A Forest of Stars - Kevin J. Anderson [176]
“We can talk if you wish, my son,” the Mage-Imperator said calmly. High above, the projected image of his chubby, paternal face smiled down from its misty cloud atop a pillar of light. “However, important matters of the Empire are not for the ears of all subjects—are they?”
Jora’h refused to budge. “Then send them away if you like, but I will speak with you now—and here. I am a thousand times betrayed by your actions.”
Cyroc’h raised his soft hands and spoke to the people in the reception chamber. Jora’h could feel waves of soothing kindness coming through the thism. “Grant us a few moments. My son and I have an urgent matter to discuss regarding the hydrogue crisis.”
The people exited the skysphere hall in a quick and orderly fashion. Beside the chrysalis chair, Bron’n held his crystal-bladed katana spear and remained as still as a statue.
The Prime Designate clenched his hands as he faced his treacherous father, making a silent promise that he would never keep such secrets from his son Thor’h. Finally, the words tumbled out. “I demand to know why you did such awful things.”
“We have spoken of this before, Jora’h. I made my decisions for the overall welfare of the Ildiran people. Accept them.”
“How can I accept murder, rape, slavery, and deceit? What you’ve done with the Burton descendants is tantamount to declaring war on the humans.”
Cyroc’h‘s long braid thrashed. “I have ruled the Empire for nearly a full century, and I was trained by my father before me. Knowing that my days are numbered, I have done my utmost to make you understand the necessities of leading our people. And yet you choose to remain as innocent as a child and as gullible as a fool.”
Jora’h suddenly wondered if all the horrible secrets his father kept locked within himself had poisoned his body, formed the seed for the monstrous tumors that were even now killing him. “That doesn’t justify what you have done to Nira, to all of them.”
“Rules change, and as Mage-Imperator I have the right to change them as I see fit. Stop being so small-minded! You have no right to want this human woman, not anymore. She serves a higher purpose now. Do not be upset because the truth was kept from you. It was done for the greater good of the Empire.”
“What part of all these lies and deceits can be considered good?”
The Mage-Imperator said, “Only I can understand the complex tapestry of the Empire, because only I have access to the thism. I am closest to the Lightsource. I alone comprehend how the soul-threads interconnect with history. Such understanding will come to you when you take my place. But for now, while you are only the Prime Designate, you must trust in my wisdom.”
Jora’h was not convinced. “How can I do that, when you’ve proven that you are not trustworthy?” He raised his chin. “You may have access to the thism, Father, but it seems you’ve lost your soul along the way. I believe you have become blinded to the Lightsource.”
The Mage-Imperator looked furious, yet behind his glowering expression, he showed a flicker of dismay. “My son, be patient. I assure you, everything will become clear—”
But Jora’h didn’t want to hear any more. He could only think of innocent Nira. She had taken a piece of his heart that he had never given to any of his numerous mates—and she had given him a daughter in return, a mixed-breed child. Our daughter! Now Osira’h was six years old, raised under the grim tutelage of the Dobro Designate. He had never seen her.
“You had no right,” he muttered under his breath, stepping away from the chrysalis chair. “I want Nira freed immediately. I need to see her.”
“Jora’h, listen to me.” The Mage-Imperator sounded desperate and upset. “We have very little time now. My illness is progressing—”
The Prime Designate whirled. “Then perhaps you won’t have enough time to cause more damage and commit more murder.” He strode past the guards and out of the giant skysphere.
“Jora’h, come back!” his father bellowed.
The Prime Designate stopped at the arched entry leading out into the hallways. “I intend to go to Dobro myself and see