Disclaimer:
The following work is fiction, and all similarities to existing works are purely coincidental. The author (myself) hereby attests that the author is over 21 years of age, and that this material is intended for those over the age of 18 (or the legal age in accordance with local, national, provincial, or state laws). The author will not take responsibility should the reader decide to take the risk to access this material, and does not take responsibility for any offense towards violence, sexual intercourse between consenting adults, and depictions of fantasy.
Copyright:
This material belongs to the author (me), and the author does not consent for anyone to copy, distribute, or sell the work as their own in any shape or form. Permission to post on other forums will be permitted provided that the poster seeks written consent from me, and that the forum is for non-profit and benefits the LGBTQ community.
A note on the story:
I have always been a fan of fantasy role playing games as well as DnD, and take inspiration from those sources. However, I have researched extensively, and would never intentionally copy works of other people.
If you are looking for a story that immediately jumps to sex and erotica, then perhaps this story is not for you.
Feedback and Comments: soulwinn735@gmail.com _________________________________________
CHAPTER I
As the first rays of sunlight began to pierce the inky black sky while the morning fog descended from the mountainside in a giant slow moving wave, the roosters cawed with the coming of daybreak, and the Lazavese of Nerena, the capital, began their daily routines in blissful ignorance. Sipping their coffees and chatting about the most mundane of things, they loaded their laundry into wooden baskets placed in the river, and watched as the clothes were tossed and turned by the whirlpools that formed within them. If someone were to ask whether they feared the looming threat of war and conquest, those who concerned themselves would be few and far between, and many would deny outright that the Gichari had the capacity to cross the mountains. Though there was the initial shock and panic when the empire encroached and eventually conquered the southern region, the war became a trivial afterthought as a generation saw sunrise after sunrise, season after season, and year upon year without seeing anything remotely resembling war. Perhaps the only thing that the citizens missed about the south was the city of Kostenze, which was one of the last cities to fall, and now they had to go without any foreign goods and seafood. Used to plentiful bounties and a life of complacency, the Lazvese found this the most inconvenient, but there were those who still looked towards the horizon with unease and uncertainty.
Unlike her fellows, the Lady Inanna, the queen's sworn sword and protector, had beared witness to the horrors of war, and with each sunrise, she could not help but a crashing wave of grief and loss overcome her. Having lost her parents and five brothers when the Gichari took her hometown of Kostenze, she remembered how their attack came at daybreak, and by sunrise, the smell of burning flesh and the metallic scent of blood clung heavily in the air. She still had nightmares even now, and as she sipped the last of her coffee, her hands shook violently as she struggled to catch her breath. Inanna truly detested the sunrise now, and as she turned her back away from it, she felt her heart calm down, and she wiped the cold sweat from her brow. Nodding politely at the old woman behind the counter, she placed several coins on the wooden table with the now empty cup, and set off towards the palace.
It was shortly after the third hour when Inanna heard a familiar rapping at her door, and like clockwork, she opened it to a weary messenger who delivered yet another summons from her majesty. Once a woman who adhered to strict schedules and protocols, her majesty had been beset by anxiety, and her summons became more erratic as she sought comfort in a confidant or a quiet companion to keep her company in her chambers. Inanna took pity on her, not only was her highness dealing with the stress of maintaining a war of attrition against a much greater foe, but she was also being constantly challenged and chided by the noblemen and noblewomen in being resistant to the idea of vassaldom to the Gichari empire. To them, it was a losing battle, and her highness could only turn to her trusted retainers for solace and advice. Inanna had long grown accustomed to being called upon at all hours of the day, but she had to admit that they were taking their toll on her, and so she took inspiration from her counterparts in the kingsguard. Dividing shifts between herself and her subordinate, Apollon, the solution proved to give only the smallest of reprieves, and compared to the kingsguard who could divide their duties among seven, she and Apollon still struggled to maintain the balance. It was not uncommon for Inanna to find herself nodding off the moment she managed to sit, and she had found Apollon passed out from exhaustion on multiple occasions. However, it was their duty to her highness, and their close friend.
