Once through the press of people in the quad, the foot traffic became less hectic but remained heavy. The humble palanquin transporting Hael to the palace was forced to stop and start every couple of minutes to let more gaudy vehicles pass.
The foot traffic was mostly made up of Guest with a few Feral slaves mixed in amongst them. The buildings were uniform, two-story blocks made of sandstone. Metal plates beside many of the doors were a common sight, indicating the nature of the business being conducted inside. Once they entered the Imperial Quarter proper, most of the plates identified the buildings as housing ministries or sub-ministries.
Hael spent a particularly long lull, waiting for a veritable convoy of heavily gilded and jewel-covered chairs to pass, beside a copper plate that read Ministry of Governmental Organization followed by the simple circle that was its official sigil. Hael knew that this was the one of the most powerful branches of government, as it determined which ministry dealt with each aspect of the government and was sometimes referred to the Ministry of Ministries or the MoM. It had been created eighteen hundred years previously, following a particularly excessive period of competition between the ministries. From what Hael could remember of his history, hundreds had died in a string of tit for tat murders as two ministerial factions had tried to usurp each other’s responsibilities. The MoM was critical in making sure that things did not get out of hand again.
As the arbiter of disputes, the MoM was extremely powerful, as the other ministries lobbied for it to increase their realms of responsibility or to turn a blind eye when they felt the need to mete out revenge on another ministry for some slight. It was an open secret that the MoM sometimes stoked rivalries if a particular ministry was becoming too powerful. Ministerial bickering ensured stability; hence, the Minister of Governmental Organization himself was always appointed directly by the Emperor, was usually one of his close relatives and was always one of his One Hundred Companions.
Hael’s thoughts returned to Bral, as the last covered throne moved on and his forward progression recommenced. He knew what he needed to do to save his little brother from himself, but that did not make it any more palatable. It just meant it would take longer for him to achieve his own personal goals.
His vehicle made good progress towards the palace for the next half an hour as his seat bobbed along in the wake of the convoy of heavily jeweled palanquins he had originally been forced to give way to, until another set of chairs crossed the street between him and his unofficial escort.
After an hour-long wait within sight of the palace, Hael decided that being carried around the City by someone was not quite as exciting as he had hoped. He sent a mental command to the Feral bearers, who lowered the palanquin to the ground. He inelegantly pulled himself out of the contraption and started to walk to the palace gate. He was going to send another command to his bearers, to send them back to the Academy, when he noticed that they had already lifted the chair, turned around and started to make their way back to the Academy. Apparently they had been waiting for Hael to abandon them.
Hael wondered if the journey was part of a final assessment. Were they testing him to see how long he would stick with protocol? But, no, he had graduated. In the real world you did not have to continually prove yourself like you did in the Academy. Did you?
The outer palace gates were massive wrought iron works of art set into the thick sandstone wall surrounding the Palace proper. The iron gate depicted a scene of the Enki II casting out Uruk, the Feral Leader of the Rebellion. The cunningly wrought gate captured a look of rage on Uruk’s face as he was chained to the boulder that he would ride for eternity into the Outer Darkness. The look of sad triumph on the face of the Emperor, indicated that he took no joy in vanquishing the Feral scum. It was a popular motif in the City and across the Empire, as it was the historical pivot that gave birth to the current age. Enki II’s victory had been absolute, and the strongest and most aggressive of the Feral had perished, banished to the Outer Darkness or been enslaved that day. The Feral that survived had fled to the wilderness and lived a hard subsistence existence since that day. The Guest were taught that it had taken the Feral over four millennia for their population to recover and start to become a nuisance to the City, which, coincidentally, was about the same time as Emergence, when the Host had first adopted the Guest.
The gate was obviously Guest work, as the Host had little interest in working on something as menial as iron. Host left things like construction, architecture, entertainment, food production and defense to the Guest. The Host spent their time on more important things, such as running the ministries, providing guidance to the Guest and, of course, devising and approving breeding plans for the Guest.
