Horizon Storms - Kevin J. Anderson [229]
The Mage-Imperator studied the Solar Navy commander’s face and approved of his brave and determined expression, though he could sense that his son was shaken. “Rusa’h has executed Pery’h,” Jora’h said from his chrysalis chair. “He has killed the Designate-in-waiting!”
“What do you wish done, Liege?” Zan’nh remained formal, now fully in his role as Adar instead of grieving brother. He looked at his half sister Yazra’h as she stood close to the chrysalis chair and nodded with approval. “Shall I launch a reconnaissance team so that we can question the Hyrillka Designate and determine exactly what occurred?”
Jora’h felt a nova of anger burning at the core of his chest. “We didn’t get much information from interrogating the other Hyrillka pilgrims, but I know that my brother has turned against us. He ordered Pery’h‘s assassination. It was both deliberate and cold-blooded. I think Rusa’h…wanted to get my attention.” The Mage-Imperator looked toward the gathered bureaucrats and advisers.
“We will deal with it in whatever manner you command, Liege,” Zan’nh said.
The Mage-Imperator’s braided hair twitched with anguish while he considered the options. He narrowed his star-sapphire eyes. For the time being, Jora’h had sent away all pilgrims and supplicants, allowing only those trusted advisers who could offer valid strategic advice.
As he thought, the words boiled out of him. “Prime Designate Thor’h is cooperating with my brother in this rebellion. Some of you may make excuses for Rusa’h‘s behavior. He was injured, he is no longer himself, his mind has not healed.” His fingers clenched the smooth rim of his cradlelike chair, remembering all the impressions that had flooded into his mind. “But he has murdered my son. And Thor’h let him do it!”
The Mage-Imperator lowered his voice and looked from straight-backed Zan’nh to coiled and watchful Yazra’h. “I have always had my doubts about Thor’h, but I had hoped he would grow into his responsibilities. Instead, he has turned against me, against all Ildirans. This crime cannot be ignored or excused.”
He drew a deep breath, and the words felt like dry stones in his mouth. “Let all know that from this day forward, the murderer Rusa’h may no longer serve in any capacity as Designate. I also rescind Thor’h‘s appointment as Prime Designate.”
Even Yazra’h gasped at this declaration. The sound brought her Isix cats to their feet, and they scanned the room for intruders. Advisers murmured in surprise at the unprecedented announcement, but Jora’h had no choice. The Prime Designate had turned against him, could never be trusted as the next Mage-Imperator-in-waiting.
Yazra’h calmed her predatory felines. “Father, the Empire cannot endure without a Prime Designate. You must choose—”
“I have already made my choice,” he said. “It is only through a missed chance of genetics that Zan’nh—my true firstborn son—was not slated to become Prime Designate. His service has been exemplary, and I have complete faith in him. I could not ask for a more worthy successor.” Zan’nh’s eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to protest, but the Mage-Imperator continued. “Therefore, until such time as this matter is resolved, until Thor’h is brought back here and faces me in the skysphere hall, Adar Zan’nh is the provisional Prime Designate.”
Zan’nh looked as amazed as all the listeners; he couldn’t stop himself from swearing under his breath. “Bekh!”
Yazra’h looked over at him and offered a small smile of approval.
Jora’h heard the mutters of astonishment. He had already bent too many time-honored protocols in the Ildiran Empire. He had dared to emerge from his chrysalis chair and set foot on the unhallowed floors. He had selected his own daughter to be his primary protector instead of a member of the warrior kith. And now he had appointed Zan’nh, not even