Elinor surveyed the long wooden walls of the hallway, granite likely behind the overlay; the multi-colored gemstones embedded into the black wood were a masterpiece. With the doors shut, it painted the scene of walking among the stars, sparkling around them with dazzling beauty. The corridor was several meters wide and tall; a doorway was ahead of them, designed to represent a colorful nebula.

No wonder the Yaltha’ma see them as gods. Ke’Thra’Ma is actually a fairly relatable character if you could follow his journey. Their entire race shoved down into the dirt for as long as they can remember just waiting for some prophecy to be fulfilled. To go from tribal warfare, struggling against each other, to this, in less than a century.

Something Tiffany said to Dalria came to mind. The great and strong will not yield to the weak and feeble, the powerful rise to adapt and overcome their detractors. The sweat on their brow is what they reap and sow; they forge their own fortune from salt and sand … the Quen’Talrat certainly did.

They fell into the trap of being overconfident, being blinded by the idea that all other creatures were beneath them. If there’s anything I learned from history class … I need to choose my allies wisely. A loose cannon will be seen as a threat; borders are a necessity, as is forging relations with those surrounding…

Her attention drifted to the less than gentle giant beside her as one of his heads moved to glare down at Garu before his striking blue eyes shifted to her escort tailing them. His harsh tone had quelled, now replaced with curiosity. “You brought them back to life as your slaves?”

Elinor’s lips curved with mild amusement. Are you frightened I might do the same to you?

“I fear nothing!”

Undoubtedly.

“Can they speak?”

It depends on how I raise them. I can bring them back with their past minds or as mindless slaves to follow every order my leaders dictate.

“Leaders … those two weak creatures?” He chuckled.

Dalria and Te’la? Absolutely not. Dalria is a slave, and Te’la has pledged herself to the Empire; that makes Te’la a citizen and enjoys the privileges of citizenship that a slave does not.

“Citizenship … I’m unfamiliar with such a term, and where are your leaders? I’ll be the judge to see if they are worth their salt.”

Interesting expression … I suppose you used a lot of salt when you were alive. Also, I am not a person that is commanded, Ke’Thra’Ma. You may have been crowned the Ke among your people, but that was before I entered your world. I rule the dead, which you now number among.

A low growl left the beast’s throat as they stopped, and her two guards moved around them to open the gates by their white handles. With some effort, they managed to get the doors open.

Elinor was mildly impressed as the brightly lit room radiated its glow into the dark hallway with a light film of white mist. The air was humid and warm, pressing against her skin; in a minor degree, it reminded her of a sauna. It was like they were stepping into heaven.

She stepped onto the evenly cut ocean green grass that rose to her ankles; it left a soothing tickle against her feet. Pink, blue, and silver flowers were in patterns ahead of her, running to an icy bridge leading to a small hill. Around the hill was a turquoise stream, fed by a gentle cascade exiting a hollowed-out long and narrow strip in the glowing alabaster wooden walls.

The tinted liquid revealed millions of shimmering gemstones making up its bed while the bayou surrounding the edges teemed with gently swaying colorful flora. The evenly cut grass surrounded the brook with nine white trees, similar to the ones in the throne room, spaced evenly throughout the edges of the area.

Rich beams of yellow and white light cast a faint pigmentation to the circular chamber from the brilliant triforce-shaped metalwork above them; the triangles were white wood and gold metal.

The crowned jewel of the room was without a doubt sitting atop the small hill, a colossal leafless ivory tree, its trunk coiled around a blood-red obelisk. Its branches produced a luminous white yield, the succulent ambrosia growing out of its branches like a Jaboticaba tree. It looked genuinely divine, like staring at the Tree of Life.

Elinor slowed momentarily as she entered the angelic scene; it was entirely opposed to her taste, but she could appreciate the craftsmanship that had gone into the divine spectacle.

Did the Quen’Talrat construct everything in this city of a fortress, or did they get another race to oversee its design?

The warlord walked straight across the bridge to the center tree, dropping down to cross his four legs, arms resting at his sides before looking down at her. “You say you are a ruler; then this is the best place to mingle.”

