The Distant Kingdoms Volume Six: A Kingdom Falls

PROLOGUE

The morning’s weak, almost listless sun had been well and truly blotted out by a blanket of grey storm clouds that covered the sky from one horizon to the next. The weather formation had recently dumped a cover of sickly-looking, grey-white snow across the vast spread terrain. This gave the entire region an unhealthy appearance as if the land itself had contracted some sort of vile skin disease which appeared to rapidly spread to any object it came into contact with over the past day. Precious few people moved about the area in these terrible conditions with the exception of a lone traveller on horseback. Even most of the birds and animals appeared to have long ago fled the region in search of far more hospitable paces to forage or hunt for food while the cold season ruled the lands.

Positioned high above the deserted desolate area, a sole figure studied the valley spread below her position. In the distance she could just barely make out a handful of people prising wide the gates of the great, walled metropolis. Once this task had been completed, these uniformed figures, who revealed no indication of rank or gender swiftly fled the snowy ground, presumably to return to the warmth and shelter of their sentry boxes positioned just inside the city entrance. The girl continued her observation of this open entry point, though only a bare half-dozen or so people used the access/exit point to their advantage at this early time of the bitterly cold morning. The only noteworthy event to occur happened sometime later when a moderate sized military squad returned from some far-flung patrol. No doubt, they would ride their exhausted mounts directly to the city barracks so the animals could be tended and their passengers provided with fresh uniforms and warm meals to ward away the chill in their bones. In this time of unprecedented strife, numerous such patrols were presently scouring the frozen countryside to make certain an enemy force did not see fit to arrive unannounced to continue what their recently defeated counterparts had tried and failed to do.

Hardly anyone at all moved around outside the castle’s main structure with the exception of the occasional foot patrol which consisted of six to ten shivering soldiers. These armed men and women trotted along the battlements of the outer walls before likewise returning with all due haste back to the warmth of the barracks located within the huge grey stone building. This process had now become more for the benefit of the garrison officers than any real desire to maintain a tight security about the lone standing castle high up on the hill. The feeling amongst the senior officers in command of this massed force of troops was that only a complete lunatic- with limited intelligence would launch another assault on either the castle or the city in these conditions. Still, some resemblance of military protocol had to be maintained. Otherwise the soldiers soon became bored, lazy, irritable and volatile- and all of these aspects soon led to insubordination. So, all of the enlisted personnel and junior officers were kept busy for as long as possible during these short days and long nights.

On one occasion of the girl’s lonely vigil, one of the so-called ‘Beyonders’ staying in the castle as guests emerged from the eastern wing before moving towards the disused stable where his miraculous flying contraption was currently being housed as protection against the elements. The tall, sandy- haired man was wearing his standard dark green uniform, a heavy Hamaforth Army-issue jacket and blanket providing additional protection against the fierce, biting wind. He quickly vanished within the partially snow covered, timber building for only a short time before emerging, apparently having only wished to check his highly-valued machine. On his way back to his assigned quarters within the castle, this soldier from a far removed world happened to glance up to spy the petite, dark-haired woman who continued to gaze down at him. A light smile fixed itself on his shaven face as he raised his slightly snow flicked hat and gave her some unfamiliar salute. She inturn nodded back at him, an instant before he turned and fled back into the building. Apparently, this strangely-spoken man was not quite used to these weather conditions. She in turn looked to the other side of the front wall of the castle to continue her silent observation of the surrounding terrain.

Occasionally, some of the clouds overhead would temporarily break apart, allowing a brief, but brilliant shaft of sunlight to touch the white blanketed ground. These fleeting interludes would remind the girl of a friend’s untimely death, filling her with a great sadness. The stern-faced Dearnian girl had become a close friend in so short a space of time. A close companion was something the girl had never really known before, as the better part of her life had been spent being locked away in the miseries of the castle’s dungeons. It was a sore point to her that such a treasured friend had perished in so pointless and violent a manner.

The door to the circular, sheltered room swung inwards, allowing two men to enter. One man, tall to the point of imposing and intimidating, gazed across to the thin slip of a woman. This blond man did not so much as either smile or speak to the other occupant of the high-placed chamber. He merely nodded in her direction then stepped from the room, closing the door in his wake. The other remaining person in the room was not quite as tall, though he did harbour enough physical presence to generally attract the attention of most people around him at any given time. The girl often wondered if this man, who now held a position of great authority in the land, realised the effect he had on many women who worked inside the castle or lived down in the walled city. Often the girl had overheard the secretive whispers and seen the furtive glances of the female members of the castle staff as well as many of the uniformed women both officers and regular soldiers. To them, this person supposedly delivered by all the great gods to save them from their numerous enemies was an object of romantic visions and sexual fantasies. She did not hold such feelings for him in her heart. To her, this man who spoke in such a strange manner with a unique dialect was far more to her than someone to be admired from afar. He had personally torn her out of the dungeons of her father’s castle and then given her the thing she truly needed in her life; a place where she finally felt a part of the community.

This man with the serious grey eyes turned to view the occupant of his private room. There was a touch of surprise over her presence here in this place. Obviously, the Dearnian guards who always watched his movements with a keen eye and a mind for untold violence allowed the girl to be up here in the tower where very few people had ever ventured.

The man opened his mouth to make some comment about her presence.

His words were cut short before ever being heard.

I had a dream about you, your Lordship, the girl from the prior Lord’s bloodline announced. When the three moons are aligned in the night sky I sometimes have the strangest dreams.

A good or bad dream? he inquired.

A premonition within a dream.

Did one of your gods send you this dream? he asked, politely toying with the daughter of the man he had unintentionally usurped.

