A Forest of Stars - Kevin J. Anderson [231]
Zan’nh bowed. “Yes, Adar. It is clearly my duty.”
One of the septars said, “What will the rest of the cohort be doing, Adar?”
Kori’nh looked straight at the subcommanders, knowing he could not retreat once he stated his decision. “I will take one maniple of warliners on a different mission. I cannot disclose the details.”
He focused his gaze on an older, stoic qul named Bore’nh. The maniple commander was a model military officer who had never wavered in his duty. He would be perfect. “Qul Bore’nh, I have selected your maniple to join me on this mission. Will you follow my orders without question?”
Bore’nh seemed surprised; then pride filled his face. “I would be honored, Adar.”
With a twinge of guilt, Kori’nh said, “I require only the most minimal crews for operations. Remove all soldiers not deemed necessary for a brief mission and have them return to Ildira aboard the other warliners.”
Bore’nh didn’t ask the reasons. “It will be done, Adar.”
Tal Zan’nh looked at his commander, disturbed but knowing his place. “Do you wish to brief me in private, Adar?”
“No. For now your primary duty is to take your ships back to Ildira.”
In order to accomplish what he knew was right, Kori’nh had to act swiftly—while he still retained his independence, before the Prime Designate ascended to become Mage-Imperator. He would have a few days, but no longer than that. As soon as Jora’h reconnected with the thism, the Adar’s hands would be tied again. And then it would be too late.
Kori’nh dismissed the officers and went back to the command nucleus. He listened to the drone of orders distributed through the intercom systems, as all nonessential personnel were dispatched from Qul Bore’nh’s forty-nine warliners and shuttled over to the remaining vessels.
When he confirmed that his instructions had been followed precisely, Kori’nh transmitted a farewell to Tal Zan’nh. “I know you will serve your father as well as I served the Mage-Imperator.”
“I will devote the best of my ability to my duties, Adar. As you do.”
Qul Bore’nh joined the Adar in the command nucleus as the single maniple detached itself from the rest of the cohort. The remaining six maniples sped back toward the seven suns of Ildira, while Kori’nh and his forty-nine battleships, with full weaponry and skeleton crews, grouped together, waiting.
Adar Kori’nh finally gave the order to set forth. “At last, we will confront the enemy ourselves.”
120
QUEEN ESTARRA
From her high balcony, Estarra gazed across the Palace grounds filled with statue gardens, reflecting pools, and menageries of topiary shrubs. A glittering suspension bridge spanned the wide RoyalCanal that encircled the Palace District.
To continue the celebration of their King’s new marriage—milking it for all it was worth, Peter said—the Hansa would throw a “honeymoon jubilee” in several days’ time. More festivals, more parties, more special effects, to distract the masses from the true crisis.
According to the carefully scripted event plan, Estarra and Peter would ride a gaudy boat around the RoyalCanal so that everyone could wave to their King and Queen. It was a colorful display to introduce the glorious rulers to their people, and also to dispel any doubts about Estarra’s ability to fill a queenly role in society.
It seemed a frivolous and empty gesture after the death of Beneto and the destruction of Corvus Landing, after the EDF’s blistering defeat at Osquivel. The Hansa was whistling past the graveyard.
Sarein came up behind Estarra unannounced. Her sister looked gaunt, her dark eyes shadowed as if she hadn’t slept well. Sarein’s careful Hansa clothing style and her makeup looked uncharacteristically disheveled. “Basil doesn’t know I’m here, little sister.” Her voice had an urgency and a strain that Estarra had not heard before.
“Why should I care whether the Chairman knows your whereabouts? You’re the