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The Anna Rescue
Last Updated:
2022-05-27 07:20:39Related chapters
Empress of the World Planning
News of Anna's escape and a strange feline attack on the palace walls reached Cafer's ears early the next morning. Wondering if they were connected, the gnome wisely kept the news both from the Council and his allies. There was no need to worry yet. As long as Ezer thought that they had Anna, that was what mattered.Anyway, the gnome had other matters on his mind. He sought out Ravenna and found her watching the gnomes and servants clear and rebuild the palace. "They work so quickly," the woman in a dark blue wig said as she saw Cafer approach. "How long do you think it will be before I can move into a more permanent set of quarters?"Cafer watched the progress. "A couple of days at the most. You are anxious to get settled?""I want as much distance from the dungeon and myself as possible. His Majesty was very gracious to give me the suite I requested." Ravenna did not take her eyes off of the construction as she spoke. There was an obvious mix of magic and masonry occurring, but it w
Last Updated : 2022-05-27Empress of the World A Kiss
After a quick farewell to the Empress, Alvar wasted no time in climbing aboard the eagle and heading toward his elven love. The birds could move faster than even Alvar could calculate. Whether by the Fates or sheer determination, Alvar found himself entering Valiant an hour before sunset the following day.It was far easier to enter the palace than Alvar had anticipated. With all the attention on the people coming and going to pay respects to the new Emperor and the lack of recognition between the gnome and human guards (not to mention all the random pirates), no seemed to be paying him any mind. Alvar easily changed his appearance at each checkpoint to match whomever he needed.Once inside the building, Alvar tried to recall the map Aurora had drawn him before he left. He headed toward Princess Mairwen's suite of rooms while avoiding the main halls.He knocked on what he believed was the appropriate door, and was greeted by a lady-in-waiting. The girl told Alvar, who was disguised as
Last Updated : 2022-05-27Empress of the World Illusion
Aurora saw the glowing mirror as she was getting ready for bed. Her heart skipped a beat as she was aching for news of her daughter and husband. So she was surprised when Brinn was the face she saw in the reflection."Sorry Sis, I know what you were hoping for, but your fool scientist had the mirror and did not think to tell me.""I did not know!" Renat protested in the background of the message.Despite the disappointment, Aurora could not help but smile at their antics."Hush, child!" Brinn told the boy. She looked back into the looking glass. "Anyway, Alvar made it safely. We are forming a plan to get Bukuri to safety, but we must coordinate with my parents. I hope you are with them. I will look out for your response." The mirror went dark.Aurora was glad that she was still with the elves. She had planned to leave the next day, but this might delay her slightly. However, getting to safety was worth it. She had spent far too much time in captivity with no one even knowing she was m
Last Updated : 2022-05-27Empress of the World The Curmudgeon
"Invade your home?" Aurora did not understand what the angry fairy was saying."Yes, you are trying to walk into the entrance of my homestead. What business have you with me?" The fairy lowered his expressive, bushy eyebrows so that his eyes were almost completely hidden."No business with you exactly, sir," Zan answered, "but—""Humph! If you have no business with me, then you have bothered me quite enough. Now shoo!" The fairy held out his hands in a brushing motion to rid himself of the strangers. They turned to walk away from the curmudgeon when they realized that they had no idea where to go."I don't suppose you..." Aurora was shocked when the fairy grabbed her arm suddenly."Did you hear that?" the old fairy looked around warily.The Empress stopped and listened. "What?"The fairy relaxed. "I could have sworn I heard an unwanted guest about to ask me for a favor, but I must have been mistaken."Aurora puffed her cheeks. "Listen, sir..""My name is Reyan. Have the decency to use
Last Updated : 2022-05-27Empress of the World A Warm Welcome
Prem enveloped Aurora in a motherly hug as soon as she came through the magical doorway. "I would know that beautiful young woman anywhere!""It is good to see you Prem. It has been too long," Aurora beamed. The warmth of the fairy's affection gave the Empress a joy that spread from head to toe."Aurora!" A young voice said as handsome fairy drew the woman's attention."How are you, Gede?" Aurora asked brightly as she offered the boy a hug as well."Even better now that you are here!" Gede said. "I am glad you made it before my first seasonal trip. I was planning to visit you otherwise, but…""Hopefully you still can!" The Empress would not allow sad thoughts just now."Do I you have a hug left for me?" Bolemir pretended to whine.Aurora never hugged anyone outside of the other three royals and occasionally Brinn, but these fairies were like family to her.The dark-haired woman threw her arms around Bolemir's neck. "I could never forget you," she cried. "Where is baby Niko?""Not a ba
Last Updated : 2022-05-27Empress of the World Fairies and Unicorns and Nypmhs, Oh My!
The next morning, Aurora was refreshed and ready to go, but Zan and Gandr seemed almost more tired than when the Empress had last seen them. They had dark circles under their eyes and glazed over expressions. Something had robbed them of their sleep."Gede really knows how to talk," Gandr explained."He wanted to know everything about our world, and it felt rude not to tell him," Zan added."I can leave you here," Aurora offered. "I am sure Gede and I can manage." But the two men refused her kindness. They would work to keep awake and be useful. "Suit yourself," the Empress agreed after their protests.Gede walked with them through the wood to a nearby valley. The lush low area was shaded by steep protective walls, making is a perfect safe haven. In the valley were a herd of unicorns were munching quietly on grass. While the elves' unicorns were penned and sheltered, these roamed free."Do these unicorns belong to you?" Aurora asked Gede.The fairy shook his head. "No one can own a un
Last Updated : 2022-05-27Empress of the World The Fairy Assembly
"Why do you want our help?" Bolemir quizzed the Empress before the Assembly meeting that afternoon. The fatherly fairy had been throwing every question that he could think of to urora so she could prepare an answer.Aurora responded easily. "We must work together. The gnomes are dangerous. They must be stopped for humanity's sake.""Very good," Bolemir responded. "Whatever happens in there, do not get flustered. The fairy world is full of all types, just like humans. And unlike other magical creatures, we see the human world once a year to change the season based on a our powers. Many of the families will have made up their mind before coming to the Assembly. It will be an unholy battle to change their minds.""Thank you for the advice. Do you have any more questions for me?" Aurora wanted to know. She had many of the answers memorized."That is all that Reyan and I wrote down. I think you are ready," Bolemir confirmed.The Empress's stomach suddenly knotted. As long as they were work
Last Updated : 2022-05-30Empress of the World Contrary and Cantankerous
Aurora started at the two fairies in disbelief. They were laughing so hard that tears were streaming from their eyes.The feelings of anger at Reyan and relief that the fairies would help her were both pushed aside to make way for her extreme confusion. Why were the males, who had just seemed ready to come to blows, now acting like the best of friends?"You are not so bad when you want to be," Bolemir commented as he gasped for air. He gave the older fairy a firm pat on the back."You are not so bad yourself, you old windbag," Reyan jokes as he shook the other fairy's forearm.Prem shook her head and pulled her lips tight. She ushered Gede and Niko out of the room after sighing at her husband."What exactly happened?" Zan asked Aurora."I thought I knew," she answered, "but now I am not so sure…""Did the fairies agree to help or not?" Gandr queried. He was completely unsure how he should be feeling. He was not alone."Yes, they agreed, no thanks to Reyan…he tried to sink my efforts i
Last Updated : 2022-05-31
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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
