With rank came privilege. This might as well have been the creed by which Janna J'garon lived.

It was evident simply by looking at her as she walked with long, purposeful strides down the wide corridor leading to Duric's suite. With each sweep of a foot forward, bare leg up to the thigh flashed from under the swirling hem of her dress. Traditional attire for an unattached Narlassi woman was a dress that reached at least halfway down the calf. Narlassi style also called for a single, flowing dress billowing loosely over the bodice, but Janna opted to cinch hers at the waist, and to lace the back a little more tightly to show off her bosom.

As she approached the gilded doors that led to the reception area of Duric's suite, she paused and lifted her tresses from her shoulders and let them spill down behind her back. She was a natural honey blonde, but she used a little Magic to tease it to an almost golden hue. She liked to keep it in curls as well. Again, it was different; Narlassi style called for straight hair. But it also gave her an air of innocence. It tended to take people off guard.

It was a tactic, nothing more. Rank did have privilege, but that was not to say she was satisfied with only that.

Janna straightened her dress and pushed open one of the doors before her. She glided into the room, her ruby-red lips curling into a pleasant smile that had a hint of sultriness to them. If she felt any disappointment over Duric's absence, she did not show it. Instead, her gaze smoldered as it fell upon the graceful form of Duric's slave.

"Ah, Tanyee," Janna said smoothly, her smile widening a touch. "Good to see you at the palace again."

Tanyee bowed respectfully from where she stood and smiled. "Thank you, Mistress. I was very happy to be sent back to Master Duric."

"I have no doubt of that. Now, if you would tell your Master that I am here to see him. I believe he is expecting me."

"Yes, Mistress, he instructed me to tell you he was detained and will be with you shortly."

Janna nodded once to Tanyee and took a seat in one of the plush sofas that lined the periphery of the room. She sank into it with a soft sigh, crossing one leg over the other and tossing her head back. Her already deep sapphire eyes seemed to turn a shade darker as her gaze intensified on Tanyee.

"Come here, slave," Janna said, gesturing lazily.

Tanyee dutifully crossed the room and stood before Janna, folding her hands demurely before her and bowing her head slightly.

Janna leaned forward and lay a hand lightly on Tanyee's hip. She slowly ran her fingers up Tanyee's side as she spoke. "Have you been a good girl since you came back to Master Duric?"

"Yes, Mistress, I have. I've tried to be as good as I can."

Janna tilted her head to one side as her hand rose and brushed the side of one of Tanyee's breasts. Tanyee gave Janna an appreciative smile. Janna slid her hand around Tanyee's back. She paused with her hand over one ass cheek, lightly squeezing it. She watched as Tanyee's nipples grew hard, and she listened to the soft sigh that escaped the slave's lips.

"No more of that nasty disobedience you troubled him with before?"

"No, Mistress, none at all. I obey his every wish."

Tanyee's voice grew increasingly husky. Janna let her hand drop to Tanyee's thigh, stroking the outside with just her fingertips. Janna felt her quiver at the touch and heard her breath quicken.

"It's good to hear you say that ..." Janna's hand slid between Tanyee's legs. Tanyee immediately parted them, then uttered a soft moan as Janna's fingers played up the inside of one of her thighs. "I would hate to hear you having to be punished. It's so much better to give pleasure instead."

By this time her hand had reached Tanyee's mound. She cupped her hand against Tanyee for a moment longer before letting a finger tease Tanyee's now slick nub.

Tanyee's eyes closed, and she panted lightly as Janna stroked her with a single fingertip.

Janna smiled. She had been glad to hear that Tanyee had been sent back to Duric, and that she had been trouble free since then. Janna rather liked the girl, and though she loved to play the part of the demanding Mistress, she liked to give as much pleasure as she received.

And this was yet another indulgence that she took shameless advantage of since her cousin became governor of Keyas. She had always had a bisexual streak in her since puberty, but "proper" Narlassi women did not do such things openly.

Janna paused, then dipped her finger into Tanyee's tight tunnel and rocked her hand back and forth. Tanyee moaned more urgently. Janna eased a second finger into Tanyee and lay her free hand against Tanyee's hip . Tanyee took the subtle hint and started to rock her hips against Janna's fingers.

"Mmm, yes, you do seem to be a good little girl," Janna purred.

"Uhhn ... thank you, Mistress ..." Tanyee panted, her head tilting back.

Janna let her mind wander a bit as she enjoyed the soft sounds of Tanyee's mounting pleasure. Could she dare to hope that Duric had called for her for the reason that she wished? He had not taken a keen interest in helping Janna further her ambitions before this.

Janna was not interested in Duric's position. She was sure she made this known to him on numerous occasions. No, she had her sights set further afield, and she felt an opportunity for just that might be dropping into her lap.

