Chapter 4

Red, blue and green; the three sisters: Totri'ea, Lotri'ea and Gotri'ea. Creator's mightiest creations and mistresses of the night; that's what the people of the Empire called the three moons of E'a, and every winter on this special day, when they finally meet on equal footing in the night sky, announcing the end cycle, people also call them heralds of new.

It is said that even the Creators themselves celebrated this annual occurrence. It all started when they plucked three stones from the womb of E'a: a garnet, an emerald, and a sapphire; and pinned them on the night sky. The three stones grew into the three sisters over three days and three nights, so that life could start again on mother E'a. Following in the Creator's steps, thousands of people have gathered around the Red Keep Palace, to celebrate the coming of the new cycle and new life.

However, for emperor Ryel Ashanti, son of Harabel Ashanti the Conqueror, this affair was just another performance. He liked to show his prowess every chance he got, especially to a crowd of this size. Almost half of the population in the Red city was at his feet as he stood and looked over the rail of the balcony. Looking down at his people, he licked his lips, drunk on the absolute power he commanded. He could crush every single soul in the main square, if he wanted to; it was exhilarating. He felt his heart pounding in his chest. One word, all it took was one word, and everything his eyes landed on would be laid flat to the ground.

The quiet that overcame the crowd, as soon as the trumpets announced his presence, tested of fear. It was sweet on his lips like first harvest wine, intoxicating, he wanted more; but he was patient. He knew he would get his fix of power, just needed to get over with his speech first, and the performance would start. Not waiting for a moment longer he cleared his throat and waited for every head in the square to turn towards him. The air he exhaled shimmered as his voice reverberated throughout the square.

"Every year," he began in a booming voice. "we gather here to celebrate the greatest gift bestowed to us by the Creators. Life! But, what is life?" he asked. "Is it change? is it love? Is it everything that grows, lives, and dies? The baker's passion for food? A gardener's fresh produce? Your children? Your feelings?" he paused looking at the crowd. "I do not know. But, what I do know is that life is within all of us right now, from a frosted blade of grass, to the person beside you, to you." he said pointing at the crowd, just as it was instructed on the piece of paper in front of him. The disgust was apparent on his face, he hated reading speeches; Ryel always thought of getting rid of the person writing this mronshit for him; they always left him with a sour taste in his mouth. But, alas, never quite got around in doing so, and because of his procrastination he was forced to say a bunch of sappy shit he didn't even care about.

Looking at the paper in front of him he skipped a few lines to quicken the pace and began again. "Today is indeed a joyous occasion, one full of hope and rebirth. We're celebrating the dawn of a new cycle, new life, a cycle in which we thrive and grow. Just like in life this year marks the start of a journey of change for the Empire." he paused to breathe and took this chance to skip to the end. He was bored out of his mind. "But, today, I want to be thankful to the Creators for giving us unity. They have been kind to us more than just as individuals, but as a whole, as a nation, an Empire. Because we're only strong together."

Creators forbid, what is this mronshit? he whined. Note to self, kill the speech writer. After his prolonged silence, the crowd clapped and cheered at his words. Mindless idiots.

The trumpets startled him, booming from behind, signaling the show should start so, he got his stance ready and glanced at the balcony door, giving a slight nod to a woman behind the curtain. As soon as the woman gave a nod back, Ryel started to wave his hands above his head, towards the three sisters, in a rhythmic manner like a dance, and air shimmered over the night sky. Exploding lights formed in the same pattern his hands made. Eruptions of bright colors, painted scenes of his own achievements, personifications of the three sisters, and some just simply pretty patterns that enhanced the natural beauty of the three sisters. The crowd awed and ooed at the beautiful display; children screamed in both excitement and fear at the loud bangs the spells made. Some would get dangerously close to the crowd, but they were masterfully controlled to only build up excitement. The show lasted until the next bell of the clock tower. It was quite incredible when finally a green fire engulfed the night sky in the form of the Emperor's crest, finishing it off with a burst of ice flowers that gently floated to the ground. The crowd was elated as the flowers landed in their hands earning Ryel thunderous applause. Soon after it died out, he bowed and made his way back through the balcony door. The woman was waiting for him inside. The spacious room was adorned in gold and silver luxury as the rest of the palace. She sat on a pillowed daybed, sweat beading on her forehead.

