The Aether of Night by Brandon Sanderson

Author:Brandon Sanderson [Brandon Sanderson]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

Raeth sat disconsolately on his throne, paying attention only half-heartedly as a merchant explained why he needed extra compensation for his goods, since he’d had to divert his caravans to avoid the Forgotten’s path. After over a week spent in the thrall of political maneuverings, it was difficult for Raeth to return to the mundane cases that had occupied his time during his first few days as Emperor. He knew they were important--these cases provided for the day-to-day functioning of the Imperium. But it was hard to wait idly on his throne, listening to complaints while his nation slowly fell apart.

And, unfortunately, he knew there was no better place for him. At least here, under the careful coachings of a dozen aids and lawyers, he wouldn’t make any more horrible mistakes. He’d put the Imperium through enough already.

Three days had passed since the disaster, and its repercussions could be seen throughout the city, amongst all of its various peoples. The army had sustained heavy casualties, especially amongst the High Aedin ranks. Two thousand High Aedin, many from prominent families, had died. What was worse, over seventy percent of the High Aedin losses had been from the Amberite Line--his own house. He’d earned the distrust of those who should have been his strongest allies.

They were blaming him, of course, and rightfully so--though they didn’t know the true reason for his guilt. They said that the disaster had come because Raeth had held back the High Aedin, trying to humiliate them by taking their cloaks. They didn’t know the truth. The slaughter had occurred because he himself had been an unknowing spy for the enemy. His eyes were tainted; somehow, the Forgotten knew what he knew.

Raeth was a traitor--an unwitting one, but a traitor nonetheless.

The merchant finished his petition, and Raeth turned to Tarrinon. Tarrinon paused, then whispered the proper decision into Raeth’s ear. Raeth repeated it verbatim, trying to ignore the look in Tarrinon’s eyes. The scribe didn’t approve of Raeth’s attitude. However, at least this way Raeth knew he wasn’t being manipulated by the taint of darkness that slept within him.

The herald announced the next case, but Raeth didn’t look up. He knew he looked like he was brooding--and, truth be told, he did feel a bit of self-pity. However, mostly he was just worried about what he’d done. The fall of the Imperium could very well be upon his hands. He wasn’t trying to act petulant--he just didn’t know what else to do. If the Forgotten saw what he saw--or, worse, knew what he thought--then the less he paid attention, the better off the Imperium would be.

“Um, my lord,” Tarrinon said quietly. “You might want to pay attention to this one. I can’t help you with it.”

Raeth looked up, frowning, then his eyes widened with surprise when he saw who was standing before him. Shateen, the Shentis ambassador, stood with his arms still wrapped in chains, several guards at his side.

“Good afternoon, your majesty,” the black-skinned creature said with a bow of its head.

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