As she approached the castle gates, Inanna noticed a group of senators arriving with their retainers and entourages, and she felt their gazes follow her as she did the compulsory bow before paying them no mind. Though she would much rather wear tunics, pauldrons, and pantaloons for combat, Inana had shed her usual attire per her majesty's request, and opted for an elegantly embroidered white gown paired with a salmon riding cloak that both fell just above her leather boots. Tying her straw colored waist length hair into a single plait that ran down her back, she wore rouge and blush that complimented her large, honey, doe-like eyes and dainty features, and she resembled the other noblewomen of the senate. Inanna was well aware that the senators often balked at her appearance when she wore her armor, and she often heard them whispering about her lack of grace when it came to formal dress, but she ignored them. However, she understood that her highness had more comfort and less stress with one less thing to deal with, and so she obliged for this gathering.
Inhaling the crisp mountain air as she passed through the palace gates, Inanna noticed a rather unusual sweetness to the air, and figured that the blossoms atop the mountains had bloomed earlier than expected. As she walked towards the royal garden, she could not give the scent a second thought, and was surprised to see the queen's palanquin at the wrought iron gates. It was not like her highness to keep her guests waiting, and it was completely out of the blue for her to do so when she invited them herself. However, the garden was the queen's sanctuary, and it was the one place where her highness did not have to suppress her emotions or sense of self. Inanna saw a familiar figure standing at the gate, and he stood with his spear at the ready.
Typical of those from the north, Apollon, her subordinate, was tall and fair with skin the color of fresh cream, and after years of rigorous training, he was sculpted with a sinewy frame. With wavy sandy brown hair that fell just above his thick brows, his almond eyes were the color of milk chocolate, and his soft features along with his slim celestial nose gave him a rather boyish and angelic charm. Always clean shaven with a somber, stoic countenance, he was popular among the maidens who sought his company, and the members of the senate who wished to uncover the secrets behind such a handsome young knight. Though he was two years her junior, Inanna saw him as her protege, and as a surrogate younger sibling who filled the void of the family that she had lost.
Arriving over a decade ago from a remote mountain village in the far north, she remembered how he came accompanied by a group of cloistered sisters, and how they imported the kingsguard to take him under their wing. Gifted and bright, the sisters found it difficult to part with him, but felt that he deserved a place within the world, and their parting was tear filled. Since he was a young man, the sisters placed him under the care of the former kingsguard captain, and being a trainee herself at the time, Inanna would hear bits and pieces about him as the months went on. A prodigy in the ways of the spear, it was discovered that he had a knack for rudimentary white magic, and not only could he heal wounds, but also could imbue holy magic into his spear. SInce her master was a former archsage, and Inanna was learning the ways of rune fencing, her master persuaded the kingsguard to allow Apollon to become a retainer for her highness, and was seen as Inanna's perfect complement. While Inanna would strike with her rapier at close range, Apollon would support from the back, and as if it were second nature, they moved in sync.
Apollon's face was surprised :"My Lady, I thought you would be at the audience chamber by now."
Inanna shook her head: "I was on my way there now, but you know better than to keep the senate waiting."
"Forgive me my lady, her highness was feeling rather anxious, and so I felt it best for her grace to keep some fresh air."
Inanna was perplexed by this, her majesty never had such an episode before: "Is she alright? Did you ask her grace why she was feeling so?"
"No, her grace said that it would only be a few minutes, and we are still quite early for the meeting. I promise you that her highness is safe."
"Apollon,you were with her grace all morning, surely you would have noticed something amiss?"
"I am very concerned for her grace's health, but I am not one to pry." Apollon pressed his fingers to his chin then: "Actually.... Perhaps there was something. Though maybe it's trivial to the manner at hand."
"What is it?"
"His holiness came this morning for morning prayers, and after mentioning the date, her grace's mood changed."
