Now, with the emperor dead and Michael out of the way, his path was clear, and he had wasted no time.
The emperor must have died around the same time as their abduction, Aedan thought. For Fhileraene to have learned the news so quickly, he must have spies in Seasedge capable of communicating with him through magic or perhaps carrier pigeon.
But that was not at all unlikely. There were halflings in Boeruine, and it was quite conceivable some of them could be in the pay of Fhileraene.
For that matter, the spies could also be humans. Arwyn of Boerume was not universally loved. He had made his share of enemies.
Either way, when Aedan and Michael did not return from hawking, Lord Arwyn must have realized the goblins had succeeded in capturing them, especially after Windreiver had returned. And Michael’s horse must have made its way back to the stables without its rider, as well. Lord Arwyn must have quickly and immediately moved to take advantage of the opportunity. This was exactly what his father had feared, thought Aedan. Lord Arwyn must have seized the court the moment Emperor Hadrian had died and Michael’s disappearance was discovered.
Aedan felt a tightness in his stomach as he thought about his parents.
What had become of them? His father would never have stood idly by while Arwyn tried to take the throne, and Arwyn had to know that Lord Tieran would oppose him to his last breath. With a feeling of despair, Aedan realized his father would undoubtedly have been among the first to be eliminated.
However, Lord Arwyn had no way of knowing he and Michael had been rescued. He had acted on the belief that they were safely on their way to Thurazor to be enslaved. He must have claimed Michael was dead, otherwise he could not have justified assuming the regency of the empire, and eventually, the throne itself. If Michael suddenly appeared now, his life would certainly be in danger unless he were able to rally support among the other nobles of the empire. And if Arwyn refused to yield at that point, it could mean only one thing.
There would be war. The empire would be split in two between those loyal to Prince Michael and those who would support Lord Arwyn. And without knowing how much support Arwyn could muster, there would be no telling how long it would last, nor what the cost would be. And if it came to war, no matter which way it turned out in the end, the empire would be left weakened. That would certainly serve Fhileraene’s interests.
“So where does that leave us, with respect to you, Your Highness?”
Aedan asked. “And what has become of the Imperial Court?” he added nervously, afraid to hear the answer.
“For the present, it leaves you as my guests,” Fhileraene replied.
“The last word I received, only this morning, reported only that Lord Arwyn had declared a state of emergency upon the Emperor Hadrian’s death and Prince Michael’s disappearance and had imposed martial law upon the province of Boeruine. And, by extension, one supposes, whatever portions of the empire he can induce to go along with him.
Beyond that, there has been no further information. As you must have guessed, I have agents in Boeruine, and under current circumstances, they must remain especially circumspect. As soon as I know more, I shall send word to you. GIlvain has extended his offer of hospitality to you, and
you shall remain welcome in Tuarhievel until it can best be determined what our course of action should be.”
“If the Imperial Court is being held hostage at Seaharrow,” Aedan said,
“we must reach Anuire as soon as possible and raise a force to rescue them. We must make certain word is spread that Prince Michael. . .”
he paused, significantly, “. . . Emperor Michael, I should say, is still alive. The longer we delay, the more time Lord Arwyn has to strengthen his position.”
Fhileraene smiled. “You shall make a good minister to your liege,” he said. “Very well. Let Prince …
Emperor Michael compose a message to his subjects, while you prepare a list of those to whom it should be sent, and I shall arrange for messengers to be dispatched. In particular, is there someone you may depend on in Anuire whose loyalty is beyond question and who may accurately report to you on the state of matters there?”
Aedan thought only for a moment. “My tutor, Baladore Trevane, the librarian at the College of Sorcery in Anuire.”
Fhileraene nodded. “I know of him,” he said. “A man worthy of respect, by all repute. Very well, it shall be done. And the other messages shall be sent out as soon as you have prepared the list.
Gylvain will see to it.”
“I am very grateful for all your help, Your Highness,” Michael said to Fhileraene, with a slight bow.
“I shall not forget.”
“Rest assured we shall remind you if you do, Majesty,” Prince Fhileraene replied with a wry smile.
“From this day forth, it shall be known that the elven kingdom of Tuarhievel was the first to recognize the Emperor Michael Roele and declare an alliance against those who would disrupt the peace between us.
“It shall be so,” said Michael, drawing himself up proudly. For the first time since he had heard the shocking news of his father’s death, he seemed to accept the fact that he was now no longer Prince Michael, but Emperor Michael.
At the moment, an emperor without an empire to command, thought Aedan.
But as to whether or not it would remain that way, there was no way of knowing until word had been sent out that he was safe and they heard responses to their messages.
Would the nobles of the empire line up behind Michael, as was their duty,
