The Uprising (The Mamluks Saga: Episode 2)

by Lake, Edward

  “Speak, Audrey.”

  She fretfully rubbed her stomach and put her head down. “I would like to see Giedre...please. I’m worried about the baby.”

  I walked up to her and took a look at her baby bump. She was set to give birth any day now—and it had been a while since her last checkup.

  “I’ll call her. If she isn’t busy, I’ll send her to your room.”

  Audrey looked up and let out a deep sigh. “Thank you, Great Emily.” She stood there and stared at me.

  I looked on, waiting for her to leave. “Is there something else?”

  Audrey was hesitant to start. “Yes...actually, I was wondering...will I get to keep the baby?”

  I glanced at her stomach. “That hasn’t been determined yet.”

  Audrey blinked nervously, then shyly looked away. “Oh—well, I was just wondering.” She looked back at me and flashed a fake smile.

  I rolled my eyes. “Leave, Audrey. I will send the request to Giedre.”

  She gave me a bow. “Thank you, Your Greatness.” She turned and hurried down the hall.

  Truthfully, I knew the answer to her last question, but she didn’t deserve to know.

  Finally, I went back to practicing my walk and ignored Audrey’s request to see Giedre, putting it off for later. I stepped with grace, moving around the room with a smile. I imagined five worlds of citizens bowing at my feet, calling me their Ruler.

  I paused and laughed mischievously under the moonlight coming from my window. Before all this, I was just a brat with a lousy boyfriend and a crappy apartment. To be on the cusp of such awe-inspiring royalty made me feel as powerful as the Mamluks. And deep down, at my full potential, maybe I was.

  Chapter 6: Juozas

  I woke up and found Audrey putting some clean clothes in my dresser. Still exhausted from last night, I staggered to a seated position. “Good morning, Audrey,” I said with a groggy voice.

  She glanced at me nervously, then hurried back to her work. I studied her for a moment, noticing the fear on her face.

  “Hey, it’s all right.” I stood up. “You can talk to me.”

  Audrey stopped and looked up at me. “Ever since you were a little boy, Juozas, I’ve noticed that you’re not like the others.”

  I nodded. “Yes. I’ve noticed that, too.”

  “Why?”

  I rolled my shoulders. “I just... don’t like the way things are.”

  Audrey smiled. “You know, I’ll be rooting for you to defeat Adomas. With you as the Champion, maybe things will change.”

  I shook my head. “No. Mother is the only one who can change things. My sole responsibility would be to protect her.”

  “Emily is selfish and cruel. She would never do right by the people.”

  I became enraged and stepped forward, pointing at Audrey. “You watch your tongue!”

  She trembled and put her hand over her stomach, backing away. “I’m sorry. Please don’t hurt me.”

  I pulled my hand back and looked on in a daze. “Forgive me, Audrey—I didn’t mean to...” Feeling miserable, I turned and took a deep breath. “Perhaps you should go.”

  Audrey quickly left.

  Moments later, Mother walked in. “Is everything all right, Dear?”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  She walked forward, crossed her arms and gave me a suspicious stare. “Kneel, Juozas.”

  I kneeled.

  “Open your eyes.”

  I opened my eyes.

  She took a good look at my face. “Why are your eyes red?”

  My heart rate went up a little. “I...ah, was training in the water.”

  Mother smiled. “You can’t lie to me, Sweetheart.”

  I frowned and put my head down. “Forgive me. I was at The Saulius Lounge last night with London and Lauren-Lynn. They were using qwze seeds and got me to try some.”

  Mother’s face tensed. “I’m very disappointed in you. You know those seeds are forbidden by Dalia’s law.”

  “Yes. It won’t happen again.”

  Mother looked on with a sharp glare. “Very well then.” She gave me a subtle nod. “Now get ready and meet us in the dining hall. The locals will be here soon.”

  Chapter 7: Juozas

  After showering and putting on a nice outfit, I went downstairs to the dining hall. Mother was already seated at the table with the locals. Father was there, too, along with Dalia. I took a seat at the end of the table, across from Father. This was my first time seeing him since our fight had been announced.

