LOGINShare
An Unexpected Reunion
Last Updated:
2022-01-18 20:26:39"The biggest issue is we have no idea where the Empress went once she escaped," Devrim said. The group knelt around their plans that were written in the dirt.
"I could send a message ball to the fairies for them to keep an eye out for her." Brinn offered.
"Great idea!" Devrim forgot she could do such a thing. More eyes would be very helpful.
"The ball can only go to a designated location that I tell it, so we will not be able to hear back from them." Brinn warned them of the balls limitations.
"That is less desirable, but I still think we should ask for their help." Devrim nodded thoughtfully.
"I know about the boy, but have either of you fought gnomes before?" the elf asked the soldiers.
"Cannot say that I have, ma'am," Nurlan shook his head. Junayd made a negative gesture also.
"Well when fighting a gnome, you need to know a few things…" Brinn began.
"Could I please have a drink of water?"
Devrim passed a water-
Related chapters
Empress of the World Danger
After a short night's sleep for everyone except Junayd, who unfortunately for the others had the final watch, they set off hoping to reach their destination that day. "I slept better than I thought I would up in those branches." The young soldier said as he stretched his arms to relieve the tension in his muscles."That makes one of us. Your fear of heights translated into the loudest snoring I have ever heard," Nurlan spat bitterly. He was particularly cranky."Really?" Junayd was surprised. "I did not hear it."The others rolled their eyes upward. "We seem to be making good time," Devrim changed the subject. "We did not even need your wind magic to speed us along.""It is just as well, using magic is exhausting." Brinn told him. She strode along effortlessly such that Devrim wondered if she were not using just a little magic for herself.The grey-eyed man kicked at the ground. "Still, I liked the feeling of flying—" Just like that, Devrim l
Last Updated : 2022-01-19Empress of the World Dew Mountain
The Mystic Spires looked like distant pillars from the base of Dew Mountain. The white mountain appeared completely clothed in fog and looked like a swirling cloud. As they approached, doubt crept into Aurora's mind. The Fate's fortress was so high above their heads. It seemed impossible to reach. But she could not give up now."I suppose we should enter the fog so that we can find the actual mountain," the Empress said."I will go in first. Junayd you be sweeper," Nurlan ordered. "That is, if it pleases Your Majesty," he added, slightly embarrassed."I always appreciate your expertise," Aurora nodded approvingly.Brinn and Devrim looked at each other in wordless understanding. They would watch the Empress. None of them had come this far to lose her now. Nurlan stepped forward bravely and shoved his arm into the fog. It was thick like a wall, and his hand vanished from view. Nurlan grunted in surprise, but when nothing happened, he walked into the white b
Last Updated : 2022-01-20Empress of the World The Mystic Spires
The entire platform lurched as the castle-shaped portion of the dais pulled free from its perch and rose quickly in the air. No one had been prepared for what would happen, and they all dropped to the deck to avoid falling off. As they became accustomed to the motion, they slowly stood. Even though they were moving quickly, the ride took several minutes."What if the Fates are not friendly?" Junayd asked refusing to look down. Devrim had been thinking the same since his experience with the griffin. What if the Fates only allowed them to stay near the base of Dew Mountain because visitors were not welcome?"Hands at the ready," the grey-eyed man responded as he held the pommel of his sword. The others followed suit, and even Aurora reached in her cloak for her bow. Above them a hole opened to admit them into a base of one of the spires. As they passed through a stray section of the cold mist to enter the portal, their vision was momentarily absent.Their muscles
Last Updated : 2022-01-21Empress of the World The Gnome and the Guardian
After acquiring horses in Valiant, Zan and Gandr rode at a breakneck speed across the countryside. Zan had not ridden on a horse for many years, and the constant rise and fall beneath him chaffed his legs and fatigued his muscles. But he was not going to give up. Gandr for his part made no complaint, and the large gelding he rode powered onward.Unlike the Empress's party, Gandr knew exactly where to go. They made good time and avoided the traps and delays that the Empress's party encountered. They cut their journey by more than half and found themselves quickly nearing the ice barrier. Gandr, having inherited the gnome's aversion to water, opted for them to ride around the lake.The gnome found it interesting that nothing seemed to surprise Zan. The strange sights, animals and even the ice barrier gave the Guardian no pause. He eyed the entire situation with equanimity. The only thing that made Zan anxious was when they talked of the Empress's safety. When they had st
Last Updated : 2022-01-22Empress of the World Onward
