Abigail grabbed the little girl’s hand that was holding the flower. At first it was a gentle touch, but when the little girl tried to pull away Abigail would not let go. She reached out and pushed back her sleeve. More hives were revealed. They covered much of the little girl’s body.
The young girl whimpered in pain as the cloth brushed across the burning infection. Abigail looked into the girl’s suffering eyes. She was in a lot of pain, but unwilling to show it.
Abigail began to caress her hand over the girl’s hives on her arm. Her fingers moved across her skin with a gentle touch.
The burning sensation intensified across the little girl’s body. She began to cry. Abigail held tightly to the girl’s wrist while starting to massage the girl’s arm with her free hand. Abigail kept a smile on her face to offer comfort to the girl, as little as it was helping.
Attention from the other guests at the inn started to focus in on Abigail and the crying girl in her arms.
Darden, Grifith, and the innkeeper stopped their conversation and looked to see what was going on in the other room. Darden froze in shock as he watched Abigail, a wanted woman he brought to the inn, assault a young girl.
Grifith was faster. He ran into the dining hall to put a stop to everything. None of the other guests bothered to get up to pull Abigail away from the little girl, so Grifith had no delay in his actions. He dashed to the strange woman and the girl and ran straight into their arms.
Abigail could not hold her grip and was forced to let go of the little girl’s arm. The girl crashed to the floor, relieved to finally be free from the burning pain.
“What are you doing?” Grifith wanted to know. Abigail stared back at him with fear and confusion. “What is wrong with you?”
“I was helping her,” said Abigail.
“You were hurting her,” said Grifith. He felt betrayed. He had trusted Abigail, even if he didn’t know her.
“No,” said Abigail. “I healed her.” She pointed at the little girl on the floor as she made her claim.
Grifith turned around to look at the girl behind him at his feet.
“Are you alright?” Grifith asked. He offered the girl a hand to get back to her feet.
The girl stayed on the ground. She remained still for several moments. She was making an assessment of her body. Then she started to roll back her sleeves. She rolled up her pants. The earlier panic was turning into surprise and shock. She stared back at Abigail. The little girl couldn’t believe it.
Her skin was clear. She was healed from the Tcher Touch.
A burst of energy overcame the little girl. It was a mix of joy, excitement, relief, and hope. She rushed forward and hugged Abigail with all of her might.
Nobody around them could make sense of what was going on. The situation seemed to be handled and that was all that matter to most of them.
“What happened?” Darden asked to no one in particular. He was ready to flee the tavern with or without Grifith or Abigail.
“She healed her,” said the innkeeper in near shock as he walked up to Darden. Tears started to well up in his eyes. “Your woman. She healed my granddaughter. I haven’t seen her that happy in over a year. Thank you.
“You guys can stay. For a little while longer. I owe you that much. I’ll help you figure out something more permanent.”
“Oh,” said Darden, thrilled at the change of events. “Thank you. I… we would really appreciate that.”
Chapter 8
As the day grew later at the Capitol a traveling caravan became visible on the horizon. The caravan was heavily guarded with several soldiers on horseback surrounding one lavish carriage.
Nikali and Cassandra stood out on the emperor’s balcony of the palace and watched their newest visitors approach the Capitol walls. Immediately, Nikali recognized the flags. The soldiers carried the insignia of Myrus while the carriage proudly displayed the flags of the Caning family. Nikali scowled at his mother’s arrogance. After her husband, Nikali’s father, died she never wanted anything to do with the family despite keeping the name.
“Take a drink,” said Cassandra. She offered her cup to Nikali.
He took her offer without taking his eyes off of the caravan.
“I should turn them away,” said Nikali.
“Let’s see what they want, first,” suggested Cassandra.
“She wants to gloat,” said Nikali.
“Then spit in her face,” said Cassandra. “This is your Empire now.”
