Houdini
In which Sevre - who's the antagonist of Sacrifice - plays mindgames with several people
~~~
It was all just mind games. A careful whisper here, a strategically overheard conversation there, and Sevre had them eating out of his hand. When Queron died – and it would be soon, he was beginning to get frail in his old age – it wouldn’t take much at all for Sevre to take his place a Chancellor.
It was almost all disappointingly easy. He was going to have to find a new game to tide him over until then. Once he was Chancellor, there would not be time for such distractions.
“Sir?”
Sevre turned to see the young mage – Valour, his name was – standing just inside the arch that opened onto the balcony. “Yes?” Sevre didn’t beckon him closer.
“You wanted to see me?”
“Do you know why?”
The boy didn’t tremble. He was standing smartly, hands behind his back. Not a threat; even if his magic worked for him, he’d never be quick off the mark with his gestures. “No, sir.”
“Well. I suppose I had better enlighten you.” Sevre turned his back on the city to face the boy. “An opening has appeared in Naker that I think would benefit you greatly.”
Valour frowned and then seemed to catch himself as he smoothed his expression clear.
Sevre kept his smile to himself. “I trust this is acceptable? You may have a few days to let your family know and gather yourself for travelling.”
“Thank you,” Valour said. “I will not squander this opportunity.”
“See that you don’t. They may be able to help you, should your duties not prove too onerous.” Sevre did smile this time; carefully concerned and magnanimous.
Valour did not manage to conceal his wince fast enough. “Thank you for your concern, sir.”
“Of course. I want to see every young mage reach their full potential.”
“That’s very kind, sir.”
“After all,” Sevre said, walking towards where Valour stood under the arch, “it all reflects back onto the chancellor, not to mention how the people see us. How can we as a whole protect them from the savagery of the wild Sacrifices if some of the links in our chain are not at their full potential?” He rested a heavy hand on Valour’s shoulder. “With the right guidance, we can all achieve our pinnacle of strength.”
“Yes, sir.” Valour tensed under his hand and then fought to relax, not entirely successfully.
Sevre released him. “You had better prepare yourself. I will alert your tutors.”
Valour stepped back. “Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.” He left at a smart pace.
Sevre didn’t laugh, because the boy no doubt had sharp ears, but it really was too easy.
“Sevre.”
“Chryses.” Sevre turned to see the man round the other corner, looking harried. “Has your teaching itinerary gone astray?”
“It has not, just as it never did the first time.” Chryses drew himself to a halt, straightening up.
“So you say,” Sevre said, his tone carefully neutral.
“That isn’t what I am here about.” Chryses shook his head. “I am worried about Queron. There have been – things said that suggest he might be at risk.”
“Oh?”
“It is nothing – set in stone, you understand. It could just be baseless gossip amongst the students, but…”
“It wouldn’t do to dismiss it out of hand only for it then to be acted upon. I understand. Please, tell me what you have heard.” Sevre brought him over to the table with its two chairs, carefully piling his own work out of the way but taking care to leave his rotation of Queron’s aids on the top for ease of prying eyes.
Chryses sat at Sevre’s urging. “There is a faction that want Queron out of power sooner rather than later. I believe they mean him harm.” When Sevre stayed silent, Chryses leant forward. “The chancellor’s life is in danger, Sevre. I think they’ll kill him.”
“Not a threat to take idly indeed. What would you suggest? Setting guards on his person and his quarters?”
“At the very least. Though we must have some way of knowing we can trust them.”
“Who did you hear this from? We can start there and work out through any friends and allies they might have.”
Chryses hesitated. “You understand that this wasn’t told to me direct, that I only heard others–”
“Eavesdropping isn’t a crime, Chryses, but murder is.”
“Right, you’re right, of course.” He nodded. “It was Shyra and Aren that I overheard, but they – they have always been such staunch supporters of Queron.”
“Perhaps they have simply been playing the long game,” Sevre replied. “Content to follow in his footsteps until they feel they can’t go any further.”
“I suppose you may be right on that. Ambition can override even the oldest of loyalties.” Chryses sighed as if to condemn the sentiment.
“Indeed.”
Chryses looked up and caught sight of the rota that Sevre had left out. “This is – may I?”
“Of course.” Sevre nodded. “They all volunteered to help Queron, or were appointed in by him.”
“Shyra and Aren are both here. This must be their friend group? Or at least they all know each other.” Chryses looked it over. “They could all be involved…” He looked up. “We must change this rota. For Queron’s sake.”
“Of course,” Sevre repeated. “We must keep him safe from everything we can.”
“Don’t give me that tone, Sevre. He deserves a quiet and respectful end to his tenure, not whatever these – these miscreants have planned.”
Sevre gave Chryses an apologetic smile. “Forgive me, I didn’t think. Please, make your amendments. I’ll see to it that they are implemented as soon as possible.”
Chryses nodded, trying not to look startled, and turned his attention to the list.
Sevre tuned out his quiet mutterings and poured himself a drink, standing up to take it to the balcony to look over the city.
His city, in all but name, and the pieces were slowly stitching themselves together. After this – after Queron – there was but one more step.
Sevre drank, to fill in the gap where his thoughts trailed. The last step had to be careful. The last step required control and mastery of a beast that was older and more savage than anything else living.
There would be a way, of course. Sevre could always find a way, by brute force if he had to. He’d far prefer guile, smoke and mirrors, but this last had to be seen to be on him alone.
Perhaps at the funeral. To be seen as honouring Queron and showing his mastery in one fell swoop… it would be his greatest trick yet.
“There,” said Chryses. “Here are the names I trust.”
Sevre turned towards him and plucked the proffered paper from his hand. “I’ll see this changed.” He scanned the names, not taking them in. That was immaterial. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”
“Of course, Sevre.” Chryses rose. “Please, if there is anything more I can do.”
“You have done more than enough.” Sevre smiled. “And Queron shall know it too.”
Chryses nodded. “Thank you, Sevre. For everything you do for us.”
“Of course.”
Chryses left.
Sevre set his cup down again and studied the rota with more intent. Another piece fallen into place.
