Chapter Nineteen

Gently while rocking back and forth, Elidra stroked her daughter’s hair. The cold air of winter returned to Tova and the nights proved very long. Longer still as each night for several months Elidra had to hold her daughter to calm her while she screamed out keeping them both from sleeping.

For the first few weeks Elidra would attempt to heal an unknown affliction she was sure was causing the screaming. Yet again and again her powers found nothing. She had listened to every suggestion the host maidens offered. Growing pains, fear of sleeping, possession, sadness or some other tale Elidra wouldn’t even begin to listen to.

Two made sense. Magic raged in the child and perhaps it was causing her pain was one that made sense. Born to it like her mother. Nightmares were the possible second, yet Elidra struggled to understand what would cause a young child to have nightmares. If it was indeed magic, what exactly was she going to be able to do about it?

As the hours passed, sunlight poured into the room. Right on schedule her attendants came in to bathe and dress the mother and daughter. Elidra welcomed the hot waters that caused her to continually nod off as she relaxed.

Dressing and reading the reports that continued to come in from various agents throughout the various realms, Elidra was thankful the Rhiyan Legions seemed hesitant to move against Tova and focused their efforts south. Tactically, it made more sense to not fight both Tova and the cold winter elements which were much harsher in the mountain. Less than half of the host remained to defend Tova, which was enough for the winter, but into the summer they would become vulnerable.

Sickness and death continued to plague the Empire as the poison sickness now extended into and beyond Dragonspine via Keybridge, Torus Vo and the Firefields. Regularly junior advisors that she promoted to commanders explained for the first time the Empire was exposed to any and all enemies. Everything simply added to Elidra frustration and anger.

There was also the Rakshar messenger that arrived severely wounded from the south. Elidra knew there would be no good news from him as he already addressed himself as a Prince. There was little else she could do but attend to him and find out what he wanted. Watching as her daughter Khelidra played with the host maidens, Elidra resolved herself to her duties of the day and left to attend to the Rakshar prince and messenger.

****

Step by step, Elidra touched, absorbed and released every wound the young Rakshar had received. For months she worked her power to heal her people, thankfully his wounds were nothing compared to the poison Elidra dealt with. Once she finished, food was brought to him, which he immediately attacked.

As he ate, shoving the food into his mouth forgetting all manners, she eyed him up and down. One of Vrok’s ‘silence’ members caused her to immediately distrust him. Before she healed him she had checked him for one of the armbands many of the Rakshar wore. Seeing none caused her to trust him less. Already he was well under the influence of the magic Vrok subjected all his people to.

Elidra previously looked over the documents he carried with him, ‘requesting’ the Emperor to honor his agreement to support the south against the Rhiyans in return for his harboring and training of an heir of their King. Knowing this Rakshar was actually a relative of Vrok only fueled her anger.

“The answer is no. Look around you, the Rakshar are dieing. All the most trusted generals are dead.” Elidra’s words came fast and harsh. “I suggest you return to your home and forget about the events on this side of Dragonspine.”

“But your Grace, this too includes the Rakshar.” Burakani began carefully choosing his words giving consideration to her anger. “Our honor...”

Faster than he believed possible, Elidra moved to stand just inches from him, a finger pointed right at the middle bridge of his nose. “Honor? Do not speak to me of honor boy. I have learned all about Rakshar honor. The Rakshar are but sheep.”

“Then be our Shepard.” Quickly he bowed to her and continued. “Those of us born Rakshar have no issue with this. Without our Emperor we will splinter, break apart and return to the wilds. Who then will be there to fight the demons when they return? And they will return I have seen one with my own eyes.”

“It will not be our affair.” She stated quickly as her eyes seemed to burn into his.

“But your Grace, I have known and trained their newest King for years. He deserves help.” Burakani pleaded.

“What do you know about who deserves what? Being blood to Emperor Vrok makes you a Prince, but do not begin to think you understand such affairs.” Elidra barked callously.

“I know enough that no Rakshar should die anywhere but a battlefield. I know our people and this King is as we are.” He responded.

Walking over to a chest, Elidra opened it and tossed an armband at Burakani’s feet. “That is what bothers me the most. He is too much like us.”

“I don’t understand.” The Prince stated as he picked up the armband. “What does this have to do with anything?”

“Put it on.” Elidra stated fiercely. “Once you put that on you will understand.

Burakani clasped the arm band to his arm and immediately took a knee before Elidra and recited the Rakshar chant:

“By the will of the One, we pledge ourselves to the Empress and the Empire in which she rules by Divine Grace of the One. What the Empire needs, we will provide and in turn we will be provided for. Upon my death, I will return to the Emperor and guide him through the will of the dead for the dead keep the knowledge of the living. I bind myself to the Empress, as the Empress is now bound to me.”

