Even the Wingless (Fiction): Difference between revisions
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Lisinthir asks since the Slave Queen knows herself to be a person, and also settling into the reality of Chatcaava as people. The Seersa directs him to sit, and by her body language and spacing, he finds that she knows a lot about Eldritch. Her crude use of the language confirms it, and he learns this Seersa was Fleet Intelligence, captured a year ago while investigating rumors of traffic in Eldritch slaves. She then leads Lisinthir to Bethsaida, the Eldritch royal heir, who does not respond to his gentle entreaties. After asking the Seersa to help treat her and promising that he will do what he can to free them, Lisinthir leaves for the Emperor's tower. | Lisinthir asks since the Slave Queen knows herself to be a person, and also settling into the reality of Chatcaava as people. The Seersa directs him to sit, and by her body language and spacing, he finds that she knows a lot about Eldritch. Her crude use of the language confirms it, and he learns this Seersa was Fleet Intelligence, captured a year ago while investigating rumors of traffic in Eldritch slaves. She then leads Lisinthir to Bethsaida, the Eldritch royal heir, who does not respond to his gentle entreaties. After asking the Seersa to help treat her and promising that he will do what he can to free them, Lisinthir leaves for the Emperor's tower. | ||
Several hours after, the Slave Queen, still affected by the Ambassador's request, guesses that the Emperor will soon test the Ambassador by taking the Eldritch female in public at an audience attended by the entire court and many servants. Security would be lax, providing an opportunity for the slaves to escape. All that would be required would be for her to insert herself as the Eldritch slave, and take her pattern. She attempts to [[Chatcaavan Shapechange#Touch|Touch]] the Eldritch, which wakes her, after which she asks to take her shape. The Eldritch's protestations wake her guardians, who push the Slave Queen away. After calling Laniis over and having her calm down the guardians, the Slave Queen explains her plan to help the slaves escape and what it would take. | Several hours after, the Slave Queen, still affected by the Ambassador's request, guesses that the Emperor will soon test the Ambassador by taking the Eldritch female in public at an audience attended by the entire court and many servants. Security would be lax, providing an opportunity for the slaves to escape. All that would be required would be for her to insert herself as the Eldritch slave, and take her pattern. She attempts to [[Chatcaavan Shapechange#Touch|Touch]] the Eldritch, which wakes her, after which she asks to take her shape. The Eldritch's protestations wake her guardians, who push the Slave Queen away. After calling Laniis over and having her calm down the guardians, the Slave Queen explains her plan to help the slaves escape and what it would take. After some translated entreaties, the Eldritch slave acquiesces, but withdraws her hand after touching the Slave Queen's mind which is "full of anger and pain and darker things." Thus, the plan hits a roadblock. | ||
Lisinthir arrives again at the Emperor's tower to find all the guards gone. What interests the Emperor, however, is recent evidence of Lisinthir weeping, since Chatcaava are unable to cry. Slavery becomes the subject again, and Lisinthir tells the Emperor that though he finds slavery morally reprehensible, he pitched the pragmatic issue of possible spying to dissuade the Emperor from continuing the practice. The conversation meanders into whether the world is harsh because it is or it is made so, and the Emperor states the Chatcaavan principal of the strong being entitled to the weak. Lisinthir asks leave to go, and before he does the Emperor gives him leave to use his harem in its entirety. Once safely back in the ambassadorial chambers, Lisinthir fears how far he will have to go in order to spring the slaves and free Bethsaida, and survive his full two-year term. | |||
The next morning, the Slave Queen finds herself upset at the aborted Touch, so much so that she doesn't notice the Ambassador arriving until he speaks. When he allows himself to be vulnerable to her, she is surprised. She questions why he is asking her, of all people, and he tells her that she's lived longer here than he ever had so she might have useful information. For example, the number of horns a male has is significant, and stronger males break the horns of rivals to humiliate. The Ambassador again asks her if she can help him, and she pitches to him her idea and the concept of a public test, since the Emperor will not conduct business with one whose mettle he has not tried. While explaining the plan, the Slave Queen tells the Ambassador that wings determine what Chatcaava can change shape, and the Ambassador offers that he will need more items brought from the Alliance, which allows an avenue for the slaves to escape to. Then, the Ambassador offers his own pattern for her to finish the Touch. After it settles, she Changes for Laniis and the Ambassador, who proclaims that this might just work, and informs her that the Eldritch slave is the heir to the Eldritch throne. The Slave Queen dispatches Laniis to listen for anybody arriving, and the two converse, during which the Ambassador reveals that if he stays after liberating the slaves, this will force the Emperor to notice him and he might get somewhere in negotiations. During this, the Ambassador, in trying to help her from being disoriented from the Change, notices she has the Eldritch ability of sensing emotions through touch. | |||
