Gods and Guardians

Chapter 29: Spies in the Palace

Reports reached the King about Savion's defeat of Zoan's foremost Level-1 Captain. There was strange focus on his fighting abilities. There were also suspicions of similar abilities in Denny. The report of their duel had been reported earlier.

These all fitted the profile of spies. His Majesty now believes they may not really be Savion and Denny. He gave instructions that they unravel their true names.

Tomorrow, he'll have them arrested.

The kingdom's policy was zero-tolerance for spying in any form. It was a principle Sairus could never trifle, ever again. When it came to matters of moles and spies, Sairus left no stone unturned. A little over sight proved almost irreparably costly once. Was it truly an oversight?

This story seeming unconnected began during the reign of his father. It is the story of the origins of the rebellion started by Inzanami, Bianza's father, in DAH1455. King Roy, his father and son of Xakan and Thamaya, initially took steps to reason with the rebels. It failed miserably when Inzanami moved to turn everyone against the crown by preaching that the Harmonism of Zainox and Kainon was the only true Harmonism. Roy suspected that the kings of Zainox and Kainon might be behind it, but there were no reports confirming this. In truth, no one from Zainox and Kainon had a hand in the rebellion. The supporters were right here in Meinz. The rebellion was sponsored by wealthy and powerful men scattered across the island. Notable among them was Dylamon, one who owned the largest number of gold mines.

Roy declared war on the rebellion and its supporters. Rebels were killed in several encounters. Inzanami replied the king each time by slaying Islanders who were descended from erstwhile slaves. This action was unpopular and the rebellion's failure was sealed. The kingdom came down heavily on the rebels. Many were executed, including Inzanami's first son, Inazi who died in an encounter with the king's army. At this time, Bianza was just 8 tenereies old and would not be involved until much later. Intelligent men like Dylamon recanted and publicly declared that they were wrong in ever sponsoring the rebellion. Before this, Dylamon himself had advised that Inzanami back down. The latter would not listen until it was apparent he could no longer fight the king. Then Inzanami disappeared suddenly. The rebellion disappeared with him. This was in DAH1459. It lasted only 4 teneries. Nothing was heard about Inzanami again for many teneries that many believed him dead. Sairus ascended the throne in DAH1461 and ruled peacefully for 14 teneries.

Sharzah, Sairus' first son was only 8 teneries old at the time. Sairus could still see with painful clarity the frightened Sharzah in the hands of the rebels that fateful morning. He had come out to the balcony to savour the morning sun as he does habitually. After a brief moment, Phylligus emerged from behind him with quiet steps. It was unlike the chamberlain to enter the king's chambers unannounced. Sairus did not instantly show his displeasure. He turned as if ignoring Phylligus at first. The chamberlain drew level beside him.

'Phylligus,' Sairus said without looking, 'Why do you prowl into my chambers like a thief? What is the matter?'

'Your Majesty, the morning has many promises. How would you like to receive them?'

That was too bold from a subject. 'What do you mean?' Sairus turned now.

Phylligus' silence was sinister. He turned to face Sairus now for the first time. 'Sairus, you have something we need.'

Did Phlligus just call him by name? What was going on? 'Are you in sane?' Sairus managed to say, in mixed anger and shock.

'We could have you murdered here and now if you do not comply...' he turned and settled his eyes on the distance, 'but I guess that is not a very compelling reason for you to grant our demands. Is it?'