Elinor ordered Quin to take her to the top of the platform, causing the Yaltha’ma to scatter out of his way. Every eye followed her with anticipation. Gwen and Dalria didn’t know what to do, so they just stood still, watching the giant skeletal ape ascend the stairs.

The glowing white throne had Elinor’s focus.

I’m supposed to be an empress, and every movie and picture I’ve seen of rulers, they’re always royal … they just have that look. I really need to refine my mannerisms; these little guys think I’m some kind of deity, much less an empress.

Reaching the top, Elinor directed Quin to move her close to the back of Ke’Thra’Ma’s massive cathedra; it was easily thick enough to sit on. She fluidly transferred from the bony hand to her new platform.

She took a moment to smooth out her dress front and manage her long hair before gazing down at her new subject; her crown kept her bangs in check, but the locks hanging down to her lower back would often shift to her front. It was different, viewing people from this vantage point; even the Quen’Talrat seemed smaller, and the patterned red and white granite floor was covered with the monkey-foxes, all waiting for her address.

Yesterday, I would have been terrified to be up here like this … to speak to this many people … creatures. This still feels like a dream … I know it isn’t. I’m going to make this place my home … what am I waiting for?

Her demeanor was stately, but jitters bounced around her stomach. I don’t feel like it’s the right time, but when is?

She forced her breath to come out at an even pace, trying to collect her thoughts. I’m not the same teenage girl I was yesterday; running and hiding won’t help me in the least. If I’m going to survive, I need to build an army … an Empire.

Her racial kept her in control, hands lying across her lap. Edmon and Tiffany moved to either side of the white throne. Tiffany shot a masked glare at Edmon as he quickly took the right side, but a sweet mask swiftly replaced her expression before he could see her displeasure.

Their competitive interactions made her want to smile; it reminded her of the small things they did to lovingly poke at each other when they were her parents. Their presence calmed her nerves.

Ah, that’s why I waited; they needed to get into position … I can’t stand Tiffany and Edmon calling me Empress, but if I am going to build an Empire, then I need to instill a certain level of distance between them and me. I am an Empress now.

Speaking directly to her two advisors, Elinor said, I understand if you need to address me as Empress in front of the others to set an example. Don’t feel the need to do it in private, though.

“Wise,” Tiffany chimed with a sigh of relief.

Elinor licked her black lips before speaking; her soft tone made the entire audience hold their breaths to hear. “If you have not heard, then when we are done, spread the news; I am Empress Elinor, Ruler of the Dead. You’ve seen it with your own eyes as proof.”

They flinched as the two Quen-Talrat standing among them released a roar. Gwen and Dalria quickly covered their ears, but the small fox-like creatures bowed lower, quivering as she continued.

“You may address me as Empress. Now, I require sacrifices to bring back Ke’Thra’Ma.”

El’Ra’Ca rose a little, voice strengthening. “Yes, my Empress! Yaltha’ma will gladly offer ourselves … please forgive El’Ra’Ca’s impotence...” He cut off as Edmon’s shield appeared and he slammed the butt against the stone floor, the loud clash of metal striking stone rang throughout the space.

In the following silence, Elinor spoke. “No, I will not use the Yaltha’ma; I will allow my Royal Gatekeeper to explain why.”

Edmon’s tone carried with it the dominance and command she’d expect a Doom Guard to instill. “Empress Elinor has already given you her word that you would be protected under the service of the Empire. Do not think so little of your master; she will not go back on her word by requiring the lives of her subjects.

“Your lives are a precious resource to the Empire; you will live for the Empire, work for the Empire, but not die for the Empire. Unless it is to protect the Empire, your lives will not be called to the altar. However, your efforts, your talents, your loyalty, they are your price to enter the protection of the Empire; you will help the Empress rise.”

His black helmet lowered to stare at El’Ra’Ca. “Which of your members are the best at tracking and know where to find the predators of this region?”

Before he could respond, Te’la cleared her throat. “Royal Gatekeeper, The Hidden Ones are much better at finding predators; it is what the Forsaken Ones used the Yaltha’ma for before the Yaltha’ma changed protectors.”

