“Please, we can use Seres. I just need to know what they are doing together.”
“Alright, I’ll talk to her. The only thing worse than somebody who can’t talk to his aunt is somebody who can’t talk to his mother. It might take a few days. She won’t talk about it here, and the last time we spoke, it wasn’t exactly on good terms.”
“Thank you,” said Heric. “It’s been a year. She should be happy to see you.” He walked off, engulfed by the crowd once again. Nikali remained in his seat. He never took his eyes off his mother after that.
It was not long before the dinner was served. The dining room featured one grand circular table. The acoustics were designed to allow anybody to speak and everybody could hear them. The guests were all seated. Only one seat remained empty.
It was an obvious absence. Emperor Caning had not arrived. This was unusual for the Emperor and his parties. He always arrived early and was present to greet the guests before the dinner had started. The crowd had begun to notice. Whispers from seat to seat carried comments on their missing ruler. The rumors spread quickly due to the ability to hear anybody who spoke.
Heric remained quiet while he listened to his guests chatter. Speculations that the Emperor had better things to do, to him being dead, began to float across the room. The Emperor’s Council tried to calm some of the more extreme ideas. They all assured the group that the Emperor would be arriving shortly. He merely had some matters to attend to.
Heric unfortunately knew the truth. His father was ill. The medicine the doctors had offered was helping. The past week the Emperor was back on his feet. It had looked like he was on the road to recovery.
Heric now began to fear the worst. He had not seen his father that day. It wasn’t unusual for them not to see each other, but the crowd was getting into his head. He wanted nothing more than to get up from the table and go to his father’s quarters.
If he hadn’t been rushed earlier he would have done just that. Instead he was stuck at a table playing host. Abigail was looking directly at him. She gestured for him to stay put. She had known what he was thinking.
“I heard Cyrus collapsed in his garden last week,” proclaimed Ellen. She said it loud enough to be clearly heard over the rest of the conversations. “Is he ill, Heric?”
“My father, Emperor Caning, is fine. What you may have heard was an exaggeration. I suppose you didn’t hear about him walking across the Capitol to visit the shops and vendors just three days ago.”
“That’s good to hear,” said Ellen. “If I remember correctly, the stress of being Emperor can really age a man. Death comes for them unexpectedly. I do hope Cyrus is okay.”
Heric hesitated. He was growing angrier by the second. Ellen was forcing him to think of his father’s death.
“You will address him as Emperor Caning,” Heric said. “Only those in his Royal Council are close enough to him to call him Cyrus. Despite your past, you are no longer that close, Ellen.”
“My apologies, Heir Caning, having been in the position of Empress I still hold this capitol and everything it stands for in my heart. I am merely concerned for its future.”
Alexus spoke up. “The future is looking bright. Your concerns are unfounded, Ellen. Heric, here, is ready to continue the tradition of ruling this empire. He is a wonderful student, and I have taught him well.”
“Is this something we should be discussing at the table?” Nikali asked.
“Do you have a problem with my choice of conversation, Nikali?” said his mother.
“I simply find it rude that you are questioning our hosts like this,” he responded.
“There is no need for disdain,” said Ellen. “Heric will be our Emperor at some point in time. I am merely curious as to what that will mean for the Empire. Do you plan on paving a new way for our great society, or are you to follow in your father’s footsteps, or perhaps those of another Emperor?”
The crowd turned to Heric. They were all entranced by the conversation taking place. Nobody wanted to interrupt. They wanted to hear his answer.
“It would be an honor to follow in my father’s footsteps, just as he honored the Emperor before him,” Heric said smoothly. Alexus had trained him well.
“You feel that you are ready to lead the Empire?” Ellen said.
“It is my duty, no one else’s,” Heric answered.
“And what about a wife? It worries me that an Emperor coming into power has no heir of his own. That does create complications, should something unforeseen happen.”
Nikali dropped his head, embarrassed by his mother.
Heric’s eyes darted to Abigail. She had done the same. They both turned away, caught in their secret love for just a moment.
“In all due time, Ellen,” Heric said, returning to the conversation at hand.
Ellen raised her glass for a toast. The crowd followed her example.
“To a beautiful wife that can help lead the Empire to new heights,” she said. The crowd cheered in favor.
“Be careful, Ellen,” said Forman, after taking a drink. “You sounded like a Prial with your toast.”
The crowd chuckled. Only Abigail remained silent. She broke out a small smile to act like she enjoyed the joke. Prial was her society. The Eluan Empire helped destroy her people years ago. The royal class acted as if it was just a footnote in their lives. Few of them had seen the horrors of the war. They could laugh all they wanted. Even the soldiers could laugh. They had won.
“I never did agree with that war,” said Ellen. “Prial was a beautiful city. It’s a shame what happened to it, even despite what they did to Nikali.”
The crowd raised their glasses at the naming of their former Emperor.
“I see nothing wrong with having your wife, the Empress, helping rule the Empire,” continued Ellen. “It’s a shame that your mother is no longer alive. She would have been a great influence in the Empire. She could have taught you a thing or two, as well.”