Back in his quarters, Lisinthir converses with his contact through tablet, stating a need of food and other innocuous things in order to hide the shipment to rescue the slaves with. He restates a desire to stay after the operation, since he isn't here just to rescue slaves and there would be a need to send someone else if he does leave, someone with esper abilities. The [[Jahir Seni Galare|contact]] pitches a Glaseah but is quickly shot down. After ending the conversation, Second arrives. Lisinthir needles him while receiving a message that dinner will be soon and a servant will be sent to escort him. This gives him time to dress and send for a box to receive mail from his contact. | |||
Lisinthir is guided to the field and, based on where he is seated, surmises that he is put in a place of disrespect. Still, he has ample opportunity to observe, noting the courtiers, the poison-tasters, and Second acting as a poison-taster for the Emperor. After some time, Second stands and gives an example of the Emperor's justice: Firestorm's Heir, the one who admits to desecrating the flag, challenges for the right to evade punishment. The fight is over very quickly, with the Chatcaava dying by being disemboweled. The Emperor shoots Lisinthir a look to make sure he knows this was done for him. | |||
The Slave Queen is surprised by the sudden arrival of the Ambassador, who she recognizes as looking unwell. He makes a joke about asking for a harem's special skills, though through it he asks for them to help him relax while he asks the Slave Queen about the Chatcaavan justice system. The Ambassador reiterates his desire to stay despite the fact that he may face death if he does so, stating that males protect their people. The Slave Queen corrects him, saying males use, claim, fight over, then dispose of the weak. Laniis informs the Ambassador of the dungeon at the base of the Queen's tower, and he departs, saying he will be back tomorrow while thanking them for the distraction and renewal of purpose. After he leaves, the Slave Queen and Laniis have a conversation about the difference between slavery and servitude as Laniis throws her lot in with the escape plan. | |||
The following morning, Lisinthir arrives at the Slave Queen's chambers only to find Bethsaida being helped by Laniis. Beth tries to cover herself, and Lisinthir remarks that Beth's priorities are not in order if she is worried about being naked around anyone. Bethsaida reminds Lisinthir of Eldritch customs, and Lisinthir states that he has no desire to marry her. The Slave Queen joins them and Lisinthir asks her about the guard patterns on the stairs. When asked why, he pitches having Laniis guide the slaves to the dungeon at the base of the tower so that the cargo-men coming to deliver Lisinthir's belongings will extricate them from the dungeon. He also tells the Slave Queen that Laniis is not just an interpreter. | |||
Back in his quarters, Lisinthir takes a bath to soothe his aching limbs from all that stair-climbing. On his way back, he finds Third's Hand sifting through his desk. The Hand introduces himself, but Lisinthir objects both to the Hand's presence and that he is not Third himself. After rejecting the Hand's reasoning for dealing with him instead of Third directly (prior Ambassador's have, natch), Lisinthir moves to leave after telling the Hand not to insult him by sending the Hand again. The Hand attacks and Lisinthir dives into his room and gets his sword. At swordpoint, Lisinthir backs the Hand out of his chambers, telling him never to come again. Shaken by the encounter, he is relieved when the data tablet chirps and his contact informs him the shipment will arrive in two days. Lisinthir tells him of the plan and that he's abetted by "a vixen lost by her superiors. Soot points on argent." | |||
Meanwhile, Third and his Hand barge in on the Slave Queen's apartments, demanding to see the Eldritch to bring her to the Emperor. The Slave Queen states that she is indisposed, and Third sends off Laniis, then his Hand to go fetch her when Laniis doesn't move. Third decides to amuse himself by hurting the Slave Queen who, remembering the Ambassador's calm, doesn't give him the satisfaction of outwardly showing her fear. There's a crash from the other room, and Third brings the Slave Queen to observe Laniis fighting Third's Hand for the Eldritch. Third throws Laniis from the fray and grabs the Eldritch, who faints with a scream from merely touching Third's emotions. Third demands the Slave Queen wake her up, and when she reports that she doesn't think she's able to, Third starts slapping the Eldritch to try and wake her. The Slave Queen manages to convince Third not to drag off the Eldritch slave anyway, and he and his Hand leave. The Slave Queen checks on Laniis, and together with the other slaves, they check on the Eldritch and try to comfort her. Abruptly, Third returns with the Emperor, who notices the new bruises on the Eldritch's face. The Emperor punishes Third by breaking his hand and sends him away, then charges the Slave Queen with seeing to the Eldritch slave's health. | |||
Revision as of 04:19, 12 June 2020
The first book of the 6-book Princes' Game series covering the Chatcaavan War.
