The Sunspire I got a heart like a truck

germanicus listened.

he heard fennec's pride. he saw the demonstrable ability of her skill. she spoke so matter-of-factly, but the truth was that the imperator had known no poisoners. he knew only those who used the greenery to heal.

he was silent and then his expression rested upon her face once more. "i am impressed." it was genuine in his tone and he smiled toward her alabstrine eyes before falling into a brief contemplative silence.

"keep the plants close at hand," germanicus urged. "if you understand which leaves stop the heart of a large animal, it is an invaluable skill that will prove useful."

he thought of satsu.

"the former queen of akashingo was poisoned. foam upon her mouth. meat laced with it." his voice was careful. "they still do not know who has done it. i interviewed many there and found only two suspects. but without proof to link them, pharaoh did not listen."

another, darker thought: bringing makono's rule about early.