Where do we go if not up?

This is the rhyme to a non-existent summer,

A song cradled by the wind,

A rise to the scaffold.

The Unbroken Ones,

Enemy of Man,

My friend.

Do not forget who lives here,

In these devastated escarpments of a wiped off world,

Wiped by the dancing tempest,

Dancing to the sound of the Hi blizzard.

The Unbroken Ones,

Enemy of Man,

My friend.

Victoria, Ascent to the Unbroken Ones.

The song was simple and slow. It had been written as a sort of poem by the first of the Imperatrix’ jewels after all, not by a famous bard.

Janis the White had transformed it into a ballad many years later. Nay knew it by heart, and she loved the serenity and nostalgia it brought her. It was only now, as the last note of the song echoed in the cathedral’s main nerve, as she felt the Imperatrix’ Rreico next to her, that she fully understood what Victoria had meant with this poem. It wasn’t meant anyone other than the most beautiful of women, to her friend who had lied to her all along.

Nay was having heart throbs because of the stress, and even though there was some applause, she knew she hadn’t been particularly good. What’s more, the ballad wasn’t even a popular one. Nonetheless, she focused on the Imperatrix. The Legio had never witnessed such a reaction on her face. Hyn seemed displeased and sad all at once. As if in great pain. The emotion vanished almost immediately, a warm smile quickly reappearing on the perfect features of the woman with charcoal-coloured hair.

“Thanks for playing along Nay. I suppose I deserved that.” The Imperatrix took back her place in front of the enchanted alter to speak to the crowd once more.

“Wasn’t that a beautiful performance?”

This time, the applause was thunderous. “As such, instead of Monster of Gite, I propose that my goddaughter receive another title. I shall use this joyous occasion to officialize it. Nay Darae, songstress of Trayx.

The Legio grimaced. Darae’s were priests and priestesses of Trayx who were in charge of funerals. In a way, Hyn had just given her the title of the one who would sing their deaths.

She sighed, at least people would have to stop calling her a monster.

“On that last note, I will now give my place to the Chorus of the Gods, as I did each year, but for my last. Enjoy the spectacle offered to us by the Gods, in this day of commemoration and feast!”

The public applauded again, but Nay felt a very notable rise in ambient enthusiasm.

She followed the Imperatrix to their respective chairs, situated opposite of the jewels, but put more forward and better lit up than their counterpart.

Nay was still out of breath, but she tried to shake off her emotions to observe what was going to follow.

The Chorus of the Gods was without a doubt the spectacle not to miss during the celebration of the end of the War. It was a troupe of God-Touched, supervised by the archbishop of Ja himself, who used the miracles of the Gods to produce some sort of art piece, a mixture of light and music, each year different, each year sumptuous and unbelievable. This was something Fredere had loved to talk about, and there were numerous poems and stories retelling the event.

Thirty or so women and men got out of the deambulatory behind the hidden fabric wall to come forward and position themselves in an arc around the enchanted altar.

The applause picked up again, Nay even hearing the growing whispers of excitement all around. There was a short silence, then Defin appeared from behind the scenes. He was still wearing his blue robe, but despite its unchanged appearance, it was shining, the colour bursting out as if a miniature sun. But weirdly, the light wasn’t blinding at all. Nay could feel the enchantment from where she stood, lowering the ambient light except the one around the miracle.

“Children of Adienha! Pilgrims of Ja’s lands! Good day. To the youngest of you who don’t know me, I am the archbishop Defin, loved by Ja, and behind me…” He turned to face the other God-Touched. “…stand your humble servants, the gift of the gods for you, citizens of the greatest of Empires.” He looked back at the public. “Today is a great day, a day where life vanquished death, where love vanquished hatred. Today is the day where our sovereign, the one who saw all of us born and loved us all, lets us go to fly with our own wings. This year, three miracles are to be celebrated! Our Gods! Our Victory! And Hyn, our beloved Imperatrix!” He looked towards the Imperatrix, but his stare stopped more than an instant on Nay. “To you!”

