Edmon, Violet, Castella, and left the room, heading to Stateswoman Lukuroha’s room with their escort; Castella snatched the throne, carrying it with them on Emelina’s private request, which Elinor was grateful for—she hated Nalvean furniture, and so did her abs.
Klaus had sent a notification that she had just returned from the meeting; the High Ruler heard their thoughts on her and retired to other matters that required his attention. He would be conversing privately with various court members to get an unfiltered opinion throughout the day and finally meet with her at nightfall to discuss any concerns and plans about the future.
Lukuroha was not pleased with Aluix’s actions, and Elinor was sure she’d probably whip the boy had Klaus not been there, but her Ambassador had smoothed out the interruption to her schedule, mentioning that he had informed her of the meeting’s end.
A Ruler of another nation was coming to her chambers, which after some thought, Elinor could see why the prince was so disgruntled by her actions. She presented herself as a relatively forward, mysterious, and intimidating Empress to the High Ruler’s court. She did not wait for things to happen but went out and got things done herself—precisely what she wanted.
Demon … more and more of your plans are unraveling before your eyes as I poke and prod. You should have come to me with a deal like you usually do … Now, we are mortal enemies. What desperate action will you take next to halt my progress?
Edmon took directions from Klaus through the Nexus, guiding them to the southwest section of the palace; this was an area Elinor had not been yet, and she saw many more Seaweavers making their way through the corridors.
Arriving at the hallway, Elinor had Klaus excuse himself from the room, explaining that she was almost there; one of several things Elinor was sure the Nalveans found most disturbing was how much information they were able to silently transmit without notice.
The guards outside the Stateswoman’s room appeared to be from her own province of Mirelitel because they wore creamy white silk, and similar to Lukuroha, they had far more red scales than blue when comparing most of the Nalveans she’d seen around Shi’Shuka.
According to Castella, both men were of decent strength; Violet agreed at least compared to the vast majority of the Nalveans they’d come across.
However, Edmon pointed out that she was the leader of a small City-State, which would explain the more elite squad posted out of either a lack of confidence for the Imperial Guard’s security or tradition to have your own people work your security.
They saluted her as she neared and opened the door; Klaus had just moved to the opening, bowing to her before turning back to the two Nalveans in the room. “Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Elinor of the Undying Empire.”
“Empress Elinor,” Lukuroha rose to her feet with a respectful gesture. “You mentioned having a private conversation with me, yet I did not think it would be so soon.”
Aluix hastily did the same but practically went into a reverse L-shape, keeping his head lowered for more than fifteen seconds.
“Neither did I,” Elinor chuckled, eyeing the Nalvean child as Violet scanned the room.
Elinor’s lips fell as Violet paused while standing on the arched ceiling, hair and clothes defying gravity. “Empress, the half-breed was lurking inside the room above us no more than two hours ago. I suspect the moment he sensed the boy was with Klaus, he cut his losses and left.”
Klaus’s eyes narrowed, glaring at the wall. “He was able to sense me before I him? That is a foreboding discovery.”
Lukuroha caught their change in demeanor but silently observed.
Elinor had Castella set her chair across from the Stateswoman and took her seat. I’m sure it will come up in time. “Edmon, Castella, wait in the hallway with Hikico’rova and Romimaca.”
They nodded and left, Violet staying alert.
A small grin touched her green-tinted lips while sitting, gaze turning to her Ambassador. “You are dismissed, Klaus; I’m sure someone is waiting to spend a little time with you.”
He chuckled, giving her another flourishing bow as Lukuroha sat, followed by Aluix. “I am thankful and humbled for your attention, Empress.”
You know, Klaus, Elinor teased through the Nexus; Aileen tried to give Emelina a hint as to what gift you purchased for her. I’d keep an eye on the girl; she’s more observant than I first thought.
“Hehe, I will keep it in mind, Empress.” He took on a thoughtful expression while exiting. “It is a good thing I also bought a little gift for her, as well.”
Elinor adjusted her dress before crossing her legs; Klaus certainly was a fun addition to her little growing family dynamic. She caught Sari’aél wearing a soft smile at the exchange.
