Jonathan Moeller - The Ghosts 09 - Ghost in the Surge by Jonathan Moeller Page A

with it.”
    “When shall the Imperial Curia announce the news?” said Ark. 
    “In a few days,” said Aeolus, “when the Emperor departs for New Kyre.”
    Claudia felt her eyebrows rise, and Martin and the others murmured in surprise.
    “The Emperor is going to New Kyre?” said Martin. “Is the Empire surrendering to the Kyracian Assembly, then?”
    “Not at all,” said Aeolus. “The Kyracians will admit the fault of the war is theirs, pay an indemnity, and agree to leave Imperial ships untroubled in their waters. In exchange, the Emperor has persuaded the Padishah of Istarinmul to open the Starfall Straits to Kyracian ships once more. The Emperor shall pay a visit of state to New Kyre to affirm the new concord between our two nations.” 
    “And let everyone save face,” said Ark.
    “In essence, yes,” said Aeolus. “Additionally, a guard of honor, headed by Kylon Shipbreaker himself, is sailing to Malarae as we speak. The honor guard and the remains of the western Imperial fleet shall jointly escort the Emperor to New Kyre.” He looked at each of them with cold eyes. “Our task shall be to keep the Emperor alive.”
    Theodosia frowned. “Who wants to kill the Emperor? Beyond the usual foes, I mean.”
    “Far too many people, I fear,” said Aeolus. “The Magisterium, for one, wishes the war to continue.” Claudia knew her father would not hesitate to use assassins to reach his goals. “Both factions within the Empire and the Assembly wish to continue the fight.” He shrugged. “And how better to assassinate the Emperor than to twist the mind of one of his Ghosts?”
    “That is what you think happened?” said Ark. “That the false Caina was an attempt to assassinate the Emperor?” 
    “No,” said Aeolus. “I think the Magisterium kidnapped Caina Amalas on her way to Marsis and twisted her mind. But as you observed, the sorcery of the mind can have unpredictable and dangerous effects. Instead of killing the Emperor, she went berserk and attacked the Ghosts. It is the most logical explanation.”
    Ark scowled. “More logical than some sorcerer taking her place with a spell of illusion?”
    “I am inclined to agree with the Champion,” said Martin. “The woman I met in Calvarium…she was most strong-willed.” That was an understatement if Claudia had ever heard one. “I do not believe the magi or a renegade sorcerer could have twisted her mind. She would have died first.”
    “Caina Amalas would not betray the Ghosts,” said Theodosia. “I am certain of only a few things in this sorry world, but that is one of them.”
    “Your affection for the nightfighter clouds your logic, Champion, Lord Governor, circlemaster,” said Aeolus. “And I fear it clouded Halfdan’s judgment as well. He put far too much trust in one woman.”
    “She saved his life,” said Ark. “She saved all our lives, my lord.”
    “Indeed,” said Aeolus, “but we are Ghosts, and we must be objective if we are to serve the Emperor. Which is why we are going to accompany the Emperor to New Kyre.”
    “All of us?” said Claudia, surprised. When the summons had come calling Lord Martin to the Imperial capital, she thought it had been about the business of the Empire. 
    “Most of us. Muravin, I wish you to remain behind and keep watch over the Ghosts of the House of Kularus, lest Caina return to attack them,” said Aeolus.  “I will travel as the Emperor’s advisor and to command the Ghosts accompanying the embassy.” His eyes shifted to Theodosia. “The Grand Imperial Opera will also travel with the ships, to sing before the Assembly as part of the ceremonies.”
    Theodosia sniffed. “I simply hope the Kyracians can appreciate Nighmarian opera when they hear it.”
    “You, Champion, shall come as well. Since the war began in Marsis, it seems only meet that the Champion of Marsis should be there for its conclusion,” said Aeolus. “You, Lord Martin, since you took part in the fighting in the Argamaz.