The Emperor's Wolves (Wolves of Elantra #1) - Michelle Sagara Page 0,134
his death sentence. It is how things are done. The Emperor very rarely takes an interest in the petty crimes of those Barrani associated with the lords. When he does, it serves one specific function. It rids his city of the petty criminal. It is its own Imperial writ of execution.
“Teremaine was present for at least one of the murders. If he did not lift a hand to cause injuries that led to deaths, he was the driving force behind them. Do you not feel that his death would be justice?”
Severn nodded. After a long pause, he said, “Where I come from, death is death. We were taught not to look for justice in anything but our own behavior, because we had control of that. In theory.
“If Teremaine won’t lead to Sennarin, what’s the point in pushing for more information from him?”
Elluvian shrugged. “There is always a point,” he said in his native tongue. “It is never wise to allow your opponent to understand the whole of your thought or intent; if they do, it will be trivial for them to block you.”
“She doesn’t believe we care about Teremaine.”
“She doesn’t believe Teremaine is the true focus of our investigation, no. But she is not a fool. Teremaine is the murder weapon; he is not the murderer. What we want is the man or woman who chose to use him. She knows this. Everyone of note knows this. But Teremaine knows too much about too many.”
“The Emperor’s prohibition on using the Tha’alani—”
“They cannot believe that the Emperor’s prohibition forbids the Emperor from taking advantage of the Tha’alani when it serves his own purpose. The truth, in this case, is irrelevant. As would be any protestation based on Imperial Law. Even if the Barrani who employ Teremaine’s services chose to believe no Tha’alani would be involved, it would make little difference. Before the advent of the Tha’alani, information was still retrieved. The people Teremaine has served in the past will lose face. In the worst case, they would lose their lives if they are not powerful enough; Teremaine interacts with the mortal caste court. His crimes are therefore crimes that the Halls of Law would, by mandate, investigate. Teremaine will die if he remains within Elantra; there are few places in which he could now find safety.”
“Few, but not none?”
“Indeed. And he is not our concern.”
Severn nodded again.
* * *
Helmat was unaccustomed to unexpected knocks at his closed door. If the door was open, he was willing to take visitors; if it was closed, he was not. Only two people knocked at his door when it was closed. Or perhaps one. Elluvian generally opened the door unless he knew an actual meeting was ongoing.
The other person was probably Private Handred.
Helmat spoke a single word, and the door rolled open. It was indeed the private, but Elluvian was not far behind. Wearing his best this had better be good expression, Helmat stared at them until they entered the room. The door closed behind them.
Helmat did not particularly care for this door. He vastly preferred the old one. But waiting for the preferred replacement would leave his office open at any time of day or night, and he had accepted the practical necessity of a lesser choice. He glared at Elluvian.
En actually smiled in response.
“The private wishes to see the actual orders the Emperor handed down.”
“Pardon?”
“He wishes to see the wording of the orders themselves.”
“And your reason?” Helmat asked, deciding to abandon the third person.
Severn’s hands were behind his back, his chin slightly tucked. He lifted that now. “In a technical sense, the Barrani we’ve been attempting to find did not commit murder.”
“Yes, and?”
“He’s considered important because we’re to find his master. It’s the master who’s the target of the execution orders, yes?”
Helmat said nothing.
“Are we empowered—no, are we commanded—to find and arrest the person or persons responsible for the murders, or are we instructed to execute him or her?”
Helmat’s eyes narrowed.
“And if there is more than one, are we then instructed to either arrest or execute all of them?”
“En.”
“It is a fair question, Helmat.”
“It’s a selective question. Private, you are ordered to assist Elluvian. You are not ordered to execute anyone. You are on probation. If you survive probation, you will be a Wolf. You will not be a Shadow Wolf. Any killings that occur in the line of duty had better be for self-defense, or you won’t continue to be a Wolf.
“You are required to unearth the individuals responsible for the murders.