Amryn’s eyes widened.
Samuel folded his arms across his chest. “Many assassins have tried to kill the emperor.”
“Yes, but none of them were the Wraith,” Bram said. “If any assassin can succeed, it’s him. Even if only a fraction of the stories are true.”
“Has the Rising already contacted the Wraith?” Samuel asked.
“Yes.” Bram’s mouth pressed into a line. “The Wraith could have charged us a fortune to take on such a dangerous assignment. Thankfully, he’s sympathetic to our cause. He will assassinate the emperor if we procure a single object for him.”
“What object?” Amryn asked.
“A dagger.”
Samuel’s brow furrowed at Bram’s surprising answer. “A dagger?” he repeated.
Bram tipped his head. “The Dagger of Hafsin, to be precise.”
Ivan and Amryn exchanged a confused look, but Samuel straightened in his chair. “The Shining Blade?” He looked to Amryn and Ivan. “It belonged to the ruling family of Hafsin for generations. A sort of talisman that was rumored to protect the royal line. It was used in every coronation. It’s considered sacred to the people of Hafsin. According to old beliefs, it was said to have been touched by their gods.”
“You know Hafsin’s history,” Bram said, surprised.
Samuel’s jaw tightened. “I’ve studied all the important artifacts the emperor has stolen.”
“Many treasures were surrendered to the emperor,” Ivan said. “What makes this one important to an assassin?”
“Perhaps the Wraith is from Hafsin, and he wants to reclaim it for his kingdom. More likely . . .” Bram shrugged. “The dagger’s hilt is covered in priceless jewels.”
So much for the assassin being sympathetic to the rebel cause. He wanted a priceless treasure for his services.
“The Rising doesn’t care why he wants it,” Bram said. “If we can give this dagger to the Wraith, the emperor is as good as dead, and we don’t have to spend any coin to see it done. That’s a deal we’re eager to make.”
“Where is the dagger?” Amryn asked.
“We don’t know where it is exactly,” Bram admitted. “But we think it’s in the palace treasury. While I’m not the only rebel in the palace guard, none of us have access there. Not even my superior could get in without raising suspicion.”
“You want us to help find it for you,” Samuel guessed.
“You’re the Chosen,” Bram said, spreading his hands. “If anyone can gain access to the emperor’s treasury, it would be you. Amryn, your friendship with Princess Jayveh should help you. Perhaps you can even request a tour of the palace that includes the treasury. If you can locate the dagger, we can make a plan to steal it. Hopefully during the emperor’s upcoming ball, since the guards will be distracted.”
Ivan gave a low huff. “If the best assassin in the world cannot retrieve the dagger he wants, how can you trust him to sneak into the palace and kill the emperor for you?”
“You doubt the Wraith’s skills?” Bram asked, defensiveness rising.
“Definitely,” Ivan said easily. “For all you know, the man is only claiming to be the Wraith. Perhaps he wanted to use the Rising for his personal goals.”
Irritation spiked in Bram. “I’ve been told the leader of the Rising himself has spoken to the Wraith. That’s good enough for me.”
The tension between the two men was uncomfortable, and the last thing Amryn wanted was for Bram to dislike Ivan. She cleared her throat. “The Wraith probably just doesn’t want to take the time to search for the dagger, since it could be anywhere in the palace.”
“Exactly,” Samuel said, agreeing with her.
Ivan and Bram continued to stare at each other for another prolonged moment, before Ivan dipped his chin. “That would make sense.”
Bram eyed the Sibeten prince a moment longer before he said, “This mission is important enough that we will have all the reinforcements we need. Every rebel we have in the palace, if necessary. My superior will be there as well, so he can immediately take the dagger to the Wraith.”
“And once the emperor is dead?” Samuel asked. “What happens then?”
“Everything,” Bram said. The ripple of excitement he felt was chilling. “Everythinghappens after the emperor is dead. The empire will fracture; politicians will wrestle for power, the church will try to assert dominance, and civil war will break out. The Rising will finally be able to engage in outright war. After far too long . . .” A gleam entered his eyes as he uttered the Rising’s mantra: “We will rise.”
