Seven of Nine - Christie Golden [58]
Xanarit's Second rose at her Emperor's command and bowed.
"Excellent. But!" And Beytek pointed a clawed finger up in a chastising gesture. "But, there are many things going on that you do not know about, could not know about."
Xanarit rose. "O Great One," he began, "we are your lora-your advisory council. According to the charter which your illustrious ancestor Beytek the Second drew up at our founding, we must be notified of all activities and assist in coordinating them."
"In those simpler times, yes, Beytek the Second showed great wisdom in having a central council to organize and coordinate activities," Beytek agreed smoothly. His very placidness unnerved Xanarit still more.
"But in these times-oh, how complicated the universe has become. We have gone beyond a single planet to ninety-six! We are coming close to ruling the quadrant-it will happen under my reign!"
Hardly, thought Xanarit, but kept silent.
"There are far too many complications for the Iora to know everything, hmmm? I am certain you agree with me, Xanarit-don't you?"
Xanarit knew a threat when he heard one and dipped his head in feigned subservience. "Of course, Your Most Excellent Worthiness."
"But the time has arrived to share the knowledge, much as the worlds share their wealth with the Emperor who has brought it to them." He thumped his tail down on the pillows three times and the doors opened.
It took every ounce of discipline Xanarit possessed not to cry aloud.
As it was, he averted his head quickly so that Beytek would not see the sudden change of hue in his eyesacs.
Three guards led a prisoner into the council chamher. The prisoner, a bipedal creature with little hair save on its head, two eyes, un threatening teeth, and unclawed hands, had been severely beaten. His torso was covered with welts and bruises. He was alive, but only just.
Xanarit knew him. The prisoner was Elebon Boma, the elected leader of the drought-stricken planet of Tatori. It was with him that Xanarit had discussed smuggling water-extraction systems. He was the one who had sent the message that had let Xanarit know that the system had been received and was functioning perfectly, that there was food to feed the starving on Tatori.
He knows! Xanarit's thoughts were a raw cry to which he could not give proper voice. But how much does he know?
"Foolish Elebon," said Beytek in a voice dripping with false pity. "He thought he could get away with not sending Tribute. He thought he could go behind my back-behind the back of his Emperor!-and contrive to get through other means what he had officially been denied. Behold the mercy of Beytek."
In a surprisingly graceful move for one normally so loath to indulge in physical activity, Beytek leaped from his perch to the floor with a soft thump. He poked at the prisoner and touched his face with an obsidian claw.
"I did not order him killed. I did not take reprisals against his family, as is my right. I merely asked him to reveal the names of his fellow traitors. But the fool has stayed silent."
Xanarit stared. Grief and rage racked him, but he did not dare speak.
Once words began flowing off his tongue, he was not certain he could control them.
Elebon had to know that he would most certainly die if he did not reveal what Beytek wanted to know, but he was the truest and the best of patriots. He would rather go to his death than trade his life for another's.
Beytek growled and slashed Elebon's face. Four deep cuts wept blood.
Elebon did not utter a sound.
"Take him away. Keep... persuading him."
Mercifully, the dreadful sight of the bloodied but defiant Elebon was removed from Xanarit's view. The lora was still safe, thanks to Elebon's courage. And if they were safe, then the plan could proceed.
"Xanarit, are you not glad now that I was wiser than you? I knew these Tatori were not worth troubling ourselves over.