Chapter 75: Ending a Battle
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Daniel wipes his hands on a towel as he exits the prison cell behind Hekate. General Jothraligus kos Ekstragar didn''tst long under pressure, and he confessed things Daniel had no idea to even ask about.</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Hekate, however, isn''t taking it well.</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“We have to tell her immediately! Daniel! She''s still in danger!”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“Calm down, Hekate.”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“Calm down!? My friend is in danger! I can''t-...”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Daniel snatches Hekate into a hug before she can storm off to do something that is unnecessary.</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“Hekate, listen to me, please. I care about Erimaya as well, alright?”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">She huffs and squirms in his arms for a moment before rxing. “Hurry and tell me, then.”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“I was banished because of what I did because she''s considered no longer marriageable to higher nobles. That''s where I remember Ekstragar''s family name from.”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“But, they tried…”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“I know. But, that was what I had saved her from, and my actions still served their needs; they were able to dissolve Zorenwein''s son''s betrothal to her.”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“We should kill him. No! We should ask Aramellianna to find him. I''ll…”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“Rx. Erimaya''s fine now. And, she''s an adorable little cinnamon roll. She''ll find a partner in due time.”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Hekate scows at him. “''Adorable little cinnamon roll''? Daniel…”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“It just means she''s a kind and gentle person with a fun personality. When I was summoned, she was the one who defended me when they learned I had no magic.”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">Hekate relents from her envy, since she also offered for Erimaya to join them, and she made Daniel promise to take responsibility if she never finds a marriage partner. Daniel is banking on that noting to pass, but he has given up thinking about it too hard.</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;"><font style="vertical-align: inherit;">“Anyways, General Ekstragar is just that Zorenwein''s uncle, and he likely only learned of itter. Plus, he seems to be a Count in the Empire specifically, so he''s technically outside of the ''kingdom''s'' loop. I''m surprised he knew that much.”</font></font>
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate crosses her arms. “Or, he was a conspirator.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Regardless, that’s not our problem. Erimaya is still being protected by our golems. If there is any threat to her, we’ll know, and Xyreko has permission to stop at nothing to protect the little princess. Even if that means we have to use thest remaining revival potation.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate nods. “I agree. I’m fine with that. We’ll get more of the ingredients as soon as we can.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel finally sets her down now that she’s calmed down. “Yep. Now, then, Xyreko, is the contract chamber prepared?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Xyreko, having teleported away to catalog what they learned, reappears. “Yes, your Grace.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’d like to update the contract terms for General Jothraligus.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh? Do tell.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“First, I want him to be unable to benefit from healing magic of any kind. Make it feel like he’s burning alive.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Can do.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Next, if he tries to wear false teeth to repair his teeth line, have him automatically bite his tongue continuously until he takes them out.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Interesting. I shall add it.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“If he’s ever in Fievegal territory for any reason, including us conquering where he’s at, or if he tries to speak or write ormunicate about waterboarding in any way, have him bite his own tongue off and be paralyzed until he bleeds out.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh? You don’t wish to wipe his memory, your Grace?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No. I want him to remember. He insulted Hekate one too many times.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Xyreko nods, and Daniel adds, “Also, from now on, I want him to only refer to Hekate as ‘Her Imperial Greatness, the Wise and Beautiful Empress Hekate fell Lawson, most beautiful and benevolent Empress in the world,’ every time he’s speaking about her in any context.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate and Xyreko both chuckle. “That’s mean, Daniel,” jokes Hekate. “That’s a mouthful he has to spew out in front of anyone.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel nods. “And, it won’t be our problem. Any issues with any part of it, Xyreko?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No, sir. We could make him end his entire family line in the process as well, if you’d like.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No. I don’t know his whole family, and it could extend to people we care about in some obscure way, so not worth it. Living as a wretch is more suitable than death as contrition for someone like him.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Then, you should also make it impossible for him to take his own life,” adds Hekate. “Just in case.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel nods, and Xyreko nods in agreement. “I will leave a contingency that he can only ask Hekate to end his suffering if it bes unbearable for him. How he handles that is his problem.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Agreed.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate chuckles. “Doesn’t that make it impossible for him to enter our territory or speak about waterboarding?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel and Xyreko nce at each other as they make the same connection. “I guess it does. Xyreko, please prepare, and we’ll meet you there shortly. We’ll send him out to pay with his people tomorrow morning.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“He is still sobbing. Are you sure he will be coherent enough to give orders?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“If he’s not, we’ll convince the others. I think we learned all we will from Jothraligus.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Very well, Daniel. Though, with your permission, I could quickly question the other officers using your method and soldier golems.”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">“No. Part of why I did that was because of how he acted, both during the duel and as a prisoner. I can tolerate indignance. But, I’ll give disrespect in payment for disrespect. I disrespected his human rights. And, this isn’t even Earth.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate chuckles softly. “Thanks for standing up for me, Daniel. Sorry my ears and tail are such a pain…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t ever say that, Hekate. They’re adorable, and at this point, I wouldn’t recognize you without.” He pats her head gently, and she smiles up at him.
