by J. Thorn
“Come, sit down, Lord Major,” said the chief elder without looking at him or turning around.
“I understand you wish to have a word with me,” replied Machek.
“Yes. I hesitated for days, but now I must speak to you.”
Machek walked around and sat on a bench opposite the chief elder. A fish-hatching pond separated the two, and the elder tossed pieces of food to the tadpoles.
“Our chances?” the elder asked, never taking his eyes off the pond.
“We will strike down the infidels and send them reeling into the realm of the Dark One.”
The chief elder waved his hand in the air as if trying to chase fleas from his face. “We are alone, Machek. We speak as two men at the end of the Empire. Dispense with your war rhetoric.”
Machek shuffled his feet. His eyes penetrated the recesses of the area for eavesdropping subordinates. “Sir, I am not comfortable making predictions. I am not a soothsayer.”
“No, you are not, and you no longer take one’s advice.”
Machek raised his eyebrows, ready to take offense at the elder’s comment.
“Machek, I have known you your entire life. I have watched you mature into a Jaguar Knight, marry, raise a family and now command a legion.”
“You have been like a father to me, caring with a firm, guiding hand.”
“Then it is time we speak as such. What are our chances?” The chief elder spoke every word with purpose.
“Not good,” Machek replied. The chief elder waited for him to continue as he tossed the last of the food to the fish. “If the coalition were marching only with the regiments brought by the other lord majors of the One World, we might have a chance to withstand the siege. But, word from our scouts says that the one they call the Serpent King has offered allegiance to all villages and tribes between Risenachen and the capital. If even half of those men choose to join his forces, we—we will . . . ” Machek let his sentence stumble into the air and fall at their feet.
“The old man attempted to get you to meet their forces on the field of battle instead of fortifying the capital, but you saw through that deviant’s plan, correct?”
“Yes, sir. We plan to station our regiments behind and on top of the wall surrounding the capital. We will defend our city and our citizens.”
“For how long?”
“Not indefinitely. Before mass starvations occur, I’d say we have two, maybe three moons.”
“So we can march out to meet the enemy and be crushed by thousands of rebellious warriors recruited from across the One World, or we can sit and defend ourselves for three moons until we all starve to death.”
Machek recoiled and forced an honest reply. “Those are two scenarios, sir.”
“Oh? And you think there are more?”
“We inflict so many casualties on the infidels that those who joined on the march will turn and flee. They have no stake in this fight and may return home the instant the battle swings in our favor. We set many of them free from tribute years ago. They may lose their drive to fight when the blood begins to spill.”
“You are a dreamer, Machek.”
“No, sir, I am a man of action. I do not fool myself into thinking I can change the world, but I cannot sit and watch it burn in ruin around me.”
“Sit and feed the fish, you mean.”
Machek shrugged and looked up at a passing bird.
“The Council of Elders is the closest to an authoritarian regime that we have in the Empire. We have lived off the blood of others for so long that the need for central governance has not existed in recent times. When tensions rise and the enemy camps at our feet, someone will need to make decisions with clarity.”
“Sir, no one here would dispute that, and no one here could ask for a more qualified and wise leader. You are the chief elder.”
“So if I were to make decisions, even controversial ones, I would have your support?”
Machek pulled at an earlobe. He bit down hard on his inner lip. “My supreme oath of loyalty is to the People of the Sun. If your decisions remained in alignment with that oath, then you would have my support.”
The elder smiled for the first time since Machek had arrived. “You may have a future in politics, Jaguar Knight.”
Machek returned the smile and exhaled. “The infidels will arrive soon. They will camp outside the capital and may not attack until they feel we are weak and disillusioned. Our plan right now is to sit and wait. We cannot launch a preemptive strike, and we cannot march to Risenachen. If there is something you have in mind, now is the time to share it.”
The chief elder looked Machek in the eye. He sat back on the bench and took a deep breath.
“This Serpent King, he arrived from across the Great Sea on a floating village. The ancient prophesies talk of the return of a supreme being who will rule the One World. The Fifth Sun could shine on the end of times for the Empire. Is it possible these two prophesies are related? Could the Serpent King be returning to claim his throne on top of the One World and end the rule of our Empire in the Fifth Sun?”
Machek sat still.
“Well, is it possible?”
“Yes,” he replied. He shook his head and looked at the sky once again. “What are you saying, sir? I tire of this wordplay.”
“If we want to save our people, maybe we can send an emissary to meet the Serpent King. Maybe we can invite him into the capital and place him on the symbolic throne of the One World, thus sparing many, many lives.”
“This man and his army of infidels pledged to wipe the People of the Sun from existence. What makes you think he would show any mercy if we were to lie down and prostrate ourselves before him?”
“You speak as if we have a choice. You lecture your recruits on the mentality of being a soldier. You tell them that one man can change the world, one man can turn the tide of a battle, and one man can savor glory.”
“Yes, and it is true.”
