Page 53 of Sokâr

“We need authorization to triple guards in Han. Reinforce transport runes. Increase curfews.”

Councilor Mirava:

“And risk sparking riots in already-brittle districts? No. Keep things subtle. Presence, not pressure.”

—Auryn’s note: I tire of hearing this man. How did he climb the ladder without a title?

Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax:

“Control does not require volume. It requires precision. Give the people music. A parade. Something to watch while we hunt in silence.”

—Auryn’s note: A parade. How like him to suggest a stage before a strike. He’s always known that the knife lands softer after applause. If there is a parade, perhaps the Sokâr and the Resh’Agar can both put on an act. That is the usual game. Not that I mind. I want to fight, and for now this may be the only way I can.

Councilor Torven Rax (Commander of Civil Defense):

“We’ll need to draw from next month’s reserves if you want that many stationed watchers. We can’t do both containment and distraction.”

Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax

“Then make a choice.”

—Auryn’s note: There it is again. That weight. That voice. It always sounds like judgment softened by regret. That is why it hurts so much when he softens it with me.

Result: The Resh’Agar’s Directive Voted Forward

New Topic Proposed: Lifegiver Selection and the Fertility Harvest

Councilor Vyrellis (Lineage and Breeding Oversight):

“The latest Fertility Census yielded disappointing figures. Only thirty-one girls passed threshold purity for integration into the Lifegiver program. That’s below the threshold for sustainable yield.”

—Auryn’s note: ‘Yield.’ Like girls are grain. Or cattle. Or glass waiting to be blown into a mold they didn’t choose. I’ve heard the People say they are happy to have Roles. But how can one know happiness when one’s soul is tethered to the will of something like the Flaeme?

Councilor Mirava (Infrastructure):

“Is the failure biological or environmental?”

Councilor Vyrellis (Lineage and Breeding Oversight):

“Mixed. Some lack the correct frequency resonance for mana transfer. Others carry unsanctioned strain traits. Iliri’s soil quality may be degrading.”

—Auryn’s note: Perhaps the soil is tired of being walked on. I understand that sentiment completely.

Councilor Lamari (Civic Regulation):

“We could expand the search bracket. Begin assessments at an earlier age. Ten, maybe even nine.”

Councilor Ervanya (Sanctum Liaison):

“That may be difficult to justify within Doctrine. The public grows skittish if we draft too young.”

—Auryn’s note: But not skittish enough to stop them. They whisper, they wince, and then they watch. The Flaeme won’t let them do otherwise. Worse yet, the girls think it’s an honor. If I could have a voice, I would end this in a heartbeat. I will end it!

Councilor Vyrellis (Lineage and Breeding Oversight):

“Then veil the selection deeper. Introduce them through temple wards as Attendant Novices. Sort them quietly.”

Resh’Agar Iridias Savarax: