Of Kings and Killers (Elder Empire Sea #3) - WIll Wight Page 0,64
overlooking a huge courtyard.
He could use the Hall of Address instead, but the Stage was more secure.
Knowing when the Farstrider report would be released, Calder had issued a statement three days ago that he would be delivering an address from the Emperor’s Stage. Thousands of Capital citizens would gather in the courtyard, waiting to hear his words.
“I’d like to go over the security measures together with you, if you don’t mind.” Calder walked over to the base of the portrait, where a small table held a notebook and a pen.
A quick glance revealed that it was a sort of logbook, within which Imperial Palace staff had noted down which costumes they were borrowing and when.
One of the Guards stepped up. “I will recount our preparations, if the Steward doesn’t mind. Your double will be onstage, addressing the citizens using the script you have prepared.”
Calder flipped through the rest of the book. “My two remaining Champions will be with him as well to add authenticity. If anything happens to me, they’ll still be close enough to respond.”
“We’ll be glad to have them. Meanwhile, Steward, you will be in a waiting room we’ve secured inside the Stage building. Wearing the Emperor’s armor for an added layer of protection. After the address is over, you will visit the double and switch places, after which you will greet selected citizens personally. Once they have passed through our security screening.”
Ideally, Rojric would deliver the address while Calder was a mile away, as he had done during Calder’s coronation as Steward. But there were a few business-owners and members of prominent families who were too important to the Capital to ignore, and Calder had to greet them in person. So he had to stay close enough to be switched.
Though while sitting inside a guarded room wearing the Emperor’s armor, Calder would be far safer than Rojric.
“Flawless,” Calder declared. “However, I have recently gained some insight into the mindset of the Consultants. We believe they will come after me after the Farstrider report is distributed, but this is only their first opportunity. It won’t be their last. If they do act tonight, I don’t want to let them get away. Can we seal the Stage building with the assassin inside?”
The Guard exchanged glances with his partner, then stepped closer to Calder. So close that Calder could smell a strange musk from the man’s bear-like limbs. “There is a padlock that General Teach sometimes used. It was Awakened by the Emperor, and it can seal the exits to an entire building in an instant. But you’ll have to authorize us to use it.”
Perfect. Calder couldn’t have asked for anything better.
“We have to minimize the chances of a leak,” Calder whispered back. “After we leave, tell me its location and I will retrieve it myself. Tell no one.”
Louder, he added, “Good work, Guardsman. Now, could you give me and Rojric some privacy? I would like a moment to give him some notes on his performance.”
The Guards looked Rojric up and down before one of them pulled a belt knife and handed it to Calder.
“I don’t think he could take you even if he had a weapon,” the Guard said. “But just in case.”
Calder resolved to make sure this man got a raise.
As soon as the Guards left the room, Calder walked over to the nearby table, placing the belt knife next to the logbook.
“If you’re concerned about security, you can keep a Guard or two—”
Calder silenced him with a gesture. Then he reached down, tore a corner of blank paper out of the logbook, and scribbled on it.
When he’d finished, he held it up for Rojric to see.
Could be listening.
Rojric swallowed audibly.
Calder immediately fed the scrap of paper into the candle-flame, then dropped it to the floor to let it burn out. He tore off a second piece of paper and scribbled another note.
I will give the speech.
The double’s eyes widened as he realized where Calder was going.
This will be risky for you. Are you willing?
They had found Rojric for his ability, not for his loyalty, but the man was obviously brave enough to pretend to be Calder while knowing that it would attract the attention of enemies.
Sure enough, the man’s spine straightened and his eyes hardened. He gave Calder a single, firm nod.
Calder reached out and shook his hand.
Thank you.
He looked up to the Emperor’s duplicate armor standing on the pedestal over their heads, then added more to the note.