She smiled. Two light dimples appeared on her delicate face. Perhaps the gods did send me this dream as a warning, the girl informed the man, as he removed his heavy-weather jacket and placed this item of clothing on a nearby peg located in the stone wall. They obviously wish you to be here for some important purpose.

He gave a great sigh as he spoke: Don’t they think I’ve done more than my fair share?

She remained silent, watching his every movement.

Okay, he spoke again. What did you see?

The smile withered and died a swift death on the girl’s now serious features. I saw many people die.

He stared across the room at her, his blood feeling as frozen as the outside world.

I saw them all die on the cold ground. And it was painted in blood. A single tear formed in one of the girl’s dark brown eyes. And you stood by and watched their lives come to an end, my Lord Bourke.

CHAPTER ONE

THE AZZIL TERRITORIES

THE CITY OF TERRIMORTER

The fortress city of Terrimorter, as with most of the Azzil Territories, presently languished beneath a light layer of snow as a direct result of the cold season of Peslinin being in full swing. Those citizens who dwelt within the city’s mighty walls continued their lives almost as if nothing much had changed due to their familiarity with this style of living in these uncompromising conditions. Most of the people residing in the great and much feared city had their minds firmly affixed to other topics besides the weather. Details of their army’s incredible victories to the east had been openly announced by the Imperial palace. Under the weight of such important tidings, no one was particularly interested in such a mundane topic of discussion as the miserable weather. Naturally enough, very few details of the army’s rout at Xerous had been leaked to the public as this defeat might well give the general citizenry ideas that those troops under the command of Ruler Jom Azzer were not always their usual, competent, merciless self these days.

Presently on this reasonably frosty morning, his spouse and to some degree co-ruler, the Empress Dearer Azzer walked along an overly decorative hallway, her rapid footsteps dogged by a determined assortment of servants, courtiers and the mandatory security staff. Personally, the Empress believed at least one of the soldiers under her patronage to be in the service of Major Enrich Voltaire whom had so very quickly wormed his way into the hierarchy of the Imperial palace. She was certain her every deed and word was being continuously reported back to the dreadful, reptilian man with his short- cropped, shock-blond hair and penetrating blue eyes. Almost since the day of his arrival, the Empress had secretly promised herself that she would be at the very centre of his downfall. Her husband, Jom Azzer had at first denied her any and all appeals to have the snide, vulgar, psychotic fool dragged down into the dungeons for execution by torment. Lately, even the Ruler of all the Azzil Territories had become increasingly concerned about the Internal Intelligence Service chief’s ever degenerative and erratic behaviour. If not for Jom Azzer’s almost unprecedented cheerful mood, Voltaire would have probably not been drawing breath this very day.

After some time walking through the seemingly endless maze of the Imperial palace, the Empress, who looked a great deal more mature than her fifty-three seasons of age, stepped up to the massive doors of the Great Imperial Chamber. There, she impatiently waited with her equally unimpressed escort while those sentries milling about the entrance hurriedly prised open the doors. They held them wide as the Empress continued onwards towards the Imperial podium where her spouse remained seated on his throne for her arrival. Those persons crowded about the vaulted hall with its impressive marble columns and clean, sparking fountains, all bowed in deep and fearful respect as the tall, dark auburn-haired woman marched by their positions. Those soldiers and minor dignitaries following her all fell into their correct place amongst the crowd gathered about the high-raised platform. They watched as their Empress climbed the stairs to the podium before taking her rightful place in a slightly smaller throne beside the Ruler of these expansive lands.

Once his Empress was finally in place to his right hand side, Ruler Jom Azzer spoke for the very first time since she had entered the vast, cold marble hall. His voice held a tone completely devoid of all good feeling and care as it echoed about the crowded chamber. The tone filled those persons assembled this morning with a deep seeded dread along with no minor measure of loathing.

Bring them in! Jom Azzer instructed, falling silent once more.

There was a short pause as the crowd became tumultuous, parting wide as if an outgoing tide to allow a number of uniformed troops to drag in three barraged, half-starved, desperate men. These prisoners were escorted through the throng of humanity and finally placed before the two people positioned on the podium. Once positioned before Jom Azzer and his equally enraged Empress, the three prisoners were forced to kneel. One man, the shorter of the undistinguished-looking group remained on is feet, glaring angrily up at those occupants of the Imperial thrones. One soldier, a grizzled sergeant hauled out his sword and struck the standing prisoner across both calves with the flat side of the steel blade. This punitive act caused the rotund prisoner to let out a squeal of pain as he collapsed on the spot. The crowd gathered around this scene were now shocked into a deep silence, all eyes eagerly focused on the prisoners whose ankles and wrists currently sported heavy looking iron manacles and joining chains.

So good of you to join us, Jom Azzer mention casually, as if these exhausted people had just dropped by for a touch of afternoon tea.

The Anhil leader, Sinnit Sear, Balard Oon and the former Lord Laninval all stared up at the seemingly bemused Ruler, who, much to their mutual astonishment was actually grinning down at them. They were not overly certain if this display of good humour was a good or bad omen of things to come in their lives. They had, for a number of very good reasons, fully expected Jom Azzer to be ranting and raving at them about their abysmal military failure in the aborted siege Xerous. This defeat had finally come to a conclusion with their sizable army of highly-trained troops scattering in all directions with Lord Bourke’s forces in close and keen pursuit. Jom Azzer had never been known for his overly developed sense of humour in dealing with this type of military failure. He was especially demonstrative on those persons who had failed to carry out his orders in regards to overwhelming an objective, especially considering they usually held far superior numbers. The Ruler’s present joyful disposition was therefore a complete mystery to the three men at the centre of this unfolding drama.

