The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning

by Melissa Collins

  “This is the Levadis crest – with a few changes I felt were appropriate to honor your family’s newly acquired status.” In a single long stride Therek came around the table to stand in front of Kaori, the tip of his index finger tapping against the intricate embroidery on his chest. All at once it felt as if her heart came to a stop, blood running cold through her veins in recognition of the design. It came back clearly, pulled from the depths of her subconscious. Her dream. She could see it the same as she had while lost in her fever induced stupor. The way the crest had rested upon her own chest in the deserted streets of Eykanua, surrounded in every direction by the corpses of her fallen friends and allies. A shudder coursed through her spine, taken back to the horrific images which had haunted her nearly every night since she awoke from the nightmare so vivid in her mind.

  Her fingertips reached out to touch the beautiful curves of the wings near the top of the crest, a grimace contorting her gentle features at the memory of how her dream ended. She could still picture Therek’s body lying, bloody and bruised on the tile of Sulel’s throne room, the long, finely crafted blade protruding from his chest. Panic began to rise within her to think of the way she’d held his lifeless form in her arms. Was it a premonition? A sign from the gods of what the future held for them all?

  Mouth agape, she stared up at Therek, seeing him there in front of her, alive and well, yet she couldn’t shake the gruesome vision from her mind. There was so much blood; and she had been powerless to save him. No. Therek couldn’t die. She needed him. I love him…

  “Your Majesty, are you alright?”

  Snapped from her thoughts Kaori blinked, clearing the haze from her vision to stare at Therek, only vaguely aware that he’d said anything. “I… yes?”

  “You appear frightened. Is everything okay? Do you not like the crest?”

  “No. I mean, yes. I – it is beautiful,” she stammered, angry with herself for being so foolish. It was only a dream. It didn’t mean anything… “The uniform suits you. It will add a nice touch on the battlefield to show unity amongst our soldiers. We are not just farmers and peasants anymore. We are an army.”

  “We are your army,” Liurn added from his position by the door. “Your commanding officers are outside awaiting permission to enter. Shall I escort them inside, Your Majesty?”

  The familiar sensation of being completely overwhelmed left her speechless for a moment, Liurn’s words not quite registering. Her commanding officers. It sounded so strange. She, Kaori Levadis, was in command of an entire army, ready to go into battle at her order. “Yes,” she struggled to force the word out. “Bring them in. We have no time to waste.”

  Turning on her heel Kaori returned to her seat, idly smoothing the fabric of her shirt to make sure she looked presentable. Image was everything if she was going to pull this off.

  She had only just settled onto the chair when she heard the tent flap open, the sound of footsteps making their way inside. Immediately, she became aware of Therek coming to stand at her side, upright and stiff in an authoritative stance. She found herself wondering if he experienced the same inner fear as her though, if he did, his ability to conceal it was superior to her own.

  Looking out across the room she took in the people standing before her. Pehrona, Nichele, Koyl, Davian – and two others whose faces she’d never seen before. They all wore a similar uniform to Therek though with less adornment, no doubt intended to differentiate between ranks. As General, it made sense that his uniform would be more decorated. Helping him stand out on the battlefield.

  Still shaken from the images of her dream Kaori failed to find her voice for a proper greeting, instead choosing to wave the others toward the table in hopes that she would regain her senses by the time they took their seats. This was her first time meeting two of the chosen commanders. The last thing she wanted was for them to think they served a simpleton.

  “Your Majesty, allow me to introduce your new commanders, Trayton Henrald and Calynne Irvela.” Ramis gestured toward the two unknown individuals, pointing to each one in turn as he spoke their name.

  The male Ramis called Trayton was of clear human descent, his sandy blond hair left long to hang low over his shoulders. His brown eyes revealed his youth despite the hardened expression he wore to conceal the truth of his age. Kaori guessed the boy was no more than twenty-three or twenty-four. A child in the eyes of the Vor’shai though old enough to call himself a man amongst his own people.

  It was the woman, Calynne, who caught Kaori’s attention, instantly drawn to the inky black which darkened the entirety of both her eyes. Long strands of ebon hair draped with a natural wave down her back, contrasting the stark white complexion of her skin. She was pretty, in an unusual way, an air of mystery surrounding her which piqued Kaori’s interest. So this is what a Ven’shal looks like. The woman radiated power and confidence, meeting Kaori’s scrutinizing gaze with her own, seeming to size her up from across the table.

  They were quite a team, seated there now, everyone staring at each other in wait of someone who would direct the conversation. Vor’shai. Ven’shal. Human. Namiren. It brought a smile to Kaori’s lips to consider the number of fighters they managed to recruit. Impressive for a group of people who possessed little to no military background. “I have heard much about you both,” she nodded politely toward the two, unsure what else she could say. Words weren’t really necessary. As Queen, her acknowledgment was all they needed.

  At Kaori’s side, Therek remained standing, his presence dominating the group the way it always had since the day she first met him. He had a way about him which drew attention, demanding respect when he spoke. “Before we begin our plans for an attack on the Imperial City, Davian wished to bring another matter before the Queen, if it is permitted.” He lowered his gaze to stare down at Kaori, a flicker of some unknown thought or emotion causing the azure light of his eyes to flash briefly at the sight of her.

