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The Seeker
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2022-05-02 21:49:39Related chapters
Empress of the World Back to the Boatman
Devrim, Junayd and Gandr crested the final hill and caught sight of the large lake. "I really did not think I would see this place again," the Emperor whispered with a sigh.The group had had few hiccups since their run-in with Ravenna's troops, but now they were approaching the real test. Gandr had tried using his earth magic to speed them along, but it had startled the horses. One of the steeds actually bolted, costing them precious time. In the end, Gandr's wind magic proved the best solution to give them the extra push they needed to get to this point."Do we cross or go around?" Gandr asked, indicating the large body of water. This had been the great debate for the last day and a half."You said yourself that going around will take at least an extra day. That is time we cannot afford to lose," Devrim stated."But we will also need the horses to go back home. They will not be able to cross the lake and we cannot just leave them and hope we find them later," Junayd pointed out."Th
Last Updated : 2022-05-02Empress of the World Boatman or Businessman?
"I would be happy to provide passage," Polymedes gulped. "My boat is always available."Devrim narrowed his gaze. "Do you perchance know how the eagle carries passengers across the lake?"The faun nodded slowly. "I do, actually. But she is busy with her hatchlings today. I cannot call her just now.""Polymedes!" Phoca was angry. She did not know that he was the source of the carrier eagles. Their interactions had always been at the dock."I am sorry, my lady," Polymedes apologized. "But I do have many businesses. A faun has got to eat.""Then we must go by boat: is that what you are saying?" Devrim asked for clarification."It is, good sir, but I promise my boats never sink. You will be quite safe," the faun swore with his hand in the air."I know we will be, because you are coming with us," Devrim gave a mischievous grin. The faun's eyes nearly popped out of his head."N-no. I must watch the dock in case I have other customers in need of passage." Polymedes took several steps away, h
Last Updated : 2022-05-03Empress of the World The Box
For the third day in a row, Cafer brought Alaron above ground into the land of magic. He told the other gnomes it was to make sure the boy was safe, but really, Cafer found being in his cave to be more and more suffocating. The former councilman also did not think it a good idea to leave the prince in the company of the gnomes for too long. The abrasive personality of gnomes made Alaron nearly lose his temper with each interaction. Cafer was walking a very fine line.Today they ambled through a field that was close--but not too close-- to the elves' land. "A rabbit with horns!" Alaron exclaimed. He used a magic spell to pin the creature so he could get a closer look."It is a jackalope," Cafer informed him as they walked over to it. "And you should probably let it go." The gnome flicked his gaze around the field. These creatures could travel in packs, and the thought of a hundred small, horned creatures running at him was undesirable.Alaron touched the creature gently. Its fur was so
Last Updated : 2022-05-04Empress of the World Cave Rats
Having made it to the shore nearest the gnome's entrance, Devrim and Gandr carefully slunk until they could find a spot to watch the entrance to the cave unobserved. The first hours were uneventful. Finally the two got comfortable enough that they began to whisper."How well do you know those tunnels?" Devrim asked."I have been through most of them. But it has been eight years since I last set foot in those halls." Gandr's voice was tinged with sadness."Is that where you were between our run-in with Cafer and you deciding to join spymaster Brinn?" Devrim had always been curious, but Gandr only ever responded that he was righting some wrongs.The halfling gave a brief nod. "I freed as many of their slaves as would leave, and spent time looking for an elf that I left behind in the dungeon. I never found her. I hope she escaped on her own, but..." his voice trailed off."You cannot be sure," Devrim finished the thought. He patted the halfling on the arm. "Not knowing is even worse than
Last Updated : 2022-05-04Empress of the World A Trial and a Shallow Grave
"Never. Do. That. Again." Devrim felt the urge to punch Gandr but refrained. The Emperor had experienced the sensation of falling through space and time before his backside landed on the dirt floor. Fortunately the room on the other side of the wall where the Emperor landed was empty. Devrim had waited patiently for the halfling to join him, but the anger had not subsided when Gandr finally appeared.The halfling was unapologetic as he shrugged. "I had to think quickly. I gambled that the others would not try to sense through the wall to look for you. Anyway, you are the one who wanted to come with me," Gandr reminded him. "This part of the journey will not be easy or fun."Devrim's face softened, and his muscles relaxed. "You are right, of course. I am at your mercy. Lead on."Gandr smiled, and his eyes narrowed to a mischievous glint. "Just remember you said that. For the next little bit, I am in charge."A small shiver ran down Devrim's spine, but he nodded. If the man was going to
Last Updated : 2022-05-05Empress of the World Remorse
Devrim ducked in and out of caverns and passages, trying to find any trace of either Gandr or Alaron. The greyish light of the underground world meant that he couldn't hide in the shadows; there were none. There were very few gnomes around, which the Emperor found strange.The couple of beings that Devrim did run into refused to make eye contact. Instead they scurried along to make sure that they would not be seen with a possible intruder. The Emperor was thankful for their silence. After a much longer walk than he had bargained for, Devrim could hear a crowd jeering around the next bend. Pulling the hood of his cloak tight, the Emperor braved the crowd of gnomes, stooping to be closer to their height.It quickly became clear that the group was shouting and throwing mushy food at a poor creature on a pedestal. He was so covered in dripping pulp that Devrim at first did not recognize him. Then the bulky figure looked up and the Emperor could see Grisley's marred visage looking out sull
Last Updated : 2022-05-07Empress of the World Duel
Devrim woke with a start as Cafer spoke loudly in the room outside the cramped wardrobe. "Time to get up, Your Highness," he boomed. "The king will be expecting to see you."Alaron groaned as the fog of sleep had not yet left him. "He can wait. I am not ready to get up."The prince rolled over and groaned again as the rocky bed was unforgiving. Cafer sighed. Humans needed far more sleep than most magical creatures, and the teenagers of the species seemed to need extra rest."Fine," the gnome conceded. "I will be back to get you in a little while. But you will not waste the whole day by sleeping."Alaron waved his hand dismissively and completely ignored the slamming chamber door. He did not hear the subtle creak of the wardrobe hinge or the nearly silent footsteps across the floor to his bed. It was only when a hand came across the prince's mouth that he was alerted to another's presence."Sh," Devrim called as he restrained the boy. "I just want to talk."Alaron relaxed, and the grey
Last Updated : 2022-05-08Empress of the World A Rock and A Hard Place
Coming up from the ground outside the gnomes' compound, Gandr was breathing heavily. "That's not as easy as it looks," he said as he set down the unconscious boy to catch his breath. "You think that looked easy?" Devrim guffawed. His brow crinkled. "You look spent. Have you been looking for me for a while?" Gandr nodded. "When you were not back in the room where we parted, I looked all around the area, popping in and out of each room through the ground. Then the thought occurred to me to try Cafer's rooms." "I am glad you found me, but I am sorry you had to waste your magic. We could really use it now." The Emperor was also weak, but he picked up Alaron across his shoulders. Together, they slogged along around the side of the lake. It was mid-morning, and the sun was beginning to beat down on them in earnest. They were far north, but somehow that did not lesson the heat that they felt. Both males were sweating heavily before long. "Part of me hopes the boy will wake up so we can fo
Last Updated : 2022-05-09
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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