His legs still painfully throbbing violently from his recent harsh treatment, Laninval rather bravely spoke up: Ruler Jom Azzer. I was wondering what your intentions towards us was at this time?

For an incompetent, fat man, you are certainly the brave one! the Empress snapped.

Ex-Lord Laninval visibly cringed under the impressive weight of her aggressive scrutiny and condemnation. This made Jom Azzer’s next statement all the more puzzling.

No, my Empress! he decried, reaching across to affectionately pat her left hand. Lord Laninval and his associates have completed their tasks as I envisioned they would!

The Empress turned to stare at him in a moment of complete and utter astonishment. A great many people, both military and civilian performed a similar sort of facial expression. They gazed up at the apparently delighted Imperial monarch, wondering if the poor man had finally taken leave of his senses. The details of this disgraceful defeat were few and far between, but this military debacle had been the sole talking point this morning. Apparently, the desecrated remains of the assault’s commanders were not going to be paraded through the streets before the horrified masses as a warning to others about the benefits of failure. All those present including the three prisoners continued to look at the beneficial Ruler in awed silence.

My Ruler? Dearer Azzer muttered.

A military assault on Xerous was always doomed to failure, Jom Azzer explained. The city and that ugly, old castle are simply too heavily fortified. Especially after this ‘Lord Bourke’ person arrived with a full battalion of reinforcements. He broadened his smile. That particular company was sent to perform only one function; to divert attention away from the main force which entered the Hamaforth Kingdoms further to the south. Jom Azzer gazed down at the shackled men. And gentlemen, you were brilliant in commanding what will probably go down in history as the worst military campaign ever to have originated from the Azzil Territories! The three of you somehow managed to spread your army across half of Porra to the point where the military presence there had to stop whatever else they were doing in order to round you all up! The smiling Ruler rose to his feet and took a couple of steps towards the silent, stunned crowd. And while the King’s armies were hunting down these wandering invaders, I launched a serious offensive against the Hamaforth Kingdoms that completed their goals with astonishing success! They managed to smash the garrison city of Kerroway then go on to greet his Majesty’s personal army, slaughter a good many of his troops and also capture Entell Thellon the Third in the process!

This bold announcement created nothing short of a great commotion amongst the spectators to this historic assembly.

Yes! Jom Azzer enthused, one hand raised to silence the appreciative crowd. All of the rumours are true. Sometime in the near future, the reigning monarch of all the Hamaforth Kingdoms is to be our honoured guest!

We trust his stay will be eventful! some bold soul from the crowd called up to his Ruler. "And short!

No, not at all! the Ruler replied. He was beginning to warm to these amateur theatrics. Both his Majesty and his sons will be our honoured guests here in the Imperial palace!

Until they cease to be useful, the Empress muttered, beneath her breath from her throne.

What about us, my Ruler? the mercenary, Balard Oon asked.

Jom Azzer stared down at the three dishevelled figures before him. In all honesty, he had not really considered this question in his own mind. A slight frown formed on his bearded features while he mulled over this dilemma. To release these men could be seen by many as a sign of weakness. In their favour, the Ruler had openly admitted that these commanders of the doomed army had, albeit unwittingly, succeeded in their true mission. Finally, the perplexed Ruler gave a great, dramatic sigh as if still unsure of their fate.

Rise to your feet, he commanded. Once all three prisons were standing to their full height, Jom Azzer continued: Balard Oon, you shall return to active service under my command. Sinnit Sear, you have served me well- for a filthy piece of Anhil trash; so as a reward you may consider yourself a guest of the Imperial court. And I beg of you to make full use of the bathing facilities here in the Imperial palace; and please get some new clothes. Those rags you are wearing are disgusting.

They all sighed in unbridled relief.

But, know this: If any of you ever cause me the slightest displeasure with your behaviour, I shall personally see to it your fates make grown men violently ill! I am in fact far from impressed that not only did the siege at Xerous fail, but you had most of my army rounded up and slaughtered! To add to this list of grievances, the three of you then chose to avoid me rather than facing up to my displeasure. Now leave my sight before I change my mind!

The three former prisoners turned to leave the Great Imperial Chamber.

Except for you, Lord Laninval! Jom Azzer announced, causing the short, pudgy, slightly balding man to falter in his steps. There are certain other matters of great importance I wish to discuss with you this instant.

A rather nervous and fidgety Laninval stepped across to the Imperial podium and its two important and greatly displeased-looking occupants. Behind him, nether neither Balard Oon nor Sinnit Sear bothered to so much as glance in the former Lord’s direction. They exited the chamber with as much grace and dignity as a hurried rush would allow. Their rather swift progress was closely observed by a large number of onlookers- all of whom had fully expected to witness three rather messy executions. Now it appeared they may only have one decapitation to admire from afar.

What did you want to speak to me about? Ex-Lord Laninval asked, his voice almost breaking in the sheer stress of the situation.

You will remain silent until spoken too! the Empress instructed.

The truth was, this duty of enforcing Imperial court protocol belonged to the official Chamberlain, Rinin Juclar. He was at this time in another part of the Imperial palace making preparations for the very special guests due in a couple of days. Also, the head of Internal Intelligence Service, Enrich Voltaire was nowhere to be seen; his absence a sore point with Dearer Azzer. She felt his vagrancy was nothing more than a continual ploy to display his contempt for the Imperial couple without being too flagrant about his feeling on the matter. The Empress made a mental note to speak at length with the tall, sadistic off-world man about his completely unacceptable behaviour.