"Are you ok?" Zan allowed his hands to be put behind his back once more as Gandr donned the angry gnome's, Grisley's, appearance. "I am fine. I just need some answers. The gnomes lied to me. I want the truth." After another long walk, Gandr placed two more stones on the walls of a passageway heading back toward the main catacombs and the throne room. They also glowed green before melting into the walls. "I wish you would tell me what those are for," Zan said as he watched. "We are almost out. Hurry!" Their pace, which was already strenuous, became almost a run. The strange light of the tunnels was slowly being replaced with daylight from an outside opening. Just about the time Zan thought they were in the clear, a gnome came out of nowhere and ran straight into the Guardian. The heavy gnome knocked Zan to the ground. "Watch where you are going!" The gnome yelled as he looked down. "Hey, wait…You're a human!" He looked up at Gandr, "and you have my fac
Last Updated : 2022-01-23Empress of the World An Unlikely Trio
The nymph, man and halfling went barreling down the stream. Even as Zan fought the urge to vomit, he could see that they were covering a great distance. Gandr had his eyes closed, caring not one bit where they were. He either trusted the nymph or was fighting his own terror of water. The net result was the same: they were at the nymph's mercy.Finally they came to a stop and the nymph splashed them onto the shore. Waving, she disappeared back into the water without a trace. Zan sat up and tried to steady himself as the world still felt wobbly after their ride. "Where are we?" the Guardian asked as he tried, and failed, to stand.Gandr, who had just finished emptying his stomach onto the grass, wiped his mouth on his sleeve. "How should I know?"Zan paused from drying off his clothes. "The nymph did not give you any instructions?"Gandr shook his head only to realize doing so was a mistake. He pinched the bridge of his nose to clear his mind. "If she did,
Last Updated : 2022-01-24Empress of the World Meeting the Fates
"It has been three days. Why are the Fates stalling?" Brinn said as she pushed breakfast around her plate. The food was delicious, but she had no appetite. "We should do something!"Their stay at the Mystic Spires had been interesting at first. They explored and saw what only few could even imagine. The Fates had mostly kept themselves hidden with the exception of Hanna, who appeared without warning and left just as abruptly. Occasionally a soft breeze would touch Aurora in the hallway or brush her on the stairs, and the Empress knew that a Fate had clandestinely passed.The most notable feature of the Fates' dwelling was the waterfall which flowed from the most central spire. It tumbled fiercely and from it the mist of Dew Mountain was formed. The water eventually hit the ground below and split into the rivers of the land of magic. This was why the land was so lush, but it never seemed to rain. The source of the rivers was magical."I do not know what else we c
Last Updated : 2022-01-26Empress of the World Ascending the Stair
Not help? Aurora stood in shock as there was a general murmur about the room. Some of the Fates seemed to agree while others were confused. There was an angry outcry from the door as Hanna marched forward. "How can you not help when it is your job?! A job you have been derelict in for far too long." Hanna's words spewed from her mouth. Her happy countenance had vanished. "Remember where you are," Ime reprimanded her. Hanna waved her off. "You sit on that platform because we allow you to, but we are all equals here." "Let her speak," Mercilla called from her stone seat. Others echoed her sentiment. "Our mission from the Maker is to take care of his favorite creation: humans. We should do as he bids us!" Hanna's voice reverberated, bouncing wildly and making the humans need to cover their ears. "The Maker has given us no specific instructions on this matter, so we have not broken his trust," Eunomia countered. "You follow the let
Last Updated : 2022-01-27
Latest chapter
Empress of the World Be Better
Alaron told the Empress his story. She was amazed by his words. However, it made his altered appearance make sense. His white hair had been gained by meeting the Maker while visiting the Mystic Spires, and his now silver eyes were earned in answer to his call."A Guardian," the Empress mused. "It is a high honor."The young man lowered his head humbly. "Not an honor I deserve, but one I will try to be worthy of.""But…it has been a year since all this happened." Aurora looked at him with a thousand questions in her eyes.Alaron nodded. "The Fates thought it best if I remained gone for a time. Let the world begin to heal. I spent the last year among the Fates in the Mystic Spires and got to know some of them quite well. But I knew that my time there had come to an end, and before I could return to take my place as a Guardian to help mend the world, I needed to mend our family first. That is, if you will forgive me." He bowed low again. "Will you?"There was a king painful silence. So l
Empress of the World What Happened?
