Eternal
Year 555
“Reports as usual say that the Xi have been becoming more frequent in the Arat region and that they have been sighted close to Empire borders, specifically near the city of Regnik.” David remarks.
“Well that would be the most logical place for them to attack first seeing as it’s the closest. Seeing as the Xi like to attack from underground, have all of our kobold units on alert and have the seventh scaly brigade stationed in Arat. I know they’re the best of those little vicious bastards and I’m confident that they can slow down or repel such a Xi attack before the rest of the armies get mobilized. Probably can do some tunnel scouting and digging as well.” You remark.
“Very well, but I also have a report stating that the Xi have mostly been focusing on the Arat Confederacy. All four cities have been attacked and apparently Eldolith wants to speak with us about coordinating forces to destroy the threat. Apparently she’s also been sending people to speak with the Redcap Kingdom too. No idea if that was successful.”
“So Eldy’s having a bug problem and now she’s begging for help. I’m a little surprised that she swallowed her pride enough that she’s willing to talk at all. So when is she due to arrive?”
“She isn’t, she claims that if you want to talk that you should meet her on neutral ground between Lenay and Regnik.”
“Typical svelk arrogance. Call for help and then insist that it be on their terms. (Sigh)”
“You’re aren’t thinking about going are you?! Surely it will be some sort of trap.”
“Of course it will be a trap. But if I did go I could probably learn more about what she’s been up to if I go and in the off chance that this isn’t a trap and completely on the up and up then I can still better assess what her situation is and the Xi Hive threat.”
“But Emperor, your condition…I mean not to say your aren’t a fit man for your um…age…but that battle with the sea beast five years ago…well I just mean I don’t want to see you walk into something a tad overwhelming for you again. The Empire needs you.”
These are some pretty bold words, though David was as diplomatic as he could’ve possibly been. Really brave on his part, though he didn’t need to fear anything from you. He’s right, you’re still feeling that battle to this day and will continue to until the day you die.
David’s actually been a bit of a surprise to you. When he first groveled for the job of being your top advisor you assumed that like most of the senators of the old Nalin republic he was just looking to save his skin while also looking for the best possible position he could get in the new order of things. He got it because he seemed to be competent and the least annoying at the time. Since then though he’s proven himself to be good at his job and genuinely care about his work and the good of the Empire.
“While your concern is noted, I’m not going anywhere. Send a message to her stating that if she really wants to discuss terms of an alliance or something similar she’s going to have to drag her svelk ass here.”
David nods and leaves your presence.
Seeing as all your major business is concluded today you head back to your personal chambers. You spend a little time reading a new book that Jennifer has written with her new husband. It’s all about the old Empire and called “The Glory Before the Fall” Fairly accurate, but then again she did have your input on the thing. Still never told her (or anyone for that matter) about you her ancestor being involved in killing the Emperor which indirectly caused the Cataclysm. You suppose that’ll just be one of those secrets lost to history when you die.
As you’re reading you begin reflecting on your old relationship with Jennifer. It sometimes seems strange that the two of you have remained friends despite not being romantically involved anymore. Of course the two of you just see one another as much anymore either so that might help.
Really your relationship with her was more due to a young crush on her part and perhaps a bit of loneliness on your own. She saw you as a “pillar of strength” and the pinnacle of a “warrior.” Basically someone who got things done which was somewhat lacking with most of the leaders and citizens of the republic. You were different and it was attractive, then she slowly grew out of it.
Now she’s happily married to someone more similar to her. A scholar interested in history. She even had a son a couple years ago. And that’s all okay with you. You’re happy for her. You’ve got so many more concerns nowadays that you can’t be bothered to feel pangs of regret of “what could’ve been.”
Besides, Jennifer was and will always be nice and one of the few people you could consider a friend, but she was no Alison. Nobody ever will be.
All this self-reflection and thoughts about Jennifer’s family makes you ponder your own lack of one though. Not so much due to an overwhelming desire to have one, but more of what’s going to happen to the Empire after you die?
You’ve been thinking about that on and off ever since your last brush with death actually. To be quite honest you never really thought about a successor mainly because for a long time you were focused on actually being the Emperor rather than passing the title on. It would be easier of course if you could have children, and then just pass it on that way, but then even if you could, that wouldn’t be a guarantee they’d be worthy or show the desire or interest. You were unnaturally molded into the way you were, who is to say how your imaginary children would’ve turned out even if you attempted to mold them into mirror images of yourself.
That of course just leaves passing the Empire on to someone worthy. You’ve briefly entertained the idea before and believed that Crowley would potentially be the best candidate. Of course given that he’s around your age, he’s not likely to live any longer than you are, assuming you die of natural causes which isn’t necessarily a given even if you are taking less risks nowadays.