Please accept my humble apologies, Laninval announced, with little enthusiasm.

Quite all right, the Ruler smiled. But, you really should be careful, my Lord. One of these days I might not be in so joyous a mood and may very well hand you over to the Empress for disciplinary measures. And believe me; that would be the most unfortunate day of your entire sorry life.

Laninval nervous glanced across from Jom Azzer to his wife and back again, all the while making so very certain not to make direct eye contact with either Imperial monarch. He honestly could not be more certain which of the two Azzers was the more disturbed. Both, however currently sported wide, overtly cheerful grins as if his gruesome death would somehow greatly amuse them.

I have a couple of questions for you, Lord Laninval, Jom Azzer told him, his smile vanishing. Details of your defeat at Xerous are still a touch sketchy. I was just wondering if you might not see fit to fill in some more details.

Such as? Laninval asked.

Please allow me to explain something of importance before we continue, my Lord Laninval, the Ruler commenced, giving no outward indication of anything being overtly wrong. From this time on, while here in my generous care, if every sentence to me does not either begin or end in the term ‘my Ruler’ I will have no choice in the matter but to have you permanently removed from your hands and feet. I trust I have made myself clear on this matter- my Lord?

Laninval gave a hearty nod. He was quite attached to these particular extremities and most certainly did not wish to have any of these body parts, or indeed all four of them cut off with an axe.

What details did you wish to know- my Ruler? the former Lord inquired.

Much better, the greatly appeased Ruler responded. Just general information like; who were the main commanders at the castle and city of Xerous? How many troops did they have available? Why did the siege ultimately fail? That sort of thing.

To begin with the man in charge of the entire city was this ‘Beyonder’ person, Colin Bourke. He also had some high-ranked officer and the mandatory Dearnian thugs lurking around him …

And what else, Lord Laninval? And remember, one day I intend to place you back on the Porran throne. So for your own sake, hold no details a secret from me.

And … My daughter, Pira Laninval was also there, at the castle helping the defenders.

Jom Azzer turned to exchange a curious glance with the Empress. I was honestly unaware that you had a daughter, my Lord; or any children for that matter. Are there any others lurking about that I should know of?

I do not mention her, Laninval huffed, his reply coming from his mouth as a sort of a gruff grunt.

Why not, may I ask? the Empress insisted.

She is a witch! This response came out as a harsh snap.

Dearer Azzer was fascinated. What makes you believe your very own daughter is a witch?

She has a memory that never fails, Laninval explained, reluctantly. He really wished these people would mind their own business and stick to the aborted invasion of Xerous. Some seasons ago, she overheard me and the Lady Laninval discussing details of our planned invasion of the Royal palace in Valderhien and the overthrow of the Thellon family from the throne. Since the girl has never been overly fond of me …

I cannot for the life of me imagine why, the Empress interjected.

I felt it necessary to place her in the dungeons until at least the time when our plan had succeeded.

You put your very own flesh and blood into the dungeons at Xerous castle! Jom Azzer chortled. I must admit, my Lord, I owe you a humble apology! Here I was under the impression you were a weak-willed and feeble-minded man and yet you showed the determination to lock away your only child! Jom Azzer gave a hearty laugh. Well done, sir! I only wish now for some offspring of my very own so I could follow your admirable lead and throw them into the dungeons! He paused to ponder on this topic. Although, admittedly the dungeons here in the Imperial palace are about to become quite crowded once the prisoners from the other ‘successful’ invasion return. He took a step closer towards Laninval who appeared somewhat embarrassed by this entire conversation. Did your wife, Lady Laninval not raise any objections over the girl’s lengthy incarceration?

Lady Laninval as such was not the girl’s natural mother, the former Lord explained, his chubby features a touch blushed. My first wife passed away quite suddenly; about the time she decided to ask the King for an official annulment of our marriage. Quite a dreadful thing really. She just ate her dinner, went red in the face and dropped dead right there at the table. The short, rotund man gave a mild shrug. I had a terrible time convincing the servants that she was not contagious and that they were free to drag her body away to be disposed of over the nearest wall. My second wife was far more agreeable to my suggestions of how we could, with my Ruler’s kind assistance, depose the Royal family Thellon and take control of the entire Kingdoms.

Jom Azzer was nothing short of astonished. He turned to his beloved spouse, his features openly betraying the abundance of joy he felt for this former and future Lord of Porra. By this stage of this conversation words had completely failed him.

Your second wife, the Empress spoke on the matter. Is this not the one the Royal Protectorate decapitated and then presented her head to the Princess Paura Thellon right there in the Royal court before the gathered crowd?

Laninval scrunched up his face, making it appear even more unsightly. One day soon, I will hold the princess’ head in my hands and hold it aloft for everyone to see! He furiously spat out these venomous words.

Finally Ruler Jom Azzer found his tongue: We truly must have been brothers in some other level of existence! I have never before in all my days met a more vile, reprehensible, bloodthirsty, villainous, toad of a man! If not for your unseemly habit of failing at every task set before you, I would give serious thought to inducting you into the Imperial court this very day! He clearly saw the expression of sheer shock on the other man’s face. He continued: Those things I just said about you, my Lord were a compliment! I swear! Except for the ‘toad’ description. That was indeed meant to be an insult. He shrugged. You must admit, you have failed me on numerous occasions. The fact I let you keep possession of your own head is testament that I do think highly of you, Lord Laninval.

Did my Ruler wish other details of the siege? Laninval inquired, miraculously maintaining an even temper.

Certainly. And I only pray this account is as amusing as the initial details of what was supposed to be an important military manoeuvre.