How odd.... Inanna thought. There was nothing significant about today, and in many years, her highness never showed much interest in this day either. "Stay here Apollon, and man the gate."
"On my word, my lady"
Inanna knew where her highness was within the garden from the moment she passed through the gate, and quietly, she made her way towards the small natural pond at the center. Kneeling and petting the numerous small ducks that surrounded her on the shore, her highness, Queen Aurica, gently patted their heads, and gave them tiny pieces of stale bread. Though her highness was born on Lazavese soil, she was not of Lazavese descent, but instead was descended from a people who came to this land five hundred years ago from the east. Carrying lutes and valuable silks, the Kalli people were known for their brown skin and hair, and lived in isolation in a self ruled kingdom. Known for their rich cultural heritage, it was only after a series of marital alliances when the Kalli began to assimilate, and though they could no longer speak their native tongue, their impact was significant. Her majesty was nearing her 41st year, but her beauty had not waned in the slightest, and she could easily be mistaken for Inanna's age. Having a round face like most Kalli women, her majesty's skin was the color of caramel, and her eyes were the color of steeped tea. Having a serene expression, the only sign of aging were several strands of gray within her silky black hair, and the dark circles beneath her large almond eyes.
Without lifting her gaze as she doted on the chicks like a mother to her children, her highness spoke softly: "Forgive me Inanna, are the senators waiting?"
"No your majesty, we are still early, but many senators have already arrived."
"Has my husband arrived?"
"Yes, I assume so, your grace."
Her majesty stood then, and readjusted her headscarf that was decorated with coins: "Inanna, have you ever wondered how it feels to have a husband who you do not care for? I hardly know him, and besides the first night, I have not seen him since."
Inanna paused to choose her words carefully: "I am aware of how you and his grace feel towards one another, but a unified front is needed to keep the senate in line."
"I am well aware of that, Inanna" The queen turned towards her with a sad expression, tears welling up in her eyes: "I just needed a moment to collect myself."
"Is something wrong, your grace?"
"I cannot explain, but from the moment I awoke, there has been a terrible feeling in my heart, and I swear, I see the shadow of death lurking just beyond my periphery. I feel as if my death is near, and I cannot shake that feeling."
Inanna was taken aback: "Your grace is in excellent health, and you speak of death."
Queen Aurica looked towards the ground:" His birthday is ... My apologies, I seem to have had a lack of sleep... The king's birthday is not for a few months."
Inanna was puzzled by this, her majesty was an intelligent and sharp woman, but she had to leave it at that:"We should haste to the audience chamber."
Reuniting with Apollon, Inanna and him helped her majesty into the palanquin, and followed closely behind it in silence. Inanna could feel Apollon's gaze on her, and she knew that he was aware of something amiss. He had always been perceptive from a young age, and his ability to sympathize and empathize was unmatched. Letting her honey eyes dart to meet his, he nodded as if understanding that it wasn't the time, and their focus should be on the meeting ahead. The royal audience chamber was a large circular room that was lined with windows that alternated between stained and clear glass, and the members of the senate sat in concentric rings from the sunken floor at center. With two thrones for their majesties and nine chairs for the members of the royal guard, Inanna took her place closest to her highness at the front, and Apollon took the chair to her immediate left. Inanna could feel the senators gaze down at them, but she paid them no mind. Most of the senate were tolerable, and despite their haughtiness at times, they truly cared about the nation, but others were corrupt to the core, and were products of nepotism rather than actual political skill.
Their highnesses sat with blank expressions, neither one talking to the other, and they grasped each other's hands in an act of projecting a unified front. Itn secret among the royal guard that the marriage was one of convenience, and that rather than finding company in one another, their highnesses would often summon companions from the red light district. Inanna too was no stranger to seeing random men slipping from her majesty's chambers, and it was more of a routine than something to chastise. His highness, King Calin, had been aged by the war, and though he was once a handsome man, his copper colored hair was now more gray than anything, and his jade green eyes were vacant and devoid of emotion. With a hastily trimmed stubble, his highness had bags under his eyes, and resembled a vagrant more than a king.
