Blades of Ashes – Ch 16

The Case of the Commandery Princess and the Prime Minister’s Narrow Escape

Chapter 16

Azula woke with nervous energy running through him the next morning. He bathed, dressed, and ate breakfast early. After leaving a message with Sennin so that Lasma and Alise would not look for him, he headed to the village hall.

At the village hall, he entered the office assigned to him and sat down at the laden desk to read reports sent by traders, council members, and Sura Clan members with problems. He worked on them one by one, but his mind kept wandering to the conversation he had with Raithion the night before. His heart ached at the depressing story Raithion shared. What was it like to be robbed of free will?

Azula closed his eyes. Despite the many tragedies his family and his people had faced, everything he had done was by his own choice, even becoming the Sura Prince. He had gone into everything on his own terms, never facing a villain to rob him of his personal choices. He touched his loose hair and let out a soft, shaky sigh. Even his lack of braids was his own choice.

Raithion had broken his promises, but he did not deserve to be punished with poison in his home and such a betrayal of his personal choices. Azula’s heart ached at the thought of Ruri being poisoned by some unseen villain. Poor Yulin and Skye. The two children had already endured so much at such a young age.

Azula let out another sigh and opened his eyes to stare at the stack of green report books. These were all requests to look into the fate of missing Sura Clan members. Parents hoping to meet children again, children hoping to find their parents, and grandparents wondering what happened to their kin. What a mess. All stemming from the Adertha Basileus’s decision to sacrifice their clan for the sake of his throne. Power was truly a frightening entity. Wasn’t Raithion also a victim of that throne?

Picking up one of the requests, Azula finally acknowledged that he was going to the Lyria Kingdom. He could not avoid it, but it would be truly dangerous. Reaching for a sheet of paper, he started planning for his time away from the island.

By mid-morning, Azula had a steadier mindset about meeting Raithion in the council. Alise, Lasma, and Magnus entered his office just after ten. Alise carried a new coat, this one the color of midnight blue.

“You insist on dressing me,” Azula complained as she urged him to remove his simple wool coat.

“Authority is in presentation,” Alise said, helping him wear the fine midnight blue coat. The fasteners were carved from bronze that Alise helped him button. She buckled the wide leather belt at his waist and smiled as she smoothed her hands over the gleaming bronze shapes on his shoulders.

She reached up, caressed his right cheek, and stepped beside him so that they could face Magnus and Lasma.

“Are you ready?” Magnus asked. “You started the journey to save the clan five years ago. Too many things have happened since.”

“I was too naïve in those days,” Azula said, smiling. “I could have never imagined we would face so much trouble.”

Lasma took a deep breath and stepped forward. She took Azula’s right hand and held his gaze.

“Five years ago, on our last voyage from Lyria, I made you promise not to seek vengeance,” Lasma said. “Did you think I was being unfair?”

Azula looked into her eyes, then shook his head. “No. Without that vow, I might have sailed back to Lyria and brought on a deeper disaster.”

“Perhaps,” Lasma said. “You’re now a prince of the Sura nation. We are a people with our own identity, home, and culture. You’ve built us up, and I’m grateful for it all. I’m proud of you, Azu. I also know you’ve kept your father’s fate in your heart all this time. So, this time, I permit you to seek the answers you need so that you can let us braid your hair again without you having such a heavy heart.”

“Mom,” Azula started, but she reached up and pressed a warm palm to his cheek.

“We brought Draeya Prince with us,” Lasma said. “The council has also arrived. It’s time.”

Azula held Lasma’s gaze for another minute, then nodded. “Let’s get this done.” He kissed Lasma’s cheek.

Then, because he knew he had to leave her soon, he pulled her into a tight hug. She held him just as tightly, wrapping her arms around him. He closed his eyes, burying his face into her shoulder, inhaling the faint scent of roses. He hoped Marius would forgive him for leaving her for a time. After all, he’d done his best to make her smile for the last five years. She would have to wait until he resolved the matter in Lyria before he returned to spend time with her. He hoped Marius would not blame him.