The Guest who worked metal were not allowed to leave the Ministry of Havoc, to ensure that the secret of metal working stayed secret. It was a good way to repay the Debt.
Once past the outer gates Hael entered a wide tunnel through the Palace wall to the inner gates. The tunnel was fifty or so feet long and twenty wide. The ceiling and walls were dotted with openings from which defenders, in the case of an assault, could pour burning liquids, stones or sharp objects on the attackers. The murder holes had never been used and had been put in place after the Rebellion. Hael seemed to remember they had been one of the first large projects that the Guest had undertaken after Emergence. Host had taught Guest the basics of stonework and engineering and then had let them get on with the work. A generation later the Palace wall had reached its current impregnable state. Following that project the Host had engaged in expanding the Legions with a massive Guest breeding project, just in time to beat back the Feral who had, at the time, started to encroach on the City’s sphere of influence. Although the Campaigns were constant, the Feral had not been a real threat to City since the Legions had been formed, and officially the Legions had never lost a major battle.
There were rumors, treasonous rumors, of the Lost Legions. Legions that had fallen in battle to the Feral. There were even wild stories of Feral cities far to the east or in the frozen north. These rumors were never directly addressed, nor were they tolerated by the Host.
The inner gate was made of two counterweighted slabs of sandstone. In the center of each door was the personal sigil of Emperor Enki II, a snake consuming its own tail. The gates were two feet thick and completely sealed the inner end of the tunnel when closed. They were closed from sundown to daybreak each night. Once closed, the courtiers were forced to use the smaller side gates to enter and leave the palace. Hael had heard that each of the massive main gates could be closed by a single trooper due to the cleverness of the closing mechanism, another Guest design. Opening the gates was, of course, much more difficult.
Hael presented his sword and a letter of introduction at the outer gates and was assigned a trooper escort into the Palace proper. The Palace was a massive amalgamation of buildings, a small city in and of itself. Most of the Host lived in the Imperial Quarter, many of them in the Palace. The Palace was also home to several thousand Guest who were responsible for keeping the Emperor and the Host happy, informed and entertained.
The main receiving chamber was located close to the main gates, so as to reduce the possibility of a visitor disrupting the routine of the Palace. There were some parts of the Palace that were only ever seen and used by the Emperor, His family and His closest servants and advisors, the One Hundred Companions.
Hael’s escort handed him off to a hooded and heavily cloaked member of the Imperial Bodyguard stationed at the door to the audience chamber. The cloak was plain black, except for the Emperor’s circle and lightning sigil embroidered in silver wire over his heart. Imperial Bodyguards were always made up of Nightfeeders and typically first generation Nightfeeders, the most powerful type, having been Cursed in one of the City’s temples. Given some time and effort a Nightfeeder could turn one of the Guest or even a member of the wild tribes to create a less powerful Nightfeeder. Newly created Nightfeeders would remain obedient to the first generat
ion Nightfeeder that was their Creator, but they were very rarely as powerful as their Creator.
Hael had read an account of a Feral who had been turned in one of the early Campaigns. Unfortunately the Feral had been too strong to be held by the Nightfeeder Curse and had broken the bond of obedience. The resulting unrestrained beast had managed to destroy a third of a Legion before being annihilated. Since that time Ferals had never been turned, but only been Cursed with Obedience. In rare instances a Feral had broken the Slavery Curse; however, without the Nightfeeder enhancements they were usually exterminated without too much mayhem.
Hael brought his thoughts back to the present as the Bodyguard passed back the letter and preceded him into the receiving chamber.
The chamber was a huge open space with an arching ceiling supported by carved stone pillars. At each of the ten pillars a squad of four more of the Imperial Bodyguard was stationed, keeping a disapproving eye on the clumps of courtiers spread throughout the hall. At the far end of the hall sat a rather bored but eminently regal Emperor. The Bone Throne was on a raised dais and separated from the courtiers by a phalanx of twenty more of the Imperial Bodyguard. Inside the phalanx were stationed the Emperor’s closest advisors, representing each of the two current political factions. On the Emperor’s right was Eligos, Minister of Havoc, on his left was Vassago, the Minister of Vocations. Eligos was the leader of the progressive Enlightened faction while Vassago was leader of the conservative Orthodox.