Ellen Caning and her companion and lover, the recently appointed Senator of Myrus, Francesco de Seres, rested comfortably in their carriage with the Capitol out on the horizon. They were secure in the knowledge that Seres’ newest position as Senator of Myrus meant he was free to come to the Capitol at any time. In the past his deeper role in the Eluan military meant he was directly under the thumb of the emperor. Emperor Heric had seen to it that Seres spent little time in the Capitol, despite Seres’ developing reputation. But thanks to Ellen’s wisdom they turned every obstacle of Heric’s and used it to become stronger. Seres saved the Capitol from an attack of an avadon horde and Heric still wanted him out of the city. So Seres took command of Myrus. The years spent in Myrus allowed Seres to step out of his military position and lead the city as their newest official Senator. All thanks to Ellen Caning.
Ellen sat quietly in her seat looking out the window. The Capitol was her city once. She couldn’t help but think back to those days with her husband, Emperor Nikali. Their names were synonymous.
That was not the case anymore. Nikali II was a failure. Ellen was disappointed that her son never lived up to his father’s potential. He gave in to his Uncle Cyrus and Heric too easily. Ellen fought to keep her position of power, but Cyrus would have none of that. He pushed her out and practically exiled her, meanwhile giving Nikali whatever he wanted to keep him complacent.
Now, Cyrus was dead, Heric was down, and somehow Ellen’s failure of a son controlled the entire Eluan Empire. The thought made her nauseas. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. She was supposed to be in control.
Ellen looked over to Seres. A thin smile cracked through her lips. That dream was still possible. With him. Francesco de Seres could lead her back to her dream. It was just a matter of time.
The two Myrus ambassadors were escorted to the throne room of the palace. The room was not as elegant as it used to be. Pieces of art and statues were scraped and cut, ruining the pieces forever. There had been no time since the Tcher invasion to gather artists to fix the designs. Nikali never bothered to look into it. He never used the room before now.
Nikali kept the two travelers from Myrus waiting in the throne room for over an hour. Just as Ellen was ready to leave for the day Nikali arrived with open arms.
He walked into the room dressed in clothes fit for a meeting with high honor. The outfit did not fit properly. It belonged to Heric. Nikali was smaller than Heric, but Nikali did not mind.
He walked proudly toward his mother and her lover. He let the drape of his outfit sprawl across the floor. The crown he wore balanced delicately around his head. The Royal Council would not have one made that properly fit him.
“Mother,” greeted Nikali. “My guests typically bow before their Emperor.” He never acknowledged Seres.
“You are only the Emperor Present, Nikali,” said Ellen. “Senators are not obligated to bow to the Emperor Present.”
“It’s still rude,” said Nikali. He took a seat on the throne. The drink swirled in his hand.
“You have made yourself quite comfy, I see,” said Ellen.
“Of course,” said Nikali. “I think I’ve earned it. After all, I did lead the army to victory against the Tcher Islands.”
Seres held his tongue. Nikali merely opened the door to get the army across the End Sea. Seres was one of the first through the gateway and was given the credit for slaying Aldrin the Ageless, despite not actually doing it. He found Aldrin already dead, but nobody was there to see it. He cut off the dead
ruler’s head and claimed it as his prize.
“Did you forget about Francesco, The End of Ages?” Ellen asked. “It was he that brought back the head of Aldrin the Ageless. I think he deserves a little bit of that credit.”
“You did well, Francesco,” said Nikali. He made his voice change to sound more professional. “Eluan thanks you. Is that why you are here? Did you want to be awarded more for your valor during the battle?”
“We know the Royal Council is busy,” said Ellen. “And that is actually why we are here. You have two empty seats on the Council.”
“One actually,” said Nikali. “My Confidant, Cassandra, has graciously accepted my invitation.”
“The whore?” Ellen asked.
“That’s a bit harsh,” said Nikali. “She is a diplomat that has connections with several senators and powerful people of the royal class all across the empire. Her knowledge is extremely valuable.”