Plus, there was still Magnus, Alise, and Ruri to keep her on her toes. She would not be bored at all.

Let me off on this one, old man, Azula thought as Lasma tightened her arms around him once, then let him go.

****

The council meeting was held in the large hall where Azula was made Chieftain. The number of attendants had increased; there were representatives from the schools, the healing department, the military, and the administrative offices.

Azula sat in the place of honor at the dais facing his people. The council members, Lasma, Magnus, Juya, Alvas, Kalas, Sennin, Tanya Nuovis, and Wolfe Silverberry, sat on each side of him. Four on each side, with Lasma sitting right next to Azula on his right. Alise sat in the front row with the ordinary members of the clan. She was joined by the women who worked with her to manage the Doriel residence and other odds and ends. Raithion and Haedor had to wait outside until Azula called for them.

Azula looked at the curious clan members and took a deep breath.

“The council convenes today to discuss the many requests sent to the Chieftain’s office seeking the whereabouts of our missing people,” Azula started. He picked up the green booklets to show the audience. “The Council has had numerous discussions on how we should approach the Lyria Kingdom for a resolution. Each discussion led to a dead-end. We have not been able to find a solution that would get us to the mainland safely and give us time to find our people.”

The hall was silent for a moment, then Azula continued.

“A week ago, a ship arrived on our shores from Lyria,” Azula said. “Many of you have noticed it and seen our soldiers patrolling the beach at the old docks. The beach has been closed off. I apologize that we did not make an announcement when it first happened. This is because we were negotiating with the Lyrian Prince who arrived at our shore.”

Hushed murmurs started, and Azula watched as the hall descended into discussions. He lifted his hand, signaling for silence, and was grateful when the murmurs stopped.

“The Lyrian Prince is Draeya General,” Azula said. “Five years ago, if you lived on the mainland, you would have heard of him and how he stood for the people and justice. The Lyrian Basileus elevated him to a Commandery Prince during our exile, and he is said to be in charge of the kingdom’s armies. He visited us seeking a favor: a request to save his eldest son, who was poisoned with Silver Malice. The request was made and accepted by Lady Lasma. She healed the child at the healer’s cove on the east side of the island on her own standing. Now, Draeya Prince seeks a way to return the favor. I believe he is our solution to reconnecting with the mainland.”

“I would like to remind Your Highness that we lost our Chieftain to Lyria politics. There’s no guarantee that he is willing to help us,” Wolfe said, standing up to face the audience.

“Wolfe, I understand why you would worry about Draeya Prince’s sincerity,” Juya said, his tone solemn. “We all remember how Chief Marius died. However, we don’t have a way to make an impact on our own. We still have to ask him to help us find a way to seek justice for our Chieftain’s murder and seek news of our lost kin.”

Wolfe cursed under his breath and sat down.

“Then, what will you do if he refuses?” Wolfe asked.

“I can’t know what he will agree to,” Juya said, shaking his head. “None of us do. But we have to try. The opportunity is here; we can’t just watch it sail away with our eyes wide open.”

“Let’s not argue,” Azula said, his tone authoritative enough to stop them. “Speculating will not quell your doubts. I would like to invite the Draeya Prince into the hall. Treat him as we would an envoy from a respected nation. I will not tolerate any disrespect.”

Two soldiers moved from the side of the hall and hurried to the main door where Raithion and Haedor waited.

****

Raithion clenched his hands into tight fists as the large double doors opened. The Sura soldiers nodded. He took a deep breath, met Haedor’s gaze, and turned to enter. His steps were measured; he walked into the relatively packed hall, and all eyes turned to him as he headed to the dais. A room full of Sura Clan members watched them with hostile, stern gazes. It was difficult to ignore the raw, burning resentment. Raithion focused his attention on the one person who watched him with lazy amusement.

