Trouble at the Temple

Chika took me up on my offer at a dramatic—but opportune—moment.

The emperor was due to return to the capital, but before he departed, he wanted to lead a military parade through the city. Because the former king had surrendered without a fight, the emperor saw fit to impress upon the citizens the might of our army, in case any were holding on to notions of rebellion. Battalions from every nation under the empire’s rule, some fifty thousand men in total, followed behind the emperor as he made his way to the temple at the north end of the city. There, he would offer a large sacrifice to the Aelirynthian god of commerce as a gesture of goodwill.

With any luck, it would convince the priesthood that the emperor would be a more generous patron than the old king.

Crowds lined the streets, the citizens eager to catch a glimpse of their new emperor. Responding to their fervor, the emperor disembarked from his chariot to walk on foot, giving them a better look at his royal splendor. He was prone to these kinds of gestures. Walking among the people, he always said, did wonders for a ruler’s popularity. In my view, it posed nothing but unnecessary risks.

And I’m not just saying that because I was unhappy that I, as part of the royal entourage, was forced to step out of the chariot and walk the parade route on foot behind him.

After reveling in their admiration for many blocks, he grew bored of their cheers. Only those who knew him well could mark the change. Outwardly, he continued to smile and wave to the audience, but his shoulders slumped slightly, and he resorted to his favorite pastime—teasing those around him—for entertainment.

“There are so many beautiful women in this city.” I could barely hear him over the din of the crowd and the footfalls of the soldiers. “How is it that you’re still unmarried, Thelian?”

“Why would any woman choose me when you’re so charming?” I had given that exact answer so often that I figured he would be tired of it, but when he grinned, I knew I had fallen into a trap.

“From what I hear, you let a woman drag you across the city the other day.”

“We were discussing business,” I lied. “She has ties to many of this city’s industries.”

“Oh? Do your business partners often cook you meals?”

“Honestly, your highness, I’m surprised that such unimportant rumors reach your ears, and even more surprised you pay them any mind.”

Despite my deflection, I knew that there was little chance he would drop it. Sure enough, he pressed the matter.

“She must have been something special to merit so much of your attention.”

“Special yes, but not for the reasons you’re imagining. Her mind could be of great use to the empire. I attempted to recruit her as an assistant, but I fear I failed.” Working closely, I reasoned, would allow us to naturally grow closer. I still wasn’t sure exactly what kind of relationship I wanted with Chika. Perhaps, as I got to know her better, my uneasy attraction would fade into a respectful friendship, or possibly bloom into an interspecies love.

“You would employ a woman? That’s why I like you, Thelian. Your ideas are so unorthodox.”

“Not just a woman, your highness: a witch.”

“Even better!”

We were drawing close to the temple, and the emperor was re-energized from our conversation. At that moment, Chika made her presence known. Her black hat floated atop the sea of onlookers as she pushed her way to the front. Flagging down a soldier, she whispered into his ear, and he came running towards me.

“Lord Thelian, the Witch of Aelirynth wishes to report to you. She claims to have discovered a plot against his royal highness.”

Unfortunately for me, the emperor overheard his words. “Thelian’s sweetheart is here? By all means, let her march with us.”

As she walked to join us, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Hushed rumors were quick to follow. The emperor continued to smile and wave as if nothing were amiss, but as soon as Chika arrived by my side, he glanced back at her.

“So this is the famous Witch of Aelirynth.”

“You flatter me, your highness. I am not so famous a person as you.”

Knowing that the emperor would love nothing more than to waste our time by trading barbs, I interjected. “Chika, I was told you discovered a plot against us?”

“The high priest intends to poison the emperor.”

The levity disappeared from the emperor’s voice, though he still outwardly appeared jovial. “And how do you know this?”

“The temple and I have an arrangement. In exchange for regular donations of gold and information, they don’t denounce me as a heretic. A few days ago, as I was praying in the temple, the high priest approached and asked me about a rare desert plant. Its juice is odorless, tasteless, and has medicinal uses when diluted, but is mildly poisonous.”

“Fascinating.” Sarcasm dripped from the emperor’s voice. “And he told you he intended to use it on me?”

“Not directly, but he was overly interested in what would happen if he failed to dilute it enough. When I pressed him on why he was asking me, he mentioned that there had been an influx of supply, and he had purchased some at a low price, intending to use it for the temple’s benefit. Later, I stopped by the market to purchase some for myself, only to find that the only recent change in supply came from the temple purchasing exactly the amount I warned him could make someone sick—at full price.”

“So the priest’s a poisoner, but he’d be foolish to try it on me.”

“On the contrary, you’re the only person he has any reason to poison. The empire has been moving too quickly, signing too many deals, and snatching business away from the temple. They were the biggest investment group in the city before you showed up. If I’m right, the high priest intends to mix the poison into holy water. Both you and he will drink, but since he has the antidote, only you will fall ill. People will believe you are disfavored by the god of commerce and return their business to the temple.”

“Let me guess, you also have the antidote, and you intend to give it to me.”

“No, I intend to sell it to you.” She pulled a vial of dark liquid from her bag and held it up to show him.

The corner of the emperor’s lips twitched upwards. “How do I know it’s not the real poison? Maybe you concocted this story so I’d let my guard down.”

The rest of the entourage nodded their heads in agreement, and I felt compelled to come to her defense. “She wouldn’t do that. I’ll bet my life on it. I’ll take the antidote too.”

A broad, genuine smile broke out on the emperor’s face. “If my chief advisor croaks, the empire’s doomed anyway. Might as well. Hand me that vial.”

⁂

After leaving the temple, the emperor could hardly suppress his laughter. “Did you see the look on the priest’s face? I have to admit, I doubted your story, witch, until I saw the color drain from him. Tell me, what do I owe you? Both for the antidote, and the entertainment.”

“I wish to serve in your majesty’s court, as it is no longer safe for me here.”

“Ah yes, as Thelian’s assistant, right?”

“No, your highness, as his rival. I wish to work for you.”

The emperor’s roaring laughter echoed throughout the city, but I did not share his joy. No, my heart froze in terror, for I knew he could grant her request, no matter how terrible an idea it might be. He craved amusement more than anything in the world, and causing trouble for court officials was his favorite pastime.

“A witch, advising on affairs of state? I love it! Welcome to my council, Yasutake Chika.”