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Breaking Free
Last Updated:
2022-06-01 07:50:27
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Empress of the World Escape
Xander looked at the two ladies, the sleeping prince and the unusually calm Cafer. Something did not add up, but he was not sure which thing to address first."Cafer, you sneaky jackal! Already trying to find new ways to control the young man?" Baak laughed. The group lowered their weapons.Brinn giggled, and Alvar did his best impression of a coquettish woman. He pushed out his chest and wiggled his hips. Brinn was equal parts amused and offended by his acting. She would make him apologize later for sinning against womankind, but she was glad that the men in the room did not seem to notice his awkward manner.Baak furrowed his brow. "Your efforts will not do much good if the boy is sleeping. He has not even woken with all this commotion."The king was right. Tired from the day and sedatives, Alaron had not stirred since everything began."Where did these women even come from? I did not see them enter," Xander did not sheath his sword, holding it firm in his unbroken hand."The servan
Last Updated : 2022-06-01Empress of the World Long Live the...
After a long night of vetting and making sure no one else in the castle was an elf, the two gnomes and the pirate slept in and only dragged themselves into the banquet hall for a late lunch.The decorations from the day before were still hanging proudly along the walls as a reminder of the new regime. Waiting for them at the table were Ravenna and a coherent Alaron.Without Cafer's guidance, no one had given hima sedative. However, Gnomic guards flanked the new Emperor making sure he was safe from himself and others.Alaron scowled at the king, pirate and advisor as each of them entered, but they ignored his quiet tantrum."Greetings, Your Majesty," Cafer bowed before the boy."Might as well call me a marionette, oh mighty puppet master…" Alaron muttered in response. The gnome wisely pretended not to hear him."Nice of you to join us, gentlemen," Ravenna dipped her head but did not stand. "I suppose you have finally recovered from last night's celebration.""The celebration if not wh
Last Updated : 2022-06-01Empress of the World Impulsivity
"You do not have to stay here on my account. We will be heading south soon, and I know you must be tired of being around others all the time. Feel free to go home and have a rest of your own." Aurora offered as she walked around the Celestial Garden.It had been two weeks since the Empress had arrived in the candled palace of the elves. They had been planning tirelessly with those on the other side of the mirror, but just now she was taking a respite in the fresh air with her thoughts. That was until the cranky fairy, Reyan, had decided to join her on her otherwise quiet walk.He complained of the weather, the hospitality of the elves and of how much better his own home was. It was the last complaint that had led to Aurora's impassioned plea. Really, she would have offered anything short of her already lost kingdom to make the griping stop."I would never think to leave you alone in this den of jackals. The elves would walk all over you if not for me..." Reyan asserted. He looked indi
Last Updated : 2022-06-01Empress of the World War
Lanassa strode up to Brinn. The younger elf curtsied as Alvar bowed."Your Majesty," Brinn honored her mother with the proper title."Princess Brinn," the queen's cool tone made Brinn flinch.The elven princess had expected this reception, but it was too late to turn back. "I have returned," she said with her head still bowed."…And you are married? To him?" Lanassa indicated the elf who previously had his arm wrapped around her daughter."I am, Your Majesty," Brinn answered. She straightened and took her new husband's hand. His face brightened at her touch."And you…are happy?" the queen asked tentatively. Her brow furrowed slightly creating a slight wrinkle on her perfectly smooth face.Brinn was shocked by the question. Was it a trick? "Yes, I am happy," she responded once her jaw was finally able to shut after dropping.Then, in the most uncharacteristic move, Lanassa wrapped her arms around her daughter in a warm hug. "I am glad you married the man you chose. Welcome home, my dau
Last Updated : 2022-06-01Empress of the World Other Magical Allies
After conferring with the other half of the group in the mirror, the magical army assembled and prepared to head southward. It took far more time than Aurora would have liked, but she knew that patience was key. Rushing things would lead to disaster.At last they were assembled and ready to go. The elves and fairies, together at last, stood in all their shining glory.Led by Ithel and Zoltan, the elves stood in perfect straight lines in their resplendent armor. If nothing else, their shining helmets would blind the enemy. Silently, the agile creatures awaited orders while staring ever forward. They were the picture of military prowess. Their golden skin against their steel armor made them looked like a shining sea of metal.On the other side of the spectrum were the fairies. They had no discernible lines or ranks as they waited for instructions. The plump creatures were grouped by their season chatting pleasantly with one another. A few were even flying, and the gentle whirring of the
Last Updated : 2022-06-01Empress of the World Target Practice
Back in the desert, Renat walked outside of his workshop tent to survey the work being done. In the passing weeks those who were too weak, old, or otherwise unqualified to fight had been sent to him to help with his inventions.Many people were working to make the tinted orange glasses to fight against the Merpearl. However there was ample labor, and Renat had found some other inventions that might be helpful in battle.Getting some of the materials had been tricky, but humanity was known for their creativity. Just now Renat was observing the last piece of a massive weapon being lowered into place. It was a delicate maneuver, but the scientist had made a system of pulleys to help."Careful! Slowly now." Renat told his assistants."Yes sir!" They answered as they worked the woven ropes.Being called 'sir' was a compromise the boy had made when he took on the extra help. Renat did not feel like he was worthy of the honorable title, but it caught on quickly, and even those not under his
Last Updated : 2022-06-01Empress of the World Clearing a Path Northward
"The resistance has been less fierce than I feared, Your Majesty," Nurlan commented as he wiped the sweat from his brow and the blood from his sword.The most recent skirmish in their northward sweep had been anticlimactic. A small band of men had tried to ambush the grey-eyed Emperor. The battalion seemed to be solely intent on killing Devrim and the Princess at the expense of their lives. Surprise had been their biggest asset.Fortunately they had been unsuccessful. A scout has told warned that the men were lying in wait, but it was decided that the imperial troop should deal with them now rather later. The more of Cafer's allies they could eliminate, the better in the end.Using himself as bait, the Emperor along with Mairwen and a dozen others rode into the high grass. They appeared to be alone."I love the ardor of our men," Devrim said to Nurlan, "but it is also nice to get away from the noise.""I understand, Your Majesty," Junayd responded woodenly. "I am also glad we left beh
Last Updated : 2022-06-01Empress of the World Clearing a Path Southward
Further north the magical army journeyed southward with Aurora, clearing out gnomes that had infested the towns.They had met almost no human resistance, and the appearance of the magical saviors brought cheers from the downtrodden townspeople. The poor people complained bitterly about the gnomes. Much like the Warrior Princess tales, the stories of the gnomes got more outlandish as they went. Some had even exaggerated the gnomes into ten foot tall earthquake-makers. However, Aurora always tried to listen carefully, even when their stories seemed completely far-fetched.Just now another battle had been won, but the fighting gnomes had disappeared with no casualties on their side."Those pesky gnomes are so irritating!" Brinn fussed with a curse or two that even Aurora hadn't heard before."I am sure they feel the same way about us," the Empress responded as she rode on Utku. While Zoltan had ridden back with Ithel to address the Elven troops, the two humans, Gandr and Brinn kept press
Last Updated : 2022-06-01
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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
