thoughts of assassination as a last resort.’
‘If Your Excellency has an alternative plan he wishes to suggest, I would be
honoured to give it my appraisal,’ Kilite offered, wisely hiding his feelings of
triumph.
‘I have no immediate plan,’ the Emperor admitted. ‘Nor will I be able to give it
my full concentration until another matter is settled which weighs heavily on my
mind. Surely the empire is safe from my brother for a few more days?’
‘What is the other decision demanding your attention?’ the adviser asked,
ignoring his ruler’s attempt at levity. ‘If it is something I might assist you
in resolving…’
‘It is nothing. A minor decision, but an unpleasant one nonetheless. I must
appoint a new military governor for Sanctuary.’
‘Sanctuary?’ Kilite frowned.
‘A small town at the southern tip of the empire. I had a bit of trouble finding
it myself – it’s been excluded from the more recent maps. Whatever reason there
was for the town’s existence has apparently passed. It is withering and dying, a
refuge for petty criminals and down-at-the-heels adventurers. Still, it’s part
of the empire.’
‘And they need a new military governor,’ Kilite murmured softly.
‘The old one’s retiring.’ The Emperor shrugged. ‘Which leaves me with a problem.
As a garrisoned empire town, they are entitled to a governor of some stature
– someone who knows the empire well enough to serve as their representative and
go-between with the capital. He should be strong enough to uphold and enforce
the law – a function I fear where the old governor was noticeably lax.’