by Alan Mundle
CHAPTER 11
DECEIT
In the Great Hall of Morbadinn palace, two Warriors were at a standoff. Both never flinched an inch, their eyes locked on each other, waiting. Such was often the way when two Dwarves found themselves equally matched in a duel. But this was not the time for inaction. The Gods and the Empress were watching.
Canara knew that if she didn't do something soon, the Empress would order both of them to attack. She would not be the one to show weakness. Keeping her eyes locked on her opponent, she took a deep breath and planned her move. And charged.
Her opponent moved to meet her, both running at high speed. The two were seconds from meeting in the middle when Canara leapt up and brought her sword down in a deadly downward ark, her eyes locked on her competitions head, striking for the kill. It didn't come. Her opponent had read her move and slide on the ground beneath her, clearing himself from the deadly blow. But Canara wasn't complacent. She spun around, bringing her sword back up in a protective stance. She couldn't help but be impressed, something which didn't happen a lot. This Dwarf was the best she had ever fought. But she hadn't survived this long to lose her place to a male.
She brought her sword forward again and charged, aiming for his midriff. In a blur of motion, the male Warrior jumped high and brought his weapon down to parry her blow. Instead, Canara dropped to one knee, brought her sword up with a dizzying twist of her wrist and plunged her sword into her opponent's chest plate in his mid-air move. The male sank to the hilt of Canara's sword as she suspended his dying body, baring its weight, letting the blood pour down her gauntlets and her helmet. When she knew the time was right, she tipped her arms to the left and let the corps fall, maintaining her grip on her weapon and watched as the metal came back into view, dripping in blood. The male Warrior's helmet came off on impact with the stone floor. In those slow seconds of victory, Canara considered the look on her opponent's face as his life ended. It was unmistakable. It was the one she felt at that very moment.
Honour Above All.
Her attendants rushed to her as she walked away, taking her bloody helmet and sword to get the blood off. Canara joined the Empress on her right side. Protocol demanded that anyone in the Empress's company, be it Noble, Lord or Regent not be covered in the blood of a slain foe in her presence, but circumstances had denied Canara the chance to make herself seemly. If she was at all irked by the Regents appearance, Darina didn't show it. Not that she ever would. 'You fought well today,' said the Empress.
'I am honoured to receive my Empress's favour, despite my appearance.'
'It is forgiven. In fact, today We would go so far as to say it is encouraged.'
Canara had no idea what the Empress meant, but she accepted her judgment. She noticed at the corner of her eye that the rest of the Nobles behind Darina scrutinising her bloody armour. Having spent all their lives in the security of their homes, she knew them as pampered, weak Dwarves, most of whom had never held a sword or an axe in their lives. They were nothing to her. She had received praise from the only one in the world worth her time. She followed her leader through magnificent and long tunnels of the palace. The Empress headed for the back of the hall, her Noble subjects bowing in respect. It didn't take long for Canara to determine that they were headed in the direction of the of the King's Forge. The great hall in which King Darvadin construct the Empire was now used by the Empress to discuss matters of state that were not for the ears of the public. Each step unsettled Canara. Her intelligence network would have alerted her to any significant developments. At least before she engaged in a duel. Whatever had happened must have occurred quickly, or at least the news of which must only have arrived during her battle.
Guards opened the great door of the hall on their arrival. Even as a young Dwarfling, Canara always felt a sense of pride when entering this place. Great chapters of her people's history were written within these immense stone walls that were ancient and no less strong. She knew she belonged there and she vowed long ago to make them stronger. She remembered every second of her first time there. Her First Mother presented her, along with the daughters of other Regents in the Empress's service. At the age of twelve, Regents of the Four Nations presented their first-born daughters for evaluation. The importance of this ceremony had always been one of great importance throughout the world as every Dwarf wanted to know who would join their leader's most trusted confidence and communicate the message of the Gods from her to the world. Darina, therefore, was the only one capable of judging if a daughter should be selected to one day replace their First Mother and take from her the golden armour. Canara's training had begun the moment she was able to hold the smallest of weapons. The years in-between were long and hard, leaving little room for luxury. She remembered foolish moments when she resented her parents for not being able to play with her brothers and sisters, or even be allowed to go to school with other Dwarflings her age. But even then she knew that it was essential for her not to fail her family. All of her doubts and memories of sadness fell away the moment she met the Empress. When Darina had finished the inspection of her body and her training, she touched Canara's shoulder and smiled. At that very moment, she felt as if she were in the presence of a real God. A couple of centuries had passed since that day, and her devotion had not wavered in the slightest.