The voice of the figure was one etched deep in Aurora's memory. It was almost as familiar to her as her own. It was the voice of a ghost now, yet the figure before her she was sure was flesh and bone."Clear the throne room," the Empress ordered.Nurlan stood behind her close to the throne with his hand resting lightly on his sword. "Your Majesty?" he asked, uncomprehending."Everyone out except him," she motioned to the cloaked man. "You may stay, Nurlan, if it eases your mind. And see if someone can find Hanna."The general quickly went to work. With the help of the other attending soldiers, every soul was removed from the room except the Empress, Nurlan and the mysterious figure. The man waited patiently, seemingly unconcerned with the flurry of activity his few words had caused.Aurora took a deep breath. While the figure had allowed them to be alone, she was still slightly scared that he might disappear at any time. "What forgiveness do you seek?""I seek the forgiveness of the
Empress of the World That Voice
"Wake up! Rise and shine, Your Majesty!" Hanna said cheerily as she threw back the thick curtain that blocked the balcony. Light streamed into Aurora's bedchamber, but the woman pulled the covers over her head like a child. "You're back," the Empress groaned in a muffled voice. "I think it is sweet that you think I actually ever leave these days. Now get up!" Hanna yanked the covers back, but Aurora held on tightly. "Go away!" The stubborn woman wouldn't even open her eyes. She would not let the Fate win. "Where are my ladies-in-waiting?" "Anna, Bella and Candela are busy." Hanna answered unapologetically. "And my husband?" "He took over your very important duties and told everyone to let you sleep. It is a good thing I do not answer to him." Hanna fluttered her eyelashes innocently, but of course, Aurora did not see. Sensing the Fate would not give up her chipper attitude, Aurora pulled the only card she had left. It was, in the end, what made her unwilling to get out of bed "
Empress of the World One Final Song
With slow progress, the prisoners and the victorious army headed for Valiant. Since the city was still empty of human citizens, there was no fanfare or grand welcome for them. That was fine; they were all just happy to be one step closer to being home.Only a small skirmish awaited the Imperial Army from those left behind. The palace was easily reclaimed without the catastrophic results of the last battle fought there. The sight of the large human force in the wrong shade of blue made the gnomes flee immediately, and those left of the ill-named New Emperor's Army only put up minimal resistance.The servants on the inside of the palace, seeing their rescuers in sight, freed those in the dungeon and set off a myriad of traps and clever devices that had been left behind by the scientist but never deployed.One such device covered the unlucky recipient in a slimy goo that made them slip and slide, never able to stand in that area again. Renat was thoroughly chastened for it later and force
Empress of the World Together
Brinn hurried to Ithel and her father in the corner of the tent. Out of respect for the king, Zoltan had a curtain hung around him, so it was only natural that Aurora had not spotted him and Ithel earlier."Father, I thought you were dead!" Brinn said a she rounded the partition. Her face went from hopeful to grim."I may yet be," Zoltan answered with a gentle smile. "However, the unicorns think I shall live, even if I am not exactly whole."Zoltan's body from the waist up seemed normal enough, but his lower half and legs looked horribly wrong. His legs and feet twisted awkwardly, and his pelvis was much flatter than it should be. The boulder from the giant had done irreparable damage."Oh Father!" Brinn eyes were wide with fear."It is not as bad as it looks. Well, maybe it is, but I do not feel any pain." The king received a cup of water from a servant. With Ithel's help, he sat up slightly to drink. The elven princess just stared, not knowing what to say or how to comfort her fathe
Empress of the World Alive!
