Empire Saga: The Fight for the Paradise, #1
Page 20
“Thank you, Commander,” I said as I turned to the lieutenant.
“Sir, if you and your companions will follow me,” he said. With that brief invitation, he headed back to the service desk. We trooped after him.
With efficient diligence, we were assigned a suite. The suite had a common area and three sleeping chambers on an upper level. It was more spacious than our quarters aboard the Paradise. Its arrangement meant I would not get a room to myself, a condition I expected. However, the room that was set up for three looked sufficiently large.
Marleah and Lucera choose their double. Unsurprisingly, they selected the one closest to the necessary room. The rest of us drew lots for our quarters. As it turned out, I got to room with Dulain and Jacarr. We took our time settling into our suite.
Chapter 23
In his study within the Imperial palace on Cassyndryl, Emperor Nathaniel Dain Joram Marcus Rajhia sat reviewing reports at his desk. It was late. All the documents he’d seen had met with his approval. But, there was one missing. There was no account regarding the newest Hexator.
He checked back through the reports. He had not missed it; the document was absent. Looking back even further, he didn’t find any account beyond the making of this Hexator. There was no declaration of his place of service, even though that event should have occurred more than thirteen months ago. He found this breech unacceptable.
“Hendriks,” he called to his servant. “Hendriks!”
A middle-aged man rushed into his office. He had dark brown hair pulled back in a queue. His clothes were fresh and properly arranged. “Yes, your Imperial Highness?” he asked, a little winded.
“Do I have all the documents from the Hexator’s Complex?” he demanded.
“Yes, your Imperial Highness, you have all that have been delivered,” he replied.
The Emperor nodded before he said, “That is what I thought. There is a matter that needs to be addressed. Therefore, first thing tomorrow morning, you will make arrangements for the Headmaster of the Hexator’s Complex to meet with me.”
“Consider it arranged, your Imperial Highness,” responded Hendriks. “Is there anything I may do for you at the moment?”
“You may bring some Tarshim to my room,” Emperor Nathaniel told him. “I will take myself there in a moment.”
“I will bring the drink to your room at once, your Imperial Highness,” he said with a bow. He backed out of his Emperor’s presence and bowed to him again before leaving to fulfill the request.
Slowly, the Emperor rose and moved to the large window across from his desk. The whole city lay before him. The city lights spread to the horizon. Off to the left, stood the Hexator Complex. It was the only other building with a tower incorporated into its architecture. Like those of the palace, it was capped in crystal. The light seemed to pulse through it. His grandson was serving there. Why did he not have the service declaration document? He would insist that if reports were not timelier, his grandson should return to the palace to live.
He turned from the window and made his way to his chambers. He passed through the empty anteroom of his study and up the steps which took him higher into his tower. Before long, he entered his room. Hendriks had already placed a poured glass of Tarshim on the table next to his favorite chair before the fountain. He loved to watch the water flow over the lighted crystals. The light play and the sound the water made was beautiful and soothing.
He took a sip of the Tarshim. It had a delicate taste and coated his throat with a pleasant warmth as he swallowed it. It was delightful. He returned the glass to the table and got himself ready for bed. Then he snuggled his back into his chair. He retrieved the glass, slowly sipping the contents as he watched the fountain. When he was good and drowsy, he put himself to his bed. His sleep was deep and peaceful, almost like a Healer had nudged him to sleep.
The following morning, he met with the Headmaster of the Hexator Complex in a small receiving room on the main floor of the palace. The Headmaster was past his middle cycles. He was fat with a bald crown surrounded by frosted brown hair. He wore a purple dress tunic over black dress pants that were tucked into black boots. He knelt awkwardly before his Emperor.
“Rise Headmaster,” said the Emperor. The man struggled to get his feet under his bulk. Once he did, he bowed low to his Emperor. Since the Emperor signaled him to advance, he did so and bowed again. “Headmaster Hadar, it has come to our attention that our records are not up to date. We do not have the documents detailing Hexator Nickoli’s declaration of service or any of his subsequent work. We are not pleased with this omission.”
