The King's Edge

sidering the amount of oppressive rulers who had come before him, Hollowcrest recalled. "X

's head, but the more troops we send after h

d, unsure of where this

lowcrest said. All you need to do is find Sicarius, entice him, and take him into a dimly lit room. When you get there, a womanly

hard my whole adult life to seem as fierce, powerful, and confident as my male peers. What am I aware of murder and seduction? I apprehend offenders and

ment would gain you great recognition...a pr

d, "someone who could manage Sicarius

what cost? She was aware that he was tricking her into doing something she d

sal before she realized it. She answer

ut she could see a predatory fla

out of it. A drawing of Sicarius. He handed it to her and rema

ked it over. She was shocked

Looking at the illust

to say, Hollowc

l in the empire. Due to centuries of conquest and growth, the majo

t Sicarius may be to blame for the recent arson at the pottery

disguise and goes where he pleases. He does seem to be able to sense when our enforcers or troops are attempting to catch him, howe

and. What time

essential that the offender doesn't discover that we are aw

ibilities, sir? I must pres

it for you with cash. If you choose to purchase new clothing—" She was wearing a uniform that was covered i

quented were focused on uniforms and practical apparel rather than

r spots unless your duty is over, and don't g

er to be away from everyone she knew. If she talked to Corporal

to inquire,

perwork on his desk, saying, "You may go at this time.

ced at Hollowcrest for a split second before turning on her heel and leavin

lope containing cash when she arrived. He was followed by Xena a

go up the stairway, a voi

the corridor in his socks, the little emperor emerged. H

. Why are you in this place? Are you working?

Sire, I just

arked, his eyes gleaming with ea

the emperor could put her safety above the chance of completing the task. It would be he who could challenge Ho

moment ago, so why are you still willing to accept this a

tossing her something from h

elaborate and expensive than any she had previously seen, she accepted the object with cu

" as she continued to study it. He moved his writing pad in h

hasn't been a location for students to come together and learn writing, painting, and sculpting up until now

ool fountain. Shaking his head, the emperor said, "I'm sorry, I'm rambling. What kind of a task are you undertaking? Who gave it to yo

tment with..." but the arrival of Commander of the Armies Hollowcrest, who h

mind spending a few minutes in my office?

a direct look as he tucked his pad under his arm. "Documents for this lat

conversation with Xena was probably more due to the fact that she i

did not extend to his eyes, "It's vit

emperor walked away and down the corridor the other way. She saw

" said Ho

moved up front and positioned h

eror's tea. Tonight, h

rd followed the other

Xena scow

ere, he motioned for her to go to the door

ir," Xe

t encounter, albeit it hadn't surprised her. She had no reason to think that the Commander of the Armies would provide all information to an ordinary enforcer. However, if he was hiding informat

ad the power to ruin her career if she c

. She could look into her worries later, when Hollowcrest wasn't watching

rried with the man's icy countenance, and the notion of seduction sounded absurd—possibly even suic