In the banquet courtyard, Jora'h leaned back, breathing in the heady perfumes of foliage and the delicious aromas of culinary items. Occasionally, he caught himself frowning distractedly and tried not to let anyone notice his mood. As the blue-white sun set and the orange secondary rose, Adar Kori'nh staged a performance with his streamers and two warliners. On the ground, geometrical patterns of blazers were lit in all the fields and streets to add to the festive brightness.

Jora'h used the event as an excuse to take Thor'h aside, but the young man seemed resistant. "I want to watch the aerial show, Father."

"You have seen them before. We need a moment in private so I can explain why I have come."

"I already know. You're going to make me leave Hyrillka and take me back to live in the Prism Palace."

"Yes, but you do not knowwhy ."

Jora'h sat on a smooth bench in a flower-framed alcove, but Thor'h remained at a distance, restless and pacing and full of nervous energy. "But I like it here on Hyrillka, Father. I want to stay. The Designate and I get along well together."

"Circumstances have changed. You no longer have that option, and I have no choice but to take you back with me."

"Of course you have a choice." Thor'h spun around, his perfectly arranged hair twitching. The young man's narrow face seemed predatory. "You're the Prime Designate. You can have anything you want. You have only to command it."

Saddened, Jora'h said, "I have learned recently that sometimes my options are as limited as those of the poorest attender kith."

Thor'h laced his thin fingers together, then unlaced them and spread his hands about as if looking for something to hold or eat. He seemed about to argue again, but his father stopped him. "The Mage-Imperator isdying, Thor'h. Very soon, I will take his place-and you will be the Prime Designate."

Thor'h stopped, his eyes growing wide. "Not yet. I'm not ready."

"Neither am I, but the hydrogues are abroad, the Empire is in trouble, and none of us can afford a pampered life anymore. For years, you have reaped the advantages of your birth. Now you must face your obligations."

Thor'h snapped, "What if I don't want to?"

"Then I will kill you myself." The angry retort was out of Jora'h's mouth before he could stop it. "And elevate your brother Zan'nh to the position, even if he isn't of full noble blood. The Empire cannot tolerate a Prime Designate as stupid as you seem to be."

Thor'h looked appalled, but Jora'h could not take back the words. He tried to be conciliatory. "We must think beyond ourselves-both of us."

35

TASIA TAMBLYN

Returning to the main EDF base on Mars, Admiral Willis's siege fleet received full military honors and a Remora escort. They were heady with success-an unusual feeling for them, after so many setbacks against the hydrogues.