On their arrival to the Forge, they found Lords already gathered around a grand central table, at the top of which featured a great stone throne. The Empress headed straight for it, ignoring the bowing heads of her underlings, taking her place and bayed the others to do so.
'We would hear this news that was great enough to pull the Empress and Her guards out of a public function.'
A Dwarf to her left stood up. Canara eyed Lord Castin with nothing but pure contempt. Of all the Lords of the Empire, he had been nothing but an irritant from the moment he joined the Imperial Court. 'My Empress, Lords and Ladies, I bring grave news. A situation has occurred that cannot be kept any longer from the core of this Court. I seek the Empress's permission to convey relevant information that has thus far been kept under guard for the security of the Nations.'
Canara looked back to the Empress who was studying the Lord. Over her years of loyal service, Canara knew more than anyone how to see past the masks of diplomacy Darina had developed and could see that Lord Castin was treading on seriously dangerous ground.
'You may, Lord Castin.'
Canara could see that the Empress's blessing did nothing to put The Lord at ease.
'During this past week, the Empire was alerted to an incident at Void Prison that will shake the very foundations of all we hold dear. One of the expedition members uncovered a live Griftin.'
For the first in over a hundred years, Canara felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Others around the table, less controlled than herself, immediately roared their questions, their demands for answers, some even stood up and backed away from the table, as if the Lord Castin had put a blade to their throats.
When the noise got too much, the Empress sprung from her throne, drew her sword and hit the surface of the stone table. The sparking clang resonated throughout the whole hall and brought all to a deadly silence. 'Our fellow Dwarves, hear Us. We know this knowledge is powerful and unprecedented, but there is nothing to gain by losing control and let loud voices travel to the people. So sit down and allow the good Lord Castin to arm you with facts.'
Darina sat down with everyone else quickly doing the same. Despite the commotion, Canara had not taken her eyes off Castin for a moment. With news this great, the Empress should have been the one to deliver it, but she let Castin take the fall. Smart. While felt by all, the anger of the information would be more directed at the one who announced it. But Castin was no fool either. He knew his actions would carry great favour from the Empress and Canara was very intrigued to know what he gained for his sacrifice.
Castin recounted all that was transmitted by Lord Zentin and the following message from the former Commander Ten
abin. Even Canara was taken a little back with the news. But it was a weakness she knew she could afford. She stood up and addressed the Empress. 'I will take the best of The First Battalion and contain the situation, my Empress.'
While her words found approval from those around the table, Lord Castin stood, all faces turning to him. 'My Empress, while I agree with the Regent that we establish control, we the Lords and Ladies of your Imperial Court would know how she plans to do it.'
Canara glared at Castin with a clear message, I will cut you down, vermin. But she was required to phrase it more tactfully for the more delicate ears of those around her. 'The Regency does not explain itself when it comes to the security of the Empress- '
'With respect my Regent, the presence of the Griftin and the situation at the prison threatens all the Imperial Nations. We, representatives of the Dwarves from these Nations must know what will happen-'
Darina raised her sword and silence took command of all once more. 'Lord Castin, forgive Regent Canara's poor phrasing, as she meant that to protect the Empress is to protect the whole Empire.'
