The structure of the Oceanus military is an interesting dichotomy that does not exist in other modern Narlassi nation-states.

Most major powers in Narlass maintain a standing army in addition to whatever other peripheral support elements they may have, such as a navy. Oceanus is unique in that it ceased to maintain a standing army very soon after its initial inception.

By no means does this make Oceanus defenseless. Quite the contrary. Defense responsibilities on land are relegated to the local Noble clans. They either maintain a small but well-trained militia, or can call up men-at-arms at a moment's notice. This serves an auxiliary purpose. It forces the Nobility to take an active part in the security of Oceanus as a whole, which in turn forces them to work together in time of crisis.

It also removes an instrument of potential aggression from the Emperor. With no standing army, the Emperor is forced to deal with the Nobility to raise enough men-at-arms to wage an actual war of aggression against another nation. The Nobility would tend to examine the Emperor's motives very carefully before agreeing to such a thing, especially if there is no clear threat to the nation.

In later years, the threat of an incursion from another nation was greatly lessened by the power of the navy. Because most of Oceanus is scattered across the ocean to the east and the sea to the south, it is the first line of defense for the most critical parts of the empire. The Emperor has direct control over this instrument of the military, with one important exception: The navy is not allowed to maintain transport vessels capable of landing men on shore. The Emperor must request the Noble Lords to construct these vessels. This prevents the navy from being used as an instrument of punishment against the populace.

There is, of course, a loophole. Nothing prevents the navy from cutting off commerce between parts of the empire, though this would likely result in a boycott of the Imperium by the merchant clans. This would prove disastrous to the Emperor, both from a material and morale point of view.

The Emperor is granted the ability to raise an army directly if he sees a threat to the nation requiring an immediate response. In this case, however, the Emperor is limited to using these forces to neutralize the immediate threat only. Afterward, the army must be disbanded, or approval sought from the Noble Lords for the army's continued existence, or command of the army turned over to the Noble Lords.

In the entire time of Oceanus' existence, there has been only one time that an Emperor raised an army on his own to combat a threat. By the time the Nobles learned of it and could question the action, the incursion had been dealt with and the army disbanded.

The incident, known as the Pennkey Incursion, occurred in year 573 Oceanus-reckoning, under the rule of Genrus Z'kalon. Why the incursion had gone as far as it did and thus require Imperial intervention was largely due to timing ...

Amanda was startled when she felt a hand on her rear. Her gaze snapped up from the scroll she had been reading.

"I'm sorry," said Tanyee, removing her hand. "Are you still a little sore?"

Amanda was lying on her stomach on the bed. Her backside was faintly pink, but it was not tender anymore. She had been paddled one more time before the end of the previous day, but most of the sting had worn off. "No, I was just distracted, that's all. Is it morning already?"

Tanyee smiled and placed her hand back on Amanda's rear, stroking softly. "Yes, it is. How long have you been up?"

"Since just before dawn."

Tanyee nodded. "I hope you are rested enough. We need to get up and attend to Master Duric's bath."

Amanda nodded and rolled up her scroll. Tanyee's hand played over her ass, slipping down between her thighs and reaching for her sex. By the time she had all the scrolls tied into a neat bundle again, Tanyee's fingers had teased Amanda's folds to dampness.

Tanyee withdrew her hand when Amanda rolled onto her back. She splayed her legs, her damp sex glistening. Tanyee straddled her on all fours and spread her own knees apart. Amanda reached between them and lightly stroked Tanyee's slit.

This was a ritual that Tanyee had shown her, a way that they prepared themselves for Master Duric by insuring they were already thoroughly aroused when they greeted him. They continued until both of them were very wet and panting lightly. They withdrew their hands and had each lick the other's fingers clean before climbing out of bed.

Amanda wished she had more time to read that morning. That particular scroll was interesting, and it was already raising questions in her mind. For instance, if the Lords were expected to raise an army "on a moment's notice" if needed, why was Duric having so much trouble? She understood the problem of transporting them quickly, but surely the actual raising of the army should go faster. Or did that have something to do with how long it had been since something of this sort was needed? She really hoped there was more information on other military ventures by Oceanus in recent history among the scrolls she possessed.

"Much more punctual this time," Duric commented when Amanda and Tanyee emerged from their quarters.

"Amanda was not difficult to rouse this morning, Master," Tanyee explained. "She was already awake."

Amanda was only barely listening to the conversation. There was another man in the room with them, one dressed as Duric in only a loosely-sashed robe. She recognized him as one of Duric's staff, though she could not place the name of this stern-faced man. What she did remember of him was that he had been the least complimentary of all the staff members she had serviced. In fact, he had said little to her at all. He had taken complete control of the encounter, hardly letting her do anything on her own.