He bowed deeply, then rose, his arms straight towards the sky.

And he began chanting a miracle.

The psalm was too fast, too precise and too bewitching to understand the words, but Nay felt an enormous amount of magic emanating from the priest of Ja’s aura.

Then, his voice was met with those of the other God-Touched. A chant in many tones, four or five psalms chanted simultaneously, and almost impossibly so, they were harmonizing. Nay felt the air around her vibrate, the echo of all the voices was coming and going through the central nerve of the cathedral, but even the lags of the echoes were mixing in perfect unison.

Then, the Cathedral walls began trembling.

Nay started worrying, but the sensations were ephemerous, as she quickly realized it wasn’t an earthquake, as the ground wasn’t moving at all. No, it was the miracle making the walls vibrate, and soon a new voice was added to the song of the Chorus of the Gods, the voice of the Cathedral itself. It was deep, almost sombre, out of this world. Nay felt shivers run down her spine, goosebumps all over her body.

It was magnificent.

Then, the light coming out of the archbishop burst alive. Instead of the blue of a star, it became thousands of blue, escaping his robe. A cloud of shining butterflies flew to the ceiling of Ja’s murals, and up there, they transformed.

Ghost of the past took form, showing every scene of Ja’s life as if it was happening right here and now, above their heads.

Then, the story switched to Adienha’s birth, then Jormun’s…Every major God got His or Her moment, a summary of Their long tales. Then the image darkened. The War, an unnamed woman crying. The song became dark and sad, the Cathedral didn’t sing anymore.

A hand appeared to pick up the fallen woman, and the Cathedral regained its voice. The Imperatrix’ face, less comforting than the one Nay knew, one more of a warrior, appeared around the divine murals.

And around Hyn, dozens, hundreds of ghosts seemed to rise. The Imperatrix was lost in the crowd, raising their hands and weapons, celebrating their final victory of the Firantes.

Then, the image vanished bit by bit, the Cathedral turned back into just a building, and the final note escaped the archbishop’s lips, bringing total silence in the sacred place, the light seemingly forever gone. When the normal light of the day came back, the room burst into applause.

Nay herself couldn’t stop herself and rose to her feet to clap as well. She had a short moment of resentment at Hyn, who dared to have made her sing just before such marvel of a thing, but let it go.

“The first time is always a special moment. I’m happy you liked it.” Hyn told her with a maternal smile.

Nay didn’t exactly know what to answer, overtaken by her feelings.

The remainder of the ceremony followed the usual rites for the Gods. Nay didn’t care about it at all, preferring keeping her eyes closed and reliving the music that had made her feel so many things.

Once the last prayer was finished, Nay accompanied the Imperatrix through the back rooms of the Cathedral, following the crowd of nuns and priests along the cloister corridors. The Imperatrix’ jewels, some of the Imperatrix’ chambers’ servants and a few high dignitaries were gathered in a large room, quite like the one where the Touched apprentices had been held. It didn’t have a second story, but the large wooden room had a chimney, and looked a bit like a winter cottage, with a warm place with armchairs and couches. There was also a very large table next to the main entrance, here used as a buffet, with quite an impressive amount and variety of food.

“You can go to your friend Nay, and don’t forget to eat, this is the only meal we’ll be getting until tomorrow.” Hyn dismissed her with a gesture, going herself towards a group of potbellied nobles. Nay spotted Dorico Dolio in the circle of men, and he made a sign with his head towards her. Understanding that she was released from her bodyguard job for now, Nay started looking for red hair in the crowd. The aforementioned redhead was talking with what the Legio knew to be controlled vehemence to the archbishop of Ja.

“…And I am telling you that your methods go against Adienha’s principles. If our Touched are gifts, why are we treating them as criminals?”

“Duchess, I understand your point of view, really, but you are too young to understand how dangerous untrained Touched can really be.”