Canara looked back and forth between the Empress and Castin, quickly realising her mistake. She had allowed scum like Castin to lead her into a trap of words. In her two hundred and fifty-two years, she had never felt so exposed. She was a soldier, used to carrying out the will of her Empress and the way of the Gods. Castin had struck a blow in this unfamiliar battleground, and she felt it as if someone had taken a sword to her head. She looked at Castin and had to give him due credit. The Empress had been wrong to think that the sight of her foe's blood on her armour would deter anyone from arguing with her. But by the Gods, she would make him pay for it.
'Of course, my Empress,' replied Castin. 'It seems to me, as I'm sure it does to others here, that Commander Torbin acted with honour and bravery, befitting a Noble Dwarf. Lord Zentin was weak and unworthy of his station if he was too blind too see this and not throw his support behind this honoured champion of Sapphire. I submit to the Empress that it is the Commander who should receive our full support in this critical time for the Nations.'
Many around the table cheered at Castin's words, but there were those that mocked him, and Canara was quick to seize the moment. 'My Lord Castin, do we now promote disloyalty? As sturdy and accomplished as this Scholar has proven himself to be, do we allow the authority of Lords and Ladies to be so circumvented as Zentin's has been? I will agree with Lord Castin on one thing, Zentin proved himself incapable, but it was not this Torbin's place to oust a Lord of the Empire or inspire Warriors of the First Battalion to ally with anyone outside of the Empress's authority. No, my Lords, Torbin's actions must be held accountable, and the Empire must retake control before we lose everything!'
Canara found loud praise at her words, and when her supporters had finished their cheers, all turned to their Empress. The Regent observed Darina staring at the stone table, pondering all sides of the matter before her. Finally, she stood up and addressed the Court, with everyone quickly rising with her.
'Our Lords, Ladies and Nobles, all who have argued have done well. When We consider the actions of Commander Torbin, We find Ourselves in a bind. We remember learning of his discovery, and it was We who ordered the elevation of his status and for his family to join the Noble ranks. His accomplishments rival those of the bravest Warrior. We also cannot ignore that even before this whole incident began that this Dwarf almost by himself completely revolutionised all our technology, making places like Void Prison a reality. It is clear to Us that the Gods have plans for him and We will not dishonour Sapphire by stripping him or his family of his accomplishments. But neither will We do nothing. Regent Canara will go to the prison with more Warriors and provisions to hasten its completion and increase security. Whatever the creature's intentions, We will not allow it to leave without Our permission, and that is highly conditional on the reports We receive from the Regent and the Commander. Of course, We must also not forget our obligation to serve justice to the people.'
'As We're sure Lord Castin has intended to remind us, there is also the matter of Treygen.' Everyone went utterly silent as if afraid to even breath, except Canara. Though she did not move, she continued to eye Castin and found herself very pleased to know that there was a subject that could put a chill down the Lord's spine. She noted it while her Empress continued. 'We will not open this subject to debate as We cannot go back on Our word to the people. Treygen will be delivered to Void Prison as scheduled, with Canara already there to receive him. Some of you may question the wisdom of putting two of the most volatile elements in the world in proximity to one another but believe Us when We say that it would be even more dangerous for all if We did not. We now dismiss the Court and insist that its members stay within the palace, that it might be assembled again quickly. May the Gods go with us all.'
The Lords and Nobles rose from their chairs, bowed and began to file out of the space while the Regents closed around their Empress. Darina resumed her seat, and the Regents made to do so too until the Empress raised her hand, stopping them all in her tracks.
'All Regents, save Canara, will leave us with all the First as well.' They obeyed without question. When the great doors closed and she was satisfied they were alone, Darina removed her crown, set it on the table and pulled her hands through her golden-brown hair. Canara simply stared. There were many times when the Regent accepted her orders without question, but beneath her cool exterior, she was livid. And the Empress sensed it. 'Well, that could have gone better,' said Darina. Canara said nothing, but the Empress knew she wouldn't until bidden. 'Speak your mind, Regent.'
The floodgates opened. 'I supervise the training of the First. For any of them to disobey a Lord so readily is not only unthinkable, but it is an insult to our Empress, to me and the Empire itself.'
