“And how do we do that when he doesn’t show up?” questioned Quaet. “Nikali wants nothing to do with ruling Eluan. And he will not listen to any of us.”
“He will figure it out,” said Sharif. “As you said, he is a Caning.”
“So is Marina,” said Quaet. “Heric welcomed her as his wife. She has the right to rule while Heric is still alive. We must release her and let her take the throne.”
“Nikali would never allow that,” said Darren.
“It does not matter,” said Quaet. “We can vote on releasing prisoners. That is within our scope of power. We just need six votes.”
“Why are you testing Nikali?” Sharif asked Quaet.
“I move to release Marina Arraw, Empress of Eluan, from her confines in the palace. Who agrees?” Quaet continued without answering the question thrown at him.
“No,” said Sharif immediately. “I don’t like this. You are undermining the emperor.”
“Nikali has already weakened our power. We have to do something,” said Quaet.
“Yes,” said General Twell.
Quaet nodded his head in appreciation.
“Yes,” said Colonel Palin.
“No,” replied Darren, shaking his head in remorse.
“No,” said Irling, having gained confidence from the others that were refuting Quaet’s rogue vote.
“Yes,” said Marais.
“No,” said Rohmer.
“No,” followed Henri.
Quaet dropped his head. With or without Clayton’s vote they did not have the majority. It was a tie, and the council would be at a standstill. The only relief Quaet had was without a majority vote either way he could continue to bring up the vote at every meeting.
“Yes,” said Clayton, well aware of the ineffectiveness of his vote for the day.
“It’s a tie then,” said Quaet.
Then the fury arck barked. The sound cut off his train of thought. The room grew silent. The council members turned to look at the creature sitting on the throne.
The fury arck stared down Quaet. Then it rolled off the chair and trotted out of the council room with nothing else to say.
Quaet fumed. Nikali’s games were going to be the death of them.
Somewhere out in the middle of nowhere in the desolate lands of Eluan, all was lost. No words were spoken. Aul had led the Eluan army to their deaths.
Only a handful of soldiers were left. They never found any Tcher enemy. They never saw another soul after they left the Capitol. The truth was finally starting to unravel before their very eyes. They were dead. Soldiers had died walking. One second they were on their feet. Then the final level of exhaustion had gripped them. Their bodies dropped and the other soldiers simply walked over them. They could not stop. They had their orders, and they were compelled to fulfill them, even against their own rational judgment.
Aul continued marching. He never stopped. He never relented. The Eluan army would follow him or they would perish.
“It’s over,” said Aul finally. He tossed the last of the fake reports out of his hands. He let them dance away in the wind. “I have done you well, master.”
Then Aul turned around. He watched the few remaining Eluan soldiers take their last steps. Bodies collapsed to the ground relieved to have stopped, but the march had been too much. The sun beat down on their exhausted bodies. As they closed their eyes to relax their bodies completely gave up, and they passed away.
Aul took a bow. He had slain the Eluan enemy single handedly. Then he marched over to his trolley. He took out his key and unlocked the door. His next mission was beginning.
Chapter 24
Marina heard a light knocking at her door. The unusual sound drew her closer. It was not the sound of her caregivers that presented her supplies to her. It was not Quaet or even Nikali, who each had their own way of announcing themselves. This knock was soft and rapid. It bared a sense of urgency.
“Who’s there?” Marina asked through the porthole of the door. She looked out to see a man she was not familiar with. He wore ragged clothing that looked like he had been working all day and night. Tools were at his feet.
“What do you want?” Marina asked, assuming the man was a construction worker for the palace.
“I have come to speak with you, Princess Marina,” said the man.
Marina raised her eyebrow from curiosity. Very few people addressed her as Princess in Eluan.
“Who are you?” Marina asked. Her sharp tone was softening.
“My name is Jordon,” he answered. “I used to work with Alexus.”
Marina’s eyes perked to attention as Jordon continued explaining himself.
“Please, excuse my wardrobe,” he said. “It is a disguise to sneak in here with several of the workers. I need to speak with you. I do not have much time.”
“What is it that you want?” Marina asked, excited to be talking with somebody that could possibly help her.
“Alexus put together a group, the Suraya,” said Jordon. “We were to be his private legion when the war started between Louson and Eluan. But after his death, things have fallen apart.”
“Where were you during the Tcher war?” Marina asked.
“Myrus,” said Jordon. “With Alexus gone, and the second in command unknown to us, we were left scrambling. It has taken some doing but we are strong once again. Now, we wish to finish what Alexus started. We can still topple Eluan.”
“How do I fit into all this?” Marina asked. She was careful with her words. Until this stranger could prove his loyalty, she would not confirm any such treason.
“Alexus believed the Arraw family could put an end to Eluan’s reign. That means that we will follow you. The Suraya will dedicate themselves to you, Your Highness. We have several men already set up inside the palace. We are working to free you, but we are still looking for stronger allies to bring down Nikali. Alexus had a second in command. Who is he? Where can I find him?”
“You don’t know who he is?” Marina asked.
