Kilthanis squinted against the stiff breeze that blew into his eyes as he gripped the griffin rider tightly. He had flown on griffin-back on many occasions, but never on such an important mission. He thanked Borean for the speed with which He had endowed his favorite creations. It had been scarcely more than five hours since he had climbed upon the griffin’s back and he could see the walls of the Imperial City in the distance.

The griffin did not follow the most direct route, due to the creatures’ reluctance to fly over open water. But it was still a trip that would have taken days by horse or wagon. He knew he was still several minutes from landing. Dhekar was a large city, and its walls were massive. It had stood at the center of the Empire for a millennium and in that time, it had never fallen. Legend said it never would. Kilthanis was about to test that legend. Not taking the walls by force, but with the power of the law.

The griffin dipped a wing and banked into a steep turn as it passed over the Imperial Palace. It circled around until it was over the large parade ground that marked the edge of the griffins’ rookery. It slowly descended, flaring its wings as it came in to land. Kilthanis unstrapped himself from the saddle and slid to the ground, stretching sore and aching muscles. He had no idea how the riders could handle flights of that length. Then again, they did it all the time.

He checked his pouch for the sealed copy of the Court’s decision. Ensuring himself it was still there, he turned and walked toward the rear doors of the palace. He found an Imperial Page and sent the boy to find the seneschal. He hoped it wouldn’t take too long. He was anxious to get in to see the Emperor. Even assuming Kilthanis could see the Emperor today, it would still be weeks before an order would arrive at Osh’riyo. Ocean travel was not nearly as swift as griffin-flight, even under the best of circumstances.

The Palace Seneschal appeared after nearly twenty minutes.

“Lord D’Endray. Thank you for waiting. I was unaware you were planning on visiting us so soon,” the seneschal said, bowing before Kilthanis.

Kilthanis returned the bow. Technically, the functionary outranked him, being a member of the Imperial household. While Kilthanis was a distant cousin of the Emperor, his tie was through marriage. Two marriages, actually, since Kelsey’s ties to the imperial family came through her grandfather’s sister. “Thank you, Lord Seneschal. I had not known I was coming myself until earlier this morning. Is his Majesty available to meet with me?”

The seneschal frowned. “I’m sorry, milord. He is quite busy this afternoon. Is it a matter of some importance?”

“The gravest importance. I come bearing an order from the High Court in Dekiyem. I must put it into his Majesty’s hands as soon as possible.”

The seneschal looked around and then leaned in close to Kilthanis, his voice dropping to a whisper. “My Lord, the Emperor has not been well since the tragedy at the Anniversary. He has asked not to see petitioners.”

Kilthanis nodded. “I understand.” He paused for several moments, his mind racing. “Perhaps he’d be willing to see his cousin?”

The seneschal looked doubtful for a moment. “I’m not sure, milord. But I will broach the subject with him.”

“That’s all I can ask of you. But please…use all your persuasive skills. I really must see him.”

“I’ll do what I can, Lord D’Endray.” The seneschal bowed again and then disappeared into the inner warrens of the Imperial Palace.