The Desolate Empire Series: Books 1-3

by Christina Ochs

  He introduced Landrus, who as yet refused to wear the maximus robes. He insisted that he should not be set above any other worshipper. The crowds cheered louder and longer for him. “You are a fortunate people,” he said, as Kendryk rejoined Gwynneth and Maryna, who had come along for the big day. “You are blessed with a ruler who understands the importance of true worship.” He stopped while the crowd cheered again and Kendryk blushed.

  “Without Prince Kendryk’s help, the Imperata would have had me executed long ago. Fortunately, none of us need worry about this, ever again. Today marks the beginning of a new faith. We have cast aside the rule of the Imperata and imperial interference. We have taken the worship of the Holy Family into our own hands. Before long, every believer will be able to read the Holy Scrolls in our tongue, so you can see the truth of what the gods ask of us.

  “You will see that much of the pomp insisted upon is unnecessary and sometimes even wrong. The new way of worship might seem simpler, but that’s only true on the surface. In reality, the gods require a harder service. They ask you to look within yourself, to examine your heart and to put aside all selfish thoughts. They ask you to spend less time in the temple itself and more in prayer and quiet contemplation. You were taught to venerate Vica, but now you must learn about the rest of the Holy Family, and that will take time and diligence.

  “I believe this new faith is better, but it will need more work from all of you. This change might also bring down the wrath of Imperata and empress upon us.”

  “Her Highness can rot!” someone shouted.

  Landrus smiled. “There is no need for disrespect. The empress continues to rule the empire.”

  “For now,” Gwynneth whispered to Kendryk, squeezing his hand.

  “But she no longer has any say in our worship,” Landrus continued. “In time, Prince Kendryk will have a greater role in overseeing the temples. But for now, he has asked me to do so, and I do so gladly.” He paused. “Welcome to a new era.”

  The crowds erupted in a loud cheer.

  After the service, everyone joined the new maximus at his palace for a feast. Tables had been set up in the square for the common folk, and wagons of food brought in, but the wealthy and upper class, along with any clergy near enough to come, joined Landrus and the rest.

  It was a merry time, and Kendryk looked around with regret. He sensed there would not be a gathering this happy for a good long time. He was leaving in the morning, and when he came back, it might well be to rally his forces to face Teodora.

  Braeden

  The lieutenant came galloping back. “Armed men ahead,” he gasped. “But this time, they’re on the road, acting like they own it.”

  “Not partisans then,” Braeden said. “Still, I want everyone on alert, arms at the ready.”

  He rode out ahead of the column, taking an escort of ten. As far east as they’d come, he guessed who it might be. There couldn’t have been more than a hundred, but they looked fierce as ever, with their long coats and shaggy ponies. Daciana Tomescu rode at their head.

  “Braeden Terris,” she said, almost friendly. “I never expected to see your head again, at least not attached to your body.”

  “Sorry to disappoint. You’re not the only one with powerful friends.”

  “Why are you so far east? Aren’t the hussars trapped inside Atlona?”

  “Not all of us. Teodora took us as an escort to Isenwald. Until she gathers enough troops to attack Korma, she sent us here to attack his base.”

  “Back doing the work you love so well.” She smirked, looking past him at the smoking remains of a village. “Though knowing you, you let all the people go, so they can die slowly.”

  Braeden ignored this. “I have a message for you from the empress. She thought I might see you, and if I did, I was to tell you to meet her at Rabatin Castle.”

  Tomescu made a face. “How boring. I’ve heard little of what happened in Isenwald, but I wonder if she has plans for Kronland.”

  “I’m sure she does.” Braeden was unwilling to give her any further news. “But I don’t know what they are. All I know is that you’re to meet her. You should leave as soon as possible.”

  “Eager to get rid of me, are you?” She grinned at him, her black eyes gleaming.

  “Yes, I am.”