  They held each other’s stare, neither one speaking for a long moment before Kaori realized that everyone was waiting for her to respond. It was so hard to think when he looked at her! Tearing her eyes away she settled her gaze on Davian, nodding to him in acceptance of his request. “Commander, you have the floor.”

  Clearing his throat Davian pushed his chair back to stand, the tips of his fingers lightly rested atop the table as if to support his weight. He looked uncomfortable. Hesitant about whatever it was he was about to say. “Your Majesty…” he started, an odd expression crossing his face to use the title while addressing Kaori. She couldn’t blame him for his awkwardness. It hadn’t quite settled into normalcy for her either. “Rumors have been rampant that you intend to see the Carpaen Empire divided if – when – we achieve our victory. The Esai community within our ranks has… considered this at length and requested I bring a proposition before you.”

  “A proposition?” Kaori peered at Davian, inquisitive. “What is it your people suggest?”

  “Well,” Davian cast a quick glance at the others, his nervousness seeming to build to find every eye in the room settled on him. Waiting to hear what he had to say. “The persecution of the Vor’shai has impacted us in many of the same ways it has your people. We fear the possibility of history repeating itself and desire a means which may assist in preventing this from happening. It was discussed that, if you do in fact plan a separation of this nation, perhaps some land could be presented to our people in recognition of our support and aid in this war.”

  The idea struck Kaori, though she found nothing odd about the request. She’d found very little time to consider the possible options for division of the country in the event of victory. Part of her wasn’t entirely convinced they stood a chance against the Imperial Army. Now that it was out in the open, she couldn’t deny that it made perfect sense to offer land to those who aided in the war efforts. She cared little about how much of the country she retained. Her desire to fight had nothing to do with taking over the Empire in its entirety, nor did she wish to have
control over so much at one time. If the humans were to obtain a separate nation from the Vor’shai, she saw nothing wrong with the Esai being granted a territory of their own as well. “We do not have time to spend on details, but I believe this is a fair request,” she replied, impressed by the calm even tone of her voice. It helped strengthen her image of power and authority in front of those she had chosen to serve closest to her. “Once Sulel’s army has been defeated, we will meet to discuss the matter in greater depth. For now, you may tell your people that I am open to the request and will do what I can to accommodate.”

  “You are most gracious, Your Majesty,” Davian bowed deeply, the nervous smile on his face growing to reveal his relief at her decision. Kaori could only imagine the pressure he’d been under from his people to present the request. In many ways she likened it to the burden she bore with her own people leading them into this war.

  Satisfied with the answer he received, Davian lowered himself into his chair, elbows leaned on the table in a more relaxed posture, looking up to Therek with an appreciative nod. Kaori waited in fear that someone might speak in disapproval of her decision. No one could argue the fairness of it. If the Vor’shai deserved their own country after everything they endured, the Esai had equal rights to request the same. The only decision she preferred to keep quiet for now was her promise to Mhina that the humans would be allowed to retain a territory within Carpaen. For everything the humans had put the Vor’shai through, a treaty with the former Empress was sure to create a stir.

  “If there is no other business, then I suggest we move on to our plan of attack.” Therek’s eyes scanned the faces around the table, allowing a brief silence for someone to speak if they were so inclined. At their lack of response he gave a sharp nod, the sound of his voice again ringing through the tent to remind everyone of their daunting task. “Very well,” he began. “I have given much thought to the matter and concluded that our options are somewhat limited. The primary target is the city of Eykanua, so our focus should center on the Imperial Palace.”

  Unsettled by the thought of attacking the palace directly, Kaori pictured Mhina’s face in her mind, the way she had begged for the safety of her son. An assault on the Imperial home would place both Mhina and her child at risk. “What of the Empress?” she questioned, tilting her chin up to gaze at Therek. He was aware of Mhina’s assistance in Kaori’s rescue from Sulel’s prison. Surely he would understand the concern she felt.

  His forehead creased in consternation, tension visible in his clenched jaw. “She should be prepared for our strike, but we cannot warn her of the exact plan. A letter could be intercepted – and I also am not convinced it wouldn’t make its way into Sulel’s hands.”

  “Can someone explain to me why we care about the Empress?” Calynne leaned forward, elbows propped stiffly on the table, an accusatory stare aimed at Kaori and Therek. “The woman is married to our enemy. Let her die with him.”

  A murmur of approval swept quickly across the room, adding to the haughty expression Calynne wore as she stared Kaori down. Her intention was to intimidate. Push Kaori into seeing that mercy wasn’t acceptable. Anger burned inside Kaori to think that this woman thought her weak enough to quiver at a simple argument. But it was her own fault for letting these people witness so much of her uncertainty since their arrival. She would have to rectify that mistake before it cost her the respect of everyone in the room. “The Empress is the only reason I am seated here today,” she stated plainly, anger providing the extra strength necessary in her voice to improve the image of confidence she sought to give. “She arranged for my escape from the prison in exchange for a promise of safety for herself and her child. Her assistance to our cause cannot – nor will it – be overlooked.”