Once the doors closed, Elinor gave the woman her attention, but her focus was on the flaming butterflies around the room. “Has Aluix mentioned what these are for?”
The boy stiffened, jaw tightening upon being brought into the conversation.
“No,” Lukuroha replied. “It was discussed within the meeting, though. News of your resurrection of Kimlira traveled swiftly.” Her cool reptilian blue eyes slid to Elinor. “Many were shocked that you could even raise the dead that were burned by JadeFire, along with the incident itself within the palace walls.”
“Is that all you’ve heard?” Elinor asked, folding her hands atop her lap.
Lukuroha did the same. “Not in the least. Getting to the point, your ship was burned, which has many concerned with how you will respond to the attack, and recent reports have identified you as present at the scene of not one but three assassinations.
“You went to the scene of Kimlira’s death, stopped the Nalvean that caused it by some form of ice powers your Gatekeeper possesses, and finally, halted the murderer that sought to kill a boy from my City-State. You have been busy.”
“Oh, you have yet to scratch the surface,” Elinor mused. “As you have noted, I do enjoy getting to the point. Many forces are working against me within Shi’Shuka. There has been an attempt to murder me with poison, spies among various factions sent to follow me, and even a creature that was able to kill Kimlira as a spirit, which has spiked my caution and curiosity.”
Her focus moved to the boy, but her final comment caused the woman’s hands to tighten. “And … the most deadly of those that oppose me desperately did not want me to meet with Aluix. They went so far as to send an assassin carrying a JadeFire suicide device after him, and there was another not two hours ago, lurking above us,” she stated with a solemn tone, pointing at the ceiling. “Had Klaus not been present, Aluix would likely be dead upon your return.”
A lump dropped down the child’s throat. “No way…” He whispered.
“Indeed,” Elinor continued, “which has me questioning his status as a simple attendant. Why would an enemy far more dangerous than either of you understand be so fixated on keeping me from him? I call this foe Demon, for simplicity’s sake, and he has done many things to distract me, including manipulating people into burning down my ship in such a flashy manner that would pull everyone’s focus.”
Elinor’s gaze leveled with the Stateswoman. “I am being very blunt and telling you things I would normally keep reserved because time is not my friend. So, is there an answer you can give me?”
Lukuroha sat still as she explained, vision shifting to the corner of the room before narrowing. “… I did not expect Shi’Shuka to be so violent.” She paused, blue irises turning to the fidgeting boy, and her hand lifted to point at the door. “My conversation with the Empress will be in private, Aluix.”
Sari’aél floated down with a soft hum while watching the boy’s conflicted expression. “She wishes to talk about him when he is not present … another conversation of secrecy? Will not his exit only spur a curiosity in him that will seek to know the truth?”
“Mmh … yes, Stateswoman Lukuroha. I apologize for not leaving earlier.”
To Elinor, it sounded like a cheeky response, but he probably wasn’t trying to make it that way; the words probably just fell out as he got up, bowed to them both with a highly respectful gesture, and left, having a bit of difficulty with the door until the guards helped.
Yes, and no. He’s extremely loyal to Lukuroha; she is his idol. His response shows that he receives special treatment from her.
“Special … treatment? Huh … such odd words you use,” She mused, floating down to take the boy’s seat as if joining the conversation; it wasn’t as if she could actually interact with the chair but simply floated in place.
Lukuroha scratched the left side of her neck, skillfully getting at the skin underneath with her claws before letting out a sad sigh. “To your question about Aluix … it is a difficult one for me to answer. Yet, you did save his life, and that debt needs to be repaid.”
She gave Elinor a calculated stare. “My family keeps very detailed birth records, and through them, one of my clerks managed to trace the lineage of the original Emperor of our nation—its founder, and Aluix hails from that line.”
“Oh?” Elinor’s lips lifted. “Fascinating. What significance is that within the current state of affairs?”
“None,” Lukuroha replied with a weak shrug.
Elinor sat back, crossing her legs the opposite way as her smirk fell. “Is that so? If it has no purpose, then why are you so attached to him?”
Lukuroha appeared to smile while looking over at the invisible Seraph. “At first, I had him join me out of curiosity; he came from a line of Rulers, and much like myself, was scorned amongst his own family.
