Chapter 11 - Part V

"I am going too."

"No.  After you proved to me you have all the political grace of a wéhkàx, you will be involved in no more sensitive affairs with me."

"She was killing him for no reason!  You heard Caudra.  He knew nothing more than the shadow Cedric knew of the killing of Lord Archne.  That man spent a lifetime following orders, a lifetime to making sure the Archne household ran smoothly, that their privileged were fed well and given lives of comfort.  How was he rewarded?"

"What part of 'be cautious with the Eirdred nobles' did you not understand?  What is one life to the lives of nations?  What is one eye for one old man compared to the thousands of eyes of children slaughtered if war comes?" Vaughn practically spit at his former protege before taking a step back and calming himself.

"I have another job for you anyway.  A responsibility to take on your own for the first time, without me watching your every move.  You'll be spending more time with Caudra trying to weed out the traitor in the Augur."

"You cannot go alone."

"Against one woman?  Of course I can.  Don't be naive.  Her power is in deceit, not in physical strength.  But no matter.  I will not be going alone.  I am bringing the SecondSword Keubroc to assist me.  The Wuob recommends him highly and he knows how these Eirdred nobles behave."

"There is another reason."

"Of course there is.  Corheab also mentioned the man might be worthy of more.  He is being considered for bei'thal training by the pnum'bei'thal.  This will be my opportunity to judge that, make the offer, and if rejected, remove the problem without much fuss."

"And the Wuob is satisfied with losing his best officer, either to the Silent Scholar or to your blade?"

"Don't be ridiculous.  Of course he doesn't realize that one way or another, his SecondSword isn't coming back.  If you are looking to prove yourself while I am gone, you can make it your business to see that he is well replaced."  Vaughn added, "Don't hesitate to interview the Wuob as well.  He may be Yibouhese, but that man operates on fear.  Who knows the depths of his loyalty."

"You have no argument from me, Vaughn'rdaup.  The man is an opportunist." Gregor plopped himself down on a seat of velvet cushion while he watched his mentor prepare for his departure.

"Find any excuse to be around him with Caudra.  People rarely advertise their secrets even to themselves in the privacy of their own mind."

"I understand."

"Oh and one more thing Gregor."

"Yes rduap?"

"That man the Archne head of house staff is going to be executed.  It will end the questions with Ketrae Archne and we'll maintain the illusion that the City Enforcers had collected evidence on our behalf.  Let this be.  Do nothing, say nothing about this.  If you must make peace with this, consider that this will end his torment.  Prove to me you can be a fine officer of the Empire.  Do not interfere."

Gregor said nothing has his superior bei'thal exited the room.

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