Despite the resistance of the castle garrison, Laninval explained, we were in control of the siege. Insurgent units were being dispatched into the city to keep the people there in check and slowly, but surely we were eliminating the troop numbers under this Lord Bourke’s command, my Ruler.

Then what went so horribly wrong? the Ruler inquired, realising that some feeble excuse was waiting in the wings to be given an airing by the cowering former Lord.

Two things occurred that none of us had anticipated, my Ruler. Firstly, on sight of the snow on the ground, we launched an all-out assault on the castle. All of the commanders of the army felt the garrison would be weakened by this stage. Laninval gave a noncommittal shrug. And also none of us really felt like being encamped out in the open while it was snowing. Anyway, the entire battalion was moving towards the castle when the city gates opened and I swear by all the great gods, half the population of Xerous City poured out! They swept over us in an instant, my Ruler! The deposed Lord shook his head. I still cannot bring myself to believe a handful of city troops and marshals, along with an army of ignorant townspeople would do such a thing- all in the name of saving this Lord Bourke person. They never would have done such a thing for me!

I cannot imagine why not? the Empress murmured.

You said two strange events occurred at this time, Jom Azzer interjected, his curiosity peaked by this tale. What was the other thing which caused your defeat?

You may not believe this, my Ruler, Laninval declared.

Try me.

During the height of the battle between our forces, Bourke’s people and the ignorant townspeople … this … strange ‘flying machine’, I suppose you could call it, appeared from out of nowhere …

Jom Azzer gazed down at the slightly embarrassed ex-Lord of Porra. After recent events, Lord Laninval, you might be surprised at the things I will consider to be fact. What did this flying machine look like?

From memory- and you must remember, my Ruler, this was a desperate time for all of us.

You were too busy running away, Dearer Azzer added, glaring down at him.

Laninval continued unabated: This machine was only small, about the size of a commercial carriage, but it created the most fearful noise and stirred up the wind like nothing I have ever seen before; outside of a naturally occurring tempest. He looked up at the Ruler’s face to see an expression of comprehending glee. He decided to continue and see if he could present his involvement in this fiasco in a better light. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, ran for their lives. I believe no small number of my very own troops and officers even sought shelter in Xerous City itself. Most of our army spread out through the nearby woods and plains to the east to hide from both this horrifying machine and the enraged mob that had poured out of the city. Some of our soldiers and officers did escape back into the Azzil Territories with us. However, we all separated soon after riding across the border. I do not know where they are right now.

You have our permission to withdraw to your quarters, Lord Laninval, the Ruler announced. I have already taken the liberty of arranging accommodation for you. I trust you do not object?

Former Lord Laninval merely shook his head before giving them both a hasty bow then fleeing the hall. He was thankful to be alive, in one piece and most of all, apparently under the good graces of Ruler Jom Azzer. The Empress was an entirely different matter and he was eternally grateful that evil-eyed psychopath was not in complete control of the Imperial court.

***

Chamberlain Rinin Juclar was in a foul mood as he strode towards the Great Imperial Chamber. Other, lesser ranked members of the Imperial palace staff and most military personnel made great haste in getting well clear of the tall, almost emancipated-looking man as he stepped up to the open entrance to the massive chamber. Though being only a high-placed courtier when all said and done, he still wielded more than enough power and influence to create havoc in the lives of anyone who dared displease him for whatever reason. He marched along the red carpet directly up to the two people still seated on the Imperial podium. On the way, he had chance to pass by Lord Laninval or ex- Lord Laninval or whatever else anyone wished to call the fool. This threadbare, rather repugnant guest of the court had attempted to intercept the Chamberlain for some reason, only to be brushed aside as if some lower-level flunky. Rinin Juclar openly believed this deposed Lord of Porra nothing more than a fool- and the most dangerous type of fool available; one who believed himself to be of high intelligence despite all the contradictory evidence at hand.

Halting before the raised platform, the Chamberlain gave the functionary bow as a display of utmost respect; lest he loose his head, and politely waited to be invited to speak.

Is there something the matter, Chamberlain? Ruler Jom Azzer inquired, casually.

My Ruler, Rinin Juclar began. My Empress, I have some rather disturbing news about one of our prisoners …I mean ‘guests’. Apparently, this guest has created yet another uproar over in the visitors’ accommodation.

The Ruler gave a deep sigh: What has the Rider done this time?

Captain Erras Borina reported to me that the Rider was caught trying to climb from the window of his … ‘Accommodation’ with the aid of his bed linen.

I was under the impression his sheets were confiscated after the last time he tried to escape? Jom Azzer murmured, displaying a mild frown.

This is the first occasion he has used the sheets to flee our gracious hospitality, my Ruler, the unamused Chamberlain continued. The last time this Rider person, whose name escapes me at this time, tried to escape by throwing his mattresses out the window and then leaping onto them from a great height …

The fool decimated my best roses! the Empress remonstrated, in an abrupt display of fury. She turned to face the Ruler. I have had members of the gardening staff executed for less!

Jom Azzer really wanted to laugh. The thought of a member of the highly revered Order of the Royal Decree first launching two mattresses out his window, followed by himself was outrageous. The Ruler only wished he had been present to personally witness the stunt in progress. The agonised expression on his spouse’s puckered face almost did the trick. Jom Azzer refrained from giving any outward display of mirth as such an event would only lead to him being more or less permanently banished from the imperial bedroom.

Perhaps something other than the Empresses prized roses should be broken to teach the man a lingering message? the Ruler inquired.

The captain personally assures me any attempt to do anything of the sort would only lead to countless deaths and injuries amongst the palace garrison.