  He had a blank stare on his face, not even acknowledging my arrival. It saddened me that it had to be this way. And even worse, if I won the fight, I would probably never see him again in the same capacity. In our society, when the spawn defeats the Champion, the former Champion must fade into obscurity.

  It was yet another rule I didn’t agree with. Adomas would always be my father, and I would always be his son. It seemed foolish that our bond would have to end based on politics. Still, there was nothing I could do about it, so I played along, ignoring him as the festivities continued.

  A citizen rose from his seat with something to say. “Great Dalia—Emily of Earth—my Champion, Adomas—Juozas.” He paused for a moment, taking his time to look us over. “This fight is unlike any other in our illustrious history. Regardless of the outcome, it is a fierce symbol of our dominance. Yet another planet will showcase the battle of Champion and spawn. It will truly be an honor to witness such an event.”

  Father smiled. “Your admiration is shared by us all.”

  Another citizen rose as the other sat. It was Kamile, the greatest singer of our kind. She was scheduled to perform tonight for our region, but at that moment, she sang a classic tune called Vorayz. It was a vibrant piece of music that used no words and was expressed with scenic dance. I looked on with a smile as she gracefully swayed around the table, singing beautifully.

  To finish, she came back to her original spot, froze, and hummed a lasting tune. To follow, she spoke to us. “My Ruler, My Champion, Emily of Earth, and lovely Juozas.” Kamile flashed a delightful smile. “I am honored to be with you, and tonight, to show my gratitude, I will deliver a performance for the ages. However, I must first say this.”

  Kamile held her hand out in a caring gesture, facing Dalia and Mother. “Your grace has ensured our survival—so wise and strong, Great Dalia. And you, Great Emily. Your grace will ensure we prosper on Earth—so courageous and beautiful. From the source, to our souls—fly with the sea.”

  Kamile gave them a bow, and the other citizens followed along.

  Mother rose. “Thank you, Kamile. And thank you all for this momentous gathering.”

  Kamile returned to her seat.

  Mother looked around the table with a smile. “As Mamluks, we are stronger than ever—and in a few days, no matter what happens, our future will be in good hands.”

  You’re right, Mother. Together, perhaps we can change things.

  After dinner, at sunset, we headed to the theater that was attached to our building, linked through a skywalk. It was designed like the stadium that hosted the Championship battle, only much smaller, with spacious, cushioned seats and a circular sandstone stage.

  The sandstone walls were filled with magnificent paintings. A Mamluk named Edita was responsible for the work; but the walls weren’t complete. Edita was currently working on a painting of Birth Here on Earth, the celebration of my birth.

  So far, she had painted half of Mother’s face, and a crowd of soldiers behind that, standing under a picturesque sky. Mother, Father and I were sitting in the front row with Dalia, looking up at the unfinished artwork.

  To the left of it was a painting of Father’s battle with Ignas, and to the right of it was a painting of his inauguration as Champion. I smiled as I studied the painting, wondering what my inauguration would be like.

  Later on, after the theater was filled and the stage was set, the candles went out. In the darkness, I could hear the band getting
ready. Once the candles came back on, the drummers started playing.

  Kamile danced onto the stage wearing a stunning red dress that was cut along the sides. She gracefully leaped through the air and twirled as the music went on. She is truly amazing.

  Kamile faced the crowd and threw her hands up as she sang a loud, beautiful piece of Vorayz. In fact, she was singing so hard her face was vibrating. Then, as the drums picked up, Kamile spun around and danced to the beat. She stomped her feet and pranced from left to right. I smiled and bobbed my head.

  Moments later, as the drums slowed down, Kamile slid to the edge of the stage with style, throwing her hands at the crowd, singing beautifully. I was totally memorized by the performance, lost in a daze of extraordinary pleasure.

  At the end of her first set, everyone rose and applauded. I hopped out of my chair and threw my hands up and down, shouting and cheering. Kamile looked up at me with a smile, holding her hand out.

  What a tremendous performance. Thank you.

