Lyra closed her eyes and let their words echo through her mind. She knew that StarWind was not one to quit while any chance remained and Mayor Ferde's suggestion to leave did make sense, but…
No, she said opening her eyes. Kaltara would not send me on a fruitless journey. There is a way to accomplish our goal. We are just too blind to see it.
Forgive my ignorance of your ways, but perhaps you just think your god wants you here, suggested Mayor Ferde.
You are forgiven, smiled the Star. I am not mistaken though. Kaltara told me to come. It was a command, not a suggestion.
Your god speaks to you? he asked with an incredulous look.
And I to Him, nodded Lyra.
Ferde's eyes opened wide and his brows rose in wonderment. Then ask him what to do next.
I have, sighed Lyra. Kaltara does not affect my movements like a puppet, but rather guides me through difficult times. As I have faith in Him, so He has faith in me. I have the tools to achieve the end that I seek, but I must choose to act on my own as I see fit. If it were otherwise, there would be no chance for failure and no need for thought. Kaltara has no use for puppets.
But you said he commanded you to come here, argued the Mayor.
True, agreed Lyra, but I am free to do as I wish. I have come and fulfilled His command. I could leave now as you suggest and not be disobedient, but I will not. My purpose is to avoid a war and the slaughter of thousands of people. I will do whatever must be done to accomplish that end, even if it means saving the life of someone who dearly deserves to die at the cost of my own father. Oh, what a bitter remedy that would be.
Mayor Ferde stared at the young girl before him with awe and respect. Losing her mother at a young age and thrust into leading a country and now faced with killing her father to save that country, he thought. Not many people could face such tragedy and pressure without breaking. You still love him, don't you?
Dearly, Lyra sighed as she rose from the bed. I must go to the execution now. It is almost time for Malafar to appear.
No! exclaimed StarWind. It is not safe for you down there. We agreed that you would remain here. My people will take care of Malafar.
She's right, agreed Ferde. Let me at least escort you out of the city while there is still time. If Malafar does show, the city will be sealed again.
Lyra smiled thinly at Ferde and turned towards StarWind. They are not your people, but mine, she declared, and it was amongst you that agreement was reached on my actions. I never agreed to actions that I knew could not be. Will you come with me, or must I go alone?
StarWind was practiced in not showing her emotions, but Lyra clearly saw the fear etched in the spymaster's face. She reached for StarWind's hand and held it reassuringly. I will be all right, StarWind, the Star of Sakova proclaimed. Let us go see what test Kaltara has in store for us.
I will tag along and give what aid I can, offered Mayor Ferde.
You endanger yourself needlessly, cautioned Lyra. StarWind reminded me that my likeness is still posted in the city. If things go poorly, you will be convicted by your proximity alone.
Perhaps your willingness to face danger for the greater good is contagious, grinned Mayor Ferde. I am willing to do what I can to help you.
Lyra smiled at the Omungan Mayor and nodded. If things do go poorly, she said, distance yourself swiftly. Sakova needs you as much as Omunga now. Our peoples must learn to live together and only people such as yourself can make that happen.
The trio exited the inn and walked across the plaza towards the newly constructed platform. StarWind silently scanned the crowd and checked out each of the Sakovans looking to intercept Malafar. Lyra had ordered them to stop her father in any way possible if he was sighted, but the old mage had remained hidden.
The crowd was thick and loud around the platform and StarWind had her hands full just keeping Lyra from being jostled. Beads of perspiration formed on her brow as she sought to protect her Star from accidental harm as well as recognition by the authorities.
The Imperial Guard formed a human corridor at the rear of the platform that extended to the front of the Imperial Palace, but the other three sides were a teeming mass of people. Malafar could be anywhere.
After a time the crowd grew even louder and Lyra rose to her toes to see what was happening.
They are bringing the spies to the platform, Ferde explained. It will not be long now.
I need to get closer, Lyra stated. I cannot see anything from here.
StarWind bit her lip as she surveyed the crowd and shook her head. I don't see how you can get closer without being too obvious. People have been vying for good positions for hours and will cause a ruckus if you dart in front of them. We cannot afford that type of disturbance.
I may be able to help, offered Mayor Ferde. I see an old friend towards the front. Let me go greet him and stand by him. The crowd may make a minor disturbance when I do, but it will quell quickly. After I am place for a while, slip over and stand right in front of me. I will not complain.
StarWind nodded and watched the Mayor depart. She followed his progress and saw him move right up to the front. The crowd did indeed grow boisterous, but when he was recognized as a high government official, the crowd resignedly accepted it. The three spies were being brought up to the platform and StarWind grabbed Lyra's hand and led her forward. While everyone was watching the criminals climb the stairs, StarWind and Lyra slipped in front of Mayor Ferde.
The Mayor leaned forward and whispered between their ears. There have been a lot of Sakovan spies captured this year.
StarWind turned her head and whispered back, Those men are not Sakovan. Just another charade.
Another rise in volume emanated from the crowd as the Katana's Council came out of the Palace and marched down the corridor of Imperial Guards. Half a dozen Imperial Guards preceded them up the stairs of the platform and another half a dozen trailed them.
Is the Katana one of them? asked Lyra. I do not know what Alazar looks like.
Not yet, whispered Ferde. He will make his own entrance.
It was only moments after the Council was arranged on the platform when the horns sounded.
He is coming now, the Mayor stated.
StarWind watched as two dozen Monitors formed a protective square around the figure in the flowing white and gold robe as he marched down the corridor. The crowd unexpectedly dropped to their knees as the Katana mounted the steps of the platform. StarWind hurriedly sunk to her knees dragging Lyra with her, but not before she saw every one of her fellow Sakovans highlighted by being the only ones standing. She cursed inwardly for not minding the Omungan customs better, but nobody appeared to notice. She looked again and expelled her held breath as she saw that her cohorts had recovered quickly.
Another blaring of horns preceded the call to rise and Alazar began to address the audience. His speech was clearly hateful as he lectured about the evils of the Sakovans and the threat they represent to peace. He was barely into the speech when the flash of lightning shot down out of the clear heavens and struck the Katana. Pandemonium reigned as the crowd screamed in unison and panicked.
StarWind saw it all as if it was in slow motion, a second lasting minutes. Some people dropped to the ground and covered their heads. Others turned and tried to run away from the platform, only to be toppled by those behind them also pushing to flee. Screams were everywhere while people fell or stood dumbstruck and open-mouthed. Thunder boomed through the city as she scanned the crowd and sought out Malafar, but still she could not find him.
The lightning struck again and StarWind watched the Imperial Guard looking around in confusion. The Monitors converged on Alazar and surrounded him with their bodies as a high-pitched whine filled the plaza. The pitch increased and people started screaming. A commotion on the platform drew StarWind's attention and she was aghast to see Alazar pushing his Monitors away from him as he scanned the crowd himself.