“Nevertheless, we are only asking for one seat,” said Ellen.
Nikali turned his attention to Seres. “How many times have you been denied a seat on the Council, Seres?” he asked.
“Twice… sir,” said Seres, nearly unable to address Nikali properly. “Heric wanted me overseeing Myrus directly. He thought I could do better closer to the situation instead of being at the Capitol.”
“Sure,” Nikali smirked. “Clearly, Heric does not want you on the Council. Why should I feel any different? Because you chopped off a man’s head? Brutal, but not very diplomatic of you. Perhaps, if you weren’t so busy claiming glory for yourself, you could have saved our former leader.”
“Francesco is not asking for a seat on the Council, Nikali,” scolded Ellen. “I am.”
Nikali let out a small laugh as he turned his attention back toward his mother. “Oh, that’s good. Did you really think that would work? Why should I give you a seat on the Council? Your disdain for Uncle Cyrus and Heric are pretty embedded in my memory. Your words about the Royal Council as well seem to ring a few bells. Not to mention, what you’ve said about me. That seat is not going to you, Mother.”
“We’ve had our differences,” began Ellen. “But things have changed. You have changed. You proved me wrong. Here you are, sitting on the throne. I have never been prouder. Your father would be proud of you.”
“Don’t try to flatter me,” said Nikali. “It’s a little too late for that.”
“I want to help you, Nikali,” said Ellen. She began to approach Nikali. Her voice grew soft. “I’m sure Cyrus and Alexus taught you well, but you have never been in a role like this before. I have. I was Empress with your father.”
Ellen was right beside Nikali. She brushed her hand down Nikali’s arm. “I can guide your hand, like it should have been before Nikali’s death. We can bring Eluan back to its former glory.”
Then Ellen took the goblet from Nikali’s hand. She took a sip of the Tamor Blood before returning it.
“Cyrus and Alexus taught me that I really shouldn’t trust those that want to teach me,” said Nikali. He turned away from Ellen.
“You are being foolish, Nikali,” said Ellen. “You need help. The Royal Council will not stand for your attitude and your actions for very long. I know them better than you. I can help you.”
“No,” said Nikali. “You can help yourself. The Royal Council is weak. Their supporters have fled to other parts of Eluan. They will get in line before long. My will is strong. You have just failed to see that.”
“Do not lead this empire into ruin, Nikali,” said Ellen. “That is the last thing your father would have wanted.”
She was done with her argument. Without a good-bye, Ellen turned and walked away from her son. Seres was right beside her.
Nikali took another drink of his goblet. Even if he couldn’t feel the tingle in his spine it still soothed him from the anxiety his mother always brought him.
Chapter 9
Ellen and Seres left the palace right after their meeting with Nikali. Ellen did not say a word as she returned to her carriage waiting for her outside.
Her driver kept his head down. He dared not look her straight in the eye.
“Madame,” he quickly greeted. “Sir.”
Ellen got into the carriage without a word. Seres stopped to address their driver.
“Take us to my quarters in the city,” said Seres. “Then rest the horses and gather supplies for our journey back to Myrus.”
“Yes, sir,” said the driver.” He secured the door behind Seres and quickly got to the top of the carriage and urged his horses forward.
The guards kept their positions in a tight formation around the carriage. The group walked through the streets with little care for the pedestrians nearby. The area around the palace was the busiest in the Capitol. Despite the damage to the building, it was still the safest place in the city.
The main gate to the city walls remained unrepaired. Squadrons kept watch at the gates day and night. It was where the remaining bulk of the military was stationed.
“We can appeal to the Royal Council,” Seres suggested while in the carriage with Ellen. “I have friends there. We can still get that seat.”
“It will only push Nikali further away,” said Ellen. “We need him on our side. Like it or not, Nikali has the Caning name, and he has every right to the throne.”
“Then we should change that,” said Seres. “The Council is already losing favor of Nikali. We can break away from the Caning family. Maybe it’s time to move forward with our ideas.”
