The Goblin Emperor

Maia awakens in his chambers in the Alcethmeret. Beshelar introduces the Second Nohecharei, Telimezh and Dazhis Athmaza, his second shift of guards, while his edocharei assist him with his clothes. Maia refuses to wear any jewelry until after his coronation. Csevet arrives with correspondence and discusses commissioning a new imperial signet, with which Maia will seal his official correspondence.

Maia receives another formal letter from the Empress Dowager, Csoru Drazharan. Csevet warns Maia that Csoru is power-hungry and that the late emperor Varenechibel held Maia’s Barizheise (goblin) heritage in contempt. They also review a letter from the Barizheise ambassador, Vorzhis Gormened, that formally releases Ethuveraz from a burdensome trade agreement. The letter also adopts a somewhat friendly, familiar tone, introducing the ambassador as the cousin of Maia’s mother, Chenelo. The letter is tied with a cord and a carved toggle that Csevet identifies as a nesecho. They summon a goblin gardener to understand its significance, and he explains that the carving is of a suncat, a friendly, curious animal of the Barizheise empire, that is seen as good luck. Maia is heartened by this apparent show of friendliness and solidarity, and he is pleased by Gormened’s connection to his mother.