You speak lies, shouted Alazar. You scheme with your father to rule Omunga as well as Sakova. We shall hunt you down and exterminate you along with the rest of your savage Sakovans.
You can never hurt me, Alazar, smiled Lyra as she turned to face the false Katana. I could remove this shield right now and you could do nothing to me for my god Kaltara will protect me. He protects me from evil and you are nothing if not evil. The shield is to protect me from your guards who are only doing their honest job when they follow your orders, because they know not that you are a false Katana.
Then lower your shields, smirked Alazar. Let us see how well your god protects you.
I could, smiled Lyra, but you will die if you attack me.
You said you would not attack me, reminded Alazar. You said your god alone would protect you.
As I say now, agreed Lyra. I have no need to attack you. I will take the body of my fallen father and leave your city. I leave your fate to the people of Okata.
Lyra smiled as she heard the murmurs of acceptance ripple through the crowd. She only hoped that the Imperial Guard and Monitors would react the same as the crowd of citizens. If she guessed wrong, she would die. Using Lord Marak's spell, she wove an Air Tunnel to Alazar's ear.
You do not have the power to kill me, oh false Katana, she whispered for his ear only. You will falter before you win. You are weak and the people here can see it.
Drop these shields, Sakovan, Alazar shouted in rage. I defy your god and your people and I alone will strike you dead.
You alone? she laughed. Against Kaltara? Thank the Heavens that you at least spare your men from God's death as they cannot legally attack me now as you have publicly forbidden them to do so. I do ask you not to attack me yourself though. Kaltara will forbid it.
Hoping to God that the Omungans would honor the words of the false Katana, Lyra dropped both of the blue cylinders.
Alazar sneered and immediately raised his arm to attack with a fireball. He must have been building his power while he waited for the shields to drop, Lyra realized. She stared at him as his face contorted with effort, but no fireball emerged. Murmurs ran through the crowd as well as the Monitors and Imperial Guard, but nobody moved towards her. That was fortunate as she had no physical defense and would easily be struck down.
Gasps ran through the audience as Alazar strained to get his fireball off. Sweat poured down his face accentuating the rage it held. Alazar's body shook noticeably and his head tilted to one side. His knees weakened but not his rage. Within moments, Alazar collapsed to the floor of the platform. A Monitor stooped to help him up.
He's dead, exclaimed the Monitor looking over at Lyra. The Katana is dead.
One should not spit in the face of God, Lyra declared. I warned him that Kaltara would not allow him to harm me.
Some of the Monitors scowled and headed toward Lyra. The Sakovans appeared ready to toss their leader's word away and storm the platform when one of the Katana's Council stepped forward.
Hear me Omungans, he shouted and the Monitors halted. I am First Minister Larst. The Katana is dead. The executions for today are cancelled pending a review by the Katana's Council. In fact, every action of Alazar's reign will be reviewed. Until a new Katana is chosen, the Katana's Council will rule.
The First Minister turned to Lyra. Lyra, Star of Sakova, he began. I give you safe passage back to Sakova and leave to take your father's body. I do hope that we may meet after you have taken care of your father and discuss the differences between our peoples in a peaceful manner. Are you agreeable?
I am First Minister, nodded Lyra. I will send word to you when I return home and we can arrange a meeting. The Sakovan people look forward to a neighborly relationship with Omunga and believe that it will benefit both nations. I thank you for your offer of safe passage.
As Lyra left the platform, Larst placed his hand on her shoulder to stop her. I really do wish to meet you, he whispered. Mayor Ferde has carried your cause to me in private. I will get some men to help with your father.
I am grateful, First Minister, she smiled, but I think it better not to use the Omungan military for my personal needs. I am sure that I can find some people in the audience to help me with the body. I am truly grateful for your timely intervention and I too look forward to our meeting. Let us make it soon.
She swiftly moved over to her father's body, the fatigue of battle falling quickly over her. Temiker was already there and lifting his brother into a cart that was nearby. As Lyra leaned over and kissed her father, Temiker handed a handful of coins to the cart's owner who was complaining about its use. Temiker turned and grabbed the tongue of the cart and started pulling it. A large giant-like man stepped up to Temiker.
Let me help you with the cart, Sir, grinned Goral. Show me the way to your stable, Sir.
The crowd parted to allow the cart to pass as the citizens stared at Lyra and her father's body. The crowd thinned as they crossed the plaza and rounded the side of the inn. By the time they reached the rear of the inn, HawkShadow stood with the horses. Quickly the Sakovans dispersed leaving Lyra and Temiker to proceed on their own with Malafar's body. Mayor Ferde arrived a moment later with six mounted Imperial guards.
Your escort, he smiled looking at Lyra.
Thank you Mayor Ferde, Lyra returned the smile, but I do not wish to trouble anyone. A guarantee of safe passage is all we need. An escort is hardly necessary.
Temiker watched as Lyra crawled up on the cart and lay next to her father. She needs to be with him in private for a while, I think, Temiker explained to Mayor Ferde. I will go slow with her. Thank you for your kindness.
Ferde nodded and smiled grimly. You must be the brother, he said. I see the resemblance. At least I know she is in caring hands. Travel safely.
Temiker climbed up on the cart and headed for the gate. When he looked back, Lyra was already fast asleep with her arm over Malafar. He knew the spell drained her and drove on in silence.