Two months after the overthrow of Executor Yvris, Governor Skal Iraias arrived in Hellfrost.

  Aven was just readying the hunting crew for the daily march out to the voidpits when they spotted the form flying over the horizon. It took Aven a moment to understand what he was looking at. From a distance, it appeared to be a box with wings. Only when it got closer did the details become clear. A carriage without horses, carried through the late summer sky by Vestra vis Nightblood’s skeletal wings.

  At Etrani’s urging, the mixed group of former prisoners and former guards turned from a hunting party to a reception detail. When the carriage alighted in front of Hellfrost and rumbled to a stop just in front of the gates, they had some semblance of an honor guard to greet the most powerful man in the province. Etrani stood in the lane formed between the assembled lines of warriors, flanked on one side by Esharah and by Aven on the other.

  Vestra hopped off the top of the carriage, gaze sweeping the assembled warriors with an appraising grin. Aven tried not to shiver when her gaze lingered on him for just a couple seconds longer than the others present. Then, she swept open the carriage door and bowed as the governor stepped down.

  Governor Iraias was an older man, with short black hair greying at the temples, a close-cut beard also starting to go silver. Severe and austere, with high cheekbones and hollowed cheeks, he reminded Aven of some grim god of winter. His attire only enhanced the cold impression. Black gloves covered both hands, and a long black cloak billowed in the morning breeze, the black fabric glittering with gold threading that made the cloth resemble the stars on a winter’s night. His boots, trousers, and tunic were also a uniform shade of black that did little to flatter the governor’s pale skin, his color only coming from a sash and belt that glittered with gold trim matching that of his cloak.

  Governor Iraias’ eyes were dark as he swept his gaze across the gathered warriors, then came to rest on Etrani. His expression remained impassive, but he nodded in greeting as Etrani inclined her head, “Publicar Etrani.”

  “Governor Iraias,” Etrani’s cadence was even more formal and clipped than usual, nerves barely hidden in every syllable, “we are pleased to welcome you to Hellfrost. I apologize that we do not have a welcome more fitting your station, sir.”

  “Thank you,” the governor’s voice was a rich, rolling timbre that carried easily to the furthest of the assembled listeners. “We have no need to stand on ostentation. I am not here to sample your hospitality; I am here for business.”

  Aven gave Esharah a questioning glance, but she only responded with a barely perceptible shake of her head and a mental impression of worry and uncertainty. Apparently, she couldn’t sense anything in the governor’s mind regarding his judgement.

  “I have received your reports, and there are only a few minor details I wish to discuss before announcing my decision,” Governor Iraias gestured for Etrani to follow him inside. “The meeting only need include yourself, the reserve legion captains, the Warden Esharah, and Aven Arvanius.”

  “Understood,” Etrani said. “We will assemble immediately.”

  A herald sent for the captains, and the warriors dispersed, Logash leading them out to the voidpits for the usual hunt while Aven fell in line behind Etrani and Esharah.

  A few minutes later, Governor Iraias sat at the head of the council table in the dining hall. Etrani, Esharah, and Aven on one side; Vestra and the reserve captains on the other. A few others waited outside, perhaps witnesses if this turned to an impromptu trial.

  “I’ve read all of the testimonies, both your own and the captains’,” Iraias addressed Etrani. “I have thoroughly questioned Yvris as well. Do you have anything to add to your written reports?”

  Etrani hesitated, “Only regarding the current state of Hellfrost...”

  Iraias didn’t quite interrupt but did take advantage of Etrani’s pause to interject, “We are addressing the events of two months ago at the moment; we will move on to the present situation and future action momentarily.”

  “Then I have nothing to add,” Etrani said, with slightly more confidence. “I stand by the contents of my report following Yvris’ arrest.”

  Iraias nodded, “Then I will announce my judgement.” Aven held his breath, and he saw Esharah doing the same. Iraias continued, “The actions of Yvris Dezbar were a disgrace to the empire, and forcibly removing him from his position as leader of Hellfrost was justified.” He gestured to Vestra, “My judgement on Yvris has already been rendered.”

