ã€ŠTale of Madness(Short)ã€‹


 A Tale of Madness Extra: Prologue

    A Tale of Madness Extra: Prologue: ¡°Nashakra 1¡±

    He had no titles. He had no name. He simply was what he was and he was not what he was not. He floated through the Great Void.

    For as long as he could remember, he was here. He was here because of his mission. The mission was a part of his existence¡ªthe task with which he was born.

    He was The Ever Vigilant, The Watcher, The Silent One, The First, The Last Bastion, The Protector. The Guardian.

    He Guarded Himself. He was important. But he knew not why.

    Here he drifted, floating around. His immense form that barred description was still, never moving. If anyone had seen him, could have seen him, they would have thought him dead.

    But he was not. He was neither alive nor dead if such concepts could even be applied to him in the first place. He was always awake, always watching, constantly vigilant.

    He had asked himself these questions many times in the deepest parts of his unfathomable mind.

    ¡°Why was he born, or was he created?¡±

    ¡°Who or what created him?¡±

    ¡°Why was this his mission?¡±

    ¡°Why was he protecting it?¡±

    ¡°What sought to bring it harm?¡±

    ¡°Who were the enemies?¡±

    ¡°How did they look like?¡±

    ¡°What gave him his life?¡±

    ¡°What gave him his mission?¡±

    He did not know any of the answers. But he did not despair at the lack of them, for he knew that the answers would reveal themselves with time.

    It was because he knew that nothing existed without reason, and the reason for his existence would make itself known at one moment in time, and, when it did, he would have his answers.

    All he must do is wait. And wait, he did. If any way to tell time existed here, it would have been billions of years. And as he knew, his answers he received.

    The void was infinite even to him. He could only see so far and then he could see no more but on an on it went.

    In the void. Full of darkness. Coldness. Nothingness and Chaos, which gave birth to countless creatures.

    The innumerable primitive beings, talked, fought, worked together and opposed each other, died, and came back to life, paradoxical contradictions. They grew. Evolved and Built. Some remaining monsters others founding civilizations.

    ¡°Why were they born?¡±

    ¡°What was their mission/intention? Is it the same as his?¡±

    ¡°Did they even have a mission bestowed upon them?¡±

    ¡°Did they ask themselves the same questions?¡±

    ¡°Did they even think?¡±

    ¡°Were they destined to clash?¡±

    They could not detect his observations. They were less than he was.

    ¡°What was he?¡±

    He did not communicate with them, although he could if he wanted to, but that was not his mission. It was better to stay hidden, to be unknown. So that few things would threaten him or what he had to protect.

    Universes were born from the Great Void. And they returned to it. Torn apart. Becoming chaos once more. Only to be reforged and reborn. Looking just as black from the outside absorbing the energys of the void to grow in size. Expanding.

    There were countless clusters of Universes that were similar to each other or so alien they could not be described. They clustered together.

    A Universe was born and gave birth to countless dimensions. The how did not matter. Only that it did.

    There were truly an innumerable number of them, some as small as they could possibly be. Others appearing to be truly infinite despite the impossibility of it. The laws of nature were different for each.

    Time had given him answers and more questions.

    He focused on a particular Universe. A single dimension within filled with countless things and sub dimensions.

    Gravity was on whatever ground one walked on. The plants slowly filled their worlds and pillars with life. It was chaotic.

    There were no uniform laws that applied. Planets as big as entire galaxies. Galaxies as big as star systems.

    One was clad in black ice kilometers thick others were covered in vegetation, black forests stretching on for eternity, bearing fruits or leaves that looked like eyes.

    Swamps of corruption and poison. Rivers of fire, land covered in black pulsing flesh.

    Pools of unknown liquid from which new creatures spawned birth to something new.

    Writhing masses of flesh, with tentacles and eyes, countless eyes crawled from these pools.

    Creatures consisting of vines blooming with flowers radiating fear while leaking their bloody nectar. Nectar which stunk of rotting corpses.

    Flying eyes framed by tentacles floating around. Leeches as big as a small boulder flying in great swarms sucking the life juices from whatever creature they came across.