Elidra could see the clarity in his eyes and the changes in his face. All the details of Vrok’s notes were true. None did his will by choice, each in some way had fallen victim to his magic. Now she would break this bond.

“Go now, gather all the people and send word to every Rakshar city. With the word, send my wishes.” Elidra handed Burakani an officially sealed parchment. “Anyone who violates this command is to be sentenced to death. All of Tova is to be gathered immediately.”

****

Elidra stood before the people of Tova. She ran the thoughts through her head again and again. In the end nothing formed into thoughts. Covered by anger and betrayal she stood before these people and realized she simply didn’t belong. The choice had never been hers. She was born of magic, daughter of the Timewalker and wife to their Emperor. None of which actually provided the tie she needed or wanted.

Zhandoga was correct, she was just a vessel. Either for whatever fate held before her or for simply giving birth to her daughter. In the end it didn’t matter, now she was making her own choices. Emptying her thoughts, words poured from her mouth.

“I wish only for each of you to see and to understand. Everything I have learned I am going to share with you. From that moment you will be able to choose what you wish, it will no longer be my command.” Beside her as she spoke, Burakani’s mouth pressed into a tight and concerned expression. Glancing at him briefly, she continued. “Each of you owns or wears a band first given to you by Emperor Vrok. If you are not wearing yours, you must do so now.”

With little commotion each donned their bands and remained all around her. In the silence, the cold Tovan air seemed to pause. Elidra could now feel the power of the magical bands dancing along unseen waves. As she thought it, every voice in unison repeated the devotional;

““By the will of the One, we pledge ourselves to the Empress and the Empire in which she rules by Divine Grace of the One. What the Empire needs, we will provide and in turn we will be provided for. Upon my death, I will return to the Emperor and guide him through the will of the dead for the dead keep the knowledge of the living. I bind myself to the Empress, as the Empress is now bound to me.”

First there was just a murmur. It grew suddenly into massive conversations and exclamations. Elidra had freed them of the bond and each was coming out of the trance and shock in their own way. Those born as Rakshar wore worried expressions as they began to distance themselves from the others. As the crowd started to refocus on Elidra, Burakani moved to stand between them.

“Now take them off and never wear them again.” She commanded. Her own regal stance and power in her voice reverberated through them all. Elidra could sense the magic fading quickly into the cold air.

“I want my Mommy!” A little girl cried out.

Immediately tears and wailing filled the people as the long repressed losses overcame them. It was almost too much for Elidra to take. Many of them approached her almost begging. With each touch she was slammed with emotions well beyond anything she had felt before. The pain and the wails of the people filled her mind.

“Stop! Back up!” Burakani’s voice growled out. “It’s too much for her, can’t you see it.”

“What are we to do now? We don’t even know where our families are. She has taken it all from us.” A voice in the crowd yelled out.

“Rakshar, form ranks and protect the Empress!” Burakani commanded as he began pushing people away from Elidra. As several fought back, Burakani struck to leave them unconscious. “I said back up!”

Rakshar men immediately created a barrier between the people and Empress Elidra. Elidra regaining her wits as the emotions faded, stood tall and took a deep breath. Carefully she stepped between the soldiers and offered herself again to the people.

“We will find your families. Ever orphan here and throughout the Rakshar Empire will be reunited. All efforts will be made. It is my only and final promise to you as your Empress.” Elidra announced with great command of her voice. “Each of the Rakshar soldiers shall serve as escorts and protectors for all orphans, regardless of age. Tova is to be returned to its people. It does not belong to the Rakshar or the Empire anymore.”

“Lead us!” A voice called out. “We cannot survive without a leader. Our royals were killed.

“I rule no man or woman.” Elidra stated calmly, and then looked at Burakani. “However, Burakani Prince of the Rakshar Empire will lead, if you will have him.”

Burakani grabbed her arm and turned Elidra toward him. “Have you lost your mind? I am not of age or experience to lead these people. They are not even my own.”

“You are a Prince of Rakshar and your Emperor made these your people. You will not leave them in the dark. You were born Rakshar; you knew what the Emperor was doing. You are responsible.” Elidra tapped a band as she responded to him, and then roughly pulled her arm free.

“Choices are now yours. I have given these same commands to be sent throughout the Empire. You are free people.” Elidra announced and walked away as the conversations and arguments erupted throughout the people.

