by Frank David
“I will command life?” Stela asked.
“At times. When someone struggles with illness, their loved ones will cry out to you. They will beg you to ease the pain. You will have to use your powers to determine if they should be healed or allowed to die. You must weigh the benefits of healing another. It is not an easy decision, but one you will be tasked with.”
“How do you handle the blame and hate after one dies from illness, knowing you did nothing?”
“Do you really believe I do nothing?” Braynard looked at her. “I must look at what lies ahead for the person. Would saving them truly improve their life, or would it only delay the inevitable? If I see they would survive a short time or their life was not worth living, I do my best to end their suffering.”
“Is it your place to decide if their life is worth living?”
“It is. If the person survives only to be bedridden or disabled, I look at it from the point of those who cry out to me. Their pain would be continued. They would eventually beg me to take the person’s life. I save them the grief of watching those they love to suffer. This is not why you called me here.”
“You are correct. This is not the reason I have summoned you.” Stela stood. She began to pace. “I need to know all you can tell me about Daniella and Diana. What does the Goddess have in store for me?”
“Diana and I can sense one another but are unable to see what the other is doing. I am afraid all I can tell you is she will bring many of her followers to your doors. I do not think she plans to involve Zabytyy. She is saving them for Joseph.”
“Why does she hate you?” Stela asked.
“She hated the old God more. He exiled her from paradise. She believed she had killed Barius, but God revived him. It drove Diana mad. Diana thought it unfair for her to be punished if her crime was reversed. He cursed Diana to never find death. She was to spend eternity reminded of what she lost and the act she committed against God.
“She had hoped that when I ascended I would end her suffering. I had promised God I would never raise a hand against her. This infuriated her. She did her best to try to have me confront her. She convinced Drevniy to raise up against Declan. She knew the connection between Declan and me.
“She also arranged a meeting between Drevniy and his wife, Dana. Dana was one of my children. Her mother was hunted down by the Dianites. The child had great powers and was raised by the animals of the forest where her mother was murdered. When I discovered she had married Drevniy and became pregnant with his child, I could not allow that child to be born. It would have been a child of both of us; Diana and me. I sent Declan’s men to end Dana’s life, but she took her own life and the life of many of Declan’s supporters.” Braynard held back the tears.
“Dana’s mother was Tabitha? She was your daughter?” Stela asked.
“She was my daughter, but Tabitha was not her mother. I lost Tabitha many years before Dana was born. I could have stopped the two from meeting. I had hoped Dana would sense his ties to Diana and resist him, but she was not properly trained or prepared for Drevniy. He was the first of her kind that she had truly known, and she fell for him. I decided many years prior to not involve myself in the life of my children. I would allow them to make their own decisions. I can try to inspire their choices, but the choices are theirs to make.” Braynard sat. He placed his head in his hands. He had not thought of Dana in so long. The pain of her death brought him great sadness. He had lost many of his children over the years, but her loss was still difficult.
“Why are you forcing your will upon us now?” Stela asked, sitting next to him.
“I am tired, Stela,” Braynard sighed, lifting his head. “If I am to be honest, a man is not suited for this position. Women have the insight and compassion that men lack. It is what I discovered when I was preparing Declan. I found he lacked the compassion needed to be God of the people.” Braynard looked at her. “I have seen the passion that lies within you. You do not allow your passion to blind you. When you faced Edmund, I sensed the love you still felt for him. I sensed the struggle within you to end his life. You did what needed to be done, for your people, your children, if you will. It is a quality that cannot be taught. It is why you are the one.”
“Will I win against Daniella?” Stela touched his hand.
“Drevniy tried to best Declan and lost. I still see both futures, so the answer is not yet clear. I cannot do much to help you, other than offer the Scientia to stand with you. Their powers are not as great as some of those you will face but they will be added support. I fear there are many Imperials that serve Diana. They will be the ones who will present the greatest threat, including Daniella.” Braynard placed his other hand on hers. “I am glad you are no longer angry with me. My motives are not always clear, but they are pure.”
“Will the battle be on Jascaessau?” Stela asked.
“It will. Daniella will come to you soon. Diana will sense the new child and send Daniella to you.”
“I want Charity and her family sent from Jascaessau. I do not want her, or her children involved in what is to come. Can you convince them to leave? If she remains she will insist on standing with me.” Stela struggled to make the request. She wanted Charity with her but could not risk losing her.
“I believe I can convince the Imperial Archduchess to leave.” Braynard smiled. “This is what I am talking about. She would be a great ally, but your compassion tells you to ensure her safety.”
“Send her to Moorland. Roderick is in Xasha. She can stay at his palace in Earlington.” Stela recommended a destination. It was far enough away from Jascaessau that should she lose, Charity and her family could easily flee Moorland to one of the other realms before Daniella reached her.
“I think that is a wise decision, Stela,” Braynard sighed. “I am sorry that you have lost so many that you care for.”
“Edmund and Courtney were difficult.” Stela lowered her head. “I had a hand in their demise, but I believe my hand was forced. Edmund wanted to corrupt Hulsteria. I could not allow him to take the throne. Courtney was an innocent victim of Diana’s revenge. I regret taking her life.” Stela could feel the tear roll down her cheek.
