Making of a Warrior

by Frank David

  “I am not a fighter, Stela. I have no experience with a sword,” Madeline’s fear permeated her words.

  “Then for your sake, I hope whatever power you have been granted is enough to protect you in battle.” Stela walked on, leaving Madeline where she stood.

  “Do you not think you were a bit harsh to your mother?” Harris asked as they took the stairs leading to the towers.

  “If you knew my mother, you would understand I was kind.” Stela continued the ascent.

  Stela looked out toward Antonio’s fleet. “They are not moving. Why are they not moving?”

  ‘Amanda, please I need your help.’ Stela reached out to the Imperial Princess Royal, with her mind. She needed to know why the ships had not progressed toward Edmund’s fleet.

  ‘What do you need of me, Stela?’ the girl responded.

  ‘The Benedictus’ fleet has been given the signal to move south toward Edmund’s ships, but they are unmoved. Can you attempt to contact the ship’s captain and find out why they remain stationary?’ Stela sent Amanda her plea.

  “What is it Stela?” Harris asked. He could see on her face she was worried.

  “I have asked Amanda to find out why the ships have not moved,” she looked south. She could see Edmund’s ship heading toward Jascaessau. “He is almost here.” Her heart raced.

  ‘Stela, the ships are unable to move. They sent men to shore to provide land support, but their boats were rocked by the waves, their men lost to the sea. It seems you will not be getting support from the Benedictus’ men. I am sorry.’ Amanda gave Stela the grave news.

  “They are not coming. We are alone.” Stela turned to Harris.

  “We are not alone. You have the Imperials of Jascaessau. You have me. I will not allow you to face the armies alone. You focus on Edmund. I will lead the Imperials against the armies.” Harris put his arm around her, trying to provide her some comfort.

  “What if he brought Magisters?” Stela suddenly realized Edmund was most certainly aware of the powers being discovered by Imperials.

  “If he has Magisters, that is fine. We have many Magisters as well. We will face them, and we will win, this I promise you.” Harris gave her a smile.

  “Thomasine! She said there were those Magisters who had the ability to block the powers of others. We need to find one of these Magisters. They could help control Edmund’s Magisters.” Stela smiled at the revelation.

  “There are no Suspensionis,” the voice came. “They are a myth. I am the only one with the ability to suppress the powers.” Braynard appeared beside the couple.

  “Then you can prevent any of his Magisters from causing harm,” Stela said.

  “I could, but your former husband is a fool. He refused to bring Magisters. He believed his armies alone could defeat you and Jascaessau.” Braynard laughed. “You see, this will be an easy battle for your Imperials. They should be able to easily stop his troops.”

  “Edmund was aware that I had Magisters on my side but refused to enlist any of his own?” Stela questioned.

  “Even after experiencing his own powers and the powers of Megdalina, he believes the powers come from Hell and wants nothing to do with those who have such abilities. He has given you the advantage, at least against his troops. You have still not discovered your own powers so you will be at a disadvantage against him.” Braynard’s excitement was growing. He longed to see the two meet in battle.

  “You cannot let her face him powerless. What power does she possess? Show her!” Harris commanded.

  “Her powers will come, as they are needed, and not before. Trust her, Harris.” Braynard attempted to ease the man’s mind. “He will be here by tomorrow morning, Stela. Prepare yourself. Prepare those who will stand beside you.” In Braynard fashion he was gone with his words.

  “What are you going to do about Felicia? It seems she wants nothing to do with you.” Stela needed something to distract her and Harris’ pain provided the escape.

  “I have no desire to pursue a future with her. I simply want to know my child. I do not seek to be his father. I just want the opportunity to watch him grow.” Harris stared out over the southern sea. He could see the ships without the glass. They were getting closer.

  “I have a feeling, you will be a part of his life. I believe there is something special forming between my sister and Felicia. With you as my husband, you would have many occasions to be around Felicia and her child.” Stela smiled. “I have noticed a change in my sister since Felicia arrived. Perhaps it is the impending war, but I like to think it is more. I like to think it is Felicia who has initiated this change in her.”

