Endana

This plan would be the end of the Empire. There were so many things that could go wrong. Horribly wrong. But what choice did I have? With time racing against us, we had to explore other options.

And this option would probably get us all killed. But compared to the rest, it was the best scenario. And when I said best, I really meant the least likely to go horribly. Which wasn't comforting in the slightest.

"We can't trust the future of this kingdom to such a man!"

My thoughts faded as I blinked and took in the scene before me. I was in the council room with the other Virtuosos and the Anax while we tried to come up with a solution to Maxim Brevil. No one had liked my plan, and I wasn't even given a chance to explain it before they were all arguing.

I had fallen silent while they argued and debated amongst themselves on all the ways my plan could go wrong, but now I spoke up. "What other choice do we have?" It was the only valid point I held to my plan. We had no other options, and without knowing when Brevil would strike we had to be prepared as soon as possible.

The others in the room fell silent to my words, considering. But it was the Anax who spoke first. "This wasn't what I meant when I said find someone qualified."

"I'm aware of that, but he would be the perfect candidate for this mission."

"He will betray us!" Misa, a Virtuoso with the ability to manipulate the winds, spoke up. Her high, lilting voice was filled with worry as she tucked back a strand of her silver hair.

And the dam broke again, all the voices vying for attention, trying to make themselves heard. The sound grew and grew until I was ready to scream at them all to listen. Instead, I sighed and leaned my hand into my hands, my elbows resting on the sturdy oak table.

"Quiet! Everyone, be quiet!" Arisia's calm and yet commanding voice rose above the noise. Everyone quieted and turned to her in expectation, some of the gazes frustrated. Mine was one of thankfulness, and she sent me a nod to say she understood.

"Endana has a point," Arisia held up her hand to stop the flood of arguments that threatened to break forth from the others, "and she hasn't even finished her plan. Instead of arguing like a bunch of children, why don't we quiet down and let her finish?"

"Fine then. Finish telling us your plan," Reichin said, leaning forward to face me with an expectant gaze.

I directed my stare right back as I spoke. "He will still be held accountable. Just because we are sending him without an escort doesn't mean he will have the chance to run away."

"And how do you expect to keep him accountable?" The Anax asked.

"He has a sister. She lives in a western village only a day's ride from here."

"And what makes you think this sister will keep him accountable?" Misa pointed out calmly.

"Because they are family. And I think that will matter to him," I said, my tone just as calm as hers.

"But you don't even know him," another Virtuoso pointed out. "How can we be sure--"

"We can't," I cut him off. "But like I said before, we don't have any other options. And this could work. Kanika doesn't know him, and he's made his living this way for years before he was caught."

For once, a barrage of arguments and protests didn't meet my words. Everyone considered the plan, even the Anax who's face was stone. His eyes were hard as he considered my plan again.

After several minutes of silence, the Anax sat forward, his eyes revealing the weariness beneath his surface just a bit. "Indeed, I don't like the idea of relying on a thief to bring us our weapon. But I see no other option, and I cannot spare any of you to retrieve it or escort him."

Several of the Virtuosos opened their mouths to certainly protest, but the Anax held up a hand, effectively silencing them all before they had a chance. "The matter is closed. Let there be no more arguing." He pushed back his chair and rose. "You are all dismissed."

I needed no more encouragement then that. Before I could hear the other protests that would surely follow the Anax's decree, I headed for the door.

{~*~}

My bed was all too inviting when I entered my room, the blankets freshly made and smoothed down. I glanced out my window to see the sun just below the horizon, the light quickly fading. It was a little early for sleep, but my mind wouldn't function unless I had some rest.

I pulled off my outer robes and unlaced my boots before throwing them to the floor. Then I climbed into my bed and laid back, not even bothering to pull the blankets over me. Sleep pulled me under almost instantly.

{~*~}

Unfortunately, I didn't get as much rest as I had been hoping for. A loud knock on my door, followed by a loud voice yelling, "I know you're in there," instantly drew me from my sleep. I rubbed my eyes and sat up as Arisia barged into my bedroom, her deep blue skirts swishing around her.

"I was trying to sleep," I groaned, flopping back against the bed, my arm thrown over my eyes.

"Oh please, it's barely dinner time yet." Arisia waved her hand in dismissal and plopped down on the edge of the bed. I sat up and frowned at her in irritation, but she didn't seem to notice.

I sighed. "So what are you doing here exactly?"

"Do I have to have a reason to visit my friend and fellow virtuoso?" Arisia asked with a wry grin.

"Well no, but I know you have one anyway. So you might as well spill."

Arisia rolled her eyes, though I could see the mischief in them. "Fine. I wanted to ask you more about this thief, but I didn't get a chance to in the meeting."

"What do you want to know?"

Arisia pursed her lips and tapped her chin. Then a small smile crept onto her face. "What does he look like?"

"What?" Of all the things I had expected her to ask, this wasn't it.

"You heard me." Arisia's smile had turned devious.

I stared at her for a moment before answering. "Well... he's got brown hair, and he's pretty tall..." I trailed off, trying to picture the thief in my mind. It had been hard to see what he really looked like through all the blood and grime coating his features.

"What else?" Arisia pressed.

I shrugged. "I don't know. I wasn't really memorizing his features when I went to see him."

Arisia rolled her eyes. "Sure."

"I wasn't!" I protested, not sure why I was feeling like I had to defend myself. But Arisia knew me well enough to know how I was riled. And she enjoyed using that knowledge against me quite often.

"Okay, then just tell me this," she said, and I nodded for her to continue. "Is he handsome?"

This time I let out a long drawn groan. It was like we were thirteen again and she was pointing out all the Virtuosos-in-training who were boys. Arisia had always been the one who had an interest in boys, and marriage. I had always been too concerned with training and developing my gifts.

Arisia poked my side, despite my waving arms to keep her away. Then she giggled and did it again.

"Arisia, stop," I groaned, but couldn't keep the smile from my own face. It did feel good to joke with her, especially after such a stressful day. And I knew the days following would give no reprieve either, not with Maxim Brevil back and causing havoc.

"What?" Arisia feigned confusion. "I just want to know if he's good looking, that's all." Like it was the most innocent question in the world.

"You're insufferable," I grumbled, but did give myself a moment to consider her question. I did have a picture of the thief in my mind, and he wasn't half bad looking. Of course, noting that did me no good. He was a criminal, and I was a Virtuoso. Although, I did have to admit that he had intrigued me when I questioned him.

Hanif Nnamani, a most mysterious thief and young man. There was more to him then his filthy mouth and scarred appearance revealed. I wondered if I would unlock some of his secrets when I sent him off on this mission. And I also wondered if sending him there would be the end of the Empire.

A/N: Well this has been an enlightening chapter! And I do apologize for taking so long to update! My word, I've been so delinquent on updating this! I promise I will try to do better, and thank you for understanding!