“Alexus had many secrets,” said Jordon. “That was his biggest. He believed if he was compromised that his second would take his place with ease, revealing himself when it was necessary. But he has not showed. It’s time to force his hand. I need to find him. He knows the rest of Alexus’ network. The revolution can continue if I find him.”
Marina looked at Jordon with stern eyes. She believed Jordon’s words. Few people knew about the Second Conspirator. He was in the palace and Marina knew who it was.
“Quaet,” said Marina.
“Thank you, Your Highness,” said Jordon, bowing his head. “With his help we can turn the tide of this war back into our favor. Alexus will not have died in vein.”
“Just get me out of here,” said Marina. “And I will lead you all into a new age of peace.”
“Of course,” said Jordon. “The Princess of Louson aligned with the Princess of Tcher. It will be a beautiful future.”
Marina frowned behind the door at Jordon’s last words. She knew exactly who Jordon meant and Marina was not happy about that. She had hoped Abigail had died during the war, but it would seem she may possibly still be alive. If that were the case, then she would work with the Suraya until it was no longer necessary.
Jordon bowed his head one last time. “I must go,” he said. “The guards will return shortly. We will be in touch.”
“Thank you,” said Marina as she watched Jordon retreat from her only access to the outside world. “Go, and find a way to free me.”
Marina turned around and leaned against the door. The Louson gods continued to answer her prayers.
Chapter 25
“Found just outside of Umbre, these Tcher soldiers have been hiding out, stealing your steer, your sheep, and leaving a bloody trail behind them in order to stay hidden. But our soldiers found them! The Eluan army is out there right now combing through our empire, and eradicating every last Tcher terrorist that has hidden themselves away on the mainland.”
“That is why I had these men brought to us today,” continued Nikali. He gestured at the three men that were down on their knees before Nikali, presented to the crowd surrounding them.
The city center was now becoming a small amphitheater. It was nowhere near the size of the coliseum that Nikali once fought in back in Louson, but Nikali did not mind. He had pulled workers away from the reconstruction at the palace and had them work day and night to build his newest spectacle. The amphitheater was already several stories high and Nikali planned on it being higher. He wanted everybody in the city to be able to attend his presentations and witness his power.
People in the bleachers all cheered for their Emperor’s speech. They had been witnessing several executions a week by the fury arck’s bite. Nikali was proving his worth to the people by bringing to their feet many defeated Tcher soldiers. Every new enemy Nikali brought to his people the louder they cheered and the more they called for blood.
As was becoming the usual, Quaet and Marais were tucked away in the bleachers of the amphitheater. They never missed a show despite their apprehension for the entire situation. It was the best way to keep tabs on Nikali.
“So the army is past Umbre,” said Marais. “I thought they were heading west.”
“So it would seem,” answered Quaet.
“Have they replied anything back?” Marais asked.
“We’ve gotten reports, but they are vague,” said Quaet. “And they never acknowledge any of the letters we have sent them. There seems to be no sign of them coming back any time soon.”
“They must have gotten Nikali’s notes if they brought back Tcher soldiers,” said Marais.
“If these are Tcher soldiers,” Quaet accused.
Nikali walked on the balls of his feet as he circled his three prisoners. The fury arck was patiently waiting near the inner wall of the amphitheater. It looked right at home, lounging in the sun.
“Do we leave our enemies alive?” Nikali asked his audience.
“No!” They shouted back.
Then Nikali took his goblet and dipped it into the open barrel of fresh Tamor Blood. He lifted his full mug to the people. The people lifted their cups in kind. Together they all drank.
Nikali felt the rush of arcan tickle his spine. The Blood Beauties were able to bring back much of that feeling for him.
The fury arck jumped to its feet knowing it was time to strike, but Nikali put his hand up. The fury arck growled, but layed back down. Then Nikali turned and faced the three captives.
“You will bleed for Eluan,” said Nikali.
The three men began to scream through their gags underneath their hoods. Their bodies spasmed with the influence of Nikali’s arcan. Their backs arched in as their chests looked to try to pull away from the rest of their bodies.
The crowd thundered with claps and jeers as they watched the three captives writhe around in pain. The sound of skin tearing made the crowd cheer louder.
Then a heart flew out of one of the captive’s chest. Then a second. Then the third. Three hearts dropped to the ground at Nikali’s feet, and the three captives’ bodies crumbled to the ground.
Nikali slowly spun around in a circle to show off his arcanic deeds. Blood was at his feet and the approval of the crowd was in his ear.
“One more time! One more time!” the crowd chanted.
“You want more?!” Nikali shouted back.
The crowd cheered even louder.
Nikali looked back at the three dead men. He pushed his arcan against the skin of the dead bodies. First there was a spark. Then smoke. Finally, fire. The bodies erupted into flames for the large crowd to enjoy.
Nikali reveled in the crowds’ adoration. He could hone in on every single voice that surrounded him. He could rejoice in the envy and lust that filled their thoughts. Then there was one hurdle that Nikali stopped and focused on. Disappointment.
Nikali turned around and stared up at the bleachers. He shuffled through the emotions coming from the people in the area at the top of the amphitheater then he focused on one man. The man was sitting with his arms at his side, and not saying a word.
