"Good, good work," Prince Tolder said, monitoring his pupil's progress from a distance. Prince Tolder was pleased with his student's work; neat, tidy and clean stitches that would ensure the prisoner's wound would heal.

The flaps on the old tent whipped violently in the wind. Outside, a desolate, rocky landscape surrounded the Emperor's most remote labor camp. It was a large camp, five hundred men at the last count, perched near the rocky cliffs on the outskirts of the Empire. It bordered with the mountain ranges that eventually led into The Lost Deserts.

The camp itself, at best description, was a sorry sight of scrappy tents and dug out caves. At night, men huddled to hide from the harsh elements and during the day, they mined the red stone that was used to help create the marble so loved in the capital.

That was their punishment. That was his punishment although it was self-inflicted. Punishment for trying to save his people. Prince Tolder clenched his jaw. It was a fury that would never leave his blood. His time for revenge would come. No, it was coming. He was working on it now, and his alliances in the Keglar Kingdoms would help to ensure it.

The Emperor, Prince Tolder was sure, believed his army had brought the camp back under control and that it was now strictly ruled and patrolled. Prince Tolder's rebellion still existed. Thanks to Prince Tolder's work, only two main factions now ruled the camp. He had brought four under his tethers. Nonetheless, arguments still occurred. It was inevitable. These men were thugs – not as bad as the north western camp that was full of murderers – but still enough anger filled these tents to incur a knife fight here and there.

"So, Lana survived, did she?" Prince Tolder asked. Vealon, his pupil, kept his head down not wishing to interfere with this conversation.

"Yes," the Emperor's soldier responded. "Your assassin was mauled to death by a tiger, by the Lombock."

Prince Tolder turned sharply to face the soldier. "So, he shapeshifted and the tiger attacked?" he asked with a hint of disbelief.

"Apparently so," the soldier returned. “It’s unbelievable! A tiger!”

"It is interesting to say the least. The tiger was sworn to protect, to stop the Lombock from fighting and there it goes and attacks?" Prince Tolder shrugged, deciding to ponder this news later in private. "Any news of retaliation from the Emperor?"

"News came in late this morning by pigeon," the soldier confirmed. "He's giving his brother extra men to control the camp. Emperor Rathner is coming here to find you as well."

"How long until they arrive?"

"Four weeks."

"Do they bring the Lombock?"

"No," the soldier replied. "He will stay back to protect the Empress."

Prince Tolder smiled, pleased. "He fell for it. He won't see our plan coming. Perfect." Prince Tolder sat back in his seat, pleased with the news. "There's no need for concern. We'll be long gone by the time they arrive, and the Emperor will get what's coming for him," Prince Tolder announced. "Tell our contact in the palace however, that if they can't give us more frequent and purposeful information, we're finished."

"Be patient," the soldier implored. "It has been hard getting adequate information out of the palace since they tightened security. Our new contact is restricted, but they are doing the best they can."

Prince Tolder's only response was a nod, and the soldier took his leave. At his departure, Prince Tolder reviewed his student's work again and gave his approval. Happy with what he had seen and knowing that the man would be back on his feet after ample rest, Prince Tolder leaned back in his chair and lit his cigar. It was a fine luxury smuggled into the camp from the isolated cities on the edge of The Lost Deserts.

He ran a hand through his greying auburn hair and closed his green eyes. Emperor Rathner was stupid to think that his own men would not turn on him. How could he think he could send them to these outposts and not have them resent him for it? Of course they would side with Prince Tolder and his men once they realised the connections they had and the luxuries they could get their hands onto. Every man had a price whether it was meat, clothing, money or power. The Lombock shapeshifting though. It was an unexpected twist, but if his suspicions were still correct, then the Emperor had no idea of what was coming.

Later, Prince Tolder leaned over his makeshift desk and scribed a message with the ink stick he had traded for. Satisfied with what he wrote, he picked up his Hummingbird seal, placed it in the soft wax and then, transferred it to the rolled scroll. He waited until the wax dried and then rose to pass it to the man waiting outside his tent.