Duric turned more fully towards his slaves, a small smile on his lips. "Oh, was she? Were you doing anything in particular, Amanda?"

Amanda quickly turned her attention back to Duric. "Um, yes, Master, I was reading the scrolls you gave back to me."

The man next to Duric arched an eyebrow.

"Splendid. Anything that gets you up on time is beneficial to your service to me."

"Scrolls, Duric?" asked the man in a voice that bordered on reproachful.

Duric turned to him. "Yes, scrolls, Rallas. Surely someone like you know what they are."

It was obvious that he had been kidding. Rallas, however, did not appear to be someone that appreciated Duric's sense of humor and gave no response other than a single, curt nod.

"Amanda, tell Rallas about the scrolls," Duric said.

Amanda felt that she would want to do anything else but that. "I have some history scrolls that were given to me by Master Roquan," she stated, hoping that was enough.

"Given to her by her Overlord?" Rallas said to Duric, as if Amanda were not even there. "Did you request this, my Lord?"

"That's the interesting thing, Rallas. She requested them herself."

"Whatever for?"

"Because she simply wanted them."

Rallas paused a long moment as if trying to comprehend this. "I trust she has not neglected her other skills."

"When I invited you to share my bath this morning, I fully intended to share my slaves with you, so you will be able to see for yourself. Though I seem to recall that you've already seen what she can do."

"I was a bit rushed. I intend to take my time this morning. And I expect her to do so as well."

"Oh, indeed." Duric gestured towards the door. "Shall we?"

Amanda and Tanyee led the way to the bath chamber and set about preparing the water properly. Rallas appeared to scrutinize Amanda with a supercilious gaze, as if assessing her and deeming her somehow unworthy of his notice.

Rallas' attitude chilled Amanda. She didn't feel like a person in his eyes. His gaze appraised her like a thing he was considering purchasing from a shop rather than as a living, thinking being.

When the bath was prepared, Duric and Rallas shed their robes. Duric slipped into the water, and Tanyee attended to his bath. Rallas looked at Amanda and snapped his fingers, following it with a quick "come here" gesture.

Amanda stepped quickly over to him. He snapped his fingers a second time and gestured again. Amanda dropped to her knees before him, his cock growing hard in front of her face.

Rallas slipped a hand behind her head and drew it towards him quickly. She barely had enough time to open her mouth before his manhood plunged past her lips and over her tongue. She tilted her head slightly as he forced her to take in almost his entire length at once.

Rallas set the pace from the start. Rather than letting her move her head in a manner she was accustomed to, he rocked his hips and thrusted himself into her as if it were her tunnel and not her mouth he were penetrating. Amanda had little choice but to maintain it, as his hand prevented her head from moving backwards.

"Scrolls, indeed," Rallas said in a scoffing voice. "Why would she have any use for them?"

"Why does anyone wish to read such things, Rallas?" said Duric. "Because she wishes to learn."

Rallas met this thought with a scornful look. "And you play to this delusion of hers?"

Amanda felt hot indignation rising within her. She knew it was too much to ask that every Master of hers be understanding, but she had hoped not to encounter any more like this. It set her questioning again what the general attitude towards slaves was. Was this man an aberration or a true norm? She could not imagine a slave being happy under someone like him.

"I am simply seeing where it goes for now. And really, Rallas, you should let her handle herself there. You won't be disappointed."

Rallas stopped rocking and paused a moment. Finally he let out a long sigh and let his hand fall away. Amanda drew back and looked up at him expectantly. Cold eyes gazed back. "Very well. See to my pleasure on your own, then."

Even when he spoke to her directly, it seemed as if he were speaking around her rather than to her. Nevertheless, as angry as this man could make her feel if she let it, she silently vowed to attend to him with every bit of skill that she had. She felt the need to prove herself now.

Amanda closed her eyes and put her entire focus into it. She ignored everything else around her. She let her skill manifest itself as if it had a mind of its own, guiding her actions rather than the other way around.

His cock slid in and out of her mouth in slow, sensuous, liquid movements. It was as if she could sense what he was feeling and adjust her tongue and her lips with each stroke. Her body moved in the same rhythm as her mouth, writhing provocatively as if receiving the touch of another at the same time.

As she continued, she managed to block out her feelings towards this man. It helped her focus even more deeply, her pussy growing hot and wet as she thought of the pleasure that was going through him from her ministrations. When she heard him moan faintly, her knees slid apart in anticipation.

Though, realistically, she was not expecting any reward from him.

As she quickened the pace, she heard his moans turn to a heavy pant. She could actually feel him trembling from his intensifying pleasure. Amanda felt a smug sense of satisfaction. This was far more pleasant for him, she believed, than if he had continued directing things himself.

