by S D Huss
Ambrosia bowed her head respectfully but maintained a stiffness that showed her skepticism. “Your Majesty.” She said, in a fluid but slightly hostile voice. “It is good to finally meet you, we have heard much of the famed King Alektor, in Sabree.”
Alektor nodded his head, gesturing for them to sit before him. They did so, and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the large table and steepling his fingers. “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, and I apologize for the secrecy. These are dangerous times, and the protection of any other clan’s emissaries are extremely important to me.” He took a deep breath, preparing for his next words. “Our people have suffered a troubled past together. We share a history rife with war and conflict between the Rexunii and the Sabree, and this… I find unacceptable.”
“Your Majesty,” Ambrosia replied. “I mean no disrespect when I say that the Rexunii have been the cause of most of what you speak about. Our ‘troubled’ past that you seem to have brought up to show how our clans have lived analogously, is… exaggerated, to say the least. To the Sabree, we were defending against your raids and invasions, it was a valiant fight against the barbaric warmongers to the west. Your predecessor was the last to test our borders, and if it were not for the Lokkadonians, we might have lost much more than we did. So tell me then, King of Rexun, why should the Sabree even entertain the idea of not exacting our vengeance upon those who have tormented us for so many years?”
Alektor narrowed his eyes at the princess. She was sent here for the purpose of negotiation, but also, perhaps to express the true intention of the crown of the Sabree. Her words were likely a reflection of her father’s, and he has not forgotten the trespasses against their clan.
“Princess Ambrosia.” Alektor began. “I hear your concerns, and to be completely honest, I expected a much more brash response from the Sabree. I find the fact that your father sent you, in person, to speak with me, to be a great gesture of trust, and I appreciate it.”
Ambrosia adjusted herself uncomfortably, clearly surprised by the more pleasant response.
“But you have misjudged me.” He continued. “I am not one to be compared with the former rulers of Rexun… seeing as how I usurped their power and cast them into the Pit of Mar, I feel my reputation should be slightly different. I am the first King of Rexun in centuries to host Sabree dignitaries in an effort to establish peace.”
“Peace.” She interjected. “Only because you have overextended your resources, and counted your enemies poorly. You are surrounded, young king, and in over your head.”
Alektor raised an eyebrow and leaned back in his throne, his face one of stern confidence. “Perhaps… it may look like that to some, but these things are more complicated than just the numbers you perceive. The Torre’ have done their best to stifle the growth and development of my clan, the Lokkadonians enslave thousands of them. True that our list of friends has dwindled, as you so eloquently pointed out, but the caliber of friends is what concerns me… not the number of them. The loyalty of the other clans is bought by the trade and riches of the Torre’. In exchange, they protect them from any and all opposition, rendering themselves docile servants. The resilience of your people is widely known, and I would seek your friendship in these troubled times. Not only because it would be a hard-fought contest, but because I know our two clans could be unstoppable together.”
“This…” She said slowly, after long contemplation. “Would not be possible… Your majesty. We will not betray the trust of our High King, I am sorry, but…” She sighed. “It has not gone unnoticed that you have been trying to close the rift between our two clans. In fact, my father sees it as something quite noble… But it is still vastly insufficient to justify betraying the vows of loyalty to our High King.”
Alektor nodded, letting out a deep breath. “I see, so there it is then.” He took a moment, then looked at Ambrosia. “You have my solemn vow as a king, and a man of honor, that I will not attack your clan. The Sabree, as far as I am concerned, are spectators to this fight… this I swear by all the spirits, great and ancient.”
The Princess bowed her head, with much more respect than she had before.
“But.” He continued. “If your clan does attack, and attempts to invade my land for the Torre’ masters... I will be a force of death and unimaginable sorrow against your people.” His eyes turned to stone, and he peered into her very soul with the resolve of a wild beast. “I will say again that I am not as my predecessor, I am a man of honor… but in the light, you will find that I am much more capable of eradicating my enemies than he. The Torre’, the Lokkadonians, no matter who tries to break me, will find an immovable stone. This I also swear to you, as a wretched creature of war… you will find this perhaps one day when you become a queen. They are both sides of a common coin, each to serve a purpose as a ruler, the honorable ally, and the terrible foe… to my friends, I am a savior, a beacon of hope and love for all the world to see… but to my enemies, I am a storm, a cataclysm of hatred and war that will weep no tears for the flames.”
Ambrosia blinked nervously at him, unsure how to proceed.
“Now.” He said, more cheerily. “Please, enjoy yourselves at my party, we have made a pact with the Visgo, and are happy to host you here as friends!”
With that, he stood and bowed to her, excusing himself and walking into the crowd of his celebrating subjects.