You begin thinking that perhaps you should get some sort of list of the Empire’s best and brightest and subject them to a series of tests to see if they’re worthy enough to be an apprentice of sorts. Basically what the Emperor did with you except without all the magical alteration and the sadistic svelk taskmasters.
You spend the next few days going over records of various soldiers, Eyes, administrators, technicians, politicians and others, though being a warrior yourself you can’t help but be biased toward the military types, but you don’t want to overlook anything.
During this time David reports to you that Eldolith is actually in Dalt and demanding an audience. That didn’t take long though you’re a little surprised she actually showed up in person, you figured she’d send a flunky of some sort.
When you go to meet her she’s standing with her personal guard and looking around as if just being in a room full of humans is tainting her svelk “purity.”
“Hello Eldy, I’m sure you’re anxious to get this over with…”
“Don’t address me by a shortened version of my name in an attempt to be condescending, I am Domina Eldolith D’vessa of the Arat Confederacy!”
“Hrm, and I’m sure that sounds very impressive when you tell your subjects in that little nation of yours.”
“Yes, a little nation that stood strong against the Xi for years and managed to survive your expansion efforts. A testament that it’s the QUALITY of the nation rather than the size.”
You chuckle.
“Eldy, the only reason your nation is still around is because I’ve allowed it and I suggest that YOU do not come here grand standing when you are in no position to do so. We all know you’re here to beg for my help with the Xi because they’re kicking your ass. Now we can make this as easy OR as humbling as possible. Your choice.”
Eldolith gives you a look of absolute burning hatred and is silent. Her personal guards shift uncomfortably and your own soldiers are fondling their rifles looking for an excuse to open fire.
“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” Eldolith remarks.
“Actually not as much as you’d think, mainly because I don’t want you here anymore than you want to be here, so how about we get to the point like I originally suggested?”
“Fine, here it is. The Xi are beating on the Confederacy’s doors. We’ve been your buffer zone between them and you. If we fall then you’re going to have to face them in full force.”
“And? You seem to believe that we aren’t going to be able to handle that. Not a very compelling argument Eldy.”
“Because you’re a short sighted f…” Eldolith stops herself. “What I mean is you haven’t let me finish. We have an ancient magic weapon at our disposal that could end this threat completely, but the problem is…(sigh) none of our own mages are powerful enough to tap its full potential. As much as I hate to inflate your ego any more than it is, I believe you magical abilities would be able to. So as you can see, you don’t need to marshal armies to our defense or waste any resources. All that is required of you is to get up off your throne for one moment and take a trip to Lenay and we can get started…”
You burst out laughing.
“Oh yes, let me just go walking into a city filled with svelk! That won’t be a death sentence at all! You expect me to just trust you at your word? Even if you do have this so called powerful weapon, I still have a hard time believing that there isn’t some sort of trick or catch or angle that doesn’t involve me dead in some way.”
“I thought you were the Emperor? Mr. invincible and fearless? Have you gotten so cow…cautious in your old age that you can’t handle being alone?”
“Eldy, if you think this pathetic attempt of character assassination is going to suddenly cause me to behave in some erratic manner and go to Lenay you’re sadly mistaken. You never were any good in the art of persuasion. The only way you’re going to see me in Lenay is if I’m leading a conquering army through it which given your continued insolence is starting to look more appealing, so who knows maybe you will see me there soon. Now get out of my sight before I put an end to your miserable life before the Xi do!”
“Fuck this, I told her this was futile!” Eldolith exclaims and her personal guards surround her with a magic shield. Bullets from your soldiers are absorbed into the barrier.
“Congratulations, you just made this easier.” You say and focus on bringing down the shield, while your soldiers advance with their weapons.
“I think not, a lot of time has passed since I was a mercenary captain and you were an Empire puppet who had not yet cut his master’s strings!” Eldolith says and suddenly she floats above her own personal guards followed by a red glow of light from her. Her personal guards at this point all begin screaming in pain. Whatever it is she’s doing she’s sacrificing her own people to do it. Then a super blast of telekinetic energy repels all of your troops back. You even have a hard time not falling over.
Eldolith casts some sort of spell that literally starts melting your soldiers’ weapons. Some manage to drop them before the hot metal scalds them too much. Your own Eye mages lob offensive spells at her, but they aren’t penetrating the shield. Some aim for her soldiers, but they aren’t moved despite some of them even being on fire. They’re already in a living death state anyway.
Eldolith never had any magic abilities, and while its possible she studied and trained herself, but something seems off about all this, not to mention her odd comments.
Just as you bring her shield down, a portal opens up behind you. You have no idea where it’s going, but you can feel it pulling you in slightly.
“Time to be reunited!” Eldolith shouts and a red beam of magical energy is thrown in your direction.