And? the Empress demanded, still fuming over the recently stirred up memories of her crushed and battered roses.

I personally feel at this time it is in our best interests not to create any difficulties amongst our honoured ‘guests’, Jom Azzer stated.

We really should do something to discourage this type of behaviour, the Chamberlain insisted.

Jom Azzer nodded. I am in complete agreement, Chamberlain. And I have a couple of ideas to off-set any further thoughts of escaping the Imperial palace.

I would be most grateful for your ideas, my Ruler.

Ruler Jom Azzer spoke at length about this difficulty with some of their ‘guests’ while those persons around him occasionally nodded in complete agreement with his plans to curtail the wayward Rider’s activities. Even the Empress Dearer Azzer was highly impressed by her spouse’s plan to control this troublesome man who had dared crush her treasured flowers. Surprisingly enough, the Ruler of the entire Azzil Territories decided to take an active part in this idea himself.

CHAPTER TWO

Life in the guest quarters of the Imperial palace in Terrimorter was not really all that bad. Food and drink had been provided in plentiful quantities, the beds were more than adequate, in fact quite comfortable and more than enough reading material had been allotted to keep even the most ardent mind fully occupied. What really crawled beneath Immir Hanis’ skin was the mere thought of being locked away in what was tantamount to a first-class prison cell. To make matters worse, this had been committed by his traditional enemies as if he were no more than some sort of zoological display in the local menagerie. Since the time of his internment, the always aggrieved Rider had made no less than four unsuccessful attempts to escape his encumbering imprisonment. On the very first occasion, he had opted to simply charge directly past a particularly shocked servant who had been bringing the supposed ‘guest’ his meal one morning. Immir Hanis had made his way a good hundred paces along the adjoining passageway before being apprehended by the palace soldiers and herded back to his ‘quarters’. On another attempt to flee the Imperial palace, the Rider had opted to climb along the stone and mortar work just beyond the narrow balcony outside the wide window of his room. This escape bid had ended with him becoming firmly stuck a good distance from the ground, furiously waiting until the local barrack’s troops had scaled down to him with long lengths of rope in order to rescue him from his precarious placement. The business with the mattresses he did not even wish to think about. The memory of bouncing off of the mattresses and landing amongst some particularly thorny bushes was as embarrassing as the overly cheerful expressions on the soldiers who had stood over him doing their level best not to burst out into unseemly fits of raucous laughter. This latest trick with the bed sheets tied end-to-end had likewise been an abysmal failure as this makeshift rope had failed to even reach the half-way point between his quarter’s window and the ground. Immir Hanis had already experienced a free-fall from such a height and had no real wish to repeat the unsavoury and quite painful experience.

Further to his troubles was his captors’ point-blank refusal to allow him to meet with either of his friends. He had correctly figured that Lorraine Montague and Victor Chan had likewise been locked away somewhere in this vast, exceedingly tasteless monolith of a building the local inhabitants jokingly referred to as a palace. On inquiring as to their health and general well-being, he was always told that the two Beyonders were alive and doing well. Even Captain Erras Borina who had only harboured them good intentions had refused to give any further details of their state of being. It greatly troubled the Rider that some harm may have indeed befallen his former companions, especially Lorraine with whom he had developed strong feelings for during their time together both in Phornimiren and here in the Azzil Territories. Immir Hanis had earlier made the promise that if some misfortune had come to claim her life, he would find his way free from this morbidly comfortable cell and extract a truly terrible revenge for this injustice.

The door to his room suddenly opened with no prior warning. A couple of agitated-looking soldiers armed with drawn swords, Ruler Jom Azzer, Chamberlain Rinin Juclar and Captain Erras Borina all stood at the doorway. Their faces failed to display any emotion on discovering the room to be completely devoid of all forms of life- including the man who should have been present within these four stone walls. The two soldiers continued to stand in the doorway, their wide, shocked eyes scanning the furnished room for signs of the sole occupant. The Rider’s miraculous disappearance confounded both of the uniformed men.

Please be so good as to climb down from there at once, Immir Hanis! the captain demanded, without going through the indignity of walking through the doorway to be ambushed by the ‘guest’. In all honesty, Erras Borina was starting to lose his sense of humour over these regular escape attempts. They were beginning to become nothing short of downright childish by design.

All of the recently arrived men waited in patience while staring into the seemingly empty room. The officer dismissed the two bewildered soldiers who reluctantly sheathed their weapons, bowed to the other members of their party then fled the area. They had far better ways to expend their energies other than playing some idiotic version of hide-and-go-seek with this misbegotten Rider. They honestly wondered if the man had taken leave of his mental facilities. He was supposed to be some sort of law-enforcement officer, not the court jester.

Immir Hanis leapt into full view having apparently- and quite miraculously secured himself on the exceedingly narrow timber doorframe. He appeared quite sheepish at having been found out by those persons responsible for his illegal incarceration. A thought slipped into his mind about the possibility of undertaking yet another footrace through the Imperial palace corridors.

Ruler Jom Azzer gazed up at the slight section of timber where the prisoner had been hiding. He was astonished to discover the ledge in question was no more than the width of a grown man’s finger.

In the name of the gods, how did you accomplish that? he inquired.

I heard someone moving around in the hallway, he informed them, and decided to hide.

I must be honest with you, Jom Azzer explained. We are here to speak with you about these frequent attempts on your part to avoid my gracious hospitality.

Hospitality, Immir Hanis repeated the term.

If you would just be so kind as to follow me to the window, Jom Azzer requested, in his seemingly customary polite and patient manner. He in turn stepped across to the large double window which led to the narrow balcony of the room. Next, he threw open this glass partition, allowing a blast of freezing cold air to burst into the crowded room.

