by Jeremy Dwyer
“Yet, much like those vile religions, this King Xander is stealing. Even worse, he is expanding his borders – rapidly. I fear that his powers will grow such as to threaten us very soon,” Pasha said.
“Are you suggesting that we act against this king first?” Zarren asked.
“I am wondering if it would be best. You are trained in combat and tactics, so you would know if we have the numbers needed, and the proper strategy,” Pasha said.
“To go to him and strike first, I think not. However, if he should come here – into our territory – we shall feast upon the fools, whatever their number,” Zarren said.
“Then we wait?” Pasha asked.
“For now, yes,” Zarren said.
~~~
On Haza’Kedro’Maral Island in the Pirovalen Ocean, the reports of King Xander’ conquests reached Duchess Uliana and the governors of the bank. They stood together at the head table in the Trading Center One building, discussing how to respond.
“We will need to make a peace treaty with this King Xander, before he tries to conquer us and seize the wealth of the banks. We will not make the mistake of the religious woman and deny the king’s glory or authority. Instead, we will offer him a worthy gift,” Duchess Uliana said.
“I will go with you, and this king will see our power. He will then know not to make war against the kingdom of the sky, or deny the glory or authority of the Sky’s Nine (9) Kings,” Blazer Luken said, while blue fire pulsed over his blue-skinned body.
“Just what worthy gift will you offer to such a king – and will you receive a true peace from such a king – who deals in illusions and lies?” Governor Sullivan asked.
“If he demands that we give to him everything, with what will you appease him?” Governor Parry asked.
“We will give him a small gift of wealth, but a large gift of lies, of course. Lies are all that he deserves. The kingdom of the sky is of the most powerful fire – and he cannot conquer our belief. Ours is the true religion, so we will ultimately succeed where the pitiful girl failed. We will prosper even if we must honor the king with empty words of praise while in his palace, all the while proclaiming the glory of the Sky's Nine (9) Kings in every other land,” Duchess Uliana said.
~~~
Hidden in plain sight in the crowd, Danielle listened and was troubled. She did not think that Tanith Orenda would consider this King Xander less important than Duchess Uliana and the sun worshippers she led, who were the primary adversaries of the water worshipping Ahitan Empire. She knew that Marzia was in the crowd and telepathically reached out to her with the message: “I must remain here. You shall report to Tanith Orenda of this King Xander. You are also to tell her of the luminaries which are purported to bring darkness when lit, and that the Torches of Majesty are in possession of one (1) of these objects.”
~~~
Marzia guided Halina and Roxanne and they made the long journey to Av’Tovenka Island in the Ikkith Tar Ocean. They returned to the temple and reported to Tanith Orenda.
“King Xander is not a name that I have often heard. However, I know it to be a name belonging to the greatest mortal thief and deceiver from the first age. That was long before me, but I do know ancient secrets from that time. His first name was Mazlaran, which he is attempting to hide. Yet, now the world knows of him, by his conquests of Ihalik and Meridianus. That he rules by enchanting music and illusion gives little comfort: a well-formed lie is more powerful than an army or an armada when the lie is repeated without end. You will return, and secretly accompany their envoy to make the peace treaty. Watch this king, and learn of his next move, and subvert his influence if the opportunity arises. Danielle was right to remain with the sun worshippers, as they remain a dire enemy,” Tanith Orenda said.
“What of the luminaries that bring darkness when lit?” Marzia asked.
“You have Roxanne, by whose powers of light you can see in the darkness, so the darkness in the skies is little threat to you in your travels. These luminaries are causing trouble enough to the sun worshippers and will keep them occupied,” Tanith Orenda said.
“I can provide light. Yet, we are slowed in our travels, as the dark skies are in all places,” Roxanne said.
“Be patient and cautious, and take pleasure in knowing that the sun worshippers are experiencing great pain, being unable to listen to the sounds of their beloved stars,” Tanith Orenda said.
“Their pain will make them fierce and vengeful – more determined adversaries – will it not?” Halina asked.
