A Malazan Book of the Fallen Collection 4

to
attempt what is beyond your capacity. That is a rare talent.
Now, what have you to report to me this fine afternoon?'
    'Master, we have come very close to seeing our efforts
extended to include the Tiste Edur.'
    Karos Invictad's brows rose. 'Triban Gnol has spoken to
the Emperor?'
    'He has. Of course, the Emperor was shaken by the
notion of traitors among the Edur. So much so that he
ordered the Chancellor from the throne room. For a while.'
Tanal Yathvanar smiled. 'A quarter-bell, apparently. The
subject was not broached again that day, yet it is clear that
Rhulad's suspicions of his fellow Edur have burgeoned.'
    'Very well. It will not be long, then.' The Invigilator
leaned forward again, frowning down at the puzzle box. 'It
is important that all obstacles be removed. The only words
the Emperor should be hearing should come from the
Chancellor. Tanal, prepare a dossier on the First
Concubine.' He looked up again. 'You understand, don't
you, that your opportunity to free that scholar you have
chained far below has passed? There is no choice now but
that she must disappear.'
    Unable to speak, Tanal Yathvanar simply nodded.
    'I note this – and with some urgency – because you have
no doubt grown weary of her in any case, and if not, you
should have. I trust I am understood. Would you not enjoy
replacing her with the First Concubine?' Karos smiled.
    Tanal licked dry lips. 'Such a dossier will be difficult,
Master—'
    'Don't be a fool. Work with the Chancellor's agents.
We're not interested in factual reportage here. Invent what
we need to incriminate her. That should not be difficult.
Errant knows, we have had enough practice.'
    'Even so – forgive me, sir – but she is the Emperor's only
lover.'
    'You do not understand at all, do you? She is not Rhulad's
first love. No, that woman, an Edur, killed herself – oh,
never mind the official version, I have witness reports of
that tragic event. She was carrying the Emperor's child.
Thus, in every respect imaginable, she betrayed him. Tanal,
for Rhulad the rains have just passed, and while the clay
feels firm underfoot, it is in truth thin as papyrus. At the
first intimation of suspicion, Rhulad will lose his mind to
rage – we will be lucky to wrest the woman from his
clutches. Accordingly, the arrest must take effect
in the palace, in private, when the First Concubine is
alone. She must then be brought here immediately.'
    'Do you not believe the Emperor will demand her
return?'
    'The Chancellor will advise against it, of course. Please,
Tanal Yathvanar, leave the subtle details of human – and
Edur – natures to those of us who fully comprehend them.
You shall have the woman, fear not. To do with as you
please – once we have her confession, that is. Bloodied and
bruised, is that not how you prefer them? Now, leave me. I
believe I have arrived at a solution to this contraption.'
    * * *
    Tanal Yathvanar stood outside the closed door for a time,
struggling to slow his heart, his mind racing. Murder Janath
Anar? Make her disappear like all the others? Fattening the crabs at the bottom of the river? Oh, Errant, I do not know . . . if . . . I do not know—
    From behind the office door came a snarl of frustration.
    Oddly enough, the sound delighted him. Yes, you towering intellect, it defeats you again. That two-headed nightmare in miniature. For all your lofty musings on your own genius, this puzzle confounds you. Perhaps, Invigilator, the world is not how you would have it, not so clear, not so perfectly designed to welcome your domination. He forced himself forward, down the hall. No, he would
not kill Janath Anar. He loved her. Karos Invictad loved
only himself – it had always been so, Tanal suspected, and
that was not going to change. The Invigilator understood
nothing of human nature, no matter how he might delude
himself. Indeed, Karos had given himself away in that careless
command to kill her. Yes, Invigilator, this is my revelation. I am smarter than you. I am superior in all the ways that truly matter. You and your power, it is all compensation for what you do not understand about the world, for the void in your soul where compassion belongs. Compassion, and the love that one can feel for another person.
    He would tell her, now. He would confess the depth of
his feelings, and then he would unchain her, and they
would flee. Out of Letheras. Beyond the reach of the
Patriotists. Together, they would make their lives anew.
    He hurried down the damp, worn