Hael’s new escort led him through the hall to the Emperor. As he approached he surreptitiously studied the Eternal Emperor, Enki II. It was bad form to examine Him directly. He looked to be in his prime of life, not young or old, and His hair was graying slightly at the temples. He was average height for one of the Host, about five feet tall and more heavily built than one of the Guest. His crown was a delicate filigree of gold, platinum and silver that twisted up to support a single diamond the size of an apricot. The crown was a symbol as well as a tool of power, a Lens. The noble metals and diamond could be used by the Emperor to enhance the strength of His mind and to boost His will.
Hael’s escort stopped short of the line of Nightfeeders, who stepped to the side, leaving a space for Hael to approach the Emperor more closely. Hael walked through and abased himself on a priceless rug at the foot of the dais.
His Imperial Majesty, Eternal Emperor Enki II, Supreme Ruler of City and Empire, Hero of the Rebellion and Scourge of the Feral: Ah, so here is this year’s One. We have high expectations for you. The Emperor broadcast to the entire hall in the formal tense, which included his titles.
“You flatter me, your Most Eternal Majesty. I am a worm, beneath your notice.” Hael said the words aloud as well as broadcast them to the room. Etiquette dictated that Guest speak verbally and mentally when in court. Verbal speech reminded all that the Guest were still close to being grunting animals and the mental speech was to ensure that the Host could follow what was being said.
His Imperial Majesty, Eternal Emperor Enki II, Supreme Ruler of City and Empire, Hero of the Rebellion and Scourge of the Feral: They have trained you well; your manners are couth and your mind is strong, but are you truly loyal? I wonder?
Before Hael could answer, the Emperor attempted to enter his mind. Hael was so startled he did not instantly drop his mental shield. The Emperor grunted and the diamond flared on his crown and he readied to break through Hael’s shield. Hael dropped his mental shield before the Emperor broke through with brute force. Having your shield breached by force was excruciating. Before he lost consciousness he could detect the Emperor’s troubled thought, Very strong indeed. Then he lost consciousness as the Emperor rummaged through his thoughts and memories.
He jerked back to consciousness when the Emperor withdrew.
Emperor Enki II: I am impressed, Fa Hael. Your dedication and loyalty are clear to see. There is a Legion that I need you to lead. You leave in the morning. The Emperor broadcast to all in the semiformal tense, dropping most of his titles from his mental sending.
Emperor Enki II –> Hael: Do not disappoint me, he added just for Hael.
Hael’s head was spinning; he had never heard of a freshly graduated cadet being granted a Legion. The Emperor had also addressed him as “Fa Hael,” indicating he now had a rank of Captain and that he had jumped two ranks, which was also unheard of.
He could detect a faint mental susurration from the courtiers as they mentally commented amongst themselves on this unexpected turn of events. No doubt they were trying to detect if this meant that the Emperor was leaning towards favoring the Enlightened.
In the declarative mode, Enki spoke again.
His Imperial Majesty, Eternal Emperor Enki II, Supreme Ruler of City and Empire, Hero of the Rebellion and Scourge of the Feral: And now for your boon. What will you ask for as One? Will it be a mate or a sexual plaything, or a fine home and pension for your parents? Maybe a fine set of armor or a weapon. Tell me, what do you desire?
Hael had long ago decided that he was going to secure his parents future if he was ever granted a boon, but that had changed this morning. His brother Lucan could have secured his parents’ future a year ago. He had not done so, and instead he had asked for a sword with Lens on the pommel, similar to the Imperial Crown but orders of magnitude less efficacious. Lucan’s argument was that the Lens would ensure he progressed quickly through the ranks and could help their parents later. Likely, later would continue to be later until their parents were no more.