“There are old texts about the original Rulers having a powerful weapon that allowed them to conquer this land from its previous inhabitants, but it was more of a curiosity on my part. In the end, I simply enjoy his devotion since I find so little of it within my life.”
She told Elinor that tiny bit about her struggles and desires without hesitation, drawing the angel’s golden eyes.
A powerful weapon that helped them conquer this land’s original people; there’s not a trace left from what I’ve seen or heard about, which means it did a good job. So … Demon didn’t want me to discover this information or have access to it, and this boy is a part of that.
“Interesting … very well,” Elinor’s smile returned. “Your honesty is refreshing. That being said, I wish to put Aluix under my own protection, and so, will you allow Castella to join your personal guard and act as his protector?”
Lukuroha released a low hum in her throat. “… You believe in the old text then?”
Elinor folded her fingers together. “I believe there is reason to keep him safe and alive; after all, I do not know if the purpose of his significance to my enemy is able to be used if dead. He clearly wishes harm on the boy, and my aid will not hamper any of your plans. Correct?”
She took a moment to respond but soon nodded. “I would appreciate the assistance, seeing as even within our glorious city, this enemy you speak of has influence. I would be a fool to decline.”
“Wonderful,” Elinor’s gaze shifted to the Seraph as she moved up to float inches away from Violet’s face, standing upside down on the ceiling. “That being resolved … next is the matter in which Aluix was seeking me.”
Her focus returned to the Nalvean, paying close attention to her movements. “Why did he believe you could use my help?”
The Stateswoman’s tongue slid through her teeth in agitation. “He was moving behind his post. However, perhaps you will be involved in time, but that is a matter between the High Ruler and yourself. In short, a priority messenger from the Drék’uléph. A meeting has been set with the High Ruler for tonight, but your arrival has moved things around.”
Drék’uléph rang a bell in Elinor’s mind; Valdar had spoken a few times about the people, and from what she recalled, they took parts of the Quen’Talrat engineering and incorporated it into their own technology. They ruled quite a large portion of the far western side of the continent.
“Hmm … I am not too familiar with the race,” Elinor admitted. “Tell me about them.”
Lukuroha focused on one of the bright cold flames lighting the room along the wall. “Hmm … the Drék’uléph are a capitalistic republic that was among the last to join the battle against the Quen’Talrat because of their slow-moving senate and congress that could not decide how to proceed. That being said, they are an extremely advanced civilization that some of our most skilled artists take sabbaticals to study their style.
“The people are very industrious, and their cities are sometimes called The Coral Rainbow of Heavenly Dreams because of how lustrous and brilliant they are. Connections to them are few because of the Seaweaver Church. There is a rivalry and disdain within it for the people since they can also manipulate water, but unlike us, they can use any liquids while Seaweavers can only use the water from the Great Ruby Lakes.”
“Is that so?” Elinor whispered, vision falling to the fancy rugs lining the floor. “I did not know that about the Seaweaers. Why would a message like that be sent, and Aluix think it would require my help?”
Although … Tal’tamine was able to use the atmospheric water, and so was the High Ruler. Perhaps, it is only an issue for low to medium-ranking Seaweavers.
Lukuroha sat back, straightening her shoulders. “He was severely malnourished from the harsh trip to my province, and I ordered his recovery while I rode here to inform the High Ruler; he is a member of the Drék’uléph Senate.”
Elinor checked her own posture with the news. “A member of the Drék’uléph Senate was malnourished from the trip? Things certainly are unusual. So, you went ahead and had an escort help him make the journey after?”
She nodded. “However, I discovered when they arrived this morning that the caravan was attacked by rogue Nalvean mercenaries … unusually powerful ones with two Seaweavers.
“Most of the soldiers I sent with him were killed in the assault; I did not plan on there being a significant force waiting in ambush. Yet, two managed to make a final gambit to slay the last Seaweaver.
“Sadly, one was left with one’s arm from the last assault, and a good chunk of his leg was blown off, which was just amputated today. They are both receiving treatment within the palace and the High Ruler is sending word to find the related parties responsible throughout the City-States.”
