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Empress of the World To Oblivion
To say the males were impressed by the water nymph's stamina would be an understatement. The nymph, who they discovered was named Wai, could continue to move without stopping for hours on end. She did not seem to need to sleep or eat, but did take short rests when the other creatures needed it. As a result, they headed southeast at a near impossible pace.As the days passed, Alaron viewed the situation with resignation. Even if he escaped now, he was smart enough to know that he had no way to survive the wilderness on his own. When he was not sulking, he was complaining. Every part of him hurt and they needed to know about it. Especially the cut on his arm."It hurts," he griped. "I think it is infected. Are you sure your blade was not poisoned?""For the hundredth time in the last two days, I did not poison my sword. I would never do such a thing. It is despicable." Devrim was growing tired of the boy's attitude."I would like to remind His Highness that he injured the Emperor, and o
Empress of the World Danger
"That should do it," the Emperor announced.Alaron stood with his hair tucked under a borrowed woolen cap, a cape too short for him, and mud caked on his face. The boy lifted his bound hands to his cheek. "I feel like a fool," the prince moaned."Then stop acting like one," Gandr retorted before realizing he had spoken aloud. "Sorry, Your Highness…even though it is true," he muttered his half-apology.The Emperor held a cloth in his hand. "Don't bite me." He narrowed his eyes at the prince."Can we talk about this? How about if I promise…" the rest of his words were muffled as he received the gag."Nothing you could promise would be helpful just now. People may want to free you or kill you based on who you are and I do not need that added worry." Devrim tied the cloth firmly behind Alaron's head. He turned to Fedelmid and Ashleigh. "Please lead the way.""I recommend you say as little as possible until we are inside Oblivion's walls," the duchess advised the group. "My guards will be
Empress of the World Hospitality
Eventually their hearing returned well enough for the group to talk again. After seeing yet another terrifying thing that Alaron could do, his hands were retied. His mouth, however, was no longer gagged. It was unnecessary since the soldiers now knew the prince's identity.As they came in view of Oblivion, Ashleigh sidled up beside Devrim. "So the rumors about His Highness are true?" she commented quietly so that the boy would not hear."Depending on the rumor, it may actually be worse than you heard," the Emperor responded with a shrug. "If you do not want us to enter the city, I will respect your wishes."Duchess Ashleigh thought for a moment. "No, he has shown us a way to deal with the Monster. We at least owe him room to sleep in and a meal in his belly for his help.""How long has that…thing been bothering you?" The Emperor wanted to know. He had seen no reports on the matter."Tales of it have been spreading for years. At first incidents only came from the far north, but recentl
Empress of the World A Journey Home
The room fell deadly quiet as the male servant backed away slowly, refusing to make eye contact. "Parvan, what is the meaning of this?" Fedelmid asked. He motioned for the guards along the wall to apprehend the shifty servant. The Duke had noticed the strange plate switch and was going to mention it when Devrim spoke first. The Duchess's face was a mix of concern and confusion."Why did the prince need that particular dish for his dinner?" The Emperor asked in a commanding voice.The servant stuttered, "I-I do not understand, Your M-Majesty." His knees were quaking."Do not lie to The Emperor, Parvan!" Ashleigh screeched. She knew her servants well enough to tell when they were hiding something, and the thought of them doing anything to the royal family made her blood boil.On the other hand, Devrim was completely calm. He even allowed himself a slight smile. "It is alright, Your Grace. There is an easy way to clear up this matter."Parvan relaxed slightly. Perhaps it has really been
Empress of the World A Message?
Renat sat on a bench watching the princess and Brinn spar on the training ground with some interest. Despite being ordered not to be a nursemaid, Mairwen repeatedly tried to take charge of the poor scientist's care.This was his first time out of bed since the incident, and the princess had arranged a great multitude of pillows to be arranged such that the boy could recline and watch her. At least, she claimed she wanted him to watch her practice. Really, Mairwen wanted to keep an eye on her foolish rescuer.Renat liked the attention, but thought the pillows were a little overboard. He adjusted himself for the hundredth time against their softness. His left shoulder and arm were in a sling, which made it harder to get comfortable. But the scientist put on a brave face. He smiled and nodded each time Mairwen looked his way."Stop looking at that idiot and focus, or I will send him away." Brinn hit the girl with the broad side of her practice sword. "These soldiers here may go easy on y
Empress of the World A Day in the Life
The morning at court dragged more slowly than any the Empress could remember. After a poor night of sleep trying to decipher her husband's message, Aurora was exhausted.Each supplicant brought their request or complaint. Some brought gifts. One gentleman actually sang a song that he wrote about the glories of the Valiant Empire. He hoped to be admitted to the royal players."…glory, glory, GLOOOORY to the Valiant Empire. glory, glory, GLOOOORY to the Empress." He sang in a low baritone.Aurora rubbed her temple gently while smiling as big as she could. What the man lacked in creativity, he made up for in vibrato. The Empress gave him an application and sent him to her musical director. It was the least she could do.Her afternoon was filled with Council meetings. The bird's message was formally relayed. Zan spoke of the shortcomings of the bird system and as a group they discussed solutions."What if we tattoo the birds' feet so we we know where they came from?" Birger suggested."Bu
Empress of the World Delayed News
Bella and Candela prepared the sitting room for Aurora's arrival early the next morning. They had gone to sleep early also, and expected that the Empress would be wide awake at the crack of dawn and hungry. When she did not show up or even call for them, they became concerned."General Nurlan, have you seen Her Majesty recently?" Bella asked politely.Nurlan, who had rested in a chair next to the bedchamber door for most of the night, shook his head. "I have not seen her since the middle of the night.""We should wake her, or at least check on her," Candela suggested. "She will be needed at court in an hour.""I do no think that her Majesty will be attending court today," Nurlan disagreed. "She has other matters to attend to," he added with a mysterious grin."What nonsense are you spouting, General? Her Majesty never shirks her duties unless she is ill. Wait, is she sick?" Candela was suddenly worried."No, my lady, she is not sick," Nurlan chuckled."Then she must be woken." Candela
Empress of the World Control
Despite her strong exterior, inside Aurora was breaking. She had known that Alaron would not be very pleased at being forcibly brought home, but Nanny's words still stung. "Alaron does not want to see you." The sentence crashed around inside her mind, chipping at her nerves.As she walked down the hall and through the palace, the Empress tried to think of what she would say to the boy. Aurora had a million and one things that she wanted to tell him. They ranged from anger at his actions to fear for his life to joy that he was back safely. But none of them seemed appropriate just now.The dungeon was cold and drafty even in the summer. A thoughtful servant brought Aurora a shawl as she entered the stone prison. Taking a deep breath, the Empress walked quickly through the hall. Although her prison was cleaner than most, it still smell of unwashed bodies and others unmentionable odors. "See to it that these people get a chance to clean themselves," Aurora told the prison guard as she tri
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