by Nyk Nova
The flame suddenly latched on to them, burning hotter than anything Jer’ren had done in her assault on Kade. The light in the middle glowed brighter and brighter then instantly flashed in a brilliant white before shrinking to nothing more than a small fire.
A breeze quickly snuffed out the little blaze, leaving only ashes in its wake.
“It’s done, Empress!” the captain said, rushing back outside. “The attack on Osceria has begun…” He stopped short, his words trailing off at the sight of everyone standing, voiceless.
Kade approached Ler’ren. “Empress?”
“What do I do now?” she asked.
“Now, we prepare for war,” he told her, solemnly.
She looked up at him, the tears finally flowing. “You would leave me as Roland did my mother?”
“What would you have me do?”
Ler’ren rose, regaining her composure. “Stay by my side. We will end this fight between our people together. Lugaz and Osceria are my home. But I will not rule without a king. You were to be Emperor of Osceria? Stay at my side and become Emperor of Lugaz.”
50
Kade and Ler’ren stood on the steps of the palace, looking out at the soldiers of Lugaz. Jer’ren’s plan for Kade to lead Lugaz into battle against the Oscerians had not gone as intended. And yet, the outcome was still the same. With the armada’s attack on the Capital City under way, there was little choice in Kade’s actions.
He swallowed, suddenly nervous about his next words. “People of Lugaz. You are confused, right now. I stand here— with you— equally confused. Jer’ren is dead and you have a new Empress in her daughter. She is of both Osceria and Lugaz.” He looked at her. “What that means for our worlds, I do not know.”
Exin and Calsin kept their guards up, still unsure about being surrounded by Lugaz troops. Poyn put his hands on their shoulders and gave them a reassuring smile.
“Jer’ren ordered an attack on my world. An attack that I’ve no doubt is underway. And we find ourselves on the eve of a new war just days after the last one. It saddens me that this is true— That after all these years, this is where our people still stand. But through Unification, we can end future battles, but only after this one.”
“What about Emperor Argus?” Exin asked.
Kade considered the question. He didn’t know Pan as well as he had known Dom. But if he was anything like Aurtune, Unification would be meaningless. As Lugaz was attacking Osceria, there would be a swift response. Even if Ler’ren were to call it off.
“This war will not end as long as he bears the Mantle,” Kade said.
“You would, then, bear your namesake?” Ler’ren asked.
Kade took a moment, thinking on the question. It was not a moniker he thought he could ever get used to. And while it did not hold true on Osceria, he had come to own it on Lugaz. “I have born it for this long. If it means our worlds can live without wars, then yes.”
“Then lead our people, Kade’Tor Lorenth!” Ler’ren shouted for all to hear. “Assassin of Emperors!”
Epilogue
Epok stepped through his spell portal and into his sanctum. A feed screen flickered to life on the wall. Epok sneered at the device as he operated it.
The texts and images on the screen shifted to that of two men. Eran and Sel took up the entire screen.
“It is not often you use such things,” Eran said.
“We are in desperate times,” Epok told them.
“Indeed,” Sel echoed, unconcerned. “Even from in here, we can hear the explosions of the Lugazian armada.”
“What of the Empress?” Eran asked.
“Dead,” Epok told him. “By Kade’Tor Lorenth’s hand, no less.”
“The general lives?” Sel said. “That is unexpected.”
“You know what this means?” Eran asked. “He has seen your goings on during his banishment.”
“How much does he know?” Sel asked.
“Gentlemen,” Epok said. “I highly doubt Kade is aware of our activities. All that has changed is that we move our time table up, some. For now though, worry for your own survival during this trying time. War has, again, erupted and we will all need to remain alive and calm to see our plans to their fullest. How goes the new Emperor?”
“A spoiled brat,” Sel said. “Difficult to advise but easy to control.”
“What does he know of our plans?” Epok asked.
“Nothing. As of right now, only we three and select members of our Guilds know of our combined plot.”
“And we shall keep it that way, “ Sel assured them.
“Good,” Epok clasped his hands together. “No one will know until it is too late. All that matters right now is that our secret is safe. Until we are ready, none may know about our plans for planet Razen.”
Thank You!
Cool! You made it this far. I hope you enjoyed the read! Please consider reviewing the book on Amazon.com—a simple “Loved it,” or, “Hated it,” would be appreciated. Reviews help authors gain visibility, which means more great books!
—Nyk
Join my newsletter and never miss a new release. No spam. Ever. Just cool stuff.
Connect With Me
I follow legends of the universe, chronicling their journeys to save worlds from tyrants and despots. I also like taking my dog on walks.
www.nyknova.com
[email protected]