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel and Hekate join everyone for dinner, apanied by Xyreko once she has her preparationspleted. After greeting everyone, Ryuogriar asks what they got out of the general, and Hekate answers.
<span style="font-weight:400">“... and, apparently, his nephew tried to kill Eri! I wanted to light him on fire, but Daniel stopped me.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel sighs, “Hekate, we talked about this. We need General Ekstragar to order the retreat.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Wenlianna’s te ngs when her dropped fork draws everyone’s attention.
<span style="font-weight:400">Ryuogriar asks, “Is the enemy general someone important to you, Miss Wenlianna?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Wenlianna looks pale and shocked, but she snaps out of it. “E-Ekstragar? You said his name is Ekstragar?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Yes?” replies Hekate with an unsure tone. “Well, not me. Daniel said his name.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“A-And… Eri is…?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Princess Erimaya,” replies Daniel. “Apparently, his nephew in Mornistae is the father of the young man betrothed to Princess Erimaya until her fall.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I… I’m sorry, I didn’t realize how close you were to Princess Erimaya, Hekate. I… Mother marched the Stalvaltan Guard into the pce shortly after you were banished, and she arrested Duke Zorenwein and his son under suspicion of treason. Th-They did try to assassinate her. They worked with someone else to nt a maid in the royal service who tried to push Erimaya from the ramparts that day. I-I only learned this long after, though. I… don’t know the methods Mother had the guardsmen use to… extract that information.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Why would they do that!?” snaps Hekate, starting to stand up. Daniel gently tugs on the back of her shirt to sit her down and try to calm her. She resists a little, but is still passionately demanding that answer.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I… My understanding is that King Greydald upset the Ducal families when they betrothed Heralesse to Rikuto to legitimize his rule once they were married, since he was proving himself a valuable asset to the kingdom. Ekstragar‘s family, specifically. They then betrothed Erimaya to his son, but… well, the easy answer is that they wanted the throne.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Geez. Eastern marriages are stupid,” grumbles Hekate. “If you love someone, you should just be with them. Anything else is dumb.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel exins gently, “There are evolutionary reasons as well as social-constructionist reasons behind it, you know.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Everyone else stares at him, and he realizes they may not have the concept of evolution, specifically, let alone the social constructionism. “Sorry. In simple terms, if people’s instinctive nature isn’t kept in check, a small handful of powerful males would narrow down the gene-pool real quick. That’s where social constructionismes in, to a degree.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Ryuogriar teases, “But, Mukori, we all chose to be here.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s not the point. The point is, males of most species are typically hardwired to… ahem… sow their oats, so to speak, and females of most species are hardwired to gravitate to the strongest male around. Social constructionism gives the less-powerful males a chance by making it strongly encouraged to have only one wife, or, that being thew, as is the case in many of the cultures of Earth. Taken a step further, ambitious and shrewd politicians saw profit in treating their children like bargaining chips. Depending on which gender is more valuable in the given circumstance, either the daughter’s family pays the prospective groom, or the male suitor pays the daughter’s family for the daughter’s hand in marriage. And, in nobility, it is to bind two families together.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Geirahoel asks, “Why should any of that matter, though? The strongest male should have the right to whatever women he wants.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That’s a point of view,” replies Daniel. “And, it fits with instincts, typically, as I mentioned. But, then, how do some of these powerful families make themselves more powerful?” He gestures at Wenlianna, saying gently, “Pardon me, Wenlianna. Please don’t take this any kind of way. But, for instance, a Grand Duchy improving their station by marrying one of their daughters to an Emperor. In an ideal pairing, the Grand Duchy family is as good as Imperial Royals themselves, thanks to such a match. Same for a baron’s daughter, if for some reason, she would marry an Emperor.” Daniel gestures at Gwenesphia following this statement. She blushes, remarking, “I’m surprised you remember that…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course I do. Though, in this case, it’s risky to openly advertise that in both cases, since we’re apparently enemies to the Eastern Alliance. Speaking of, my intent was to send the general and his officers to their troops and order a retreat. Does anyone have any objections orst minute suggestions?”