“You had no choice. Her daughter is still a concern,” Braynard reminded her.
“She is, but I will not harm her. She is a child. Perhaps she can be taken from Diana’s grasp.” Stela felt the kick. The child inside of her was more active than usual.
“She is strong,” Braynard smiled.
“She is but she will be Joseph’s concern if we cannot separate her from Diana,” Stela said as she sat.
“Not Autumn, your daughter,” Braynard said, pointing to Stela’s belly.
“A girl?” Stela rubbed her belly.
“Yes.” Braynard smiled. “She will be a strong child. She will make you proud. All of your children will make you proud.”
“Will my children survive the war that will come to Joseph?” Stela’s brow furrowed as she thought about their futures.
“I cannot say. The future is still unclear. It is unsettled. It will be much clearer after you face Daniella. It is not something you should allow yourself to worry about. You need to focus on Daniella and victory.” Braynard could sense the child inside of her. “She will come soon. She will arrive early, but she will be fine. I fear time is running out, Stela.”
“My child will be born early?” Stela worried.
“Yes, you must prepare.” Braynard placed his hand on her belly. “You must get the Imperials to Jascaessau. You should command the commoners to leave the island. They will only be harmed in the confrontation. Use Amanda to gather the Imperials from the realms. Her mother can help get them here faster.”
“May I ask you one final question?” Stela inquired.
“You may,” Braynard smiled.
“Why me?” Stela’s face conveyed her confusion.
“You were born for this,” Braynard replied.
“What do you mean?” Stela pushed.
“From the moment I sensed you inside of your mother, I knew you were the one who would take my place. I could feel the power inside of you. Your sisters are strong, stronger than either of them know, but you are the strongest of the three. You were raised to be Empress. You learned the importance of serving your people. You saw how to properly deal with those who served you, as well as those who would betray you. You had an ability to show understanding for those who went against the law. You have an innate desire for equality. These are all qualities which will serve you well for what lies ahead.”
“Orthia is more gifted at seeing the good in others,” Stela said.
“She was,” Braynard replied. “Her gift allows her to see what truly lies within the hearts of others. It has changed her view. She no longer tries to see the best in men. She realizes the evil that lies within all of us. She is not the woman you once knew.”
“What of Sofia?”
“Sofia,” Braynard laughed. “She has come a long way. She is no longer the shallow child we loved to avoid. She has learned that compassion will serve her well. She still has much to learn. I believe if she were to be my heir, the world would suffer. She would return to her selfish ways. She would use the power to serve only herself and not the people who need her.”
“You know what it means to serve others.” Braynard reached for her. “You understand there are others who need help, and you are willing to offer that assistance. You also understand sacrifice. You will continue to sacrifice your happiness for others. I am afraid your sisters would not do the same.”
“Thank you, Braynard,” Stela stood, fighting the pain. “I will do as you say. Please remember to get Charity out of Jascaessau.”
“As you wish. I will go to her now.” Braynard stood. He kissed her on the cheek. This took Stela by surprise. Then he was gone.
Chapter Twenty-Nine – Jascaessau
It had been a month since Stela’s discussion with Braynard. Astrid sent word to the other realms requesting the Imperials come to Jascaessau to assist in the defensive against Daniella. Stela had sent word to the Imperial Grand Archdukes and Duchesses of Jascaessau ordering their people to leave the island at once. Braynard had kept his promise. Charity and her family were safely in Moorland. It was one less detail she needed to worry about.
Stela watched from the tower as the people of the Imperial capital fled the island. She was relieved they would be safe within the other kingdoms. As many ships left carrying commoners as arrived bringing Imperials from the four realms. She made every attempt to greet the arriving Imperials. She needed to sense if any were tied to Diana. She had not discovered any, but she failed to meet each that arrived.
“Stela,” the voice called out as she turned to greet her sister. “You should be resting. Braynard said the child would come early. You cannot spend your day in the tower watching your people leave.”
“I have no choice. I need to know they have all left safely. I do not want any of them to be harmed during the battle.” Stela closed her eyes. “I do not know that I can do this.”
“You can,” Sofia responded. “You will face her, as you did Edmund. She is coming to take what is yours.”
“Sofia, I need you to take Felicia and the children to Easterfeld. I cannot have you here. I need to know my children, and yours, are safe.” Stela could feel the pain in her chest. It hurt her to send her sister and children away, but she could not allow them to be used against her.
“Felicia and I cannot leave you,” Sofia protested. “You will need us. We could send the children to Easterfeld with the nannies.”
“The nannies could not protect them if I fail. You and Felicia would protect them with your lives. You are the Imperial Archduchess of Douglas. I need you to take your place in the kingdom. I need you to help keep the people of Easterfeld calm during all of this.” Stela paced about the tower.
“We could send Thomasine with them,” Sofia pleaded.
“This is not a discussion. As your Empress, I am ordering you to take Felicia and the children to Easterfeld. I cannot worry about you while I face Daniella. Diana will use whomever and whatever she can to see Daniella victorious. You will be a weakness she will exploit.” Stela’s tone was stern, and Sofia did not wish to upset her.
