Castle & Conceit

by Jeremy Dwyer

  Caroline and Taesa entered the castle with their military escort.

  “This is a truly a work of artistic and engineering genius,” Taesa said.

  “I am pleased to hear that. You have excellent taste, young woman,” Octavian said when he overheard her comment.

  Caroline cast a critical eye at Taesa, as if to say: “do not encourage a violent madman in his schemes.” However, she thought better of it, realizing that it may have been helpful for Octavian to hear a genuine compliment, if only that she and Taesa would remain in the Imperial Prince’s good graces.

  ~~~

  Judith entered the castle of glass shortly thereafter, chronicling what she saw into her book. She was busily drawing careful diagrams of the structures, looking for breaks or other obvious deformities that signaled danger, and wandering the halls of her own accord. The diagrams were done to the best of her limited drawing ability, however, which even she knew were crude. And she could not peer deep into the crystal structure, because she did not drink the waters of the Kazofen Ocean that gave that power to others.

  Judith was cautiously mapping the architecture and layout, both to chronicle the castle of glass for the historical records, and to chart an exit route in the event the structure might begin to fail, hoping she would even have sufficient time to escape. She had studied much about architecture by reading the writings at the libraries at Emeth, and by touring the replicas of castles that were there, including those designed by the legendary Duke Hagan, as well as those designed by some of history’s less successful architects. She was not qualified to design anything, but knew how to spot some of the warning signs of a structure in distress. Of course, she would be forbidden by the Chronicler’s Oath to warn anyone else, in the event that she did find something.

  ~~~

  Cassius and the other advisors led Octavian down a long hallway and up a glass staircase, toward his throne room. Nikolai and Gregory each opened one of the double doors, and Cassius led the way. Cassius surveyed the room, and then he turned to Octavian, stretched out his hands, and spoke with a great smile: “Your throne room, Your Imperial Majesty: May it delight you, and reflect your glory!”

  Octavian’s eyes devoured the sight, savoring his thousands of reflections throughout the glassy room, slowly turning about as he walked, almost like a man would dance at a royal ball, with the love of his life. He was, in fact, slowly, gently ballroom dancing, with his one true and eternal love: himself. He then sat upon his throne of glass, staring into the walls of glass, and up at the ceiling of glass, marveling at the castle’s ability to reflect his magnificent visage. The castle was nearly perfect, while he himself was absolutely so, at least according to his own estimation.

  ~~~

  In other parts of the castle of glass, Judith found the structure to be slightly less than perfect. She knew all too well that the sands of the Citrine Desert contained many living creatures, including the gigantic and poisonous Citrine scorpions which had immensely hard outer protective shells – like the one that had attacked the oxiphants earlier.

  One of these scorpions had been swept up in the rotating columns of sand created by the constructor. It was now embedded in one of the walls of the castle of glass. Somehow, it had survived, and was now able to break free of the indentation in the wall that formed around it, and the creature began wandering the castle halls. Judith turned a corner just as it was finished pulling free, and she came face to face with it, and its twelve (12) foot long tail was poised to strike.

  The giant scorpion stared intently at Judith, contemplating the meal. Then it turned away and walked through the halls looking for other prey. Even after the scorpion had moved on, Judith’s heart was still racing. For her, the moment lasted longer, the fear was drawn out, and her panic did not quickly end. Though she had been present to witness the earlier attack against the oxiphant, she had not been very close or in the predator’s sights. She had also seen both dead and live specimens of scorpions in the terrariums and wildlife preserves at Emeth, but they were secured behind protective barriers, so she had never been within striking distance…until this moment. This was yet another lucky escape that she could not explain, so she would survive and continue to chronicle, hoping to be as lucky next time: unfortunately, there was always a next time.