  “I can’t blame you,” she said, shrugging. “Though most men become friendlier in time. I can be charming.” She cocked her head and fluttered her eyelashes in a ludicrous imitation of coquetry.

  Braeden almost laughed, but stopped himself. “I don’t see the point in being friendly. You haven’t given me much reason.”

  “True. Though that could change.”

  “Don’t bother on my account.” Braeden wished she would go. “Is there anything else you need before you go on your way?” he asked, hoping she’d get the hint.

  “I wouldn’t mind a decent meal. These idiots slaughter the livestock right along with the peasants, so we haven’t seen fresh meat in quite some time.”

  “We’ll stop here for the midday meal. Set something up for these fine folks,” Braeden said to the officer next to him.

  Once the food was ready, the raiders ate greedily and there wasn’t much conversation. Tomescu spoke little. The only disturbances came as messages from the baggage train. A few of the raiders were looking things over and some of the children were frightened.

  “Would you control your people?” Braeden snapped, annoyed.

  “We’ll be on our way.” Tomescu licked remnants of stew from the bottom of her bowl. “Thank you so much for your excellent hospitality.”

  Braeden accompanied them along the line to make sure there wouldn’t be more trouble.

  “Word is you have an interesting hostage,” Tomescu said.

  “Just the Andarosz boy. I’ll give him to Teodora when I return.”

  “I’ll be happy to take him off your hands.”

  Braeden tried not to shudder. “I’m sure you would, but I have my instructions. Besides, Teodora wants him alive and unharmed. I doubt you could manage that.”

  “I wouldn’t hurt him. Much.” She laughed her horrid laugh.

  They were nearing the middle of the baggage train. Janna still rode in a cart. He wondered how she was doing and glanced over at her. She was sitting up and staring at Tomescu with wide, horrified eyes. Braeden couldn’t blame her.

  “Poor frightened little thing,” Tomescu cooed. “You’d think I’d killed her children.”

  “Maybe you did. You’ve killed enough of them.”

  “You’re no fun at all,” Tomescu said, as they reached the open road.

  The message came two days later. “Thank the gods you’re here,” the messenger said. “I ran into that Tomescu bitch, begging your pardon miss.” He nodded at Trisa, who was shadowing Braeden. “She can’t say anything straight, and when her eyes turn all wrong, you forget what you’re about. I thought she said you were out here, but couldn’t be sure.”

  After his meeting with Tomescu, they had turned south to cover an as yet untouched area. “What’s the news?”

  “You’re to return to the empress. Troops from Maladena should reach her in five days. Once all of you have gathered, she plans to assault Korma.”

  “Thank Ercos,” Braeden said. “It’s about time. Any word on who is coming from Maladena, or how many?”

  “It’s to be Demario Barela. He was bringing an army over the mountain passes when Maladena and Zeelund signed the truce. At least four thousand infantry. Good luck for Her Highness.”

  “Good luck indeed. Barela is one of the best. He lifted that siege at Mensen a few years ago. Made short work of Emilya Hohenwart before her sappers could mine the walls. Now go get some refreshment. We’ll be moving out in a few hours.”

  Braeden went back along the baggage train. They’d have to step up the pace, and he wanted to see how Janna was doing. If she still wasn’t well, he’d have to arrange a slower wagon for her, which he didn’t care to in this dangerous area.<
br />
  He found her sitting in her cart, playing a children’s card game with Karil. “We’re getting ready to go west,” he said. “Run along boy, and make sure your horse is ready.” Karil scowled at him, but climbed out of the cart and went in search of his horse.

  Braeden leaned over the side of the cart. “How are you feeling?”

  “Quite well.” It was true her color was much better. It was even possible she was putting on weight. He knew Senta would do her best on that score. “I can’t wait to get back on Zoltan. Riding in the cart is so boring.”

  “That’s good,” Braeden said. “We’ve received orders to rejoin the empress at Rabatin Castle. I want to move at a good pace, and if you can ride, so much the better.”

