Tasa keeps trying.
I keep working.
And together, we turn back the tide.
Until the priests aren’t even trying, but looking to Learned Muka for direction, or help, or, perhaps, forgiveness.
Learned Muka looks at me like she’s never seen me before.
And perhaps she hasn’t.
“Priests, retreat,” she says. “I believe the Sage of Resolve and I can have words civilly.”
“And the representative from Crystal Hollow,” Tasa and I both add in unison.
Tasa flashes me a grin, a little wild.
I feel it too, thrumming inside me.
When the priests have retreated out of earshot, I don’t wait for Learned Muka to control the dialogue, but instead tell her, “Every priest you send after me, or the dragon, or the barrier, I will undermine. Every act against me I will use to foment rebellion in the priesthood. It takes barely any power at all, Learned—merely dedication. I invite you to report that to the priesthood, if they would challenge the Sage of Resolve.”
After a moment of studying me, she says neutrally, “That will be a lot of work.”
I smile and meet Tasa’s gaze. “The work of a lifetime,” I agree.
Thisis how I will matter.
It will be arduous, painstaking, patient work. The priesthood is entrenched, and I may not see results of the work for years or more.
But that’s why it’s a task for resolve.
And with Tasa at my side, the hill we have to climb looks a lot less steep.
Then Tasa suggests, “You could alsonotreport that to them.”
Learned Muka looks at her, really looks.
And shesmiles.
“An excellent thought,” Learned Muka says. “It will take them a while to realize what you’re doing, and in that time you can do a lot of damage.”
I blink, startled that a woman ofherresolve can change course so easily.
Then again: I did.
And she has always tried to support me, as best she knew.
“What will you do, then?” Tasa asks.
“You work from the outside,” Learned Muka says, “and I will work from within.”
She salutes Tasa, who startles and nods awkwardly in acknowledgement.
And then Learned Muka, who has been with me my whole life, turns to me.
She bows low—not as to a sage, but as to an emperor.
My breath catches in my throat.
