Bayushi Paneki stood in his chambers, looking over some papers on a side table. He heard the squeak of a floorboard, the telltale sound indicating someone outside the entrance to his room.

“Enter.”

He turned as the screen opened soundlessly and Shosuro Madoka slipped into the room. Paneki was aware that Madoka knew of the squeak in the floor and did not need to break her silence. She did so to allow Paneki the luxury of not seeming surprised when she arrived. He appreciated the gesture, though he had known of her approach minutes earlier. Madoka also knew that this would be the case, but made the gesture anyway.

The life of a Scorpion was a complex one.

Madoka bowed deeply, without saying a word. Paneki nodded. “Report.”

“I have word from the court at Kyuden Otomo, Paneki-sama, as well as other information from our sources.”

“Begin with the court.”

“Norachai was named Protector of the Imperial City, as expected, and immediately asked for two thousand troops from each clan to help defend it. It is uncertain at this time which clans will agree to his request. Apparently the Unicorn have agreed to take on the cost of housing these troops. It seems unlikely the Crab will comply, despite the wishes of their court representatives.”

Paneki smiled slightly at that. “What other news is of immediate concern?”

Madoka frowned. “There was a... misunderstanding between Higatsuku and Yasuki Miliko, which led to our man being banished from court. The issue of the Crab attacks on our villages has been breached, but of course no actual accusations have been made.”

“What of their actions outside of court?”

“As I mentioned, our agents report that Kuon is unlikely to submit any troops to Norachai’s command. Also, it seems that Kisada is working with the Damned now.”

“I see,” Paneki said with a nod. “That suits him. What else?”

“The war between the Dragon and the Crane continues, though it seems that very few people know why they are fighting. I was unable to ascertain...”

Paneki waved her off. “We know. Continue.”

“The most interesting news is about the Unicorn. We know they have been fighting on two fronts, against the Lion and the Nezumi. We do not know what set the Nezumi upon them, but we have confirmation that they are moving through Lion lands. The are marching toward Toshi Ranbo.”

Paneki pursed his lips. “We guessed as much. Aside from the obvious, what other reasons do we have to believe the Khan is marching on the throne?”

Madoka shook her head. “We know that he does not believe that the Empress can hold power, but it is not clear if he wants to hold it for himself or...”

Paneki silenced her with a gesture. “He is not fighting the Lion in order to help the Empress. He seeks to put someone upon the Throne. Which of the Clans support him in this?”

“The Lion oppose him, obviously, as do the Crane. We know that the Mantis have been covertly providing the Unicorn surplus food supplies. What the Khan does need has been sent to the Dragon.”

“Interesting.”

“We surmise from this that the Mantis support the Khan and that the Unicorn are supporting the Dragon’s war with the Crane.”

Paneki nodded. “If nothing else, doing so will keep the Crane occupied. A sound strategy. Chagatai must have been planning this for quite some time. Perhaps there is more depth to him than we believed.”

“We are unsure about the Phoenix, as we have not determined whether the Khan wishes to place himself or the Shogun upon the Throne. The Mantis are more likely to support the Shogun than the Khan, but seem favorably disposed towards both.”

“And the Crab will support the winner.”

Madoka shrugged. “We haven’t confirmed but that is their normal pattern.”

“The Crab have never been inclined to carefully reflect upon matters prior to a course of action.”

Madoka waited for a moment and then asked, “Do you have further instructions, Paneki-sama?”

Paneki turned briefly to the papers on the side table, read something and then turned back to Madoka. “We need to know Chagatai’s ultimate intentions. Also find out why the Mantis are supporting him. Find out what Mirabu and the Elemental Masters are planning. Confirm whether the Dragon and the Crane are going to remain occupied. Try to see what set the Nezumi on the Unicorn and see if they will divert their attentions at all. And find out what Sezaru’s position is on this and what he is likely to do. The Empire seems to have forgotten that Kaneka was not the Emperor’s only brother.”

Madoka’s expression was grim. “Perhaps they do not wish to dwell upon the notion of Sezaru seeking the throne.”

Paneki nodded. “There is little good that could come of such a thing.”