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Dishonesty
"What happened after we parted last night?" Cafer prodded. Having received the Empress's message, he knew that something had happened, but he needed to play the fool.
Alaron groaned. "I got caught, Uncle Cafer. I am sorry."
"No need to apologize. Even the best plans can run into difficultly. What happened then?" Cafer sat down next to the boy, ready to listen. Alaron retold the events as he remembered them, down to the discovery of the magic mirror. At the mention of Gandr's name, the gnome took notice. It could have been another Gandr, a human one, but he doubted it. Somehow the halfling was alive.
"I am glad I came back so quickly, then. Aurora has done you a gross injustice." Cafer intentionally used the Empress's name without her title.
"What do you mean?" The prince was confused.
"You said Aurora had a vision that you destroyed the world, but that is not exactly true. I was there when she recounted her dream. You destroyed her, not the world.
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Empress of the World Science and Magic
It was only a day and a half journey to the western coast on horseback, and by late morning Nurlan could just make out the line of the ocean on the horizon. He dug his heels into his steed, wanting to arrive before the noonday meal was served to the troops. Outside the small town, a camp of soldiers' tents were erected around a larger tent and cookfire in the center. Reaching the edge of the camp, Nurlan dismounted and headed for the largest canvas building."General Nurlan!" The senior officer inside the tent stood and greeted the newcomer. "We have been expecting you." Both Nurlan and Junayd outranked all but the highest commander in the military. They each held the title of General. Had they not wished to be the personal guards of the Emperor and Empress, they could have had shining military careers."You have a large group here," Nurlan observed as the men sat down to discuss business. "Have you run into any trouble since you got here?""No sir," Lieutenant
Empress of the World Departure and Discovery
The caravan was packed with all the necessities a prince could ever need. Aurora had even commissioned one of the Royal carriages to be fitted with wheels for long range travel. "You will enjoy the mountains," the Empress said to Alaron. "Despite the name, Oblivion is actually a lovely place." Alaron climbed up into the carriage. "Thank you for your well wishes, Your Majesty," he said coolly. "Remember to meet with Duchess Ashleigh. She is of the highest nobility. Please give her my regards." Aurora reminded him. "Are you sure I should not join you? I could be packed and ready to go within the hour." Mairwen's voice was hopeful. Alaron's austere expression softened. He gave her a smile. "You will be better off without me, sister. I need some time to think. Maybe you should ask Their Majesties if you can take your own adventure," he added meaningfully. Mairwen tried not to cry. This was the first time she would be separated from her twin. It wa
Empress of the World A Bump in the Road
"We need to locate Xander quickly," the prince said. "And find a way to meet with him quietly." Alaron looked out of his window at the coast. They had reached the shoreline after sunset the night before. Now it was bright, and the sun off the water was blinding. He had unrealistically hoped to see the pirate ship on the horizon as soon as they arrived. He had no idea how vast the ocean actually was. Across from him, the gnome clicked his tongue."Keep practicing your magic, my son. I have contacted some people to find out Xander's whereabouts," Cafer promised him.The words brought Alaron out of his brooding. "You still have human contacts?" The prince was surprised."You do not live as long as I have without picking up few tricks along the way. And I did not say my contact were human." The gnome left the rest up to the boy's imagination. "Now, how is your magic coming along today?"Since leaving the palace the day before, Alaron had been reviewing differ
Empress of the World Meeting the Captain
The light faded, and Alaron's consciousness returned to the present. Watching the thin faced man put away the pearl, the prince tried to figure out where he was. The wooden room in which they were rocked slightly and then swayed the other direction. Creaks and rattles accompanied each sideways movement. He guessed they must be on board a ship. Alaron's hands were bound. He pulled his wrists apart only to cry out in pain as the knots tightened. Cafer was next to him with his hands and feet tied together as they sat on the wooden floor. The gnome took in the scene quietly. "Glad you are both awake," the man said in a friendly voice. "I was a little worried that my toy would have ruined your minds. Welcome to my humble abode." "Who are you?" Alaron said sharply. The man chuckled. "You have been asleep a while so I will forgive you, but I am the one asking questions around here. Who are you? By your tone you must be someone very important." The man rolled
Empress of the World A Trip into Valiant
Tired of being cooped up in the palace, Aurora snuck into the city of Valiant to clear her head. She was very worried about Alaron, but worry rarely did anyone a bit of good. Everything was being done to find the boy, including sending Gandr out on his trail.Instead the Empress decided to focus on finding special gifts for her children for their birthday. The prince and princess had access to all the resources of the palace, so the dark-haired woman had made a tradition out of hand-selecting a thoughtful gift for them from the local merchants each year. It helped the city's economy and showed the woman's love. With the brown hood of her cloak pulled tightly around her head, Aurora made her way quietly through the streets to the marketplace.The merchants in the capital were more subdued than the rowdy callers of Obsequence. They would catch your attention with small movements or clicks of their tongue. Mixed in with the stalls were more permanent shops where owners we
Empress of the World Survival
"Hanna?" Aurora could not believe what she was seeing. As the Fate reached out and touched the Empress's hand, the world slowed and froze around them. "What is happening?" "I have stopped time to speak to you." Hanna said. "You like to do things in a dramatic way. This must be important." The Empress remembered that the first time Hanna had visited, it was as part of her horrible vision. Hanna clicked her tongue. "Hush! This is serious. Not even the High Fates know I am here and Justum will be quick to bring me back to Mystic Spires when he realizes that I am gone." This was serious indeed. "I am listening." "Young Alaron did not go the mountains." She and Mairwen were right to be concerned. The Empress's heart sank. "Where did he go?" Hanna's words were barely a whisper. "To betray you. You were supposed to remove Cafer from his life…" "We thought that we had!" Aurora defended herself. "As did I, my dear. But u
Empress of the World A Gift
Preparations for the birthday party filled the princess's days for over a week. Despite her hope, her twin had not returned. Mairwen was beginning to doubt that he would come back at all. "Where are you, Alaron?" She whispered as she looked out her bedroom window into the distance. "You promised that you would come home." In the meantime, Aurora and Devrim had been preparing for the prince's arrival. Once the Empress had shared the news about the Fate's visit with the Council, the castle began to mount its defense. Unlike Mairwen, the Empress and Emperor had no doubt that Alaron would come, but whether in peace or some other method remained to be seen. They hoped for the best, but prepared for the worst. The Emperor sat in the war room discussing plans with Captain Caleb, who was captain of the palace guard, a few generals, and Chief Zan. Aurora was present, but was only a passive participant in this particular conversation. Devrim pointed to the kitchen entr
Empress of the World The Prince Returns
Two days before the birthday party, a messenger ran looking for the Empress. "Your Majesty, Prince Alaron's caravan was spotted entering Valiant!" Aurora stopped mid-bite and looked down the breakfast table at Devrim and Mairwen. They were equally concerned. Although the princess was unaware of all the details, she knew that Aurora had received another visit from the from the Fates and that the news was not good. She worried what her twin's return might bring. "Is his caravan with him?" Devrim asked the servant. The messenger nodded. "Yes, Sire, everything seemed to be in order." She was confused by the royals. They looked more like they were about to attend a funeral than a joyous reunion. "Tell Spymaster Brinn that we need to see her, please," Aurora requested. "Glory to the Empress." The servant bowed and exited to complete her task. Before the elf could arrive, Gandr was announced and hurried into the room. He bowed. "I am sorry fo
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