This last thought made her look up at Tanyee and grin mischievously. She lay a hand gently against Tanyee's abdomen. Tanyee understood and immediately stopped moving her hips. She opened her eyes and gave Janna a needful look, still panting even after Janna removed her fingers from Tanyee's sex.

Janna slowly rubbed her damp fingers together and sat back on the sofa. She uncrossed her legs and gestured with her hand, first in a twirling motion and then patting her lap.

Tanyee complied with the silent order. She turned her back towards Janna and settled into the woman's lap. She wriggled her hips closer to Janna's body and splayed her thighs, her pussy spreading and glistening in the subdued torchlight of the room.

"Now ... just keep being a good girl for me, slave," Janna cooed in Tanyee's ear. She planted a gentle kiss on Tanyee's earlobe, sending a shiver of pleasure down Tanyee's spine.

She pressed her damp fingers against one of Tanyee's nipples. She swirled her fingertips around the erect flesh, coating it liberally and making Tanyee's breath rise to a pant once more. She reached around and did the same to the other nipple. Finally she cupped both of Tanyee's breasts and began gently kneading them.

"I want to hear you, slave," Janna whispered urgently.

"Uhhnn ... ohhh ... that feels so good ... oh, gods ..." Tanyee murmured, her voice breathy as her body trembled with desire. Her moans rose as Janna flicked her fingers at Tanyee's slick nipples, little tingles of pleasure rippling from them through her body. Tanyee writhed in Janna's lap, her pussy wet and aching. She wanted to be touched there badly, but a good slave does not beg for such things, she waits until she is deemed worthy to receive it.

Janna was growing aroused herself. She could feel the growing heat in her own sex, and she fully intended for Tanyee to take care of that for her. She reached for Tanyee's nipples again, scraping her fingernails across them. Tanyee tilted her head back and let out a long moan, her sex feeling hot and needful.

"Oh, now, Janna, you wouldn't be trying to whip my poor slave into a sexual frenzy, would you?"

Janna tilted her head to one side and looked past Tanyee's flowing black hair. Duric was standing just inside the door to the inner chambers of the suite, his arms folded and giving Janna a look of mock-indignation.

Janna blinked her eyes in mock-innocence back at him. "Me? Tease a slave of yours in such a naughty fashion?"

Even as she spoke, she slid a hand from one of Tanyee's breasts and down to the slave's sex. She slipped two fingers over Tanyee's womanhood and began to stroke it firmly and quickly. Tanyee gasped and moaned even more loudly, shuddered as she felt herself climb quickly higher. Just as her pussy would have strained close to climax, Janna stopped and withdrew her fingers.

Tanyee let her breath go as a whimper, her sex aching from the need for release. She uttered a yelp when Janna suddenly thrust two fingers into her tunnel and rocked them back and forth. Once again, just as she was about to peak, Janna withdrew, leaving Tanyee panting heavily and still unsatisfied.

"I would never, ever do such a thing, and I should be insulted that you would suggest it," Janna said haughtily, though her eyes held mischief in them, and one corner of her mouth curled upwards.

Duric laughed. "Just try not to wear her out too much, if you would."

Janna raised her hand to Tanyee's face and gently pressed her damp fingers to Tanyee's lips. Tanyee eagerly lashed at Janna's fingers with her tongue. Janna turned her hand and slipped her fingers into Tanyee's mouth. Tanyee closed her eyes as she sucked on Janna's fingers, licking up as much of her own juices as she could. Her lips parted with a smacking sound as Janna slowly pulled her fingers away.

"I doubt very much I could do that to one of Roquan's slaves," Janna said. She resumed kneading Tanyee's breasts. "Now ... to what do I owe the honor of your summons?"

Duric detected the small hint of sarcasm, even as wrapped as it was in more good-natured banter. This did not bother him in the least. Janna was simply being Janna. And it made her most suited for the task he had for her.

"Now, now, no need for games, my dear," Duric said as he settled into a seat nearby, smiling as he watched his slave writhe in Janna's lap. "You know perfectly well why I called you here."

"Oh, but you assume I know everything that is going on with you lately, Duric."

Duric laughed again. "Ah, more games, is it? Come now. If anyone has their ear to the ground here, it's you. Or is the rumor that many of my advisers clandestinely seek you out first before reporting to me not true?"

Janna raised an eyebrow at this. Oh, he is the sly one all right, she thought with as much respect as amusement. So he knows about that?

"Should I be grateful you are not terribly upset with me over that?" asked Janna.

Duric smirked. "Should I be grateful you did not use the opportunity to whisper in their ears and steer policies more to your liking?"