  ~~~

  In truth, there was no luck. All Chroniclers of the Oath were protected by a Guardian Angel named Ondothel, who was sent by the Creator, and assigned to watch over them in their travels, for so long as they kept the Oath. It was also required that they did not speak out in hate against the Creator, in the way that Bartholomew of Priasta did during his final days. Bartholomew’s protection was taken away because his soul became bitter and his words were filled with spite, denying the goodness of the One True God.

  ~~~

  Judith did now know the reason why, but only the fact that Bartholomew had been killed, which frightened her, and made her feel vulnerable in every moment.

  Judith believed only in what she saw, having no faith in any Creator or Guardian Angels, and she could not see, or believe in, this guardian of hers. Yet Ondothel was always there, watching over her. He turned away the Citrine scorpion. He pushed away the falling glass in the Temple of Mev’Kna. Over the centuries of her life as a Chronicler of the Oath, there were many times she was protected – time she had thought to be lucky escapes – and there would be many more to come.

  Judith recorded the flaws in the formation of the castle’s wall – and the live Citrine scorpion embedded in the wall that broke free – into her book. The chronicle was about the castle, not about her, so she did not mention the danger that she had faced or her fear.

  CHAPTER 18: War of Division

  Octavian still had the same vanity and greed, however. The glimmering castle of glass now reflecting his appearance was not enough to please him. Perfectly cut crystals, in which to stare to see his own reflection, were still a delight to him for which he hungered.

  Octavian called out to the Captain of the Guards, Dominic, who had continued to accompany him on this voyage.

  “Captain, send troops to nearby towns and demand that they pay me tribute in crystals and gems, so that I might be pleased by the very best of them,” Octavian said.

  “Yes, Your Imperial Majesty,” Dominic said.

  ~~~

  Dominic planned to obey, but he intended to exercise rationality and pragmatism, rather than the senseless lust and bloodthirst of Serafina who was quietly left behind at the ice castle in Meridianus. He was glad that she was not present, because would likely continue in her vicious, reckless ways.

  Dominic then set aside some of the forces and divided them into three (3) separate companies of five hundred (500) troops, and dispatched them to towns to the north, south and east of the castle of glass, which stood in the west of the Citrine Desert, on the western edge of Volaraden.

  One mining town, fifty (50) miles east of the castle, found itself directly in the path of Octavian’s greed. Days earlier, that same town had seen the storm in the desert caused by the castle constructor, and had been left untouched by its power. Their good fortune was about to end.

  ~~~

  The troops of one of the companies – heralded by a low-ranking advisor named Rabanus – entered the town, and inquired as to the wealthiest persons there.

  Rabanus learned that it was a wealthy mining town, and was under the direct control of a nobleman – Baron Ottokar – who himself was assigned by higher officials of the Jenaldej Empire, the wealthiest and longest standing empire the modern world had ever seen. Rabanus knew that the homeland of that empire was the distant continent of Revod.

  ~~~

  Baron Ottokar had been assigned as administrator of this town, presiding over the people and their work, which was to mine the diamond rich Citrine desert and return its treasures to the empire. The Baron was a serious, level-headed man, who was all business, all the time. He was fifty-two (52) years old, with gray hair and a thick must
ache, and was married to a woman as warm and loving as he was cool and serious.

  Yet, Baron Ottokar was greatly concerned as of late. He turned to one of his servant women and said: “Indigo: Drink anew of the waters of the Atrejan Ocean, and continue to watch the skies. If the slightest hint of darkness is seen – even if it is half of what you saw before – tell me at once.”

  “Yes, Baron,” Indigo said.

  ~~~

  Indigo went to a private room and drank anew of the waters of the Atrejan Ocean from her vial.

  She was only twenty-nine (29) years old but very attuned to the stars because of those waters. According to the Jendaldej Empire laws, Indigo took her waterbinding to the Atrejan Ocean waters at the age of twenty-three (23), because she was recognized has having a high aptitude for using their particular powers during the waterbinding trials. Indigo had sensed the darkness that appeared earlier upon all of the seventy (70) suns, and warned the baron privately, according to his prior instructions.

  The cause of the darkness was unknown to her, but when Indigo informed Baron Ottokar of its brief occurrence, he became visibly worried. She suspected that the baron might know more than he was saying, because he had instructed her to watch for the darkness in the first place, three (3) years before its occurrence, when she first arrived in this town, at his request.