She felt his hand press into her head, but she assumed it was simply reflex because he was growing so close. She felt safe in ignoring it, continuing to move at her own pace. She sensed him tensing as he approached his peak. She stepped up the pace considerably, her head pumping back and forth, his cock sliding deep each time.

Rallas uttered a loud, guttural groan, his legs bending slightly at the knees. His cock erupted, spewing his seed copiously inside her mouth. She pressed her tongue hard against his shaft, closing her lips tightly and working his cock back and forth with quick movements, coaxing his cock into producing a little more for her.

When his orgasm finally faded, she tilted her head back, paused a moment until his eyes cast down upon her, and then very obviously swallowed. She tenderly licked him clean as he softened, ending it with a gentle kiss on the head before drawing back.

Amanda looked up into his eyes.

Admit it, damn you, Amanda thought vehemently, though outwardly there was nothing but a pleasant smile on her face. I just gave you the best blowjob you had in a long while and you know it.

"That was adequate," said Rallas.

"Thank you, Master," Amanda said evenly. She was not upset at his underwhelming pronouncement. Not when it was spoken in a still breathless voice. Not when Duric laughed in response to it. Not when she could still see the appreciation in his eyes.

Rallas snapped his fingers again. Amanda rose to her feet.

"You will attend to my bath now."

"Of course, Master."

Rallas cast a lingering gaze on her for a moment that made Amanda wonder if perhaps a bit of smugness had crept into her voice. When he finally turned away without a word or a change to his expression, she counted herself lucky.

"You see, Rallas?" Duric called out as Rallas slipped into the water. "You should never doubt the skill of a slave Roquan has trained."

"At least this nonsense about scroll-reading has not dulled the abilities that count," Rallas commented mildly.

Amanda slid into the water behind him with a sponge. She dipped it into the water and lathered it well from the soapy film still covering the surface. She applied it to Rallas' back and shoulders, moving in slow, circular patterns that Tanyee had taught her the other day.

"Oh, come now, Rallas, I thought you of all people might appreciate someone with a love for the written word. Even a slave."

"It is a sad, sad day when I would look to slaves to be interested in the archives instead of Narlassi."

Archives? Amanda thought with interest.

"Mark my words, my Lord. We are fast heading to raising a generation of illiterates," Rallas declared. "The only people I have looking at the archives these days are members of the court. Hardly anyone else ever pays them mind anymore. That is a tragedy."

Amanda wanted to hear more about this. It was sounding to her like Rallas was a keeper of records of some sort. But from that point, the conversation turned to more mundane matters, and Amanda could only hold her tongue and continue Rallas' bath.

Rallas did not stay long after that. Once Amanda was done -- after several complaints of the inadequate job she did -- Rallas informed Duric he had business to attend to and left.

No sooner than Rallas had left when Duric called Amanda over to him. She was sure she would be criticized for not satisfying Rallas properly. Instead, Duric had her straddle him. He caressed her folds back to wetness with his fingers and eased her onto his waiting cock. Amanda was actually grateful for this. She was still aroused from when she had serviced Rallas, and she needed the relief.

He brought her to a strong orgasm that left her panting, and then drew her into his arms until she calmed. Amanda mused at how Duric could sometimes act so tender towards her, while other times acting the strict disciplinarian.

Duric nudged her back. "I will answer your question."

Amanda gave him a confused look. "I did not ask one, Master."

"Your unspoken one. Rallas is the Master Archivist. He runs the palace library."

Amanda had thought as much. "Thank you, Master."

Duric's lips curled into a sly grin. "Does that perhaps make him a little more tolerable?"

"I don't understand, Master. I have no ill feelings for him at all," responded Amanda dutifully.

"Ah, another 'correct' answer. Well done. Amanda, Tanyee, I will not have need of you until later this morning. You may avail yourselves of breakfast and amuse yourselves until I call on you."

"Yes, Master," said Tanyee and Amanda in turn as they left the bath.

Janna looked at herself in the full-length mirror in her room, feeling foolish.

"Is there something wrong, Mistress?"

Janna glanced at the young, auburn-haired woman standing nude beside her. She shook her head. "Nothing, Fenny, not with you. You did a fine job dressing me. Tell Master Uras you served me well."

Fenny smiled brightly. "Is there anything else I may do for you, Mistress?"

"No, that will be all. You may go."

Fenny bowed her head respectfully and headed out of the room.

Janna watched her go and sighed as the door closed behind her. She had been foolish not to think to bring a slave with her. She had known that the Emperor did not keep his own slaves, save for those that Roquan had claimed he was training to be spies. In the excitement of getting ready for the trip, it had simply not dawned on her.

Even Tarras had brought a slave. They were sent along soon after the Lords had cleared the courtyard later the day before.