Janna paused a moment in her conversation, even though her hands continued to work Tanyee's breasts, making the young slave pant and whimper. Janna was very tempted to let him believe that she might do just that, just to see what happened. Instead, she decided to be more serious about it. "You know I would never do such a thing, Duric. This is your kingdom to run, not mine."

"Yes, I know."

"Do you, really?"

"Yes, really. If I didn't trust you that way, Janna, I wouldn't be considering you for this task."

Janna was impressed. She had wanted Duric's trust, but did not realize she had gained it already.

"If you're surprised at that, Janna, realize that I keep very careful tabs on everyone. Face it, many in the Clan consider me too young for this position. There are many older men that grumble over being passed over for appointment. They would love to find a way to force me out of this position."

"Yes, I am well aware of that. Though things have quieted down greatly in the past moon."

Duric gave Janna a wan smile. "I suppose I now have something good to say about my, ah, 'talk' with the Emperor. They're shying away from me thinking that I'm the Emperor's right-hand man or something."

"Shying away? Try scared, Duric," Janna said, her face growing dark. Her hand dipped between Tanyee's legs, her fingers stroking the slave's swollen womanhood very slowly. Tanyee trembled with the desire to press her pussy into Janna's hand but maintained proper discipline and did not move.

"Good, they should be."

Janna gave him an odd look.

Duric chuckled. "No, not because I've become Z'haas' lackey or something. It means that they'll take things seriously. Which is what brings us to your reason for being here."

Janna nodded. "You want me to represent you at the Caucus."

"As I thought you would, you got it right in one."

"When do I leave?"

"I don't know yet. Officially, we don't have a Caucus. And we still might not have one."

Janna frowned. "Don't tell me Uras backed down, that great windbag ..."

Duric shook his head. "No. We're just waiting for the Overlords to see what they do."

Janna considered this for a moment, the only sound in the room the increasingly desperate moans of Tanyee as Janna skillfully made her strain ever closer to orgasm without reaching it. "You're hoping they'll take care of the problem for you."

Duric grinned. "Precisely. So then we can all listen to ourselves gripe and complain about Overlord influence, raise the hells themselves in indignation, and then go back to life as usual and just let it slip into the history scrolls."

Janna had a reply for him, but raised a hand briefly to pause their conversation. She lifted her free hand to Tanyee's breast and massaged the nipple firmly. At the same time, she pumped her fingers in and out of Tanyee's sex.

Tanyee squealed and moaned in delight. Her whole body tensed, her back arching as she strained at the edge. She let go with a short, sharp cry as her pussy throbbed. Her hips bucked in Janna's lap as she came, her breathing a ragged pant as she could think of nothing but her climax for the next few moments.

"Now, my dear Tanyee," Janna whispered into her ear. "I have given you a privilege. A reward before the fact. Now you have to live up to that. Prove yourself worthy of the great pleasure I have just bestowed upon you."

Janna's own voice grew increasingly husky as she spoke, as this had aroused her to the point where it was growing uncomfortable to sit with her legs together anymore. She was sure she had already soaked into an undergarment.

She nudged Tanyee from her lap. Still panting lightly, Tanyee turned just as Janna pulled up her dress and spread her legs. Her underpants were indeed quite damp, the crease in her slit stained dark.

She glanced up at Duric with a tiny smile. "I assume you have no objections ..."

Duric's smile widened. "Oh, no objection whatsoever. Do continue. My slave is for your pleasure. I would not insult you by denying her to you."

Janna smiled at Duric as she pulled the crotch of the garment to the side.

Tanyee leaned in, her face moving towards Janna's musky and wet sex. Janna drew in her breath and let it go as a contented sigh as Tanyee's tongue began gently licking. "Nice and slow, slave," Janna said in a husky voice. "I still have some business to finish with your Master." She looked up at Duric. "Anyway ... So I may not get to go on this little jaunt to the Imperial Palace after all."

"Between you and me, Janna?" Duric said in a more serious tone of voice. "I think you'll be going."

"Really, now?"

"I think the Overlords are foundering. History tells us the Overlords move swiftly when they decide on this course of action. We should not be able to talk about it now except as a footnote after the fact."

Janna nodded slowly. She paused and looked down at Tanyee, tenderly stroking the girl's lustrous hair. She let herself enjoy the pleasure for a few moments before responding in a more subdued and slightly breathy voice, "So that leaves the mess to us."

"Unfortunately, yes. Though we don't have the luxury of a clandestine, behind-the-scenes coup. We just have to find a way to rap the Emperor on the knuckles, call him a naughty boy and tell him to take his toy soldiers and go home."

"And hope he doesn't throw a tantrum."

"That's the tricky part." Duric smiled slightly. "Another reason I picked you."