  Calynne straightened her posture, a smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. It was obvious in the way she held Kaori’s eye that she wanted to say more though Kaori refused to back down. She carried an unmatched hatred for Sulel and General Deliao for their cruelty and greed. Revenge was always in the back of her mind, but only toward the men responsible for the wrongs done to her family. Those who sided with Sulel were nothing more than unfortunate casualties in the war. If anyone could be spared, she intended to grant them pardon unless they continued to swear allegiance to the false Emperor. Mhina had earned a chance at redemption by acting against her husband’s wishes.

  Therek revealed a similar disapproval of Calynne’s behavior, his chin lifted to stare down his nose at her. “It will do you all well to keep in mind that Kaori is the one who makes the decisions, and has earned that right because of her ability to look past the mentality of revenge. We are not murderers. If we slaughter those who have come to our aid then we are no better than Sulel. The Queen’s word is final. Unless the Empress takes up arms against us, she is not to be harmed. Is this clear?”

  “General –” Calynne’s mouth opened, her words cut short by Therek’s booming voice breaking through at an increased volume, commanding the attention of everyone there.

  “Is this clear? I will not repeat myself again.”

  Kaori sat proudly at Therek’s side, grateful for his presence. She wasn’t sure what she would do without him. Her preference was to not consider the possibility. All eyes were on Therek, no one daring to speak out in protest of his order. Calynne’s smile disappeared completely, nodding her head in respectful submission. “It is understood, Sir,” she replied calmly, the tone of her response less forceful than it had been with Kaori. Her posture slacked, turning her head to stare down at the table. Good. Kaori fought back a smile to see Therek put the woman in her place. It is better she learn now where she stands in the ranks or we are doomed for failure.

  “Now, as I was saying, our options of attack are limited,” Therek pressed onward. “All units should march toward Eykanua, approaching from every direction so we surround their largest military stronghold.”

  “They are sure to receive warning of our approach,” Trayton pointed out, catching Therek’s gaze for no more than an instant before quickly diverting it in fear of sparking his ire. “It is safe to assume General Deliao will have his men on guard and waiting for our arrival.”

  Therek gave a short nod of agreement, his hand lifting to point at Trayton in recognition of his concern. “That is my prediction as well, but we must be ready,” he frowned. “It is a long way between Avesian and Eykanua. We will encounter Imperial soldiers along the way and they will be dispatched accordingly. Every man we take down on the road is one less we face in the city.”

  “Our numbers currently exceed those of the Imperial Army, by a small margin,” Ramis added with an apologetic nod for the interruption. Kaori didn’t mind his intrusion. It was a relief to hear the statistics which worked in favor of the Vor’shai. “There are very few places where General Deliao stations more than ten to twenty men at a time. Most of the Imperial forces maintain permanent residence in Eykanua to protect the Emperor.”

  While Ramis spoke, Therek reached into the folds of his doublet to retrieve a large, yellowed, rolled-up piece of parchment. With expert care he opened it to place the item on the table for everyone to see. A map. Less than perfect in detail, hastily scrawled across the surface, but clear enough to serve its purpose. “From my time at court, I have been led to believe there are only a handful of larger military bases throughout Carpaen,” he announced, the tip of his finger coming to rest over a point on the map near the southern border of the Empire. “These bases are strategically placed in case our neighboring countries decide to invade. The largest is located in Irpola, north of Vaeduec. The Syet have always been Deliao’s most prominent concern. Another base rests in the city of Tasat, to guard against the Feh Noq not far from the central point connecting the Carpaen desert region with Palinon.”

  Therek’s finger continued to slide around the map in a circular pattern, pausing over each city as he continued the report. “To the east, outside the city of Anktia, the soldiers seek to protect Carpaen from our Namir
en allies,” he chuckled quietly, soon joined by the gruff laughter of Ghal and Ramis. “We have already proven there are ways around the supposed watch points, to an extent. Keeping that in mind, caution remains our best choice to avoid issue with these particular bases.”

  “There are two others, however, which are worth noting as a concern.” Ramis rose from his chair to stand at Therek’s side. His unusually long index finger extended toward a point on the map in a southeasterly direction from where Kaori noted Avesian to lie. “Just outside Ineev is a sizable base constructed to act as defense in case the Ovatai were to cross onto Carpaen land. If we move directly south from here, we will pass through their usual patrol path unless we utilize a more southwesterly route to reach Eykanua.”

  Kaori looked over the map, concern rising at the thought of being intercepted so early in their travel. It seemed unlikely that a single base could house enough soldiers to defeat the Vor’shai army, but it would serve as a frightening test of how well Therek had trained their people. Too many injuries or deaths might cause others to leave out of fear. Finding a route that avoided the base was the most sensible idea, though something on the map caught her attention which heightened her anxiety. To the southwest of Avesian was another marker which resembled the symbols used to represent Imperial bases. If what she observed was correct, there was no southward path which wouldn’t cross within a dangerous distance of Deliao’s men. “What about this?” she gestured toward the mark, afraid of the answer while at the same time she knew it had to be addressed. It was a matter of life or death for many of their people.