“Your Imperial Highness, I humbly apologize for our obvious lack,” responded the Headmaster. “It would be my honor to find the cause and correct this issue. If it pleases you, my Imperial Sire, I have brought this crystal. It contains everything we at the Hexator Complex have regarding Hexator Nickoli,” Headmaster Hadar continued, offering the crystal to the Emperor.
“Show us,” commanded Emperor Nathaniel.
The Headmaster activated one of the files stored within the crystal. Light energy surged into a holographic-like display of a round chamber. On the arc of the room facing the viewer, five ornate chairs were spaced. As the Emperor watched, five teaching Masters, identified by their violet trimmed black robes, entered and seated themselves.
The view shifted to the side so the whole of the chamber could be seen just as a young man strolled confidently in to stand before the Masters. He was dressed in a white shirt, black trousers, and black boots. He wore an indigo vest, the vesture of a Hexator. He had tamed his raven curls but had left his head unadorned.
The emperor’s chest swelled with pride. This was Nickoli’s Service Declaration Ceremony, an event not open to the public. His grandson stood with a commanding presence even without a crown. He didn’t fidget as he awaited the coming drama of the ceremony, a quality this young one shared with his father. Emperor Nathaniel nodded in approval.
Shortly, Master Arleen rose from the center seat. She was an elegant lady with silver-white hair pulled back into a bun behind her head. As she bent her arms to clasp her hands before her chest, her sleeves fell back to her elbows. She locked her steely gaze with the newly made Hexator.
“The time has come, Hexator Nickoli,” she said in a strong clear voice. “Where will you serve?”
“I will serve on the planet Dinave of the Altera System,” replied Nickoli.
The teaching masters froze just as the Emperor did. They stood with shocked expressions until Master Karlyn, the other female Master, voiced their concern, “Your Highness, it was expected that you would be staying here on Cassyndryl.”
“So I gather,” he commented. He turned allowing his gaze to rest on each of his educators. He exuded calm. Then he continued, “Masters, you are all aware that there are currently six Hexacles already serving on Cassyndryl. They are all well trained and very experienced. How often would a seventh, less-proven Hexacle be selected to work?” He paused for a moment before he added, “My Hexacle and I are well trained. We seek to apply what we have been taught. That is why we will be going to Dinave.”
“But, Your Highness, the Altera System is very near the rim!” exclaimed Master Karlyn, her long red braid swinging behind her in her rising agitation.
Master Perrin, a middle aged blond haired man, rose, placing a calming hand on Master Karlyn’s arm before he turned to face Hexator Nickoli. “Her alarm is very real, Prince Nickoli. The only tower that was ever built so close to the rim lasted only one-hundred-thirty-seven cycles. That is an exceedingly short time.”
“Yes, Masters Karlyn and Perrin, I do appreciate that the destination is dangerous,” he remarked. “My Hexacle and I have been doing our homework. The records contained within the Hexator Complex and the Imperial Archive are unclear as to the demise of Alton Tower. We have been in contact with Imperial vessels that have been tasked with patrolling the Altera System in an attempt to get more information. We are aware we will be rebuilding the Tower it
self and restoring relationships with the inhabitants of the planet.”
“I am glad to hear that, Prince Nickoli,” stated Master Perrin. “But I don’t think you realize just how dangerous your plan is. You could very easily become stranded, without any support. It is my opinion that you are placing yourself in harm’s way. I implore you to reconsider.”
“Master Perrin, I appreciate your concern,” replied Prince Nickoli. “I have sought Hexator positions within the realm. The only ones available would ensure my Hexacle gets little work. Do you, my teachers, think we should waste our talents and your instruction?”
‘He caught them by their own egos,’ thought the Emperor as the teaching Masters froze once again. Should they answer with anything but the negative they would be devaluing their own abilities. ‘My grandson does not fight fair,’ he thought, smiling.
“As you well know, Hexator Nickoli, we do not advocate that you waste your talents or what you have been taught,” responded Master Arleen with some heat. “We do advocate for your safety in your place of service.”
