The Flames of Deception - A Horizon of Storms: Book 1

by AJ Martin

  “Everything looks so ancient,” Josephine exclaimed, gazing wide-eyed around herself at the city as they walked.

  “Ank’ Shara was founded over a thousand years ago, by the First Imperator Julian Tresco,” Taliph said with a heavy foreign twang in his voice. “When his caravan of refugees were driven from their tribal lands in the north, they rested around the banks of the river Ankalid, shielded on one side by the mountains there.” He indicated to the range of purple - tinged, imperious pyramids of rock that skimmed the clouds. “To protect his clan from more harm, Julian ordered the building of a stone wall around the rest of the encampment, and with it he laid the first stones of this city. Our people swore to defend it to our last, as we do today.”

  “It’s hard to believe that anything could survive for so long,” Thadius commented. “That it made it through all the great wars that have plagued Triska for much of that time is impressive.”

  “Our skin is thick and our dedication is just as strong,” the man said.

  “Forgive me, but you speak of Aslemer as home, yet you do not bear the features of an Aslemerian,” Josephine commented.

  “You speak of my colour?” Taliph asked. Josephine nodded.

  “I have seen some men of your kind appear in Aralia, but you are few and your origins are said to be from far across the ocean.”

  “I was born in this city,” he replied, swaying his bare arms around casually as he strode onwards. “But my mother did come from across the sea. She travelled far and arrived many, many cycles ago. I know no other home than this.”

  Josephine nodded. “And what a home it is,” she complemented.

  As they passed through a market, a man with a brightly - coloured waistcoat and a conical red and purple hat that barely covered his head approached them in the cramped street and attempted to guide them in the direction of his stall. Taliph warned him off with a hard look and the man slunk off dejectedly. Dodging people they then passed near to a dock - yard, where men of all colours and creeds worked to unload cargo off an unusual looking ship with narrow, burgundy - coloured, triangular sails shaped like a shark’s fins. Most of the men there were built like workhorses, hoisting crates and barrels practically the size of themselves from the ship’s hold on to horse-drawn carts on the stone port beside. She stared in amazement at the variety of life, but the further they travelled into the bustling city the more she began to notice that in spite of the mixture of people, there were very few women on the streets. Some appeared here and there, carrying baskets and bags as they hurried past on their business, but there was a definite discrepancy in their numbers compared to the men.

  “Many of the city’s women spend much of their time in the crop fields to the west of Ank’ Shara,” Taliph told her when she asked him about it. “They work to harvest the crops and tend to the animals bred for food. Many also work to make bread and wine.”

  The princess nodded. “I see. Tell me something. Most of the women I have seen wear a circlet across their forehead. Why is that?” Josephine asked. “Is it the fashion in these parts?”

  “It is a wedding band,” the man advised. “The jewel at its centre is a gift from the husband to his wife. Every five years they will give to their wife a new type of jewel to symbolise the length of their marriage.”

  “That sounds expensive,” Thadius sniffed. “What if you are a peasant with no money?”

  “Then they will often use glass, coloured to resemble a precious stone. It is a great dishonour to a wife for their husband to not to give them a jewel. Men will save for them before they will eat sometimes, rather than face the wrath of their partners,” Taliph chuckled.

  “I think I would prefer to stay unattached!” Thadius laughed back.

  As they began to climb up an ascending pathway cut into one of the mountains, the sandy-coloured stone buildings that had moments ago towered around them, several stories high, fell away and the full expanse of the city became apparent. Wooden poles stuck out from the tops of many buildings. Some were flat - roofed, whilst others were slanted and tiled. In a similar way to Aralia’s hotchpotch of building designs, Aslemer had its own unique variety of architecture, only instead of building in levels as in Rina, their building were arranged in tidy, coordinated rows stretching far out into the distance. To the west, a cluster of red - brick spires jutted out from around the smaller buildings. Josephine pointed to them.

  “What are those buildings? With coloured tops?” she asked Taliph.

  “They are the buildings of the Imperial Plaza,” he advised. “That is where the Senate meets. They are very rich buildings.”

  “Their domes are shaped not dissimilarly to the whipped egg - white desserts that the palace cooks make back home!” Josephine grinned. “The ones flavoured with rosewater and sugar?” she suggested to Thadius. The knight nodded his understanding.

  “They look like they are made of materials a lot more expensive than egg – whites,” he added. He turned away from them. “But as impressive as those building are, I think the palace ahead beats them hands down.” He squinted against the sun as they walked and stared at the building.

  At the very end of the pathway they walked up, high on a precipice, the palace loomed over the city. The golden domes and white washed walls shone on the mountainside like a beacon.

  “It is called the Sharika Palace,” Taliph said. “It is said to have taken twenty years to complete.

  I can understand why. It is at least three times larger than the palace at home,” Josephine breathed. After a few more minutes of climbing the steep slope she turned around and stared back down at the city people below. “They all look like insects. Ants scurrying around the streets.” She shook her head in wonderment. “How much higher must we be than the highest level of Rina?” she asked Thadius.

  “Hard to say, but I would guess perhaps almost twice the height,” he answered.