El’Ra’Ca turned to glare at the woman. “The Quen’Talrat and the White God were much stronger than the Thélméthra; Yaltha’ma grew and learned under the Quen’Talrat’s protection.”

“Finally!” Te’la cheered, head held high as she defied the Elder. “So, the Forsaken Ones are called Thélméthra; the Elder Yaltha’ma struck the Thélméthra from speech!”

Elinor’s eyes narrowed slightly as she questioned Edmon and Tiffany. I’m a little confused about these Thélméthra. Te’la says that her people are called the Hidden Ones, but Dalria called the spiders the Hidden Ones, then there’s the Forsaken Ones?

Tiffany promptly responded. “To the Ri’bot, the spiders are called Hidden Ones; from what I understand, it’s because they could camouflage. The old Yaltha’ma Elders decided to serve the Quen’Talrat over the Thélméthra, or what they called the spiders in the past. It appears the reason for this was education and a better style of life.”

And now, we’ve learned that their names were blacklisted?

“Yup! Quite fascinating, really, the Yaltha’ma survives by operating in a symbiotic relationship with predators. The Elders of the past wished to keep their decision to shift to a new protector from future generations.”

Edmon’s arms moved behind his back, clasping his left wrist. “If we let this continue, then disorder will abound, and it is rude to you.”

A light frown touched Elinor’s lips as she watched El’Ra’Ca and Te’la growl at each other, arguing different points.

“That’s enough,” Edmon bellowed with a pyroclastic tone.

Every body dropped to the polished floor, and their ears pulled back as Edmon gave the command for the two escorts to release a low rumble that vibrated the air. Their bodies lowered, staring right at the pair as the fire licking off their bones increased.

Elinor’s tone was perfectly balanced. “The Quen’Talrat, Yaltha’ma, and Thélméthra will serve me. I understand if you have past grudges and history; however, I will not tolerate disorder. If you wish to operate in your own units, then that is acceptable, but you will acknowledge the leadership, whoever that may be.”

Her glowing green eyes moved between the two, tone ice. “If it is the White God or a Thélméthra, you will follow all orders because they come from me. Understand?”

They both swallowed before nodding.

“Good. Edmon?”

Edmon cleared his throat before continuing his address. “Te’la, do you speak for all of the Hidden Ones, like El’Ra’Ca speaks for his faction?”

She slowly shook her head, still not lifting her eyes. “N-no,” she stammered, ears drooping, “but Te’la knows the Hidden Ones will follow t-the Empress.”

“How are the Hidden Ones better at finding predators than the majority of the Yaltha’ma?”

“T-the Hidden Ones know the caves, the—the jungle. The other Yaltha’ma knows the surroundings, but most Yaltha’ma don’t go very deep into the jungle.”

El’Ra’Ca turned to one of the other Elders by his side. “Er’Te’Gr is in charge of Yaltha’ma’s gathering ventures.”

The creature bowed. “Yes, Gatekeeper Edmon, Er’Te’Gr will find the best Yaltha’ma for the Gatekeeper’s needs!”

“Excellent,” Edmon replied. “Gather them together around the Quen’Talrat in the entrance hall. Inform them of what is expected of them and know that their escort will not let any harm come to them.”

Tiffany spoke up, voice honey. “Er’Te’Gr, being in charge of gathering, do you know of any cages or carts that can be used to transport the creatures?”

“Y-yes … excuse Er’Te’Gr’s rudeness, b-but what should I-I call…”

“You’re looking at the Royal Ritualist of the Empire, Tiffany,” she giggled. “A form of Mysticism. Although, that is a tad bit of a mouthful.” She pondered. “You may call me by Royal Ritualist or Tiffany, whichever is easier on your tongue. I look forward to seeing these carts and how they work! Oh, Gwen, dear…”

Gwen’s mud-stained red hair bounced back as she looked up, eyes wide. “Yes?”

