Elinor looked down at the human and pure green-skinned Ri’bot below. “The next group will be joining us very soon. We will wait for them to enter before I tell everyone my decision.”

The children whispered among themselves with a few of the women, but the Clavex Clan stood in silence, tightly grouped together. The adults were quite a bit more reserved, trying to hide concerned glances at her.

They didn’t particularly bother Elinor, though; her attention had moved to the Aligator-toad creatures that had been brought back with the Clavex Clan. There were only three of them, but they carried scores of Ri’bot and a few human corpses.

Tiffany, what do you think about these pack mules the Ri’bot have?

“Hmm,” Tiffany’s brow furrowed as she stared down at the reptiles. “They can certainly have their uses, and it appears as if they can be trained for war. Still, I’d say the Quen’Talrat would be far more efficient minions. According to Eltha, they are called Torlim, but personally, I’d say use them as food.

“I’ve been considering the future that you wish to create, and we will need to develop some form of agricultural means to feed the living. It would be fun to create different types of meals in this new world, too. I mean, we can still have the pleasure of eating, and I’m sure you’d love to sit down and enjoy a good dinner.

“I have some thoughts on how we can feed the living. I do have several ideas, but of course, they’ll take the majority of effort in producing what we set…”

Edmon interrupted with a low, thoughtful hum. “I disagree with Tiffany’s suggestion about these Torlim. They can be of great support. I would rather not use our military resources as agricultural mules. If we can turn these Torlim into workhorses, then that frees up the Quen’Talrat soldiers we can use. After all, you have a limited number of units you can raise.”

The children seemed to have formed three primary groups between each other, drawing Elinor’s eye as she listened to the explanation. One group would talk and cry softly, a second seemed more emotionally stable, and the third gave the nervous Ri’bot wide-eyed stares of fascination.

I agree that I’d rather use my minions to protect the peace over plowing fields. We are in a hostile world, and I don’t know how much land I can defend. Of course, it will grow as my forces increase. There’s also the issue of forging my own boundaries that other nations recognize. What do you think, Iris?

The Thélméthra Queen’s unreadable expression didn’t change. “I have no input on such subjects. I am simply an Executioner. I doubt my opinion on how to handle the living would mesh with the vision Tiffany has explained to me. My view is to consume, expand, and ensure the survival of my brood.”

“If I may,” Tiffany interjected. “I do agree with Edmon, actually. I’d rather we focus our forces on carving out your Empire. However, in the short-term, I don’t see it being that easy to train these creatures for agricultural purposes, and it takes a shocking amount of production to feed people over a year’s time.

“Not only that, but we are unfamiliar with the seasons. Yes, Edmon, I know what you are going to say, Ke’Thra’Ma will likely have seasonal records and information. He seemed to have been surprisingly more academic than I first thought. However, again, we need time to prepare such an endeavor, and the Quen’Talrat minions will make the process exponentially faster for us to center on more important matters.”

Edmon was silent for a moment before responding. “I can see that perspective, but you are basing this on the assumption they are not already trained in a manner to serve that purpose, or have you gained that information from someplace?”

“No, no, you’re not wrong,” Tiffany sighed. “It is an assumption. What we really need is more units, preferably Quen’Talrat and Thélméthra.”

A low chuckle filled Elinor’s mind as Edmon glanced at the Witch. “There, we one-hundred percent agree. We need a stronger military force. Zombie Apes over Skeletal Apes. The extra weight and protection will help with many tasks.”

Elinor’s brow furrowed as she turned to stare at the black helmet of the Doom Guard. I can create Zombies?

Tiffany’s lips pursed, and the soft hum she released through the network pulled Elinor’s eyes to her. “It’s a bit more complicated than that. Yes, Zombies do have their perks … I mean, they have the ability to transmit the magic reanimating them to the living that has been infected for a certain amount of time, but it’s kind of a dead-end Class. You can’t have Arcanist Zombies.

