My arm had healed from where the assassin’s poisoned dagger had struck me, but I still woke up the next morning feeling dizzy and disoriented, even with Mephi curled next to me. By noon, I was no longer dizzy, but the disorientation lingered. Or maybe it was just my surroundings and the company that left me so uneasy.

A few steps ahead of me, the Emperor sat on a bench in the palace courtyard, writing a series of letters. Every so often she paused, putting the end of the pen to her lips as she considered her words. Repairs were nearly complete on the Imperial Palace, and the intricacy of the paintings and architecture made me, half-Poyer former criminal from the tiny isle of Anau, feel uncouth and uncultured.

Servants had already begun to pack for the Emperor’s diplomatic trip, though she’d not finalized the islands to visit nor had she yet obtained a ship. I leaned on my steel staff, watched her and felt about as useful as a paper sail in a storm. She and the guards had handled that assassin all on their own, while I’d lain about on the floor limp as a cleaning rag. An Alanga. But if she was like us, where had her companion been? Had she left the beast behind?

The assassin had been dead by the time I’d awoken. I wished I’d had the chance to question her, to find out where she came from, what she wanted. She looked Empirean.

I heard the whispers in the halls. The guards who’d killed the woman told anyone who would listen about her powers over water, her quick healing, her strength. There was a renewed sense of purpose and unity among the palace staff. The Empire was created to fend off the Alanga, to keep them from gaining a foothold.

The use of poisons and throwing knives showed planning, passion, intensity. I’d sent some of my guards out into the city and to the docks to question people. Who had seen the woman arrive? Where had she come from? Did anyone know who she was? I’d gleaned a few things. The ship she’d arrived on could be crewed by one, she’d given the name “Meraya” at the inn she’d stayed at, she’d kept to herself. She’d given Anau as the island she’d sailed in from at the docks, but I hadn’t recognized her. Yes, I’d been gone from Anau for a long time, but the woman clearly hadn’t wanted to be traced and I had no doubt she’d lied.

Had she truly been alone or had she come with any sort of companion? Any sort at all? I had to be delicate with the last, afraid of showing my hand.

No. No one had seen anyone else with her. So I was left with more questions than answers.