Inanna heard someone clear their throat then, and she looked up to see Sir Johan, the captain of the kingsguard, take his place at the podium. He was old enough to be her and Apollon's grandfather, but the sixty year old man was anything but fragile. Known as the frozen fox, his prowess on the battlefield was legendary, and his icy blue gaze struck fear in the hearts of his enemies. Being one of three survivors of Terave, a city destroyed by the Gichari, Johan had survived nearly 8 months in the forest, and while committing guerilla warfare, he gained a reputation for his cunning. A hunter's son, his traps and ambushes were simple yet effective, and by the age of 13, his body count was already numbered in the hundreds. He was not a man to be trifled with, and only a fool would dare challenge him in battle. Now serving as the king's mouthpiece per tradition, the respect he had among the royal guard was undisputed, and Inanna listened closely.
Johan's voice boomed throughout the silent room:"My lords and ladies of the senate, their highnesses extend their gratitude for your prompt arrival, and your patience. As you are aware, as commander of the central region, all branches report directly to me, and I must report that communications with Uria have become silent over the last few days. It can-" A voice shouted from the audience then, and a weasel looking senator stood red in the face: "We warned their highnesses about this very situation, and we should have submitted as vassals to the Gichari from the moment they took Kostenze!"
Before Inanna could stop herself, she sprung upward with her hand gripped tightly on her rapier: "You insolent cur! You dare interrupt the words of their majesties!" Apollon grabbed her wrist and shook his head.
"You peasant bitch! You raise your sword against me!" The senator cried.
Johan turned to Inanna then: "Lady Inanna, I ask you to control your temper." His words were like acid.
Inanna sat back down then, and Johan continued: "Senator, though the choice of vassaldom was considered, it did not guarantee a future for our people, and as a former senator of the South, I would think you of all people would understand the brutality of the Gichari. However, that choice remains as a safeguard against needless bloodshed and genocide, and that brings me to the reason you were all summoned here.
This morning, a messenger arrived from the battlefront, and before she died of her wounds, she gave the report that Uria had fallen. We do not know by what means, but the casualties have wiped out nearly the entirety of the magic regiment. Counting apprentices in training and those unaccounted for, we are done to only 700 mages. All captured."
A wave of panic and chatter swept across the senate, and Inanna looked towards Apollon who had the same horrified expression. How could Uria have fallen? It had withstood so many attacks and was virtually impregnable. Inanna felt all the thoughts swirl around in her head, but she needed to remain level-headed. Many senators were shouting and speaking at once, and the deafening sounds of their voices drowned the sound of Inanna's thoughts. Suddenly, a burst of bright light filled the room, and as Inanna's eyes readjusted, Apollon stood with his hand raised towards the ceiling. Silence fell once more, and Johan patted Apollon on the shoulder before returning to the podium.
"The situation is dire, and I understand your apprehension and trepidation, but unity is needed at this time. In order to preserve our dignity and culture, their majesties have decided to surrender, and communications have been made with the Gichari. I personally ensure that my lords and ladies will retain your lands, and that your safety will be prioritized. Their highnesses have decided to evacuate the capital, and will parley with the Gichari personally. They ask that my lords and ladies choose representatives to remain and contribute your conditions for surrender, and the rest will be escorted back to your lands by armed troops. The senators who remain will not be harmed by the Gichari, and their highnesses have bravely decided to sacrifice themselves for the good of the nation.
At this time, I ask Lady Inanna to escort her highness back to her chamber per her majesty's request, and Sir Mihail, please escort his highness back to his room. Apollon, myself, and the remaining guard will remain so that we can monitor and collect requests from my lords and ladies. We will convene in exactly a half hour."