With an outstretched arm, Nikali pointed at the man. The crowd began to grow silent. All heads were turning toward the direction of Nikali’s finger.
The excitement was spoiled by the hushed tone of the audience. They all stared at the lone man Nikali was calling out. Without a word they all knew it was him. They could feel it.
“Why are you here?” Nikali asked. His voice boomed in the silent amphitheater.
The man took a moment to build up the courage to speak. He could feel hundreds of eyes staring at him, judging him.
“I came to see what you could do,” the man finally said.
Nikali jumped back. He threw his arms out wide as if to present his amphitheater and the charred bodies at his feet. “My power is immense! How are you disappointed?”
“What else can you do?” the man asked as he got to his feet. His courage was growing stronger.
“I can usher fear into the hearts of my enemies,” said Nikali. “I can suck out a man’s life. I can sift through your memories. I can fight an army. I can build a new empire!”
The crowd cheered for Nikali’s power.
“But can you give?” the man asked over the roar of the crowd.
Nikali leaned in as if to get a better chance at listening to the man. “Give?” asked Nikali rhetorically. “I give all the time. Have I not given you all what you desire? Please, drink!” Then Nikali took another swig of his goblet with the rest of the audience.
“No,” said the man. “I mean more than that. Give health. Give life. There is talk from the east. There is another, Farrah. She is healing people with her gifts. Can you do that?”
Nikali did not respond. He listened to the man’s words. The name Farrah triggered Nikali’s thoughts. He remembered it from the Tcher war.
“You want me to be more like this Farrah?” Nikali asked the man.
“She is helping people,” said the man. “She is healing them.”
“Is she?” Nikali asked. “Do you really know that?”
“It is the stories that are being told,” said the man.
“By whom?” Nikali asked.
“Travelers,” said the man. “People who have seen her.”
“And they’ve talked to you then?” Nikali asked.
“Yes,” said the man.
“Then why are you consorting with Tcher spies?” Nikali asked.
“What?” the man said, stunned at Nikali’s accusation.
“Farrah is the granddaughter of Aldrin the Ageless,” said Nikali. “Whatever her trick is, she does not bring any good to Eluan.”
“No,” argued the man. “She has been helping the sick.”
“Bring him to me,” Nikali ordered the audience. He put his hand up and waved his fingers back and forth. “No need to be gentle.”
People near the man got to their feet and surrounded him. They shoved him out onto the stairway path that lead to the bottom of the amphitheater. The man tried to break free from their grasps, but there were too many of them.
After only a few steps the man had fought too hard and the people were through with him. They pushed him down the rest of the flight of stairs. The man tumbled downward, knocking against the wooden steps. The crowd came to life once again as they watched this new enemy of Eluan crack his bones against the structure.
Finally, the man crashed into the wall at the bottom of the steps. He was bruised and bloody. His left arm was broken and dangled awkwardly against his body.
Nikali was on approach. He walked up the steps from the floor of the amphitheater to enter the first level of the bleachers where the man was lying, beaten and broken.
The Eluan Emperor kneeled down to come face to face with the newest traitor to Eluan. Nikali reached out and grabbed the man by his hair.
“Tcher is poison in our empire,” said Nikali. “Farrah is not helping anybody. She is only lying to the pe
ople to find supporters, such as yourself. Eluan will not allow our enemies to fester any longer. We cannot allow them to grow and to spread the lies that our enemies create. Farrah is not healing anybody. Farrah is the enemy. You are the enemy, and I sentence you to death.”
Then Nikali slammed the man’s head into the floor. Then he did it again. And again. And again. Nikali repeated his actions until the man’s head was cracked open and barely recognizable.
When he was finished Nikali stood up with bloody hands, and his supporters cheered even louder.
“We should be leaving,” said Marais.
“Why?” Quaet asked, quietly clapping with the crowd.
“What if Nikali finds out we are here?” Marais asked.
“I’m sure he already knows,” said Quaet. “He’s testing us.”
“For what?”
“To see if we can keep up with him,” said Quaet. “Go if you must, but when you do, look into Farrah. Find out what you can. She will be a matter of concern one way or the other.”
Chapter 26
Both Nikali and Cassandra skimmed through the pages of the arcan books. Fully translating the passages was not their concern. The two of them were going through page by page, word by word, looking for any reference to healing.
Nikali instructed Cassandra what words to look for when going through the pages. If either of them found a reference then a full translation would be called upon. Nikali could not wait to translate the books page by page anymore. He had to find what he was looking for directly.
If Farrah was healing people by the dozens then Nikali was going to do the same. He would not be bested by some stranger out in the east.
“Here!” Cassandra yelled. She looked up at Nikali with red, wild eyes. She had not blinked in hours since starting to go through the book.
Nikali dropped the book he was rushing through and hurried over to Cassandra. He nearly ripped the book out of her arms in his excitement.
He began to look over the Louson passages. He was getting used to the older style of the Louson language the books displayed. Nikali read through each line several times, making sure the passages were properly translating into Eluan in his head.
Eluan Falls: A Whisper of Fate Page 13