  “I can attest to Felicia’s ability to bring about a change in a person,” he laughed, keeping the mood light.

  “What should we do, on this last day of peace?” Stela asked him.

  “I think, you should prepare your people. Speak to them. Let them know what is coming and what you expect of them.” Harris put his hand on hers. “You are their Empress, you need to keep them informed. I am sure rumors are running wild throughout the realm. You can address some of the rumors, even if only in Jascaessau.”

  “Then that is what I shall do. I will have the announcement made that I will address the people this afternoon.” Stela kissed him on his cheek. He didn’t pull away. “In case things don’t work out in my favor, I want to thank you. You have been a good friend.”

  “Do not talk like that. You will succeed. Edmund is driven by emotion; his anger will be what brings about his end. You are facing him to protect your realm and people. You are doing your best to keep the emotions at bay.” Harris took her hand and led her down from the tower.

  “I want to stop and look in on the children,” Stela noted as she passed the nursery. She stopped and opened the door. Malcolm was sitting in the room playing with the children. Their laughter brought her joy.

  Joseph noticed her standing in the doorway. “Mama!” he yelled and ran over to her, wrapping his arms around her waist.

  Stela knelt down and took her oldest son in her arms. He had no way of knowing the future she knew he would be facing. She held back the tears as the boy clawed his way up as she stood. “Joseph, I have missed you. Have you been a good boy for Aunt Sofia while I was away?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” he responded with a smile. “Mama, is it true you are going to kill father?”

  Stela had not expected the question. She was not prepared to answer the questions that would be coming after the war was over. “Joseph, do not worry about that. This has nothing to do with you or your sister and brothers. This is between your father and me. We both love you and wish we could raise you all together but unfortunately, adults do not always get what they wish for.”

  “I do not want either of you to die,” his voice sounded hurt. It nearly broke Stela’s heart.

  “I do not want either of us to die, but your father is not happy with things as they stand.” Stela did not wish to make Edmund appear bad in front of Joseph, but she did not know any other way to explain things to the boy.

  “I am heir to both Hulsteria and Xasha, right mama?” he asked.

  “You are not. Your Aunt Lena is with child,” she responded softly.

  “Her child will not survive to rule. As heir to both thrones, I should be able to command you both to stop this and just love each other, as it should be,” Joseph said in his most authoritative voice.

  Stela had to hold back her laughter. “I am sorry, Imperial Prince Royal but as the current Empress of Hulsteria, I outrank you. I did not wish for things to come to this and I wish my hand were not forced to face your father in this way, but I have no choice. I hope you understand,” she put him down and kissed him on his head. “No matter what happens between your father and me, remember we both love you and always will.”

  She turned to Harris. Her eyes welling with tears. “I need to leave.”

  Harris rubbed Joseph’s head as Stela left the nursery.

  “Do not touch your Imperial Prince
Royal,” Joseph was quick to reprimand Harris.

  “I am sorry, Your Grace,” Harris bowed. He gave the boy a smile. Joseph quickly returned the smile as Harris left the children.

  “Are you okay?” Harris asked, finding Stela leaning against the wall.

  “How can he do this to our children?” Stela asked, letting the tears drop. “If it were just him and I, it would be different. One of us is going to die. The one who survives must explain to Joseph why this happened. What will I tell him?”

  “I am glad you are starting to realize you will survive,” he laughed, trying to lighten the mood. “You will tell him what he needs to know when he is older. There is no need to try to explain this to him now.”

  “I fear I will not be around when he is older. It will fall on you to explain why all of this has happened. Can I trust you to be fair when you tell him?” Stela knew she would not see her son become a man. Harris was destined to be his regent. She needed to know that when the time came, Harris would not paint his father in a negative light.