“We will be making this fortress our new home, at least for the moment. Empress Elinor wishes you to begin cleaning with the rest of the Yaltha’ma that are not engaged in other activities. Just start room by room. This will be your task for the foreseeable future until I tell you otherwise.”

“I—I don’t know how to speak to them; it all sounds like yips and whimpering to me.”

Tiffany’s head tilted slightly as she rested her knuckles against her cheek. “Oh, right … that completely slipped my mind.” After a moment’s thought, she asked. “I do have a ritual that will allow her to speak any language I know, which would branch off your own language skills … that could be desirable. I suggest it since we do need more leadership for the daily tasks, and I’ll be performing the ritual where her life is bound to the Empire in a moment in any case.”

Edmon turned her way. “Why are you so infatuated by this woman? If what we’re planning with Ke’Thra’Ma and the Thélméthra goes smoothly, then we’ll have more units that can lead. Why her?”

“It’s just more efficient; I think,” Tiffany replied with a shrug. “These creatures appear to need some direction, and Gwen can provide a sort of lower management. We can focus on the bigger picture, and she can direct them in the smaller tasks. Plus, there’s her education. I believe having someone living at lower-tier management shows that we are not so oppressive or showing contempt for the living … you’re the one that wanted diplomatic solutions.”

“Hmm, I suppose I can see the advantage in that. I still think you rely on this human too much.”

Elinor’s focus moved back to Tiffany as the Witch’s head tilted to look up at her. “Do you approve?”

After a moment, she nodded. Yes, it would help things move forward, and I like the forethought. I also want her protected … my mother wanted her to live.

“As you command,” Edmon stated.

She studied the woman with pursed lips. Usually, in movies or books I’ve read, there’s always hatred between the living and the dead. That divide ends up spelling the downfall for the Undead. You don’t require anything for it, do you, Tiffany?

“As with all Witchcraft, yes, but I have the resources for that much. I’m sure I can find all sorts of juicy ingredients in this place, as well.”

Then you two work on your tasks. Her vision dropped down to the skeletal visage of the White God. I’ll handle mine. I can speak to Ke’Thra’Ma in my mind, correct?

Edmon studied the bones next to him. “Yes, when you call upon him, he will be trapped in the boundaries you’ve set. Although, if a creature had the ability to affect spirits, then they might be able to combat the effects of the cage; however, they would also need to be quite proficient in life to light a candle against you, and they’d have leftover power before the revivification process.”

“Yes,” Tiffany cut in, “there should be nothing to worry about with this brute. Essentially, you will be giving strength to the spirit to communicate with you. It’s an extremely small amount of energy, and even if they are Transcendent, it is highly unlikely that they’ll have the ability to combat you unless it is as Edmon outlined. You are in complete control and would know if they’re seeking to break that bond.”

Good. I’ll have Te’la join me, and El’Ra’Ca can guide you, Edmon. I’m sure he can…”

Te’la appeared to be one of the boldest Yaltha’ma present; she was the first to speak in the extended silence. “W-what are we t-to do, Empress?”

Tiffany’s tone was patient. “If we are not speaking, it is because we are communicating with Empress Elinor in our minds. She can communicate her wishes to us Undead through thought and desire.”

There were several mutters of awe and nods that swept the crowd as if it made perfect sense.

Edmon cleared his throat before giving out the planned orders, and Quin lowered Elinor back down to the floor at her command.

The two Quen-Talrat soldiers below ascended the stairs to take Quin’s place before he left with Elinor’s other minions; Edmon was telepathically guiding them, listening to Er’Te’Gr’s explanation of the possible means to transport the beasts.

After giving his orders to the hunting party and seeing them off, Edmon followed the Elder toward the second floor’s left-wing, where he said there was a place of learning, likely a library.

Tiffany took Gwen with her to the main entrance to perform the loyalty and language ritual; the rest of the Yaltha’ma bowed respectfully to her before joining them with interest, excited to begin cleaning.

Elinor silently stood in the overhead gray light as she observed the proceedings, mind musing upon her life.