Publication Data
- Series: Princes' Game
- Book: 1
- Publication Date: September 2011
- Editions: Ebook, Paperback, Audio
- Revisions: several
Blurb
The Alliance has sent twelve ambassadors to the Chatcaavan Empire; all twelve returned early, defeated. None of their number have been successful at taking that brutal empire to task for their violations of the treaty. None have survived the vicious court of a race of winged shapechangers, one maintained by cruelty, savagery and torture.
Lisinthir Nase Galare is the Alliance’s thirteenth emissary. A duelist, an esper and a prince of his people, he has been sent to bring an empire to heel. Will it destroy him, as it has his predecessors? Or can one man teach an empire to fear… and love?
Tags and Content Notes
- Tags: psychological games, high stakes politics, dragons, furries, elves (space)
- Rating: R for emotional, sexual, and physical violence
Buy Links
http://books2read.com/u/3yvvlm
Synopsis
In A Nutshell
Lisinthir, an Eldritch, becomes the thirteenth emissary of the Alliance to the Chatcaavan Empire. Plunged into a depraved kingdom, he ends up finding himself and, amazingly, love
Expanded by Chapter
Part 1: Sky Longing
Lisinthir meets the handler for his Ambassadorial mission, Alon Levy. Levy gives him a test to see if Eldritch are as advertised: shaking his hand, which Lisinthir passes with flying colors. The two have a brief conversation on the mission and the past 12 ambassadors the Alliance has sent, along with Lisinthir's lack of entourage.
Meanwhile, after observing a vessel on approach to the Throneworld planet, the Slave Queen contemplates life and her loneliness while summoning Khaska, a Seersan slave, to brush her hair. The Slave Queen notes the shuttle, and Khaska informs her that there had been several that she had not seen due to her entertaining Second and Third. Collectively, the two speculate as to what the shuttles could mean the Queen suggests going down to the Emperor's Harem to see if they know anything, asking Khaska to join her. They happen upon the harem in a state of tension, as Third and his Hand have come to enjoy Flower. According to the Mother, they are using Flower harshly because Third has captured "irregular slaves" that the Emperor intends to use against the next Alliance ambassador. The slaves were so special, Third was given leave to kill Flower.
The Slave Queen and Khaska return to the Slave Queen's quarters, where they speculate as to what 'special slaves' means. Khaska tells the Queen that they could find out, as she knows where new slaves are kept. While unsure if she would be admitted, the Queen makes the decision to find out anyway, descending to the bottom of the tower.
Meanwhile, Lisinthir reflects on the opportunity his Queen gave him in this assignment as he transfers to the Chatcaavan shuttle set to take him to the Throneworld. The Pilot of the vessel asks him where the rest of his things are and his escort, and Lisinithir tells him he has none while attempting to read Chatcaavan's body language.