Azula sat in the most prominent chair behind a large table at the dais, draped in a midnight blue coat that shimmered with bronze designs. His hair was combed into a neat ponytail held with a bronze clip. He looked formal, a prince in station, but his gaze remained the same: full of challenge and hidden mischief. He watched Raithion as though waiting to see him trip as he walked to the front. Raithion was sure Azula would laugh about it if he fell, but he would do it later when he was alone.

Raithion held his gaze, lifting a brow in answer. Azula had to fight a twitch in his jaw to keep from breaking his composure.

Raithion stopped before the raised dais and brought his hand to his chest, lowering his head slightly. “I, Raithion Maenaer, Draeya Commandery Prince of the Lyria Kingdom, greet the Sura Prince and council.”

His voice boomed in the hall, polished and authoritative, carrying the authority the Basileus had given him.

“The Sura Prince greets you,” Azula countered, his voice just as steady. “I’ve invited you to this council to discuss our clan’s exoneration. We were accused of a crime we did not commit in the Lyria Kingdom. How can you assist us?”

Raithion raised his hands, signaling to the soldiers flanking him that he meant no harm. He reached into the inner pocket of his black coat and pulled out the envelope he had been guarding for days. He held up Dio’s letter and handed it to one of the guards.

“A gift from the Lyria Kingdom court,” Raithion said. “I present it to the Sura Council as the Lyria Kingdom’s Commandery Prince.”

Azula accepted the sealed envelope, taking a few minutes to study the royal seal. He broke it and read the contents as the council watched. When he was done, he handed the letter to Lasma. After the council had read it, Azula stood.

His gaze was solemn as he looked at Raithion. “Do you truly stand in our hall as the Commandery Prince?”

“Yes,” Raithion said, pulling out his seal to hold it up for Azula to see.

Azula nodded and faced his people.

“I will now read the letter brought by the Lyrian Commandery Prince. This is an Imperial Warrant issued by the Imperial House of Adertha by the Grace of the Basileus of the Lyria Kingdom. To the Ministry of Justice, the Counterfeit Inspectorate, and all Magistrates of the realm: I order the immediate reopening and reinvestigation of the Case of the Forged Silver Coins.”

Gasps filled the hall at the announcement, and excited murmurs began as Azula continued reading.

“Let it be known across six states of Lyria that governance under our crown demands absolute integrity and justice for all subjects. It has come to our imperial attention that the matter concerning the illicit minting and circulation of forged silver coins, which heavily disrupted trade in our beloved empire, was brought to a conclusion prematurely.”

“Therefore, by the supreme authority vested in the office of the Basileus, we hereby command that the case of the forged silver coins be reopened with immediate effect. The Draeya Commandery Prince, Raithion Maenaer, shall conduct a thorough and uncompromised reinvestigation. He is issued all authority to find the true culprits, trace the source of the forged silver coins, and restore justice to all those wronged.”

The murmurs stopped as everyone now stared at Raithion with keen interest. Azula paused, glancing at Raithion too.

Raithion nodded in acknowledgment, and Azula continued reading the letter.

“Let no officer, official, courtier, minister, or member of the imperial family obstruct this pursuit of truth. All Sura Clan members are effectively placed under the protection of the Basileus’s office and the Commandery Prince’s authority. Any person found persecuting them shall face the full force of the law. This order is given under our hand and the imperial seal at the Capital city of Genad. Let Justice Prevail, Dio Adertha, Basileus.”

Azula held up the letter, his gaze fixed on Raithion, then sat as the hall filled with a heavy, stunned silence.

Azula let out a soft breath and met Raithion’s eyes. “As the Commandery Prince, can you guarantee my safety if I venture into the Lyria Kingdom?”

“Yes,” Raithion said without hesitation. “As the Basileus commands, it is my duty to protect you. If I fail the order, I will lose everything I have.”

Azula stared at Raithion, his expression unreadable, though the challenge in his eyes remained. He handed the letter to Lasma.

Raithion searched for the deeper meaning in Azula’s stare, but Azula simply stood, walked around the long table, and came to stand on the edge of the dais.