She looked at herself in the mirror again and adjusted her hair for the fifth time. Uras had been more than happy to lend her one of his slaves, having come with an entourage of them. She would not put it past him that this was precisely the reason he did it. He likely anticipated that some Lords would forget they were traveling into a place without them, and he could curry favor by lending them his own.

Or more likely make it so that the Lords owe him a favor now, she thought acidly.

It had not helped matters that the Caucus could not begin right away, as not all of Oceanus' thirty-six Lords had arrived on the same day. Uras had fumed over this for much of that following day. It was only now, two days later, that they could finally begin.

Janna turned her head when there came a knock at the door. She glanced at herself one last time before turning away from the mirror. "Enter."

The door opened just wide enough to allow Tarras to peek into the room. "If you are ready, Janna, the Caucus is about to start."

"Not afraid of being associated with me, Tarras?" Janna said with a slight upturn of one corner of her mouth.

Tarras afforded her a small smile and stepped more fully into the room. Janna was glad to see him, for a variety of reasons. For one, she got to see him in formal dress. Even so, her eyes were drawn to his chest, where the top of his shirt was opened just enough for her to see a bit of his chest hair, rather than his attire.

"I am finding that we need not worry about such trivialities," said Tarras. "The mood I am sensing from the others is one of focus."

"Focus? On the Caucus?"

"And the Emperor. And, in a way, on Lord Uras."

"Oh?"

Tarras stepped away from the door, folding his hands behind him. His own gaze roamed over Janna's body. She was aware of this, and felt her skin flush faintly in response. "You are quite lovely in that, Janna," he said in a softer voice. "Just enough leg to be noticed, not enough to offend the sensibilities of the Emperor."

The bottom hem of Janna's dress came down to just about the knees, though she would flash bits of thigh when she walked. She idly wondered if Tarras were looking forward to seeing that. "Rather forward of you, isn't it, Tarras?" Janna said in a tone of mock-indignation.

He raised his eyes to hers. "People know me for being rather candid. I make no exceptions to that. So I am perfectly willing for you to know that I find you rather attractive."

Janna felt immensely pleased with this, even though it was not the first time that someone had openly admired her looks. The difference here was the fact that Tarras had nothing truly to gain from her by giving her empty compliments, as they shared the same feelings concerning the Caucus.

Nothing to gain, but perhaps her bed. The thought gave Janna a tingle in her nether regions.

Janna stepped up to him, keeping her eyes locked to his. "Are you looking for me to say the same about you?" she asked in a sly voice.

Tarras smiled. "These days, I would consider myself fortunate if just my slaves considered me attractive in addition to simply performing their duties for me."

Janna could not help but let her eyes flick down to his chest again for a moment. She loved the thought of running her fingers through that hair. If Tarras had noticed her moment of distraction, however, he did not make any note of it, either in his eyes or his words when he spoke next.

"We best be moving along." He turned away from her and towards the door. "Lord Uras will not like anyone being late for the opening ceremony."

Janna had considered saying something in reply to him, like admitting that she thought he was rather attractive as well. But she was so used to playing her cards close to the vest that her response was automatic: keep him guessing for now.

Janna quickly caught up and stepped in front of him before he could get to the door. "Before we go, I wanted to ask you something. Some advice."

"I will do the best I can, certainly. What is it?"

"About Duric. What he's ..."

And to her surprise, Tarras placed a finger lightly on her lips, startling her into silence.

"Not a word," Tarras said in a very low voice. "Ever. Even to me in private."

Tarras removed his finger. Janna stared at Tarras in disbelief at the implication. "You don't seriously think the Emperor might have the rooms magicked to listen in on ..."

"I will put nothing past him after seeing that little demonstration of his lack of restraint in the courtyard the day we arrived."

"Is that what you meant about the focus being on Lord Uras as well? You never answered that."

Tarras considered. "Lord Uras admittedly goaded the Emperor. There is little doubt about that. But the Emperor did not respond with the usual aplomb that a ruler of Oceanus ought. Such an exchange of words as you saw should theoretically have the ability to go on for many candlemarks of calm verbal combat." He smiled humorlessly. "Many Lords pride themselves on their ability to do such a thing."

"Was it a test on Uras' part?"

"Perhaps. The Emperor failed it if that were the case."

"And now everyone is wondering how far Uras will push him."

"That is part of the picture. What is more intriguing ... and problematic ... is how hard the Emperor will push back."

Janna had no response to this in the awkward silence that followed.

"We better get going," said Tarras, turning away.

Without another word, Janna left the room with him and headed over to the Imperial Hall.

Jollis was experiencing something he had not in a long time: impatience.