Inanna was surprised, she had expected to be asked to remain in the chamber room, but she could not give it much thought as her majesty stood, and she dutifully followed behind. Giving one last look back at Apollon, she smiled softly, and wondered if they were going to survive. Once they reached her highness' chambers, Inanna locked the door, and was shocked to see her highness weeping on the sofa. Rushing to hold her dear friend, her majesty managed to stifle her tears and sobs, and looked at Inanna with a look of resignation.
"I am sorry that I kept this news from you Inanna, I hope you are not angry with me."
Inanna shook her head: "Your majesty, I am angry, but I cannot blame you."
Her majesty removed the headscarf from her hair, and let the long black waves fall: "I have a favor to ask of you, but you must promise that you keep this from prying ears and eyes."
Inanna wasn't sure how to respond: "Your majesty, I-"
"Inanna, you have been my retainer for years now, and I ask that you fulfill your duty."
Inanna knew that she had to relent: "I promise you, your majesty."
Queen Aurica stood then, and went to her drawer. Removing a compact, her majesty fumbled with the glass, and Inanna heard a pop as the glass gave way. Making her way to her portrait, the queen lifted the frame and inserted the key hidden within the compact, and Inanna watched with curiosity as her grace came back with a stack of letters along with a faded portrait of a child.
"Here, you will need this."The queen handed the stack to Inanna.
Inanna looked at the child's portrait: "Who is this?"
The queen sighed: "When I first married the king, I was only 15, and I was no more than a scared little girl. I gave him my maidenhood, and after our only night together, I became pregnant. I didn't want to raise a child, and I did not want it to grow up with parents who were strangers to one another. Married only for convenience and power rather than love. Your mentor at the time was the one who suggested that I send the child far away, and to hide my pregnancy, I refused visitors.
When I gave birth to him, I named him Raman, in honor of an ancestral god from the Kalli homeland, and I sent him to a monastery in the far east of the country. These are all the letters that the caretakers have sent me, and I want you to find him. You and I both know that I will not likely survive, and it is important for our people to have a figure to rally behind. Tell him about this birthright, guide him, and mold him."
Inanna felt the weight of it all, and she struggled to maintain her composure: "Your highness, I accept, but..."
"Please do not question anything, please find my son, and show him the way. I am no fool, I know that there is a traitor among us, and the king is too fatigued to notice. I have accepted my fate, but I cannot accept the erasure of my nation."
Inanna tucked the letters into her pouch: "But how can I slip away without anyone noticing? What about Apollon?"
"Apollon will remain here with me, but I will not let him die. I swear. If anyone questions your absence, there is a friendly senator who has agreed to give the story that you were assigned as his personal escort. He is high ranking, and no one will question that he deserved such an honor. He will accompany you on your journey. You are to head to the city of Chisana in the east, and my son will be in a monastery there. Look for a single peak with a set of spiral stone stairs, and that is the correct place. Go now, and prepare your things."
Inanna bowed: "I swear that my life will be devoted to his grace."
APOLLON
When he was old enough to learn the scriptures and to recant the mythos of the nation, Apollon remembered how the sisters of the priory began with the creation of the world, and how the world's existence depended on a delicate balance. In the beginning, the god and goddess of creation first made a being of darkness and light, and this being was the first of their primordial children. Unable to contain its power in a single vessel, it was decided that it would be split into two, and thus the goddess of light and the god of darkness were born. Neither benevolent nor malicious in nature, the two were complements of each other, and were given dominion over the day and night respectively. As siblings, they cared for one another deeply, but could only meet during the eclipse to exchange stories and news. Short and limited, the end of the eclipse marked their parting, and it was said to be a somber occasion as the siblings grieved from being separated from their kindred spirit. As if the very same story were playing out before him, Apollon felt a weight in his chest as he watched Inanna part with a Kalli senator in tow, and he stood for what seemed like hours as Inanna's figure faded slowly into the horizon. He was to remain behind as the queen's personal guard, and she was assigned to guide evacuees eastward.