Elinor’s light smile didn’t falter as she commanded her soldiers to wait in the hall. They closed the doors, giving them the privacy he wished. Ke’Thra’Ma’s pride was more than evident. This was his holy of holies, and he took the highest place. It was clear that he did not see her as a superior or equal; this was a power move.

Instead of playing the Ke’s game, she wandered the room, examining the beautiful flowers, shimmering gem bed of the pool, and the other wonders meticulously placed to fill out this sublime room as they talked.

She spoke with an even tone, her voice easily carrying to the warlord in the nearly silent space. “I’m impressed … this place has remained untouched after more than a century. Why is that? This entire fortress seems fairly unaffected by the brutal conflict I’ve heard stories about.”

The giant ape’s lips peeled back as he grinned, a deep chuckle resonating in his throat as he followed her movements.

“Superstition; what else? I expected as much; the eight races were rather fearful of my inventions. There were a few that I suspect found some utility in my creations, but they were blocked by their culture’s politics. I knew nearly every move they made until the latter half of the war when they started to dismantle the Taltha’ma network I’d created.”

“Smart, incorporating the little fox-monkeys to do your spying,” Elinor commented, running her hand across one of the gnarled trunks of the white trees; the texture felt like silk. Wanting to appeal to his vanity, Elinor asked, “What about this room? It must have taken you years to get this set up.”

Ke’Thra’Ma gazed around the room, spreading his arms wide; the pride in his voice was palpable. “Everything here was brought back from the Amaranthine Forest; North of the Trelmere’s lands, beyond the Great Clouded Lakes, lies the Lands of the Forebearers, homeland of the Peerless.

“This entire room is inspired by the remnants of a time long forgotten to all races; exquisite, aren’t they? Timeless … but these fruits are a new addition.” He mused, rising to study the pome.

“This world holds such mysteries,” Elinor whispered, smelling one of the large pink flowers, near her own height. “Freshly baked bread … so, everything here is supposed to be ageless … yet they release a scent, and you said the tree producing fruit is something new.”

“This is most peculiar; someone must have done something while I’ve been … away.” He grunted, staring at the glowing red obelisk. “The only things that changed are the tree and the artifact.”

“Artifact? How has it changed?” Elinor asked, examining the structure. It had blue runic symbols that resembled Semitic writing that pulsed off and on, contrasting the glowing red color of whatever substance it was made out of.

Ke’Thra’Ma didn’t respond, circling the tree to study each side of the monolith; not willing to ask twice, Elinor moved her focus back to the pool of glittering stones in the clear, turquoise tinted water.

Each one of the gemstones was of varying size, shape, and color, but every one shone with an inner light that reflected their hue, pondering on the possibilities.

They must hold some kind of charge or energy. There might even be more here than along the walls in the Throne Room, entrance, and the hallway combined. Tiffany would be the best one to identify how to use them. Of course, Ke’Thra’Ma should know precisely how these things can be used.

The problem is convincing him to join the Royal Court. He’s a lot more civil than I expected, shockingly intelligent, yet he still has that bullish side. I suppose it’s the difference in species. Should I strike at his pride? Maybe, but first I need to get him in a better mood. Even in the chance that he doesn’t join me, I can still get valuable information out of him.

Elinor slowly made her way to the back of the room to study the elegantly curved waterfall. “Ke’Thra’Ma, I have not been in this world for long. I’d say less than eight hours. In that time, I’ve heard about the Quen’Talrat’s rise.”

The giant’s silent observation of the artifact broke as he turned toward her, large mouth opening in a manner that made her think he was smiling. His flat and spiked teeth glistened in the golden beams of light as he laughed. “I bet you did! Tell me, what have you heard of me?”

She didn’t miss the implication. “What have I heard of you?” She mused, pulling her long hair back over her shoulder, bangs kept in check by her black crown; her green irises passivly observed the gently moving brook. “I’ve heard that you were powerful and would charge out into armies alone. Your name strikes fear in the Yaltha’ma and Ri’bot alike, but this was not accidental. You were destined for greatness, right?”