He had to resist the urge to Farview his comrades. He knew, ultimately, that contacting them would be useless. He had orders to all of them to inform him the moment something of note happened at the Imperium. And he knew that only a handful of days had gone by since Gronnus had delivered the message of Duric's treachery to the Emperor.

Tired of remaining in his quarters brooding, he stepped outside.

It was a rare gray day at the Manor. Clouds hung leaden overhead, and the air was misty. Normally all the moisture that semi-tropical islands like this received came in the form of drenching thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Usually, they cleared out in time to allow viewing the sunset.

Jollis felt the weather was apropos for his mood.

He considered finding Sirinna and sharing her bed for awhile. It was no substitute for Amanda's company, either intellectually or sexually, but Sirinna was kind-hearted, and he felt he shared a bond with her.

Jollis headed past the gate and into the Manor proper. It had been raining on and off since sometime during the night, and the ground squished under his feet as he walked the path. Despite the change in scenery, his thoughts were the same.

The Emperor simply must act now. Z'haas now knew that Duric was raising an army against him. He could send a legion or two to Keyas. Just the act of sending the legions would be enough for Duric to call off his assault in order to defend himself. By the time Z'haas' forces reached Keyas and battled Duric's army, Jollis would have collected enough people with the proper memories to accomplish the greater mission.

Jollis' deep thoughts did not dull his senses, however. He was well aware that he had picked up a follower along the first leg of the journey to Sirinna's quarters. If anything, the weather had made it easier for him to tell, for he could hear the footfalls against the sodden ground behind him.

Jollis turned a corner as he headed from the path along the north side of the Manor to the one that ran along the west side. There, hidden from view of the north path by the trees of the gardens, he waited.

Moments later, the Healer Lanno emerged. He paused for just a moment when he saw Jollis waiting for him. He recovered quickly, but Jollis had seen and noted the surprise in his eyes.

"Good day to you, Merchant Jollis!" Lanno called out with a hearty wave and a broad smile.

"Good day to you, Healer Lanno," said Jollis in reply, nodding his head.

Lanno stepped up to the merchant. "And now that protocol is taken care of, isn't this a most dreadful day! To think I came out here to get away from weather like this."

"I thought you had come out here to view naked young women all day while pursuing your career."

Lanno paused a moment, then laughed. "Well, I'm not going to see any today, now am I? Not unless I go to them."

"I trust you were on your way to do just this?"

"Indeed, I was."

"Who were you thinking of selecting, if I may ask?"

"Ah, well, I have not decided that. I thought I would figure that out as I walked."

Jollis smiled slightly and nodded. He knew this was a lie. Someone like Lanno would not "figure that out," he would already have a definite notion of what he wanted. And one such as him would not wander about on a day of unpleasant weather, he would have a slave summoned to him instead.

Now Jollis had to decide why this young Healer had a sudden interest in him.

"Certainly it is the day for sharing a warm bed," said Jollis. "I am of the same mindset."

Lanno chuckled. "Now, we're not so much different, are we? We both work for the Overlord and we both take advantage of the amenities he offers."

"I am quite sure there are other ways we are very different," said Jollis in a somewhat cool voice. He still remembered how Lanno had treated Amanda, and despite vowing he would not let that color his judgment, it set his emotions on edge.

"Our backgrounds are certainly different, that is obvious."

Jollis paused a moment. "Oh? In what way?"

"Well, just look at us. It is obvious you are from a different part of these lands than I hail from."

"Ah, yes, this is so. I am, in fact, not from these lands."

"Oh, really? I didn't know that! From where do you hail?"

Healer, you are a most horrid liar, Jollis thought. There was little that Jollis was revealing that the Overlord did not already know about him. Yet he had to wonder why Lanno was so interested in it now. "From the Far West."

Lanno looked a bit surprised at this. "Really? The Far West? Whereabouts from the West do you ..."

"Forgive my rudeness, Master Lanno, but I wish to continue on my way. After all, if I wish a warm bed, it would be best that I not make that bed wet as well."

"Oh, yes, of course, my apologies, Jollis. Good day to you."

"And good day to you as well," Jollis called out as he walked away.

Lanno watched until the merchant was out of sight before heading back the way he had come.

The Far West! Lanno had not expected that, and he wondered if Vanlo had either. Vanlo had speculated that the perpetrator had been foreign-born. Jollis could very well be the one that had done it. He had opportunity, certainly, and from what he had heard of the man, resourcefulness as well. Motive was still the question, but Lanno felt that could be sorted out later.

Lanno had decided to take up the investigation that Vanlo appeared to have mysteriously abandoned. He felt it was not like Vanlo to dismiss something without studying it first. Lanno wanted to find the perpetrator of his heinous act and bring him to justice before the Overlord.

And, perhaps, earn himself a little respect from Vanlo in the process.