All this while, Immir Hanis had been wondering to himself why the military escort had left the facility, leaving these important dignitaries to his mercy. Granted, the captain was something of a friend and he never would have intentionally injured or killed this officer under any circumstances. He trailed after his guests across to the open windows and gazed down across the snow covered courtyard some three stories beneath their position.

All four men now stared down to be met by the sight of no less than two dozen armed soldiers marching across the near pure, white ground. In their midst was a woman of indeterminable age, although not quite in her mid-life. She was presently clothed in rather threadbare items of apparel, although these less than fashionable items appeared to be keeping out the worst of the bitter chill. In her arms this hostage held an infant who was in the process of screaming in a shrill pitch probably due to a combination of the inhospitable weather conditions and hunger pangs. This group proceeded across to the far wall of the quadrangle where, much to the watching Rider’s horror, the soldiers positioned both fearful woman and child against the ancient stone and mortar.

What are they doing? Immir Hanis demanded.

Wait and see, the Ruler murmured, eyes avidly affixed to this scene.

The burgundy-uniformed men then dispersed into two groups that formed a double line in front of the obviously terrified woman. They raised their already cocked and loaded crossbows, aiming these weapons directly at this unfortunate person whom the Rider had admittedly never set eyes on before this day. The peasant woman was openly trembling as tears trailed from both eyes, running down her dirt smeared face which might have once been considered attractive, but was now lined by the weariness of poverty and borderline starvation. The wailing child in her arms commenced screaming with greater intensity, almost as though somehow sensing its mother’s horror of this situation.

The non-commissioned officer in command of this execution detail turned, staring up to the very window where Jom Azzer now stood. On some unspoken signal, the NCO raised one hand. Those other uniformed men remained stock-still, their aim never wavering from the terrified target.

The Rider stood frozen to the spot, his line of vision unable to divert itself from this shocking scene.

The lead soldier’s arm fell like the blade of a guillotine.

Every last man amongst this firing squad activated his weapon, setting forth a deadly barrage of deadly, steel-tipped bolts which lashed out at the trembling woman and her baby. A short moment passed as every last person involved in this horrific spectacle remained absolutely motionless and silent, staring over at the place where the peasant woman was positioned.

She in turn was gazing about the ground near her feet where a cluster of now useless bolts lay on the frozen turf having just struck the hard wall to her back.

The NCO then led his unit from the area, leaving behind the unwilling participant of this demonstration to ponder on the meaning of her torment. The child still clutched in her arms appeared somehow pleased by this merciful turn of events and ceased its irate wailing.

The very next time you attempt to escape the Imperial palace, Jom Azzer stated, his tone currently devoid of all good cheer and humour. I will be left with no choice but to line up a hundred such people against that wall and make you watch their fate. And believe me; on the next occasion, none of my troops will miss their targets. Now, do I have your solemn vow as a member of the Order these pathetic escape attempts will cease immediately?

His features paled in continuing shock, Immir Hanis nodded. I give you my word I will not attempt at any time to escape the palace or even leave this room without express permission.

The Chamberlain and Captain Erras Borina remained neutral during this entire exchange between the other men. The latter turned to give another look at the woman who still cowered out in the snow.

A broad smile formed on the Ruler’s features. I am pleased to hear this, he intoned, thankful all of his efforts had not been in vain. "It is gratifying to know the legendary members of the Order can behave in a civilised manner if properly motivated.

What about that woman and her child, my Ruler? Immir Hanis asked.

Have someone escort her back to her home, wherever that might be, Jom Azzer instructed, likewise giving a cursory glance from the open windows. After all, we can hardly leave her standing there like some sort of poorly- dressed garden ornament. Oh, and Captain, please allot her a generous payment for services rendered. I mean the poor thing has been through a lot today.

The three visitors to this glossy prison cell room all turned to withdraw. They all halted on hearing the Rider suddenly speak to them.

But know this, Jom Azzer, Immir Hanis told him, a light smile playing across his always clean-shaven face. If you had indeed executed that unfortunate woman and her child, none of you would have left this room alive. He gave a deep, ever so respectful bow. My Ruler!

Not surprisingly, this bold statement with all of its threatening inclinations caused Jom Azzer to abruptly halt mid-stride. No one had ever in his entire life issued him with such a direct threat to his personal safety. The Ruler of the entire eastern side of the vast continent found the experience not to his liking.

I would remind you that a number of close friends of yours are currently languishing in various locations throughout the Imperial palace, he cordially informed the Rider. It would be highly unfortunate if their last days of life were spent in my dungeons under the agony of the court-appointed torturers. Now, please excuse me as I have important business to attend to elsewhere.

You are excused, Immir Hanis retorted. He gave another bow. My Ruler.

The Rider then watched in silence as the three visitors left his room, the door was closed and firmly bolted by a soldier who appeared as if by some unnamed miracle. Only with the utmost control did he refrain from charging after them into the corridor to test out the limits of his unarmed combat skills. Realising this sort of attack would only bring about the painful demise of himself as well as his close friends; he instead chose to lash out at a nearby wardrobe. He succeeded in caving in the door of this expensive item of furniture. Once finished with this bout of ill temper, he returned to the open windows to watch as the peasant woman and her infant were escorted from the compound by two soldiers. Immir Hanis gave a great sigh as he closed the windows to keep out the bone-numbing chill; getting away from this terrible place was certainly not going to be an easy task.