  “I will not tarnish the image of his father. I will do my best to be fair when talking about Edmund, though I do not believe all that Braynard has said.” Harris knew if the task fell to him it would be difficult to keep his feeling about Edmund out of the conversation.

  “Watch what you say. I cannot have you collapse on me now.” Stela whispered fearing Braynard would overhear them.

  The door to the nursery opened. Joseph ran toward his mother. “Please do not kill father. I do not wish to rule the three realms. I will lose you shortly after you take father’s life. I will be alone, with him to raise me.” He pointed at Harris.

  “How do you know this, Joseph?” Stela was surprised by his words.

  “I saw it after you left. I no longer live in Jascaessau. I have moved to the castle in Moorland on the southern shore. I sit on the throne of Xasha, Hulsteria, and Savien. I see the ships coming from the unknown areas beyond Trokha and Savien. I see the battle I must fight. I do not want that mama. You can stop it, please.”

  Malcolm hurried out after him. The boy was clinging to his mother as Malcolm tried to remove him.

  He kept screaming “Mama do not do this!” He clawed at her as Malcolm ripped him away.

  “I am sorry, Stela. I did not know he was going to say that,” Malcolm was saddened by the display. He could see the pain in Stela’s eyes. “He is a boy with an active imagination. You are doing what must be done. One day he will understand,” he said as he returned the boy to the nursery. Malcolm could feel the boy’s sadness. His gift had its advantage, but now, he realized how the gift could also bring him much pain. He held the boy close helping to change the boy’s mood. He filled his head with the memories of his parents when their love was obvious. The boy smiled at him. Malcolm sat among the children and cried knowing the pain that laid ahead for Stela’s children.

  “How does he know what his future holds? How does he know you are to be his Regent?” the tears began again. “He will never understand. I am doing what I must to protect him and all of Saaveth.”

  Harris wondered if his touch had given the boy visions. “Do you think Charity or Malcolm told him? Could he have received his gift? Is he not too young? One day he will understand the sacrifice you made for him and everyone else. He is a child, he cannot grasp what is at stake.” Harris held her.

  “I do not think Charity would do that. While Malcolm can be heartless, I do not see him capable of such a thing either. He has changed much over the past year, as we all have.” Stela’s confusion grew. What else did the boy know? He had visions of her victory against Edmund. Was there more? If there was, did she really want to know?

  “I must prepare to address the people. I will have to deal with Joseph when this is over. I do hope he understands one day.” Stela held Harris’ hand as the two walked away.

  Sofia and Felicia had returned. They had several Imperials with them.

  “You returned quickly,” Stela greeted her sister.

  “We retrieved those who were nearby. Chris Emery and his son Gage have left Jascaessau. Some refused to come saying this was your war and they would not be involved,” Felicia informed Stela.

  “I cannot blame them for their decision. This is a situation of my making,” she looked at the Imperials gathered. “If any of you wish to return to your homes, I understand. I have been told anyone that does not attack will be left in peace.” She watched as some of the Imperials gathered and moved to leave.

  “If any of you step a foot outside of this room, I will end your life.” Felicia threatened, stopping those who wanted to leave.

  “No, Lady Felicia. I will not force anyone to stand up to Edmund and his armies. I only want those who choose to stand with me. I will not punish any that wish to stay safe. I cannot ask any of you to give your life for me.” Stela spoke to the crowd. “Stand down, Felicia, let them leave.”

  A few of the Imperials gathered bowed and curtsied before Stela, then rushed out of the room. A handful remained gathered, including Felicia’s cousin, Caleb.

  “Have any of you discovered your gifts?” Stela asked those that remained.

  “I have, Majesty,” Caleb spoke up.

  “What gift have you been granted, Imperial Grand Duke Daniels?” Stela invited him to give a display.

  “I am not sure how it will serve you. Stop!” he yelled. Those around him appeared frozen. He walked up to Stela and grabbed her hand. She moved with him.

  She watched the others. They moved but were slowed, while she moved as normal. They walked to the back of the room.