"The chair recognizes the High Lord Werris K'ollon of North Appalanchia!"

Janna had to suppress a sigh as the doughy-looking Lord of the northernmost province of Oceanus stood. She had heard of this particular Lord before. He was famous for going on and on and on in his speeches. He beamed at the assembled Lords as he made his way to the center of the chamber.

Of all the emotions she thought she might feel at the Caucus, one of them had not been boredom. Yet here it was, only a few hours into the first day of the gathering, and she was already wishing she were elsewhere doing anything but this. In fact, there were other Lords looking over parchments that were likely totally unrelated to the Caucus as the others spoke. A few even dozed.

Janna had no idea how anyone could sleep here despite the droning of pompous speeches designed to say the same thing as many times as possible in as many ways as possible. The seats were rigid wood with only thin cushioning and low armrests. The table before her was solid marble, curving around the perimeter of the round chamber, broken only at the four compass points to allow the Lords to leave their seats and come to the center of the room when it was his turn to speak.

As Lord K'ollon began to drone, his words simply slid over Janna's consciousness. She was barely aware of them, save for when something he said garnered an occasional cry of "here, here!" and loud hand-slaps on the table in support.

Her eyes traced the curving table and paused at the conspicuously absent seat, the one that looked more like a throne than a chair. It was obvious that was intended for the Emperor, yet no one seemed to make any note of the fact that the sovereign was absent. She wanted to ask someone about that, but she did not want to reveal her ignorance, not with Uras sitting almost within earshot of her.

Janna's eyes shifted to the elderly Lord Uras. He appeared to be the only one that was listening intently to every word that was being said, and beaming at each successive speaker.

Not that there had been that many of them. Thirty-six Lords and representatives in attendance, and they had heard from only three of them so far. Four counting Lord K'ollon. She found herself envying the Emperor at that moment, simply because the man was off doing something other than this.

Despite Janna's conviction that sleeping was impossible in a situation like this, it was not until she felt a gentle nudge at her shoulder that she realized she had done just that. Her eyes snapped up, and she immediately winced as her stiff neck twinged in pain. As she rubbed at it, she saw the other Lords leaving their seats and heard the low din of casual conversation.

"You lasted much longer than I thought you would," said Tarras with a gentle smile.

Janna blinked at him, trying to suppress the urge to yawn and failing. "Huh? Oh ... I'm sorry."

Tarras took her hand and helped her to her feet. "Don't be. It's impossible to sit through something like this on your first try."

"I don't know how you did it."

Tarras grinned. "You're assuming I kept my attention riveted to the mellifluous words of our comrades."

Janna chuckled at this despite herself.

"If you don't mind me being so forward, might I suggest we leave and perhaps find someplace to have a meal in private, just so Lord Uras doesn't try to corner you again?"

Janna blinked at the offer and finally wrenched her gaze from him to Lord Uras. He appeared to be standing closer to her now than he had been, but two other Lords already occupied his attention. From the invective in Uras' words, he was obviously calling them to task for something.

Janna wondered if perhaps he had caught them sleeping as well. She did not care for the idea of being browbeaten by the man (or worse, being shown preferential treatment), and finally nodded to Tarras.

She did not say a word until Tarras had led her out into the corridor. Her rear end ached from having sat in that hard seat for so long. She was reminded of it each time she took a step, thus she was not exactly delicate in her words. "Please do not tell me I am going to have to listen to all that hot air for the next quarter moon."

Tarras turned to her and sighed softly. "Unfortunately, yes. You will be further burdened by hearing my own horrible speaking voice at some point in these opening proceedings."

Janna had to smile at this. She found his voice to be anything but horrible. She remembered every word of what he had said to her on the beach near the ruins at Selemas. Hearing him speak would be a bright point in the proceedings.

Then something dawned on her, and she looked at him in horror. "Don't tell me I'm going to be expected to ..."

"Give a long-winded speech? Indeed, yes."

Janna sighed and covered her eyes with her hand briefly. "I had no idea."

Tarras gestured ahead of them, and they started to walk down the corridor together. "Strictly speaking, you're not required to ask to speak to the Caucus," he began. "But it will be expected of you, and Uras will likely make a point of noting those who did not speak."

"I have no idea what to say. I don't even really know what the others were saying. What is the point of all this?"

"Ah, but if I answer the last question first, the rest will be answered as well," said Tarras with a smile. "You see, whenever a gathering is called of all the Lords, there is no guarantee that they will all say the same thing. There may be debates and rancor. The Lords do not want the Emperor to see this, and certainly the Emperor would be bored with it."

Janna nodded, understanding it so far. "So this is to work out differences, is what you're saying?"

