Renindōvakh
© 2021 by Walter Reimer


Thumbnail art by  baroncoon, color by  Major Matt Mason


The vir was quite young, judging by her rank and the self-conscious way she wore her gold and white Imperial Guard uniform. Her jaw was set and her tail flicked nervously as she escorted Tarval XXI to his meeting.

While watching her was diverting his mind from the meeting, he felt that he had to set her at ease. “Private?”

“Yes, my Lord?” she asked.

“What is your descent, if I may ask?”

Her ears flicked in surprise and her steps faltered only momentarily. “Darshanin Branch, my Lord. We are sixty-first cousins, removed seventeen times.”

“I see. May I make a suggestion, Cousin?” She blinked, and he grinned. “Every Guard you see is related to both of us, to one degree or another. You’re among family here.”

Her expression ran an interesting gamut of emotions – surprise, introspection, realization – and she smiled. “I will remember, my Lord.” He smiled, and she amended, “Cousin.”

“Good. And here we are,” Tarval said as they reached the doors. She opened it for him, and bowed as required while he walked past her before closing the door behind him.

The fifty representatives all turned to look at him, and he gave himself the same advice he’d given the young trooper-attendant.

I am among Family here.

So why do I feel like I’m on trial?

Because you are, he reminded himself.

He walked past the table, smiling and exchanging greetings with a few of them, before taking his seat at the head of the table. “Thank you all for summoning me.”

The oldest among them coughed and said, “The Family is perturbed, Tarval son of Yan’te.”

“The progress of the war,” another growled.

“So many deaths,” a vir said.

“I agree,” Tarval said. “Matters have gone on for far too long, and I have already set a plan in motion.” A few members looked surprised, and he smiled, fancying that he had disappointed one or two.

“Will you enlighten us, Lord Tarval?” a kam wearing a priest’s sash asked.

Tarval smiled again. “I have instructed the Foreign Minister to contact the Terran Confederate government – “

An older cousin made a derisive sound, amplifying it with a flip of his tail. “Their ‘empire.’”

“Exactly. Cessation of hostilities is the primary goal. We have lost many good shlani, and their loss saddens all of us.” Tarval extended a fingerclaw, and tapped it against the tabletop. “There is also this condition: That the leaders who ordered the attacks on the Hearth be surrendered to us.”

“For execution?”

“Of course.” The Emperor smiled. “Hands lifted against us will be cut off, and perhaps their successors will profit by the lesson. They do not have our memories, but I have included conditions that should serve as reminders to aid them.”