficient.”
“It usually is,” said Aedan. “I think that is a lesson best learned early. And now, with your permission, I shall take my leave and go back to my wife, before she starts to wonder what became of me.”
Michael nodded. “Tell Faelina I shall be back presently. I feel the need to spend a bit more time alone.”
Aedan hesitated. There was something in his tone…. “Is something troubling you?”
Michael shook his head. “I don’t know,” he said. “The war is over, we have expanded our borders and taken steps to secure them, and save for the future plans I have already mentioned, I cannot think of anything we have left undone.” He paused. “And yet… I have a peculiar feeling something is not right. But for the life of me, I cannot think what it may be. I don’t know. Perhaps it is merely restlessness on my part. Do not concern yourself. Go back to Ariel before she starts to feel neglected. I will puzzle it out eventually.”
“Very well,” said Aedan. “I shall tell the empress you’ll be returning shortly.”
“Good night, Aedan. Sleep well.”
“Good night, Michael.”
Aedan turned and stepped down off the wall, then started heading back toward camp. The fires were lit now, and most of the lords and ladies had settled down for the night. Only the soldiers remained awake, gathered round the fires, gaming and talking quietly among themselves. As he passed the detachment of the house guard that had accompanied the emperor on his walk, Captain Koval moved to intercept him.
“Is everything well with the emperor, my lord?” he asked.
Aedan nodded. “He merely wants some time alone to think. He plans a campaign against Thurazor this summer.”