Richard Tuttle - Star of Sakova

She replaced the lid to the tin and turned to leave when an Imperial Guard stopped her. Did you find what you were looking for? he asked.

No, she sighed nervously.

I haven't seen you around here before, he stated as he looked her over. What were you looking for?

I was just checking on the descriptions of wanted men, StarWind lied. I am from Campanil and have been searching for a sailor who done my sister wrong. I thought I might check to see if he was wanted for something. That would explain why he never returned to marry her like he said he would.

The guards eyes brightened somewhat as he listened to her explanation. Well if your sister resembles you, I would count the sailor as dead, he smiled. The only accounting that would keep him away no doubt. I just got off duty and I could escort you down to the docks so we could search for him.

You are truly generous, StarWind smiled, but I think you are probably right. It was just a thought coming in here. I did not really have hopes of finding him and she is probably better off without him in any event. I should return to the inn and rest. Thank you for your kind offer though.

The Imperial Guard appeared ready to offer more assistance, but StarWind swiftly moved off in the direction of the doors and exited the building without looking back. She turned left and headed for the Palace merging with the flow of people. She spied a large crowd in front of the Palace and veered towards them. People were standing around watching the construction of a large platform and she moved closer to look at it. She stood staring at the platform as she listened to the buzz of conversation from the onlookers.

How many this time? she heard a man ask.

Three I hears, a woman answered. Sakovan spies they be.

Darn Sakovans, the man spat. It is high time the Katana finished them once and for all.

There will be war for sure, another man interjected. My son serves with the Guard and he says it's a sure thing. Our new Katana is a man of action.

Will he be here? asked the first man.

Never misses a chopping, laughed the woman. Even when he was First Minister he always came. Loves to see the heads roll I hears.

StarWind moved away from the platform and returned to the inn. She stopped at the desk and asked what time the executions would happen. Moving as swiftly as she dared without causing notice, StarWind raced up to Lyra's room.

We have a problem, she stated after MistyTrail let her in the door.

Lyra groggily sat up and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. What kind of problem?

There is going to be an execution this afternoon, StarWind reported. The Katana will be there and I am sure that Malafar would not miss this opportunity.

Lyra rose and went to the window. Is that what they are building the platform for?

Yes, sighed StarWind.

MistyTrail, commanded the Star, round up the troops. Nobody is going to find Malafar in another part of the city now. We need to concentrate on the Palace and we do not have much time left. StarWind, split up the city with her. The sooner everyone gets back here the better.

Lyra sat by the window of her room and stared out. The inn was too far from the platform to suit her, but occasionally she saw one of her people searching the gathering crowd. The Sakovans had been in place for hours trying to catch Malafar when he arrived for the execution, but the fear that they might fail to stop Malafar now screamed inside Lyra's head. Lyra's worrying was interrupted by a knock on the door. Leaving her seat, she crossed the room and opened the door for StarWind and Mayor Ferde.

Lyra, this Mayor Ferde of Campanil, introduced StarWind. Mayor Ferde, this is the Star of Sakova.

The Mayor seemed confused on how he should greet the young girl and finally managed a bow. It is a pleasure to meet you, Star of Sakova, he said.

Lyra will do fine, Mayor Ferde, the Star smiled tightly. Please come in.

StarWind closed the door and went to the window while Lyra showed the Mayor to a chair and then sat on the bed. I fear we are running out of time, Lyra began. Were you successful in getting the Katana to not appear today?

Unfortunately no, admitted the Mayor of Campanil. While he will consider my invitation to come to Campanil, leaving today is out of the question. I tried to stop him from attending the execution, but he would hear nothing of it. I have never been close to Alazar, nobody has, and I guess he little values my input. I fear that all is lost.

Not while Alazar lives and breathes, Lyra declared stubbornly.

But how could you stop Malafar now even if you did find him? questioned the Mayor. The execution is so public now that the crowds have arrived. Even if your people see him and try to stop him, it will be seen as a Sakovan assassination attempt.

He's right, agreed StarWind as she turned from the window. There are too many people assembled and too many Imperial Guards. Even if we stop Malafar, Alazar will have his excuse for war.

And all of you will be dead, Ferde added. Better to leave the city while all attention is on the execution. Slip away while you can. You tried your best and there is no reason for more people to die. I will try to stop the inevitable call for war.

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?