  At the end of the show, I said goodbye to everyone and went to my room. Surprisingly, Lauren-Lynn was there waiting for me, lying on the bed. From the entryway, I couldn’t see her very well in the dimly lit room, but as I walked over to her, I realized she was naked.

  I stood over her and stared at her firm, gorgeous body. “How did you know I would be here?”

  “I figured you would rest early tonight, considering the events of the night before.”

  I smiled at her response. “Were you at the performance?”

  “Yes. I was a few rows behind you, with my mother and father. Kamile was wonderful.”

  I took my clothes off and got in the bed. “Yes, she was.”

  We stayed silent for a moment, scanning each other’s naked bodies. Then, Lauren-Lynn reached between my legs and gently massaged. I exhaled smoothly and closed my eyes.

  “Have you chosen me, Lauren-Lynn?”

  “No. Not yet.”

  I opened my eyes and chuckled. “You wish to see if I am to become Champion first.”

  Lauren-Lynn strengthened her massage, making me groan a little. “No, Juozas. If I choose you, it will be because I love you.”

  “You’ve always loved me, Lauren-Lynn. However, this is different. You know what it means to bear my child. And I will not be with you if your intent is to become Ruler.”

  “You don’t trust me, Juozas. I am hurt.”

  “I have to question your intentions. I refuse to be forced into a political bond with my mate.”

  Lauren-Lynn moved her hands up and climbed on top of me. She rubbed my chest, looking down at me with her stunning eyes. “I adore you, Juozas. Please, always remember that. I would never bear your child for political reasons.”

  She lowered her face to mine and kissed me. I wrapped my arms around her and rolled on top of her. “As a friend, you have earned my trust; but not as mate.”

  Lauren-Lynn gently touched my face. “If we are meant to be, then we will be, but for now, let us enjoy this company.”

  I lay down on her breasts and closed my eyes. She rubbed my bald head and hummed the song from the performance.

  No matter what happens, you will always have a place in my heart, Old Friend.

  Chapter 8: Emily

  I opened my eyes. This is it. Today is the day. I took a moment to reflect as I looked out the window and watched the sky turn blue. The next time I lay my head down to sleep, I might be doing it as Ruler of all Mamluks.

  I got out of bed and took a deep breath, then I went into the bathroom and showered. Afterwards, I dried myself and put on a silk robe. I left the bathroom and found Audrey setting a tray of food on the table at the center of the room. She stood by for instructions as I walked over and took a seat at the table.

  “Prepare my wardrobe, Audrey.”

  She got right to it as I ate.

  After eating, I got dressed and headed to the roof to meet Dalia. Like me, she was wearing a stunning dress, and greeted me with a heartwarming smile.

  I got down on my knees and bowed at her feet. “Good morning, My Ruler.”

  “Rise, Emily.”

  I rose and looked up at her.

  She gently placed her hand on my back as our ship flew in. “Come, your coronation awaits.”

  We boarded the ship and took off. The traffic in the sky was jam-packed. When we got close to the stadium, I looked out the window and saw droves of ships flying in from all directions, and an enormous crowd forming around the building.

  We landed near the main entrance and headed inside. As we walked, everyone moved aside, dropped to a knee and bowed their heads. I looked around at all the Mamluks, half-breeds and women, and saw many different faces and skin tones from around the world. It was awe-inspiring to see us all here, together, united as one.

  Shortly after, we arrived at our seats in the front row. The arena was filled to capacity, and there were four massive, holographic screens hovering about fifty feet from the stadium floor, facing all sides.

  The screens were being projected from a set of hovercrafts that were mounted on the perimeter of the arena. In the distance, I could see another series of holographic screens going around the stadium on the outside. Clearly, those screens were for the hundreds of thousands of spectators who couldn’t get in.

  I checked nearby and saw Ignas a few seats up. I smiled and waved. He smiled back and gave me a kind nod. I turned and studied Dalia. She was so calm, looking on with a loving stare.

  “How are you feeling, Great Dalia?”

