“Everyone out,” ordered the Emperor as he waved Clarvoy towards him.

Xavo joined the others in the throne room as they headed out of the chamber. He halted near the doors when he heard the Emperor’s voice speak softly in his ear.

“Stay, Xavo,” the Emperor whispered through an air tunnel. “Clarvoy may need your healing.”

Xavo nodded subconsciously and turned around. He saw the Emperor drop the air tunnel as he approached the throne.

“What happened Clarvoy?” asked the Emperor as the doors at the far end of the throne room closed.

“I was attacked in Meliban,” answered the spymaster. “It is only a knife wound and not very serious, but I cannot focus on it myself. I need a healer to look at it.”

“See to his needs, Xavo,” instructed the Emperor. “Heal him well. Clarvoy is most vital to my plans.”

Xavo nodded and approached the spymaster. He cut away the fabric of Clarvoy’s tunic and examined the wound. It was a fairly deep cut, but Xavo had seen much worse. He probed the wound, causing Clarvoy’s arm to twitch.

“Sorry,” apologized Xavo.

“Just heal it,” frowned the spymaster. “It has become infected. I will not faint from your efforts.”

“It is unlike you to be noticed on the mainland,” frowned the Emperor, ignoring Xavo completely. “How did this happen?”

“Perhaps I grow careless,” Clarvoy shrugged, causing Xavo to halt his ministrations for a moment. “It is truly nothing serious. I pay no mind to it, and it should not trouble you. There is troublesome news, though.”

“Oh?” prompted the Emperor.

“The Jiadin are moving into the Astor’s fold,” reported the spymaster. “Wyant has agreed to release the Jiadin from the cities in return for their loyalty.”

“That will not last long,” laughed Vand. “Do not let it trouble you. The Jiadin are like children. Within days they will be seeking to raid Angragar once more. It is an alliance that cannot possibly hold together.”