***
"You heard, Master?" Tranthra' Joh lifted his eyes from where he'd bowed his head to the floor. The man seated on the ornate raised chair nodded. The odd black opaqueness that seemed to swirl within his breast moved faster. He wore a black silk open breasted tunic with the sign of the Sun made of precious jewels on his right breast. Tranthra' Joh was still puzzled over what it meant. It was the same sign as on his breast, and on the uniforms of his hand-picked men.
"I heard." The voice was low, sullen. "He has come after me. I thought I was done with him. Somehow his Guardians saved him. I'd thought the prophet was confusing his actual presence with his dreams when I saw the images. I guess not. He’s here."
At the word, 'Guardian' Tranthra' Joh, blanched. He knew the legends. And this man, the man who'd promised him kingdoms and power, acted as if he had intimate knowledge of the Guardians. Were they real, then?
"What of your meeting with the princess?"
Tranthra' Joh was startled. If he'd heard the other, then hadn't he heard his conversation with the princess? He'd been amazed by Nemesis’ uncanny abilities, though they were different than what he supposed they should be. They were sporadic. He didn’t know what to make of it.
Mentally shaking himself, for it didn't do to keep Nemesis waiting, he quickly explained that the princess was proving stubborn. "She's now in the tower. The other I've had taken to the dungeons. What should we do with him?”
“This time I’ll not fail.” Nemesis said to himself. “We’ll use him to help persuade the princess. If Javin was captured with her, then he’ll serve as leverage. When you bring out the prince, bring Javin out also. Start by putting Javin to death in front of her, then she'll be more certain we mean what we say when we threaten her betrothed.” Nemesis hesitated, leaning forward in his chair. “You will make sure he dies.”
Tranthra’ Joh bowed his head again to the floor. “Yes, Master.” There was no doubt he referred to the other like him. How did he know the stranger’s name? It was never spoken in the chamber. And why do they look so much alike? Are they brothers? Tranthra’ Joh didn’t dare ask.
He stood, waiting to be dismissed. Nemesis looked preoccupied, his eyes staring down at his feet, chin resting on his curled fist. The blackness continued to swirl at his breast with brief flashes of red and orange.
"The rest of the Pontu’ Gi should be in place now," Nemesis said. "Your man, he's to be trusted?"
Tranthra' Joh nodded. "Yes, Master. My most trusted, next to Saballa."
Nemesis nodded. "As soon as everything is in readiness, we'll have this planet under our rule."
Tranthra' Joh listened carefully. It seemed Nemesis was talking about someone other than him. But he had been promised the rule. Did Nemesis mean him? He must. Still, part of him didn't think so. He’d also used that word again: Planet. It must mean the country; the whole of the country including all the people.
"Wait a few days. Let her stew then bring the princess down for the next conversation. The sooner we dispose of Javin, the better. I just wish . . ." Nemesis hesitated, glancing at Tranthra' Joh. "Follow my instructions. All will work out as planned. You will have your reward."
Tranthra' Joh bowed low, then turned heel and left. I must watch closely. Nemesis is powerful. So far he's proven all his words and kept his promises, but I must watch.