<span style="font-weight:400">No one objects, but Geirahoel asks, “Are you sure it’s wise letting anyone retreat? I know the n, I’m just worried about letting them continue to plot against us.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re right to be concerned. In the case of the general specifically, he’ll find it exceedingly difficult to discuss Hekate without embarrassing himself and frustrating anyone around him.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate chuckles as she blushes, reminiscing fondly of the whole thing, and how Daniel stood up for her aggressively. He’s not usually particrly quick to any emotion, but he does be fiercely protective of people he cares about.
<span style="font-weight:400">Ryuogriar remarks, “Your Greatness, Mukori would have done the same for anyone here.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Shut up, Ryuo! He did it for me!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Now, Hekate, be nice.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“A true victory does note from your opponent’s rules, Hekate. Remember that.” Daniel suddenly perks up. “Actually…” He stands up suddenly, and everyone starts to rise as well. “Sorry! No, please finish breakfast. I just had an idea.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“And?” asks Ryuogriar. “What is it?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel chuckles. “I just figured out what to do about Empress Sundenelle. I’m going to ept her proposal for marriage.”
<span style="font-weight:400">There are several gasps, and Daniel quickly adds as it looks like he’s about to have to fight his way out, “Hold on there! She obviously didn’t. But, how happy do you think she’ll be when I make a fool out of her thanks to her attempts to do whatever?”
<span style="font-weight:400">There’s an awkward pause, and the entire gathered group of individuals, including Choul standing nearby, nce around at each other.
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate grins, but she quickly turns serious, pointing up at Daniel. “You can’t marry her! I absolutely forbid it. Not at all. This isn’t like anyone else. She’s a butt, and I won’t allow it!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m not nning to marry her. I’m just going to make a fool out of her. If she tries to reverse it on me, we’ll string it out, and then make up a reason to drop it. But, I sincerely doubt she’s going to want to be… uh… one of many.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Treia retorts, “That’s a bit cruel, isn’t it, to toy with a woman’s heart?”
<span style="font-weight:400">A few others nod, but Daniel sighs. “Listen. She’s not interested in marrying me. Certainly not out of love or anything. I’ve never met her. I wouldn’t do it to someone who is actually interested in me. That is cruel. But, for this old hag sitting on her high horse…”<span style="font-weight:400">
<span style="font-weight:400">Wenlianna points out, “She’s younger than me, Daniel.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“What?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Empress Sundenelle is younger than me. I think she’s around twenty.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“The Empress? Of the entire Grand Zenkon Empire?” asks Daniel skeptically. Those not from the east are surprised as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate takes mild offense, though, saying, “Hey! I’m only fifteen, and I’m an Empress.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel smiles, petting her head. “Yes, but our Empire is much smaller.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“And, Daniel makes most of the decisions,” points out Vaergraes.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Not to mention my boundless wisdom,” adds Ryuogriar. This causes Hekate to re at her.
<span style="font-weight:400">But, Gwenesphia returns to the point with a nod. “Yes. Her Grace’s father passed away when she was a teenager, and she was the only legitimate and thus rightful heir. It was a whole dramatic thing when it was happening. That’s probably why General Jothraligus even participated directly in the battle. Many noblemen are interested in impressing her and winning her hand in marriage, by whatever means necessary.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“She can have those losers,” replies Hekate haughtily. “She can have all of them.” Ryuogriar, Reignleif, and Geirahoel, specifically, nod in agreement with the young feldrok Empress.