Nay didn’t try to butt in the conversation, she went away to get two plates that she filled with everything that piqued her interest. The buffet had the usual Ja cuisine and some fish dishes from the Western plains, the latter that she put on Trinne’s plate, but also things Nay had never seen before. She personally focused on those. There were high dignitaries from all around the Empire after all, and the meals had been prepared to accommodate everyone.

Once her culinary exploration was accomplished, she went back to her friend and touched her shoulder.

Trinne turned around, clearly annoyed, but immediately calmed down. “Nay.”

“Trinne. Here.”

“Oh, thanks. Frozen trout! It’s been so long since I…Nay, what’s that in your plate?”

The archbishop Defin was the one who answered that.

“I believe it is tertia steak, razelle tongue and…oh, I suppose you were talking about the scrubbed torchees.”

Nay bit down on the weird giant frigelle thing, under Trinne’s horrified expression. She chewed for a while, then ultimately grimaced.

“Urgh, tastes like suicidals.” She put the insect brochette back on her plate.

Her friend was looking at her with utmost disgust, clearly reconsidering their whole friendship, before ultimately deciding the best solution was just not to look at the cloudy-eyed girl. She continued her discussion with the archbishop, who looked quite at the loss for what to do.

“Listen.” He tried. “I have many things I need to do today Duchess, and there are a number of individuals present that…”

“Your day’s work is done Defin, don’t give me that. You were charged with this afternoon’s ceremony and the Chorus of the Gods, which you did with resounding success.”

Nay really didn’t like the archbishop and his almost fanatical interest in her, but she was still sorry for the old man who didn’t look a day over thirty.

“It was beautiful, by the way, Sage Defin. I heard the stories but in all honesty, they were far from the truth.”

“Thank you Darae.”

It took Nay a few seconds to understand why he had just called her an undertaker.

She sighed.

Trinne wasn’t letting it go though. “How many accidents have you had since you let the Touched move freely through the Cathedral, and outside with a supervisor?”

The archbishop’s mood darkened. “None, you know that very well, as you know very well that I was against this decision, and that your usage of politics to convince our future Emperor to intercede in an ecclesiastic problem was unseemly.”

“None.” Trinne repeated simply. “And how many incidents were there in your prison last year.”

“It is no…”

“Three.”

“Three…but those incidents had no impact on the public, while if there was an incident outside the Cathedral walls then…”

“Do you really believe that the Gods would wish for those they love to be imprisoned in Leïn’s cathedral? Why give power to those that live in Striavie then? Do you think the Gods that cruel? Wishing for children to be clutched away from their families?”

“Duchess.” Defin was starting to get angry. “I do not have the folly to pretend to know the Gods' will, but do not put my faith to the test. The Gods love us, this is an undeniable fact. Your impertinence is unacceptable though…”

“Let me change how you treat the apprentices, please. Do you really not think that what happened with the Devourer incident is not enough to…”

“This discussion is over.” The archbishop tensed like never before. “And this conversation needs to stop happening. You are not a Touched, and cannot understand our decisions for other Touched. Goodbye, Duchess.” He said coldly, until he turned to face Nay and smile at her warmly. “Goodbye, Darae.”

And he exited the room without even looking at the buffet.

“Biach. I should have known that the Devourer was a trapped field.” Trinne swore before biting in her piece of frozen trout.

“You went in a bit hard.” Nay commented.

“I know, I’m having a hard time controlling myself on this subject. Forcing children to live like I…anyway. Even with my results, he doesn’t buckle. ‘Faithful’ men really are a bunch of…”

“Trinne.” Nay interrupted her. “Don’t criticize men of faith here.”

The young redhead sighed. “Yes. Yes you’re right. Are you ready to socialize, Darae?”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Sorry. I promised I was going to stop with nicknames. Except Yaeda’milk when you’re pissing me off.”

“Want some torchees?” Nay brought the insect brochette just under her friend’s nose.

“Get that away from me!” Trinne moved back, but Nay followed her in her steps.

