Uni gritted his teeth and leaned back, knocking his head against the wooden panel of the wall behind him. Skipping out on that evenings engagement was just as impossible as giving up the miraculous opportunity to show off his skills in the Virilan report. There was only one thing to do: he would accomplish both at the same time.
This always happens to me, he thought. Its always everything or nothing. He made some rapid calculations. Ill go on the walk with Siana this evening and tell her I love her right when the sun goes down. Romance on a tight schedule. But its better this way. Im too busy to be nervous. Sorry dear, I have to run. Cant keep the Emperor waiting, you know Technically, thats true, and what an effect it will have! After I win Sianas heart, Ill run back to the archive and spend the night in a creative fever writing a brilliant report worthy of the Great Lords praise. The precise details! The breadth of knowledge! The style, noble yet straightforward! I wont use shorthand the whole thing will be in the most elegant script! He tried to remember the last time he had used his calligraphy skills. It may kill me, but Ill write so beautifully that all the courtiers will be shocked! Who is the author of this phenomenal text? Unizel Virando? The assistant to the senior master? How could you have overlooked him? You arent making the most of his talents! Immediately make him a department master. No, appoint him personal advisor to the Emperor! Who else possesses such wide-ranging knowledge of all the foreign powers? Sure, thats highly unlikely, but they wont be able to ignore me any longer after I complete this heroic work.
Suddenly, Uni froze. I still need permission from Barko to work here overnight. He took off running. Falcon, I'll catch up with you soon!
Chapter 2. Shattered Heart
The Arincils only worship two gods, unlike all the other pagans. The first of them is Pulimentel, the god of death, for they believe that death is the only reality that touches each of us equally. It doesnt matter if youre strong or weak, good looking or ugly, rich or poor. Eventually, you are going to die. Thus, death stands over us all and holds the greatest power over all living things. Personally, I find much here in common with our belief in the Heavenly Deity that gives its light to all living things in equal measure. That said, while the Arincils god represents fear of the unavoidable end and reflects the essence of their ruthless society, our Heavenly Deity shines over the fair lands where our empires wisest and most humane minds are born. Their second god, Alintepel, is the god of military fortune. When two equally strong warriors meet in combat, victory is often decided by chance. It can turn on something so small. Even an experienced warrior can find himself helpless in the face of a terrible stroke of bad luck that cuts through his lifeline like a sword
You know so many interesting things. Its a pleasure to hear you talk, said the attractive brunette with a fine profile and unusually beautiful, emerald eyes who had been walking for over an hour with Uni along the winding pathways of the gardens of Archomena, enjoying the warm evening breeze, the deepening red sunset and her erudite companion. Uni had been surprised at how easy it was to interest the unattainable heroine of his dreams all he had to do was tell her, one after another, all the things he had learned while reading in the archive.
This is going well, Uni thought to himself. Ill tell her about the bride selection ritual of Torgendam, and then it will be time for the main event: Dearest Siana, I have known so many lovely women from beyond the seas, but none of them and none of our empires fair women can compare to you, not even the princesses of past ages. You are the princess of my soul. You are its queen, and my eyes are locked on you forever
She turned her smile on him. Im glad you found time to walk with me. I know youre busy working for the Emperor.
Uni blushed. As a matter of fact, I am a little pressed for time. You see, His Majesty is expecting an important report from me tomorrow. Its a secret, you know. Yes, there are some things that His Majesty can only trust me with. I try to find time for him. There are plenty of other workers at the archive, but he needs someone who truly understands the matter.
How right you are! My father is the Heavenly Thrones treasury secretary, and he is always complaining about the difficulty of finding good people. There are so many dishonest people out there who only think about how to put money in their own pockets. Can you imagine? They buy houses, boats, fine carriages and expensive paintings, but their heads are absolutely empty!
Uni sighed. That is a sign of our times. Money without culture and culture without money. In the ancient world, the leaders were enlightened. They took wise men as their advisors, and their governments and their people prospered. When wisdom is separated from power and power from wisdom, the country becomes like a body that is missing its head!
You always put things just the right way!
I am but a simple fisherman who spends his days chasing after the truth with the tattered nets of his thoughts, Uni replied. Im not the first person to realize that powerful people ought to pay attention to those who have great knowledge. When wise men are ignored by those in power, they always turn their voices to the rabble, becoming leaders of the mindless crowd, whose animal instincts drive it to destroy the foundations of a civilized society. It is a shame that our self-important civil servants do not wish to see what is right in front of their faces: it would be better to spend one hundred leros today to hire a handful of wise men than spend a thousand leros tomorrow to put down a revolt!
Siana smiled happily. I agree with everything you say, but remember that not everyone is as thoughtless as you think. My future husband, Semilius Torvey, has the greatest respect for talented young people. He says that the empire stands on their shoulders.
Your future husband? Uni felt a wave of hot blood rise to his head. He froze. A black mist clouded his vision. He put his hands to his head.
Of course, it would be more correct to say that he is my fiancé, but the matter has already been decided. I thought you know him. Semilius is one of the commanders of the Solar Sentinels. I expect youve seen him at the palace.
No, I havent. I mean, of course, Ive heard of him. Have you known him long?
Three months. Remember when you met me at the square in front of the Imperial Court? He was standing next to my father. Hes tall and strong, and his face is very fierce, with such a manly profile! You know, Ive never been a very emotional person, but when I saw him for the first time, I felt like a wave knocked me off my feet. Something just pulled me to him!
I see. Unis face was as hard as stone. He sighed, folded his hand behind his back, and started walking again, trying to look like he wasnt dying inside. He sounds like the perfect hero. I suppose all the girls dream of a brave young man like that saving them from a dragon
Siana gave a little frown. Hes fifteen years older than I am, so hes not exactly a young man. Id say hes a man in his prime. And hes very, very smart. Just listen, I havent told you everything yet. Semilius told me that after we are married, he wants us to host a salon of the most intelligent people in the empire. He always says exactly what you just did: educated book-lovers shouldnt be allowed to mingle with poor people. There needs to be a place where they can come and discuss their ideas while they drink and eat and have a good time. We are going to host elegant dinner parties like that. Just imagine: philosophers sitting around our table having heated discussions! I hope you will come and take part.