"Yes. Once the speeches are done, the petition to the Emperor will be drawn up. Then we vote on it. Then we edit it. Then we vote again. And so on, until we achieve a consensus. Then later, when the Emperor is invited to the proceedings, the Lords as one present a united front. The petition is put forth, and then the real fun begins."

"Yet from the way that Uras was practically glowing, everyone was saying what he wanted to hear."

"Oh, yes, I doubt there will be much in the way of dissent. Or if there is, it will be niggly little details. But then again, our lot are famous for debating for days on such things."

Janna groaned. "Great. And just what am I supposed to say before the others?"

"Just what you believe is the right thing for the Emperor to do, that's all."

"Great gods, Tarras, I can say that in just a few sentences. I don't need to give a multi-parchment speech to say that!"

Before Tarras could reply, she suddenly found herself outside again. Or at least outside inasmuch as the late afternoon sky glowed with sunset fire overhead. As they walked through an entrance formed by two vine-entwined stone columns, an open-air cafe stretched out before them. Small tables were interspersed with more decorative columns and gently flowing fountains. Towards the back was a stage with various musical instruments strewn about, though there were no musicians in evidence at the moment.

Janna did not even know the Imperial Palace had such amenities. She let Tarras guide her to a table for two near a corner, tucked out of the way of view from the main corridor by a thin wooden fence thick with climbing foliage.

As soon as they sat down, a servant came over to them. Tarras immediately turned to him and said, "Soft red wine, please."

The servant nodded and turned to Janna expectantly.

Janna blinked. "Um ..."

"The reds are the best," said Tarras. "You can't go wrong with that, not at the Imperial Palace. They likely stock Overlord Doran D'jorus' brand."

"Tempting, but I'm not sure alcohol is the best thing for me right now," Janna said.

"Of course, my Lady," said the servant politely with a bow of his head. "Please let me know if you change your mind."

Janna just nodded, and the servant headed away. "Sorry."

"No need to be. Perhaps it was too forward of me to suggest it."

Janna shook her head. The last thing she wanted was for him to think he had done something wrong. She managed a smile. "Perhaps in another context I would have taken you up on it. Or I may have some a little later when I think I can handle it better."

"Another context?"

Janna caught the small, sly upturn of one corner of his mouth. Yes, I walked right into that one, she thought. Her smiled widened and became a bit mischievous. "Is that the way you operate? Maneuvering poor unsuspecting female peers into self-incriminating talk?"

Tarras laughed softly. "With as smooth a tongue as yours, Janna, I would not think it difficult to speak to the other Lords."

"Mmm, if it were only that simple. I am far more used to speaking like this, one on one. I have never truly spoken in front of a group in my career."

They paused as the servant delivered a goblet of deep red wine to the table. Tarras nodded his thanks and took a small sip before continuing. "Not to put too fine a point on it, but if you wish to continue along a career path such as this, you will need to get used to it. True, many deals are won or lost on a personal level, but you will often be called upon to defend your ideas -- and sometimes, your actions -- before others. Some Lords look for any opportunity to rise above their peers. Unfortunately it sometimes means pushing down others."

"You assume I seek a permanent Lordship at some point," Janna said flatly.

"One of your talents does not stay in the court subservient to another Lord. Nor will it continue to interest you before long."

Janna raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And you feel you know me so well already?"

"In a way, yes."

Janna looked genuinely surprised at his answer.

Tarras took a longer sip of his wine and leaned forward. His eyes cast an earnest gaze into hers. "I have been around for a bit. I have seen members of my court rise and fall." His voice dropped a bit. "I can see it in your eyes, Janna."

"And what is it you think you see?"

Janna was a little surprised at the slightly husky edge to her own voice. She swore that Tarras' lips curled into a very slight smile at it. "I can see ambition. And a desire to do the right thing. And passion."

"Passion?"

"Yes, passion. You put everything into whatever you do."

"And you can tell all that from just looking into my eyes?"

Tarras paused for a moment. He drew back from her slowly. "Or perhaps ..." he said, swirling the contents of his goblet idly. " ... I simply make up these things for the excuse to look into those eyes."

Janna was not at all sure she had heard him say that at first. When she finally convinced herself that she had indeed heard it from his lips, she gave him a sultry smile. "And I thought people considered me the aggressor in such matters."

"Oh?" Tarras said in an innocent voice. He took a long sip and set the goblet down. "What would these matters be?"

"You are doing it again."

"Am I?"

"Yes. Steering my words into places they were not intended."

"And what places would those be?"

Janna's smile widened. "Oh, very good. You are as good at this as I am."

"It is always nice to have someone who is a peer at such a thing. That is the problem when you rise in the ranks, Janna, and become secure in your position. All the fun goes out of it."

