by Thandi Ryan
‘Regarding what?’
‘He wishes to be considered for a seat on the council.’
‘Do you understand the implications of his request?’ Amara asked.
‘I do,’ Garrick answered.
‘What do you think?’ Thaddeus asked.
‘It maybe a chance to discover what he and the others are planning but I think it is far too big a risk to allow them on the council,’ said Garrick.
‘Agreed,’ said Häkan. ‘The damage they could does not bear thinking about.’
‘I agree,’ said Michael; ‘and I would caution against putting anyone on the council for now. I fear that it could divide the guard and the nations further.’
‘Perhaps.’ said Michael. ‘Garrick we must find out what is causing this and find out now, before the guard leave for their duties in the troubled lands.’
‘I will try.’
‘Garrick, Rakan knows the council is full; all of the nations and people are represented. Did you tell him that?’
‘Yes I did but he insists on meeting with you.’
‘Perhaps…’ Häkan began in a thoughtful manner but Garrick cut him off and said what he was going to say.
‘I know Häkan, perhaps this is Rakan beginning to show his hand. I have thought of nothing else.’
‘He would be in a powerful position if he were placed on the council,’ Michael conceded.
‘Too powerful,’ Häkan added.
‘Perhaps if he is on the council we can observe him more closely,’ Thaddeus said.
‘And perhaps if he is on the council he can inflict much damage. We cannot watch him every minute of every day,’ Thaddeus said, disagreeing strongly with Häkan’s suggestion.
‘At least we may have a chance of discovering whatever it is that Rakan and the others are up to,’ Thaddeus countered.
‘It’s only a chance Thaddeus, not a guarantee that we will actually find anything out and I do not believe that it is worth the risk,’ Häkan continued.
‘I agree with Häkan,’ Michael said. ‘It is not worth the risk and the council members are all deeply trusted.’
‘I too agree with Garrick and Häkan,’ the Empress said. ‘I cannot justify giving Rakan that much power, nor can I justify the risk and after everything that we have just spoken about; I can ill afford to alienate the council, with what would only be blatant nepotism, Garrick you know that my answer must be no.’
‘I know Empress but Rakan will not understand that, he considers he has much to offer and will not take no for an answer – not from me anyway.’
‘Rakan always was stubborn, for as long as I can remember; he has been that way, very well Garrick I will speak with him.’
‘Thank you Empress, he accompanied me to the palace today and awaits my return.’
‘Michael and I will accompany you to meet him.’
The three of them made their way eastwards to one of the palace lounges where Rakan was waiting, on their entry he stood up and walked towards them.
‘Father,’ Rakan said acknowledging him. ‘Empress Amara,’ he said bowing slightly. ‘And Michael, good afternoon.’
‘Rakan,’ Amara said greeting him pleasantly. ‘How nice to see you; it has been a while since we last talked. How are you and what have you been doing of late?’
‘Practising magic and training with the guards mostly.’
‘You are a busy man.’
‘Indeed Empress.’
‘Well your father tells me you wish to have an audience with me so, please let us sit.’
The four of them sat down in the luxury palace chairs that were common to every palace room.
‘Empress, I have accomplished much power in the art of magic and much strength while training with the guards, these are troubled times and I can help lead and ease the troubles.’
‘What troubles Rakan?’
‘Can you not sense the unrest in the north and the east Empress?’ he said, not hiding his surprise that she was unaware of them. ‘It needs to be taken under control, the people must be controlled.’
‘Rakan, there are troubles, but putting people under such control can only make matters worse.’
‘Then how do you suggest we deal with it?’ Rakan asked, rather confrontationally.
‘We find out what is causing it, get to the root of the problem and fix it.’
‘And in the meantime, while you’re trying to find the root cause, the people are running amok.’
‘I wouldn’t say that a few disagreements constitute “amok” would you?’
‘Empress, I can help to quell this rebellion; put me on your council and give me the authority I need to stop this situation.’
‘Rakan, from our conversation I gather that you wish to abate any troubles that may arise, but your way is not the way of the council and by the sound of it, I do not think that your methods would be for the benefit of the people, furthermore the current members of the council were elected fairly, as you know and all of the seats are filled. Therefore, it is with regret but I cannot offer you a place at the council’s table, I am sorry.
‘Those on your council – many are old and many – lack vision,’ he said boldly.
‘Rakan,’ Amara said firmly. ‘Those on the council are there because the people asked them to be and they have the skills and the disposition to do what is needed and they respect and listen to each other.’
‘You would be the exception then,’ Rakan sneered.
‘Rakan!’ Garrick snapped. ‘Remember who you are talking to.’
‘I remember, but it is true Empress, you were not chosen for your role, you were there simply by birth and by blood and that does not necessarily make you suitable.’
‘Rakan!’ Garrick snapped again. ‘Empress I am sorry.’
