She read the books all at once as she desperately tried to look for another way.
End of chapter III
IV: Talon Command
Bastominad was the nearest major city near the war front. It was recently restructured to be the new regional capital of an independent province because of last year’s incident. It was yet to be given a name by the empress, so the city was simply called as one of the imperial territories.
The city was still in the middle of reconstruction along with the final section of the new wall around it when the Orderian caravan arrived, along with the Orderian Grand Sage Evangeline.
Her caravan headed straight to the castle in the middle of the city. She looked outside her carriage and was dismayed from the chaos. Inhabitants’ bickered with the city’s own guards as they asked everyone to fall in line. She felt the uneasiness in the air as they passed by the streets which were crawling with more soldiers.
Her carriage finally reached their destination and stopped in front of the gates where the guards greeted her. She only beamed a smile then proceeded to enter the castle.
Banners of the Trasidar Empire hanged on the walls with one torn at the end. She looked at it briefly as it only revealed the pillar behind it. She then proceeded towards the council room as the doors opened, revealing everyone that was already there, except Graveloth.
“Is Graveloth not going to be with us with the owl?” Evangeline asked as she walked towards her chair.
“The Iron Council is about to wrap things up on their end. He is preoccupied there,” Sevidon answered with his arms crossed across his chest. “You are late as well.”
She sat on her chair and said, “Well I’m here now. So let’s not make this about me.”
“That is a not a good attitude, especially in these kinds of situations, Evangeline,” Sevidon said.
She looked at Sevidon and saw his doubtful eyes. “I don’t like your tone, Sevidon. I think I will just go on my way then.”
“No, stay. It’s fine as long as you are here, Evangeline,” Tamiron interrupted them. Sevidon looked at Tamiron and their eyes met for a moment.
“Why gather us so far from the front, Tamiron?” Kaira asked.
“The army and the commanders left at the Termosad Camp needed some break and we are also in the middle of replenishing our numbers,” said Tamiron.
“Your men. Your armies. Not mine,” Aderon interrupted Tamiron. He only looked at the High prince before continuing.
“As I was saying, the troops are still recovering and the elven armies are still on their way. The fact that the Iron Council is conducting their meeting today might be good for us. If Graveloth is successful, we could have the new set of weapons and armors fitted sooner than we originally thought,” Tamiron explained to them.
“How sure are you that the Iron Council will be giving in to our request?” Glaivel asked.
“I have faith in Graveloth that he can get the job done. We just need to be patient for the time being,” Tamiron answered.
“Well, we really don’t have a choice. The elven armies are crippled and the imperial army can’t stand on its own. The Tigris can’t do it alone either. The Mystic Army is currently busy at the northern front as well. Only my army and Tamiron’s have a good chance. But we can’t have both armies together and leave the others weakened,” Aderon said.
“How about the Orderian army?” Sevidon suddenly asked and everyone looked at her. “What part will the Orderian army play in all of this?” Sevidon added.
“We will continue our incursions to the south. We have intel that there’s a camp for making weapons. We will conduct our investigation there,” she answered calmly then drank her wine.
“Is that it? Tamiron have you approved of this?” Sevidon asked him.
“Yes,” Tamiron answered shortly.
“Why? Based on my own intel, there’s nothing there except a huge abandoned citadel from the Great War. There is nothing worth directing an entire army for,” Sevidon argued.
“You don’t know what you are talking about. I’ve spent my own resources to have that placed surveyed and I have proof that Xerxecians are doing something there,” she countered.
“What is it then? Tell us,” Sevidon fired back.
“Enough,” Tamiron broke the two off. “The Grand Sage will continue her incursions. That’s it. End of discussion,” Tamiron finished.
“Then why are we here?” Sevidon raised his voice, surprising everyone except for Evangeline. She could see the frustration in Sevidon’s eyes. “If we are not going to discuss military tactics, why did you call us here for?”
Glaivel sat him down immediately and silence filled the room as Tamiron stood. She observed him as though he was composing himself.
“And usually you are the calm one,” Ravaen harped, but the people were not amused.
“I called you here today to let you know that I will be leaving for Tamara until further notice,” Tamiron said, surprising everyone.
“What for? Did the empress call for you?” Kaira asked.
“Sadly, no. Something urgent came up that needs me there,” Tamiron explained briefly.
“Then what is it? Surely we need to know,” Ravaen asked but Tamiron seemed hesitant.
“Just tell us, and be done with this,” Aderon suddenly said.
Tamiron looked at Aderon then proceeded to tell them. “There is development that occurred days ago within the empire. A tomb was attacked by an unknown foe. We still don’t know who did it but I am eager to find out.”
“A tomb? Really? You are going to leave because of a tomb? Can’t someone from the regional captains or commanders take care of this? I mean, to have the Prince Regent himself go to Tamara just for that is ludicrous. Just goes to show how incompetent Trasidians are,” Aderon mocked the situation and laugh a bit from it.
“That tomb is a closely guarded secret that not even I nor the Imperial Queen knew about until now,” Tamiron explained further and it silenced the room. “We were told about it just a couple of days ago. That’s why I need to go back to Tamara and investigate.”