Despite Tanyee having obeyed Janna's orders, Janna felt herself rising rather steadily. She was excited not just by Tanyee but her own thoughts of what this assignment could mean for her future, and it was driving her to a peak faster. "Mmm ... o-oh? In what way?" she asked, sounding slightly distracted.

Duric grinned at this. "I figured if there was anyone that could charm the pants off Z'haas, it would be you."

"And do you intend for me to do that literally?"

Duric laughed. "I will leave that up to you. Though he does not exactly strike me as handsome by any means."

"Being ... b-being the Emperor means he does not have to be ... oh, Tanyee, very nice ..."

Janna closed her eyes as she panted heavily. Her only weakness in adopting the tough Mistress guise was that it shattered quite easily once she was on the receiving end of the pleasure. It was the one reason why potential lovers of hers had no trouble "taming" her once they got far enough to engage in sexual contact.

That was most likely why she would choose not to go the sexual route in attempting to win over the Emperor.

"Mmm ... a-anyway ... I thank you for giving me this opportunity ... I'm sure we can turn this around ..."

Some of Duric's smile faded. He opened his mouth to say something but decided to wait. By this time, Janna was urging Tanyee onward. Janna tossed her head back, moaning loudly as she rose precipitously. Her back arched slightly just moments before she let out a soft cry. The muscles in her thighs clenched as she came, her pussy throbbing hard under Tanyee's lips and tongue.

Janna slowly relaxed as her orgasm played out. She stroked Tanyee's hair lovingly as she nudged the girl back. Tanyee looked up, smiling, her face still glistening with Janna's fluids. "Did I please you, Mistress?"

"Mmm ... indeed, Tanyee, you did, most satisfactorily," said Janna.

"Tanyee, go clean yourself up and wait for me in my bedchamber," Duric called out.

"Yes, Master," said Tanyee dutifully as she stood. She departed the room without a backwards glance.

Janna looked a bit askance at Tanyee's rather abrupt dismissal and looked over to Duric questioningly.

"You need to know something, Janna," Duric said in a much more somber tone of voice.

Janna simply nodded for him to continue as she readjusted her underpants and dress.

"I am not convinced that the Caucus will work either."

Janna did not reply at first. This was the same thing she was thinking but dared not speak it. She had hoped that it was just a manifestation of her own nervousness. Despite her enthusiasm for the task, it would be the first time that she had to deal with so many Lords. And at the Imperial Palace! Even in the best of times that was a daunting idea.

She would never let anyone see any of that doubt. That was a sign of weakness. Once she had completed her task the first time, it would become easier the next time.

"Then what are our options?" Janna asked after she had finished adjusting her clothing.

"It will again depend on the Overlords. They're going to be running the show."

Janna frowned at this.

"Yes, I know, you don't like that idea. But I can almost guarantee that will be what will happen. And Roquan D'ronstaq will be their leader."

"Leader? You make it sound like he's in a bid for the throne himself."

Duric could sense both the disdain and anxiety in Janna's voice. He shook his head. "No, nothing like that. But I've been seeing some interesting things in the intelligence I've been getting recently. Something happened at that Conclave, Janna. Something bigger than just a change in regime. Whatever it was, it rallied the Overlords around one of their number. That has never happened before."

"So what are you saying, Duric?"

"I'm saying that there may be a need to take more direct measures to deal with Z'haas."

Janna's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. "You can't possibly mean ... there hasn't been that sort of thing since ..." she sputtered.

"Since the founding of Oceanus two centuries ago, yes. But if the Overlords want to go that route, then ..."

Janna bolted out of her seat, indignant. "We cannot have a military coup by the Overlords! That would be worse than what we have now!"

Duric raised his hands and gave her a stern look. "Janna, calm down. I know how you feel about Overlord power in Oceanus. A military action by only the Overlords is not possible and you know it."

Janna was about to retort when she paused, catching the emphasis that he had used. She slowly sat down. "You think the Overlords will come to us?"

"Well ... not exactly. Not if Roquan is the leader. He won't want to touch the Nobility."

"Is he a fool, then?"

"No, just proud. And stubborn. Which is why I intend to force the issue when the Overlords' next move fails."

Janna eyed Duric. "You're that confident that it will indeed fail?"

"Unfortunately, yes. So I will be ready when that moment comes and make the initial overture to Roquan."

Janna gave Duric a knowing smile. "And of course you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart and your love for your country."

Duric chuckled. "Yes. But I think that dedication deserves a reward, doesn't it? A gift, even. And Roquan will provide one if he wants my help. I've even picked out the gift for him, so it will make it easy on him."

"Hmm, should I even ask?"

"Oh, I think you'll like the gift too, Janna," Duric said with a growing smile. "Considering your ... propensities ..."

