Enjoy :>

The Imperial Empire is the largest empire on the continent of Ierae. The Empire controls all the land from the northern mountain ranges to the southern shores at the continent’s base. The country of Jaszimar controls the land above the northern mountains and dozens of smaller countries control the thousands of greater islands in the Eastern Ocean. Across the sea lies the continent of Asladv which is claimed by none.

The Imperial Empire is currently ruled by King Jarrod Alcazar. The Alcazar line has dominated the palace since the Empire’s beginning and no bloodline is purer than the royal family’s. King Alcazar and his advisors are the face of the Imperial Empire. Under the king is the Council of Nobles, who, led under the King in parliament, meet to discuss all manner of issues ranging from import taxes to declaring war.

Sharing the power of the Council of Nobles is the Imperial Library. The Imperial Library creates the laws and sets the standards of government throughout the empire. The Council of Nobles, Imperial Library, and King together create the central government.

Each city outside of Windxor is ruled by a Baron. Barons are high nobles who are each responsible for abiding by the standards set by the Imperial Library and the King. While a baron may rule their city in place of the King, all land belongs to the King.

___________________________ ACT 1: CHAPTER 5 - The Royal Palace: SCENE 1

-Four Days Later-

Hugh walked down the royal skywalk with his head held high. Adorned in the colorful clothings of a high noble, he fit in perfectly with the crowd milling around him. No one saw past his false face, or noticed that his clothing was made entirely from paper. Nor did anyone question the suspiciously large red tome tucked underneath his arm.

These fools aren’t even looking! Ashe projected to Hugh. Can’t anyone see that it’s not me walking?

You are beginning to annoying me. Can’t you just stay quiet? Hugh projected back.

While Hugh wears Ashe’s face, Ashe can see everything Hugh can see and shares a mental link with him. While this link is vital to getting information from Ashe, his obsessant ramblings were starting to wear on Hugh.

Release me. This game has gone far enough.

Hugh sighed. I still require your face. Besides, I couldn’t release you even if I wanted to. Librarian Nael is the only one powerful enough to do that. If I attempt to undo your bindings you will be worse than dead. Now be quiet.

Ten years ago, Hugh began his training under Librarian Nael. Nael developed his ether powers without the library noticing and has mastered the manipulation of paper. Under Nael’s tutelage, Hugh learned how to conceal his powers and has just recently been able to dynamically control paper. While proficient, Hugh’s technical ability is still far from that of what Nael can do.

Take a left here.

Hugh was currently walking to the Royal Palace. The bright sunlight burned his eyes as he looked to the top of the grand building. The network of skywalks spanning the top of Windxor were lavishly adorned with hundreds of plants, arches, lightposts, and stores. All upper class men and women did business up here while their children played in the open areas where skybridges came together. At every stairwell stood a city guard. City guards dress in deep bronze armor and are equipped with expensive large barreled pistols and black glass dirks sheathed at their belt.

Hugh took a left to cross a thinner skybridge that led to a side entrance to the palace, smiling at the guards as he passed them. The hallways of the palace shined brightly as the sun reflected off the walls from the many windows. Hugh was eager to be away from the surrounding people and moved at a quick pace.

It will be the fourth door to your right. The guard standing in front is Captain Antion. He is a friend.

Nodding, Hugh slowed his pace and called out. “Ho! Nice to see you captain.”

Antion shook his head at Hugh. “Lord Cudlahan. Your son is waiting inside. He seems eager to speak to you. Where have you been these last few days?”

Tell him nothing.

“I have had important business with our partners to the west. You know how it is.”

“I do indeed. Glad to have you back.”

Hugh walked past the captain and into the room. “If anyone comes for me tell them I am busy. I do not have time for guests right now,” Hugh called behind him before shutting the door.

Ashe’s chambers were large and comfortable. While not a windowed room, the lights were bright and everything was spotlessly clean. Composed of a large bedroom, restroom, and workroom, Hugh did not doubt the wealth of the Cudlahan house. Supposedly the rest of his family each held separate chambers on the floor beneath this one.

___________________________ SCENE 2

Josiah Cudlahan perked up at the sound of his father’s voice outside. He had been waiting for nearly three hours in his father's workroom for a chance to gain an audience with him.

“Father!” He cried from across the hall. “I need you to hear out a request if you are not too busy.”

“I have a few moments. Speak your mind, but be quick about it.”

Josiah smiled and collected his thoughts for a moment. “Father. I request permission to take command of one of your catamarans and travel to our sister city of Yerixor in the south. My education from the library is complete and my two years of service to the army is done with. I want to see the world.”

Having rehearsed his request in his mind for the past month, Josiah looked confidently at his father. His outstanding service record and perfect scores throughout schooling at the Imperial Library brought pride to his family name. Having come home just this week from the military, he was paraded as a hero.

“And of the Cudlahan company?”

Josiah’s brow furrowed slightly. “What of your company?”

“MY company? This is our family’s company. Do you have no intention of keeping our name in this city?”

“I would like a few years on my own befo-”

“You will get no years on your own. Discuss this foolishness no more and leave me be.”

“Father-”

“LEAVE!”

___________________________ SCENE 3

“Well?” Asked Prince Elinor.

Josiah angrily paced into the dim meeting room. “I was denied. The scrooge only thinks about the company and the money in his vault.”

A third, feminine voice chimed in,“What are we going to do? I thought your father would be more accommodating.”

“As did I. What are we going to do now?”

Prince Elinor responded, “My father has forbidden me to leave and your father has refused us a ship. Gods know Mary shouldn’t even be in the same room as us much less travelling outside the city.”

Silence permeated the room.

“I have an idea...”