“A Zombie is an infectious Class of its own, used to quickly expand the fodder ranks of an Empire. Let them loose in a zone, and your unit cap will be reached in no-time, but then the infection is useless. It’s quantity over quality.”

“Not necessarily,” Edmon replied. “Once we find someone to fill the Necromantics Royal Court Title, then it could expand their ranks.”

Excuse me? Elinor’s lips fell into a deep frown. Necromantics Royal Court Title? I am a Lich Empress. Aren’t I the Necromantics expert in the Empire?”

“Oh, dear,” Tiffany chuckled. “Of course, you have the ability to create powerful Undead, such as Undead Witches, Assassins, Songweavers, Inquisitors, and even Clergy, to name a few, which is something the Necromantics Royal Court member could not do. No, the Necromantics Royal Court member gives us the ability to develop Advanced Fodder.

“I honestly don’t know much about it, and neither does Edmon. We only have very general information regarding the other Court Members…”

Edmon cut in. “What we do know is that Skeletons can be advanced into Giant Skeletons, Wisps to Mistborn, and Zombies into any number of powerful advancements such as Homunculus or Ghouls. The infectious nature of their bite can also be increased and modified.”

Wonderful. Elinor mumbled. You both keep telling me about all these Royal Court positions, and giving me all this suspense when I can’t find a decent spirit to raise for it! It kind of annoys me a little with how little I have to work with, and I know I’m complaining. I have Iris and her daughters, which increases my power by a vast amount, but what can I do now?

Tiffany and Edmon looked at each other; Tiffany’s pulled in lips showing her slight concern while Iris seemed entirely devoid of interest on the subject as she observed the throng below.

“You’re right, dear. Hmm … let’s see. It would be best to reserve the Intelligent Undead slots you have for exceptional individuals. Increasing the amount of Unintelligent Undead would be quite helpful.”

Edmon’s voice gained strength. “Is this about your statement before, about your direction?”

The chatter within her mind died as Elinor shifted her legs the opposite way. In part. At first, all I wanted to do was survive; it’s what I told Ke’Thra’Ma. Now things are starting to stabilize for me. To be honest, I’m a little nervous about the next steps. I may have fancied myself a princess at some times in my life, but actually ruling a kingdom … it’s something else entirely.

Judging these toads that stole everything from me is one thing, but what about these humans? They’re no different than me, and I don’t want to be the same as the toads. Are they feeling hopeless, or are they looking at me for protection and guidance?

Tiffany held her hands behind her back, features pacifying as she stared at the children below. “We already discussed the Empire you wished to build. A place where you are at the head and within a productive kingdom. For that, there are specific steps that need to be taken, and the first, everyone must know you are the Empress. What you say is the law. There is no democratic debate.

“It would be productive to have representatives of each faction, however. Everyone needs a voice; after all, it’s one of the many factors that started the American War for Independence. Let them know that they are being heard, but they must accept that you are the final word.

“They are beggars, pleading for your grace, and it was only by that benevolence that they were saved from their oppressors. If they wish to continue to prosper, then they must follow the law, and you are the law. The Military follows you, and only you. If you ordered us to burn the world, we would without hesitation.”

Her voice grew colder. “Let it be known throughout this planet that attacking you spells the end of all. If the Undead horde were not directed by its head, then it would be chaos. Hollywood wouldn’t be able to produce a rating harsh enough to symbolize the carnage, and even Stephen King couldn’t possibly come to conceive a thing that could equal our need to ravage everything before us.”

Blue mist expelled from Edmon’s black face-guard. “It is the Empress that gives us order and a common goal. Whatever you decide, we follow.”

Elinor’s ghostly green eyes narrowed as the group before her quieted, listening to the sound of a large number of people entering the massive front hall. Then I’ll solidify my position here for everyone to see. I’ve made up my mind.

Her vision burned with hatred as she examined the throng that entered; unlike the captives Iris brought back, the humans captured by the Delthax Clan were riddled with cuts, bruises, missing limbs, and splints. Yet the only living Ri’bot was a blue-skinned Ri’bot guiding a procession of Torlim that had been closely bound together by rope to be easily led.