Back to the Slave Queen, who reaches the bottom of the tower and says she wants to examine the new slaves to the guards. After some conferring with each other, they don't see any harm in it and let her in. There's no light, and as her eyes adjust, Khaska tells the room's occupants that they are friends, though they do not speak Chatcaavan. Khaska manages to translate for the Queen as to what they are talking about, and offers to the soon to be slaves where they are and what is to happen to them. During this, one of the slaves, a Malarai, begins crying, and Khaska introduces the Queen to the concept of it. The soon-to-be slaves also reveal that there is a third they have been protecting: an Eldritch. Rumors of the Eldritch, and their ability to feel feelings through touch, have already reached the Empire, making her the special prize that Third has found. The two leave, and upon reaching the top of the tower again, Khaska reveals after the Queen questions her that she told the slaves that they plan to break the slaves out.
Lisinthir, meanwhile travels in space toward the Throneworld. They stop in the middle of space, and he goes to the bridge to find out what is going on: They await the arrival of Third, and when he arrives, Lisinthir is transferred over to his shuttle. Upon arrival, he immediately dislikes his lodgings and demands to be given a proper room, since the room was too "soft."
Awoken in the pre-dawn hours by the Mother, the Slave Queen hastens to accept a piece of jewelry from the now deceased Flower, the first death-marker she'd accepted in two revolutions. The Mother also warns that that there will be a presentation in a day, to herald the arrival of the new Ambassador. Lisinthir arrives on the Chatcaavan Throneworld in the evening. He fends off Third's clumsy attempts to needle him, and follows him to where the court is convening while noting the beauty decorating the savagery of Chatcaavan architecture.
Meanwhile, the Slave Queen prepares for the presentation. With the help of Khaska and two of the harem's lesser members, she decorates herself for the proceedings, hating it for what it made her: "An objet d'art." The Queen and Khaska are led at the bottom of the tower to the presentation by Chatcaavan guards. When led to where she usually is kept during these presentations, the Slave Queen notes that everything seems fancier than usual, which means the Emperor is minded to play. When the Ambassador arrives and is Eldritch, the Slave Queen sees why Third was richly rewarded. After some minor pleasantries, the Emperor shows off the newly acquired slaves, the new Eldritch one to cap it off. However, the Eldritch Ambassador does not show any emotion, contrary to how Eldritch are supposed to be, even when shown a slave of his own race. In fact, the Ambassador says the Eldritch slave is "too short" and upon being questioned, offers tips on how to display her. Delighted at the Ambassador's artistic sense, the Emperor sends guards so he can show off the Slave Queen. The Ambassador comments on the aesthetics of the Slave Queen's arrangement, which delights the Emperor enough that he speaks of himself as a person, and not an abstraction. After extending an invitation to eat with him, the Emperor leaves and ends the audience.
Lisinthir takes a moment to compose himself in the face of the fact the Chatcaava had not only taken an Eldritch slave, but the heir to the Eldritch throne. He is then led to the Emperor's towers, noting a live Chatcaavan made up as a statue. Then, Lisinthir and the guard begin the interminable ascent to the Emperor's quarters. Upon arriving there, Lisinthir is given the honor of killing the meal, an animal that he dispatches by breaking its spinal column while it struggles in fear. The Emperor continues to show fascination with the contrast between Lisinthir and previous ambassadors. He then asks what symbol it is that Lisinthir was wearing, saying his newest slave had a similar one. After accidentally cutting himself in surprise, Lisinthir dissembles and says that it's a sign of patriotism. The Emperor says that the Eldritch deserved her fate and dares Lisinthir to respond. After Lisinthir admits that he would not agree with the statement, the Emperor remains amused and dismisses Lisinthir.
Once back in her chamber, the Slave Queen finds Khaska weeping upon their return. When asked what was wrong, Khaska says that "[p]erhaps at last the Alliance has sent an ambassador who can prosper at the court" and inadvertently introduces the Slave Queen to another aspect of crying. The Slave Queen attempts to comfort Khaska, then abruptly asks her what her real name is, as she is aware that names are important to aliens. She posits that maybe she can learn more of Universal and thereby see something of the outside world and learn more about aliens in general. Khaska gives her name: Laniis.
Lisinthir arrives at his opulent quarters, studying the chatcaavan room arrangement and what it could mean to a race of flyers. While unpacking, he gets a knock at his door and finds a chatcaavan female, who gives him a note and goes to his bed. Realizing that he had been given a concubine for the night, he tells her to leave, using as an excuse the fact that she was from the gift harem and not the Emperor's personal one.