“I have a question for the Commandery Prince,” Azula said. “A question I must ask for the sake of the now-reopened case.”

“Please ask,” Raithion said. He ached to step forward, to close the distance between them, but the soldiers flanking him would not allow him.

As though he would ever hurt the prickly porcupine facing him. Azula’s serious face was really too alluring. Raithion felt so delighted looking at him, he wanted to laugh and fight with Azula even more, until Azula was willing to smile at him freely. He watched the way the light caught the angle of Azula’s jaw, his brown eyes, his silky hair; the frustration of the distance between them felt like a physical barrier. He wanted to challenge him, to pull a genuine smile from those lips, but he remained still, waiting for Azula.

“When I arrived at the port five years ago, you dragged me to the magistrate to report a theft of our ore,” Azula said, shocking their audience. “The thieves attacked, and your legion officers arrested them. We arrived at Genad City together, with your promise that you would take the thieves to the capital magistrate. Now, I ask you in front of my people: where is the ore thief?”

Raithion nodded. “I took the thief to my father. Thanir Maenaer was in charge of the palace military office at the time.”

Alise gasped, and Raithion fought the urge to look at her, wondering why she would react to his father’s name.

“The case was closed prematurely that evening we arrived, so I kept the evidence we collected and the thief’s confession in a safe place. If you accept the Basileus’s warrant, I will take you to retrieve the evidence and the confession before we arrive at the capital,” Raithion said.

Azula studied him for a moment longer, then looked away. “At this point, I would like to share that I have asked the Draeya Commandery Prince for an audience with the Lyrian Basileus.”

“No!” Magnus said, seconded by every member of the council except for Juya and Senin.

Azula finally faced Raithion with a challenging look. Raithion realized that the island’s people were not willing to part with their prince. The air grew thick with their palpable, frantic protectiveness. His heart sped up; he prayed his answers would be enough to convince them that he, that his protection, was enough to keep Azula safe.

“Your Highness, we cannot risk you going to the Lyria Kingdom,” Wolfe shouted, his voice cracking the sudden, fearful stillness of the room. “There is just no guarantee that you will be safe on the mainland.”

“Wolfe is right,” Kalas said. “We barely made it out last time. They even attempted to ambush us when we were on our ship. Please, Your Highness, you cannot be the one to go.”

“Stepping on Lyrian soil could mean your arrest,” Tanya said. “Even if the case is reopened, there is no guarantee that the authorities will not hold you until they can investigate the forged silver. The people’s tempers were too high back then, and I don’t think they have changed.”

“Please, Your Highness, just stay on the island and send someone else on your behalf,” Alvas said. “You are our backbone. We cannot lose you.”

The hall erupted in support of the council.

Azula stood at the edge of the dais, the very air between him and Raithion humming with a private, electric frequency. While his people shouted, their voices a chaotic sea of “stay” and “too dangerous”, Azula didn’t look at them. He looked only at Raithion.

Azula held Raithion’s gaze as words of protest continued to rise and fill the hall, one by one, his people went on to bring up reasons why he should not be the one to go.

Across the few yards of floor, Raithion stood perfectly still. He didn’t defend himself against the accusations; he simply watched Azula.

“I will go on your behalf,” Wolfe said at one point. “We can get some volunteers and go with the Draeya Prince.”

Then, Azula smiled as he looked at Raithion and gave a small, almost imperceptible wink, a flash of the old mischief that ignored the gravity of the situation. Raithion’s breath hitched, a tiny fracture in his stoic mask. He suddenly understood. This was a gamble they were taking together. Azula remained quiet as the protests continued until Juya stood up.

“I will be the voice of dissent,” Juya said, facing Wolfe, who was ready to find volunteers to go in Azula’s stead. “Wolfe, I understand why you would worry for His Highness. However, a small delegation of volunteers cannot make the impact we need in the Adertha Court. The prince of our Sura Nation holds the authority we’ve all placed on his shoulders. Only he can demand justice for our Chieftain’s murder and seek news of our lost kin.”