The meeting adjourned after several hours of negotiations between the senate and their highnesses, and after careful consideration, a handful of senators remained to oversee the surrender, but also to ensure their majesties upheld their end of the bargain. Leaving the capital vacant and devoid of life, evacuees were assigned small contingents of troops led by a member of the kingsguard, and it was only Johan and Mattia who remained of the seven. Though Apollon considered it to be suicide to leave their majesties with only three guards, Queen Aurica had assured him that it was a necessary step to ensure that the Gichari did not perceive them as a threat, and the presence of troops would result in their complete annihilation. Apollon dared not question further, and as he watched the sun slowly set, he wondered whether by sundown tomorrow if his body was to be displayed from a noose or if it were to be used relentlessly by Gichari men within a harem. He struggled to stomach the thought, and even though he reclined deeply into the hot water of the bath, his blood still ran cold.
For most of his life, he had always been under the thumb or influence of others, and the sisters described him as a lump of clay. He was always dutiful, willing to help, but he never had to make any significant choices or decisions. From the sisters encouraging him to embrace scripture, chivalry, and empathy to Inanna commanding him in battles, he wondered if he was truly his own person at times, and longed to feel a sense of true freedom. However, as he gently scrubbed his skin, he realized that he was alone, and this feeling of being able to make choices was a strange and terrifying feeling. Draining the tub and drying himself off, Apollon donned a robe, and slipped under the covers in the dark room. Laying his head on the silk pillow, he gazed out at the shimmering stars, and felt himself drift off to sleep. Not dreaming or having any thoughts, but rather a silent respite.
The morning came again, and Apollon bathed once more, but donned a simple blue tunic with white trousers. Her majesty had commanded all remaining guards to come unarmed, and that the Gichari had sworn that no blood or harm would be done by their hands. Apollon had never seen a Gichari before, but he was told that they were brutalistic and savage people, and that their civilization had the mentality of a stone age society. Meeting with Johan and the other remaining kingsguard at the doors of the throne room, Apollon felt his heart beating rapidly in his chest, and soon he came face to face with those who would decide his fate. Sitting opposite their majesties and the senators were two men, one middle-aged and one young, and they were dressed in an elegant fashion much to Apollon's shock. The older man was dressed in a simple white kaftan that paired well with his cinnamon skin and white hair, and the younger wore a colorful turban paired with a Gichari style vest and pants. As Apollon stood to the side alongside Johan, he saw the older man looking at him lustfully with his dark brown eyes, and though the man was probably double his age, he could feel the man's aura crushing his very spirit.
The older man returned his gaze to their highnesses, and he spoke in rapid Gichari. Apollon perceived the language to be a string of consonants intermixed with strange vowels, and words seemed to be never ending as if countless pieces were glued to one another. It was then to Apollon's and Johan's surprise that the younger man spoke in Lazavese: "General Kerkenes expresses his reservations at having guards at this meeting, especially when we agreed to come under the banner of peace."
His majesty spoke then: "Our guards are unarmed, and are here simply as witnesses."
The young man turned towards Apollon then, and he seemed to scan Apollon closely, he snapped his fingers, and Apollon watched as a slave bounded forward, and he took position next to General Kerkenes' ear :"If you don't mind, I will be leading this discussion on General Kerkenes' behalf, and our translator will convey your messages. Rest assured, he will not twist your words in any way, your majesties."
Queen Aurica spoke up: "And you are?"
"I am Elnur, second in command." The young man replied.
Apollon saw their highnesses look towards one another, and they nodded: "I, King Calin, and my wife, Queen Aurica, are here to clarify and elaborate on our terms for surrender and to see your conditions to fulfill our new role as vassals to the Gichari Empire."
Elnur nodded: "Your terms are fair, but we would like to add some."
His majesty's brow furrowed: "Go on"
"Your people will not be harmed, but we will recruit some to meet the needs of the empire of course. Your nobility will retain their lands and resources, but in exchange, they must provide a set share to supply our troops as well. We require grain, produce, and anything else we deem necessary." Elnur looked towards Kerkenes who then nodded.