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel sighs. “Alright, then if not an old hag, snotty brat it is.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Wenlianna adds, “She’s crafty, Daniel. I don’t know if mind games will work on her. It’s how she was able to secure her position as Empress and avoid political marriages. She outmaneuvered everyone in her court.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“As I said. This will just be a social parry. If she makes another move, we’ll work around it. It’s not like I’m going to the Imperial Capital myself.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Choul takes the opportunity to step forward. “Allow me, your Grace. I shall deliver your message with minimal risk.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Xyreko adds, “We could also use illusion magic to make Sir Choul look like him.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“And, how are you supposed to guard Daniel and the rest of us if you’re in the capital?” asks Geirahoel sourly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“F-Forgive me, your Grace. I… expected that my absence would be more than wee…”
<span style="font-weight:400">She huffs as she looks away. “You proved you aren’tpletely useless. Let a golem deliver the message. But, don’t think I’ve forgiven you. You owe your existence to Daniel.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course, your Grace.” Choul looks at Daniel, who thinks. “Golems are probably perfectly eptable, though it has to be as expendable as possible. Is there any risk to you if they’re captured, Xyreko? No offense, Choul. I know the risks if we send you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Choul nods. “Spare me no thought, your Grace. I am pleased to serve your wisdom at your leisure.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Xyreko replies to Daniel’s question, “I have learned things since you came to me, Daniel, so I will never again rule anything out. I cane up with no risks, save potentially reverse engineering the spell to make remote-controlled golems, if they have mages of such skill and power. I suspect one of them is within our midst.” She looks to Wenlianna, whose specialty specifically is magic devices.
<span style="font-weight:400">Wenlianna blushes and chuckles nervously. “I-I’m not a traitor.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Just what a traitor would say,” teases Reignleif softly, which earns a chuckle from the others. Meanwhile, Shek and Skloe approach Daniel and Hekate, offering them desserts they made as they continue to practice their culinary skills. They then walk around the table, giving one to everyone else as the conversation continues. Daniel kneels and thanks both of the goblins, trying one of each of theirs for a happy grin when he enjoys them.
<span style="font-weight:400">Wenlianna, teased by her distant rtive, stammers, “I-... I’m, I would never! You have to believe me.” Everyone chuckles again, and Xyreko adds warmly, “I was not making usations. Just specting that you would have the capacity to deconstruct how my golems work.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh! Um… It would probably take me some time, but it wouldn’t be out of the question. Especially if I knew what I know now; that I would have to iste the golem so that you can’t control it and have it destroy itself or teleport out.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Xyreko nods. “Beyond that, Daniel, I do not believe they could bring direct harm to me. My connection to the golems being controlled remotely is little more thanmands I send via a connection simr to telepathy. In simplified terms, it’d be like sending a letter. The golem can send letters back, but I can see their contents before they can take effect on me.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Makes sense. Don’t rx any of your precautions then. Do you mind sending a golem?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Certainly not. Would you like me to disguise it as you? I could send golems of the whole harem.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel sighs, but he notices he has several expectant stares locked on him.
<span style="font-weight:400">He thinks seriously for a moment. He doesn’t care whether or not people know, it’s just still awkward for him hearing it out loud. Especially when all of them are together as they are now.
<span style="font-weight:400">Reignleif suggests, “Would it be possible for the golems to act as proxies, where we are the ones speaking and acting, and the golems mirror us?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel didn’t think of that, but it’s an excellent idea. Xyreko replies, “It would beplicated for me alone. If I am permitted to bring all of the Mana Guides, Spellmasters, and Service Chiefs into the fold, each of us could control a golem representing each of you, which would be easy enough and lower the burden on me. However, if you should order it…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“No, that’s an eptable n, Xyreko. Itpartmentalizes us as well. Very well, then. We’ll send the General back with a letter to be sent to the Empress. We’ll tell him it’s a formal request for pay. Then, if and when she agrees to meet, we’ll send the golems and drop the bomb-shell.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re going to use <i><span style="font-weight:400">that</i><span style="font-weight:400">!? I thought we were just going to embarrass her!” exims Hekate, shocked. The others are surprised as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel chuckles, “Figure of speech. I mean the ‘bomb-shell’ will be the ‘I ept your marriage proposal’ bit. It’ll hit everyone like a bomb.”
<span style="font-weight:400">They rx, and Hekate murmurs, “Oh… I get it.” She nods confidently, though Daniel can tell she’s still trying to figure out the connection.
