In Shadows We Fall by Devin Madson

Author:Devin Madson [Madson, Devin]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Devin Madson
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

The snow fell soft beyond the lacework shutter, its tiny holes letting in biting winter air. Quite a crowd had gathered in the Divine Square, a silent, shivering crowd blanketed in fear. No, not fear, not yet. Fear would come later, supplanting the anxiety that twisted in their guts like snakes. The last war had started the same way. With strange deaths and executions.

From my high vantage in the outer palace I could see the stage and upon it the players walked. Emperor Lan seated upon a wooden copy of the Crimson Throne with Jingyi beside him, the Chiltaen ambassador, the Minister of the Left, the Minister of the Right, and a whole bank of Imperial Guards there to keep the commoners from their god. And because such things are all about the spectacle there were eight blocks upon the platform. Eight blocks with eight headsmen. And dusted in snow the people of Mei’lian watched on, each clutching a desperate wish to their heart that this would not be the beginning of the end.

I heard the steps behind me but did not turn. Something in the creak of leather and the heavy tread warned me who it would be, and on the air the scent of sweat and oil.

“Why do people watch?” I said, not turning from the play unfolding beneath me.

“Curiosity, Your Majesty,” said General Kin, silk swishing as he bowed. “And perhaps for some the joy of seeing death.”

“Is that why you became a soldier, General?”

“No, Your Majesty. A soldier fights so others do not have to.”

“A worthy sentiment.”

He didn’t say anything, didn’t move, yet his presence weighed upon my attention, and I turned. His usual scowl was absent, leaving, if not a handsome face, at least a distinguished one, with a pair of dark eyes that always watched, windows to a mind that always turned. Most men at court were liars and schemers, pompous and self-important. Kin ought to have been. He had a position of great power, had the emperor’s ear, and yet his sneers were only ever directed at himself. In another life perhaps it might have been worth knowing him better.

“His Majesty is in the square,” I said, when still he did not speak. “Ought you not be with him?”

“He is well guarded, Your Majesty. He informed me that you would soon be departing and so I have come to offer some of my men as an escort to ensure your safety.”

Bitterness trembled in my smile, I knew, but I could hide it no longer. “Imperial Guards are only for the Imperial Family, General,” I said. “Since in a few days the council will declare me no longer the Empress of Kisia and my shame will be paraded before the people, I do not think I will be requiring the services of His Majesty’s guards.”

No blink of surprise. “Not then perhaps, but if you were to go now, today, I would personally see to it that you and Prince Takehiko are escorted by my finest men.

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