The ape puffed out his chest, heads tilted opposite directions, and his voice turned wary. “What do you know about that?”

“The Prophecy of the Ke. That was what you were born for.”

Out of the corner of her vision, she watched him drop back to his butt, now behind the tree. His two furry tails were wrapped around his waist, and his head lowered, eyes narrowing suspiciously as he appraised her. “None of the eight races knew of the prophecy, and you said you are one of the crystal creatures, not born of this world. How do you know about that, Empress Elinor?”

Elinor hummed thoughtfully, tone turning enigmatic. “How do I know, indeed? What do you know about the crystals?”

“They are gateways, portals to different worlds. They bring combatants, weak, and strong alike, depending on the type of gate. Some of my fiercest foes were crystal creatures. It has long been suspected that the Thélméthra originated elsewhere; no creature born from this planet could harm me. They are all weak.”

“Do you think that I am weak?”

Ke’Thra’Ma released a low growl in his voice before answering. “It’s hard to say. Many of my senses are not functioning properly as I am, but things are becoming clearer as time passes; I grow more accustomed to this form.” He muttered, flexing his enormous hands and arms before folding them.

“You hold a unique ability, but how that translates into actual combat … I can’t say at the moment. You act like a ruler … fearless, but is it confidence or arrogance … that has yet to be determined.”

Elinor’s lips twitched. Arrogance? He is talking about arrogance? Well, he certainly does have the strength to back up his tongue, but even if you have great power, you are not invulnerable. Everything has a weakness, and he didn’t cover his. It’s kind of pathetic that he can’t admit where he’s fallen short.

“Then, keep observing.” She bent down, eyeing several pebble-sized gemstones of varying colors. “How did you design this place?”

“You’re changing the subject,” he snorted. “How do you know about the prophecy?”

She straightened, releasing a soft sigh. “I’m sure you can guess how I’d know about your past and several details concerning your race.” She turned to face him, hands behind her back. “You’ve already mentioned him.”

“What are you … wait,” his eyes darted to the ground before looking up at the golden triforce above. “The Great Beyond … you spoke to The Wise One.” He whispered, vision returning to her.

“That’s the first time I’ve heard him described like that,” Elinor giggled. “Was The Great Beyond the one that gave you all of your knowledge? He taught you how to construct this fortress?”

“Yes … how do you know The Wise One? Has he chosen you? Did he give you that power?”

“Interesting,” Elinor considered the triforce with an amused smirk. “You could say he chose me—but I rejected him.” Her irises fell upon the giant ape. “No, he did not give me this power. He wanted to take it from me.”

The Ke released a roaring chuckle. “You’ve earned my respect, Empress Elinor! I did everything for that creature … my Elite Hunters, I sent them to snow-capped skies on his whim, off to perish in the reaches of the deep, and lost so many powerful bloodlines in his trades.

Through his visions I was shown places of power, cursed lands, and abyssal realms of fathomless measure … too many to count or visit. Places I can see you thriving in with the twisted feeling I sense in you.”

Ke’Thra’Ma folded both pair of arms across his muscular chest as his blue eyes appraised her.

“Respect is something that is earned, not given, Empress, and the cold touch of your power upon me has given me an insight into the aura surrounding you. It is slow, but my eyes are opening to understand what is within … you are young, I know this through that link. I have many gifts, and one of those is to grasp the strength of my opponent.”

“Oh? What is my strength?”

Both sets of the beast’s large nostrils flared as a low growl released in his throat. “Different … not a warrior, but like nothing I’ve ever come across. Not weak … unearthly … like the things below the Taiga, but in its infancy … yet, you’re more … complex … ravenous … ruthless. You have a will that is not unlike my own.”

Elinor’s expression didn’t change, but she knew the level of compliment this was from the beast.

He thinks of himself as above all, a god, yet he just linked me to himself. That’s a standard that is nigh-impossible in his mind, and I meet it.

Ke popped one of his tongues with disgust. “The Wise One was the only creature that was worthy of teaching me, yet … he required heavy sacrifices. I lost more than I should have, but still, I gained much wisdom in his whispers.”

