Contents
Chapter Fifteen
Overview
Neema and Cain await an audience with Emperor Bersun as Hol Vabras reports Gaida Rack’s murder. Neema fears she is the obvious suspect and reveals Gaida was killed with the Blade of Peace, a symbol likely to stoke prophecy. Summoned at last, they face imperial scrutiny and rising stakes.
Summary
Neema waits with Cain outside Emperor Bersun’s private chambers while Hol Vabras reports Gaida Rack’s murder. Cain needles Neema with jokes about her rivalry with Gaida, but the display of the Stone of Peace forces Neema to confront her guilt over having once used it to condemn an innocent girl.
Realizing she will be the prime suspect—Gaida was widely admired—Neema resolves to prove her innocence despite her drug-blurred memories. She briefly considers whether Cain could be the killer, but reads his reactions closely.
Neema reveals that Gaida was stabbed with the Blade of Peace, a detail that could inflame religious prophecy among the faithful. Cain processes the implications and admits that Vabras and the emperor will take such signs seriously.
Cain attempts to eavesdrop by doing a headstand at the door, trading quips with Neema about historical minutiae and her bleak self-assessment. Their banter underscores tension: motive, means, and memory place Neema in danger.
The voices inside fall silent. An elderly servant opens the door and announces the emperor will see them, ending their speculation and pushing Neema and Cain toward an interrogation that may set the course of the investigation—and Neema’s fate.
Who Appears
- Neema KraaScholar reeling from Gaida’s murder; fears suspicion, reveals the Blade of Peace detail, determined to prove innocence.
- CainContender and rogue; spars with Neema, denies involvement, tries to eavesdrop, processes the prophetic implications.
- Emperor BersunOffstage presence; receives reports on Gaida’s murder and summons Neema and Cain.
- Hol VabrasHigh Commander; delivers the murder report to the emperor, emblem of strict order and faith.
- Gaida RackMurdered contender; her death triggers the investigation and imperils Neema.
- RukoNeema’s twin, long exiled; implicated by his dagger found at the murder scene.
- Elderly servantOpens the door and announces the imperial summons, ending the wait.