“Reports as usual say that the Xi have been becoming more frequent in the Arat region and that they have been sighted close to Empire borders, specifically near the city of Regnik.” David remarks.
“Well that would be the most logical place for them to attack first seeing as it’s the closest. Seeing as the Xi like to attack from underground, have all of our kobold units on alert and have the seventh scaly brigade stationed in Arat. I know they’re the best of those little vicious bastards and I’m confident that they can slow down or repel such a Xi attack before the rest of the armies get mobilized. Probably can do some tunnel scouting and digging as well.” You remark.
“Very well, but I also have a report stating that the Xi have mostly been focusing on the Arat Confederacy. All four cities have been attacked and apparently Eldolith wants to speak with us about coordinating forces to destroy the threat. Apparently she’s also been sending people to speak with the Redcap Kingdom too. No idea if that was successful.”
“So Eldy’s having a bug problem and now she’s begging for help. I’m a little surprised that she swallowed her pride enough that she’s willing to talk at all. So when is she due to arrive?”
“She isn’t, she claims that if you want to talk that you should meet her on neutral ground between Lenay and Regnik.”
“Typical svelk arrogance. Call for help and then insist that it be on their terms. (Sigh)”
“You’re aren’t thinking about going are you?! Surely it will be some sort of trap.”
“Of course it will be a trap. But if I did go I could probably learn more about what she’s been up to if I go and in the off chance that this isn’t a trap and completely on the up and up then I can still better assess what her situation is and the Xi Hive threat.”
“But Emperor, your condition…I mean not to say your aren’t a fit man for your um…age…but that battle with the sea beast five years ago…well I just mean I don’t want to see you walk into something a tad overwhelming for you again. The Empire needs you.”
These are some pretty bold words, though David was as diplomatic as he could’ve possibly been. Really brave on his part, though he didn’t need to fear anything from you. He’s right, you’re still feeling that battle to this day and will continue to until the day you die.
David’s actually been a bit of a surprise to you. When he first groveled for the job of being your top advisor you assumed that like most of the senators of the old Nalin republic he was just looking to save his skin while also looking for the best possible position he could get in the new order of things. He got it because he seemed to be competent and the least annoying at the time. Since then though he’s proven himself to be good at his job and genuinely care about his work and the good of the Empire.
“While your concern is noted, I’m not going anywhere. Send a message to her stating that if she really wants to discuss terms of an alliance or something similar she’s going to have to drag her svelk ass here.”
David nods and leaves your presence.
Seeing as all your major business is concluded today you head back to your personal chambers. You spend a little time reading a new book that Jennifer has written with her new husband. It’s all about the old Empire and called “The Glory Before the Fall” Fairly accurate, but then again she did have your input on the thing. Still never told her (or anyone for that matter) about you her ancestor being involved in killing the Emperor which indirectly caused the Cataclysm. You suppose that’ll just be one of those secrets lost to history when you die.
As you’re reading you begin reflecting on your old relationship with Jennifer. It sometimes seems strange that the two of you have remained friends despite not being romantically involved anymore. Of course the two of you just see one another as much anymore either so that might help.
Really your relationship with her was more due to a young crush on her part and perhaps a bit of loneliness on your own. She saw you as a “pillar of strength” and the pinnacle of a “warrior.” Basically someone who got things done which was somewhat lacking with most of the leaders and citizens of the republic. You were different and it was attractive, then she slowly grew out of it.
Now she’s happily married to someone more similar to her. A scholar interested in history. She even had a son a couple years ago. And that’s all okay with you. You’re happy for her. You’ve got so many more concerns nowadays that you can’t be bothered to feel pangs of regret of “what could’ve been.”
Besides, Jennifer was and will always be nice and one of the few people you could consider a friend, but she was no Alison. Nobody ever will be.
All this self-reflection and thoughts about Jennifer’s family makes you ponder your own lack of one though. Not so much due to an overwhelming desire to have one, but more of what’s going to happen to the Empire after you die?
You’ve been thinking about that on and off ever since your last brush with death actually. To be quite honest you never really thought about a successor mainly because for a long time you were focused on actually being the Emperor rather than passing the title on. It would be easier of course if you could have children, and then just pass it on that way, but then even if you could, that wouldn’t be a guarantee they’d be worthy or show the desire or interest. You were unnaturally molded into the way you were, who is to say how your imaginary children would’ve turned out even if you attempted to mold them into mirror images of yourself.
That of course just leaves passing the Empire on to someone worthy. You’ve briefly entertained the idea before and believed that Crowley would potentially be the best candidate. Of course given that he’s around your age, he’s not likely to live any longer than you are, assuming you die of natural causes which isn’t necessarily a given even if you are taking less risks nowadays.