  ~~~

  Rabanus – while leading the company of five hundred (500) troops through the mining town – observed a series of gondolas covered in rough gemstones. Looking closely, he realized that this was a place wealthy in diamonds, which were most pleasing to Imperial Prince Octavian. Rabanus led the troops on a march toward a stone building, which was a castle by some standards but falling far short of the magnificent structure Octavian now occupied. Yet, this castle was purportedly the residence and the seat of power of Baron Ottokar. The castle guards saw the approaching military force and stood at the ready.

  “Identify yourselves!” the head of the baron’s guards – Captain Helmuth – shouted to the company of troops led by Rabanus.

  Rabanus noticed the markings on the guard’s armor – the Jenaldej Empire crest. Rabanus then announced himself and declared the orders, saying: “I am the servant of his Imperial Majesty, Prince Octavian of Ihalik. He is now the ruler of this land, and he demands tribute, to be paid in crystal and gems – diamonds most especially – from the people of this town. You are to return your finest treasure to him, by this time, in five (5) days.”

  Rabanus handed him a metal plate inscribed with the orders, clearly demanding that the crystals be delivered.

  Captain Helmuth was immediately stunned: surprised at the boldness, even outright arrogance, as this was a direct attempt at the subjugation of land and confiscation of its resources, which was tantamount to a declaration of war by one empire against another.

  Helmuth turned to one of his troops, saying: “Remain standing guard. I shall speak immediately with the baron, and inform him of our visitors.”

  Rabanus then said: “There is no need for any pleasantries with your baron. Less than a three (3) day journey to the west, you will find a grand castle the likes of which you have never seen, and to there you shall bring the diamonds. That leaves you two (2) days for gathering a suitable diamond tribute.” Rabanus then turned and left with the troops, to inform Cassius of what he had seen and to expect a great tribute.

  ~~~

  Captain Helmuth promptly entered the castle and proceeded to the baron’s throne room.

  “What is it, Captain Helmuth?” Baron Ottokar asked him, seeing the obvious distress in his face.

  Captain Helmuth gave the details of the encounter to the baron, saying: “A herald, sent by Imperial Prince Octavian of Ihalik, has arrived and declared this land to be under the rule of that same Imperial Prince. They demand tribute in diamonds, in five (5) days’ time. It is to be taken to their grand castle in the west.”

  Baron Ottokar’s face then turned to an expression of disbelief. The baron then asked the captain: “Of what castle in the west does he speak? To the west is the Nabavodel Ocean, and in between here and there are the desert sands.”

  Captain Helmuth then said to him: “I shall send a scout, to discover that castle of which he speaks.”

  “Do so, quickly, and report back to me,” Baron Ottokar said.

  ~~~

  Captain Helmuth then left the throne room and called to a scout.

  “Report on the precise location and size of this supposedly grand castle to the west. Travel via airship over the desert sands. Move quickly, and return today. Your journey should take at most four (4) hours in each direction,” Captain Helmuth said.

  ~~~

  As the scout traveled quickly above ground using a small airship – and did not need to make preparations, or stop to rest – a journey of three (3) days became a mere four (4) hours. That was a speed that no troops or treasure-bearing entourage walking the desert sands could hope to match, given the weight of their armor and weapons or treasures.

  As the scout approached, he was stunned at the magnitude and the brilliance of the glimmering castle of glass. No such castle could have possibly escaped the notice of the surveyors who chose the location of this town: the Jenaldej Empire employed the most precise and observant officers, who are too cautious and calculated, and too aware of their surroundings, to fail to see this behemoth. And there was not adequate time to build such a castle in the time since the town was established, without it being noticed by someone during its lengthy construction. The scout returned, and recounted to both Captain Helmuth and Baron Ottokar what he had seen.