“With regard to your safety, what are your plans?” asked Master Duhan, a middle-aged man with neatly trimmed black hair, beard, and mustache.
“We will continue to compile our information to put together a proper plan, one with multiple contingencies,” he answered. “We have learned that the Imperial Reserve is intact. We will make sure the boundary wards are functional before we transport to the surface. We will also be in contact with the space-capable nations. We will begin to develop our relationships with them as soon as communication can be established. Soon thereafter, we plan to build a Pasang. ”
“What if they don’t want you on their planet?” asked Master Duhan.
“That is a possibility,” he acknowledged. “We may have to resort to laying claim to the Imperial Reserve as its original owners. This would not be my first choice but it does exist.”
The eldest Master pushed himself to his feet. He wore spectacles and had wisps of grey hair on his head. He, Master Koln, peered over his spectacles with clear blue eyes at Hexator Nickoli.
“Forgive an old man, Prince Nickoli, but what does your grandfather think of your choice?” asked Master Koln.
“My grandfather and I have discussed my service desires,” he answered. “As you are aware, my grandfather is more than capable of making his wishes known. At the moment, he is permitting my decision to stand.”
“Very well then,” said Master Koln as he lowered himself back into his seat. The other masters followed suit leaving only Master Arleen standing. She had regained her composure, only her eyes showed her concern.
“Then, Hexator Nickoli, we send you and your Hexacle with our blessings,” Master Arleen continued in her ceremonial voice. With that Nickoli left the chamber with the same confidence he had entered.
The image collapsed into light and vanished. The Emperor stared where the image had been for several moments. He turned to the Headmaster.
“Are there any other files available?” he asked.
“That was the only one, Your Imperial Highness,” Headmaster Hadar confirmed.
“And you have received nothing from Hexator Nickoli?” inquired the Emperor.
“We have not, Your Imperial Highness,” replied the Headmaster. “We do not think he has reached Dinave yet.”
The Emperor nodded. “So – he is gone,” stated the Emperor. “Tell me, Headmaster, how is it you have allowed a child to lead a group of children out into the Frontier?”
“It is hard to remember, Your Imperial Highness,” replied Headmaster Hadar nervously, “that your grandson is a child. He is one of the most gifted students the Complex has ever seen. He came to us with Master abilities. He turned our most difficult students into Hexacle material. And then, Your Imperial Sire, he took them all with him.”
“Yes, he did,” acknowledged Emperor Nathaniel. “He cleaned your house for you. Headmaster, be certain I get copies of all messages you receive from him.”
“I will make certain you get them,” pledged the Headmaster.
“Good. You may go,” commanded the Emperor. At his words, Headmaster Hadar bowed and backed out of the room.
Emperor Nathaniel pondered what he had seen. His grandson had successfully steered his teaching Masters into giving him their blessing to serve on Dinave, a backwater planet near the rim. Those Masters knew it was their Emperor’s wish that Nickoli serve here on the capital. Yet, that child had convinced them otherwise and he had not lied in any statement he uttered. He had been honest when he said they, Nickoli and himself, had spoken about where Nickoli wanted to serve. It was also true that Emperor Nathaniel got what he wanted. And since he had not verified that Nickoli choose the capital, he did allow Nickoli’s decision to stand. Artfully executed! And… an upsetting event! That boy had disobeyed him! He had dared to choose his own desires instead of the desires of his Emperor! This could not be tolerated. If he were of age, his disobedience would automatically translate into treason, a crime punishable by death. Perhaps, he should be treated as though he is of age.
“Hendricks!” called the Emperor.
“Yes, Your Imperial Highness?” asked Hendricks immediately.
“Fetch Nareese,” commanded the Emperor. “Tell him to round up his best hounds!”
*** This ends book one of the Empire Saga ***
Book Two: The Arrival… continues the saga… watch for it early fall 2016
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(by Lori Beery)
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Book 2: The Arrival*
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* Coming Soon
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Copyright © 2016 by Lori Beery. All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the author or publisher. First Electronic Edition: June 2016
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