This is a miracle. To think I’d be in a completely new world, an empress over a growing empire … it only took me losing my friends, family, world, and to some degree, myself. I’m a Mythickin Lich … basically, an immortal necromancer and everything I’ve known about society has broken apart. I need to be raw, but not be an animal. That’s a delicate balance.

Her green eyes fell to observe Dalria; she was rubbing her left arm with Te’la at her side, shifting nervously. Te’la’s eyes followed a group of Yaltha’ma leave after Gwen; she’d already been ordered to stay. Garu and her two skeletal bodyguards stood behind the gray throne, awaiting her instructions.

The nearly empty throne room was a lot bigger than she’d first thought, and the returning silence made a tingle shoot down her spine. It feels strange being alone … but if Tiffany and Edmon don’t believe this will cause me trouble, then there shouldn’t be anything to worry about.

Her focus returned to the massive skeleton beside her, its four arms and legs were as thick as her entire body. She took a deep breath before directing her desires; Herald of the Empress activated. Green fire surrounded her body, causing Dalria and Te’la to stiffen.

“T-Te’la’s Empress? I-Is everything okay?”

“Perfectly,” Elinor responded, keeping her regal posture as green butterflies flew out of the flames, hovering around the white throne. “I’m simply going to talk to Ke’Thra’Ma, or as you know him, the White God.”

Te’la visibly swallowed before dropping her head, evidently too shaken to respond, and she didn’t blame her. The thought of one of the most savage warlords in recent memory rising again was enough to put a chill through anyone’s bones; it was like telling someone you were about to raise Hitler, Stalin, or Mao from the dead.

Dalria, however, cleared her throat, causing Elinor’s green eyes to shift to her. “Must you—I’ve heard stories about Ke’Thra’Ma. He was … really like a god—a god of death.”

She licked her two protruding, glossy teeth, orange skin shivering sharply before her purple irises moved to the skeleton. “He would raid companies of soldiers alone … dive into an army on his own, slaughtering hundreds … thousands.

“What if he turns on you—what if he takes that dreadful power and tries to conquer the world again? I don’t know if—my people…”

Elinor’s lips curved into a smirk as she leered down at the Toad-woman. “Did you think I wanted to revive him to hold my coffee?”

“Coffee?” Dalria asked, swallowing as she rubbed her arm again. “I—I don’t understand.”

“No, you wouldn’t,” Elinor chuckled, turning her attention back to the remains. “A god of death? That sounds wonderful. There’s something that your tribe didn’t understand when they attacked a human town, Dalria.”

“W-what? What didn’t we understand?”

“The consequences. Humanity is ruthless, meticulous, vengeful, savage, and methodical. We’re filled with contradictions. Have you ever heard of the Law of Escalation?”

She shook her head.

Elinor smiled as she turned to face the woman; several movies, history, and fiction stories flashed across her mind. “It’s about our persona; you have no clue how deep humanity’s contempt runs. Do you think you’ve seen war, malice, insanity? Imagine this, ten thousand of your people…”

She paused. “No, maybe you don’t have enough in your tribe, then imagine your race, dozens of tribes, and that many dying daily, in chambers filled with gas that slowly rots your heart and lungs.

“We had weapons that we used against our own people that killed tens of thousands within seconds. Do you even know what a million is? How big was your alliance? How many creatures were there?”

“T-Tens of thousands … maybe a bit more.”

Elinor openly laughed. “Take your imagination and think of ten thousand groups, all with tens of thousands of Ri’bot in them. That’s just how many died in one war that took six years … seventy to eighty million.”

“That’s … impossible…”

“I told you before, Dalria … your people’s survival rests on your ability to quell my hatred because you have no clue how vindictive I can be. I will build an army … I will have my sword and shield. All that moves against me will fall at my feet, begging for mercy … no mercy, they’ll die and rise to fill my ranks.”

“No mercy? You—said you wanted to have mercy,” Dalria pleaded. “We—we didn’t know…”

“Didn’t know?” Elinor’s glowing irises radiated scorn. “You knew exactly what you were doing. Regretting an action after you’ve been exposed is not repentance—it’s cowardice.”