"That was one hell of a show, Araya." Ryel said dabbing his own sweat with a silk handkerchief.

"I am glad I could be of assistance, your Imperial Majesty." she answered. Her long jet black hair contrasted Ryel's pure blonde. They were complete opposites of each other, from the tone of their skin to the color of their eyes.

"How many times, Araya, have I told you to call me Ryel." he chuckled.

"Twenty-seven times, your Imperial Majesty, in the past week alone." she answered, struggling to get back to her feet as Ryel approached her.

"You don't have to get up for me, Araya. Here, you need this." he extended his handkerchief. His own sweat was but a shy mist sprayed on his forehead from his performance, while Araya was soaked. Wielding took more toll on the body than simply dancing around.

"Thank you, you Imperial Majesty." she said to which he sighed.

"Tell me, Araya. What will it take for you to call me Ryel? a playful smirk took over his obnoxiously handsome face.

"N-Nothing will dissuade me from honoring my Emperor, your Imperial Majesty." she answered truthfully. Her black eyes darting to her feet, trying to ignore the man's penetrating gaze. She felt his presence as he drew close.

"You were incredible back there, Araya. I liked the touch you added with flowers at the end. That was new." he said reaching with his hand under her chin. She flinched at his warm touch. His hands were soft and clean.

"Your Imperial Majesty, I- please," she quickly withdrew from his touch as the double doors burst open, revealing a fat man dressed in dark green velvet robes.

"Maven Marduke! How many times have I told you to announce yourself?" Ryel said calmly, venom clearly laced his voice. He knew that with one simple command the man's life would be over. Ryel never raised his voice, he was fully aware of who he was and so did everyone around him.

"Emperor Ryel, I-I humbly request that you f-forgive my intrusion, your Imperial Majesty. It's of great import and interest." the fat man fell to the ground at Ryel's feet. He just sighed and pulled his foot back not to touch Maven Marduke.

"Very well. Raise, Maven. What is it, then?" he demanded.

"As per your command, your Imperial Majesty, the scholars and I have been going through the archives in search of this artifact you spoke of, we believe -" Ryel grabbed the man by his arms. His strong arms made Maven Marduke wince in pain.

"Did you find it!?" Ryel almost shouted in excitement. His pale blue eyes searching the man's face.

"N-no, not quite, your Imperial Majesty." he audibly gulped in fear at the man squeezing the life out of him. "W-we found mentions in a scroll of something similar to it along with a known ruin of the Creators, but it might create a delicate situation. A team should be sent to investigate." Ryel let go of the man and started to pace the room in contemplation. Maven Marduke rubbed his sore arms, they will bruise tomorrow. "Your Imperial Majesty, please, do you recall anything else? Maybe if we had more information to go on, the search will go smoother." Maven Marduke pleaded.

"I told you every detail of my vision. There isn't anything else." he lied. "What ruin, Maven Marduke?"

"T-the Gun'dah'lari, your Imperial Majesty."

"Shit!" he spat. "That's well into Frey territory." he was visibly annoyed, forcing Maven Marduke to step back.

"It is, your Imperial Majesty, hence the delicate situation." Maven Marduke said.

"It doesn't matter, I'll send my royal guard within the week."

"As your advisor, your Imperial Majesty, I strongly recommend against moving offensive troops into Frey territory. It can be interpreted as a sign of aggression and reason for war. The informal truce that holds the peace at the border with the Frey is quite delicate. Anything can tip the balance in favor of war." Araya said calmly. Her eyes pleaded with Ryel's, fully knowing that her advice would be ignored.

"Your concern has been duly noted, Araya." Ryel replied coldly. "Maven Marduke, please recount what the scroll said."