  She glanced at me and beamed. “I have ruled for a long time, Emily. To see us come this far fills my heart with joy.” She reached down and gripped my hand.

  I held on tight and looked down at the stadium floor, feeling a burst of adrenaline.

  Fight well, Juozas.

  Chapter 9: Juozas

  I was standing in the challenger’s tunnel, waiting for the first horn to sound, listening to the crowd roar. My palms were sweating and my heart rate rapidly increased with every passing moment. I took deep breaths and tried to relax. I rolled my neck and practiced a few moves.

  This is my time. My destiny. My fight to win.

  Finally, the first horn went off. I faced the light at the end of the tunnel and walked forward. As I passed the darkness and stepped into the stadium, the deafening applause nearly shattered my eardrums. Still, I smiled and waved at the crowd as I marched to the center of the stadium.

  At that moment, the adrenaline sparked and engrossed my body. I stood completely still and stared at the other tunnel. Moments later, as I waited, I bounced on my feet and threw some light punches, trying to shake off some nerves. At last, the second horn sounded.

  I clenched my fist as I watched Father come out of the tunnel. He was glaring at me, disregarding the crowd. Father stopped about ten feet away. I stood tall and glared back at him. Then slowly, the crowd silenced.

  The third horn sounded. The fight had begun. We started circling each other and the crowd erupted into an uproar. Father was moving carefully, walking with his hands down. I knew he was trying to lure me, so I moved in cautiously and prepared to strike. Father froze and grumbled.

  I went in for a punch but he leaned back and dodged the shot. Still, I didn’t charge him. Father’s only advantages were strength and experience. He wanted me to attack so he could grab me and pin me to the ground.

  Father backed away and pretended like he wasn’t watching. I edged forward and tried to kick his leg, but he side-stepped me. Obviously, he had examined my fighting style well. Even so, all I needed was one good shot, and my speed would eventually catch up to him.

  I inched close and finally caught his chin with a quick jab. The shot did nothing. Father smiled, backed away, then stood still and put his arms out.

  He looked at me with seething eyes and screamed, “Attack!”

  Once again, I didn’t accept the lure. Instead, I planned to toy with him until he made a mistake.

  I ran at him and quickly stepp
ed back before getting too close. Father tried to grab me but missed badly. I did it again, but this time I narrowly slid through his legs, surprising him. He tried to turn around but I got up before he could face me.

  I jumped high and delivered a front kick to his face. The strike knocked him to the ground. The crowd rose like a wave in the ocean, cheering loud as I moved in. Father quickly stumbled to his feet and backed away. I attacked him with a swift combination. He tried to grab me but I was able to elude him.

  I followed up with a devastating kick to his leg that buckled him. Without pause, to capitalize on his moment of weakness, I sent a vicious spinning kick to the side of his head. Father fell down again, bleeding now. The crowd went crazy as I hurried to him. I dropped a knee into his chest and battered him with punches.

  Father desperately tried to get up but couldn’t. After struggling for a while, he let out a boisterous roar and finally pushed me away. I staggered backward and Father leaped forward, practically falling on me. He grabbed me and held me down. I tried to get up but he was too strong. Now the crowd was going crazy for him.

  I kept trying but it was no use. Father was considerably bigger than me, and his strength was formidable. He took his time and elbowed me hard. The shot was brutal, but I kept my composure. Father went on, dropping big punches and crushing elbows. Then he got in a better position and blasted me with more punches.

  I could see blood in my eyes as I tried to fight back. I punched Father’s stomach but it did nothing. He kept battering me, and I was starting to lose my awareness. The blood seeping into my eyes blinded me as I attempted to break free. I kicked my legs hard, trying to create some space. Still, nothing—but I wasn’t going to give up, and I knew Father realized my undying will.

  You’re going to have to knock me unconscious to win.

  Chapter 10: Emily

  My hands were shaking as I held onto the railing. It looked like Juozas was finished. Adomas hammered away with big punches, and I saw Juozas twist and turn with his arms and legs swinging, desperately trying to break free. Looks like our coronation will have to wait.