Elinor shook her head, lips falling into a brooding frown. “Not wisdom, knowledge—there is an important difference. He failed to mention his involvement in the Fire Wars, and pointed me toward this keep—to your skeleton … for what purpose?”

The ape grunted. “Who knows The Wise One’s motives. He gave me several options to choose from, and I chose the north … through the infernal Trelmere’s lands. The sport that they made out of murdering our young was to be paid in blood.

“While, yes, it was sweet, The Wise One offered poison that would cost my people. Perhaps it was knowledge and not wisdom, but we benefited all the same. I took everything I could, forged our weapons in the blood of our enemies, and tore a hole in our oppressors’ minds! Yet, the true molding of my army came at the whims of The Wise One.

“The path leading to those icy mountains; he sent us on a glorious venture … and without my strength, we would have failed. Beyond the Lands of the Forebearers, even further north, through the Taiga of Eternal Night … we fought through the giant beasts of the Glass Grassland, and into the Alpine Skylands … that was the purpose of gaining provisions from the Trelmere.

“We brought back hordes of treasures and artifacts that he lead us to, and we began our rebirth. This tree and strange artifact were dug up upon our return; I left a group of my soldiers under the To’Reha’Je, King of the Blood Throne, to oversee the work. We gained and sacrificed much to create a kingdom of our own.” He muttered, following the shimmering gemstone murals of a wondrous diamond landscape across the walls.

“Yes … The Wise One abandoned us once we broke that orb … it took so many of my soldiers’ lives to get the proper ingredients to destroy it. Everything we gained was from that trade … yet it wasn’t enough. If only The Wise One had warned me of the Thélméthra Queen and her accursed daughters.”

“A story filled with many struggles and victories, no doubt,” Elinor said, turning to study the murals herself.

Demon wanted me to destroy some orb at the bottom of a mountain. It seems he’s been whispering promises of power for service for some time. Are these Forebearers The Searing Concord … a scene like this doesn’t fit that name, though? He said they were some of the more interesting ones within history, which means they must have been powerful. What could these artifacts really do? I’m sure Tiffany could work them out given time.

“Ke’Thra’Ma … tell me how you constructed this room. Did you design it yourself?”

The great ape’s depression seemed to dissipate in an instant. “Yes!” He jumped up, gesturing at different items. “The eternal trees, flowers, and grass would wither utterly if not for my expert calculations. That it has survived more than a century without even so much as a tweak means I am truly magnificent!”

Elinor lifted a questioning eyebrow. “These can die, then? They still require nutrients … is that what these gems and water are for?”

“Water? No, that is not water, and there are no exits from this room. That liquid is generated from the Life Stones hidden within the wall! They are extremely rare, found underneath and around this tree in its excavation; I had a group scour the Forebearers’ rivers and mountains without success.”

A frown touched her lips as she bent down, sliding her left hand through the liquid. “Don’t be facetious, Life Stones…” She paused as her fingers began to disintegrate, breaking apart to disperse into green smoke.

The warlord broke out laughing, but it was quick to cease as her fingers rematerialized once free of the waters. His eyes narrowed, jaws shifting with unease. “What kind of regeneration do you have? On that note, why did your fingers burn off as if consumed in my white fire? The water heals; it does not cause harm? What are you?”

Elinor didn’t respond, flexing her newly formed fingers. A pool of water that heals people … I wonder if I put bones inside it … will they mend. That might be an interesting experiment. Why did it melt my fingers … I’m extremely weak to the Life Element. Well, that’s odd; I use the Life Element as fuel, yet it’s deadly to me.

How do I use the Life Element … I use Life Tap to convert it into a usable form. Interesting, is the Death Element the weakness of the Life Element? I see, not an answer you’ll give me. What happens if my earrings touch this healing liquid … it’ll begin to purify my energy until I was out, then it would crack the diamonds. This is possibly the most dangerous place for me on this planet.

A smile touched Elinor’s lips, causing the gorilla to hum as he studied her. This is also the largest source of power for me. A double-edged sword … and no one’s the wiser. Tiffany, Edmon, I just learned that I am weak to the Life Element.