“Trying new things is essential for your culinary experience; I am certain you want to try.”

“Fine! Fine! I’ll stop!” The redhead grumbled. Then her expression became more serious. “I am sorry, by the way. I really didn’t think that Hyn would put you in that situation, I would have warned you otherwise. I thought she was going to force you to say a few words, give you your title, and that’s it.”

Nay gave a quick glance towards the Imperatrix, at the other side of the buffet table. The most beautiful woman of the Empire of Ja was fake laughing, surrounded by nobles with even faker expressions.

Nay had the sudden urge to throw a water carafe on her head.

“I thought you would have found it funny.” She finally said to her friend.

Whose eyebrows rose. “I do appreciate how the Imperatrix sometimes teases you. But that, that was going too far. You managed well, by the way. Did you hear me tell you what to sing?”

“No,…I read it on…” Something perturbed Nay, who turned to look at the Imperatrix once more.

Trinne tensed immediately. Her gaze scanned the whole assembly like a Gite bird of prey. “What’s happening?” She asked.

“I don’t know, something wei…” Then she saw it, there, in the middle of the crowd, dressed as a nun, stood a man. He had a sinister expression, looked completely ridiculous dressed in the robes, and his face was covered in tattoos.

He met Nay’s eyes. She felt his Rreico. He walked straight towards the Imperatrix.

“Lebe’s whore.” She would never manage in time. There was no one that could have felt more out of place than this Carradin Assassin in nun clothing, and despite that no one was actually noticing him. He was only steps away from the Imperatrix, and Nay felt the sovereign’s Rreico only hesitate a short moment, even though Hyn was looking straight at the man. Maybe she would uncover the magic veil surrounding the assassin, but it would be too late.

The Legio reached for her hidden pocket, grabbing a dagger, but saw no opening for the throw, she started panicking. What could she…?

“The nun?” Trinne deduced. “Hyn!” She shouted.

The nobles around the Imperatrix turned around, not even a slight worry in their eyes, clearly unaware of what was occurring. The most beautiful of women though, was not a simple noble.

She was the one who won the War.

Not even knowing why she was warned, she jumped back, forcing the nun to make one more step towards her.

And Nay found her opening.

Trinne moved away instinctively, and the Legio swirled. Her target was almost twenty metres away, a difficult throw, almost impossible.

Almost.

“Usurpator!” The fake nun screamed, ready to hit.

The dagger flew without a sound. The nobles still looking towards the Duchess who had shouted and not the assassin. Their gazed filled with horror, as a weapon was flying towards the Imperatrix!

But silence was following the weapon’s trail.

Until it sank with a deadly noise inside the fake nun’s throat.

The Carradin continued attacking the Imperatrix anyway, not even hesitating, his blade some sort of large needle. His words were unintelligible, transformed into gargles because of the dagger in his throat, blood freely flowing out. He had no chance of survival, and he knew. He raised his hand towards Hyn, a crazed look on his face.

The Imperatrix grabbed Nay’s dagger and pulled it out of the man’s throat, the wound opening even more, spraying Hyn with blood. Then, in a terrifying chain of attacks, she unarmed the man with a strike in his wrist, disemboweled him with a horizontal swipe, and, for good measure, ended her assault by plunging the dagger to its hilt into the man’s skull.

The man still walked two more steps, passing the Imperatrix who had stepped aside, and crashed on the buffet table, unquestionably dead.

“I don’t remember inviting a Mindor diplomat into my city.” Hyn exclaimed in utter calmness.

No one laughed at her joke. Dorico seemed to finally wake up, calling security around him. Garnet arrived very shortly after, and everything went to utter chaos for a few seconds.

“Nay.” The Imperatrix called her. “Here. Now.” Despite her calm voice, Nay was feeling urgency in her Rreico.

She ran towards the Imperatrix, jumped over the table and landed in front of the blood-covered sovereign.

“Hyn?”