  She frowned. “We’re going to the empress?”

  “She’s received reinforcements so she can attack Korma. She promised me I would get to be there too.”

  “You make it sound like it’s a party she’s invited you to, rather than a battle,” she said, with a half-smile.

  “A battle is always better than a party.” Braeden grinned.

  “I won’t have to meet the empress, will I?”

  “Only if you want to. I’m sure I can arrange an introduction.”

  “Oh gods, no. I’d rather not. Seeing that horrid woman the other day was more than enough.”

  “Tomescu? Real piece of work, isn’t she?”

  “I’ve seen her before,” Janna whispered. “In Moralta. Do you know if she was there?”

  “She was in Moralta all right.” Braeden didn’t care to revisit the circumstances just then. “With any luck we won’t see her again. The empress will likely send Tomescu into Kronland since she’s not much use in lifting a siege.”

  “Those poor people.” Janna shuddered.

  “Don’t worry. As long as you’re with me, neither she nor the empress will bother you. Now, get into your riding clothes and we’ll get Zoltan saddled up.”

  As he rode away, he found himself pleased that she was better. He also, less expectedly, found himself pleased that she wasn’t pregnant. Since she was more or less his responsibility, it made things less complicated. Senta would find her a husband soon, and it would be easier without a baby.

  Kendryk

  Kendryk was tired. He’d spent a long time with the children before their bedtime. Gwynneth had already gone up, but now he was in the drawing room with Arian Orland, leaving last-minute instructions. “When Faris arrives, come south to meet me. I’ll send dispatches with my location every few days.”

  “How many should I leave here?”

  “None of your men. Count Faris can leave some of his instead. If the worst should happen, Gwynneth can use Birkenfels though I hope she won’t need it.”

  “Right now, the threat is in the south, and we’ll deal with that well enough,” Arian said.

  There was a commotion outside and the door burst open. Kendryk and Arian both jumped up. It was the Duke of Emberg.

  “Good evening, Uncle,” Kendryk said. “I didn’t know you were coming to call.”

  “Call? Stop it with the polite chatter. You can guess why I’m here.”

  “I can’t. Please sit.” Kendryk motioned toward a chair.

  Arian flung himself into one with his elegant sprawl that looked so informal and discourteous, but suited him well.

  The duke didn’t seem inclined to sit, but Kendryk did anyway. The old fellow snorted and sat on the edge of a chair.

  “I heard about what happened in Heidenhof today.” The duke scowled at Arian and Kendryk as if they were particular examples of what was wrong with today’s youth.

  “It was very exciting,” Kendryk said, while Arian snickered. There was little love lost between the Orlands and the Emberg branch of Bernotas. They had been arguing over disputed property for three generations.

  “Exciting?” The duke’s face reddened. “Not only have you embraced heresy; now you have led your people into it.”

  “It is not heresy. Edric Maximus is translating the Holy Scrolls and soon you will be able to read for yourself that we are now on the correct path.” Landrus had insisted that he not take a Forlian name as maximus since he felt it would create more distance between himself and the people.

  “I suppose you already understand all that.”

  “Yes, I do. I’ve read the Scrolls in the ancient tongue and the maximus is correct. Unfortunately, the Temple has long led us astray under the guidance of Imperatas and Imperators going back many centuries. We are now putting it right.”

  “I will not tolerate it,” the duke shouted.

  “You have no choice. I’m tired of discussing it. I am the final word on what happens in Terragand. As my uncle and former regent, I always welcome your opinion, but I am not bound to it.”

  “You are leading Terragand into disaster. I cannot support you.”

  “That is unfortunate, since you are bound by oath to do so.”

  “Not if you commit treason and heresy.”

  “I haven’t done that.”

  “I received a message from Julia Maxima. She told me how you removed her from office. No ruler of Terragand has ever done such a thing.”

  “Until now, none needed to.” Kendryk was unable to suppress a yawn.