Elinor didn’t want to believe it was Demon; in fact, it could have been the Seaweavers hatred of the Drék’uléph that sparked it, but attacking a sitting member of a nation’s senate was more than a reason to spark a war. She couldn’t see that as a part of Demon’s plan with what she currently knew.
“Tragic,” Elinor mumbled, glaring at the floor. “I was unaware that there even were Nalvean mercenaries; it is something to keep in mind. So, he thought I might be able to help with either defending the Drék’uléph on his return journey or discovering who hired them to kill your men?”
The woman released a sad chuckle. “He’s a sweet boy that doesn’t like it when I am agitated, and so he tries to do little things to cheer me up and make my job easier, although, stalking a Ruler is far beyond the acceptable line. He will be chastened for it.”
Elinor’s focus went to her invisible angel, though, brow coming together as she hovered back down to retake her seat.
“A high dignitary from another nation arrives at your doorstep, starved and without an escort. He says he has an important message that is only for the ears of your leader, and you care for him so he may make the journey to your grand city, only to be assaulted on the way here?
“How did someone even know of his arrival and have enough time to secure an ambush; judging by how recently this woman came to the city, he didn’t rest long, indicating urgency, yet they were overtaken. Isn’t that odd in your subtle games of thought?” Sari’aél questioned with a musical note in her throat.
You’re right, Elinor mumbled, and her jaw set while thinking about the connecting dots. It might not quite look like Demon’s style, hiring mercenaries, but … it could be for a bigger play.
Elinor’s vision narrowed while lifting to stare at the Stateswoman. “Take me to the Drék’uléph … my gut tells me something’s not right here.”
Lukuroha’s features darkened in an instant, her voice turning serious. “I beg your pardon, Empress, but what do you mean by that?” She certainly did have the steel that Castella would approve of.
“I do not believe your men surviving was an accident, but merely a way of turning your focus onto other areas while believing your guest is safe within the palace. Demon might have plotted this for some time, and my arrival has caused complications. He’s been distracting me from this section of the palace for a reason.”
The Nalvean eyed her for several seconds, judging her options before rising to her feet. “I have more reasons to trust you than not … I hope you are wrong.”
“So do I,” Elinor growled, following her out of the room while communicating her fears through the Nexus.
Castella informed Romimaca and Hikico’rova as the Stateswoman lead the way, going up a floor; however, Elinor came to a stop with a tight jaw as they exited, drawing everyone’s notice—Violet had already scanned much of the space with her sharp senses by the time they’d made it to this landing.
“How unfortunate,” Sari’aél sighed.
“… He’s gone.”
“How … do you know? Are you sure?” Lukuroha asked, fingers curling into fists; if it were true, then a foreign dignitary had vanished under her supervision.
Elinor followed Violet down the hall, taking the lead. “Yes.”
Violet informed their party, including Klaus, who was still on his way through the corridors to meet with Emelina inside their room.
Violet could sense the half-breed’s unique scent along the waterways with her refined senses, but only in small burst segments where he rematerialized before returning to a mist state.
Elinor glared at the hallway Violet took her to; it was empty.
“No…” Lukuroha growled, “There should be guards stationed outside of his room!”
The Nalvean took the lead with her personal soldiers and the Imperial Guards following; however, it was locked from the inside, and it was of the metal variety. Lukuroha was yelling at the guards to get a key by the time Elinor made it there.
She held up a hand, signaling them to stop before gesturing for them to move aside, knowing what they would find inside. “Edmon.”
The Doom Guard walked forward, causing the Nalveans to back up; Romimaca and Hikico’rova were nudging one another, unable to help themselves after seeing two performances from the black knight.
Edmon placed his hand against the metal frame before a sharp, chilling air blew back and ice began crawling across the surface of the door. Gasps were heard from the onlookers as cracks started to appear within the barrier until a large chunk of it exploded into the room’s interior.
Violet, Edmon, and she were the first to enter; the room’s temperature had fallen dramatically, allowing one’s breath to be seen, but five dead Imperial Guards were seen to the left side of the room, wet blood soaking the carpets.
He’s not here.
“No,” Violet replied. “I can try to track them, but we will need to hurry if we hope to catch up.”