  Vestra swept up a sackcloth bag and loosed the knot holding it shut. The bag opened, and Yvris’ severed head tumbled out, followed closely by Erdrak’s.

  Etrani gasped and jerked back from the table. Aven just stared dispassionately into the empty eyes of the former tyrants of Hellfrost. The preservation process had tainted the dezar’s midnight-blue skin to a pale lavender, and his mouth was frozen open in a scream smothered by death. An official of the empire reduced to macabre art piece.

  “While Vestra has requested the head of former Captain Erdrak,” Iraias said (while Aven tried not to notice Vestra’s satisfied smirk), “Yvris’ shall be mounted on the gate outside of Hellfrost for one week, as a reminder that the Empire’s justice has found its proper mark.”

  “Under...stood, Governor,” Etrani’s face was pale, and Aven had a feeling that if not for Esharah’s psychic comfort, the poor publicar would have fainted on the spot. As it was, she looked as though she was about to throw up.

  “The question remains: what is the empire to do with you?” Governor Iraias’ gaze turned upon Esharah and Aven next. “You, Aven Arvanius. A kinslayer. A criminal, sentenced to life imprisonment.”

  “Just so,” Aven replied.

  “Further,” Governor Iraias paid no heed to Aven’s confirmation, “you are a voidtouched. While imperial law does not directly address that rare status, common practice is to execute those tainted by the void’s power.”

  “Governor, if I might speak-” Etrani interjected, only to be interrupted by Governor Iraias’ raised hand.

  “The moment of testimony has passed. Your opinion on Aven’s status is already well documented.”

  Etrani seemed to withdraw into herself, as though she would shrink down into a ball of pure nerves.

  “We have not, however, had opportunity to interview someone touched by the void and also retaining his own mind,” Iraias said. “Aven Arvanius, tell me: why should I not have you killed?”

  Aven took a deep breath, “Because I am the one best equipped to protect the empire from the voidspawn. Isn’t that what we do here at Hellfrost? Turn the threats of the empire into its advantages? We kill the voidspawn and make weapons of their corpses.” Aven spread his arms and let both voidhands emerge, “I’m the greatest weapon the empire has yet forged from the void.”

  Something flashed across Vestra’s face at the proclamation. A hunger. Hells. Maybe Aven overdid it. Fortunately, Iraias’ expression was less ravenous. That might even be the faintest hint of an approving smile. “I might question that superlative, but in principle, I agree. Hellfrost exists to turn liabilities of the empire into assets. And so long as you prove yourself an asset...the empire will reward your service.”

  “Reward, sir?” Aven asked.

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  “Yes,” Governor Iraias said. “Publicar Etrani, your latest report indicated an increase in yields from the voidspawn hunts under Aven Arvanius’ leadership?”

  “Y-yes,” Etrani jerked back to attention, clearly glad to be able to speak once again on matters of her expertise. “There’s been about a 30% increase in materials with a casualty rate lowered by-”

  Another raised hand from Iraias silenced her, “No need to recite the exact numbers; I trust your conclusion. If you can maintain that level of production, that will be taken as proof of your usefulness to the empire.

  Aven allowed himself to relax, just slightly. He’d worried for months that the governor would be the same sort of draconian sadist as Yvris. Any hint of rationality exceeded those expectations - though Yvris’ severed head still staring at Aven spoke to the limits of the governor’s reason.

  “As such, you will be continuing to lead these hunts in the role of Hellfrost’s new active captain,” Governor Iraias said.

  Both Captain Breton and Captain Frostclaw jerked at that announcement. Both looked as though they were only barely stopping the protests from coming.

  “You have permission to voice any objections, captains,” Iraias said.

  “He’s not even a legionary,” Captain Breton protested. “Not properly. How is he qualified to lead?”

  Governor Iraias turned his attention to Captain Frostclaw, “Your thoughts? You indicated reserved approval of Arvanius in your report.”

  “My report said we don’t need to hang him right away,” Frostclaw scowled. “Doesn’t mean I think he’s fit to lead.”