The two Overlords stared at each other across the room for a silent moment, one attired in casual earth tones, the other in shimmering, blue-tinted Farview. The only sounds were the gentle tick of an ornate clock mounted above the mantle of a wide fireplace just behind the latter, and the occasional, very faint soft moan from somewhere beyond the closed door of the room.

The Farviewed one finally spoke, the look on his face a cross between indignation and simple incredulity. "If this is some sort of joke, Gronnus, I'm not finding it the least bit funny."

Gronnus sighed and wiped his face with a beefy hand, trying not to look as anxious as he felt. "Rennis, be reasonable! I am only asking for ..."

The image of Overlord Rennis D'glounaas gaped at Gronnus. "Reasonable? Hellfire, Gronnus, where do you have the gall to assume you of all people know anything about being reasonable?"

Gronnus clenched a hand into a fist. He tried not to let the fact that Rennis reminded him so much of Roquan cloud his judgment. It was not that Rennis looked anything like Roquan. Far from it. Rennis had a much leaner build, black hair, and a goatee, which was nothing like Roquan's broad-shouldered, brown-haired and clean-shaven appearance. It more Rennis' manner. Despite the fact that Rennis tended to be more brash and forward than Roquan, he nevertheless had begun spouting the same beliefs as his cohort.

Gronnus knew but would not openly admit that he had himself to blame. Rennis used to be more of a balance to Roquan, helping Roquan realize his own limitations. Gronnus' actions had just served to push Rennis more into Roquan's camp.

"So is there anything else you wanted to waste my time with today, Gronnus?" Rennis said in irritation.

"Rennis, I am not asking for the world! Only for my fair share!"

"Fair share of what?"

"Information! Blast that Roquan! Why is he so secretive? What does he have to hide from the rest of us?"

Gronnus knew this was likely not helping his case. But he was frustrated. He had already talked to eight other Overlords trying to find a shred of hard information about what Roquan was planning next. He had gained little from them. Challenges to Roquan's secrecy earned him only rebukes about trusting Roquan to do what needed to be done.

To Gronnus' surprise, Rennis looked amused at this. "Secretive? Not really. He's been informing others of his plans. Myself, for instance. Doran, for another."

"And no one outside your little conspiratorial circle?" Gronnus said acidly.

Rennis sneered, his eyes cold. "You're the one to talk about conspiracies, Gronnus. Considering how you almost had Roquan killed."

"I have explained myself time and time again until I am blue in the face! I had little choice in the matter in light of the Emperor's threats!"

Rennis gave a short bark of laughter, devoid of humor. "And did you consider that the other Overlords might have rallied around you once they heard that one of their own was threatened by the madman on the throne right now? No, you did this with personal gain in mind. Don't try to deny that."

Gronnus was somewhat taken aback by this. He had expected Rennis to be unfriendly towards him, but this was downright vindictive. It was not the way one Overlord should talk to another. Had this been before the Conclave, and it had been Roquan speaking in such a manner (as he was wont to do during that time), Rennis would have reamed him for it. Now Rennis was doing it himself. He was becoming so much more like Roquan every day.

"Regardless of what you believe, Rennis, I am with you now," declared Gronnus. "As I told you, assassination had not been my intent, it was something Z'haas had sprung on me at the last minute. Now I want to see him removed from the throne as much as you and Roquan do."

"Good to hear you say that, Gronnus. Nice to know you won't grieve for him when he's gone."

Gronnus detected the sarcasm in Rennis' voice and tried not to bristle. "What I mean is, I wish to no longer be kept in the dark about these matters."

"And why do you wish to know?"

"Why should I have to answer such a question?!" Gronnus thundered. "I am an Overlord! Roquan's plots are not privileged information! We all voted in favor of deposing Z'haas. Even myself. That earns me the right ..."

"You have earned nothing, Gronnus!" Rennis shouted back, eyes blazing remarkably like Roquan's might when he was angry. "Nothing but contempt."

"Contempt is one thing. Being completely ostracized is quite another!"

"Really, Gronnus, I think you are overstating the issue."

"The other Overlords tell me nothing. It is clear that Roquan is playing his cards close to the vest. Too close for my liking."

Rennis paused at this point. He knew for a fact that Roquan was indeed sharing information with the other Overlords. It was at Doran's urging, as he had heard similar complaints from the others about Roquan's secretiveness. Doran had the unenviable task of explaining to the other Overlords why they must avoid sharing too much information with Gronnus without revealing his direct involvement in the assassination plot.

Nevertheless, some of it had leaked. Gronnus had not been truthful when he had said that he had been told nothing. He was told that contact was being made with someone in the Imperial Palace, but he did not have a name. But this information was useless without a specific name,.