The Slave Queen is interrupted from settling in for sleep by the arrival of guards, who bring the newest slaves to her chambers. The Eldritch is unwell from too much handling, according to Laniis, and she and the other slaves that came with the Eldritch go get some blankets to comfort the Eldritch.
Lisinthir wakes just before dawn and bathes and dresses. He further inspects the apartments, and the moment he steps out into what he presumes to be a study, Second lands on a perch for presumed visitors and introduces himself, referencing a flag that Lisinthir has no idea about. Lisinthir asks about food. A confused Second, since previous ambassadors brought their own chefs, promises to have the staff see to his feeding. Lisinthir also insists on Second not using you-the-alien, since he's able to understand some of the implications of that pronoun. After again insisting that he's hungry, Second flies off to see to it. With Second gone, Lisinthir finds the flag Second mention, and that it's in tatters plus out of easy reach. When he recovers the flag, he sees that it has been shredded. By the time Second returns in the afternoon, Lisinthir is quite angry. Armed with his sword, he advances upon Second, confronting him about the flag. Second admits to ignorance, and Lisinthir accuses Second of defacing the flag, which Second denies but assures Lisinthir that the perpetrator will be found and punished. Lisinthir demands Second hang the new flag up and that lights are installed to keep it lit at night, and a new pole, saying also that his availability for meetings will be signaled elsewhere. Second also tells him that the Emperor has invited him to supper.
The Slave Queen reflects that it's crowded in her chambers now, with the addition of three new people. She takes a bath to cleanse herself from the rigors of the presentation, but observes the Eldritch climbing into one of the lower bathing chambers. After watching her bathe and leave, crying and shaking the whole time, The Slave Queen privately assess that she will be the first of the slaves to die.
Dressing for dinner, Lisinthir reflects how annoying it is to do so alone since he brought no entourage. As he does so, he receives a message on his tablet from his contact, who writes in Eldren for an additional layer of obscurity. Lisinthir reports that he's found the Eldritch heir, while speculating on who, exactly, he is speaking with.
A servant brings him to the Emperor's chambers, where he finds both The Emperor and Second, who kills for them. The first topic: Lisinthir finding the Emperor's gift insufficient. Lisinthir refuses any further gifts on the grounds of not wanting charity. Second stares, but the Emperor laughs. The second topic is Lisinthir's sword, which he says he never travels without. The two Chatcaava disdain the use of them, but Lisinthir offers his perspective and there is a discussion on the cultural merits of killing ones opponents versus not killing them. The Emperor then decides to personally show Lisinthir his personal harem, directing Second to fly there. During the walk, Lisinthir brings up the flag issue, which the Emperor brushes off. Lisinthir and the Emperor have a brief confrontation about the flag, what it represents, and the poor showing previous ambassadors have made on the Empire.
Upon arrival at the Emperor's personal harem, the Emperor shows off the lounging females. Lisinthir -- though he tries to hide it -- expresses his lack of interest in them, saying it was because of the four arms. The Emperor then exits that harem, passing a surprised Second, and ascends to the Slave Queen's chambers.
Meanwhile, the Slave Queen is getting used to the room's new occupants when she is alerted by Laniis that there are soon to be visitors. The Ambassador soon appears in the doorway, followed by the Emperor, and infrequent guest to these chambers, followed by Second. The Emperor asks if the Ambassador cares to use the Slave Queen, and the Ambassador declines, citing dinner. The Emperor orders the Slave Queen to serve as a foot stool, and the Slave Queen notes that Second is nervous, wondering if he was guarding the Emperor.
The Emperor and the Ambassador have a conversation about aesthetics that segues into whether the Alliance is sending spies. The Ambassador replies that escaped slaves are the best spies, since they are so cheap. Then, the Emperor wishes to show off his latest prizes, and directs the Slave Queen to bring her, who asks Laniis to bring them. Laniis comes back with the Tam-ilee and the Malarai, and when the Emperor asks about the Eldritch, the Ambassador interrupts, positing the Eldritch is near death. After disdainfully suggesting that Eldritch females are remarkably fragile, the Emperor leaves to discuss things with Second while inviting the Ambassador to pre-bed drinks. Recognizing that this male is dangerous and intelligent due to this invitation, the Slave Queen moves to protect the others. The Ambassador asks to see the Eldritch woman while saying that he will not touch anyone. The Slave Queen will not have any of it, but Laniis tells the Ambassador where the Eldritch is, to the Queen's consternation. Abruptly, the Ambassador offers his hand, stating that it will make him uncomfortable and clumsy. The Slave Queen takes the hand, thinking of her longing for the sky. This causes the Ambassador to weep, and through tears of the Slave Queen's reflected misery, he asks her to help him free the slaves.