  “There’s space between a noose and a captaincy,” Breton agreed.

  Aven very much hoped to occupy that space.

  “What about Sergeant Akra?” Aven offered. “I’d happily work under her authority.”

  Akra had led the efforts to incorporate the former guards of Hellfrost, those who hadn’t died in the battle, fled in the aftermath, or faced the empire’s justice as the worst of Yvris and Erdrak’s enforcers.

  “Our reserve captains seemed divided on whether to reward Sergeant Akra for proactive action during the voidspawn attack or to punish her for dereliction of duty on the night of the festival,” Governor Iraias replied. “However, we can discuss that possibility. Send for the sergeant.”

  As it turned out, Akra was among those who’d been waiting in the corridor outside of the council chamber, and the Sergeant entered promptly at Governor Iraias’ command.

  “Aven has suggested you be elevated from Sergeant to Captain to assume command of Hellfrost,” Governor Iraias said without preamble or explanation of the conversation so far. “Your thoughts, Sergeant?”

  Akra was taken aback but recovered herself admirably fast. The former guard saluted, “I am honored by the opportunity, but I am afraid I cannot accept it at this time. I...” a bit of color rushed to the woman’s cheeks. “I had been waiting until the new captain was selected to make the request, but I will be requesting temporary leave for maternity.”

  Governor Iraias’ eyebrows raised, “My congratulations, sergeant, to you and your husband. I will ask your opinion then: would you evaluate Aven as deserving of the position of captain to lead the voidspawn hunts?”

  Akra thought for a while, which Aven tried not to be offended by, before finally responding, “I cannot think of a better choice in Hellfrost, sir.”

  That may very well be an indictment of Hellfrost than praise of Aven, but it left him with little place to argue. Better a captaincy than a cell, at least.

  “I accept, then, sir,” Aven said. “With Akra serving as a lieutenant until her pregnancy prevents her from doing so. She’s the one who organized and lead the efforts to incorporate the former guards, and she’ll be able to ensure a smooth transition to a new regime.” Aven hesitated, wondering how far to push. To hell with it. In for a copper, in for an auram. “Half our best vis warriors are prisoners. We didn’t just fight to get rid of Yvris; we fought for freedom.”

  “Freedom,” Iraias repeated, slight smile growing sardonic. “And why should those who have resisted the empire, violated its laws, proved dangers to the order and peace that protects our good citizens be granted such a treasured privilege?”

  This wasn’t a rhetorical question. Aven sensed there was a correct answer, one Iraias hoped Aven would grasp. “Because we’ll be useful to you.”

  A nod of approval, “Freedom, you have not earned. But an opportunity to prove yourself useful, you have.” Iraias steepled his hands, “A number of the prisoners of Hellfrost risked their lives to defend the citizens of the town from voidspawn incursion. Further, many aided the empire in the removal of the traitors Yvris Dezbar and Erdrak...Skullhammer.” He spoke Erdrak’s chosen last name with appropriate disdain. “For that great service, those who participated may receive commuted sentences.”

  It wasn’t a pardon, but it wasn’t enslavement either.

  “To be clear, those sent to Hellfrost will remain in Hellfrost,” the governor stated. “You will keep the quarries in order, and you will continue hunt the voidspawn. The conditions in which you do so, however, need not be as harsh as Yvris forced upon you.”

  A cage of sorts, still, but at least a more comfortable one.

  “Some have families elsewhere in the empire,” Aven noted, thinking of Ouron.

  “Such details will be a matter for Hellfrost’s new executor to decide,” Governor Iraias said.

  “And who will that be, sir?” Etrani asked, perking up. For the past two months, that question had hung over all their plans. Aven knew the publicar had spent countless hours detailing her proposals for Hellfrost’s reforms, constantly frustrated by the fact she had no idea who to tailor those proposals to.

  “You, of course,” Governor Iraias’ response was not a surprise to Aven, though it was a relief to hear it. Etrani, however, looked stunned. “I sent you to Hellfrost in hopes that you would both correct some of the...deficiencies of Yvris and that you would gain experience in leadership. The timetable has simply accelerated.”