“The pain will make them desperate and divided. Let the might of their Torches of Majesty be expended on the goal of capturing the other luminaries and extinguishing their flames. This distraction will waste their focus and their strength, thus making them more vulnerable. At the proper time, seize the luminaries and bring them to me,” Tanith Orenda said.
Marzia, Halina and Roxanne made the long journey back to Haza’Kedro’Maral Island and oversaw the activity, waiting for the envoy to leave.
~~~
As the report of King Xander reached the Jenaldej Empire in the continent of Revod, General Joshua and Imperial Prince Trahaearn – who served in place of Imperial Prince Emerond – ordered the construction of more ships and the assignment of crews of soldiers, sailors and experts in the use of every water. They were determined to defend against King Xander even more fiercely than against Victoria. And this time, they were sure, there would be no tempest.
The resource coordinator – Nathan – began calculating the most efficient allocation of resources, including various waters and weapons, ships and materials, as well as trained troops with different waterbindings. Lookouts – some who drank of the Lujladia Ocean waters for their powers of light, others who drank the Elanatin Ocean waters for their powers of telepathy – were stationed at various points along the coast of Revod. Spies – who drank of the Ikkith Tar Ocean waters for their powers of darkness – were also stationed along the coast to look for intrusions. Spirit sensitives – who drank the waters of the Zovvin Ocean – were stationed in various places to look for attacks in the spirit realm. Swordfighters – who primarily drank of the Nabavodel Ocean waters for strength and speed – were positioned near the lookouts, as well as put on notice in every town across the continent. Singers – who drank of the waters of the Pirovalen Ocean – were positioned to counteract the power of music that might be used to influence anyone and inspire them to follow the king.
The process took time, but the powers of the lookouts allowed them to see and relay signals tens or even hundreds of miles.
~~~
The report reached the continent of Baradaxa, and Sebastian assured everyone that they were safe.
“The wall shall hold, and the cruel king will be kept away,” Sebastian said, standing in the center of one town surrounded by a crowd of over two hundred fifty thousand (250000) people who lived inside the city he had constructed by virtue of forming the wall.
At first, many had been startled, but now they thought Sebastian to be prescient, because a wall was exactly what they wanted between them and a conqueror.
Cassius stood next to Sebastian, and privately believed the claims to be possibly true, as he had seen the castles withstand military assault. However, he also knew their weakness, as he had seen the final castle fail when the crystal was manipulated. The new constructor was considerably better than the original, and these walls around the city were far thicker than those of the castles. But there were no guarantee the walls would hold in all cases, if the king concentrated his forces intensely enough.
Sebastian read Cassius’ thoughts, and learned of the true danger, and that their safety depended on just how clever and determined King Xander was.
Fantine was sure the walls would hold but said quietly to Sebastian: “If one wall is not enough, we should build another, and another. Hoping, wishing and waiting is not a plan for success against the unknown.”
Cassius overheard and said: “My dear architect, I belie
ve for once that I agree with you completely.”
~~~
Alyona entered the Library of Tedorik and went to the chambers of Danek. Once there, she said: “I need to speak with him.”
Moments later, she was enveloped in darkness, and carried by hidden powers to an unknown location. Once there, the cloak of darkness was lifted.
Sava’Tzefanya was there and asked: “Verifier Alyona: what matter is so important as to request a meeting with me yet again?”
“The Chronicler Ximenez has given his report, approved by Verifier Adele. It has been shared publicly, including a matter regarding a new ruler known as King Xander, who has taken both the continents of Ihalik and Meridianus. He controls the masses by illusions and other deceptions. Ximenez witnessed the king commit a murder against a young religious woman who refused to proclaim the king’s greatness, and was greatly troubled by it,” Alyona said.
“I have already heard reports of this king – before it was announced, I knew, because I watch and have watchers, to tell me of world events. You must know this by now. It is concerning, but not my greatest worry arising from that report,” Sava’Tzefanya said.
“You are concerned about the Chronicler, then?” Alyona asked.