"Perhaps, Gronnus, Roquan has indeed shared information," Rennis said carefully. "But only with those that he can trust. And perhaps he told them not to inform you."

Gronnus looked stricken. "What?! He cannot do that to me!"

Rennis looked askance at the other Overlord. The look in Gronnus' eyes, even over the Farview, betrayed fear more than it did anger.

Gronnus caught himself and tried to regain his composure, but was only partially successful. "He cannot tell the others about ... about what he accuses me of! He knows what will happen if he does!"

Rennis sighed and shook his head. "Still resorting to threats to get what you want."

"And he is not doing it to me?"

"You earned it, he has not."

"He is training a Draughtless girl!"

"And how does that stack up against nearly getting an Overlord and a slave killed?!" Rennis thundered. "The truth is, Gronnus, you may think that the other Overlords will scream for Roquan's blood over his indiscretion, but they would want your hide flayed long before that. And to be honest, Doran could likely work his oratory magic and get Roquan off with no more than a censure. He would not lift a finger for you and would more likely sell the rope for your hanging if we still did that sort of thing. Now, Gronnus, tell me exactly how you come to believe that you have a right to demand anything of Roquan?"

Rennis' face was livid, but inwardly he felt a great sense of relief. That anger towards Gronnus had been building for some time. It grated on him to no end that Gronnus had done such a reprehensible act and still remained in charge of one of the largest Manors in Oceanus. He felt almost embarrassed now that he had so taken Roquan to task when he had first heard about Roquan training Amanda. It was almost nothing compared to this.

Gronnus silently fumed for a few moments. He knew now there was little hope of getting the information he needed from Rennis. But it also confirmed something else he had been thinking. He had glossed over it with the Emperor, claiming the opposite of what he now had the increasingly uneasy feeling was true. The terrifying truth was that he no longer had any influence over Roquan.

One of the longest-standing traditions of the Overlords blatantly violated, and in the end it would mean nothing to the others!

Rennis composed himself in the wake of Gronnus' silence. He realized he should not have vented like that, no matter how good it had felt at the time. When he spoke again, his voice was back to a normal conversational tone, though it retained an acid edge. "Gronnus, if you want to regain any sort of standing again, you're going to have to own up to what you have done and find a way to make amends for it."

Gronnus uttered a short, cynical laugh."Make amends? Like Roquan would accept such a gesture!"

"You would be surprised, Gronnus. You simply need to stop thinking about your personal gain and start thinking about the good of Oceanus."

"I am thinking of that! That is why I wanted information about ..."

"To what end, Gronnus? You are in no position to assist even if you did know all the details."

"I know what Roquan is afraid of," Gronnus said, his voice quavering a bit. "He is afraid I will tell the Emperor. That I am spying for him. I can assure him that I am not! I want nothing more to do with that ... that ... paranoid fool!"

"I'm not the one you need to convince, Gronnus, and I am not the one to be your advocate. Not now, with so much at stake. You're going to have to sit this one out. Perhaps when things have quieted down, you can approach Roquan and seek peace with him. Now, you will excuse me, as I have other matters to attend to."

Before Gronnus could protest, the image of Rennis turned to leave. The Farview lingered a few moments to show his retreating back before fading out.

Gronnus bristled and gnashed his teeth. To turn one's back on another before terminating the Farview link was a veiled insult in Narlassi culture.

He stomped across the room and snatched the pearl from the spot before the fireplace. He considered throwing it across the room and letting it shatter against the wall. It would be a fitting symbol of his shattered fortunes.

Instead, he paused and let his eyes drift over the darkening room. The large, ornate desk sat in shadow at the far end of the long, rectangular space. He silently cursed the stack of parchments upon it that marred its otherwise perfect appearance, papers that reminded him of how fast his debts had mounted in wake of his humiliation at the Conclave. He was still expected to honor the many deals he had done at the Conclave despite the outcome, as an Overlord's word was considered sacrosanct.

Worse, the distractions of the Conclave and his own dealings with other Overlords had taken so much attention from the business of actual Overlordship that several of his clients had terminated their contracts with him.

Gronnus walked silently to his desk and put the blue pearl away in its bed of velvet along with the other pearls he used for contacting the Overlords and his clients. His eyes shimmered at the number of empty slots among the latter.

The Overlord slammed the drawer shut with a loud bang and looked towards the door from which the low moans continued to emanate.

He strode across the room and yanked open the door. In the plush reception area, two naked slave girls looked up from where they sat upon one of the sofas, slowly fingering each other's sex. At the sight of their Overlord, they withdrew their hands and stood up. They stepped over to him and bowed their heads submissively, folding their hands before them.