  ~~~

  Baron Ottokar immediately realized the implications. “This is a war we must be prepared to fight,” Ottokar said to Captain Helmuth. Ottokar continued, saying: “We must call in many troops, ten (10) divisions, of ten thousand (10000) troops each, to battle a threat of this magnitude.”

  Captain Helmuth then asked of him: “How shall we get so many troops, so quickly, my lord? Such a force shall take quite some time to gather.”

  Baron Ottokar knew more, however, and said: “No, Captain. It will not. The Jenaldej Empire thoroughly protects its most valuable assets, which this town most definitely is. They always have a force at the ready. Both a great naval fleet and a large army division are to the north, in the Dead Waters Ocean, and they are at our call in times of need. These resources have been made known to me, and now to you, as needed.”

  Baron Ottokar then wrote upon a parchment, giving a request for troops stationed on board the many ships, and in the surrounding harbor towns, to be dispatched. He imprinted his personal seal upon it, and gave it to Captain Helmuth, saying: “Deliver this promptly, to Admiral Cassandra of the imperial navy and General Ptolemy of the imperial army, so that they may send troops from on board her ships and the surrounding towns to come to our assistance. This assault upon the wealth of the Jenaldej Empire shall not go unanswered. I have confidence in their abilities, but we must move swiftly.”

  ~~~

  Captain Helmuth personally traveled, using a small airship not unlike that of the scout, to the northern shores of the continent of Volaraden. Dozens of towns were built along the coast, and each was home to more than twenty thousand (20000) troops.

  The value of the diamonds in the desert was far greater than many were aware, although some – such as Baron Ottokar – in the Jenaldej Empire were very aware and remained quiet about the matter. This vast resource deposit, and the mining town associated with it, was defended vigorously with a force of great size.

  Captain Helmuth approached Admiral Cassandra’s flagship, the Vigilant, and requested permission to board, and to visit the admiral and the general. He was taken to her quarters.

  “I hear you wish to speak with me of urgent matters, captain,” Admiral Cassandra said to Captain Helmuth as he entered her room.

  General Ptolemy stood beside her, for in the Jenaldej Empire, any General of the Army was nearly always under the command of an
Admiral of the Navy, who was always under the command of an Imperial Prince. The thirty-eight (38) year old Admiral Cassandra herself was under the command of the twenty-nine (29) year old Imperial Prince Emerond, who remained in the continent of Revod.

  Captain Helmuth replied, saying: “Indeed, Admiral, this is a matter of great danger. Imperial Prince Octavian, of Ihalik, has established a stronghold – a grand and glimmering castle – to the west of our mining venture, and he has dispatched troops, demanding tribute to be paid in crystal, especially diamonds.” Captain Helmuth then handed to Admiral Cassandra the parchment with Baron Ottokar’s request, having the baron’s personal seal.

  Admiral Cassandra reviewed the parchment, seeing that it agreed with Captain Helmuth’s account, and then she paused, considering the costs, and questioning what she had read.

  General Ptolemy read the parchment after the Admiral did.

  Admiral Cassandra wondered – even doubted – how a castle, shimmering like it was made of glass, could be nearly six (6) miles wide. This seemed preposterous, as if the desert sands had maddened the townspeople, even the baron, and caused them to see some sort of mirage.

  Cassandra then considered that this supposed castle could also be an illusion: the great powers of someone – or many – who drank deeply of a potion made from the purest waters of the Lujladia Ocean could be utilized to sculpt light into a false image. Cassandra was convinced that this claim had to be the result of madness; yet, Baron Ottokar was not known as an alarmist or a fool. The Jenaldej Empire was rational, and never tolerated fools at any level. Fools weren’t just excluded from useful service: there were exiled from the empire altogether. Still, any demand for the surrender of the wealth of the empire was a declaration of war, and the existence of that demand was not what she doubted.