Mother

[Corwin]

"We're all ears."

[Anastasia]

"The great, grand peace we forged," Akil bin Faheem declares with a gesture of his hand, "Is on the verge of being destroyed. Ruined, cast down and the days you fought to banish will return."

[Corwin]

"That would be unfortunate for my enemies," Seira agrees. "Who plots against this peace accord?"

[Anastasia]

"The very same who plot against my rule," The Grand Sultan declares, "Fools cannot understand what is happening in Fire."

Zaaman Rul stares Akil down at that, before, "You want us to do your dirty work, efreet?"

[Corwin]

"Now, now, there is no need for such a confrontantional tone," Seira says with a smile. Especially when it's more fun to strike at your enemies from behind a pleasant smile. "I thought these were mere challenges that would resolve themselves in the fullness of time?"

[Anastasia]

With a hand on Razalim's hilt, "Of course, sometimes time needs a certain amount of encouragement."

[Corwin]

"And who in particular needs this encouragement?"

[Anastasia]

"All manner of foolish malcontents," Akil explains, "But mostly those who cling to what they shouldn't. Things you disapprove of."

[Corwin]

"That was always going to happen," Seira agrees. "What surprises me is that you would allow them to threaten your authority."

[Anastasia]

With a slight smile, "It turns out they are remarkably tenacious."

"Remarkably," Amaryl says, "You would think your friends would help." An open look at the devil besides him.

[Corwin]

"Ah, but darling, don't you know that they're helping everyone? That way, when one side eventually prevails they can claim it was their long-term plan all along."

[Anastasia]

Akil doesn't flinch, but instead says, "Politics are a vulgar thing at times," he agrees. "But vulgar or not, the facts remain."

[Corwin]

"And what are the facts?" Seira seizes upon that lead. "Do you actually know exactly who and how many diehard slavers plot against you?"

[Anastasia]

"I do not, but I find more every day," Akil bin Faheem goes on, hand tight on the hilt of Razalim. "They spring up and fester. Take the head of one and nine more emerge."

"Someone dislikes you? What an interesting idea." Zaaman Rul states, arms crossed as he stands behind you.

[Corwin]

"So you're interested in a favor," Seira muses. "Specifically, to help you with the investigation. Is that accurate?"