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Empress of the World Rescue
It was hard to tell how much time had passed inside the Storehouse. Based the trio's internal clocks, it had at least been overnight. Fortunately Zan had dried food and water inside his Guardian's cloak, so they were not going to die of hunger or thirst just yet.Every so often they would go down the hall to check and make sure the entrance was still blocked. Gandr had told them that he could not get through that thick of a cave-in. The glowstone was magical and very hard on his body. A thin wall was passable, but the sheer volume of magical stone was impossibly overwhelming.It was the same problem with the passage and the Storehouse. The walls there were carved out by the Fates, and no amount of magic could penetrate them. So they must sit and wait.Just now the halfling, the Guardian, and the Empress sat pensively around one of the Storehouse tables, trying to pass the time. The males knew that they should not touch any of the books or relics. They did not want the Storehouse to a
Last Updated : 2022-05-23Empress of the World Rescue II
The group of four grew quiet as they exited the darkened tunnel. Ithel held up his hand as he peeked out of the passage. Seeing no one, the he-elf motioned them forward.The place where they found themselves was a long clean hall with windows cut to look like flickering flames. 'We are inside the elven palace,' Aurora observed. While she was expecting it to be so, the realization was still eye-opening.Ithel pulled them into the nearest empty room. Uniforms hung along one wall. "Do you want us to look like servants?" The Empress asked.The elven prince nodded. "Although we released the…indentured servants…from their obligations, some have still stayed. The uniforms can help you blend in. Plus if anyone sees you around here looking strangely dressed and covered in dirt, you will be stopped before you go another step. You know how far reaching my parents' informants can be."Aurora looked at her clothing. She did look very out of place, and exceptionally dirty. "Very well," she agreed.
Last Updated : 2022-05-23Empress of the World Jealousy
The Empress and Crown Princess glared at each other for a moment, sizing up one another. Aurora was short but very lovely with her dark hair and mesmerizing eyes.In contrast, Calla was exceptionally tall and as beautiful as a star. Aurora believed that if she stared too long at the elf's radiance, she might actually go blind.Calla's golden skin was offset by her eyes which were the color of purple delphiniums. Her lips were drawn tight in defiance, but still, the lovely, red curve of them was plain to see. Aurora tried hard not to be jealous of the elf's stunning beauty. It seemed like Calla was harboring a different kind of jealousy.The Empress shook off her thoughts and curtsied to the monarchs. "Your Majesties," she spoke humbly. "Forgive this intrusion…""Ha! Intrusion?!" Calla broke in haughtily. "Try invasion!""My companion and I," Aurora snapped as she motioned to Gandr, "hardly constitute an invasion!"The two ladies stopped their bickering under Lanassa's icy glare. King
Last Updated : 2022-05-24Empress of the World Discovery
"Zan?" The question hung in the air like a fog. The Queen could not believe what she was seeing. That man should have died hundreds of years ago, yet she was sure that the man before her was the one she remembered."Lanassa," Zan responded tenderly. Aurora's eyes grew to the size of her head, and Gandr finally seemed to be paying attention. The man had called the queen of the elven world by her first name and no title. There was a story here."You!" Zoltan screamed. "How dare you come back after all this time! How is this even possible? Guards! Take this man to the dungeon until we sort this out. No one is allowed to speak to him!""Please, do not hold the Empress accountable for anything I have done. She knows nothing of the past," Zan pleaded with the King and Queen. To Aurora he said, "Do what is best for humanity and do not worry about me. I will be fine," he assured her. "Do not fight them for my sake."There was a sadness in the man's eyes that broke something inside Aurora. Wha
Last Updated : 2022-05-24Empress of the World Battlefield
With a little coaxing from the servants, Aurora was ready for dinner. She changed into a sickly greenish-yellow gown that paled her skin, but the cloth itself was very fine. The Empress wondered if Princess Calla had selected the gown to make her look ill. The she-elf had hand delivered the garment."I will have to watch out for that lady," the Empress mumbled. She took one last look in the mirror and sighed. Aurora would have to put away her vanity for the sake of her Empire. It was a small price.Gandr and Alvar had not yet returned, making Aurora slightly anxious. She hoped they were simply gathering all the information before bringing it to her. She looked down the hall for them one last time before resigning herself to dinner without back up. Ithel might try to defend her if tempers rose, but that seemed like a dangerous option. Aurora would fend for herself.The Empress had not had the pleasure of eating in the banquet hall previously. It was in the same style as the rest of the
Last Updated : 2022-05-24Empress of the World Revelation
Aurora was stunned. "How can this be true? How can Zan be the human man that left you at the altar hundreds of years ago?" Then the Empress remembered that Guardians do not age. "Was Zan already a Guardian when you knew him?""No!" Zoltan answered a little too forcefully. Then in a calmer voice he added, "Back then he was merely a human messing around in the affairs of the elves."Aurora's momentary hopes were crushed. If Zan had already been a Guardian, perhaps duty had called him away. But it was not true. Then what had happened? "May I talk with my Chief? I am sure he could shed some light on this matter." Aurora asked diplomatically.Lanassa looked ready to agree, but Zoltan shook his head. "My wife has suffered enough at the hands of that man. I will not allow him to cause the queen new problems. I require that you release him to our justice system for his crime.""But what about diplomatic immunity?" both Lanassa and Aurora asked. The answer to the question did not come.Calla,
Last Updated : 2022-05-24Empress of the World Zan's Story
Zan was in his thirties when he entered the land of magic for the first time. Among his peers, he was known as a famous explorer of new and uncharted lands. He had sailed both seas on either side of the continent and saw many sights that no one except those with him would believe. So it was no surprise that when Zan heard rumors about the land of magic, he decided that he must explore it for himself.Entering the land of magic had been a challenge all its own, and he had nearly lost his life trying to cross the ice barrier. The oppressive force of the ice cloud pushed him to the ground, suffocating him with its force. Zan tried to back up from his horrible mistake, but his body would not cooperate.Just when he had given up hope, a small animal resembling a white, three-tailed fox nuzzled up beside him to investigate. Its presence created a small shield from the pressure around the man's head, and Zan greedily gasped for air.With the fox's permission, the man scooped up the creature
Last Updated : 2022-05-24Empress of the World Zan's Story II
Zan was introduced that very evening to the King and Queen, and a relationship between the monarchs and the man formed quickly. The elves, who always had a thirst for knowledge, wanted to know every detail of human life. Although they had human books, his words held far more value in their eyes. Zan spent evening after evening regaling them with his adventures."I want to see everything Zan has described," Bukuri chirped to some of the other ladies at court. The she-elves giggled among themselves. The man had certainly put some ideas in their heads in the past few weeks."I would rather see if other men are as handsome as he. What a world that must be!" Another elf chortled.Seeing all the stolen glimpses in his direction, Zan left the male elves and approached the group. "Human females have the same look when they are gossiping, you know," Zan said with a sly grin. "Who is the topic of conversation to get so many lovely ladies to join in?""You, of course!" Bukuri teased. The other y
Last Updated : 2022-05-24
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
