“You aided the traitor?” scowled Vand. “You will never aid him again. Is that understood?”

“I understand,” Lady Mystic responded, her brow creasing heavily, “but my aid enabled us to discover his secret. Besides, I will never see him again once I move back into the temple. Surely you would not allow him entry.”

“Allow him entry?” balked Vand. “Never. I do not allow the enemy into my midst. Everybody out. This court session is over.”

The people started to leave. Lady Mystic turned to leave, and Vand stopped her.

“Not you, Daughter,” Vand said softly. “I am not through with you yet.”

Lady Mystic turned to her father and smiled. When all of the people had left, Clarvoy stepped forward and stood beside Lady Mystic.

“Lady Mystic has brought valuable information today,” the Emperor said to the head spy.

Lady Mystic beamed with pride as she listened.

“This information has altered my plans,” the Emperor continued. “Aakuta must be found and destroyed.”

“How can we destroy him?” asked Clarvoy. “He is protected from death.”

“Not any longer,” announced the Emperor. “By the time you exit the temple, his protection from death will be lifted.”

“It shall be as you wish,” nodded Clarvoy.

“You are also to go to Lady Mystic’s home,” instructed the Emperor. “Destroy her laboratory. I will not have traitors making potions to aid my enemy.”

“Destroy my laboratory?” Lady Mystic echoed with shock. “Is that really necessary? Couldn’t I just move it to my chambers here in the temple?”

“You have no chambers in this temple,” sneered the Emperor. “You never will again. I told you before that I do not tolerate traitors in my midst. You are alive only because you are my daughter, but life is all that our relationship buys you. Cross me again and even your life will be forfeit.”