A Blackbird In Silver (Book 1) by Freda Warrington

would be in Ashurek’s obviously capable hands and his insight, coupled with Meshurek’s knowledge, would make them an excellent team. The Empire would be safe for years to come; and that was Ordek XIV’s true purpose; to safeguard the future.
    At sixteen, Ashurek went away with the army for the first time, under the wing of an experienced, loyal General from Ordek’s personal guard. Army life was everything he had dreamed of; and most importantly, he discovered that the subjects of the Empire were far from meek or abject. There was still a challenge, and work for the army to do.
    Ordek and Melkish were delighted with the way he had taken to army life. He went on many forays and missions and was made an officer at the age of eighteen. Long tours of the Empire meant he did not see Meshurek or Orkesh for many months at a time, but they still heard of his exploits as the praises of the young, brilliant Prince Ashurek were sung in Shalekahh.
    Meshurek’s jealousy grew darker. Even when Ashurek was not there, Meshurek must suffer to hear how wonderful and how much better than him his brother was. Perceiving that he would spend a lifetime being eclipsed by Ashurek’s achievements, even when he became Emperor, he spent many weeks pondering upon the knowledge he had found, how to gain his weapon and how he would use it. At last he made his decision, and set to work.
    And from that moment, the Empire was doomed.
    Ashurek was only twenty-one when Ordek deemed him ready to be made High Commander. He was very young, true; but it was not unusual for an Emperor’s son to be given such a high position of responsibility so early. He was well prepared and more than able to do the job; and most important, he was very popular. The people and the army loved him. Even Ordek sometimes mused that Ashurek would have made an excellent Emperor.
    So Ashurek rode back into the shining, porcelain-delicate city of Shalekahh beside the retiring Commander, a white-haired man who had given many years of stolid service. They headed a column of cavalry mounted on the copper-and-fire horses he had so longed for as a child. Crowds lining the streets gave them such a rapturous welcome that, by the time Ashurek reached the white gates of the palace, he was moved to tears. Involuntarily, he thought of Meshurek and began to comprehend his jealousy. He never received more than a token cheer in public; and this adulation was good, worth having. Suddenly aggravated, almost embarrassed by the adoring shouts which he surely no more deserved than Meshurek did, Ashurek left his lathered horse with a groom and went brusquely into the palace alone.
    He was exhausted from the long ride. He knew his family was awaiting him in the throne room, but he could not face them yet. He sent a servant to apologise for him, and went alone to his room to strip off the dusty war-gear and bathe; and then he sought out his sister, Orkesh and took her out into the palace gardens. They walked in silence along the avenues between pale fountains and lush sanguine flowers for a long time.
    Eventually Orkesh said, ‘Aren’t you happy?’
    ‘Why do you ask?’
    ‘You’re quiet – depressed. Most unlike you – and why didn’t you want to see mother and father?’
    ‘I’m tired. There’s time enough for that later. I need to be on my own for a while.’
    ‘I’m with you!’ said Orkesh with mock indignation.
    ‘You’re different. You soothe me.’ She shone a white smile at him and he grinned back, grateful for her gentle presence, her slim, dark, graceful form and the shared secrets in her brilliant green eyes.
    ‘So – how have things been while I was away?’ Ashurek asked.
    He noticed a brief hesitation before she replied light-heartedly, ‘Oh, as always. They are building a new castle on the coast of Terthria – mother has been supervising that. I’ve been sent to preside at several dreary banquets for visiting nobles. I think they’re trying to marry me off, but I’m