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twenty-two

King Atlas

I stare through the flames that link me to those burning in my son’s room. I watch the sleeping figures of Ereon and his bride, wondering what she’s done to him. Ereon has changed. He’s become weak, as evident by his fight over the girl at the plal ryow . I expected him to come back from Antalis stronger and more determined, especially since I held his whore over his head while he was gone.

He needs to remember who he is — the person I raised him to be — but I can’t deal with that right now. There are more pressing matters to attend to. For too long Shaston’s been hidden behind these mountains, and I’ve been deprived of what’s mine.

“Ataiun,” I call, and Sache Ataiun appears from the shadows. He could have been a fine son, if my wife had been stronger this is what she could have bred. “How are things in the north?”

He walks forward, his hand behind his back. “Worse. Many of the reports have requested aid and backup.”

This is only information that the two of us have heard. Every day it seems worse; the kukhe grow restless. I thrum my fingers against the armrest pondering my choices.

“Tell my son and the Ambassador to come to me in the morning. I’ll offer soldiers to travel to the other kingdoms.”

“Yes, my King, but it would be dangerous to let them go now,” Ataiun says.

“I know.” I look back to the flames. Carnaxa’s blue hair drapes over the side of the bed and Ereon’s arm wraps around her in a protective embrace. My mouth twists in disgust because he could have been great. He could have been everything I needed him to be.

Let them go, she’s played her part. She’s useless to us now.

His voice invades me, an ever-present reminder of my true goal. Carnaxa did fulfill her part, and magic was awakened. A wave of my hand has tiny embers circling around my fingertips. I can feel it inside of me, the magic. Everything is coming to fruition as it should, as was planned — the deluc in Antalis and the khind in Midaeliea. All pieces on a board I’ve played for years.

“And what of the Antalians?” Ataiun asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

I roll my eyes. I haven’t killed them like I originally planned because I’m hoping they’ll give up their loyalty and want to fight for the ones who will be the victors. Ereon will want to take them all if he leaves to the north, which is fine. Those who came with the Princess seem to stir up more trouble than I have time to deal with. The pink haired one has too much spirit, and unfortunately, I can’t beat her down like I did Anara. Her husband will want to follow her. But the Ambassador, what is his name? Thylas. He is the one I really need to go away. He’ll want to know where his men are eventually. He watches and listens, and he asks far too many questions, but I like him. He’s stubborn and strong willed, and those are personality traits I may be able to work with, especially after I watched him through the flames.He’s Shastonian. Now to find his bloodlines.

I realize Ataiun is still waiting for a response. “They all have permission to leave.” Closing my fist the embers flicker out. Ataiun bows once more before leaving the room.

Soon, Ra Syam , we’ll be ready for you.