Polypedes entered the throne room unannounced. 

Scaffolding was being erected everywhere, the angel statue was being destroyed, the stained glass windows were being changed, and the throne replaced. 

"What is happening?" 

"Menetuf ordered them to modify the whole throne room, according to him whoever planned this place had very bad taste." Answered Idris serenely.

"I need to talk to him. Where can I find him?" 

"Go up the spans and enter the left corridor, go straight ahead and take the last right, follow it, go up the small staircase and you will see a door. His office is in that door."  

"Thank you!" 

Polypedes followed her sister's instructions and found the king's office. She thought about knocking on the door, but before she could, she heard her brother discussing war tactics with someone. The sorceress didn't enter, nor did she knock. She leaned her right ear against the thick wooden door and listened to the conversation. 

"I think we should wait a while before we promote a new attack, Your Majesty." Polypedes didn't know who was speaking, he imagined it was the king's advisor. 

"No. We should act now. We will fill the coast of Antiphes with our ships and they will have no choice but to strike back, meanwhile we use the rest of the contingent to invade Systia, entering through Pontar." 

"I still don't think it's a viable idea, your imperial majesty. There will be too many losses." 

"Losses? Our army is one of the most powerful in this world, Flavos."

"Certainly, sovereign, but Antiphes has more weapons and better warfare techniques than ours." 

"All that will not be enough to defeat us, general. Even with good weapons and high tactics Edward doesn't have enough men to beat us, and even if you ask for help, the only ones who will be able to help you are the Cans, since Petra has walls on its borders, that's why I sent ambassadors to Cans. They will make sure that Arkell Qebaa will not give up help to Antipheus. Now go and enforce my orders, or else the gallows will be your fate. Understood, General? 

"Perfectly, your majesty." 

As Flavos left, he found Polypedes spying on the conversation. The sorceress nodded and smiled wryly at the general.

"Invade Antiphos and Systia at the same time? Now I understand why you want to conquer Aurora...it's much easier to get to the coast of Antiphes." Said the sorceress, entering the emperor's presence. 

Menetuf had his back to the entrance of the office. The imperial majesty was looking at a world map that was displayed on the wall behind his desk. 

"Listening through the doors, Polypedes?" He spoke slowly. 

"I heard something as I was coming in." Lied the sorceress. "Don't you think you'd better reconsider that strategy? You know that..." The sorceress interrupted. 

"I didn't hire you to give me advice, Polypedes. Just tell me what you want." 

"I need a ship and some men." 

"Have you found out anything?" The emperor turned to face the sorceress. 

"Yes, the explorer captain released what he knew in exchange for a few silver coins." 

"And what did he say?" He sighed. 

"The place is north of Truv'hel, in Thalia. We need to leave as soon as possible. As for you I really think you should reconsider your tactics." 

"Enough!" Shouted the Emperor. "Once and for all understand that I will stick to the plan. What happened to you? You were bold, fearless, always seeking power and knowledge, and now... now you sound like a boring old woman." 

"I really think it's a plan doomed to fail." 

"Why are you so afraid that I will attack Antiphes? Do you pity Edward, even after he has thrown you into prison unjustly? No...you're feeling sorry for the boy."

Polypedes reacted in a way that confirmed his brother's uncertainty. 

"Yes, it's for the boy. Don't worry, we know that the boy..." The emperor interrupted himself. 

Idris entered without warning, nor did he bow to his brother.

"Your boat is ready now."

"I thought you would be here longer." Polypedes said. 

"This place is not yet fit to receive me. Remember Idris, when I leave I want you to send me biweekly reports." 

"Perfectly." 

"As for you, Polipedes," Menetuf sat down in his chair, took a quill and parchment and wrote something, then closed it with his seal and handed it to the sorceress. "Take this and present it to the soldiers at the port, they will meet the demands set forth here."