  “But...sir...I’ve neither the experience nor the age to serve in that role,” Etrani protested, cheeks red and hands clutched tight together as if they would fly away if she relaxed her grip.

  Governor Iraias looked amused, “My, I recall you saying once that your ambition was to serve as high a role in the empire as you could. Now you’re arguing against your own promotion?”

  “The laws and practices of the Empire are of more importance than my own ambitions,” Etrani replied stiffly, clearly offended to have her words turned back against her in such a way. “Sir.”

  “And that is precisely why I am selecting you for this position,” Governor Iraias gave a full smile, not only one of approval, but one of a teacher proud of outmaneuvering a skilled pupil. “To satisfy the law, your appointment as executor can remain provisional until you are of the proper age. As governor, I am permitted by law to appoint my own representatives as interim authorities in cases where a proper official is absent, yes?”

  Etrani’s lips moved soundlessly for a few seconds before she nodded, “That is correct, sir.”

  “Then you have your role,” Governor Iraias stood.

  The former publicar looked as though she still couldn’t decide whether she was allowed to accept the offered gift. “Thank you, sir.”

  “The failures of Hellfrost can be partially attributed to Yvris personally,” Iraias said, “but also due to the concentration of many roles into one. You will certainly not be serving as executor, mayor, head warden, head priest, and magistrate all at once as he did. I will be sending the new magistrate as soon as one is available. The other positions may be assigned by the conventional methods. Which brings me to you, Esharah Nightblood.”

  The dezar gave Iraias her full attention.

  “Hellfrost remains a prison,” Yvris said. “Even if many of the current prisoners may receive new roles at the discretion of the new executor and captain. We need a new head warden. Publicar...excuse me, Executor Etrani,” Aven noticed a shiver of delight from Etrani at the new title finally break through the shock, “and Vestra have both voiced support for your appointment to that position.”

  Esharah sucked in a deep breath, and Aven felt a deep pulse of alarm in her mind before she withdrew into her own thoughts.

  “I will not torture people sent here,” Esharah said. “Nor will I send people to die who have committed no crimes save being foolish with money, or defending their homes from our armies.”

  The statement was bordering on treasonous, certainly implying less-than-complete justice in the empire’s actions, and Etrani squirmed visibly at the insinuations.

  Governor Iraias’ face betrayed no threat or anger, “Nor do I ask you to. As we have said, the purpose of Hellfrost is to turn liabilities of the empire into assets. I do not expect you to torture prisoners, or expend their lives uselessly; that was Yvris’ and Erdrak’s own methods. If you have a better way, I invite the opportunity to demonstrate it.”

  “Then...I accept,” Esharah bowed.

  “Good,” Irias stood. “I will be discussing a few more details with Etrani. The rest of you may go. I only have one more word of caution.” He paused, giving them all the opportunity to focus on his words, “This is an opportunity for the three of you. The Empire rewards success. If you faithfully serve and prove yourself valuable assets, you will rewarded in turn. If you do not, if you prove liabilities that cannot be redeemed...” he gestured to the severed heads lying on the table. “Then the empire’s judgement will be swift and final. I will be watching Hellfrost carefully.” He turned to Vestra, “Have you anything to add?”

  Vestra rounded the table. Past Esharah right next to Aven.

  “Yes?” Aven looked up at the towering fourth-circle vis.

  Vestra vis Nightblood cupped Aven’s cheek. A gesture that could just as easily lead to a caress or ripping half his face off.

  “I will be watching you too,” Vestra leaned in. “And if you don’t take good care of Hellfrost and my dear sister, your head will be joining Draku’s. Do you understand?”

  “Keenly,” Aven spoke out of the side of his mouth not half-crushed from Vestra’s grip.

  Vestra thankfully released his face and returned to the governor’s side.

  “You have your assignments then,” the governor gave no sign of disapproval, or even interest, at Vestra’s display. “I trust you will meet our expectations.”

  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

  patreon.com/OrpheusDAC