“Yes. Remember that a Chronicler should not judge, but only report. To be troubled by what he witnessed is a weakness of resolve. The Chronicler’s Oath must be kept or laid down, but it must never be sworn and then violated,” Sava’Tzefanya said.
“Shall I relieve Ximenez of his duties, then?” Alyona asked.
“No. Instead, we must strengthen him, by sending him to report on this king again. Send a more senior Chronicler to accompany him – and who shall remain with the king – so that Ximenez will observe some events, and then return and give a summary report of them,” Sava’Tzefanya said.
“I have a more experienced Chronicler in mind,” Alyona said.
“Good. Leave now and direct them both,” Sava’Tzefanya said.
Alyona was then enveloped in darkness and escorted along an unknown path back to Danek’s chambers, though Danek was still not to be found. From there, she left the Library of Tedorik and approached Chronicler Gisella, who awaited her assignment. As she did, Alyona also gestured toward the Chronicler Ximenez to approach her.
When they were together, Alyona said: “Chronicler Gisella of six thousand eight hundred forty-nine (6849) years, you are to meet with this King Xander and record all events surrounding his campaign. Chronicler Ximenez of four thousand seven hundred twenty-three (4723) years, you are to accompany Chronicler Gisella, and to record events, but return early to give a summary report after the first event of significance.”
“Where should we expect to meet this King Xander?” Gisella asked.
“The continent of Ihalik was his first conquest, and was a military power, which is directed from the northern palace. Go there first,” Alyona said.
Gisella and Ximenez then made their way to the docks to find a ready ship to transport them.
CHAPTER 20: Filled with Hate without Reason
Captain Pradrock and his crew – along with the Chronicler, Niels – were in Emeth, researching new approaches to navigation, now that the skies were darkened and the sounds of the stars were dangerous to hear for those who drank the Atrejan Ocean waters, including Akylas and Torin.
When they arrived, Niels had given his book to the Verifier Alyona and then rejoined them.
While in the city, they learned of the news of the conquest of Meridianus by King Xander, along with reports of how he had also taken Ihalik.
Not having immediate answers to the difficult situations, Pradrock decided that research was the most suitable course of action. He led his crew – and Niels – to the First Hall of Emeth, which was the enormous archive building which contained knowledge pertaining to all oceans. Pradrock looked closely at some oceanic charts related to the locations of known islands and lighthouses.
“I’m sorry that I can’t be of much use, since I can’t listen to the stars for navigation,” Torin said.
“However, you have a high aptitude and training at repairing sailcloth,” Pradrock said.
“I can’t help much, either, for the same reason. And I don’t know how to repair the sails,” Akylas said.
“But you can adjust the sails – you have considerable experience with that – and you can also perform the trigonometric calculations for navigation,” Pradrock said.
“Not as fast as you. And the main skill the he and I both have is useless. Navigation is still more difficult – and dangerous – than it should be,” Akylas said.
“The darkness of the skies is still a mystery, but we have ways to navigate without the stars. We can navigate by light, with Massimo’s help, of course,” Pradrock said.
“Always at your service, captain,” Massimo said.
“What’s the sense in navigating? We can’t go anywhere near Ihalik or Meridianus with that king in command. He’s too powerful – and we heard what he did to that religious girl who refused to praise him,” Akantha said.
“The Chronicler said that the girl was protected, but she purposely let down her guard, to prove just how untrustworthy the king is,” Pradrock said.
“And conquering two (2) continents proves just how dangerous he is. If we sail those seas, we can’t afford a confrontation with him – or with Tychon,” Akantha said.
“Worse, we might even have to face both of them!” Akylas said.
“Being confined in fear is no way to live. But we will have to be cautious,” Pradrock said.
“Cautious?! This king is a bloodthirsty killer! I don’t even know if Tychon was that cruel!” Akantha said.
“He can be,” Pradrock said.
“But the king is also powerful – Tychon doesn’t rule two (2) continents,” Akantha said.
“Tychon is spirit, so you can detect when he is nearby, if you focus your senses on him, and drink the Zovvin waters,” Pradrock said.
“I can purify the water to the best of my ability, of course,” Fritz said.
