“Indeed, it was. I will cherish that memory for as long as I live. My only sorrow is that I could not partake in Lycaena’s death as well, but I suppose the knives of the Anointed and her magistrates must suffice.”

The Imperator crossed his arms. Intelligence sparkled in those silver eyes of his. A ruthless man, Soma knew, one who rose to prominence not due to family connections or inherited wealth, but brutal efficiency in command. Magus had taken over the war in Noth-Wall after its first disastrous decade, and was largely credited with destroying its resistance so the Everlorn Empire could turn its efforts to Miquo and Antiev. It was this accomplishment that convinced God-Incarnate Lucavi to appoint Magus as Imperator of Thanet’s invasion force.

“I lack the libraries of the Anointed to research as I would prefer,” Magus continued, “but I do remember hearing stories of your campaign in Aethenwald. You were ruthless, a true hero of the empire, and slayer of Anyx and Cathun. For a single paragon to fell three gods borders on the unbelievable.”

“Do you doubt the tales?” Soma asked. “Or the eyes of witnesses? Perhaps you deem me an opportunist, striking when a god is dying? It wouldn’t be the first time I and my family have heard such claims.”

The Imperator leaned closer, his arms unfolding in a clatter of platemail to rest atop the table between them.

“I doubt not your deeds, but your motives,” he said. “Three gods slain, but you seek no promotion beyond your paragon station. Rare is a man who kills even one god, let alone three, and that privilege is often enough to ascend to paragon praefect. Mighty deeds, a respected name, and the backing of one of the God-Incarnate’s children? You could make a viable claim for an Imperator position. And yet…”

He pushed off the table, his silver eyes boring into Soma’s blue as if he might dig out every one of his secrets.

“And yet you remain a mere paragon, content to be Sinshei’s obedient lapdog.”

“There is no such thing as a ‘mere’ paragon,” Soma argued. “Not we who walk as heroes among men. But I am where I want to be, Imperator. I seek no additional responsibilities, nor do I wish to be a praefect and command my brethren. Give me gods to slay, and I shall be content.”

“And when there are no more gods left to slay?”

“Then there will be no need of paragons, praefects, and imperators. The heavens spare us such a horrid fate.”

Soma could tell the Imperator was losing patience. Good. Anything to end this dull meeting sooner.

“Sinshei claimed you as a bodyguard, and removed you from your praefect’s command.” Magus shook his head. “I do not believe you without ambition, Soma Ordiae. I suspect you hope to find it at Sinshei’s side instead of with your own command.”