  “Go!” Caleb yelled.

  Those gathered looked around for Stela and Caleb.

  “We are here,” Caleb called out.

  The group turned to find them standing at the far end of the room.

  “Stela, you were in front of us just a moment ago, how did you get all the way back there?” Harris called out to her.

  “He can control time. He can slow it down or speed it up as he desires.” Braynard appeared in the room with them. “It can be a very powerful gift if timed properly.” Braynard laughed. “I call it Tempus Deus, or God of Time.”

  “I have never used it to speed up time,” Caleb admitted.

  “Simply say ‘go’,” Braynard instructed.

  “Go!” Caleb yelled.

  He watched as the people around him seemed to move at an increased pace, while he moved normally.

  “You do not have to yell, a simple whisper will do,” Braynard walked over to Caleb as the others sped around him. “Stop will end the rush.”

  “Stop,” Caleb whispered. Everyone returned to a normal pace.

  Stela noticed the sun had moved. “This power is dangerous; the day had progressed quickly, but it felt like only a few moments.”

  “Yes, it is a side-effect of the power, Stela. One with this power must be careful how and when he uses it.” Braynard gave further instructions.

  Stela watched as the other Imperials exhibited their new powers. Kendric Dorman was the next to show his power. He had Bellator Deus or God’s Warrior. He had the strength of at least ten men. Others were Tempestas Deus, Gods of Weather, the same power exhibited by Angelique of Savien. One Imperial had Deus Pellem, God’s Skin, which made the person practically immune to injury. Stela was beginning to believe her small army could stop Edmund’s.

  “I believe with you on my side, Edmund’s armies will fall. We will have rooms prepared for you all. I have learned that Edmund’s ships will reach shore by morning.” Stela gave them all they needed to know. “When Edmund appears, no one is to approach him. He is to be left for me.”

  Stela looked at Sofia. She was greeted with a smile. “Sofia, you have done well. I am so very proud to call you sister. You, as well, Lady Felicia, thank you. It is time that I address the people of Jascaessau. I need to let them know what is coming and put the rumors to rest. Sofia, please see that our guests are well cared for until I return. Have the kitchen prepare a grand m
eal.” Stela grabbed Harris’ hand and led him out into the courtyard of the palace.

  “You are coming with me,” she smiled as she led him out beyond the palace walls.

  She stood atop the gallows where Calvin had been hanged. The people in the market stopped and watched as she stood silently.

  “People of Jascaessau!” she called out from her perch. “I come before you, not as your Empress but as one of you.” She turned and looked at Harris. He nodded his approval. “I am sure you have heard rumors of war approaching the shores of the Imperial Capital. I have come to address those rumors and prepare you.” The crowd began to gather around her.

  “The former Emperor Consort, Edmund of Xasha, believes he is entitled to the throne of Hulsteria. His ships are approaching the harbors and will arrive by morning. His armies will march through the streets of our kingdom. His armies have been instructed to not attack unless provoked. I will not ask you to attack his men. I would not expect you to lay down your lives for me. I have done nothing to deserve that level of dedication. I have not been the best Imperial Ruler. I have enacted laws that have nearly torn the realm in two, but I will lay my life down defending Hulsteria from any that would attack her.” Stela could hear the murmurs beginning.

  “If you wish to remain safe, lock your doors tonight and do not open them until I have appeared again in this spot, victorious. If I should fall, I ask that you do not rebel against Edmund. I do not wish to see any of you lose your lives. You will serve him as you served me.”

  “How will you fight the Emperor Consort?” someone from the crowd yelled out.

  “I will face him with my sword.” She grabbed her sword and held it high above her head. “My sword is your sword. It will protect you as it protects me!”

  The laughter started to build among the crowd. The idea that a woman could defeat a man in a sword fight. The sword’s talons dug into her arm. The eye opened. The crowd moved back in fear. “Do not fear my sword, it has but one enemy, and his name is Edmund.”