Dalria froze at her biting words; Elinor now understood how proud the Toads were, and how to cut them after listening to Dalria’s explanation.

“The truth … I gave you a task that I don’t believe you can accomplish, but maybe—in the slim chance that you can pull out a miracle. I gave you an opportunity, but the outcome will never be equal. There’s no possible way you could ever understand me. And mercy … I show mercy to those that prove they’re worthy of it. How have the Ri’bot proven to be worthy of my mercy like the Yaltha’ma?”

“V-vengeance won’t solve anything.”

“No?” Elinor chuckled. “Blaming me … the Law of Escalation means that if you spit saliva at me, I’m throwing lava in your face. Humanity thrives off war; it’s the evolution of our planet. It’s not about chivalry; it’s about delivery.

“And tell me, do you honestly believe that your people have packed up and forgotten about me? Think … I’m the Empress of the Dead; I lost everything important to me, I care little if something is wrong or right, and my mind is perfectly sound.

“If you plan on trying to curb my odium with that pathetic excuse of a plea, then don’t waste your breath and my time. You’re only inciting my anger and digging your race a deeper grave. Now, I have an army to build; so, keep quiet until I call upon you.”

Dalria’s lips snapped shut, clearly distraught as her purple irises fluttered between her and Ke’Thra’Ma. Te’la was staring up at her as if she were a goddess; likely lost in the conversation.

Elinor’s vision returned to the former ruler of this land, Herald of the Empress feeding her information.

I can feel the power difference between Quin and this … Ke’Thra’Ma’s leagues above Quin’s potential; it feels endless. Alright, inner Siri, if we’re going off of Tiffany and Edmon’s examination, which tier is this skeleton … Transcendent. Excellent.

What information can you give me about this spirit … he’s available for the Warlord Court Title. Warlord is over the Elite Warrior Unit and is in charge of the Frontline Offensive. He’s exactly what I need. Well, then, let’s meet the White God.

The flaming green butterflies elegantly moved to encircle the skeleton; the display made Te’la gasp with wonder as her eyes followed the beautiful dance of the blaze.

Come, Ke’Thra’Ma, let’s talk.

Elinor watched with mild fascination as the ghostly appearance of Ke’Thra’Ma overlapped the skeleton; he truly was a sight to behold. His presence instantly brought images of King Kong to her mind, but this creature was a lot scarier than CGI was able to depict.

Unlike an average gorilla, the Quen’Talrat’s stomach was leaner and more muscular around the chest, almost like a bodybuilder. They were almost entirely covered by thick snow-white fur, and where there wasn’t hair was tough, rippling leather skin.

His striking blue irises shifted around with both his heads as he examined his surroundings, large noses flaring. Pinkish tongues exited the ape’s mouths to slide across his monstrous teeth, clawed four hands soundlessly pressing against the arms of his chair to rise.

Standing three meters taller than the Non-Elites and two more than the Elites, Ke’Thra’Ma was truly a terrifying sight to behold. He caught sight of Dalria below, and his face twisted with contempt as he roared. “Ri’bot—in my throne room!”

The sound was thunderous, but no one reacted; there was no shift in the room’s air pressure or sign of surprise that came from the Toad-woman or fox-like creature below. His brows on both heads creased, noses twitching with rage.

Elinor calmly looked up at the creature looming beside her. Ke’Thra’Ma, do you know who I am?

The titan’s body shifted to look down at her before his vision moving to his corpse, noses flaring as he breathed heavily. After a moment, his enraged demeanor calmed, and he turned to study the room, tongues sliding across his teeth again. Finally, his blue irises returned to her, and he took a long breath.

“I did not know you, but it is as if I do. Elinor is your name, and you command the dead.” Both jaws worked around for a moment, showing his deadly teeth as his face twisted with disgust. “I died.” He released a low growl. “That repulsive queen and her ilk ruined everything … then there was…” He trailed off with a rumbling growl.