Both the humans and Clavex Clan parted to the sides of the room to give those that entered the space as Elinor turned her gaze to Iris. Where are the rest of Valdor’s clan? Please tell me that they’re all dead on those Torlim … no, there are too few.

Iris’ tone was relaxed and refined. “The Ri’bot Camellia brought back is called Folcra. When he saw how overwhelmingly powerful my daughter was, he ordered those under him to run back to their village as fast as possible. Camellia determined that it would be better to bring back the injured humans over hunting down every fleeing Ri’bot.”

Elinor’s jaw tightened, but she understood the decision. I see. Then Valdar got away?

“Logically, it would seem that way, but we will need to ask this Folcra to be certain,” Iris replied.

Tiffany’s orange irises moved to the Torlim. “I agree, and we have the possibility to question many of their ranks using your gifts, Elinor.”

A low hum rumbled in Elinor’s throat. Just like I did with Ke’Thra’Ma, using Herald of the Empress?

“Yes. You can compel spirits to speak to you. However, Ke’Thra’Ma and those that are of high ranks are more resistant to that ability.”

What if I level up that ability?

Edmon’s deep voice cut through whatever Tiffany was going to say. “I wouldn’t recommend that. Your Skill Points are valuable, and there is little utility in leveling up that skill in the long run. Why put points into compelling spirits when you could increase your army’s number?”

“Well, it’s not completely useless,” Tiffany huffed. “It has some utility with forcing higher Grade spirits to join the Empire.”

“Yes, but that is not necessary. A ten thousand armed force of Fodder Unintelligent Undead wins controlling a few Rare-Grade spirits that didn’t wish to join. It’s not worth it, in my opinion.”

Tiffany released a soft sigh. “You’re not wrong, but it’s far from a useless skill.”

“I never said it was.”

“No, but you made it sound useless.”

“Let’s put a pin in that conversation,” Elinor said, giving Tiffany a small smile. “I get the point and reserving my Skill Points has already crossed my mind. Now, let’s see what I have to work with.”

Elinor’s glare returned as Camellia stood beside Azalea, both in their original form, and she turned her vision upon the Ri’bot.

“Have you decided what to call our Empire, Elinor?”

The Undying Empire sounds appropriate. I believe you’ve already mentioned something similar before.

“Oh, wonderful!”

Tiffany cleared her throat, drawing everyone’s eyes to the Witch, and her cheer was even creepier than the disgust or hatred she might have shown. “Welcome to the Undying Empire. You are standing before Empress Elinor, Matriarch of the Dead, and you are all here by her grace. Listen to her words carefully and take note because your time living on this planet depends on it. I recommend you show the utmost respect.”

The Ri’bot’s blood ran cold; the nervousness sweeping the room was palpable, and Edmon’s dominating voice quickly took point after Tiffany had ended her introduction. “The Ri’bot are before the Empress to stand trial. You will not speak unless spoken to. You have been warned.”

She took a deep breath before addressing the throng, voice much colder than she remembered. “I’ve thought a great deal about what I wanted to do since I’m now trapped in this hostile world. You will all stay quiet while I talk, and once I finish, I will speak to each group.”

Her green irises darted to Folcra, narrowing as he cleared his throat. “I have an…”

Elinor’s teeth locked for a moment, and she spoke with a chilling tone. “People have told me that I have a bad temper. If you interrupt me again, then I’ll have you dismembered, gender changed, and hang you by your intestines. Don’t test my patience again.”

Tiffany’s smile turned sinister as she eyed the toad, tongue sliding across her lips in anticipation. Folcra’s blue eyes moved to her, and a shiver ran down his body.

“As I was saying, I will speak to each group in time, but first, let me be clear about my intentions. I’m pissed, and that’s the sum of it; simple and to the point. I may appear cool and collected, but there is a volcanic eruption raging within my chest.