Ke’Thra’Ma continued to watch her soundlessly, seemingly trying to figure something out himself as she had her private conversation with her minions.

“Oh, dear! Did something happen?” Tiffany asked. “If you are exposed to pure Life Energy, then it would be deadly!”

Edmon’s tone was set. “I’ll be there as soon…”

No, no need, Edmon. Continue your work; I’m not in danger. She lied, eyeing the pool thoughtfully, knowing that wouldn’t be the case if she fell in. I’m just curious about the reverse; are those that are comprised of the Life Element weak to the Death Element?

“Most certainly,” Tiffany promptly replied. “Life and Death share a duality. Your defense is frail to Life, while the opposite is true for them with Death. Using Life Tap and similar abilities, you gather and convert Life Energy, but once that Life Energy has been converted into an aggressive form, you can no longer transform it through normal means.

“Likewise, once the Death Element has been offensively used, the forces of Life cannot purify the corrupted essence. In its raw form, it may be deadly, but is also an extremely potent source of nutrients for you and the Life Element users. They gain energy from purifying and releasing that life back into nature, you by corrupting and absorbing the energy into yourself.”

Edmon’s concerned tone returned. “Can I ask why this is a current topic?”

I may have found a source of endless energy.

“That means … endless life … you are in danger!”

“Come now, Edmon,” Tiffany sighed. “If she were in danger, then she’d let us know. You have me at the edge of my seat, though! What is this endless life?”

She looked around the celestial room with a soft smile. I have yet to really explore it. I won’t do anything dangerous until you both are here. I’m in the middle of talking with Ke’Thra’Ma, in any case. I’m sure this will be an essential key to our future, though. Okay, continue with your tasks.

“Aww,” Tiffany groaned. “I’m so curious! Fine, I’ll temper myself. It’ll be that much more relishing when I bite into this tender news.”

It might be very juicy. Elinor giggled, glancing back at the tree.

“You’re sure you’re not in danger? I don’t want to take any chances.”

I’m fine, Edmon. Thank you for your concern. Have you been able to find the floor plans?

“Yes, actually. There are some damages and missing pages, but I should be able to complete a working schematic for a restoration given a few more days and some inspection.”

Excellent. Things are looking up.

The warlord worked around his jaws before humming. “You seem happy. I’ve been studying your appearance, and your mouth curves up when you’re happy. Your voice also raises in volume and tone.”

“I am pleased,” Elinor replied, walking back toward the bridge. “You might have set up my Empire more than you realize.”

Getting up, he moved to block her path on the frozen bridge, glaring down at her. His monstrous size did little to frighten her now. She lifted an eyebrow, irises following a few of her fluttering butterflies flying around his chest.

“Something wrong?”

“I don’t want to talk about the past anymore, Empress Elinor. You can bring me back to life, as I was … better. You can heal all of the wounds I’ve received in my life-time, something that even these springs were unable to cure … my arms, my legs. You can make that happen?”

Elinor held her hands behind her back, glancing at him from a side angle. He shows a bit of respect when he needs something. It’s still not enough to be accepted as a Court Member. I suppose this is where we come to our conflict.

“Ke’Thra’Ma, tell me, why should I raise you? What benefit can you bring me?”

“I’ll flip that around, Empress of the Dead; what benefit would I gain from being raised from the dead? The only power I’ve seen from you is the ability to bring a corpse to life. There is no guarantee that I will not be but another one of those skeletal slaves outside this room, or can you even do that to me?

“I lead tens of thousands, slaughtered more with my own hands. I have bested colossal fiends, outmaneuvered legends, and stood as a god among mortals. I have feats of strength that are passed down through the lips of every race; I saw how that Ri’bot warrior reacted. I am a horror brought to life, a nightmare. What are you to command me?”

Elinor was silent a moment as she turned toward the massive ice bridge’s railing; the middle elegantly designed rung was at head-level with a second over double her height. The images carved into the ice mirrored some of the obelisk’s sigils.