Bypassing his accusations, Elinor folded her hands across her front. You know that I can raise the dead? I can bring you back.

A loud chuckle left the ghostly beast’s throats as his massive, muscular legs moved to face her. “I know the deal you offer,” he raised an arm, extending it forward a few feet; there was a sharp flash of green fire, forcing his hand back. “Interesting … I’m trapped by these flying creatures.” He muttered, vision following the flaming green butterflies.

You are only permitted to go where I please. My powers are vast, Ke’Thra’Ma. I could send you back to where you came from or return you to the living world. I’m not trying to be confrontational but stating a fact. I’m sure you have many questions, and I’m curious about your fortress. You can show me around. I have time to talk.

She thought the giant ape grinned at her expectation. “You do have the air of a ruler … an empress … I can count the creatures I respect, on one hand, Empress Elinor. Perhaps that will change to two.”

He turned to study her two skeletal guards, and Elinor said, You may walk freely with me.

A roar burst from his mouths as he swung two massive fists at her; both stopped feet from her head, blocked by green flames.

Elinor stared up at the creature’s enormous fists with a bored expression. Must I point out that attacking me is pointless?

Ke’Thra’Ma huffed with amusement as he moved around the white throne, examining her three guards; he towered over the giants. His hand passed right through the bones, making him release a thoughtful hum.

“How strange … I am dead, but I live. I do not take kindly to orders, little empress.” He stood taller, looking down at his body, twisting around his arms and legs. “Every wound I received in life … is gone. If I were restored, nothing could stop me.”

Elinor’s eyes moved to the closed double doors behind the thrones. What’s beyond here?

Ke’Thra’Ma’s lips curved. “My personal sanctuary, a place I would go to meditate upon my decisions. Good, this is an excellent time for me to ponder upon your words. Empress,” He chuckled, gesturing to the doors.

She released a derisive huff before commanding her two guards to open the stone door; it seemed to take some effort on their part.

“Weak,” Ke’Thra’Ma grunted, not even paying them any mind as he moved through the now open doors, but he was forced to stop by the green barrier as Elinor didn’t follow.

“Dalria, Te’la, join us.”

Ke’Thra’Ma instantly appeared in front of her face; mouths opened wide enough to swallow her whole as he thundered, “This is my sanctuary! It is not for a lowly Ri’bot or Yaltha’ma to enter!”

Elinor’s lips dropped; she glared coldly at the livid monster, ghostly green eyes meeting his striking blue irises. I can honor that request, but you will speak to me with respect.

He grunted irritably before slowly returning to the limit of his range, waiting for her in the hallway. She followed him, stomach settling. She was a little shocked at how Emotional Detachment allowed her to stay calm in the face of the monster’s rage.

They will wait at the entrance, then. Still, they are not a part of the group you fought more than a century ago. Dalria has been forced to serve me, and the Yaltha’ma have pledged their lives to me.

“More than a century ago … I have been dead that long?” Ke’Thra’Ma whispered before turning his suspicious eyes to study her. “You know the calendar I created? How? Have you been reading my books?”

You write?

“Yes, but not much. I learned from the great underground labyrinth. The place of learning and wisdom.”

That surprises me. Looking at what you’ve built and what I was told of your past, it’s a little stunning to see how much you were able to advance in such a short amount of time.

“I studied under The Great Beyond; it infuses the labyrinth and teaches all that are powerful enough to seize their destiny.”

He glared down at Dalria and Te’la as they finally made it up the stairs to stand before her, looking questioningly at the dancing butterflies beside her.

“You both will wait here while I talk with Ke’Thra’Ma. We have much to discuss.”

He grunted derisively, looking away.

“H-He’s here?” Dalria swallowed, looking up at the butterflies floating inside the hallway.

“What a waste these creatures are,” Ke’Thra’Ma barked. “The Ethereal Clan were the only Ri’bot worth their steel. Of course, my Elite Hunters destroyed most of them.”

Without waiting for a response, Elinor walked into the open doors with the ghostly ape beside her. Her three guards closed the door behind them before following, Garu kept by her side.