Lisinthir asks since the Slave Queen knows herself to be a person, and also settling into the reality of Chatcaava as people. The Seersa directs him to sit, and by her body language and spacing, he finds that she knows a lot about Eldritch. Her crude use of the language confirms it, and he learns this Seersa was Fleet Intelligence, captured a year ago while investigating rumors of traffic in Eldritch slaves. She then leads Lisinthir to Bethsaida, the Eldritch royal heir, who does not respond to his gentle entreaties. After asking the Seersa to help treat her and promising that he will do what he can to free them, Lisinthir leaves for the Emperor's tower.
Several hours after, the Slave Queen, still affected by the Ambassador's request, guesses that the Emperor will soon test the Ambassador by taking the Eldritch female in public at an audience attended by the entire court and many servants. Security would be lax, providing an opportunity for the slaves to escape. All that would be required would be for her to insert herself as the Eldritch slave, and take her pattern. She attempts to Touch the Eldritch, which wakes her, after which she asks to take her shape. The Eldritch's protestations wake her guardians, who push the Slave Queen away. After calling Laniis over and having her calm down the guardians, the Slave Queen explains her plan to help the slaves escape and what it would take. After some translated entreaties, the Eldritch slave acquiesces, but withdraws her hand after touching the Slave Queen's mind which is "full of anger and pain and darker things." Thus, the plan hits a roadblock.
Lisinthir arrives again at the Emperor's tower to find all the guards gone. What interests the Emperor, however, is recent evidence of Lisinthir weeping, since Chatcaava are unable to cry. Slavery becomes the subject again, and Lisinthir tells the Emperor that though he finds slavery morally reprehensible, he pitched the pragmatic issue of possible spying to dissuade the Emperor from continuing the practice. The conversation meanders into whether the world is harsh because it is or it is made so, and the Emperor states the Chatcaavan principal of the strong being entitled to the weak. Lisinthir asks leave to go, and before he does the Emperor gives him leave to use his harem in its entirety. Once safely back in the ambassadorial chambers, Lisinthir fears how far he will have to go in order to spring the slaves and free Bethsaida, and survive his full two-year term.
The next morning, the Slave Queen finds herself upset at the aborted Touch, so much so that she doesn't notice the Ambassador arriving until he speaks. When he allows himself to be vulnerable to her, she is surprised. She questions why he is asking her, of all people, and he tells her that she's lived longer here than he ever had so she might have useful information. For example, the number of horns a male has is significant, and stronger males break the horns of rivals to humiliate. The Ambassador again asks her if she can help him, and she pitches to him her idea and the concept of a public test, since the Emperor will not conduct business with one whose mettle he has not tried. While explaining the plan, the Slave Queen tells the Ambassador that wings determine what Chatcaava can change shape, and the Ambassador offers that he will need more items brought from the Alliance, which allows an avenue for the slaves to escape to. Then, the Ambassador offers his own pattern for her to finish the Touch. After it settles, she Changes for Laniis and the Ambassador, who proclaims that this might just work, and informs her that the Eldritch slave is the heir to the Eldritch throne. The Slave Queen dispatches Laniis to listen for anybody arriving, and the two converse, during which the Ambassador reveals that if he stays after liberating the slaves, this will force the Emperor to notice him and he might get somewhere in negotiations. During this, the Ambassador, in trying to help her from being disoriented from the Change, notices she has the Eldritch ability of sensing emotions through touch.