Wolfe cursed under his breath. “Juya, I usually agree with your ideas, but not this one. Can you tell us how our prince can step on Lyrian land without losing his head?”

“He’ll be under Draeya Prince’s care,” Juya pointed out.

“And where would you find Draeya Prince if things went wrong and our prince died on the mainland?” Wolfe asked, his anger rising.

“You’re his security when he travels; take a few more soldiers than usual and fight to make sure our Prince keeps his head on his shoulders,” Juya said. “Otherwise, what is all the rice we’ve been feeding our soldiers for, if not to protect our prince?”

“That’s easier said than done,” Wolfe grumbled as he sat down, dragging his chair, clearly upset by the whole situation.

Azula cleared his throat and nodded at Raithion.

“Draeya Prince, you’ve heard the concerns. Will I be safe in your hands?” Azula asked.

“Yes,” Raithion said, his tone weighted with gravity. “I can guarantee Prince Azula’s safety. I acknowledge that the Sura have soldiers of their own. You may assign as many as you need to escort His Highness to the Lyria Kingdom. My legion officers will protect them and march with them under the Commandery Prince’s banner. I will personally support and help the Prince until the case is closed in a satisfactory manner.”

Azula narrowed his gaze. “A satisfactory manner for the Lyria Kingdom or for the Sura?”

“For the Sura,” Raithion said, his tone solemn.

Azula held his gaze for a moment, reading sincerity in Raithion’s eyes, so he turned and faced his council. Reaching for the gold chain collar with a carnelian stone that he always wore around his neck, he unclasped it and brought it up for the room to see.

“On the power of this carnelian stone worn by a mourning chieftain, on the weight of the lives of the dead and the missing, I seek the council’s permission to leave Sura Island and travel to Lyria to find out the fate of our people,” Azula said, his voice ringing through the hall.

Gasps filled the room.

Lasma stood in shock.

His request could not be protested now.

Azula was aware that he was invoking the authority that had made him chieftain to begin with. He was a mourning chief charged with settling the clan’s grievances. He had long decided to push it this far if the protests became too much, but having to invoke old grief still hurt.

Magnus stood too and held Lasma’s right arm as she trembled where she stood.

No one dared say anything.

Azula faced the council without flinching, keeping the gold chain with the carnelian stone visible. He had always known he would return to the Lyria Kingdom; he just had not known it would be so hard to break his mother’s heart. Her eyes were filled with worry and pain. He wished there was another way, but he had no choice.

Lasma took a deep breath, then pushed Magnus’s hand away. Azula felt his heart race as she forced herself to take a step; she wavered and held on to the back of Magnus’s chair to steady herself. Then, she walked around the table and approached him, her eyes shining with tears. She stopped before him and reached for his right hand that was holding the carnelian stone. She patted it and held it with both hands, bringing it down.

“We can always ignore this,” Lasma said, her voice low enough for only Azula to hear.

“I have ignored it,” Azula said, smiling at her. “For a while now, but I can’t anymore. If Draeya Prince sails away, we will miss our chance. We need to find our missing people for the sake of their families. Let it be that we tried to find them. We need to do it for Dad.”

Lasma closed her eyes, and the tears spilled over. She gripped his hand tight and wrapped the carnelian stone chain around his right wrist.

“Okay,” she said softly. “Azu, you’ve grown up on me.”

She patted his right shoulder, then took a step back and spoke to the room with a hoarse voice. “Permission granted. May the Sura Prince seek the fate of our people and return home whole.”

Azula clasped his hands tight and bowed his head to her. “I thank the council.”

He straightened up and moved to stand next to Lasma. “While I’m away, Princess Alise will lead the council, supported by Lord Juya. General Nuovis, I’ll leave the safety of the island to you.”

“Yes, Your Highness,” Tanya said, standing to salute.

“Wolfe,” Lasma called out.

“Yes, my Lady,” Wolfe said, standing up.