Gronnus smiled. His slaves, he believed, were proper slaves. Each one of them given a properly strong Draught of Forgetfulness when first captured. Each one trained to know her place. They never disobeyed or questioned his orders. When he placed them on a rotating cycle to come into the reception area and have sex with each other so that he could enjoy the sounds of constant soft moaning all day, they simply did as he told them. They did not demand to know why or how.

How could Roquan possibly live with a slave that did not act as his did?

"I am retiring for the day. I will have my evening meal later in my room. Then I shall have the two of you."

"Yes, Master," said one, then the other.

"Now, go to my room now and await me there. Continue to pleasure each other until I arrive so you two remain aroused. I will share my evening meal with you."

The two slaves acknowledged him again in the same manner and hurried off.

Gronnus watched them go before turning away and heading out of the reception area .

He entered a wide hallway, one side of which was lined with large, ornate windows. The setting sun cast the corridor in a ruddy glow, adding a touch of crimson to Gronnus' already dark expression. Long shadows stretched before the sun's fading rays in the lush gardens that surrounded the Overlord's mansion in the center of the D'yoran Manor. In the distance, a large tree was edged in the beginnings of fall colors.

He passed quickly through the hall and out the doors at the opposite end and into the outside air. A breeze rustled the leaves in the trees and touched his skin with a slight chill. After having spent so much time in the hot, steamy tropics during the Conclave on his recent travels, it was a welcome feeling.

Gronnus' gait now took on a more leisurely pace as he managed to calm himself somewhat. The sight of the sun dipping behind the low mountains to the west and the crispness of the temperate and dry air always made him feel a bit more centered.

He headed down one of the paths that led through the gardens. The place looked deserted. It was the dinner hour, so most of the Manor slaves were in the Common Room sharing a meal. Gronnus never dined with them, save in private. He felt it made him become too personable to the slaves. He wanted to seem just out of reach. He wanted that aloofness, which he felt helped reinforce the concept of who was in control.

Gronnus let his gaze wander. Surrounding the central mansion, tiny houses dotted the landscape, arranged in rigid rows and grids like a properly laid out city. This is what a Manor should look like, Gronnus always thought. Neat and well-organized, and far enough inland to be away from the unhealthy humidity of the sea. His Manor was located far north along the eastern seaboard of the continent. Not like Roquan's Manor, sitting in the near-tropics, the air always sodden and hot.

The last sliver of sun began to vanish as Gronnus reached the edge of the Manor grounds. It was somewhat ironic that, for all his desire to be involved in matters with the other Overlords, all he seemed to want when he was not trysting with his slaves or negotiating a contract, was to be alone, to isolate himself from everything and everyone. Things seemed so much simpler when he was looking over the rolling, grass-covered hills behind the Manor.

But of late, even this bit of solace was denied him due to his increasing dread of what action the Emperor would take against him. Instead of seeing the empty fields behind the Manor as a source of peace, now he thought of how excellent a target he was making himself to a good marksman. A single arrow from a concealed location would be all that was needed to ...

"Ah, but you like to take walks to clear the mind much like I do. This is good."

Gronnus whirled around so fast that he stumbled and nearly fell. Only placing a hand against the trunk of a tree saved him from a spill to the ground. "Wh-who is it?!" he demanded, his voice filled with indignation but quavering with fear.

"Does your Lordship forget me so soon? After how I had helped you during the Conclave?"

Gronnus whipped his head around. The voice seemed to come from everywhere around him at once. He could tell the voice was nearby, but not exactly where. Only now did he realize how many places one could hide. Behind one of the trees; along the side of one of the slave quarters; crouched behind one of the freshwater wells; or even just behind the regularly spaced boulders that marked the edge of Gronnus' property.

And the voice did seem familiar to him.

"Maybe I know you," Gronnus said, trying to make his voice sound intimidating despite how frightened he was. "But that gives you no right to sneak into my Manor! And how did you do it? The wards along here prevent anyone from coming in without me knowing about it!"

"The wards mean nothing to me, my dear Overlord. What matters is what I can do for you."

Gronnus felt his heart pounding. While the stranger had been speaking, he tried approaching one of the wells, as it seemed like the place the voice was coming from. Yet no one was crouched behind it when he looked.

"No need to continue this silly game, your Lordship," came the voice again, this time sounding like it came from behind one of the slave quarters. "And you will not find me unless I wish to be found."

Nevertheless, Gronnus dashed along the side of the building to see for himself. There was no one behind it. He did not even hear the sound of feet against the sandy ground, as he would expect were someone running away to avoid being caught.

"You are using some sort of sorcery!" Gronnus shouted as he came out from behind the structure. "I demand you stop it this instant!"

"Ah, but would you be so insistent on having this meeting on your terms if you knew exactly what I could be doing for you, my dear Overlord?"

