“Indeed, Lord Emperor.” Guarding Bear's face was white with rage.
Flying Arrow had seen enough. Stepping toward the river, he gestured the General to follow. “There.” He pointed.
A servant spread a large tarpaulin over the snow and placed several cushions upon it.
The Emperor lowered himself to a cushion and pulled the Imperial Sword into his lap.
At ten paces, the General, Matriarch and boy bowed to him. The youth then gently but firmly put the infant girl's head to the tarpaulin, explaining in a muted voice that obeisance was obligatory.
“Infinite be with you, Lord and Lady. If our proximity to this madness doesn't disturb you over much, we can have the audience here. A shield!” he ordered.
A servant produced one, adjusted the settings, turned it on. The unit on the tarpaulin betwe
