23-May-YC123

The vermin is dealt with, at least for now.

I have no doubt that he will continue to be a plague.  He scuttled away as quickly as he could, but at least he knows now what he faces when he tries to bring his filth to my home, against my family.

It was a glorious sight.  The ships of PIE, Khimi Harar, and the Duchy of Fekhoya were such a marvellous sight.  Truly the Glory of God was present, and, of course, The Eternal Empress.  I commanded her namesake again, the greatest honour I could wish for.

The hunt will continue.  If we cannot catch the King Rat, we shall at least trap his minions.  We already have a few, and with enough persuasion, more shall follow.  A trial is set, which, I must admit, I am rather looking forward to.  I should be quite the entertainment, and justice will most certainly be seen to be done.

The more I think on it, the more I am touched by the presence of Lady Deritan - Ithi - coming to aid us.  She, I feel, is a positive omen for the future.  Not simply the fact that she is entrusting the future of her children to me, but she seems to see, so clearly, the importance of unity in our Empire, and the importance of purging the enemy within.  Yes, I rather think we shall build close ties, her House and mine.

Edward and his mercenaries appeared.  I should have expected it, though it was incredibly annoying.  Not because I am not grateful for their assistance - after all, any enemy of Nauplius is welcome-  but rather because his presence will merely add fuel to the rumours that abound regarding my inviting him in.  True enough, only an idiot can ignore the fact that Nadire are free to travel where they will, and they have as much reason to pursue the heretic as anyone.  Still, idiots have an irritating way of causing problems, and Yassavi is just such a one.  I shall have to watch her, but it may be worth my time working in the background for future eventualities. In the meantime, a small word with the editors of the Nakriskaya Gazeta should limit some of the potential damage.  The people of Nakri need only hear about the important protagonists involved in the action.

And let them have their celebrations, they surely deserve it.  They are a good people, my people. Strong and solid in their Faith, devoted and loyal to their allies.  For myself, however, it is almost immediately back to my duties now that the Prayers of Thanks are done.  So many things to do, so many things to prepare for.

I wonder what it will be like to have children in my life.  Twins! A boy and a girl!  Ithi has chosen the most beautiful name for the girl - Ziniah Tenin, Little Dragon.  A Khanid name, and much as adore it, I think it may have to be a name only spoken by the family.  Their surrogate mother may be Khanid, but if they are to be my children, then such a name shall make little sense to others.  I shall give this some thought.  I do not want them to grow up ignorant of their own heritage, but if people are to believe that which we wish them to believe.

But I should rest, and think on this tomorrow.  I must also remember to arrange Ishta's present.  She also has been through much and deserves some celebration.