Gronnus knew that voice! If he could just quell his growing panic, he was sure he could remember who it was. "So is this your plan? Attempt to confuse me so you can land the blow more easily?"

"Land the blow? You dishonor me, Overlord Gronnus. To consider me nothing more than a lowly assassin."

Gronnus looked behind a tree. "You act like one! Skulking about like ..."

"I do not skulk, dear Overlord," came the reply with a slight edge to it. "That also dishonors me. I am simply remaining unseen. There is a great difference. But let us not argue over such piddly things, your Lordship."

Gronnus returned to the spot in which he had been standing when he had first heard the voice, panting in exasperation from the effort of the search. "Fine. If you are indeed bent on destroying me, best get it done quickly! Not the slow death I have endured for the past moon!"

"But what if the very thing I am offering you is a way of preventing your destruction? Or ... at least staving it off for a time."

Gronnus paused and narrowed his eyes. "What are you saying?"

"I know of your difficulties, your Lordship. I know of what you are expected to deliver to your tormentor."

Gronnus' mouth opened for a moment but he was unable to say a word. He trembled at the idea that someone else might know about his dealings with the Emperor. At the same time, he realized that one could claim anything one wanted, and it could all hold a kernel of truth if spoken vaguely enough. "Then ... th-then prove it to me!" Gronnus shouted, his voice edged with desperation. "Give me what I supposedly need for my supposed tormentor! Otherwise your words are meaningless to me!"

"Gondas Ze'yassa."

Gronnus' eyes opened wide. "What ...?"

"Gondas Ze'yassa. That is what you need. A name to deliver to your former benefactor. It will appease him for the time being."

Gronnus was confused at first, until he realized the meaning of the honorific prefix "Ze." It was used for those that were part of the Emperor's staff in the heart of the Imperium. And the Yassa Clan owed a great debt to the Jorus Clan. Doran D'jorus' Clan. Now it made sense to him.

Gondas Ze'yassa was the Overlords' inside man in the Imperium. He was the one that was going to attempt the coup.

"I must leave you," said the voice. It shifted, as if the person behind it were truly moving now. "But I will be in contact with you again. And then we will talk business."

Gronnus blinked. "Business? What in the hells do you mean?!"

"Ah, but you truly do not remember me or what I am. A pity. Information is a commodity, my dear Overlord. You of all people should know that. I do not give away such a thing for free. There is a price. Consider what I have given you today a 'free sample' of my 'wares.'"

Gronnus opened his mouth to speak again, but before he could, he heard the sound of running feet against sandy ground. And this time it came from a definite direction, near a rocky outcropping where the land outside the Manor dipped but the Manor grounds remained level.

Gronnus broke into a run. The short cliff curved, keeping the stranger just out of his view. He was slowed by having to step around rocks and crags, things that the stranger seemed to glide over. By the time he heard the sound of running stop, there was a bright glow from around the bend and a sound like thunder.

Gronnus rounded the curve and emerged into a small clearing just behind one of his Trainers' quarters. He skidded to a stop just as the ground beneath his feet shook with the imploding energies of a Portal being closed.

The Overlord was dumbfounded. A Portal? Opened up inside his Manor? That meant the stranger had a partner, someone to carry a blue pearl imbued with a spell allowing it to be the focus for the Portal. It was the only way to open one with such pinpoint accuracy. Someone had to have been here already to assist him in infiltrating the Manor.

His thoughts were distracted by a flicker of light from the ground near where the Portal had departed.

He stepped forward and looked down. On the ground was a blue pearl.

Thinking he had found the focus, Gronnus reached down and snatched it up. Yet almost as soon as it was in his fingers, he felt an odd tingling shoot through his hand. Gasping in a panic, he threw the pearl to the ground. It was too late, however. The spell imbued into it had already discharged into him, and the pearl now slowly turned to a powder that was scattered to the breeze.

Gronnus contained his sense of alarm. He now recognized the Magic. All that had happened was someone had bound a Farview spell to him. Someone, somewhere had a blue pearl that they could use to summon Gronnus to a Farview audience. There was inherently nothing wrong with this, other than the fact that Farview binding generally required the willingness of the recipient, and was done with the pearl itself that was to be used for the Farview instead of by proxy as this one was done. What the stranger had done was generally frowned upon by the Mage Guild.

But then again, the stranger had made it perfectly clear that he was willing to ignore the rules when it suited him. And by this time, Gronnus had figured out who the man was.

Unfortunately, it made the man's sincerity suspect. It could be a means of planting false information. Yet he had nothing else. He had no other options. This was literally his only hope.

He was anxious to inform the Emperor now. But he had to wait until the Emperor Farviewed him. That would not be until the morning. He had to sit on the knowledge until then.

He turned and headed back into the Manor. It was going to be a long night.

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