◆◆◆
Robert felt the heat of Demessa’s body as she writhed around him. The dance reminded him of a tribal mating ritual, as it seemed to require the two dancers bodies to be in constant contact. Robert had to keep himself under control several times during the smoldering waltz, but found himself slightly intoxicated, by not only the wine he had been drinking but the smell and feel of this Dae woman he now found himself more than a little attracted to.
She turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close as she danced. He stared into her green eyes, bright and beautiful. He wasn’t quite sure what it was, but they drew him in, taking his senses away.
“Well, Reku.” Alektor’s familiar voice chimed from behind him, muffled under the music. Robert’s back stiffened and he jerked away from Demessa to whirl toward the King.
“Hey!” He said, nervously. “Alektor, how's it goin?”
“Your Majesty,” Demessa said, bowing and panting slightly.
“Lady Irro.” Alektor continued. “I was hoping to borrow your dancing companion for a moment. I’ll bring him right back.” He smiled.
“Of course, your majesty!” She blushed and walked back into the crowd.
Alektor looked to Robert, who was left stunned at the strange exchange. He put his arm around his shoulder and began to walk toward a less boisterous area “I know I’ve been busy, Reku, but there are a great many things I have been meaning to ask you. I am curious as to the nature of the abilities my warriors described in Visgo. I am not sure what to think about it at the moment.” He led him to a small area near the entrance, where the pounding of the party’s music was less astounding. “Dio’Mar seems to be much more complex than I first assumed.” He said.
“It wasn’t her power,” Robert said. “If that’s what you’re thinking.”
Alektor raised his eyebrow as if saying, ‘please explain’.
“They are… uh… ancient abilities that she showed me. Abilities that Dae used in the past.” He said.
“Dae?” The king didn’t look convinced.
“Yes, I trust her.” Robert stiffened at the words, but he was sincere.
Alektor let out a deep sigh and looked at his fellow clansmen and women, enjoying the successful mission in Visgo. “Do you know the reason for this war?” He said, changing the subject. A servant came to the two men and held out two bowls of wine. Alektor took one and handed the other to Robert.
Robert hesitated, looking at the man. “Yes.”
“I can see the doubt in your eyes, Reku. You don’t need to hide it.” Alektor drank deeply from his bowl
of wine. “Freedom…” He said.
“Really,” Robert said, more sarcastically than he intended. Perhaps he had had too much wine. “Freedom? This coming from a ‘king’? Sorry, but I don’t think I’m convinced.”
Alektor scoffed. “Arrogance. Your words lack wisdom. Ideals and clans are more elaborate than what you can see, Reku.”
“I had to stop your warriors from murdering a couple hundred civilians, all because it was more convenient for them to complete the mission.” Robert caught himself, seeing the expression on Alektor’s face. He drank half of his wine bowl in one gulp and pressed on. “You don’t seem to care about innocent people, so why should I even take your cause seriously?”
“Yes,” Alektor said calmly. “An easy solution to a problem that was the product of one of ‘your’ plans. I care for my people and would sacrifice theirs if it meant it would lead to the salvation of my own. That does not make me unmerciful or eager for slaughter. The Visgo chose a path, and we reacted. I mourn for their dead, but I feel more anger toward those who made their deaths possible.”
Robert shook his head, having heard much of the same argument from Turak before.
“Hearing words are meaningless to your people, it seems.” Alektor continued. “You must see.”
“What else do I need to see?” Robert asked.
“The death…” Alektor’s eyes grew distant. “The suffering of my people at the hands of the Lokkadonians. How they are tortured and violated by them. They may have attempted to seduce you to their culture and ways of thinking, but they are all deceivers. Hypocrites, who feign piety by honoring the spirits, but turn around and forsake the Doulos for nothing more than the simple need to dominate those weaker than themselves.” He looked to Robert, seriousness on his face. “You must see it… as a man of mercy, which I know you are. One of great compassion and love; you have to see it to believe it...”
chapter 40
Daniel stared in astonishment at the mass of Lokkadonian warriors assembling outside of Vul De Rah from his vantage atop the main city gate. The call had gone out to the southern Lokkadonian provinces after Hego Agron declared his intentions to invade the Rexunii to the south, and every day, more and more warriors trickled in from the surrounding territories. There were many varieties of warriors as well. There were the easily recognizable crimson-clad line troops they were all familiar with, standing in straight and orderly lines, or using their dunamis to create tent-like shelters. There were the reserve contingents as well, who wore black and crimson striped cloaks. These were made up of regular citizens who possessed impressive dunamis capabilities, and much like the reserve units of the US military back home, the Lokkadonian reservists would train with instructors several days out of the month. Then, there were the assorted mercenary war-groups, from many different clans, looking to make a hefty profit from the Torre’ investors.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it.” a voice called from behind him. Daniel turned to see Boros, walking to stand next to him. He leaned his elbows on the bulwark and gazed for several moments. “My brother is going off to lead warriors against the Rexunii for the second time…” He said. “And I find myself thinking more and more, how I would do the same… I don’t think I could.”
