Interlude I

Far to the south of Bellgaurd, Alis the XIV was carried into the Great City of Garloon on a thirty-man palanquin. As she was carried through the ivory arches of the city her heart filled with love for the people of her nation. The crowds had turned out for her triumph and the people cheered wildly as she passed along the Imperial Avenue. The tossed bouquets of chamomile and peonies before her and the bands sounded the call to announce her presence. As she approached the white walls of the High Empress’ castle her palanquin was carried threw wide gates a placed before the dais. This was the day she had dreamed of since she was born and it was only the beginning. The other Alises sat on ornate thrones, seventeen in total. In the center of the dais sat the High Empress ruler of Farki and conqueror of nations. She stepped down from her palanquin and pressed the left side of her face to the floor. Sala the High Empress of the Farkian empire smiled down on her from atop her bejeweled throne. “Sister you have returned. Rise. What tidings do you bring?”

Alis XIV rose from her prostrate position and smiled up at her sister. “We have completed the alliance with the raiders of the sea isles.” She replied with a grin.

“And what of Bellgaurd?” Sala asked.

“It went as planned. The message was passed to Heliodor and he has agreed. By next winter all of Ardinum will be ours.”

***

Dundar the second prince of Ardinum rode back to the capitol with his brother. He rarely got to spend time with Heliodor who was always in the field, but his heart was overjoyed at the sight of his little brother. After all these years Heliodor had turned into a man and a fierce warrior. His troops respected him, and the people loved him. Soon he would marry one of the Swans of Hytia and the eastern border of Ardinum would be more secure. Ardinum would enter an age of prosperity and hopefully peace. Surely the Star Court was smiling upon them. As they crested the hill a force of men was spread out below. Banners with the crest of the Flying Donkey were posted throughout the camp and Dundar turned to Heliodor with a puzzled look. “When did you get so many men brother?”

“Recruitment has been good lately.” Heliodor replied cheerily. “Come let us take our lunch in the shade of the pavilion.” Dundar was not a military man, but he was a finance one. How does he afford this? The cost would be astronomical. But he brushed these thoughts aside as he ate with his brother. Father loved to spoil Heliodor.

***

A woman in a white dress walked through the slums of Hytia carrying a basket of bread. The poor of the city needed her. She walked this road everyday doing her best to alleviate the suffering of the crippled and the infirmed. A boy ran up to her with a flower in his hand and she gave him a loaf of bread. He smiled then grabbed a dagger and plunged it into her stomach. She collapsed on the ground and let out her last breath as the flower rolled out her hand.