Prince Tolder reached for his pipe again and moved back deeper into the tent. His hammock creaked as he sat, swinging gently with the motion of his weight. His eyes flickered over to the resting body, and he sensed his pupil moving into the shadows. It was quiet save for the howling wind outside and for the most part, he was content, because he, the Hummingbird, was sure that revenge was close.

>>

Teal watched the large precession of men on horses and foot leaving the palace. It was a mixed group of the Emperor's and Prince Salren's personal guard, and two units of soldiers. They were a large and intimidating army of men, one that Teal hoped would spark fear in the Hummingbird and cause him to cower just by the sight of them.

Jale and Ralen rode up front with the Emperor along with Galton. Satner, Teal couldn't spy. Somewhere amongst the group of soldiers, riding in his demoted position, a reminder to those present that whoever didn't complete their job to the utmost level, they would be punished. There was an uncomfortable pit of despair in his stomach as the last of the soldiers disappeared from sight through the buildings that would lead to the west of the city.

Teal remained on the wall long after they had disappeared out of sight. He still had an hour before he was due to meet with Ladet and Rodlet, the two men who had been placed in charge of the palace's security while Galton was away. They had a team of commanding soldiers who would report to them, but the meeting planned that evening was to discuss how Teal would ensure the Empress' safety.

Lana preferred to stay in the Purple Jade Palace, still not confident to move freely around the main palace grounds since the attack. Delba, on the other hand, was allowed to move freely throughout the palace grounds. However, until the Emperor returned, she was forbidden to leave the palace grounds.

Jale and his story from the night before, swirled through Teal's mind in the meantime. He felt conflicted. His gut feeling now was that he should have told Jale that the Empress had confided that she knew who the Hummingbird was. It was her relative after all. Was it possible? Did she know? Did Teal dare to even think, to even contemplate which side the Empress was really on? He had also failed to mention that Prince Yernal had been in the Empress's very chambers, in the tower, upon Teal's arrival and whatever they had convened about, had made upset her.

Teal's heart began to pound. What was the Empress up to? Teal pushed the negative thoughts away. Hopefully he was just being paranoid. The Empress loved the Emperor. Teal had seen them together. He had even been with them while they had been intimate, and he believed that there were only genuine feelings between the pair.

Teal gave the palace grounds one last quick survey and then, turned to head off to his meeting with Ladet. With the celebrations of the Mid-Summer Festival now well and truly behind them and with the absence of the Emperor and Prince Salren, it would give Teal time to consider what else was happening inside the palace. Its population had slowly come back to life and despite the persisting hot weather, was now grudgingly returning to its usual routine.

Teal nodded to a soldier who was striding past and approved of the sharp, reverent nod sent his way. Obviously, word of his duty and what had occurred at the Summer Palace had spread. Respect and willingness to obey filled the soldiers' eyes now when they looked at him. Something that Teal took with relief and not arrogance.

He heard footsteps walking up beside him and turned to offer Ladet a smile.

"So, it's just us," Ladet said.

Teal cast him a glance before answering. Ladet's features were calm and without any hint of derision.

"Yes," Teal responded.

"I'm glad that you are here at the palace," Ladet stated.

Surprised, Teal answered, "Really?"

"Yes, really," Ladet confirmed, moving to stand in front of Teal. He took a deep breath before he continued, "I know I have not been polite or friendly to you in the past. I was very upset when I found out that Brelen had died." Ladet's head dropped. He regained his composure quickly and met Teal's gaze again. "I heard what you did at the Summer Palace. I think the Emperor is very lucky to have you here."

"Thank you, Ladet," Teal said kindly. "I have also heard amicable stories about your past as well. The Emperor and Jale are also very lucky to have you in Talbec."

Ladet gave a sharp nod and accepted Teal's guiding hand on his shoulder. "Come," Teal said. "Let's get down to business."

"Gladly."