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There are things that you would not believe.”
    Then suddenly he seemed to shake himself free of whatever extraordinary vision possessed him. Lezaroth found it hard to read his expression in the darkness, but felt certain of a strange, burning urgency in his eyes. This man is driven by what happens there . I had assumed that these meetings with the powers were incidental to his life, but they are central.
    â€œThese are extraordinary times, Margrave. We are on the verge of great changes. I cannot explain now about the true uniting of the realms that we seek, but it is coming. Very soon. And I am glad that you are willing to serve me.”
    The lord-emperor walked to the lander hatchway and stood by as Lezaroth opened it. “Tell them at the Ravager that I have detained the admiral on business.”
    Lezaroth climbed on board. “Yes, my lord.”
    â€œA question. Did you enjoy pushing the admiral to his doom?”
    â€œYou ordered it, my lord.”
    â€œAh, Margrave, I need more.” A glove was raised in reprimand. “I don’t like my men to be too cool. I like hatred. Indeed I expect it. The admiral was my enemy: to destroy such people should give you pleasure.” The voice was sterner now. “As you face the Assembly, you must learn to hate them. Do not go coolly to attack them. You must enjoy their defeat; you must delight in their fear and pain. Hate energizes!”
    â€œMy lord, I appreciate your candor. I will follow your advice.”
    â€œOh, Margrave. Seven days from today is the Feast of Zahlman-Hoth, the god of all who fight. It would be appropriate for you to join me here again to invoke the great Zahlman’s blessing on your venture. Of course, he needs an offering. So, I am having the admiral’s wife and children brought to Khetelak. I would like you to meet them at the port and escort them here. It will be good practice.”
    â€œWhatever you will, my lord. It is my life’s purpose to serve you.”
    â€œThank you.” Nezhuala paused. “Smile, my margrave. It’s an order: smile.”
    The door closed and Lezaroth sat back in his seat. Suddenly, he broke out in uncontrollable shivering. What have I done? What have I become?
    Then Lezaroth caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror and gasped in horror.
    He was smiling.

2

    A t almost the same time but over seven hundred light-years away, Doctor Ethan Malunal, Chairman of the Council of High Stewards, leaned on the balcony rail of the wooden guesthouse, gazing at the endless dark green-blue lines of the ancient cedar forest of Lebanon toward the Mediterranean Sea.
    It was late in May. Although there were still thick patches of snow under the shade of the trees, spring was fast turning to summer. He breathed in deeply, enjoying the sharp tang of the great trees, feeling the early afternoon sun on his face and hearing the chorus of birdsong. Here, I could almost persuade myself that all is well with me and the worlds. But it’s not.
    He sighed. It is the burden of history . Tomorrow I will lead the emergency meeting of the full Congregation of Stewards as we make the most serious decision the Assembly has had to make for twelve thousand years. In all those years we have debated little more grave than the speed at which we colonize the stars. Now we are face-to-face with an appalling crisis that has come from nowhere, and we who are charged with making decisions for the Assembly must act decisively. From tomorrow, all that we have ever been will change. We who have known only peace for innumerable generations, will be effectively at war.
    His eyes tracked an eagle as it cruised over the forest.
    And if I must start the matter, I want no part of it beyond that.
    Ethan looked at his pale, veined, and wrinkled hands. I feel my age—all my seventy-five years. Would my attitude be different if Anna were still alive?
    His troubled thoughts were interrupted by the gentle hum of a