When he looked at her again, his eyes were dark and held a touch of desire to them as well. Janna wondered if perhaps he was looking for another sort of "fun" from her. She could interpret his words that way. She knew her body was, heat already rising in her sex again, greater than before, and her thoughts flirted with the idea of taking him to her bed.

But it was too much too soon. She was already overwhelmed by everything else. This would be too much to add onto it. She hoped he understood this, that he was simply testing the waters and seeing how receptive she was to the idea.

And it was more reason to stay away from the wine. She did not need her inhibitions lowered any more than they already were.

"I would think that the clever Lord would find new ways to make his own fun in that case," Janna said carefully.

"Oh, but such a thing would require another of a similar mindset. Such a thing is hard to come by."

"Perhaps not as hard as you think."

Another significant pause, and then a sly curl of his lips. "I would prefer it to be hard ..." He let that word dangle for just a moment. " ... since I do like a challenge."

Janna caught the innuendo, and the heat between her thighs became a flame. She took a slow, deep breath through her nose as her skin flushed warm. "We shall see, then," she said in a remarkably steady voice.

Tarras gave her a smile and a slight nod of his head before calling the servant over to request a meal. The rest of the discussion was quite tame by comparison, though it continued long into the evening. By the time Tarras and Janna rose to leave, the sky was deepening towards the black of night.

He escorted her to the door to her quarters. "I shall see you in the morning, then," Tarras said.

He lingered a moment. Janna could tell that he was holding out hope that she would invite him inside. She would have to disappoint him. Now that she had a full stomach, she could think a little more clearly. She needed to hold off. She would feel like a common slave opening herself to him this soon.

"In the morning, Tarras," Janna said with finality.

Tarras did play one last card. He took her hand and gave it a soft kiss before turning away. Janna swallowed and paused to watch him leave before slipping inside and, reluctantly, closing the door behind him.

Amanda was no less nervous the second time around when she skulked about her quarters and onto the balcony to Farview Sirinna.

And Sirinna was no less emotional. Nor was Amanda, once they had gotten past simple greetings. Sirinna tried to find out more detail from Amanda about how things were going with Duric, but Amanda was rather circumspect with her answers. She gave Sirinna only very broad replies, and she left out the part about being punished entirely. The last thing she wanted was Sirinna thinking she had somehow failed as a Trainer.

The hardest part of the conversation was hiding her disappointment. Jollis had yet to Farview her, and she had to resist asking Sirinna about him. She did not want to reveal how she felt about him, though now she wondered if he ever felt the same way about her. Perhaps it had been just wishful thinking on her part.

"Amanda, you probably better go on to bed," Sirinna finally said in reluctant voice. "I shouldn't be keeping you up like this."

Amanda had to smile slightly. This was a far cry from Sirinna's admonishments to her about having done this in the first place. Now Sirinna herself was loathe to end these conversations. "I'm all right. I think if anyone had discovered me, I would know about it by now."

"I just meant I didn't want to make you tired. I know Master Duric is an early riser."

"No earlier than you got me up every day for training."

"Now you see why I did it."

Amanda grinned. She preferred it when Sirinna was a little more like herself and not so teary-eyed. "All right, I guess I'll get going, then."

"Wait, before you do ... Amanda, is there anything at all you need from me? Anything?"

Amanda heard the plea in Sirinna's voice. She wondered if Sirinna were stuck for things to do now that she was no longer training Amanda every day.

Jollis entered her mind again. She bit her lip.

Sirinna could read Amanda just as easily as Amanda could read her. She knew that gesture very well. "Yes, what is it?"

Amanda hesitated a long moment before she finally replied. "Um ... Sirinna, do you remember Jollis? Master Roquan's Tradesman?"

"Oh, yes, of course I do!" Sirinna said brightly. "He's been visiting me frequently."

Amanda perked up. "He has? Oh, wait ... you mean for ... for sex ..."

"Yes. And companionship. I think he misses you."

Amanda felt awkward. "Uh ..."

Sirinna smiled. "You made a really strong impression on him, Amanda. It was very obvious in his voice whenever he asked about you."

"He's been asking about me?"

"Yes, very much. Just about every time he comes to see me."

Then why in the hells has he not Farviewed me? Amanda thought in frustration.

"Is there anything you want me to tell him, love?"

"Yes," Amanda said before she realized it. "Just tell him that ... I really wish he could talk to me himself. Please tell him that, in those exact words."

"Of course, love."

"I should go now." She took a step closer to Sirinna's shimmering form. "I love you, Sirinna."

Sirinna's eyes glistened, and her voice cracked as she replied. "I love you, too, Amanda."

Amanda stood indecisively for a moment before finally waving a hand and ending the Farview audience. Sirinna faded from sight. She stared into the empty space left behind for a few moments before retrieving the pearl and heading back inside for the night.

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