'Did you not teach them to live by the Code of Honour? These Dwarves are trained so well they know exactly who is worthy of following. No, We are satisfied that it was Zentin who was at fault, the consequences of which he will inevitably suffer from.'
'I will take those traitors back, along with the prison and subdue this Commander Torbin. I will have warrants issued to seize his family, their assets and bring them all to trial before you-'
'We have given no such orders,' Darina interrupted. Her posture quickly took one of a challenger, making Canara feel almost taken aback. Almost. 'Tread carefully Regent, you are on the verge of forgetting who is Empress. Even from this far away, the mere knowledge of a Griftin is setting us against each other. We must remain united. You will find Torbin, and you will give him your full support.'
With a tremendous amount of inner strength, the Regent bowed her head. 'I obey, my Empress.'
'You should be glad of one thing, at least. You will be reunited with your Second.'
Canara had not expected this and didn't care when her cool façade finally dropped. 'That's where she is?'
‘You know her skills. She is the most knowledgeable about these creatures. We must admit, We were often greatly amused with her lengthy rants over the subject of these beasts that most of us have until recently regarded as myths. We valued them highly for entertainment at court dinners. Who would have thought that all that study of a seemly worthless subject would give her such importance today? The Gods surely have a curious sense of humour.’
Canara was near lost for words but tried her utmost to keep a civil tongue. 'Why was I not informed of her assignment?'
'You were too busy preparing to spill the blood that still sticks to your armour, and We needed the most accomplished Scholar We could find on the Griftins. You provided the perfect opportunity for her to slip away quickly and quietly. I knew that Torbin would also be more likely to open up to a fellow intellectual, and if We may say so, her rather hyperactive enthusiasm.'
It was all true. Canara knew Dalara would rather lose herself in the biggest of tomes than raise a sword and she he had lost focus on putting down that insufferable Dwarf that she didn't even
care where her Second went. What the Empress called 'hyperactive enthusiasm,' she called, impertinence. She had often thought if her sword arm were as sharp as her mind, she would be a force to be reckoned with. But the Regent owed the young Scholar a debt, so she took her under her wing. And she would be damned if she was going to leave something of hers in this Commander Torbin's grubby peasant hands.
'The fate of our kind may be decided in the coming days. Stay vigilant and act with honour. We look forward to your first report.'
Darina eyed Canara for a brief moment before rising. Canara did the same and watched her leader walk to the door. As it opened, she was received by the rest of her Regents and was swept away. After the doors were sealed once more, Canara smashed a gauntlet on the table. She could never conceive of a time she had ever thought of her Empress as weak, that she could not see the threat that the Griftin and this Torbin represented. No, she thought. She would not let all that her people had achieved be destroyed. She would act as she saw fit on the Empress's behalf, even if that meant performing an unthinkable, blasphemous act. Betrayal.
CHAPTER 12
GREAT MINDS
For the firsts time in months, Torbin walked out onto the surface of the polar ice. The train from the mainland pulled into the station, which had recieved many advancements since Torbin had first arrived in the Wastes. Over the many months of the expedition they had built a station around the train platform, with nearly completed highwalls and battle towers, work that had accelerated tenfold since the great discovery. Many of the new Smiths that arrived to do the work had to stay in the towers at the end of their shifts. Despite the extra provisions brought from the mainland, there was nowhere near enough room to put everyone, the facility not yet fully complete. Another reason why Torbin appreciated how lucky he was as he watched today's train pull in. Every time it arrived the metal on the top and sides were covered in ice from exposure to the cold winds. One of the many projects while developing the thermal armour was inventing a way for a train to survive the journey. Torbin extended the thermal tech to give the train and the track their own protection against the cold. It required a lot of Fire Runes, but that was not a problem. The Empire was so invested in creating a place that could contain Treygen, he believed the Empress would have ordered every Rune in the Four Nations given to the cause if it were needed. The train stood stationary on the platform with no signs of movement from the inside.