“You think so, Lord Major? Haven’t you realized that most of us walk this plane as passengers? That story you tell is the myth of the soldier, the diplomat. The reality is that a chosen few alter the course of history for the masses.”
“Is the Serpent King one of those men?”
“Yes, I know he is.”
“What about you? What if you are one of those men as well?”
“I am nothing but an old fool. I am chief elder because my heart has beaten longer than others. I possess no special qualities.”
“Then tell me why I should stay and command our forces? What if I were to walk out of the gate today and never come back?”
“What if you did? Do you think the entire order of the Jaguar Knights would lay down their weapons and surrender to the infidels?”
“No, they would stand and fight to the death.”
“Your position is as inconsequential as mine. The Book of Horoscopes abandons us after the Fifth Sun. We cannot stop the approaching collision or the tide of the Great Sea.”
“Your attitude depresses me, old man.”
“It is realistic, young fool.”
Machek turned sideways and stepped closer to the chief elder. “You did not call me here for a lesson on philosophy. I have duties to fulfill.”
“Machek, I want your blessing and support.”
“For what?”
“A surrender.”
Machek shook his head, and a nervous laugh escaped his throat. He cast aside the entire city with one hand. “They will slaughter us. They will take the knife to men, women, and children alike.”
“I don’t think they would. Some will die; there is no escaping that. If we meet the Serpent King’s emissary with valuable gifts and fine women, many of our citizens may be spared the blade.”
“Spared the blade today, but not tomorrow. The greed and savagery of the infidels will lead to murder, rape, and looting in the capital.”
“My sources tell me that the Serpent King wields unimaginable powers. If he forbids such atrocities, I bel
ieve they would obey him.”
“You count on the benevolence of a soldier who serves the Dark One. You stand on shaky ground.”
“It might be shaky, but it’s the ground we stand on.”
“Is there more?” Machek asked, trying his best to keep his thoughts straight.
“There is one more piece to this plan, which must be kept confidential. Everything we have discussed today stays between us.”
“Of course. What else?”
“I want you to lead the caravan and serve as my emissary to the Serpent King.”
Chapter 54
Gishwan rushed around the room, trying to make sure she had packed everything for the march to the capital. The two women brought few possessions with them to Risenachen, but what they owned lay scattered about the room after nights of smoking, drinking, and intense orgies. Sometimes the Serpent King took them both at the same time. Exhausted, he then watched them take each other, or patrons from the pub. Men and women left their quarters in the morning sore and raw.
“Come here,” Ri said.
Both women stood naked as the last of their victims dragged themselves out of the room and down to the pub below. Ri caressed Gishwan’s breasts and lowered her head to take a nipple in her mouth. She moved down further and stopped above Gishwan’s glistening mound. Her warm breath excited Gishwan and made her pant. She tickled Gishwan with her tongue, tasting the oils of many from the night before.
“We will have to continue this later. I expect a visitor and must talk with him today.”
“Can we enjoy him together?” asked Gishwan. Ri’s face remained at her midriff, and Gishwan pushed herself on Ri’s mouth in an attempt at changing her mind. Ri stood up and walked towards the door, tossing Gishwan a black robe. The two wore the robes on the streets of Risenachen to conceal their identities and the role they played in the Serpent King’s inner ring of advisors.
“He is not here for that. Get dressed and go. I will meet you in the courtyard later today.”
Gishwan did not push the issue further and left Ri alone on the cot.
“I am ready to enter the battle,” said Ri.
“We knew this day would arrive,” said the dark figure.
“A part of you will always be a part of me.”
“Yes, that is inevitable. You have learned a great deal about the powers of darkness. Men worship you, and women fall in your arms. It is very important that you keep the Serpent King under your watch. You must make sure he carries his destiny out to its logical conclusion.”
Ri walked over and sat on a stool facing a dirty looking glass. Her reflection looked worn. She made eye contact with the dark figure looking back through the mirror.
“Is the Soothsayer gone?” she asked.
“Not on this plane, but not gone. You have the power to conjure him, but do so at your own risk.”
“Why?”
“He is old and powerful. His spells do not always have the desired effect or the one he thinks they will have.”
“Has Gishwan made the full conversion?”
“Yes. I think you knew that. She is not as faithful or as innocent as she looks. You’d be wise to keep her close to you.”
“She could be a rival?”
“She might already be one.”
“The Serpent King would never choose her over me. I command them both.”
“For now.”
“It is time for me to leave.”
“Farewell, my mistress. Look for my return during the carnage, when I call you home to me. May the Dark One live in your soul and guide your hand.”
Ri closed her eyes and opened them. The dark figure appeared and stood behind her. She could see his movements through the mirror. His cloak shimmered and smoked, and the outline of his form collapsed and dissolved into her back. She felt his essence enter her and she gasped. Her nipples stiffened and she felt wetness down below, as if his spirit had driven her into an instant orgasm. Ri closed her eyes again. When she looked into the looking glass, an empty room looked back.
