Richard Tuttle - Star of Sakova

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.