"Very well, your Imperial Majesty. It translates to 'And they used the womb of E'a to give life to their creations at the feet of the throne of power.' or Gun'dah'lari, your Imperial Majesty." Maven Marduke replied.

"Please make sure to send me a copy of the scroll, you are dismissed." Ryel waved a hand and the fat man was on his way faster than a scared mron. It wasn't that Ryel didn't trust Maven Marduke, ancient as he was, he was sharper than a fresh steel blade. He knew that his translations and recount of the writings were accurate, however he knew that translations, especially of the ancient language of the Creators, could have multiple interpretations. So, it was important to see for himself.

"Emperor Ryel, I beg you to reconsider." Araya said after Maven Marduke closed the doors behind him. Ryel just sighed.

"You know I can't do that, Araya. It's what I've been looking for all my life. It's what we have been looking for. I'm tired of just performing." he said.

"I know, your Imperial Majesty." she knew he meant much more than that through a single word. She also knew that he bore a deep hatred for himself for even needing these performances he'd put on for every celebration. "Then, use a small force, Ad'hm and two more should be stealthy enough." she advised defeated, to which Ryel nodded.

"I agree, I'll let him choose who will go with him. They're not stupid, Araya. They won't use force unless it's absolutely necessary."

"You are, of course, right, your Imperial Majesty, as always." Araya replied. He didn't like the way she treated him, it felt cold.

"What about the slave, any word about it?" he asked.

"The slave has arrived, your Imperial Majesty. Since we've got our first clues to the artifact, It should be ripe for plucking when the time comes." she replied.

"Good, I don't want any low hanging fruits. Only the best befits an emperor, Araya." he looked at her again with his playful smirk. "Let's have some wine, shall we? It's the End Cycle after all."

----

Winters have always been harsh in the Red city, especially the winds. The powerful draughts that blew between the tall buildings could topple even a grown mron, but the melodic whistles resulted from the powerful winds always enchanted Araya. They had a melancholic tone, like the city was morning someone, something ancient as the city itself. This was what made her stay and build a life for herself as a Master Wielder for the local Academy. There was a mystery to the song of the Red city that had enthralled her but it was something she could not quite figure out, no matter how hard she looked. Throughout the years, Araya eventually got noticed by the royal court and then the emperor himself, claiming her as his own advisor.

The first ever female advisor to the emperor, what a joke. she mused as she pulled through the doors leaving the meeting room, moving forward down a corridor that had one side fully exposed to the outside gardens. The ceiling being supported by thick rigged columns. Councilmen wearing their usual over the top garments, that could easily feed an entire family for the rest of their lives, spilled around her at a hastened pace, hurrying to Creator's knows where. She rolled her eyes at their flashy attire. Probably off to ruin someone else's life. she thought.

"Imperial Advisor Araya, a word please." said a man, dressed in the same fine clothes. His hairline was clearly receding, but he tried to shamefully cover it with what little hair he had left. His green dark eyes that were always in a scowl felt menacing. It was Councilman Emeral, the emperor's third cousin; his closest relative, making him extremely dangerous.

"Yes, Councilman Emeral. How can I be of assistance?" she replied politely. One thing she learned the hard way was to never incur the wrath of a Councilman. Yes, the emperor had the absolute say in everything, but for most matters, that Ryel Ashanti deemed uninteresting, the Councilmen worked as proxies for the emperor. In time, they amassed a great deal of riches and power for themselves. Dangerous indeed.

"Walk with me, Advisor Araya." he ushered her forward through the opened side to the gardens and going down the stone laid path. As both of them were Wielders the cold and heavy winds were no issue for them. "I'm apologize for how the proceedings turned out. The chauvinistic and garish behavior of some of my colleagues is quite unacceptable. I like to think of myself as a champion for equality." he proclaimed.