“I lost my world. I lost my parents. I lost my humanity. Everything was taken from me the moment these toads called Ri’bot invaded my planet. School worried me, friends, my parents’ opinion, boys, the whole nine yards. I was a spoiled sixteen-year-old girl, and now, I’m an Undead Empress in a foreign world, filled with monsters.”

Her gaze swept the two human groups. “I’m sure all of you can relate to some degree, and I sympathize with that. You did not choose to be taken as slaves, murdered, kidnapped … literally, everything was taken away from you. No, the Ri’bot made that choice for us.”

The Clavex Clan were far more terrified than the lone blue Ri’bot that watched her silently, but his vision darted to the Thélméthra every so often.

“I will not be killed so easily, though, and I will build an Empire to show my defiance to this curse that’s been placed upon me. Elinor, the teenager, died when the Ri’bot attacked, and an Empress was born to bring their sins to justice. I will start with the Clavex Clan.”

Elinor glared at Nadraca, green irises flaming daggers. “How do you plead?”

Nadraca’s two teeth on either side of her mouth pressed against their lower lip as she stepped forward, arms folded tightly against her body. “G-Guilty … E-Empress Elinor. It was—it was me—I created this expedition to—to gather resources to free my people from debt. The l-leader of my clan … The Mother Superior doesn’t know what I’ve done.”

The toad-woman swallowed a hard lump, forcing her eyes closed for a moment before she cleared her throat. “I—urhm … the Delthax Clan asked f-for us to come—this was a secret meeting to discuss the growing issues involving the Cnaxar Federation…”

Folcra’s nose creased as he shot a glare at her, but he didn’t speak, vision darting to Azalea as she took on human form. The girl was clothed in her silken underwear before the shadows left, and she casually sat on the stairs, feet hanging over the edge. She wore a charming smile while eyeing Nadraca, and both her sisters soon changed their shapes, likely practicing the form on cooldown.

Nadraca stumbled over her words, blue irises darting between the sisters before returning to Elinor. “T-The,” she swallowed, “s-sorry—I’m just—really nervous. Umm—The Mother Superior, she r-refused the meeting, but … but I wanted to see if I could use it to—to help my clan. S-So … please, just—just punish me.” She tensed, closing her eyes while hunching over, seemingly expecting Elinor to strike her dead on the spot.

Elinor’s cold expression didn’t falter as she turned to the group of women and two men Iris had brought back. “They plead guilty. Choose a representative of your group to speak and tell me what you decide.”

The women and two men gathered together; Elinor watched them whisper, discussing different topics, and it appeared a few of the women were a little upset with some of the other women with the men trying to calm both parties.

“An interesting approach,” Tiffany commented. “I’d still love to make an example of that blue toad, though. I don’t like how calm he is.”

“Calm?” Iris asked. “He’s clearly frightened by his body language and scent.”

“Tiffany’s right,” Edmon muttered. “The Clavex Clan has taken the proper approach; well, the best they could offer. Denying their involvement would be tantamount to suicide, but being honest about their decisions gives them something to work with.”

“The pity victim card,” Tiffany huffed. “I hoped they’d surprise me; it’s so predictable. Yes, Iris, he is frightened, but it’s clearly not for the right reasons.”

We will see when I get to him. Elinor stated. I have little connection to the Clavex Clan, but the Delthax Clan … they have close relations with the Roxim, and Valdar was an extremely important figure to them. He should have all the answers I want concerning the attack on Earth.

“Ah, I see,” Tiffany hummed, pursing her lips to the side as she stared at the blue toad. “It would be simple for me to extract the information.”

It would. Elinor agreed. However, I want to ask him myself, and I have no doubt you will have your time with him.

“Excellent!” Tiffany cheered internally. “I liked your promise to him, though. Change his gender and hang him by his intestines,” she chuckled. “Classic. It still has me giggling inside.”

Their attention returned to the group Iris brought back as the same man that had first spoken stepped forward. “My name is Severino, and the others have—have asked that I be the one to s-speak. If that’s okay?”