“And I can focus – and even resist him, for a while – but it won’t be easy,” Akantha said.
“So you plan to set sail again?” Akylas asked.
“If there is no commerce, out of fear of a king, then the rest of the world just gets weaker, and is unable to confront him. He hasn’t conquered the oceans, according to any reports we have heard,” Pradrock said.
“Yet,” Akantha said.
“You think that he will?” Pradrock asked.
“I can sense this king. He’s no ordinary despot – he’s surrounded by horrendously evil spiritual powers. I’ve heard others say the same – they think he wants everything: all land and all oceans,” Akantha said.
“Not even Victoria – with the power to create a storm in every ocean – achieved that. The skies are dark, admittedly, but the seas are calm, and that is an opportunity,” Pradrock said.
“Not just for us, but for the king. We can’t make a target of ourselves for his navy,” Akantha said.
“I’d worry more about Tychon – who seems to have a personal vendetta against me – and that doesn’t mean I want to stop sailing the oceans,” Pradrock said.
“If we get killed – if you get killed – what good is any profit?” Akantha asked.
“It’s not about the money, it’s about the work we do. People and cargo need to be transported. I charge enough to pay for you, and to pay towards a replacement ship after the current one is no longer fit for service. Lives depend on our work – and that of other ships and crews – and they will continue to depend on us,” Pradrock said.
“You’re in this to help people?” Akantha asked.
“What other reasonable answer is there?” Pradrock asked.
“I guess that I – we – misjudged you,” Akantha said.
“So you only want to help people?” Akylas asked, also surprised at Pradrock’s answer. He and Akantha both considered him to be a savvy businessman,
who happened to get involved in a series of dangerous situations in a dangerous world, but who was motivated by profit. The siblings were definitely looking to be well paid, and eventually retire. They looked out for each other, always, and shared their pay.
“Profit enables us to continue our work. It isn’t the purpose,” Pradrock said.
“Perhaps the way we can best help is to give light where there is darkness. Many ships will need assistance, and we can travel the various shipping lanes where we would be most needed to give light,” Massimo said.
“You can help, no doubt. But you cannot work without rest,” Pradrock said.
“Sounds like we need more crew. But what skill are you looking for this time? I’ll be sure to stock up and purify the proper water,” Fritz asked.
“I haven’t had a telepath since Claudia went her own way,” Pradrock said.
“How will that help out at sea?” Fritz asked.
“Tychon’s a ghost – reading his mind won’t do much good,” Akantha said.
“A telepath will be able to detect the crew of other ships, and communicate with them,” Pradrock said.
“And read our thoughts,” Torin said.
“Or tell us who’s reading ours,” Akantha said.
“Also, we will be able to communicate with each other through the telepath, if we get separated,” Pradrock said.
~~~
Jolene wandered the halls of Emeth, looking for a way to forget all the horrible things she remembered about the massacre in Meridianus. She was sickened that she had been taken in by the illusions of regal splendor paying tribute to a murderer. The young woman who stood up to him was a hero like none other. Jolene didn’t believe in deities – only life, death and the oceans. After seeing the devout faith of that young woman – whose name she knew to be Sethunya, for she had read the girl’s thoughts – Jolene was doubting her own doubt, and was willing to consider other possibilities.
Jolene wanted to cry, because she saw the kind of pain that Sethunya endured as she was being ripped apart, piece by piece. In thirty-eight (38) years, she had seen many nasty things – death by beheading, by sea serpent venom, even a case of crixalethicis – but nothing as cruel as what King Xander did. She actually attuned herself to Sethunya’s emotions during those brief moments – the Elanatin Ocean waters she drank allowed that – and expected to find immense pain and fear. She found pain, but she also found peace like never before, and a total faith that she would be rescued, though not in the physical life, but in the spiritual one. Then, the connection was suddenly broken, as the life left Sethunya’s young body. Jolene did cry then – more than she ever had. It was so painful that she had to flee to get away from the sight of the body, and the evil that had perpetrated the mutilation of an innocent.