Heric stiffened up at the thought of his mother. She had died when he was young. The horse she was riding had gotten bitten by a snake. It bucked and sent her flying into the air. She died on impact. There was nothing anyone could do. Heric had watched from just yards away.
“I suspect you would like to play that role?” Nikali said, coming into the defense of his cousin.
The crowd gasped. Nobody ever spoke seriously about ruling the Empire, especially in front of the Emperor himself. Even a joke could send a man into the dungeon for a day. Nikali did not hesitate. He was not nervous with his words.
“More so than you,” said Ellen to her son. “Ambition rules empires. That is what we need in a ruler.”
“Then you should be proud to know Heric will be our Emperor,” said Nikali. “The ambition in him is remarkable. I look forward to the years to come.” Nikali raised his glass one more time. The crowd did the same. They cheered for Heric.
Heric sat there amused. It was no surprise to him that Ellen wanted her seat of power back. Nikali throwing it in her face so blatantly was also not surprising to him. It was to be expected from the two of them.
Seres cleared his throat when he finished his drink to grab everyone’s attention.
“I am curious, Heir Caning. Are there any plans militarily for the future? We control most of the land in the known world. Is there progress on the bridge across Insabal’s Canyon? What of the Tcher Islands? Are we going to be putting down that rabid dog? Where is your ambition leading us?”
The crowd jumped to life with questions again. The mention of the bridge got a lot of them going. Insabal’s Canyon had been impassable for all of recorded history. It was only during Nikali Caning’s reign that they managed to form an ill-fitted bridge across the canyon. It was made up of tree trunks and mortar. Only one person at a time could cross, and it was always uncertain if it would remain intact. Alexus had been one of the few men fortunate enough to not only cross the canyon, but to return.
There was another city out there beyond the canyon
outside the reach of the Eluan Empire. Alexus had lived with them for some time during his crossing. It was the Emperor’s goal after that to build an official bridge and bring their people together.
“I would rather not discuss military strategies at the dinner table, Seres,” said Heric. “It is not something to muse over. You’re either completely committed to the fight, or trying not to think about it. If it’s a fight you’re looking for, then I’m sure the arena battles would welcome a new challenger.”
“What about the bridge?” Abigail asked. She kept her head down, avoiding eye contact with the rest of the guests.
“I don’t know about that,” said Heric. It was the truth. He rarely kept up-to-date with that project. It was more his father’s interest than his.
Alexus stood up. All eyes turned to him. He straightened out his robes. “I suppose now is as good a time as any. The Emperor wanted to be here for this announcement, but he appears to be delayed, and I think a bit of good news would do well for this table.
“The bridge is finished. It will safely allow a group of horseback travelers to cross at a time.”
The crowd began clapping cheerfully. Alexus tried to look humble for this moment.
“We will soon be sending an official group of ambassadors to the city across the canyon. They are a great people. We can learn a lot from each other, and provide aid if ever needed.”
“Who are the ambassadors?” asked Heric.
“I’m glad you asked,” said Alexus. “One of them will be me, along with my aid. Another is you, Heric, and Forman.”
This moment took Heric back. This was the first he was hearing about it. Nobody had asked him if he wanted to leave the Capitol.
“Your father wanted you to go to represent him and your family,” said Alexus. He raised his glass. “This is a great moment Heric. Celebrate it. We’re reaching out one more time. This Empire hasn’t seen new land in over four generations. Our descendants will be talking about this for years to come.”
The crowd cheered once again. They all took a big drink this time. The news of the bridge being finished was enough to quell the serious conversation for the rest of the dinner. It was no longer a time to question the Emperor. He had accomplished a great goal this evening. No one was going to take that away from him, present or not.
Chapter 2
Heric tried to relax later that night after the dinner. He went to bed early to let the day pass, but the evening’s conversation kept coming into his mind. He couldn’t sleep. At this point he knew every detail of his ceiling. He lay in bed replaying the events over and over again. Was there something he could have said differently? Should he have just kicked Ellen out? What was going to happen after his father died?
There was going to be no sleep for him anytime soon, he admitted to himself. Instead of the restless night that could have been ahead of him, he got up to work off some of his energy.
He had his own personal gym near his quarters. There were weapons and training equipment for preparing for battle. Many days in his past were filled with just such training. Heric got a boost out of it all. It was the one place he could be in control. Wars were complicated, but battles were not. In the end it came down to doing what you needed to do to survive.
Heric could become stronger than his opponents. He could become faster than them. Strategy never lasted long on the battlefield. The more people you have the more unpredictable it got. He could only rely on himself. Heric just needed to be better than everyone else.
With nunchucks in hand, Heric went to work on a dummy. He struck it at every vital target across the body. The dummy extended out, holding a staff. Heric wrapped his weapon around the staff and sent it flying across the room. Once the dummy was disarmed, signaling less of a threat from an enemy, Heric slipped his nunchucks into a holder on his belt in one swift motion. He then proceeded to beat the dummy with his fists.