***

After leaving the guest wing of the Imperial palace, Captain Erras Borina graciously excused himself and left the group that included Ruler Jom Azzer to attend to other important duties. This only left the Ruler and Chamberlain Rinin Juclar, along with the mandatory escort of armed troops who patiently and obediently trailed behind them through the vast maze of corridors and passageways. Occasionally, this group wandered past a number of startled palace staff or junior officers whom either bowed as a display of respect or simply scurried away on sighting Jom Azzer and his greatly feared second-in-charge. Both of these men completely ignored these people as they moved through the massive structure. The Ruler wished to speak with Rinin Juclar on a number of highly important topics and just did not have time to exchange pleasantries with the house staff and a vast variety of soldiers.

Have we received word yet on exactly when his Majesty is due to arrive here? he inquired.

The last dispatch I received from the army commander indicated they should be here with the hostages any day now, my Ruler, the Chamberlain answered. There is one minor problem. Apparently Entell Thellon the Third was injured in the battle in lower Porra and there is the slight risk of him not surviving the journey to Terrimorter. Rinin Juclar had fully expected the Ruler to show some mild disappointment on hearing of this information. Therefore, Jom Azzer’s vehemence on the matter took him quite by surprise.

Under no circumstances is the King of the Hamaforth Kingdoms to be allowed to die! Jom Azzer bellowed, now not fearing being overheard by the enlisted men marching some short distance behind them. He came to such an abrupt and unexpected halt in the middle of an otherwise deserted corridor that the security detail almost walked straight into both he and the shocked Chamberlain. Inform the senior commanding officer that if Entell Thellon perishes on his way to the Imperial palace then so shall he- and all of his officer corp.!

But … But, my Ruler, the Chamberlain stammered. These men are heroes of the Azzil Territories! You have said so yourself!

I care not one iota what anyone thinks of those officers! Jom Azzer decried, fists clenched in anger. You tell the General in charge of the army that I certainly did not go to so much trouble to capture his Majesty, just so I could view his lifeless corpse! All of these manoeuvres have been enacted with one objective in mind; to hold the reigning monarch of the Hamaforth Kingdoms under my control! This is paramount to all other objectives!

If his Majesty does tragically pass away while in transit, my Ruler, the Chamberlain explained, patiently. We would still have both Royal heirs to the Hamaforth throne in our control.

Thankfully, this timely reminder of the situation at hand appeared to appease the previously infuriated Ruler. He inhaled a couple of deep breaths of cool, though slightly stale air. That is in itself something, he finally conceded, with a dismissive wave of one hand. If our fears are founded and his Majesty does indeed die on the trek to Terrimorter then we will simply have to use his sons as leverage to persuade her Highness, Queen Sinar Thellon to relinquish all control over the Kingdoms and hand full authority to myself.

The Chamberlain was cautious over this bold declaration, but also highly curious. Do you really believe the Queen would comply with your requests, my Ruler? he asked, as they continued moving through the Imperial palace. Rumour has it she can be a stubborn woman.

No woman is truly stubborn when it comes to the well-being and safety of her children, Jom Azzer retorted, his mood greatly improved by this time. Needless to say, her Highness will be grateful to meet my demands once she learns her two sons are in fact quite safe and in my capable care.

You are undoubtedly right, Rinin Juclar conceded. The other business I wish to discuss with you is this Rider in our keep. He could prove to be extremely dangerous, especially if one of his foolhardy escape attempts is successful. My first, best suggestion is to have the man executed at once. Remove this trouble during these serious times, my Ruler.

I would prefer not to, Jom Azzer responded. He may come in useful when we deal with his Beyonder companions.

In that case, it may be advisable to at least ship him to your other palace at Ethan where the most harm he could do would be to ruin some more floral arrangements.

It may be an idea, the Ruler readily agreed. But first we will see if this strange Rider finally behaves himself after the threat to his friends. There is no real point in transporting him half-way across the Territories if he does nothing more offensive than sitting peacefully in his quarters.

While it is fresh in my mind, there are more Beyonders being brought to the Imperial palace.

Really? How many?

Three that I know of, my Ruler, the Chamberlain admitted. A woman and two men. He glanced around, almost as if troubled someone might overhear his next words. There is a disturbing aspect to this group that I must admit to.

What is the problem, Chamberlain?

According to our intelligence sources, these three people are very similar in description to those who involved themselves in a number of internal conflicts within Blurican- which eventually led to the civil disruption currently underway. In fact, one member of this group may have been responsible for the assassination of the Grand Duke Termer Bethnorack.

Jom Azzer could not help but laugh: Really! The Empress will be pleased! No doubt, these people will be honoured guests here in the Imperial palace.

Ah, my Ruler, the point of this discussion is that one of these off-world people has already seen fit to commit cold-blooded murder on a member of the ruling class. He may well choose to do likewise to another.

There was a lengthy pause.

Yes, I see your point, Jom Azzer retorted. There could be a conflict of interest with them. We will have to question them once they have arrived to discover the true meaning of their presence in the Azzil Territories. But, they will still be highly valued guests here.

In other words; you wish me to keep Major Voltaire well away from them.

The Ruler nodded. Yes, indeed. I do not want a repeat of the incident with the off-world physician who the Major almost executed. That man alone appears to hold a great wealth of information about much more advanced medical technics; well beyond our understanding. I for one do not wish us to lose such information just because the current head of the Internal Intelligence Service lost his temper.

I mean no disrespect to Enrich Voltaire with this next comment, the Chamberlain began, as they continued through the expansive labyrinth of corridors through the Imperial palace. "But, he is a complete psychopath of the worst order. I have seen alley rats with more compassion and mental stability than that man. I honesty wonder how the people living