“We are still in no position to take control,” said Ellen. “We have supporters, but it will not be enough to sway the Council in our favor yet. Without the Royal Council’s backing Eluan will fall apart. One man cannot rule the entire world on his own.”
“We have the people of Myrus behind us,” said Seres. “We are the saviors of the Second City. The people are flocking to us. We just need to rally that power to unite us against the Capitol. We can do away with the Royal Council as well, if we have to. We’ll make our own power structure.”
Ellen smiled back at Seres. “That is why I love you,” she said. “Our time is coming. We have played our cards well up to this point. We cannot falter at the end. Nikali or the Royal Council will break, and when they do we can swoop in and offer our assistance. We just have to be patient. Eluan will be ours.”
The carriage continued on its journey through the Capitol markets toward the old residence of Francesco de Seres. He kept a small place in the Capitol for his trips to the city. Ellen’s place was on the outskirts of the city and they were done with traveling for the day.
Once out of the markets the streets became less crowded. As a senator from Myrus, Seres was able to afford property in the wealthier part of the city. It was near abandoned now because of the destruction from Tcher. Most of those that could afford it no longer lived in the Capitol. There were still cities that were never attacked by Tcher.
Seres did not mind the small bump in extravagance. He lived with none of that while he was a soldier and before he met Ellen. Ellen was the one that got him into the parties and the meetings that the royal class held. He had her to thank for all of his good fortune in the past few years.
“Whooooah, there,” cried out the driver. The carriage pulled to a stop. The horses took a moment to settle from their sudden change in pace.
“What is going on? Why have we stopped?” Ellen wondered. Seres looked out the window of the carriage. The guards were all looking straight ahead.
Standing in the road in front of the carriage and guards were two men. They did not budge when the carriage came by unlike everybody else in the city.
“Step aside,” said the guard at the lead of the pack.
The two men held their positions.
“Step aside or we will force you aside,” reiterated the guard.
Then in the blink of an eye a third man appeared from behind the stranger on the left. He threw a spear with deadly force. It pierced the lead guard’s heart and knocked h
im to the ground.
The guard’s horse grew startled from the action. It jumped to its hind legs and shrieked, disturbing the rest of the horses. The rest of the guards tried to settle their rides as the three men swarmed ahead with knives at the ready.
The next three guards surrounding the carriage were dead before they could defend themselves. The three attackers were quick and merciless.
Only two guards were left situated behind the carriage. They were in no position to defend Ellen or Seres. One guard rushed forward to stop their attackers from getting to the carriage door. He swung his sword at the head of the attacker. The man ducked and struck with his knife. He drove the blade into the guard’s stomach several times. The guard died before he hit the ground.
The final guard turned the other way. He rushed his horse away from the attack to alert anybody that could help.
The three attackers watched as he left without a fight.
“Trac, Andress, take the carriage,” said the lead attacker, Brynn. He spoke in Tcher. Brynn’s two men followed his instructions. Trac jumped up to the seat with the quivering driver. He drove his knife into the driver’s back several times. The driver screamed out in pain then fell silent. Trac never bothered to move the body.
Andress approached the carriage door. He went to open it, instead the door swung open from the inside. Seres jumped out at the ready. He charged his sword forward and cut into Andress’ neck. The former Tcher soldier fell back in a pool of his own blood.
Seres got out of the carriage. He stared down Brynn.
“I am Francesco de Seres, The End of Ages,” declared Seres.
Brynn smiled. He signaled for Trac to go. Immediately, the horses rushed forward away from the chaos and death. They took Ellen and the carriage with them.
“I know,” said Brynn.
The last remaining Myrus guard charged through the streets on his horse. He arrived at the closest soldier post and alerted who he could to the attack on his caravan.
The soldiers sent word out and in just moments the horns were blaring. Eluan was being alerted to the attack.
Eluan Falls: A Whisper of Fate Page 5