“I place my son into your capable hands along with Sennin. You must bring them back home, no matter what,” Lasma ordered.

“I will protect Prince Azula with everything I have,” Wolfe said.

Alise stood and walked up to Azula. She pulled him into a tight hug, then walked around the table to sit in the chair Azula had vacated. Lasma followed her to settle in her own seat, and Azula clasped his hands behind his back, waiting for Alise. She did not disappoint him, taking over smoothly.

“It is settled, then. Prince Azula will travel to the Lyria Kingdom with the Draeya Prince to find our kin and clear the Sura Clan’s name,” Alise said, her voice laced with absolute authority. “We shall all support him in every way we can. Small or big, we must hope for him to succeed in this mission.”

The hall went silent as everyone settled to listen.

“In that respect, we need to compile a master list of everyone missing. This way it will be easy to track the missing, and we can assign soldiers to Prince Azula’s convoy to match the effort,” Alise said. “I’ll ask everyone here to pass on the word to all who need it. Let them come to the registration desk out front to log names and important details.”

“What about the soldiers? Which ones will be deployed to follow Prince Azula?” someone asked.

“I’ll leave that to General Nuovis and General Wolfe,” Alise said. “Assignments will be carried out at the military office.”

“Will there be a ceremony to ask for blessings for this dangerous journey?” someone else asked. “After all, our sons and daughters will take on this quest along with the Prince. We should ask for the maker’s good graces.”

“I will arrange it,” Alvas said.

“I’ll help,” Juya said.

“Then, I declare this council meeting has ended,” Alise said. “Please stop by the registration desk. The date of departure will be announced in a day.”

Azula turned to face Raithion as the hall descended into a sea of planning. He walked down the steps to stand before him.

“You can keep staying at the Doriel residence with us until we are ready to leave,” Azula said, pointing to the people heading to the registration desk. “As you can see, this may take a few days to plan.”

“I also need to make preparations,” Raithion said. “To accommodate you and—”

“We’ll take our own ship,” Azula said. “But we can help you resupply your ship if you need it.”

“Of course,” Raithion said, clearing his throat softly. “Then, I should update the people on the ship on our progress. It has been two days since we had contact.”

“Oh,” Azula said, looking at Haedor, who stood protectively behind Raithion. “Since we all have to get acquainted, let everyone who wants to stretch their legs come to the island. They can spend the next few days enjoying the fresh air. I’m sure we can accommodate them.”

“Do you mean that?” Raithion asked.

“They’ll still be under General Nuovis’s close watch,” Azula reminded him.

“As it should be,” Raithion said with a wide grin. “Um, yes. I will bring Yulin and Skye to visit.”

Azula stared at Raithion’s grin and fought back an echoing one. He turned away and caught Senin’s gaze. He waved him over, and Senin hurried to his side.

“Go with Prince Raithion,” Azula said. “He’s going to bring people back to shore; make sure they have sufficient accommodation at the Doriel residence. Tell Alvas she may need to find a comfortable place to accommodate a small child.”

“Thank you,” Raithion said.

Azula reached out and gripped Raithion’s left arm, pulling him close. He met green eyes and leaned up to whisper in Raithion’s ear. “I need to humanize you, Raith. My people have a deep resentment toward the Lyria Kingdom, and you represent the powers that allowed our exile. So, I need you to win over their hearts as we travel to the Lyria Kingdom together.”

“I understand,” Raithion said, as Azula let him go. He didn’t move away; instead, lingering in Azula’s space before Azula took a step back and nodded to Senin.

“Go,” Azula said.

Sennin motioned to the two soldiers and led Raithion and Haedor out of the hall. Azula watched them walk out before he turned slowly to the table where Alise was talking to the council, no doubt starting the process of planning his travels. He hurried up the steps to join them with a hopeful warmth growing in his heart. He had truly not expected Raithion to bring a warrant to reopen the forged silver coin case. It was the most unexpected, pleasant thing he had experienced in a while.

****

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