Elinor nodded. “Go ahead, tell me what you think about their guilty plea?”

Severino cleared his throat, turning to give two angry-looking women a stare. “I—umm … for the most part. We were treated very fairly … better than I think we expected, but there was—one toad that these two … they said they watched him throw a crying child into the river. They all kind of look—look the same, so … we don’t really know who did it.”

“Other than that?” Elinor asked, eyes narrowing.

“I mean, yeah—it was cold, wet … we were in a hurricane, but yeah, that was really the only negative thing I heard. Some were even saved from the orange, blue, and green ones with strange spots.”

Elinor’s lips pressed together for a moment. “Do you want them to be punished?”

Nohemi jumped up; cheeks flushed with anger. “Don’t hurt the nice one! She saved me; the big nasty orange toad tried to stuff me in a pot, but the green one with pretty blue eyes saved me!”

Célia quickly turned her attention to the girl, trying to calm her down. “I-I’m sorry, E-Empress Elinor … she’s just a kid. Shh, Nohemi, the grown-ups are talking.”

“But—but the nice one saved me … don’t hurt her. I shared chocolate with her.”

“How do you even know it’s a her…”

“She is!”

“Okay, shh … just calm down.”

Elinor took a deep breath before letting it out. Nadraca was a strange shade of green, likely meaning she was pale-faced as she watched the child’s tantrum.

Severino cleared his throat, voice gaining strength as he took a deep breath. “We talked quickly, and … yes, we do believe the one—you called them Ri’bot … that one should be punished, but the others. If we’re going by skin-tone, the green ones over there were very humane, and yes, even saved many humans from the other toads. The children all have stories about it. The other skin-colored Ri’bot took most of their parents.”

A low hum rumbled in Elinor’s throat. “I didn’t expect that answer, Severino. They took you away from your family. We cannot go back to Earth. While they may not have taken part in much of the massacre, they still kidnapped you.”

He licked his lips before shooting a glance at the Clavex members. “We’d all like to—we’d like to know the facts about why they did it.”

An uncomfortable silence stretched as Elinor mulled over his answer. How ridiculous! Know the facts … they stole everything. I don’t care about the facts, but they do … am I being too emotional? I had a bad temper as a human, but my Empress natures should be combating that side of me; although, the Lich half doesn’t suppress hatred or disgust.

So, the Clavex Clan was more humane than the others and even saved many of their lives. I can see why they’d draw an attachment to them, but they still kidnapped us. There must be a punishment for that, and if Nadraca’s confession is whole and true, then … it’s by far a much better argument than anything Dalria has been able to come up with to spare her clan; she’s even offering to pay it herself. A martyr complex? Maybe. I’m sure Tiffany would have a field day with it.

No, there has to be something … okay, well, if she is sincere, then she wouldn’t mind helping me get revenge upon the other clans that harmed us. It can’t be just that simple, though.

She opened a communication channel with the court. Tiffany, how soon until Dalria and Gwen are up?

“Hmm … fairly soon. I could wake Dalria up this instant if you wish. She’s just sleeping behind your throne, and Gwen has had plenty of sleep. I’m sure she’d love to take the whole week off, though. The poor thing.”

Good. Because of your Blood Ritual, those two can communicate. Once I am finished, Iris, have one of your daughters join that group in the area we’ve brought food. The Ri’bot are not to eat … unless the children feel charitable. She sighed. The humans can relieve themselves as they wish.

Have another one of your daughters wake Gwen up and bring her to the second floor to eat. Gwen can mingle with them and get the information they want out of Dalria. I will pass my current judgment on the Clavex now.

Elinor crossed her legs in the opposite direction while shifting to a more comfortable position upon the white throne. “Nadraca, step forward.” Nadraca nervously separated herself from the group, and Elinor turned to the child. “Nohemi, could you come examine this Ri’bot. Is this the one you talked about?”