She stared into the shimmering pool with a testing smile. “What am I—to command you?” Her green eyes lifted to stare at him with indifference. “You say you are a nightmare brought to life? Tell me, Ke, what about you is a nightmare? I see a spoiled brute that is struggling to keep his demeanor in front of the one person that can grant him a second chance.”

“What?!” The ape slowly rose to his full height, chest puffing out. “I laid waste to kingdoms, burned them to the ground! I created lakes of blood and corpses as a statement to those that would oppose me. My skin was nearly invincible, bones unbreakable, fur a living white flame! The mere sound of my name made warriors cower in fear and on sight, froze them with dread. I am a god! And you...”

Her hair shifted to the right with her veil as she tilted her head to leer at the beast, smirk close to her lips. “A god? Look at yourself. Do you look like a god? You’re a ghost, a dying memory, lost in the sands of time. I could build you up to something so much greater.”

“Never! My legacy will live through the generations!”

“Legacy? What legacy?” Elinor chuckled, walking through him to cross the bridge; the ice looked smooth but held a surprising grip. “That you lost … died. Ke’Thra’Ma, the mad warlord that lead his race to the slaughter, hunted to near extinction—a curse upon his people’s lips. That’s the legacy you wish to end on?”

Ke’Thra’Ma’s blue irises fell to the green grass as he turned to follow her, nostrils flaring. His muscles and jaw were tight as she casually walked up the hill to look up at the Tree of Life, eyeing the fruit with a bright smile.

“Lead my people to the slaughter … near extinction … impossible … we were at peace; we had all the clans as one … they couldn’t lose.”

Elinor glared up at the beast. “You can’t calm your wrists with a razor blade … you can’t pay the price of what’s already paid … your people are gone. You can’t fight for peace with ambition, blood, and gore; it will always collapse.

“The other races saw your rebellion as such a threat that they waged genocide against the Quen’Talrat. Your Elite Hunters put up a fight, but it was fruitless in the end, and they were split; the Ri’bot, they believe your race is extinct, that they killed every last one of your people.”

“How … the other races are so weak! How could we have lost … even without me … the Queens and Kings could easily kill hundreds … thousands. I trained them myself!”

“Look at your kingdom; does this look like a prosperous place? It’s a ghost fortress, fit for an Undead Empress. It doesn’t have to be this way, though, Ke.” His eyes burned as they met her ghostly green irises, butterflies gently flapping around them. “You can still reclaim your kingdom.”

“Under yours,” he growled, fingers flexing with rage. “What is it you want? What is your purpose? You say you can’t fight for peace with ambition, blood, and gore … what other way is there?”

“You’ve got it wrong,” Elinor giggled. “I’m not fighting for peace. I’m fighting for survival! You’ve been brought back by my power; there’s a connection we share that you can sense. What do you feel inside me?” Elinor asked. “What do you hear in my voice … what do you see?”

Ke’Thra’Ma’s nose twitched. “I can see the light in your eyes, the storm barely hidden below. You seek to take my hands, take control, take my body. Thélméthra poison on your lips … yet it tastes like sugar. I feel your voice in the darkness, and see your face in a black hole … an endless battlefield.

“I can hear the sound of thunder … the sound of rain. I can see the bright white lightning—coming down to strike me again. I can see you standing at the edge of destiny, the sky weeping red blood while you fill your cup to drink. All is sorrow; all is pain; the flames that lick beneath the surface as winds rage above.”

Elinor smiled. “A hurricane … I like that. What will it be, Warlord?”

The Ke folded both sets of arms, heads held high as he scowled down at her. “I respect you, Empress Elinor. However, I was lead by one before … never again. I don’t back down. I will bow to no one, not even the Empress of the Dead.”

Her smile vanished as she turned back to the doors, ordering her minions to open them as she walked across the bridge. “A shame. I’m thankful for your contributions to my Empire in life; it will be well used.”

The sound of rolling thunder echoed through the halls as the black storm clouds outside overshadowed the fortress. With his final moments, Ke’Thra’Ma released roaring laughter. “Still, I wish I could have witnessed their failing hearts when they finally realize what stands before them.”

The butterflies vanished as she released Herald of the Empress, and the Quen’Talrat that stood above all others faded back into oblivion.