‘Garrick this is not your doing,’ Amara said, looking at Garrick and nodding before she turned back to Rakan and gave him a steely look. ‘Rakan understand this: yes, I am the daughter of an emperor and I know that birthright alone does not make me a suitable Empress, what makes me a suitable Empress is a deep sense of duty to Amalah, to the nations and to all the people within them. I do not rule out of self interest, or greed and I do not rule in tyranny. You on the other hand seem to be driven by a lust for power and self interest and you do not seem to put the interests of the people first,’ she said sharply.
‘The world is at peace for the most part and there is prosperity – that is a testament to the Empress, a testament to who she is, not just her birthright,’ Michael said, looking sternly at Rakan.
‘Your audience is over Rakan, I cannot permit you into the council.’
‘I think you are making a mistake Empress,’ Rakan said, as he stood up to leave. He nodded his head slowly and strolled out of the room with an air of arrogance.
‘Empress I am deeply sorry for my son’s behaviour, I truly do not know what influences him, and he is not behaving as the man I raised.’
‘I know Garrick,’ Amara said sympathetically. ‘But I think he is beginning to show his hand.
‘As do I,’ said Michael.
‘May it please you Empress that I leave, I have much to do, but first I have a son to chastise.’
‘Of course Garrick.’
Garrick bowed and left Michael and Amara so that he could find his son.
‘What is the meaning of this?’ Garrick asked his son, raising his voice.
‘Of what father?’
‘The way you spoke to the Empress.’
‘She is blind, she does not see what is happening,’ said Rakan.
‘And what is happening to you Rakan?’
‘I know not what you mean father.’
‘I think you do. I hear whisperings and your name has come up more times than I would like.’
‘Nothing has changed.’
‘Rakan, if you are in trouble, you can come to me, you know this. No matter what it is, you can come to me and I will help you. You are my son.’
‘I am not in
trouble father – the opposite in fact.’
‘Oh?’
‘Simply, that life is going as it should; magically and within the guard. But the troubles of late are not my doing,’ he lied. ‘She, the Empress and you and the council are not doing anything about it.’
‘That my son is where you are wrong and I would advise you to apologise to the Empress.’
‘Father you may advise all you like but I will not be apologising to anyone anytime soon.’
‘Rakan my son, what is happening to you?’ Garrick asked, obviously frustrated by his sons behaviour. ‘I never raised you to be this way or to behave in such a fashion.’
‘Father I am strong and powerful – I should be leading people.’
‘With strength and power must come humility, compassion and wisdom Rakan?’
‘Is that what makes great leadership?’
‘Yes, you must care for those around you and exercise compassion and decency at all times.’
‘Well father, I shall return to work,’ Rakan said, paying no heed to his father’s words.
‘Perhaps the Empress may consider you again in a few years time, you are still young.’
‘So is she,’ Rakan said defensively.
‘By that, I mean you have much time ahead of you to lead and much time to learn. Do not worry Rakan your time will come.’
Rakan nodded in agreement ‘Yes it will father,’ he said confidently and turned on his heel and left his father alone in the room.
‘How you worry me Rakan,’ Garrick said to himself. ‘I hope to the gods that you have not aligned yourself with Adriel as the others think,’ an anxious Garrick mused.
Amara and Michael remained together in her study, contemplating the council’s meeting and Rakan.
‘Our world is changing Michael and I fear we may not be able to turn back from that change.’
‘Perhaps but all we can do is face what comes.’
‘I wish my father were here, he would know what to do.’
‘You know what to do, and when the time comes I know that you will do what is required of you. I know that as the Empress and the woman that you are, you will do much more than what is required of you.’
‘Will you stay by my side Michael?’
‘Always,’ he said softly.
Chapter 22
The new day in Amalah began with an excited and happy buzz; it was barely dawn and yet most of the city was already prepared for the celebrations. Stalls were in place that would hold much of the food and drink throughout the week. Some of the food was brought in to Amalah but most of it was prepared in the city.
The bakers and cooks were already at work and the smells of mouth watering food wafted through the city. As the morning went on, people began to rise and soon after, made their way into Amalah. By mid morning Amalah city was becoming increasingly busy as people were milling around and entering the city from the other nations; as the people piled in, many set up camp in the fields before moving into the city centre and after a few hours, Amalah was humming once again.
Many people were still setting up stalls and preparing for whatever it was that they would stock; some people stayed in the inns acquainting themselves with strangers and the innkeeper, or reacquainting themselves with people that they had seen at the last celebrations while many simply walked around the city, taking in the sights and enjoying being among so many people and taking in the atmosphere that was positively happy.
The palace of Amalah was also extremely busy; the Empresses’ guard were preparing themselves for the days that lay ahead for they knew that they would be actively engaged all week. All of the guard would attend the celebrations tonight and there would be a showing of the guard; they were expected to be in full ceremonial dress and many would be involved in the swordsmanship and martial arts shows, which had been organised by Garrick, Häkan and Kalon. Some the guard were there to keep the peace and a trusted few were there to mix among the people; they were to observe and listen and to try and find out what or who, was causing the recent changes in the nations and the guard.
Garrick and Häkan were arranging and organising the Empress’s guard as well as trying to accommodate the guards from the other eight nations; however, what could have been a logistical nightmare, was running quite smoothly but proving to be hard work for the two guard commanders.
