“However it is you, Jora’h, who must eventually bear all this responsibility. I do not compare and choose among my heirs. You are the firstborn, the Prime Designate. You will eventually take my place and understand it all. But even before that time, I want you to comprehend what lies in store for you, not just mouth pretty words like an idiot. Think about what I am saying.”

Jora’h swallowed hard, considering how he worked to maintain his popularity, watching the Ildiran people amuse themselves, reveling in the glory of their empire. He had a good heart, but perhaps he was far too naive.

Although his brother the Dobro Designate was always grim and preoccupied with schemes, now Jora’h realized that perhaps his brother understood far more than he himself had guessed. Jora’h wondered how many other dark secrets the Mage-Imperator was keeping from him, though he would learn everything on the terrible day when he took the reins of thism in his grasp.

Rattled, the Prime Designate backed away from the chrysalis chair, hoping the audience was over. “Let me think on this, Father.”

“You must understand the truth, my son. As the next Mage-Imperator, you will have to make certain decisions that are cruel and heartless. But you will make them because they are ultimately the best choice for our people.”

“I… understand, Father. Intellectually, I have known that for many years. But still, my heart has trouble understanding this difficult news.”

The Mage-Imperator’s pasty face shifted, his expression becoming one of honest concern. “One last thing: You have heard about the strange attack on the moons of the new star the humans ignited?”

“Yes, they claim it was the work of some powerful aliens. But how can that be? Besides the humans, we have encountered no other living civilization in all our history. Unless you believe the legends of the Shana Rei, but I always thought those creatures of darkness were just a story from before the Lost Times.”

The Mage-Imperator said, “If a tale is recorded in the Saga of Seven Suns, then it must bear at least a foundation of truth.” He frowned again. “But no, my son, this is not the work of the Shana Rei. In addition to the attack on Oncier, these new enemies have also destroyed Roamer ekti-processing plants on Golgen and, most recently, on Erphano.”

“Other attacks? Are we in danger?” The Prime Designate reeled with all the strange and terrifying things he had learned this day.

The Mage-Imperator’s voice grew absolutely sincere with its dreadful message. “Without question, the Ildiran Empire—indeed every living thing in the Spiral Arm—is entering a very serious crisis. No one can anticipate just how grave this situation may become.”

69: OX

69OX