Hidden Empire - Kevin J. Anderson [151]
Traditionally, a Mage-Imperator ruled for more than a century, and Jora'h's father had many decades remaining to him, during which the Prime Designate could continue his vigorous lifestyle. The Mage-Imperator's own father, Yura'h, had been the Ildiran leader during the first encounter with human generation ships, 183 Earth years earlier.
"Nevertheless," the Mage-Imperator said in a dangerous voice, "I demand that you understand the politics of the galactic situation. All of my sons serve as Designates on Ildiran colony worlds. I communicate with them through the thism, but I expect them to understand rather than simply follow my mental directives. You are my tools and my weapons for managing the Empire."
Jora'h nodded, always curious to learn new things, though his varied interests went much farther afield than mere rigid politics. His son Thor'h, dallying on the lush world of Hyrillka with the good-natured Designate there, had showed no interest in politics either, thus far.
However, once Jora'h had endured the castration ceremony that would make him the new leader and keeper of the thism, all thoughts, all plans, even his father's secret workings, would become clear to him. With the loss of his manhood, the Prime Designate would understand everything in a sudden enlightenment. It was like a candle flame passed from generation to generation, a never-broken continuity from the very first Mage-Imperator, that ensured the great Ildiran Empire would never weaken, never change.
"I understand that your son Zan'nh has excelled in the Solar Navy. Adar Kori'nh speaks highly of him."
Jora'h nodded. Even though Zan'nh was not of pureblood noble kith, with his skills and ambition, he might have made a better successor than self-centered Thor'h. "Yes, he has just been promoted to the rank of Qul. The Adar has announced more military maneuvers and a spectacular display of our fine ships and their proficient pilots. Everyone is pleased that you have decreed more festivals and celebrations."
The Mage-Imperator nodded. "You are also aware that our artisans have been crafting a new colossus, a magnificent obelisk to be erected in Mijistra, with lesser copies to be raised on every one of our splinter colonies, in addition to the ones they already have."
"It is an honor well deserved, Father."
The Mage-Imperator seemed annoyed at his son's sycophantic response. "I have also asked that our best rememberers give more frequent performances so that additional parts of the Saga can be spoken aloud. I wish to encourage more familiarity with our obscure heroes."
"Is that where the historian survivor from Crenna went? Dio'sh? He hasn't been seen—"
The Mage-Imperator waved a heavy hand. "Yes, I dispatched him and many more rememberers to other splinter colonies. It doesn't matter precisely where they have gone."
Jora'h beamed. "Everything you say makes me proud to be your heir, Father. You will leave me an incomparable legacy, and you strengthen it as each day goes by."
The Mage-Imperator scowled, removing the placid expression he maintained at all public viewings. "And why do you think I have taken such action, Jora'h? Consider the question!" His sharp tone surprised his son. "For what purpose would it be necessary to make such extravagant efforts?"
"Why, for the glory of the Ildiran people, of course."
"K'llar bekh! You are too naive to be my Prime Designate!" The Mage-Imperator stirred restlessly in his chrysalis chair, and his braid twitched. "I expect such complacent acceptance from the overall population, but you should be able to see into the shadows and read details that only an expert would notice." His voice carried harsh disappointment and deep annoyance.
Feeling scolded, Jora'h mumbled, "Then what is the reason, Father? Please enlighten me."
The Mage-Imperator heaved himself up in the womblike chair. "Because our Ildiran Empire is indeed fading, just as the snide humans suspect! We withdrew our splinter colony on Crenna because of the plague there, but we have abandoned