Elinor swore internally; if Baxter’s surprise presence wasn’t hanging over her head, then Violet could simply race after them and catch the party without issue, but because of him, her extremely powerful spider assassin was tethered to her side. For all she knew, Baxter was waiting for that very moment.
She turned back to the stunned Nalveans, still gathering their wits after Edmon’s show of power; the Doom Guard smoothly picked her up with one arm again, and she sighed, wishing Quin was there since her Mount Skills helped dampen the blow to her body significantly. Edmon wasn’t meant to be soft; if she wanted a Floof Guard, she’d have gone with an entirely different theme.
“We are going after the kidnappers. Of those of you that can keep up, follow if you can; there might be time to rescue him.”
Elinor was a bit impressed by the Stateswoman as she swiftly stretched out, motioning to her guards. “Take off your armor; we need speed.”
The Imperial Guards followed their actions, and Elinor winced as Edmon broke into what he would consider a casual walk, but wind rushed past her, generating a force that pressed up against her weak frame. However, a new addition helped increase their speed dramatically; Edmon’s tower shield appeared in his free hand, and he used it as a shield to protect her, tripling their pace.
Violet returned sensory data as she led the charge, rushing through the palace with stunned soldiers shouting questions at them while they passed.
They soon were outside the palace, then in the city, and before long within the dense jungle. Violet sensed some kind of crushed powder substance in the room from the far east, which was unusual for this region, and would have caused a comatose state, which was why the flower was named Sleeping Death.
However, they were forced to stop when the trail ended at the vast red lake and judging by what information Violet told them, Edmon concluded a bitter answer.
“… Some kind of submarine … in this world?” Edmon growled. “There’s no way we can catch them if that’s the case.”
Lukuroha’s chest was heaving, and Castella had been forced to carry Aluix to keep him nearby; quite a few of the Imperial Guards were left behind, including Romimaca, but Hikico’rova and the Stateswoman’s two guards managed to keep up.
“W-What is … a submarine?” Lukuroha questioned, trying to catch her breath.
Elinor’s green eyes glared across the choppy red waves, crashing into the sandy shores. “A ship that can travel underwater … Edmon’s right; we don’t have the means to follow at this point.”
Unless … Edmon, can I find some random fish around here and send it after them?
“It would be worthless without having a creature with Violet’s sensory powers or something like a sperm whale’s level of echolocation to try and find it with the amount of time they’ve gained. Iris could probably do it, but…”
I know… Elinor growled. So, in the end, Demon got what he wanted out of this … there’s no way he isn’t involved with technology like this, and he distracted me enough to have this fly under the radar. No … we have to move now before he can do anything else. We need to go meet with Baltoma; I have to have Sari’aél…
Her nose twitched with anger and fright as a sudden thought crossed her mind. “Dammit!” She growled, drawing everyone’s gaze.
No … no, no, no! What if he took Sari’aél’s statute on that sub … I must know. If he did, then we’re going after it. I don’t care how far he goes, but I will have Sari’aél’s body if nothing else! Let’s go to Baltoma … now!
Edmon changed directions, taking the scroll from Castella while ordering her to stay and give a brief response as to why they were taking off. Violet and Edmon were the only ones with her now as they ran through the jungle; fear and rage-filled her breast.
Sari’aél was floating behind them, a slight frown on her lips.
I thought I was unraveling Demon’s plans, but he was simply stringing me along with a small thread while he moved the whole ball of yarn an entire nation away! Just give me Sari’aél, Demon, just her … that’s all I want out of this!
They entered the city, then the palace, passing the guards mobilizing to follow their party. The Imperial Guards were receiving updates from the Nalveans that stayed behind to report the Drék’uléph senator’s kidnapping. Demon hadn’t killed the dignitary because he knew she could resurrect the creature and discover his information, or perhaps it was his plan to take him the entire time; she’d never know at this point.
Violet scanned the areas they’d passed and discovered his location hours previous; luckily, he was inside. Edmon sat her down in the empty hallway a corridor before, allowing her to collect herself, and she used his arm as support. This moment decided everything, and she would have her angel, one way or another.
Maps:
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