“He’s covered in enchantments, and I know the Mindor ways. Put your hand on him, or he’ll blow up.”

Nay looked at the cadaver on the table, it was weirdly swelling.

“Biach.” She put her hand on the dead body, which immediately seemed to lose its balloon-like features.

“Garnet.” The Imperatrix ordered.

“Understood.” The sergeant-general had traversed the crowd like a tertia. She put herself next to Nay, and unsheathed a huge dagger. She cut off the nun disguise. Underneath was leather armour, and Garnet cut through it as well. Nay looked away, not wanting to see any part of the naked body of the assassin.

“No, Nay. You need to learn to recognize the runes. It could save your life.” The Imperatrix was still standing straight and proud, despite the blood falling from her chin on the ground. Konnie was next to her, trying to clean her as best as she could with the meagre towel in her hand, while also trying to make the Imperatrix leave for safety. “Konnie, that counts for you too, and Trinne as well.” She beckoned the redhead closer. Her friend had made her way around the table, her Rreico of flowers and metal. The smile she gave Nay was a bit scary. She obeyed the Imperatrix and came closer.

“What a rush.” The duchess of Gite commented. “Disgusting.” She added at the naked man covered in grive apple sauce, blood, and intestines.

“Here.” Garnet pointed to a series of tattoos on his belly. The rune looked like a blowfish surrounded by a forest. The Imperatrix’ slash had gone just underneath.

“Close.” The sovereign said disappointedly.

Garnet turned her knife, and started peeling the tattoo out of the man, skin and muscle with it.

“You can remove your hand.” She said when having finished her barbaric act.

Nay did as the sergeant-general ordered, still a bit worried at seeing the man inflate again. Nothing happened.

“Generally, you have between ten and thirty seconds to destroy the rune before your dead assassin becomes a bomb. Do not forget that.” The Imperatrix spoke softly, being only heard by Garnet and the jewel apprentices.

“Yes Imperatrix.” Said Konnie nodding repeatedly. “Now, please, you cannot stay here like that, you need…”

“DOLIO!” The Imperatrix shouted.

The police chief ran to them. He looked at the most beautiful woman with fear in his eyes. To his credit, right here and now, no one would have ever doubted that Hyn had been a warrior during the War.

“Mindor likes its backup plans. The living bomb rune is one, there are always two. Triple the security. I want no such incidents during my son’s coronation, have I made myself clear enough?”

“Yes Imperatrix. It shall be done.”

Hyn nodded simply, before turning around and facing the nobles in the room. Some had fled the scene, but most of them had stayed to watch the morbid scene from start to end.

“I am going to change into a more festive outfit, and less War-related. The enemy of the Empire shall be sent back from where he comes, do not worry. I am sorry for the disturbance.” She bowed lightly.

Trinne spoke next, loud enough to be heard from everyone.

“Do not forget who we are! And that the Imperatrix is the one who killed all the Firantes! The Firante killer!” Her warning echoed in the room for a short moment.

“We shall not forget!” Finally exclaimed the nobles, some even starting to clap.

Hyn rose from her bow, her smile a bit more tense than usual.

“Thank you, duchess of Gite.”

Trinne answered in a whisper. “Not fun to be called by titles you hate, isn’t it?”

The Imperatrix’ eyebrow rose before she burst into laughter. “I see, yes, yes, I forget all the time. Deserved, deserved. Ladies and gentlemen, see you soon! Do not forget to eat and celebrate, as this is the day for celebration!”

And, accompanied by Konnie and Sapphire, that Nay wouldn’t even have noticed without the Rreico, that was how unnoticeable she appeared, the Imperatrix exited the room. Garnet and Dorico quickly gave away orders to clean up the mess and reinforce security to the surrounding police officer and guards and ran to the Imperatrix to protect her.

“Biach. They didn’t give me my dagger back.” Nay exclaimed once everything had been cleaned up.

Trinne started laughed. She stopped though, and put a comforting hand on the Legio’s back.