That day, the Empress, Michael and Ellora greeted and welcomed the council members and their families, as well as the other leaders of the nations and their families, and they helped them to settle in. As the day wore on, the organisation paid off and soon, the whole city of Amalah was ready to celebrate; they were now waiting for sunset and Amara to begin the celebrations officially.
It was less than an hour now before the celebrations were to begin and Garrick, Häkan, Thaddeus and Raynor were enjoying some ale before their duties were to begin; the four men drank and talked for a while, mostly about old times, the celebrations and what was to come.
‘These celebrations will be different to any other,’ Häkan mused.
‘More spectacular,’ Thaddeus added.
Definitely, we seem to outdo ourselves each year,’ Raynor said.
‘This is true,’ Häkan began again; ‘but different because of what we must do this time – spy among the people,’ he said with a heavy sigh
‘More accurately observe and listen,’ Garrick added.
‘Still, the connotation of what we must do is there and I do not care for it,’ Häkan finished.
‘Neither of us care for it my friend, but if this is the beginning of troubled times then it is what we must do,’ Thaddeus said philosophically.
‘I hope it is not,’ Raynor said staring thoughtfully into his ale.
‘So do I,’ Garrick added. ‘But if it is, we must endeavour to catch this thing – whatever it is – before it gets out of control; as you know already the Empresses guard is affected and somewhat divided.’
‘How does your guard fare now?’ Thaddeus asked.
‘Somewhat better now that the celebrations are to begin but I regard this improvement with caution;’ a solemn faced Garrick began; ‘the celebrations affect us all but still we do not know what caused this rift and we cannot assume the celebrations will close it, but it will only conceal it,’ Garrick finished.
‘How does Rakan fare in the situation?’ Raynor asked.
‘Ah my son; as you know, he appears to be at the heart of it. I also see a change in him, one that I do not care for, I know not what causes it, but it is there and I am concerned.’
‘We see it too,’ Thaddeus said sadly.
‘His fervour and sudden quest for power is inexplicable; sometimes he is sullen and often, he is behaving in a way that is arrogant and insolent to those who he feels are blocking his path. As you know, he was rude to the Empress.’
‘I still wonder what is causing this change?’ Häkan mused aloud.
‘Or whom,’ Raynor added.
‘Garrick I know Rakan is your son old friend but I too cannot turn a blind eye or forget what role he is playing in the division of the guard,’ Häkan said reluctantly. ‘There is talk of a secret sect and Rakan, Waldon and Kenaz appear to be the gatekeepers of it, as you know.’
Garrick looked at his friend and smiled a thin yet knowing and sad smile. ‘It pains me deeply to say it but I know I must, at least to the three of you in this room, but I fear I cannot trust my own son. The man I helped to give life to, the boy and then the man I raised; as a father and an officer of the guard; it pains me so that in both capacities, I cannot trust him any longer and neither can you,’ Garrick said, clearly agonised by the words he had just spoken.
‘I am truly sorry Garrick that this change has come upon Rakan so,’ said an empathetic Thaddeus. ‘Although I know this is of little comfort to you, know this; no father could have raised a son as well as you, we have been friends long before Rakan was born, and I know the man that you are: a good man, a decent man, a man who raised his sons in love
and respect and decency. Rakan’s change could never be attributed to anything you did or did not do. Little comfort to you I know, but please take some from it?’ Thaddeus said, as he patted his friends shoulder.
‘Thank you I do, let us hope we find whoever or whatever, is affecting my son and the guard and the nations in the north and east.’
‘Indeed,’ Häkan said.
‘And despite the seriousness of the situation, let us hope that much fun and laughter will be had over the next week,’ Raynor said smiling.
‘Let us raise our glasses,’ Häkan said heartily and the four men raised their tankards. ‘To the celebrations, may they bring us much joy and laughter,’ Häkan toasted.
‘The celebrations!’ the four of them said simultaneously.
The four men knocked their jugs together and drank, and after that they returned to lighter conversations as they drank their ale and when they finished the rest of their ale, they made their way to the balcony hall to meet Amara, Ellora, Michael and the rest of the council and representatives’ of the nations.
Amara and Ellora were in the balcony hall socialising with the council and representatives. As usual the two sisters looked incredibly beautiful and elegant that night and they made everyone feel welcome and at ease in their company. Amara wore a pale blue silk dress that caressed her curves and ran all the way to the floor and Ellora wore a simple satin white dress that also ran the length of the floor.
That night, Michael was never far from Amara’s side and Kalon was never far from Ellora’s. The Balcony Room was now a large reception room and Amara, Ellora and guests could hear the buzz from the people outside who were waiting to see the Empress and the people watched and watched eagerly as she began the celebrations.
Garrick, Häkan, Thaddeus and Raynor entered the room and immediately sought out the Empress and when they found her, they bowed respectfully.
‘Good evening Empress,’ they each said in turn.
‘Good evening gentlemen,’ she replied in a friendly and warm tone. ‘I think it is time to begin the celebrations now,’ she said clearly excited by them.