“Do you honestly think that is enough for us? Come now, Tamiron. This is no time to be leaving critical information on others. Even if it’s not related to the current war effort,” Kaira explained as she demanded an answer.
“Fine. But this is just the preliminary investigations. There are still some details that are unclear,” Tamiron explained.
“Go ahead. We might as well know what is going on there. The Empire is our link to the Inner Kingdoms. Trouble at the Empire might translate to trouble in our kingdoms,” Ravaen explained as the others looked at him. “What? It’s true. Pretty much it always spills over to our borders. Just laying it out there.”
“With the current investigations it seems as though the tomb was hidden for a reason. I only know of that place as a way to sneak in from Huertian to Barceneim without being detected. The fact that my own phalanxes are the guards caught me off guard as well,” Tamiron explained.
“Then good. So if the phalanxes are its guards, then it is completely safe, correct?” Kaira said confidently.
“All sixteen of them are dead,” Tamiron said quietly. Everyone was shocked.
She did not expect to hear that, especially the phalanxes that wereas skilled as Tamiron. For them to defeated so easily, it is nearly sounds impossible.
Everyone just fell silent after that. She then cleared her throat to break it.
“Then who will take command until you come back?” she finally asked. “Surely you have already thought about this.”
“Communication should be fine using owls,” Sevidon said but he saw that Tamiron somehow disagrees.
“I think Tamiron has a different idea about that. Care to share?” Kaira asked him, ignoring what Sevidon just said.
“I have thought long and hard about this and I believe everything should be fine if the command of the Unibeltrasian forces is given to him,” then Tamiron looked at Ad
eron. “For the time being, I am giving command of the entire forces to Prince Aderon.”
Aderon was dumbfounded — and so was everyone. Aderon, with his hand fisted, stood, “Are you mocking me, Trasidian?”
“I could not think of a more capable commander than anyone else in this room. I believe that you will do fine, or even better than I did in leading the army,” Tamiron explained calmly.
Aderon smirked suddenly and looked around to meet their confused faces.
“What makes you think that I would not turn this army against you? Before I accept,” Aderon said.
“Because despite our disagreements, we both know that you have principles. Integrity to see things through, to make sure that everything will be alright for the troops as well,” Tamiron said.
“That doesn’t sound like Aderon at all,” Ravaen interrupted Tamiron. “Look, Tamiron, I trust you completely. Every decision along the way. But I cannot simply accept what you just said. Hand over control for the time being to either Sevidon, Glaivel, me or Kaira. Or even to Evangeline for all I care. After what he just said, I simply cannot trust this man,” he added as he looked Aderon in the eye.
“I agree. We know each other, but this is a serious matter to begin with. This is politics we are playing now. I’d rather have Sevidon taking the helm until you get back,” Kaira chided in then looked at Aderon, “No offense.”
“And you?” Sevidon asked Evangeline.
She just leaned on her chair and crossed her arms, “I have no interest in leading a large force. I really don’t care either. Just have someone who can do the job. That’s it.”
“Are you really agreeing to this that easily? This is Aderon we are talking about. He almost put a knife through Tamiron’s head,” Sevidon said.
“And we can look past that now for I see that Tamiron is still standing here with us. He is fit for the job. It may be temporary but again he is qualified as well. Or do you want the post so badly that you will show yourself like that?” she added.
Sevidon was taken aback when Glaivel immediately said his own statement. “Aderon is indeed a capable commander too. I agree with Kaira, somewhat. But you can’t just ignore his expertise. He has more experience in leading a large army than all of us — well except Tamiron of course. I say it’s a good decision for the forces. It might be shaky at first but again, he has more experience,” Glaivel said as he crossed his arms. Sevidon looked at Glaivel in disbelief and he just shrugged off his stare.
“Then it is decided,” Tamiron said as he looked at Aderon. “High Prince Aderon will now be the Leading Commander of the Unibeltrasian Forces until I return from Tamara,” he walked slowly towards Aderon who was still stunned by what had just transpired.
“I trust in your skills. For now, do what needs to be done.” He then held Aderon by the shoulder, with him only staring at Tamiron’s iron hands.
“I am going to ask you again, Tamiron. There is no turning back. I know we have our differences and understandings but I am aware that we really don’t see eye to eye with almost everything. I am giving you one last chance,” Aderon said in a hushed tone.
“We may not agree all the time, but I’m sure deep within you that you know what needs to be done; not only for your kingdom, but for the entirety of Arumar,” Tamiron answered. “And besides, we all know you won’t make the High king look bad,” he added and promptly left.
Aderon was surprised by what Tamiron said as he slowly walked to the head of the table and leaned on it. “For now, everyone go rest. We will continue planning later tonight. Dismissed,” Aderon said.
Evangeline sighed and immediately stood and headed to the doors.
“Where are you going?” Sevidon asked her.
She just looked at Sevidon but didn’t reply and left the room.
She walked through the halls as her footsteps echoed and was immediately greeted by one of her guards. She exited the building and saw Tamiron on his Taranos heading towards the imperial capital.
