Concession Cont'dMature

The rest of the day was passed as far from the Great Hall as Aemir could manage while still preparing his campaign. He spent his energy amongst his men, ruffling their morale and passing along the brew. A few hours ticked off before it started taking effect and the men took refuge from consciousness anywhere they could stretch their feet out. Before he crawled toward the sagging little bunk at the other end of the hall, Aemir crept back into the darkened castle. He entered his chamber, noticing just how much it reminded him of a museum. Everything was crisply posed, meant to never be disturbed. He could feel the dust already settling in the absence of interruption, like it was a graveyard. Despite the order, he didn't find what he was looking for. He slid back down the stairway.

The thought of Ardrion discovering the plot against the King hovered in his mind. Cautiously, he slinked down the halls, weaving between beams of moonlight. He glided past the open doorway of the Great Hall. The throne was drenched in light, and given a holy appearance. The silvery blue hue bestowed a ghostly look of abandonment. Around the corner, he heard a voice. He maneuvered silently, conscious of the shadows' limits.

“What news?” hissed a familiar Kolrav'ani accent.

“The kid knows” a voice hissed back.

“Knows what exactly?”

“Nothing definitive. But he’s been poking his nose around and it won’t be long before all the pieces come together.” His gaze shifted to the dungeon and Roszmirrh’s followed. “He’s seen the girl.”

Roszmirrh cursed something Kolrav’ani.

“I want him to disappear before he causes problems. You might have noticed his sidelong glances toward the throne. I trust you'll tell the King of his treacherous plans?”

“You don’t think he would trust your word over mine?

“I think we both know the truth of that matter.”

“What of the dungeon-mouse?”

“I don’t know what she’s said. I've got a few things to take care of and then I'll see if I can’t get anything about it out of her.”

“And the boy?”

A few contemplative breaths passed between them. “Valren would not question a hasty judgment if he thought it was just.”

“You say it with a heavy heart.” Roszmirrh teased.

There was a long pause marked with discomfort. “I have no qualms with whatever your methods may be.”

Roszmirrh gave a toothy grin. “You’re a good man, Aemir.”