  “It is an incredible view. I do not think I have ever seen the like in my life.” She took in the mountain range that curled its way along the boundaries of the city to her left, disappearing into the distance, further than her eyes could see. Then she turned back and continued to ascend. She gazed at the gleaming white palace that grew closer with each step. Then, just as her eyes were starting to accept her surroundings, her eyes caught sight of another incredible sight, and she opened her mouth in shock at what she saw. A gaggle of small creatures, furry - headed, with golden, oval eyes and small, pointy noses almost completely hidden in the fluff, were marching down the hillside towards them! All but two had jet - black fur. The others were a mixture of dark brown and mottled greys. They all wore little, tailored coats – a kind of uniform, she supposed – with upturned, oversized collars and a thick belt strapped around their waists. They could not have been more than half of Josephine’s height and they waddled double - file in chunky, brown boots and gloves, passing them by, chirruping to each other as they headed down into the city.

  “They are the Innie, princess,” Thadius said quietly to her.

  Josephine nodded, and found her breath. “Yes of course. They caught me by surprise.”

  “I have read a lot about them,” Thadius said. “They might look quite harmless, but they are trained to be deadly, so they say. They are weapons for the hunt, like pack wolves on a leash.”

  Josephine grimaced. “No. It is more than that Thadius. They’re slaves,” she whispered back, so as not to be heard by Taliph.

  “Slaves princess?” Thadius whispered back. “They are animals.”

  “They aren’t just animals tough, are they?” she suggested. “They’re dressed like people, not beasts. They talk to each other. They think and walk like any person could!”

  Thadius shrugged. “That may be true princess, but there are many people in the world indentured in one way or another. Peasants in Aralia may think themselves no better off than these creatures.”

  She nodded thoughtfully. “I have been shielded from all of this, hidden in the palace walls from real
life. How could I be so blind to things like this?”

  Thadius smiled softly. “It is your place in life, princess. You can’t feel guilty for it.”

  “Yes I can,” she said sadly.

  From his balcony, Chalize watched the three figures ascending up the slope. His eyes narrowed, studying the slender woman approaching. Silar watched behind him. He pressed a hand on the cold, stone wall by his side. He could have smashed his fist through it, he was so enraged.

  “She doesn’t look very much like a princess,” the emperor mused. “In those tattered and worn clothes. Hardly the look of the heir to the throne of Aralia- a powerful woman.”

  “Looks can be deceiving, My Lord,” Silar replied.

  Chalize nodded. “This will be an interesting encounter, I am sure.”

  Liaisons

  163rd Day of the Cycle, 495 N.E. (New Era)

  Josephine ran her fingers through her hair, wrenching out an untidy knot with her thumb. She smoothed it into a semblance of order and wiped her face. If only she had some powder to put on her skin. She must look an incredible mess!

  Servants took what little in the way of baggage they had. When they fled from Crystal Ember they had left with only what they stood in. They followed a short, strange looking man to see the emperor. He hobbled along in front muttering “This way!” and “Come, come!” each time they rounded a corner.

  “He looks like a goblin!” Thadius whispered with a chuckle.

  “Shhh!” Josephine hissed back, a grin on her face.

  Finally after climbing uncountable numbers of stairs, they were led down a wide corridor with a large double window at its end, to a large set of doors.

  “Your pardon Your Highness,” the man fumbled, dry - washing his hands, “I will just go and announce your presence to the emperor.” He rapped on the door and slid in, pulling the door closed behind him.

  “Have you thought what you are going to say princess?” Thadius asked, pulling his coat straight and tidying his own hair.

  “I have had some ideas,” she told him. “But if you are asking me if I have a master plan, then no.” She sighed. “I cannot just walk in there and ask for him to go to war with the dragon!”

  Thadius nodded agreement. “Probably for the best we play it by ear until we know what this man is really like. I have heard many things about the emperor, and few of them have been good.”

  Josephine took a breath. “I do hope this was not a bad idea, coming here.”

  Thadius placed a hand on her shoulder. “We will be fine, princess.”

  The door opened again and the little man popped back out.

  “The emperor will see you now princess,” he nodded to both of them, and pulled one door wide enough for them to walk through.

  Clenching her fists anxiously, Josephine walked forward through the door, followed by Thadius. They emerged into a stately, luxurious room, with hefty, thick wooden furniture and grandiose paintings. The silk nets hanging over a door leading to a balcony billowed inwardly in the light breeze.

  Chalize stood on their entry and bowed his head. “Welcome to Ank’ Shara, Princess Josephine. I trust your journey here was pleasant? My men made you feel comfortable?”

  Josephine bowed her head back, being careful not to show too much deference, but just enough to acknowledge his position. “It was most comfortable and we were well looked after, Emperor Chalize. Thank you for asking.” Her voice was full of regality in his presence. She had to be careful to maintain that. The last few weeks had seen her become more relaxed in her speech. It wouldn’t do to sound like a commoner in front of him.

  Chalize beckoned for them to sit in two comfortable looking chairs that had been placed by a window beside a third, grander chair that was clearly intended for Chalize. They sat and a young serving girl hurried over at Chalize’s command with her tray and poured out a green liquid into three glasses, passing them to them in turn.

