70 Prince of Crows (1/2)
”What are you doing here?” Elya asked once she was seated at the table, Razors Edge back in its sheath and a cup of steaming hot tea resting in front of her.
”I was invited dear. Like you.” Eva Morales looked paler than their first meeting, her normally lively expression marred by the kidnapping of her son. She'd hardly eaten while Nikolai was captured, relying on her half-forgotten abilities as an Agent of the Black Hand to keep going. It had taken its toll, leaving injuriesthat even Nikolai's Magic couldn't counteract. Elya knew her mother-in-law-to-be spent more time now in her bed than her beloved garden as she recovered. ”It's not polite to stare and ignore your host.”
Elya jerked at the light admonishment, eyes darting to the man who could only be the Savant.
”Apologies… Master Savant?” Her voice twisted, uncertainty turning the apology into a question. The dominating power the Savant displayed during their last conversation, which sent her emotions out of control and hammered her mind, was carefully restricted. Without her enhanced Draconic senses, he appeared to be nothing more than a simple, if sharply dressed, middle-aged man. In her mind's eye though, he was a mass of terrifying power, surges of might towering to the sky.
”Just Savant will do.” He replied, cracking a biscuit to dip into his tea. ”It's a shame our first meeting wasn't under better circumstances.” Calling it a meeting rather than coercion was a blatant lie. Just the thought was enough to enrage her. Only the man's mysterious nature and unfathomable capabilities kept her from lashing out.
What terrified her most were his possible demands. She'd read many an account where a person's involvement with criminal elements led to disaster. The Pirate Queen of Ansibar was the perfect example. The woman was so well known that fictitious accounts of her escapades filled many bookstores. Even Nikolai had a copy of her tales which he treasured deeply, but the truth behind the woman's life was far darker.
Born into House Turan after the third Imperial Conquest of the long forgotten nation of Kzev, Ilva Turan was known for her feisty temperament and quick wit. When her family fell on hard times, she made a deal with the gang that controlled the docks of her hometown to provide writs of passage for smuggled goods in return for funds to support her ailing Houses finances. The influx of funds was enough to stabilise their situation but Ilva quickly found herself absorbed into the gang's upper echelons, going from providing assistance to actively participating in its illicit activities.
Soon Ilva held reign over most of her hometown's gangs, terrorising the city to the point it came to Imperial notice. She may have been able to avoid scrutiny for longer if her arrogance hadn't brought her into direct conflict with the Son of Heaven. It was a testament to her skills that she even survived, let alone escaped onto the high seas with a band of ruthless murderers and thieves. In a few short years she held sway across the western straits, her name mentioned in hushed whispers at every port in the Empire. It took the concerted efforts of the nascent Imperial Navy and a troop of War Mages to hunt Ilva down. In one of the greatest Naval battles of the age the Pirate Queen was ambushed by a fleet twice her number and eventually captured.
In the end Ilva Turan was brought home and beheaded on the steps of her Houses mansion. A testament to how easy it was to become corrupted. While Elya believed herself to be stronger than the Pirate Queen, there was a thread of doubt pulsing in her heart. She'd already taken steps into the underworld, and if in the future the choice was between her loved ones and the Empire, she wasn't certain what she would choose.
”Truly. I could hardly recognise your presence.” Elya growled, eyes sharp with caution, wary of the Savant's abilities. Even though she'd agreed to his request in return for aid, the entire episode left her feeling bitter. Under the influence of his powers or her fear for Nikolai's safety, she'd agreed to the Savant's demands too quickly. It was out of character for her to make such rash decisions, but whatever the reason, she'd given her word, and a Knight didn't go back on their word.
”There were inadequacies to our previous means of communication. Luckily, we can forget the past and enjoy some tea together.” The Savant seemed unconcerned by her threatening posture, munching on his snacks with gusto.
Eva leaned forward and placed a hand on her arm, a gentle reminder to maintain control. ”This is a wonderful field. Niki tries to make illusions like this all the time, but Fates bless him it always lacks that little something to make it real.” Eva smiled at some memory of Nikolai and Elya's lips twitched in agreement. She'd been exposed to some of his attempted illusions in Nikolai's Mage Tower. The best word to describe them was 'Adequate'.
”It's not an illusion. This is one of my villas near the Senroan border.”
Elya drew a sharp breath, stunned at the casual admission of his power. If they'd truly been transported to another location, his means rivalled that of the ancient Archmages.
”Not that I don't appreciate the invitation, but I doubt you would have brought us all the way just to have some tea.” Eva sipped from her cup, the picture of control. If you ignored the shaking cup and sweat beading on her brow. It was one thing to be around a powerful War Mage, but in the face of someone with even greater capabilities, it was difficult to remain calm.
”True. It requires a great deal of effort to maintain the Gates, but a pleasant chat is always welcome.” He leaned back, dark eyes glowing in anticipation. ”But let us come to the point. I have left you free to pursue your desires Morales, choosing to ignore your blatant disregard of my authority.” There was an edge to the Savant's voice, veiled under his soft smile.He raised a hand to forestall Eva's explanation. ”It's over and done with, but in return for my silence, nay, support! Who helped you find your precious son?” Elya turned away, ashamed at how easily he could demand their aid. The Savant stared at Eva until she dropped her gaze before continuing. ”My assistance comes at a price. You should know this better than anyone Eva, but worry not. I have little desire to come into conflict with your fledgling War Mage, so my demands are minimal. I simply require your support.”
”Support for what?”
”The time for selecting a new Tribune has come. I have a candidate in mind.”
”Who?” Elya frowned. He transported them the Fates knew where just to meddle in Imperial politics?