  The duke stood. “I realize you don’t take me seriously. But you will. Your arrogance and ignorance know no bounds, but someone must stop you. If the empress can’t do it, I will.” He stormed out of the room before Kendryk and Arian could stand.

  Kendryk sighed. “He’s mostly talk, but I’m still glad you’re here to keep an eye on things.”

  “Pfft,” Arian said. “I know the size of his household guard. They are no threat.”

  “What about his militia?” Kendryk suspected that his uncle hadn’t sent everyone to him, but had let it go.

  “He will have no one better-trained. In fact, I doubt he’s given it any thought. He’s a stupid man.” Arian yawned. “Your side of the family is the only one that got any brains. I suppose it’s fortunate you ended up on top.”

  “Maybe that’s why I ended up on top.” Kendryk grinned.

  “Probably.” Arian smiled back. “Don’t worry about your family. They will be perfectly safe here. Now do the same for your borders.”

  Janna

  The closer they got to Olvisya, the more Janna worried. It seemed ridiculous to go straight into the mouth of the monster after everything she’d endured. She was worried because she had told Braeden her real name. What if he let it slip around the wrong people and someone pieced it together and had her arrested? It was too awful to contemplate.

  Worse, she worried that if she told Braeden, he might turn her in. There was a large reward after all. He didn’t look like he needed it, but since he was willing to fight for someone like Teodora for money, he might be capable of anything.

  It got so bad she couldn’t sleep at night and started planning a way to escape with Karil. But that was impossible. To leave the Sanova Hussars now meant death, or worse. She’d be better off cutting her own throat and getting it done quickly.

  At last, she could bear it no longer. She gathered up what little remained of her courage and went to see Braeden. That evening, he was sitting around the fire with the other troopers, listening to one of their stories. Janna moved tentatively into the light, but Braeden didn’t see her.

  Another man spotted her. “Oh hey sir, it’s that little bit you picked up in the woods.”

  Janna swallowed hard, glad that the darkness covered her blush, and took a few steps forward.

  Braeden looked at her, his eyes twinkling. “Hello Janna,” he said, his tone so easy and friendly she felt better right away.

  “I was wondering if I might speak to you for a moment, er, sir.” She wasn’t sure if that was the correct way to address him, but that’s what everyone else called him.

  He stood. “Of course. Shall we take a little walk?”

  She nodded, glad she didn’t have to go into his tent in
front of all these eyes.

  Once they were out of earshot she said, “I’m sorry to be such a bother, sir.”

  He roared with laughter. “You don’t have to call me sir. If I can call you Janna, then you must call me Braeden.”

  “All right, sir.. I mean, Braeden.” He took long strides, and she had to trot to keep up with him. As they cleared the edge of the tents, he looked down at her again. “I’ll slow down now, but I wanted to get away from those gossipy old hens. Here, we’ll walk around the edge.”

  The picket lines were several yards away, hidden in the trees. It was comforting, knowing they were there. It didn’t hurt to be in the company of such a huge, fearsome-looking man, either.

  “Now, what can I help you with, Janna?”

  “It’s hard to explain, but I’m worried that I will be so near the empress.”

  “You keep going on about that. It’s as though you think she has a personal interest in doing you harm. I’m sure she does not.”

  “But she does.” Janna explained about Dimir and the proclamation. As terrified as she was about how he might react, it was a relief to tell him.

  Braeden stopped short. There was a half moon, but it was bright, and she saw his face clearly. At first he wore a puzzled expression, then burst out laughing.

  She took a few steps back, not sure what to make of this.

  He stopped laughing when he saw her face. “I believe you, but you are the unlikeliest rebel I’ve ever seen.”

  “But I’m not a rebel. It’s by association. Someone told me that a good wife would have talked her husband out of such foolishness, but I couldn’t …”

  “I am not one of those people,” Braeden said. “I met your husband, and he seemed a resolute man. Once he turned his mind to something, I doubt there was anything you could do.”