THE WIND HOWLED IN harrowing strength under the gaze of the full Luna. The cloaked figure walked towards the Mystic Temple that sat atop a floating island in a sacred site on Mt. Mjior in the Mystic Realms, the deepest and darkest gorge in the continent.
Temple guards from the Mystic Realms noticed the shadowy presence and were on guard as they approached with caution.
“Who dares step in this holy island of Ahktum?” questioned one of the guards as they held their spears.
The cloaked figure did not respond but continued his approach to the temple.
“You are not permitted to approach! One more step and down you go to Gorenhurd’s mouth!” another guard warned the figure.
It stopped for a moment then started to walk even faster. This time, the guards gave no warning and immediately jumped at the cloaked figure with their wings. They were about to strike the figure but the the man suddenly looked at them, revealing his glowing eyes. Then a bright flash of red exploded from his eyes, throwing the guards to their deaths at Gorenhurd’s darkness with their wings cut clean.
He walked inside the temple then suddenly, the whole temple exploded.
End of chapter IV
V: Kron Hordis
Tamiron rode his taranos with four royal phalanx guards following him. It was a gloomy day as he rode towards the imperial capital through Huertian. From afar he could see the growing new city born out of the ashes of Melgrace, to which he was heading straight through.
“Sire, we should go through Noa Melgraci,” said one of his guards.
“You guys go wait in the city. I need to visit someone,” he said as the taranos trudged onwards and leaving his guards. Both of them just looked at each other, confused as the prince pressed forward.
Tamiron went through the ruined city as he passed by the very gates he stormed. The walls he had demolished. The streets that were once filled with people’s lifeless bodies as his troops ransacked the city.
It had been already a year when he did it. In the very courtyard he trotted in was where he fought his new allies. He looked at his surroundings with dread and anguish. Here he was at the heart of the very city he turned to ruins. He stopped in front of a statue of a three-horned cross — the symbol of their religion’s Animos God, Freinus. And below it was a statue of a couple holding a child.
He looked at the statue of the family as Tamiron clutched his fists hard. He sighed heavily as he tried to hold himself back. He could still feel the agony he felt back when he saw both of them. How he felt like a victim of his own power.
He looked at his iron hands. The same iron hands his father had passed down unto him. The symbol of power and might meant to uphold the values of the Trasidar Empire.
Integrity, patriotism, selflessness, and willpower – all of it he needed to possess to be worthy of the iron hands.
But where did he use it? Against whom did he use it?
Against his own people. The very people he was sworn to protect and love. The very people he killed with his bear iron hands.
He broke down from the thought of it. He cried in front of the tombstone he had built for the father that he killed and for the mother he had murdered. He never really found their child. He hoped that the child survived after the destruction he brought with him.
He reached out to the writing on the statue, In memory of Mark and Maria. May you find your everlasting life in Vermelia that you so rightly deserve.
He softly touched across their names with his iron hand. He looked at it as he trembled with the thought that it was the same hands that brought their end.
“REMEMBER, MY SON, SOON you will be entrusted with the fist of our people, these very fists that united this empire,” his father, King Madarick told him.
The young Tamiron looked at his father with awe and eagerness. “Will I get it on my nameday, father?” he asked.
King Madarick just smiled at him as he chuckled, “Yes. So you better be prepared. It will be your hardest test yet. I was much younger than you whe
n I got mine, you know.”
“Well, I am eighteen years of age now, Father. I should be able to handle it,” he said as he showed off his broad shoulders to his father. His father chuckled, stood and began to walk around the gardens.
“Remember that by possessing the iron hands you will be wielding the shield of the empire and use it to prevent any harm to come to the fatherland. Use it to hold the empire together,” King Madarick said as he gestured his hands and clenched his own iron hands as hard as he could. “It is not only through strength, but also through understanding how the empire works. How its people live their day to day lives. You have to understand the difference between ruling with sheer strength and ruling with counseled wisdom.”
“Just like the Trodonar Empire back in the Old War, Father?” he suddenly asked.
King Madarick stopped and paused for a moment, “Yes. We must learn from their mistakes. And from the mistakes of the former United Trasidar Kingdoms.”
He was confused. He couldn’t think of any mistakes that the former kingdoms did during his studies. “What do you mean mistakes by the former kingdoms, Father? I have studied thoroughly the subject but found no fault with it,” he asked as they passed a hallway with her sister sitting and learning to cross stitch.
“They were too nice, Tamiron!” Tamara suddenly shouted. He just looked at her sister with piercing eyes.
“What do you mean ‘too nice’? They were doing fine!” he fired back but Tamara’s teacher and King Madarick had a laugh out of it.
“No they weren’t! It’s basic politics, you know!” Tamara rebutted.
“Your sister is actually right, Tamiron,” King Madarick said to him then looked at Tamara, “and you, young lady. Focus on what your teacher is having you do.”
“Your sister is right. A balance has to be struck. You can’t be too good or you will get pushed around like the former kingdoms. But you can’t be all too powerful as well for it will corrupt and cloud your judgment, like what happened to the Trodonar Empire,” King Madarick explained as they walked away. He was silent.
Shardon's Guise Page 4