Though it pained him to overlook his parents, Hael knew what he needed to do.
“Your Holy Majesty is most generous, and for my boon I request the ability to select my aide de camp, to assist me with the command of the Legion.”
The Emperor’s face and mind briefly broadcast puzzlement, followed quickly by understanding — he knew where this was leading. His ministers had not plumbed the depths of Hael’s psyche and so did not know why he was asking for such a small favor. The Emperor waited to see how his ministers would react.
Eligos, who bore overall responsibility for the Campaigns as Minister of Havoc, asked first.
Eligos: Fa Hael, are you sure that is all you want? Even without this boon, you would have some control over who serves in your Legion; would you not prefer something else?
Vassago jumped in before Hael could reply.
Vassago: If that is all the boy wants, let him have it. If he wants to piss away a boon, so be it.
The Emperor looked at the two of them to see if either objected to granting the boon. Eligos shrugged, Vassago waved his hand.
His Imperial Majesty, Eternal Emperor Enki II, Supreme Ruler of City and Empire, Hero of the Rebellion and Scourge of the Feral: Boon granted.
“My gratitude to you, Holy Majesty, Ministers. I would like to select my younger brother Bral for my aide de camp.”
Vassago and Eligos both sent queries to their assistants at the side of the hall. Vassago got an answer first.
Vassago: Your Holy Majesty, this is most unusual. It appears that this boy’s brother is still a cadet. He is not due to graduate for another two years. He paused and tilted his head; one of his aides was communicating to him. He continued. Furthermore, it appears that he was expelled for cowardice, just this afternoon.
Eligos: A boon is a boon, Vassago. As Minister of Vocations you can have your ministry classify him as a trooper. I will accept him into the Legions.
Vassago –> Enki II, Eligos, Hael: I do not like it, Your Holy Majesty, and I feel this boy is making fools of us. Vassago did not broadcast his thought to the entire room, but sent it only to the Emperor, Eligos and Hael. Including Hael in the communication was an indirect threat.
Emperor Enki II –> Vassago, Eligos, Hael: We shall allow it. We know the reasons for the request, although we do not approve of them. As Eligos said, a boon is a boon. Fa Hael, make sure this does not come back to embarrass Us. Imperial embarrassment has been known to be fatal. Understood?
“Your Eternal Majesty is most
wise and merciful. I will complete my brother’s education in the field. He and I will be your loyal swords against the Feral. We will repay the Debt in this small way,” Hael said.
Although he had secured his brother for now, Hael had a feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach.
At the back of the receiving chamber stood the Marshals of the Academy. Their lips did not move, but they were deep in conversation.
Donta –> Zabab: I know what you are thinking. It was not weakness.
Zabab –> Donta: He could have left here with a Lens, but instead he gets a half-trained, partially broken aide-de-camp. Zabab stroked the egg-sized ruby pommel of his sword, his own personal Lens. Donta often wondered why Zabab was entitled to such a powerful Lens. He could only assume that Zabab had once been much more highly placed than Marshal of the Academy.
Eligos sent them a thought from where he stood beside the Emperor’s dais.
Eligos –> Zabab, Donta: What in the name of the Emperor’s infinite navel was that all about? I dislike surprises.
Zabab responded privately to Eligos.
Zabab –> Eligos: We were just talking about that. I will let my esteemed colleague respond.
Donta –> Eligos, Zabab: He can still achieve what he needs to. After delivering a few victories he will be granted additional boons. It may just take a little longer. His actions today confirm to me that he was the correct choice. We will be able to play on his sense of duty, believe me; I understand how he thinks. He would have only received a minor Lens anyway.
Zabab continued to communicate with Eligos privately.
Zabab –> Eligos: I do not know why I must abide the company of this animal. Dearest Eligos, every time he lectures me I feel like popping his head like a pus-filled boil. Could another not take this burden from my shoulders?
Ancient Evil (The First Genocide Book 1) Page 20