Each strike came harder and faster. He envisioned Ellen, Seres, his father, the Royal Council, Forman, Abigail, Nikali, and everything else in his life. He could not lash out at them directly. He didn’t want to. He just wanted his frustration to go away.
In his final fit of rage, Heric grabbed at the dummy’s head. He ripped it from its body and sent it flying against the wall across the room. He was exhausted.
He breathed heavily, calming down for the first time that night. His legs became weak. He dropped to the ground resting against what remained of his training dummy.
Forman walked into the room. He looked half-awake. His clothes were a combination of two different robes.
“Did I wake you?” Heric asked.
“Yeah, you were making a lot of noise. A lot of people are up.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize. I thought I was quieter.”
“What’s wrong?” Forman asked.
Heric hesitated. He remembered what Forman had said at the dinner.
“What does it matter to you?” Heric said. “You weren’t exactly on my side tonight.”
“I’ve always got your back. You know that. I’m your man.”
“Then explain to me your comment about Prial,” Heric said. He stood up to come eye to eye with Forman. “That was an insult toward Abigail, and don’t deny it.”
“It wasn’t meant to be insulting toward her. I needed to show you how unacceptable this is. You cannot be with Abigail.”
“What does it matter?”
“The crowd laughed at the idea of being Prial. Eluans do not like Prials. If they were to find out you were sleeping with her, you would lose supporters fast. I am trying to protect you.”
“Why does it matter what they think? I have the right to choose whomever I want as my wife.”
“You want to marry her?” Forman said surprised. “Does she know what you are thinking? That cannot happen.”
“What are you afraid of, Forman?”
“I’m afraid of losing what your ancestors have built. Those people out there outnumber our military. If they no longer favor you as their leaders, it will lead to disaster. The war with Prial was devastating to say the least. We lost thousands of good people, soldiers and civilians during that time. You’ve read the books. The Royal Council is not ready to accept any kind of Prial as their Empress.”
“Most of them might not know now, but it will get out,” Forman continued. “She will be identified, and I shudder to think what will happen after that. I’m only saying this because I’m your friend. You have enough problems to deal with. She makes you happy. I get that, but it just can’t happen.”
“I love her,” said Heric.
“I’m sorry.”
Forman put his arm around Heric, and walked him out of the room. Heric did not fight it. Drowsiness was finally starting to grab hold of him. He wanted nothing more now than to just lie in his bed and forget everything that had happened.
Chapter 3
Nikali was out in the markets in the morning. He had already said his good-byes to Cassandra. She was leaving the Capitol for a while. A wealthy business man had invited her to his home in Llyek, a city known for its jewelry trade. It was the spur of the moment, but Cassandra could not pass up the opportunity.
It was unusually chilly for this season. He wondered if the blooming Night’s Flower would not last the typical week. There were still people out on the street. Judging by their appearance, Nikali assumed they were just now finishing up their night.
He didn’t stop at any of the shops. He would get to them on his way back. There was one stop he had to make first. Nikali had to pay a visit to his mother.
She lived outside the Capitol. It was on the opposite end of where the ghetto was located. This area was used more for the farmers and the upper class to enjoy open fields. It was a bit of a walk, but Nikali liked the delay. He forced himself to continue moving forward, but every step was a fight.
Eventually he reached the edge of his mother’s property. He could see the house in the distance. It brought back fond memories. It was his
childhood home. The interior of the house was designed to mimic the palace quarters.
When Nikali was young he was amazed and enthralled by the idea: The first time he went to the palace he loved the fact that he knew the layout already. He never got lost.
That fact now depressed him. He saw the truth in the house. It was just another ploy for his mother to appear closer to her Empress status than she actually was.
Nikali did not bother to knock on the door. He walked right in. He passed a handful of servants in the hallway. He had not recognized them. It did not matter. None of them tried to stop him.
“Mother!” he yelled. His voice echoed through the hallways.
He was left waiting. The servants had disappeared. The thought of leaving was looking better and better to Nikali. Then he heard the footsteps. They were followed by whispers. Nikali turned around. His mother was being escorted down the hallway by one of the servants. They looked panicked, pointing at Nikali.
Ellen gestured for her servant to settle down. She looked Nikali over head-to-toe. There was no sign of enjoyment or approval in her face. She remained emotionless, as if she were visiting with a colleague she had just met.
“What are you doing here?” she asked him once the servant left.
“I haven’t seen you in over a year. All of a sudden you return with no notice, and with a man on your arm. I’m curious. How have you been? What have you been up to?”
“You can tell Heric, it’s none of his business,” Ellen said.
“Heric has nothing to do with this,” Nikali defended.
“Don’t lie. It’s obvious you’re his lap dog. You don’t care what I’ve been up to. You’re just here because he sent you. Why don’t you be a good royal lap dog and return home now?”
“Heric is my friend. He is also my family. Your family.”
“He hasn’t been my family since Nikali died. Cyrus made sure of that.”
“Who’s lying now? Uncle Cyrus made every effort to keep us all together. You were just too proud to take anything he offered.”
Eluan Falls: The Inheritors of the World Page 2