You begin thinking that perhaps you should get some sort of list of the Empire’s best and brightest and subject them to a series of tests to see if they’re worthy enough to be an apprentice of sorts. Basically what the Emperor did with you except without all the magical alteration and the sadistic svelk taskmasters.
You spend the next few days going over records of various soldiers, Eyes, administrators, technicians, politicians and others, though being a warrior yourself you can’t help but be biased toward the military types, but you don’t want to overlook anything.
During this time David reports to you that Eldolith is actually in Dalt and demanding an audience. That didn’t take long though you’re a little surprised she actually showed up in person, you figured she’d send a flunky of some sort.
When you go to meet her she’s standing with her personal guard and looking around as if just being in a room full of humans is tainting her svelk “purity.”
“Hello Eldy, I’m sure you’re anxious to get this over with…”
“Don’t address me by a shortened version of my name in an attempt to be condescending, I am Domina Eldolith D’vessa of the Arat Confederacy!”
“Hrm, and I’m sure that sounds very impressive when you tell your subjects in that little nation of yours.”
“Yes, a little nation that stood strong against the Xi for years and managed to survive your expansion efforts. A testament that it’s the QUALITY of the nation rather than the size.”
You chuckle.
“Eldy, the only reason your nation is still around is because I’ve allowed it and I suggest that YOU do not come here grand standing when you are in no position to do so. We all know you’re here to beg for my help with the Xi because they’re kicking your ass. Now we can make this as easy OR as humbling as possible. Your choice.”
Eldolith gives you a look of absolute burning hatred and is silent. Her personal guards shift uncomfortably and your own soldiers are fondling their rifles looking for an excuse to open fire.
“You’re enjoying this aren’t you?” Eldolith remarks.
“Actually not as much as you’d think, mainly because I don’t want you here anymore than you want to be here, so how about we get to the point like I originally suggested?”
“Fine, here it is. The Xi are beating on the Confederacy’s doors. We’ve been your buffer zone between them and you. If we fall then you’re going to have to face them in full force.”
“And? You seem to believe that we aren’t going to be able to handle that. Not a very compelling argument Eldy.”
“Because you’re a short sighted f…” Eldolith stops herself. “What I mean is you haven’t let me finish. We have an ancient magic weapon at our disposal that could end this threat completely, but the problem is…(sigh) none of our own mages are powerful enough to tap its full potential. As much as I hate to inflate your ego any more than it is, I believe you magical abilities would be able to. So as you can see, you don’t need to marshal armies to our defense or waste any resources. All that is required of you is to get up off your throne for one moment and take a trip to Lenay and we can get started…”
You burst out laughing.
“Oh yes, let me just go walking into a city filled with svelk! That won’t be a death sentence at all! You expect me to just trust you at your word? Even if you do have this so called powerful weapon, I still have a hard time believing that there isn’t some sort of trick or catch or angle that doesn’t involve me dead in some way.”
“I thought you were the Emperor? Mr. invincible and fearless? Have you gotten so cow…cautious in your old age that you can’t handle being alone?”
“Eldy, if you think this pathetic attempt of character assassination is going to suddenly cause me to behave in some erratic manner and go to Lenay you’re sadly mistaken. You never were any good in the art of persuasion. The only way you’re going to see me in Lenay is if I’m leading a conquering army through it which given your continued insolence is starting to look more appealing, so who knows maybe you will see me there soon. Now get out of my sight before I put an end to your miserable life before the Xi do!”
“Fuck this, I told her this was futile!” Eldolith exclaims and her personal guards surround her with a magic shield. Bullets from your soldiers are absorbed into the barrier.
“Congratulations, you just made this easier.” You say and focus on bringing down the shield, while your soldiers advance with their weapons.
“I think not, a lot of time has passed since I was a mercenary captain and you were an Empire puppet who had not yet cut his master’s strings!” Eldolith says and suddenly she floats above her own personal guards followed by a red glow of light from her. Her personal guards at this point all begin screaming in pain. Whatever it is she’s doing she’s sacrificing her own people to do it. Then a super blast of telekinetic energy repels all of your troops back. You even have a hard time not falling over.
Eldolith casts some sort of spell that literally starts melting your soldiers’ weapons. Some manage to drop them before the hot metal scalds them too much. Your own Eye mages lob offensive spells at her, but they aren’t penetrating the shield. Some aim for her soldiers, but they aren’t moved despite some of them even being on fire. They’re already in a living death state anyway.
Eldolith never had any magic abilities, and while its possible she studied and trained herself, but something seems off about all this, not to mention her odd comments.
Just as you bring her shield down, a portal opens up behind you. You have no idea where it’s going, but you can feel it pulling you in slightly.
“Time to be reunited!” Eldolith shouts and a red beam of magical energy is thrown in your direction.