Back in his quarters, Lisinthir converses with his contact through tablet, stating a need of food and other innocuous things in order to hide the shipment to rescue the slaves with. He restates a desire to stay after the operation, since he isn't here just to rescue slaves and there would be a need to send someone else if he does leave, someone with esper abilities. The contact pitches a Glaseah but is quickly shot down. After ending the conversation, Second arrives. Lisinthir needles him while receiving a message that dinner will be soon and a servant will be sent to escort him. This gives him time to dress and send for a box to receive mail from his contact.
Lisinthir is guided to the field and, based on where he is seated, surmises that he is put in a place of disrespect. Still, he has ample opportunity to observe, noting the courtiers, the poison-tasters, and Second acting as a poison-taster for the Emperor. After some time, Second stands and gives an example of the Emperor's justice: Firestorm's Heir, the one who admits to desecrating the flag, challenges for the right to evade punishment. The fight is over very quickly, with the Chatcaava dying by being disemboweled. The Emperor shoots Lisinthir a look to make sure he knows this was done for him.
The Slave Queen is surprised by the sudden arrival of the Ambassador, who she recognizes as looking unwell. He makes a joke about asking for a harem's special skills, though through it he asks for them to help him relax while he asks the Slave Queen about the Chatcaavan justice system. The Ambassador reiterates his desire to stay despite the fact that he may face death if he does so, stating that males protect their people. The Slave Queen corrects him, saying males use, claim, fight over, then dispose of the weak. Laniis informs the Ambassador of the dungeon at the base of the Queen's tower, and he departs, saying he will be back tomorrow while thanking them for the distraction and renewal of purpose. After he leaves, the Slave Queen and Laniis have a conversation about the difference between slavery and servitude as Laniis throws her lot in with the escape plan.
The following morning, Lisinthir arrives at the Slave Queen's chambers only to find Bethsaida being helped by Laniis. Beth tries to cover herself, and Lisinthir remarks that Beth's priorities are not in order if she is worried about being naked around anyone. Bethsaida reminds Lisinthir of Eldritch customs, and Lisinthir states that he has no desire to marry her. The Slave Queen joins them and Lisinthir asks her about the guard patterns on the stairs. When asked why, he pitches having Laniis guide the slaves to the dungeon at the base of the tower so that the cargo-men coming to deliver Lisinthir's belongings will extricate them from the dungeon. He also tells the Slave Queen that Laniis is not just an interpreter.
Back in his quarters, Lisinthir takes a bath to soothe his aching limbs from all that stair-climbing. On his way back, he finds Third's Hand sifting through his desk. The Hand introduces himself, but Lisinthir objects both to the Hand's presence and that he is not Third himself. After rejecting the Hand's reasoning for dealing with him instead of Third directly (prior Ambassador's have, natch), Lisinthir moves to leave after telling the Hand not to insult him by sending the Hand again. The Hand attacks and Lisinthir dives into his room and gets his sword. At swordpoint, Lisinthir backs the Hand out of his chambers, telling him never to come again. Shaken by the encounter, he is relieved when the data tablet chirps and his contact informs him the shipment will arrive in two days. Lisinthir tells him of the plan and that he's abetted by "a vixen lost by her superiors. Soot points on argent."
Meanwhile, Third and his Hand barge in on the Slave Queen's apartments, demanding to see the Eldritch to bring her to the Emperor. The Slave Queen states that she is indisposed, and Third sends off Laniis, then his Hand to go fetch her when Laniis doesn't move. Third decides to amuse himself by hurting the Slave Queen who, remembering the Ambassador's calm, doesn't give him the satisfaction of outwardly showing her fear. There's a crash from the other room, and Third brings the Slave Queen to observe Laniis fighting Third's Hand for the Eldritch. Third throws Laniis from the fray and grabs the Eldritch, who faints with a scream from merely touching Third's emotions. Third demands the Slave Queen wake her up, and when she reports that she doesn't think she's able to, Third starts slapping the Eldritch to try and wake her. The Slave Queen manages to convince Third not to drag off the Eldritch slave anyway, and he and his Hand leave. The Slave Queen checks on Laniis, and together with the other slaves, they check on the Eldritch and try to comfort her. Abruptly, Third returns with the Emperor, who notices the new bruises on the Eldritch's face. The Emperor punishes Third by breaking his hand and sends him away, then charges the Slave Queen with seeing to the Eldritch slave's health.