[indent][color=f26522]“You’re late, General Brydaan.”[/color]

[color=00a651]“Forgive me, your Excellency, I was delayed in making sure that our guest has entered the city.”[/color]

Emperor Gabriel Vel M’ahr III was looking out of the window, watching the waning twilight cower and slink behind the skyline of his city. He did not need to see the soldier kneel to know that he had. He was young. Some had thought him too young to hold the throne after the passing of his father but he had proven those people wrong. The boy, for that was what he was, had the blood of soldiers and statesmen in his veins, his bloodline was strong, and so was he. His green eyes burned with ambition and his pale, flawless skin was a map onto which he planned to paint the map of his own successes. 

[color=f26522]“I trust it is good news, General.” [/color]His back to the kneeling general, he toyed with the grey velvet drapes framing the open window. He inhaled deeply, despite the view of many, he actually liked the smell of Dalvastre, in the stone he smelt strength and in the acrid smoke, he smelt progress. Finally, he turned to face the soldier and put him out of his misery by gesturing for him to rise.

[color=00a651]“Yes, your Excellency.”[/color] The general began, getting to his feet. [color=00a651]“My men at the gates inform me that he arrived nearly two hours ago.[/color]

[color=f26522]“And where is he now?”[/color]

[color=00a651]“We believe he has sought refuge near the outskirts. Would you like for me to have him found and brought here.”[/color]

[color=f26522]“No, no. Let’s not vilify the man before he has a chance to do so himself. Allow him to relax in whatever deviant way he sees fit until the morning.”[/color]

[color=00a651]“Very good, your Excellency.”[/color] General Brydaan bowed his head. There were times when the old soldier inside him cursed his cowardice for cowing to a child but that voice was quickly silenced. In truth, he had seen his share of combat, the sleepless nights, restless brown eyes and missing left hand were a testament to that, but he had rarely come across a more ruthless leader, a more prodigious swordsman or a keener military tactician than the boy stood before him. What he lacked in years, he compensated for in regal qualities so profound only a fool could ignore them.

[color=f26522]“How goes progress in the mines?”[/color] The emperor asked.

[color=00a651]“Steady but…”[/color] The general hesitated, well aware that the news would displease his lord.

[color=f26522]“Slow?”[/color] Vel M’ahr got there first.

[color=00a651]“Yes, your Excellency. With the nights drawing in, we are finding that we cannot spare enough gas to light the lanterns within the mines as well as light the city herself.”[/color]

The emperor turned away again and walked over to a large desk to the left of the window. Carved from one single piece of teak, the legs bore gilded filigree and the edges of the desk itself were inlaid with crushed pearl. He placed the palm of his hand upon it and was silent.
The general knew better than to interrupt.

[color=f26522]“Keep the mine lanterns burning. Send word to the Lamplighters that they are only to light every other gas lamp, in both residential districts, until we have reached our goal.”[/color] He finally said. [color=f26522]“We are close now, Brydaan, I can feel it.”[/color] A fire flashed in Vel M’ahr’s eyes as they swung to round to piece the general. He saw the boy’s father in them and, for a moment, wondered whether he was right to feel afraid. [color=f26522]“Was there anything else, General?”[/color] The boy emperor asked.

[color=00a651]“Five mages, your excellency, arrested this afternoon.”[/color] Brydaan kept his face carved from stone as he looked back at the emperor. [color=00a651]“Two women , one man and two young children.”[/color]

[color=f26522]“Powerful?”[/color]

[color=00a651]“The children are too young to tell. The man is a street illusionist at best, the one female is not much more but the other...Well, she stirred up the Ablated something fierce.”[/color]

Vel M’ahr walked back to the window and a breeze whispered across it. Clouds were rolling in from the East and the air began to smell like rain. He folded his hands behind his back and was lost for a moment in thought.

[color=f26522]“Send the children to the mines to act as scuttle runners. Hang the male.”[/color] He said softly.

[color=00a651]“And the women?”[/color] The general enquired.

[color=f26522]“Ablate them both.”[/color]

[color=00a651]“As you command, your Excellency.”[/color] General Brydaan bowed before turning on his heels and walking towards the large doors at the other end of the room. He reached the doors before the emperor spoke again.

[color=f26522]“Send out a patrol with an attachment of Ablated.”[/color] He began. [color=f26522]“Make sure they have an alpha amongst them. I don’t trust tonight.”[/color]

Bowing again, the general took his leave.[/indent]