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel then adds, “Anyways, that was a good idea, Reignleif. Thank you. Seems I really need to learn more about magic’s capabilities, since it can serve me so well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Especially now that you have magic,” points out Thymeria warmly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Shek learn magic!” says Shek proudly as she painstakingly climbs back into her seat. “Shek help.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m counting on it, Shek. And, all of you. But, for now, we have a n. I’m going to go draft the letter real quick. You guys finish, and we’ll march the officers in for a formal audience before sending them on their way.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The women and Choul nod in agreement, and those who are finished go to get dressed for the audience. As usual, they’re putting on a ridiculous show, since it’s fun, and it proves to be intimidating to anyone meeting them. Even Vaergraes participates, though she’s not officially one of Daniel’s romantic partners.
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate shovels thest bites of her breakfast into her mouth, taking her te to the bus tray as she talks through a mouth full of food, “I’gh goigh wiff Gyaniel.” She jogs out after him.
<span style="font-weight:400">***
<span style="font-weight:400">General Jothraligus kos Ekstragar III walks at the head of the line of allied officers as they enter a regal-looking -and humongous- audience chamber. He can tell it is so based on the areas for seating, though sparsely popted with a handful of demonkin, including oni, higher demons, kirins, goblins, ogres, and dattakoriens. It truly has be a mess, and they seem to be making a mockery of eastern customs.
<span style="font-weight:400">And, at the head of the room on the raised dais where several seats are a crowd of women and two men. While Jothraligus only recognizes Hekate and the horned woman that was with her, other than Daniel of course, it’s apparent that he is looking at arge group of people that seem to fancy themselves all part of the ruling body. Maybe he can work with that. He has to be careful of course, but if he can turn them on each other…
<span style="font-weight:400">General Joth… Jothg…” Hekate looks to Daniel, who is standing next to her throne in the center. He whispers, “Jothraligus…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“General Jothraligus kos… whatever your name is. It is unfortunate that we couldn’te to terms under more equal conditions.” The golems force the general and the other officers to their knees before Hekate. She continues, “That’s better. Now, I’m a merciful Empress. I thought about making you crawl in here and grovel before me, but I decided that would make me a savage like you. So, instead, I’ll allow you to kneel like knights. Listen and listen well. You have no chance of defeating me. We have driven your invasion back every day for the past five days. And, that’s ying by your rules. You know, not attacking at night, fending off waves, not burning the east to the ground while you’re all here trying to get past our first line of defense. And, all without killing anyone. I mean, if I start killing anyone, I might as well annihte all of you in one fell swoop. I imagine it’s pretty difficult to muster an army of one hundred thousand troops. Not to mention all of the support infrastructure that’s needed to supply such an army.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Jothraligus trembles at the sight of her, but he says nothing. She is a pretentious child, and the others seem to not be impressed by her speech either. But, he knows what she’s willing to do to him. Or rather, what the person really in charge is willing to do to him. He looks at Daniel, who watches him with a cold expression.
<span style="font-weight:400">The horned woman from before with tinum blond hair and a shimmering dress that follows her voluptuous and well-endowed curves speaks up next, “Minister Xyreko is right. It is repulsive that these pathetic cowards have longer lifespans than Mukori. We should correct that ourselves. It’s only proper.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The auburn-haired horned woman seated next to Daniel replies with a snort, “How do they even decide who should lead their armies? These fools barely put up a fight.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate asks, “Well? Do you have anything to say for yourself, Joth-... Jothy?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel sighs a little, and Jothraligus nces briefly at the officer to his right. Everyone that was captured with him are either fellow generals from the vassal or allied kingdoms with the Empire, or a handful of colonels serving as liaisons from some of the militaries. He replies as courteously as he can to a bunch of demon-kin, “I am loyal to the gods, her Grace, the one and only Empress Sundenelle kos Lindenmorg, and the people of the Empire. I will face any trials with dignity and pride.” It is difficult to speak with the same grace he normally holds, now that his teeth are broken and chipped from the brutal mistreatment he faced by Daniel.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Mm. Pride, maybe. Not with dignity. But, I didn’t invite you here to insult you. That’s low hanging fruit. I’m going to give you an option to save one hundred thousand of your people of the Empire. Now that the magic contracts are applied to you, once we send you back to your troops, you will have one day to order a full retreat and three days for you and your fellow officers and captured soldiers to reach the border of the Fievegal and never return. After that, you may deliver these two messages.” She gestures with her hand, and one of the golem guards steps forward, marching ceremoniously to the center, pivoting in a crisp 90 degree turn, and then walking to the General. Hekate exins, “They are not for your eyes, since you’re a pathetic and weak man. The first should go to themanding officer of Fort Twilight, and to make it easy for you, it is the one with the blue ribbon and the blue stamp. It’s magically sealed, so if you tamper with it, we’ll know. The second is a message for Sundenelle. Why my darling Daniel wanted to send her a message is beyond me, but make sure she gets it. We’ll be sure to use your name if it somehow doesn’t reach her.” Hekate gestures again, and Xyreko waves her hand casually, causing an image to appear. It depicts the scene ying out again.