Is that so? she thought amused. "I'm pleased to hear that, Councilman Emeral. I'm glad I can revise my opinion of your stance on such important issues. I do apologize for thinking quite the opposite; I remember your display of disgust and protest a few years ago when you refused a female Master Wielder for a position in the Disciplinary Order." she said while a smug smirk bloomed on her face. She couldn't see the Councilman's face, as they walked side by side, but the tension was immediate.

"Ah, yes. A grave mistake on my part, Advisor. I have grown a great deal since then." he said, as he brushed a hand over a waist-size hedge. Araya listened for the fluctuations in his voice. She knew he was lying. He wanted something, and she was not going to give it so easily, or even at all.

"That pleases me greatly, Councilman Emeral. Then you wouldn't mind if you would reconsider the woman that applied for the position, then?" she asked. He couldn't back down after making such claim. He was desperate, otherwise he wouldn't have engaged in a conversation with her. She mentally shook her head at the man that stood beside her. He set the trap all by himself, I didn't have to do anything, her smirk grew wider as she looked over the garden. The frost that had settled, sparkled in the dim light. It seems like it will be another winter without snow. she sighed.

"O-of course, Advisor Araya. I will review her myself." he clearly didn't plan on doing so, and this forced her hand.

"Good, the emperor will be pleased to hear that we're now considering female applicants. I would like to assist your review, if that would be in order?" she asked. Araya knew he couldn't refuse, especially since she mentioned Ryel.

"N-not at all. By all means!" she could clearly sense his annoyance with her.

Stupid old man, she thought. Now, let's get to what you actually want to know. "Well, if there's nothing else on your mind, Councilman, I would like to retreat to my chambers." she laid the line waiting for him to bite.

"Actually, Advisor Araya, there's one thing I want to ask you, of a more sensitive nature." he said.

"Well, anything for such a champion of equality." she toyed with him.

"Other Councilmen and I have noticed the Emperor is sending a small troop into Frey territory. He also has diverged resources to the scholars. This is the first time we've seen Emperor Ryel show any interest in the teachings of the Creators. I was wondering if you have any insight on these matters, Advisor Araya."

"Yes, I too am aware of the resources the emperor moved for the scholars. I myself am in search of answers. Alas, even as Imperial Advisor I am not privy to his personal machinations and thoughts." she lied. "I simply do not know what has been in his mind lately. I think it would be beneficial if we could keep each other updated with every new information that we get on the matter. I would hate to find ourselves in another meaningless cold war with the Frey. Don't you agree?" she baited.

"Of course, none of us want such thing to happen again. I think it would be best, indeed, to share what information we gather on the matter." and just like that Councilman Emeral took the bait.

Such an easy prey, politics is not for you Emeral. She thought. I'll just feed you false information while I learn everything you know. she shook her head at the man beside her.

"I'm glad you think so too." she said as she touched his arm in fake relief. "Was that all, Councilman?"

"Actually, I was wondering what happened to the slave that was on trial. After the emperor took interest in it, it disappeared without a trace. I'm sure you understand why the incident needs to be contained and studied. There has been no precedence of something like this happening in the past. There is no written record of such odd and terrifying occurrence." his voice quivered, she could tell his mind was preoccupied with a grim possible future that he envisioned if the word of the slave got out.

Damn, he needs to let this go already. She thought. Councilman Emeral had been seen actively protesting and investigating the disappearance of the slave from the trial. She and Ryel had been keeping an eye on him ever since. Araya thought on what to say next, she had to be quick, the garden way was coming to an end and she would prefer that none would hear their discussion.

"I may not be privy to the emperor's thoughts and personal projects, but I can tell you this, Councilman Emeral," she stopped in her tracks, looking around to see if there was anyone else nearby, once satisfied she leaned over and shifted to a whisper. "the slave is already detained and the situation is being looked into by Emperor Ryel's closest circle, outside of the Red City, far away where it will bring no harm. Rest assured that this situation has been handled with utmost urgency and care just as it calls for." she pulled back and resumed her walk "I trust my emperor, Councilamn Emeral, do you?" and with that she left his presence heading towards her chambers.

That should stop him from sticking his nose where it doesn't belong.