The Tartun Empire was forming a coalition. That was already settled.
Annan had hoped to stay beneath notice. Ideally, the emperor would overlook Free City altogether...
But as the third day approached, the coalition roster published in the Empire Times prominently listed "Lord Annan Levis."
"The greater the power, the greater the responsibility..." Olmedo quoted something Annan had once said.
Annan put down the newspaper. "I don't think we're all that powerful..."
"But we've made too much money."
"You mean someone's jealous of us!?" Hatred flashed in Annan's dark eyes. "Find out who. I suspect they're colluding with Reekan... No, with the Ratfolk!"
Idelia's expression softened with affection. "If you don't want to go, we could ask Old Ancestor..."
"Forget it..."
Annan thought it over, then decided against avoiding the war. "The Empire has let us make money all this time and use the Montreal Golden Family as our shield because it wants us on its side when it matters. Why else would one of the Thirteen High Kings play along with us? Just to make up for how guilty I feel?"
He could refuse... but Old Ancestor, Olin, and the others would surely be disappointed in him.
And the Empire would withdraw every privilege it had granted them. Things would no longer go smoothly in their territory.
Annan noticed that Olmedo didn't look surprised. "You'd already figured it out?"
"This is why I tell you to read books," Olmedo sighed. "It's politics. Everything fate gives you comes with a price, marked where you can't see it."
"What's gotten into you today?" Annan asked suspiciously.
Olmedo pointed to an old book with a bookmark on the desk. "I've been reading lately. It's given me a lot to think about. Would you—"
"I'll go tell Femi right now! In person!"
Without