“And so I shall,” nodded the Star of Sakova, “as long as I am still able to. Let us go and do what we have assembled for. May Kaltara’s blessing be upon each of us this day.”
Chapter 34
Demands for Attention
The Star of Sakova walked into the middle of the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace. To her left stood the headquarters of the Imperial Guard. Citizens moved through the plaza on their way to do whatever it was that brought them out of their homes, but no on paid any particular attention to the young woman. Lyra inhaled deeply as she thought about what she was about to do, and how that would change everyone’s reactions to her. She waited patiently as a young mother led her child through the plaza, passing too close to the Star of Sakova for comfort. Lyra knew that when she made her move no innocents should be nearby, as they might accidentally get hurt.
When the young mother had passed through the plaza, the Star of Sakova cast the spell that brought forth her blue cylinder of protection. The citizens of Okata had seen the cylinder before when Lyra stood against the last false Katana, Alazar. She knew that once it was noticed, all attention would be focused on her.
Sure enough, the shield was only in place for seconds before someone shouted. Instantly a leery crowd of citizens started forming a circle around the plaza. None came close to Lyra for fear of being hurt, but the people were too curious to run and hide. A few moments later, the first Imperial Guard showed up. He drew his sword as he ran into the plaza to confront the Star of Sakova, but he halted several paces away, his head turning to search for other soldiers before he tried to do anything. He did not have long to wait.
Imperial Guards stormed out of the headquarters building and from streets around the plaza. They ran from every direction until they almost filled the plaza. Lyra watched all of the posturing with a strange detached lack of emotion. When some of the Imperial Guards started advancing close to Lyra, she held up her hand for them to halt.
“Stop,” shouted the Star of Sakova. “I have a message for the citizens of Okata. Do not attempt to harm me or Kaltara will strike you down. He who raises a sword against me will lose his sword. He who reaches out to seize me will lose his arm. Citizens of Okata, call forth your families. Hail your brothers and sisters and tell them to hurry here. I have an important message for you.”
The Imperial Guards stood and stared at the Star of Sakova. Lacking leadership, they talked amongst themselves as they tried to figure out what to do. More Imperial Guards continued to stream into the plaza, pushing the citizens back as they gathered around the Star of Sakova. One new arrival, a junior officer, ordered several soldiers to slay the Star of Sakova. Lyra shook her head sadly as the soldiers obeyed. Several of the soldiers swung swords at Lyra. The blades of their swords disappeared as they met the blue cylinder. One unfortunate soldier moved his leg through the perimeter of the blue cylinder as he was attacking. He fell to the ground screaming. His lower leg was gone.
The attacking Imperial Guards fell back, much to the disappointment of the junior officer, who was shouting for the soldiers to attack. Not one of the Imperial Guards obeyed after having witnessed the results of the first attack. Two brave soldiers came close enough to grab the wounded man and carry him off to the healers.
“Gather citizens of Okata,” shouted Lyra. “What I have to say is important to your future. Gather your friends and neighbors. I will wait for them to arrive.”
People began streaming into the area of the plaza, although they could not get into the plaza itself. Over a thousand Imperial Guards had formed a ring around Lyra, and were not letting any citizens get close. Lyra saw a disturbance in the direction of the Imperial Palace. She watched as a dozen Monitors pushed their way through the crowd of Imperial Guards. The Monitors stopped when they reached the inner circle and were able to see Lyra and her blue cylinder.
“That is the Star of Sakova!” exclaimed one of the Monitors. “Do not go near her.”
“We already tried that,” retorted one of the Imperial Guards who had lost his blade. “What are we supposed to do?”
The lead Monitor turned to one of his men and said, “Notify Colonel Zanta about this immediately. Make certain that he knows that it is the Star of Sakova. Also seal the Imperial Palace. Nobody goes in or out except through the front door, and then only after they have gained permission from Colonel Zanta. Move.”
“What about the Katana and the Council?” asked the Monitor. “Should I have them come out?”
“Absolutely not,” snapped the lead Monitor. “That is probably what she is here for. The Council is in session. Let them stay there. Do not even inform them of the commotion out here. Have the Katana isolated and protected at all times.”
The Monitor nodded and ran towards the Imperial Palace. The Lead Monitor stared at Lyra for several moments before speaking.
“You will not have your way this time, Star of Sakova,” he said. “You may hide inside your shields for now, but even you will hunger eventually. You will not leave this plaza alive.”
He turned to leave, and the junior office of the Imperial Guard stopped him.
“That is it?” he bellowed. “You are just going to let her stand there?”
“For now,” answered the lead Monitor. “Your men seem to have her surrounded. Besides, I do not think she plans on leaving the plaza until she kills the Katana. That will not happen this time. I will send some mages out to test her shields. There must be a way to get through them.”
The Monitors retreated with the lead Monitor shouting orders to the others. He instructed them to round up their units and man each and every entrance to the Imperial Palace.
* * *
HawkShadow and SkyDancer listened to the distant shouting coming from the plaza on the other side of the Imperial Palace. HawkShadow was dressed in the uniform of an Imperial Guard. SkyDancer walked before him as if the soldier was guiding her to some destination.
“This is the park,” HawkShadow said softly. “Enter it.”
SkyDancer immediately turned and entered the old park as several Imperial Guards raced by in the street. The park was poorly cared for, its flowers wilted and weeds spreading through the grass. SkyDancer ignored the scenery and headed towards the old potter’s shed at the rear of the garden. With a quick glance around the garden to see if anyone was watching, SkyDancer opened the door to the shed and walked in. HawkShadow immediately followed her and closed the door.
The Sakovan assassin watched as SkyDancer opened the door to the secret passage. He followed her into the dark corridor and closed the door behind him. Moments later they emerged in the office of the First Minister. HawkShadow slid the bookcase to cover the secret passage.
“Anyone pay any attention to you?” asked StarWind.
“No,” answered HawkShadow as he looked around at the others who gathered inside the Imperial Palace. “I don’t think the garden sees much traffic any more. It certainly is not well kept. People and Imperial Guards are rushing towards the plaza though.”
“As they should,” nodded Temiker. “Does everyone have the map memorized? If not, now is the last chance you have to look at it.”
“I’m good,” answered SunChaser.
“Is there a problem if I take the map with me?” asked Goral. “No one is going to search me if I am discovered.”
“Let him have it,” interjected Ukaro. “Goral will not be mistaken for anything other than an intruder. Besides he will be with us.”
Temiker nodded and handed the hand-drawn map to Goral. Goral looked at it briefly and then stuffed it into his pouch.