"We accept." Her highness said with defeat.
"I am not finished, Queen Aurica, we have one last and simple stipulation." Elnur replied.
"What else would you want of us?" His majesty's face was even more grim.
"Whenever we conquer a nation, we always ensure that the empire will never face an uprising or rebellion, and so we ask you to step down in favor of those who can show their devotion and loyalty to the empire. You can live out your lives of course, but as figureheads."
The Queen spoke then: "You mean to have us replaced by imperial advisors and representatives? Our people will not easily bend to the rule of a foreigner let alone a group of conquerors."
Elnur and Kerkenes chuckled, and Apollon was incredulous: "No no, we have someone in mind."
Apollon felt the air in the room change then, and he felt Johan and the other kingsguard tense up as his majesty looked puzzled: "Who?"
"Us." A senator replied, and then Apollon saw that same senator plunge a concealed knife into his majesty's chest.
Before Apollon could react, he was knocked backward by a cold gust of air, and he felt a sharp pain as he struggled to catch his breath. Johan had already reached his majesty's side, and knocked the treacherous senator clear across the room. Apollon felt his body shake as he stood back up, and he dodged another bullet of wind from a senator whose aim was on him, and the remaining kingsguard lunged at the two Gichari. Shooting light from his palm, Apollon rushed to her majesty's side, and he threw her behind him as he grabbed the arm of another senator who tried to stab him with a sword hidden within his cane. Grabbing the sword, he disarmed the senator, and stabbed him with the sword all the way to the hilt. As Johan joined him with her majesty in hysterics, Apollon threw her behind him, and watched as the two Gichari effortlessly dodged the kingsguard's attacks, but the senators remained at a distance with weapons in hand. His majesty laid in a pool of blood, and his face maintained a look of shock as his life drained from him.
Apollon felt Johan's hand hold him back as he screamed: "King Calin! Your highness!"
"Apollon, listen, I have failed in my duty, but you haven't. Take her highness and go somewhere safe. We can handle this."
"It is five on two! Let me assist!" Apollon heard his voice shaking.
"Your duty is to her highness, take her somewhere safe, and then rejoin the fight. Do not worry, those cowards saw you dispatch that one senator. They won't risk losing their grip on power. Do not underestimate me. Now go!"
Apollon nodded, and gently, he started leading her majesty away, and saw Johan slice another wind shot in half from a senator with the sword he pulled from the one Apollon killed earlier. Using a ceremonial shield from a wall decoration, Apollon blocked another spell from the senator, and frantically, he and her majesty began running down the hall. He would not allow her majesty to die, and he would not bear the burden and shame of failing to uphold his oath and duty. Urging his highness gently with his free hand, Apollon walked briskly backwards, and kept a close eye on the passageway. He saw a flash of white then as the senator with wind magic from before began chasing after them, and Apollon felt his body get knocked back as another wind spell hit the shield. He concentrated then, and shot a ray of light from his palm from behind the shield, and watched as the senator's body was shot back from the force. Hitting the stone wall, Apollon waited for the dust to settle before he saw the senator's limp and lifeless body hunched against the wall beneath a noticeable dent. He had to catch his breath again, he was no mage after all, and though his mana pool was greater than most knights, it was limited. Apollon knew that he needed to conserve in case he needed to heal or tend to the battle within the throne room.
"Apollon" Her majesty said through dry heaves: "Is Calin..."
Apollon felt a lump form in his throat: "His grace is dead...." The queen fell to her knees, and he felt the panic as he darted his eyes down the passage and to her grace. He knelt down then, and placed his hand on her shoulder: "Your grace, we cannot mourn him now, we must continue or else all is lost. Johan is fighting bravely to keep the enemy at bay."
Her grace's eyes looked into his, and she nodded: "You- you're right. There is a passageway within my chambers, we need to go there."