Chapter 55
The first day of the march yielded new recruits to the coalition. Tribes and villages near Risenachen harbored the same contempt for the Empire as those in the major cities. Word of the march spread out before the regiments, and tribes stood next to the road in their full battle regalia, waiting for their turn to join the war.
The second day brought the regiments of the coalition into the lands of the Slavinoch. The loose confederation of tribes stood between the capital and Risenachen. The closer the Serpent King’s forces got to the capital, the harder it became to convince the local tribes to join the fight. As his steed approached a village, the Serpent King saw a man standing at attention. He recognized the man as the leader of the tribe.
“What is your name?”
“I am Zona of the Slavis. I pledge the men of my village, my sons, and myself to the cause. We have lived under the tyranny of the People of the Sun for too long.”
The Serpent King dismounted and signaled to his caravan. The message rolled back amongst the servants and into the ranks. Men dropped their weapons and made camp for the night.
“How do I know your allegiance is true?” asked the Serpent King. He knew it was, but had to follow the customs of the One World.
“Because I pledge it to you. I will fulfill my destiny with an honorable death, in the name of freedom. I choose to die, so others may live.”
The Serpent King heard this same mantra at each village. It was as much of a promise as he could expect.
“I am the Serpent King. Lord Major Tepan of the People of the Eagle gave me command of the coalition after his untimely and unfortunate demise.”
“I give my village to you. What do you request, my lord?”
“Provide me and my commanding officers with fresh water. We have all the other provisions we need.”
A sigh of relief escaped Zona. It was not unusual for a lord major of the Empire to roll through his village, taking screaming women with him for amusement and pleasure.
“In the middle of the village square. Help yourself to the well.”
“Once we establish our camp for the night, I would invite you to share a pipe with us at my fire.”
“I would be honored.”
It did not take long for the Serpent King’s caravan to set itself up. Fires dotted the darkness as the Lady of the Light appeared at her usual station, over the horizon. The Star of the North looked down upon the marching army. Shane, Lellan, and two other lord majors met at the Serpent King’s shelter. His servants had constructed the tent and packed pipes when the men entered and took their seats. A fire blazed and crackled at their feet, throwing out the perfect combination of light and heat. Zona arrived a few moments later to the reserved spot left for him by the Serpent King.
“Lord Majors and leaders of the coalition, welcome. I think you will enjoy the fine herb packed by my servants, harvested from the lush valleys south of the Great Sea.”
The men lit the pipes and took their first drags, an intoxicating rush to the lungs.
“I introduce you to Zona of the Slavis. His is yet another tribe in the endless list of tribes raped, abused, and spoiled by the tyrants. He joins our coalition and pledges his warriors to the cause.”
The lord majors nodded towards Zona, and some tapped their daggers on their shields, a common show of respect amongst soldiers.
“I am honored to serve the cause and rid the One World of the Empire.”
“Lord Major Zona,” said the Serpent King, elevating the status of the tribal leader by addressing him as lord major. The older, experienced lord majors bristled at this comment but knew that the title brought a greater loyalty from the savage tribal leaders of the One World. It made them part of an organized fighting unit. “Can you share with us the atrocities committed by the Empire on your people over the generations?”
Zona looked around at the battle-hardened faces and knew these men did not care. They lived to drive their
swords into the gut of the enemy and feel the warm blood puddle at their feet.
“The Slavis have suffered no more or no less than other tribes of the One World. Our subjugation has lasted for generations and will end soon.” Zona continued to provide answers according to custom. The Serpent King bristled through the protocol, waving the glowing embers of his pipe in frantic circles.
“Lord Major, speak from the heart. We have no more need for customs.”
Zona took a deep breath. “The People of the Sun incorporated the Slavis into the Empire generations ago. Like many independent tribes, we defended ourselves. And, like many others before and after us, the Empire conquered us with overwhelming force. Because we live a nomadic life, the leaders of the Empire did not demand crops or livestock from us. They took something much more valuable—our souls. Men served to nourish the Sun God. Their blood fueled his journey across the sky and ensured abundance in the capital. They stole our women and gave them to their leaders for entertainment. They never returned.”
The Serpent King noticed a flicker of emotion creeping into Zona’s voice. “They took your wife?” he asked.
“No. My mother. I know her through my father’s memories.” Zona felt a surge of confidence and decided to question the Serpent King. “Why do you march on the capital? These other lords fight for revenge and to reset the balance of the universe. You come from a distant place across the Great Sea and lead the coalition to crush the Empire. Why?”
The other lord majors held their breath before whispering to each other, allowing covert smiles to crease their faces. None took their eyes off Zona. The Serpent King stared into the fire, tendrils of smoke circling his head. After what seemed like days, he broke out of the trance and replied to Zona.
“You are indeed brave, Zona of the Slavinoch. Foolish, but brave. You put a question to me in such a forceful manner that it borders on outright disrespect.”
The others gripped their swords in a motion of pure instinct. Nothing spoke except the fire-eating coals in the pit.
“However, I admire your direct nature. You answer my questions and ask your own without fear. Men of power need honest advisors, too, not just ones to lick their boots.”
