A Forest of Stars - Kevin J. Anderson [154]
The black robots marched into maintenance chambers. Two of the insectlike machines disappeared through hatches that led down into power-generating shafts. They seemed to have access to any area they chose to enter. “You mean they’re building your city all by themselves, without supervision?”
Vao’sh was surprised. “No Ildiran would go over there in the dark, but the robots can keep working through the night.” He smiled, trying to convince his human companion. “The robots have been toiling away for more than a decade, and they have followed our plans precisely.”
Anton suddenly brightened with an idea. “Say, could we go look at Secda? You and I, and maybe a few curious guests, could make an inspection.”
Vao’sh’s expression was troubled. “Thousands of Ildirans come here each year to revel in the constant daylight—and you wish to visit an empty city in the dark?”
Anton clapped him on the shoulder. “Yes! Doesn’t that sound like fun?”
79
PRIME DESIGNATE JORA’H
Assailed by doubts, Jora’h studied the secret history that had been revealed to him. Years ago, he had visited the towering, awesome worldtrees on Theroc, and he had sensed the pulsing mind of interconnected trees as they pondered all that they learned. Had this immense forest once fought the hydrogues?
He thought again of sweet Nira, who had captured his heart. As a green priest, she had carried part of the forest mind within her at all times. She might have been able to discover more about the ancient war for him, if only she had lived. How he longed to have further conversations with her, to feel her skin against his, to look into her bright eyes. If only she had not died in that tragic, accidental fire while he was away on Theroc…
Surrounded by mysteries and revelations, Jora’h suddenly sat straighter as an unbidden thought slashed through his mind. Such a convenient accident. Such convenient timing.
How much more deceit waited to be uncovered? Had the Mage-Imperator buried the truth in order to protect his son…or to better control him?
The diamondfilm sheets fell from Jora’h‘s hands and slithered to the floor like an icefall. He was tired of the compounded questions, the secrets and lies. With stern resolve, the Prime Designate grabbed up the ancient documents and stalked out of his chambers. He did not allow himself to waver. He would demand to see his father and then demand the rest of the truth.
Colored glass walls blocked the entrance to the Mage-Imperator’s private chambers. Although light streamed through in different hues, the artistic tints and ripples in the glass created just enough distortion that no one could see inside.
The muscular bodyguard Bron’n stood outside the entrance, holding his sharpened crystal katana in front of him. Gruff and dutiful, Bron’n did not move even when Jora’h approached. “The Mage-Imperator cannot be disturbed.”
At another time, Jora’h might have quietly backed away. Now, though, he had no intention of waiting. “I must see him.”
“His orders were clear, Prime Designate. I am to allow no one inside.”
Jora’h was every bit as implacable as the burly guard. “I will be your next Mage-Imperator, Bron’n. If there is an important meeting, then I should attend it.” He leaned forward, and the bodyguard flinched. “Or are you suggesting that the Mage-Imperator keeps secrets from me?”
A storm of confusion crossed Bron’n‘s face. Just then, the chamber door opened to reveal the stern face of his brother Udru’h, the Dobro Designate, who was looking at him with disturbed annoyance. From behind him, the Mage-Imperator’s sonorous voice said, “Let him in, Bron’n. We must speak with Jora’h as well.”
Shoring up his resolve, Jora’h strode past the guard into the chamber and steeled himself as the door closed behind him. These questions had been too long in the asking. The pale and fleshy Mage-Imperator slumped in his chrysalis chair, looking terrible. His long braid trembled with palsied unsteadiness, and the pain of his tumors was