Daniel nodded in understanding. “It’s always the same when you’re put in command of warriors. You fantasize about being this great leader, then when you’re wearing the chevrons, and shit hits the fan, you realize that it’s a lot more than you bargained for.”
“Oros is a great Dae…” Boros continued. “I have watched him all my life, always feeling like I had something to prove. When I finally was released as a squire and stood beside him as a peer, I thought that things would be different, but still, I felt like a fool in comparison. Like I was trying to catch the wind in my hands…”
“Well,” Daniel said. “One day when he’s King of Lokkadonia, it’s going to be up to you to fight his wars.”
“I wonder where we will truly be, at that time.” Boros turned toward Daniel, leaning on one elbow now. “That will surely be many years from now.”
“Hopefully old, fat, and lazy.” Daniel chuckled.
There were cheers down below as Oros walked through the developing camp. Thousands of warriors turned to greet and show their respects to the man.
“Mighty shoes to fill…” Boros said, gesturing down to the commotion.
Daniel and Boros then made their way down from atop the wall and through the bustling encampment to where Oros had set up his headquarters, a large stone structure erected using the Dunamis. This was a COC to Daniel, or ‘Command Operations Center’. It was a place that he had tried his best to avoid back on his world. It was where all the brass and staff NCOs congregated, and they were usually bored and looking for some poor hapless junior Marine to torment. Now, in this world, he strode toward it without even a thought of hesitation.
Within, there were dozens of generals, junior officers, and clan leaders, all mingling and conversing with one another. They were distracted enough to let Daniel’s and Boros’ entrance go unnoticed.
“Brother!” Boros called when he saw Oros speaking with Avria near the center of the room. The two embraced and Avria nodded toward him in greeting; she did not acknowledge Daniel’s presence at all, and here he’d thought she was warming up to him a bit.
“Aren’t you supposed to be with father?” Oros asked, a handsome grin on his face. “Snuck away, did you, to see your brother off?”
Boros laughed but shook his head. “No, father sent me to find you, actually. With news from the other clans. It would seem the Visgo have decided to withhold any support for fear of retaliation, the Sabree have pledged their allegiance to us, but have expressed that they are not yet ready to commit warriors. As it stands, we have been reinforced by the Baa’yega, Exous, and the Torre’. Clan Volsung has denied any comment on the matter, they seem to be in league, perhaps, with the enemy.”
Oros nodded thoughtfully. “Well, we have more than double the number of warriors, even without any of the other clan’s assistance. However, if the Volsung have joined the rebels, they pose a great threat to Exous and the Sabree. Try to establish more of what their intentions may be. I don’t wish to march into another clan territory to quell another failed uprising.”
Boros nodded and looked to Avria. “Also, my father has asked that Lady Avria take over the training of both the human squires in your absence.”
Avria glanced at Daniel and frowned. “If that is what he wishes of me, I will of course obey.” she conceded.
“Try not to hurt him,” Oros said, still grinning. “There is much I still need to teach him.”
After the exchange, Daniel was sent back to the Ignos keep with Avria. The ward was silent for much of their walk, making small gestures to where they would walk. They were accompanied by a dozen or so guards, but this was essentially the first time Daniel had been alone with the woman for any extended period of time.
“So.” He said, breaking the overbearing silence. “It looks like we’re stuck with each other for a little while before-”
“You will not speak to me with the same familiarity you have with Prince Oros.” She chided, not even taking the time to look back at Daniel. “If you are going to be a squire of mine, you are going to change the disrespectful manner with which you speak. Whether it’s for a day, or until the end, I expect you to obey me and work on your lack of discipline.”
Daniel held his words in his mouth, not seeking to further instigate any harsh response.
“Am I speaking to myself?” She asked.
Still, he said nothing. -God, this is going to be a long few weeks.- He thought.
She stopped abruptly and whirled toward him, her eyes burning brightly. She crossed her arms, blocking his path, and waited.
Daniel let out a deep sigh and shook his head. “Listen, I know you have your rules and regulations, I get that. Katrina was someone who hadn’t known anything like this before; she came from a wealthy
family and longed for adventure, yadda, yadda. I think you have probably found her pretty malleable. But for me? I’m a stubborn asshole, and I respond only to other stubborn assholes who have earned my respect. So far, all I know about you is that you’re entitled, annoying, extremely judgmental, and competitive as hell. So no, I am not going to do any of that crap you’re making Kat do. She can sit here and drink the kool-aid all damn day, but if you try to force it with me, I’ll make myself scarce. Now, if you want to do what Hego Agron asked you to do and help train me in your ways without this bullshit? I will be your best student, I’ll listen to you and learn quickly, that I promise.”
Avria fumed but seemed to be studying him with a bit more intrigue than she had before. Daniel could tell she was formulating a response, but he struck while the iron was hot.