Brinn used her keen hearing to listen for her husband as she scanned the carnage of the battlefield. Alvar was many things, but quiet was not one of them. She was sure that with enough patience, she would hear the elf she was searching for.Along the ground, some fairies were popping in and gathering up the wounded and taking them to the healers. Other fairies had the more difficult task of collecting the dead. Separately she passed by elves who were still gathering the gnomes in groups to hold them until the peace talks were complete.It was amazing how quickly things had been organized. Brinn realized that these plans must have been made before the battle began because neither the fairies nor elves seemed to need direction or supervision.Even more amazing was the new King of the Gnomes. The timid, mousey gnome that Brinn had witnessed at the palace when she was pretending to be Mairwen was gone. The difference was night and day.Lukoss was walking around and ordering his new subjec
Empress of the World More Time
Justum considered her words. "I cannot control how you feel," he answered at last. "But the victory is yours. It is over. We will leave you to your tasks."Aurora stared past him with empty eyes. He was right about one thing. It was over.Turning to his fellow Fate, Justum held out his hand. "Your mission is complete, I assume," he said with an arched brow. "Either way, your banishment is over. Will you be coming back with us?"Hanna smiled demurely, "As welcoming that invitation was…" Her face changed to be one of concern as she looked at Aurora. "Now that I am permitted to see the Empress, I shall stay a while to make sure things run smoothly."Expecting an argument, Aurora was surprised when Justum simply nodded. "I understand."He turned to the fiery-haired woman and bowed respectfully. "Farewell, Your Majesty. May the rest of your reign be a peaceful one.""Thank you," Aurora curtsied, her years of training taking over. She then moved forward toward the Fate holding her son.Just
Empress of the World The Seal is Broken
The entire company of the Fates exited through the celestial portal and filled the sky with their terrifying presence. Their light magic emanating from them was oppressive even to the other magical creatures.As soon as Hanna grabbed the Empress's arm, Aurora blinked and was instantly across the field beside the slowly waking Cafer. The Fate slapped the magic blocking cuffs on the gnome and stepped back as he came to his senses.Cafer grabbed his head, unsure of what had happened. The last thing he remembered was being blasted by a light before everything went dark.He had seen, but been unable to process, the source of the light on the other side of the battlefield. Whatever it was had power beyond anything he had ever seen.As he opened his eyes, he was greeted with a reproachful look from his least favorite Fate. He instinctively tried to use his earth magic to repel Hanna. That is when he noticed the cuffs on his wrists. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded as he stood to hi
Empress of the World Deliverance
Mairwen and Nurlan had finished dispensing with the leprechauns and were monitoring the capture of the dark blue troops. Minor skirmishes were going on here and there, but overall the New Emperor's army had surrendered."I want to know how Mother and Father are doing," the princess told the general. They both glanced behind them and toward the sea. They could see neither of the battles clearly. However, they could hear the sounds of war wafting over the Beachy plains and see that at least some of the ships were still floating in the sea. The Emperor and Empress still had work to do."A fairy will come and get you once it is safe," Nurlan assured her. "Until then, we will stay put."Mairwen sighed and bit the inside of her cheek. "The waiting is harder than the battling."Not wanting to contradict the princess, Nurlan shrugged. "The time certainly seems to go slower when nothing is happening," he mused.Listening quietly, Eira was glad for the moment of peace. There were far too few of