A few of the women looked nervous as the girl happily jumped to her feet, running toward Nadraca to examine her. The pale-skinned toad held her arms tightly against her gut, body rigid as she observed the curious child in front of her.

“Umm … yeah, uh-huh! See that speckle in her eyes; it’s the blue speckly-eyed toad! She saved me!”

Nadraca began to quiver as the girl hugged one of her legs, looking up at her while saying, “Thank you! You saved my mommy, too. Where’d she go on the boats?”

The toad-woman’s voice wavered. “E-Empress Elinor? W-What’s this little child doing to me? I—I don’t understand it.”

“She says you saved her, and she’s asking where her mother is. Apparently, she was on one of your boats. So, I’m assuming she’s currently on her way to the Nalvean capital city. Correct?”

“Y-Yes,” Nadraca squeaked.

Elinor closed her eyes and took a deep breath as the girl looked up at her with wide eyes, asking a flurry of questions. “Okay, Nohemi, return to the group with the other kids. You’ll get your answers soon enough.”

“Oh, okay!” She darted back but turned around with a bright smile. “You’re really nice, Empress Elinor. I don’t know why Célia and the others are scared of you. I don’t think you have a bad temper, too. My daddy said I had one, but I don’t! Marcial always steals my toys, too, and lies about it.”

“Nu-uh! I don’t do that!” A boy yelled. “You’re a liar!”

Elinor smiled a little. This was supposed to be a cold trial … how did it turn out like this?

Her hard features returned as the adults quickly got the kids to be silent, and her vision returned to Nadraca. “From the testimony I’ve heard … your good behavior has not gone unnoticed, but you still kidnapped, and to pay off a debt, no less. You will serve the Empire, and the humans you once held captive now hold you captive. However, you will be treated with the same respect you showed them with one exception.”

Nadraca’s relieved expression tightened again. “An exception?”

“One of your people was seen throwing a child into the river. Point that one Ri’bot out, and the rest of you will not follow the same fate.”

The Clavex Clan quickly separated, looking at one another in confusion, but after a few mumbled words between them, they left out one toad. The lone Ri’bot looked down at the ground, teeth pressing hard enough against his lips to draw green blood.

“You did what, Benira?” Nadraca asked with hurt in her voice.

A feminine voice responded, and to Elinor, she sounded like a teen. “Yes, Priestess … I did what they said.”

“I said…”

“I know what you said,” Benira mumbled. “It was just … it was so loud, and I had a headache.”

“Then it’s settled.” Elinor’s vision moved to Iris as the Thélméthra took control; the Clavex members shifted uncomfortably as everything transpired, but didn’t show a hint of resistance.

“Azalea, take Benira to Eltha with the prisoners from the Roxim Clan. Camellia, escort the rest of the Clavex Clan to the place Tiffany prepared food; the Ri’bot are not to eat unless the human children favor them. Violet, you will take Dalria, the Ri’bot behind the throne, to see Gwen, and bring them back to the humans for an explanation.”

The three sisters responded in unison, quickly getting to their feet to follow her orders as Tiffany moved to awaken the sleeping warrior. “Yes, Mother.”

“Dalria,” Nadraca whispered, and Folcra seemed to be interested in the name, as well.

Elinor smiled down at them as the humans followed the red-haired sister out of the hall, children lobbing questions at her strange appearance.

“Yes, Dalria, the famous Xaria of the Komath Clan. She’s now a slave to the Empire, and serves it faithfully.”

“Impossible,” Folcra mumbled, but his mouth snapped shut as he watched Dalria nervously step out from behind the throne with Tiffany by her side.

“You’re to follow Violet, Dalria. Understand?”

The former Xaria nodded submissively, gripping her left arm tightly.

“Good. You’ll be answering all of the human’s questions. Now, be a good slave. Off with you,” she stated, sending a smirk down at Folcra. “That’s the expression I want to see … delicious.”

The remaining humans were all caring for one another’s injuries while listening silently to the conversation, waiting for their turn, and it appeared that this group would be far less forgiving than the last.