  “Tankaad Juice,” Chalize told them, motioning his glass in the air. “It is quite delicious.”

  Delicately, Josephine raised her glass to her mouth and took a sip. She held back a grimace - it was sickly sweet, like drinking pure honey! She saw Thadius sip at his own glass hesitantly out the corner of her eye. “Thank you emperor. Most unusual.” Thadius suppressed a spluttering cough.

  “I must admit I was surprised to hear of your presence at the border,” Chalize commented. “As memory serves me, I have never had the pleasure of your company before?”

  Josephine nodded. “No, unfortunately you are correct. You have met with my father though, I believe?”

  “Ah, yes. The last time I met with him was at your Festival of Lights. Why, that must be at least five years ago?”

  “Four, I believe,” Josephine corrected.

  He signalled with his glass. “Of course. A wise man, your father. I trust that you follow in his footsteps?”

  “I would like to think so,” she said. He was an unnerving man. He looked like he was trying to work out something, calculate a weakness perhaps? Well, he would not get one!

  “Well your reputation for beauty is clearly well deserved. Although I hope you will not mind my commenting on your manner of dress?”

  “It is rather a long story,” the princess replied.

  Chalize took another sip of his drink. “Those are always the best kind of stories. I must confess to being somewhat concerned about the nature of your arrival on my borders. As I understand it you came from Olindia with just this one man as your envoy?” He took a glancing look at Thadius. “Hardly proper for a woman of your standing.”

  “I was in Olindia at the invitation of Regent Caldur,” she lied. “We came to undertake a tour of the capital as has been customary between our nations from time to time. I did have an honour guard. However, my trip coincided with great disaster.”

  Chalize’s eyes widened. “You were in Crystal Ember when the dragon broke free?” he asked, leaning forward intently. Josephine nodded. “My gods! I can’t imagine the sights you must have seen.”

  Josephine took a breath and nodded solemnly. “All of them are burned on to my mind forever, emperor. A great many people died that day.”

  “Do you know the state of the regent?” Chalize probed. “More Tankaad juice?” he asked Thadius, who had reluctantly emptied his glass.

  “No!” Thadius blurted, and then recovered. “Oh no, no, thank you, I am quite refreshed.” The very thought of more made his stomach gurgle ominously in defence.

  “You know as much as I do, emperor,” Josephine continued. “I am not certain if he even escaped the city and if he did, I have no idea of his whereabouts. We were driven out, my remaining guard Thadius and I, by the dragon. I barely got out alive!”

  In truth, it was the first time Josephine had even thought about Regent Caldur. Her mind had focussed so much on Matthias and those who had died in the city below, but she had not considered those in the fort when it was destroyed. The regent could have got out, she supposed. But the chances of that were remote. And the Protector Balzan! After their shaky start, she had begun to warm to him. She felt the now familiar sensation of guilt sink her heart yet lower. Guilt that she had allowed herself to forget them. She suppressed the thoughts. There would be time for mourning again later.

  “That is why I am poorly dressed, you understand,” she advised, indicating her garments with the delicate flourish of a hand.

  Chalize nodded. “I will have some fresh clothes brought for you both.”

  Josephine nodded in thanks. “The incident in Olindia, emperor, is why I am here. The dragon appeared with such speed that we did not have time to gather our things. All of our coin has long since run dry. We are left with little means of getting back to Aralia. My father has always spoken highly of you,” she lied again. “So it seemed only reasonable to seek shelter here until a return is possible.”

  Chalize let out a hearty chuckle. It made Josephine want to shiver. Chalize did not have the look of one who could or should be
able to make such a happy noise.

  “I am most humbled you would choose Aslemer as your protection. Have no fear princess, my forces will keep you safe. I will also send word to your father that you are here.”

  The doors parted again and Silar slid through the gap, bowing graciously to the emperor.

  “Forgive the intrusion,” he said. “I simply wanted to pay my respects to the Princess of Aralia.”

  “Ah yes, of course. Princess, this is Silar. He is a personal aide, of sorts. It seems the princess and her man here escaped from the dragon’s clutches in Crystal Ember whilst on a tour of the capital. They have come to me for protection.”

  “I see,” Silar nodded. “Well, I am most sorry to hear of the trouble you have faced. At least you arrived here alive and well.” He smiled. “Perhaps I could arrange for a banquet to welcome our guests My Lord?”

  “Of course! A very good idea,” Chalize nodded.

  Josephine smiled. “You are most kind, emperor. I will bring news of your kindness back to my father.”

  “We leaders must work together to protect each other and our families, must we not?” he asked, still smiling.

  Josephine nodded and smiled back. “If I may ask, have you prepared your own defences against the dragon?”

  Chalize nodded. “I have men on the borders looking out for the creature, however, it seems he is content to remain in Olindian territory for now.”

  “For now,” Josephine nodded. “But what happens when his tastes change?”

  Chalize paused a moment and then raised his glass to his lips again. “Then we will be ready.”

  Josephine feigned sudden realisation. “Ah, of course, the dark mages! No doubt the dragon would have his work cut out for him against those!” she said gushingly. “Your armies are very impressive.”