<span style="font-weight:400">“We’ll know whether or not she gets the message based on how she responds. Now, as you can see, I have to share Daniel with something like a million other women, and you’ve wasted my precious time by trying to attack our castle.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t they punish such behaviors with death in the Empire?” asks Ryuogriar facetiously.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I think so,” replies Hekate. “But after a long, obnoxious speech about how great and civilized they are to ensure you want to die more than they want to kill you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The other women chuckle, and one of the <i><span style="font-weight:400">very</i><span style="font-weight:400"> pregnant goblins with them asks, “They no teach in east? That why invaders so easy to defeat?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Jothraligus can feel rage boiling inside him, but he nces at Daniel, whose cold and piercing stare sends shivers down his spine. He never, ever wants to go near water again thanks to that man who fancies himself a make-believe emperor.
<span style="font-weight:400">One of the other officers, General Yontav of the Kingdom of Henbarr, asks urgently, “Y-You said we can go home, right? I-If we do as you say, we’ll be able to return home?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Of course,” replies Hekate, as if the answer should be obvious. “I’m not a monster. You keep your promises, and I’ll keep mine. But, only if you keep them. After all, I just want the army to retreat. I don’t care how you lot decide to make that happen.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Jothraligus suddenly feels many more icy res, and when he nces around, he’s horrified to find that the other captured officers are ring at him.
<i><span style="font-weight:400">What is the meaning of this? Who do they think I am? I was appointed by the Empress herself!</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">Jothraligus clears his throat, deciding on a course of action. “Please excuse my saying so, Her Imperial Greatness, the Wise and Beautiful Empress Hekate fell Lawson, most beautiful and benevolent Empress in the world…” He pauses as he helplessly blurts out that part. But, he keeps going. “The Empress will be curious to know which of you is officially Daniel’s wife. I sincerely doubt she’ll entertain peace talks with anyone other than the leader and his wife.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daniel holds up his hand just as Hekate is about to respond, and he replies with a smirk. “You’re going to get an answer you’ll regret hearing, General. As Hekate told you, we’re not suing for peace. We’re giving Sundenelle a chance to save face. If her or her allies continue to threaten our borders, we will be forced to conquer alleged Imperial territory. And, we’ll be starting with Fort Twilight as retaliation.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The officers all tense, and one of them cries out, “You can’t do that! That’s madness!”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Can’t?” asks the auburn-haired horned woman. “Pathetic cowards do not define what we can or cannot do. Certainly not servants of a rogue polity proiming itself an Empire. When children act out of line, you take away their toys and lecture them.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You all started this,” replies the blue-haired horned woman softly from behind her high cor on her blue mantle. “We provided no threat to you after joining Emperor Daniel. And, still you attack us.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“That we have not burned every inch of your alleged Empire is by the grace of our beloved Daniel. And, to answer your question, we are all his wives and will give him a legacy that will rule the Fievegal for the rest of time.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Hekate nods in agreement. Daniel adds, “And, your pathetic attempt to get them to fight each other is useless, General. We wouldn’t have gotten this far if they couldn’t stand each other. So, go to your precious self-proimed Empress and deliver the message. And, if I were you, I wouldn’t attempt to defend Twilight. You won’t win. Consider this fair warning.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Wh-What happens after Twilight, y-your Grace?” asks Commander Mossvaldier.
<span style="font-weight:400">“That will depend on Sundenelle, now, won’t it?” retorts Hekate forebodingly. “Now begone! If your soldiers haven’t left by midday tomorrow, we will exterminate you to thest man, and we won’t be stopping at Twilight.”
<span style="font-weight:400">The golems march the officers back out, and Jothraligus nces nervously at the other generals andmanders. <i><span style="font-weight:400">Are they ming me for all of this? These traitors!</i>
<span style="font-weight:400">***