8: The End of a Nation

I was brought to a room in which tea was already being prepared by a young man with tanned skin, while a girl kept watch over the door. Nika arrived soon afterward. She looked flustered and apologized before putting her sword down.

“I’m so sorry,” she said. “I invited you to tea only to arrive late myself.”

“I only just got here,” I replied. “But I’m sure you must be rushed off your feet. Are you quite sure it’s okay to make time for me like this?”

“With Moritz overseeing proceedings, I doubt I’ll be needed for anything pressing. More importantly, the place you call home is now practically overflowing with our people. Haring hasn’t been particularly attentive, has he? I was worried that perhaps you all found yourselves under pressure.”

“Oh, well... I mean, everybody was just doing their jobs...”

“I knew it. I apologize. It was completely out of my hands...”

“It’s nothing for you to be apologizing about.”

Nika, too, was under pressure, I could tell just by looking at her. Her shoulders seemed to shrink with her apology, and it made me feel awful.

“I’m sure it’s all been quite hard on you,” Nika said, “and while I’m aware it will take some time for you totruly be at ease, I hope you’ll accept some of the food and drink we’ve prepared.”

In the middle of the rounded table were plates of cheese and bread perfect for a light meal. Nika took a seat while tea and cutlery were pla