*****

In only a few days, order of a type returned to Tova. The people agreed to have Burakani govern the city, but not as an Emperor. Taking the title of Baron, Burakani sent an envoy to the King of the South updating him on the events and requesting allegiance to the cause against demon and Rhiyan forces. Elidra remained a part of all discussions as council and nothing more. Any time he turned to her for a decision, she simply looked away or continued to attend to her daughter Khelidra.

Almost a legion of men volunteered to provide for the defense and support of Tova. Several teams were sent to watch the Rhiyan forces. Reports from the teams continued to come in as Burakani relayed messages through the Silence created by Emperor Vrok. Each report lead to a conversation with Elidra in which she remained silent.

Dismissing those he elected as captains, Elidra watched as he approached her. For almost two months each time he asked a question, she gave him silence. She knew there was a point he would break. Why she was waiting, she didn’t understand herself, but only sought to remove herself from it all.

“The Empire is in shambles Elidra. You have doomed us all to be scattered as we once were.” He started and then sat in frustration.

In the short time he had been Baron, Burakani lost the entire boy that was in him. Vrok would have been proud to see this in a Rakshar. For Elidra it only caused her pain as she saw bits and pieces of Vrok’s personality in him. That same personality was shared by all natural born Rakshar; fierce, direct and confident.

“The Empire was one of slaves. Now it is of people. Get used to it.” Elidra snapped more harshly than she intended. “Regardless of the result, what was done to these people was wrong.”

“And this is right. Damn you to darkness Elidra.” Burakani was stopped by the sudden slap to his face. When he didn’t move or respond, Elidra slapped him again.

“In the end the mighty Rakshar is a coward. Afraid of what happens when people are allowed to choose.” Elidra looked away in disgust.

“My people were scattered and torn from the last time Rhiya walked Terra. We would do anything to stop it again. But you have doomed us to die.” Burakani returned to his feet and began to pace. “What if the Delva chooses not to fight? Then all his father and Emperor Vrok worked on has been in vain.”

“Then let it be in vain.” She snapped back. “The Rakshar simply took what was already being done by the Ministry and gave it a new name. You take freedom in the light of better good. The Darkness with you!”

Burakani moved to respond only to be interrupted by a blindfolded man entering the room. Elidra could feel magic emanating from every poor of the man, yet felt no fear at his arrival.

“A Seer!” Burakani gasped and was interrupted as the Seer spoke.

“I am Tagor the Seer, the messages I give are equal and without choice.” As he spoke the heavy tome in his hand as well as the rest of his body never seemed to move. Even his lips seemed only to open without moving in time with the words.

“The Seer awakens while an empire crumbles and a child is born. She who would be a God marks her cycle of birth as the plague claims her old debt. Chosen of the South shall be lost and then found as the Guardian betrays. That which is dead will find life and that which is life shall entrench within death.

Fiend of Death fears only Bohr Wethrin, yet so long as it sleeps the devout will suffer. Fear not the Fathers for in the sons all are set right. If the sons are broken She who would be a God shall be born as the sky emits her fire.

Seek the Daughter of the Seas and Book of Souls she guards and know the life read. Protect what is hers as the First Brood slumbers only so long as the Book is not read. Mark this as the era ending and the façade takes its power.

Only as the world erupts can the façade break and the true end be sealed by the final combination of blood. Yet the Siblings will sunder Terra and only in that wake shall the Will of the One be done.”

Elidra had heard tales of Seers and knew only those who were named would be given the message. “Have you delivered your message to all the named Seer?”

“Such questions I am forbidden to answer, my side and affiliation in the wars that will come is that of fate.” Tagor pointed carefully to Elidra. “Do not seek to piece the veil of my thoughts or the Seers curse will plague your bloodline for eternity as it plagues mine.”

Elidra realized without thought she was attempting to see into his thoughts. Immediately she withdrew and moved toward the Seer, offering him a seat.

“The tides of prophecy are strong and my walk knows no rest. Heed my words Vessel, they offer you no comfort but your blood it could save.”

Without another word Tagor walked away. Burakani stood in shock as he continued to look back and forth between the Seer walking away and where Elidra stood.

“You heard the prophecy; we need to figure it out.” Elidra commanded him.

“I heard gibberish, what is there to figure out.” He commented.

Quickly Elidra recapped what the Seer said. Burakani listened carefully and made her repeat several parts.

“So now the question is where we start, none of it makes sense to me.” Elidra commented with exasperation.

“I have no idea. The Daughters of the Seas is my mother and she is long dead.” Burakani answered and then frowned deeply. “All her possessions were burned at her death, so whatever books she held are now dust. What happens now?”

Elidra dropped her head and sighed heavily. “Apocalypse.”