They began running then, and Apollon watched as her highness's face became devoid of expression. As they made their way into the queen's chambers, Apollon heard a crash then, and watched as the body of the second kingsguard flew through a stained glass window, and landed on the grass. His face was twisted, mouth agape, and a large icicle stood glistening in his chest. Apollon shielded her majesty's gaze, and he heard her soft sobs as she pressed her face into his chest. He saw the last two remaining senators in the courtyard then, and Apollon hurried to find something to keep them at bay. Pushing an armoire and desk against the door of her majesty's chamber, Apollon felt safe as he knew the remaining senators did not possess any magical abilities, but he wondered which Gichari possessed ice magic. As her majesty shifted a bookcase, Apollon hurried to find a weapon, and took a flag pole bearing the nation's flag. It was no spear, but it was close enough.
"Apollon, over here." Her majesty's voice was faltering.
As Apollon made his way over to where her majesty stood, he was shocked to see a dark narrow passageway, and looked at her grace who now had a somber expression: "Apollon, you need to go." Her voice was stern.
"Your grace, we can both go." Apollon did not understand, and tried to pull her grace into the passage.
Queen Aurica slapped his hand away: "As your sovereign, I command you to go!"
"Your grace, it is my duty to protect you, and I swore an oath to you and Lady Inanna!"
Queen Aurica smiled then, her eyes welling up with tears: "Apollon.... You have done your duty well, and I cannot express enough gratitude for your devotion... But if we were to leave together, they would continue to hunt us..... Hunt me. My husband is dead, Apollon.... And I swore to Inanna that I would keep you alive."
"Queen Aurica" Apollon felt his own emotions heighten and explode: "THIS IS NONSENSE! I CAN KEEP YOU SAFE!"
Queen Aurica approached him then, and clasped his face in her hands: "I have never told you this, but I have always seen you as my own child..... It is a mother's duty to sacrifice for the sake of her children, and I want to do the same for you... Please honor my command and go... Do not question it.... When you came... the sisters told me that you were like a lump of clay, always molded for the use of others, but it is time you mold your own fate.... This passage leads to the forest outside the capital. From there, you can make your way east.... Inanna has gone to Chisana, and you two can one day bring about the rebirth of our nation, I believe that. Now, please go."
Apollon was speechless, he did not know what to say, and tears began to fall down his cheeks as her grace kissed him on the forehead before shifting the bookcase back into place. He heard her fumble, and realized that she was disabling the mechanism for the door, and that was when he heard a loud crashing sound. He knew then that somehow, the Gichari had broken through, and this meant that Sir Johan was also dead.... Apollon could not fathom what manner of man or perhaps what manner of beast could fell one of Lazevasca's greatest warriors, and he quietly pressed his ear to the wall.
He recognized Elnur's voice from before: "Where is your companion, your grace?"
Apollon was shocked at the queen's response: "He abandoned me, and disappeared into one of the many passageways."
"Strange, I did not see him as a man who would abandon duty. I am also surprised that your grace did not also slip away."
"And Sir Johan?" The queen replied.
"He is not dead, but certainly incapacitated."
"Why all this chatter? Why don't you slay me where I stand?"
"I could, but in my culture, we give mercy to those who cannot fight back."
"Mercy? Like you gave mercy to my husband?"
"The king's death was unplanned, and unexpected. We did not expect the senators to kill him. Our original plan was to simply imprison you. However, the remaining two senators will certainly intend on killing you, but I have an option for you."
"What would that be?" The queen's voice was defiant.
"You could take your own life with this dagger that I found on the dead senator's body in the hall, and I can say that I found you already dead. All your secrets will die with you, by your hand and choice."
Apollon heard silence then, and after what seemed like an eternity, he heard the queen's reply: "I will do it to preserve my dignity."
Apollon felt his body slide down onto the stone ground, and he listened closely. There were several moments of silence, and then he heard the gurgles of someone who had slit their throat, and he knew then that Queen Aurica was no more. He felt a numbness wash over his body as he limped with no purpose or direction down the passage, and realized that he had failed.