“Very well. I will prepare Felicia and the children.” Sofia curtsied and left her sister alone in the tower.
Stela returned her focus to the harbor. The stabbing pain in her abdomen made her double over. Was it beginning? She focused on the ships in the harbor again, trying to ignore the pain. One of the vessels was beginning to smoke as it made its way toward the open waters of the bay. She could see the smoke rising from the deck. Was the ship under attack? She rushed down the stairs.
“It was you,” Braynard greeted her as she took the last step.
“What do you mean?” Stela asked as she pushed past him.
“You started the fire on the ship. It was the pain.” Braynard grabbed her. “The pain has made your powers unstable.”
“I am not able to start fires. There was no fireball.” Stela struggled to free herself, but it was pointless.
“You do not need fireballs,” Braynard laughed. “You are not like the others. I keep telling you that, but you choose to ignore me.”
“I have never had control over fire.” Stela pulled herself free from him and continued down the hall.
Braynard chased after her. “You control all of the elements, but you have not needed the powers. The child is coming. The labor is affecting you. You need to relax.”
“Put the fire out,” she ordered.
“You put it out. You started it. You end it,” he returned the command.
Stela concentrated. She saw the water cover the ship and extinguish the fire. She was not sure it worked. She rushed to a window to see if she could spot the burning ship.
“You were successful.” Braynard pulled her from the window. “You need to be mindful. You must not let the powers control you. If your labor is intense I fear for those helping you.”
“What am I to do?” Stela panicked.
“Allow me in the room with you. I can undo anything that might occur.” Braynard took her by the arm, leading her to her room.
The ground beneath them began to quake, as Stela doubled over in pain once more. Screams echoed through the palace.
Braynard calmed the castle as the tremors subsided. “This is going to be a long night.” He carried her the rest of the way to her room. He placed her on the bed and tried to make her comfortable. ‘Harris, bring the doctors to Stela’s room,’ Braynard sent the request to the Emperor Consort. He feared what might happen if he left her.
Stela screamed as the pain came again. The settee behind Braynard burst into flames. He put the fire out with a wave of his hand.
“Stela, you need to stay in control. Do not let the pain rule you.” Braynard rushed to her and held her hand. “Try to calm yourself. The doctors will be here shortly. When they arrive, please try not to kill them.”
“You are not funny,” Stela said through clenched teeth. “How do I stay in control?”
“You must relax. Do not fight the pain, allow it to come. Fighting the pain is what makes you react.” Braynard tried to comfort her but he worried he was not doing a very good job.
“Stela!” Harris yelled as he entered the room. The doctors following behind him. “Are you alright?”
“Stay back, Harris,” Braynard made a gesture that prevented the man from moving any closer.
“What are you doing?” Harris screamed at Braynard.
“She is unstable. If you stay, I fear she may lash out at you. Leave us, she will be fine.” Braynard used his powers to push the man back out beyond the door, slamming it in his face.
The doctors approached Stela. Braynard could sense their fear. “I am here to protect you.”
The first doctor began to remove Stela’s clothing, so they may have easier access to the child. As he was undoing her corset another pain began.
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Braynard watched as the doctor’s face contorted. The man was in great pain. The veins in the man’s face began to bulge. His eyes became wide. Braynard grabbed the man and pulled him away from the Empress. He shielded the doctor with his own body. The man began to cough as the effects of Stela’s attack wore off.
“I will undress her. It is too dangerous for any of you. Leave. I will allow you to return when she is ready.” Braynard motioned for them to leave, which they did in a hurry.
“I may be delivering this child if you do not get control,” Braynard snarled.
“Felicia did not have these problems when she was giving birth.” Stela sounded disgusted.
“You are not Felicia,” Braynard laughed.
“Braynard, make sure Sofia, Felicia, and the children leave Rothmar. Make sure they get to Easterfeld,” Stela commanded.
“I cannot leave you. I will convey your message to her.” Braynard could feel the air in the room thinning. “Stela, control it,” he demanded.
He could feel his lungs struggling to get air. He walked to the window. As soon as he unlatched the pane the window flew open as air rushed into the room. He caught his breath, as the velocity of the winds grew.
“The doctors cannot return if you continue this.” Braynard was growing tired of this. “I am sorry, Stela, but for your own safety and the safety of the others, I have no choice.” He stared at Stela, his eyes intense. Stela fought the sleep. She struggled to keep her eyes open, but her resistance was futile. Before long she was asleep, and the winds had calmed.
He quickly undressed her. He then opened the door for the doctors to return.
“It is safe. She is asleep and will remain so until the child is delivered. She will not harm you,” he shouted to the doctors standing outside, hesitant to enter the room.
Braynard gave the doctors room to do their work. He paced the room. He hoped Stela would remain unconscious, but he could not leave just in case something was to happen.
‘Sofia,’ Braynard spoke. ‘Stela is giving birth. You must take Felicia and the children to Easterfeld now. There is no time to delay.’