    Trees with eyes on their trunks filled with black blood. Releasing around them a sweet, enticing smell of rotten corpses and the copper smell of blood, trying to lure their prey.

    Grabbing whatever came near them with their roots and tentacles, stuffing it into one of their dozen or hundreds of maws that revealed themselves. Growing as big as hundreds of meters.

    Worms and other monstrous earth-life going along their life beneath the ground.

    Strange elongated creatures, glistening moist and enriched from the foul liquids they exited.

    Some had any number of arms and legs, maws and wings, tentacles and tails, their forms so varied and chaotic, some shifting, looking like chaotic forms of insects, animals, plants, humanoid, or any combination of these and more, whom words could not describe.

    Beings that were clearly dead, and yet they moved, they lived.

    Something new was always born that even he could spend an eternity cataloging them all. These new things interested him greatly, and he pondered many things with his mind.

    Some could not move when being looked at; some grew stronger or weaker the more other beings knew of their name. Others could only speak in rhymes, while others could not kill directly.

    More of these ¡°afflictions¡± existed, countless more, acting by some unknowable rules, laws, and concepts that were part of their being, some so multifaceted and exotic they once again barred all descriptions.

    The creatures were primitive, primordial; they were raw. Some appeared broken and incomplete. Many soon expired and perished. Others continued a wretched and pitiful existence that even his heart was feeling heavy. Still. He did nothing.

    Many questions remained, far too many, but time will give the answers to him.

    He inspected more and more of these Dimensions and their Universes. Countless more as they drifted trough the void.

    Time passed, and changes were happening in many dimensions.

    Energy formed matter and this matter came together. Combined, it created stars, worlds, moons, and black holes.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    More time passed, and some worlds gave birth to primitive life, weak and short-lived. Much of it perished and died out. Others thrived, built societies, entire civilizations, and developed, and the first Psions appeared¡ªthose who could use their minds to achieve supernatural things.

    Psions used their minds to Interact with another or their surroundings, to create psionic energy to make fire and lightning, or to power their tools, to look at things from afar and create runes, and the possibilities were limitless.

    These civilizations grew in power; they reached beyond their world and traveled the void with strange vessels they built, spread and discovered new things every day, and created more and more. They were Builders. Conquerers. Destroyers. Creators. They Consumed leaving but a lifeless husk.

    They encountered other life and went to war, amongst themselves or each other, some even claiming that life was of the most significant value, yet they took it so easily.

    The fools did not realize they could achieve far more by working together than indulging in their fear and jealousy, their vision so shortsighted. More concerned with tripping each other and dragging them down than to build into their future together.

    To enrich all is to enrich oneself.

    Their leaders, liars, and cheaters used any means necessary to further their petty goals, beginning wars out of a slight against one''s pride. None were truly leaders of their people.

    They sought to impress their ideals and ideas upon others. If one wanted to have a say in another¡¯s life, then it was only fitting that another had a voice in their life. Balance and cycles, yet they could not understand such simple Truths.

    They always lacked, for they never planned for a genuine eternity. But, of course, anything that was not intended to last forever indeed would fall apart. Was that also not easy to understand?

    At these sights, even he felt disgusted, something he never knew he had. Yet, for some reason, he despised these things.

    But he would not act. They were as short-lived as they were shortsighted; just as time would give him his answers, they would perish with it.

    Nonetheless, they continued to build and grow, empires rose and fell, building significant constructions around stars or black holes, harvesting worlds, harnessing the energy of galaxies, they created new life, slave races their makers called them.

    And as they were still discovering new things, it was inevitable that one day they would discover the dimensions that existed besides their own.

    The things they found, experienced, and saw, ignited their greed. New realities for them to conquer. Exotic unknown resources and races to discover. New space to colonize. Ancient Secrets and forbidden knowledge to unearth.

    And it came how it had to come. They discovered their doom. With their discovery of how to travel to other dimensions they inevitably started wars. And one day they discovered their doom. The Abyss.

    Because for them, these grotesque and horrifying beings could come from nowhere else.

    They did not fear it yet as they should have. Drunk and high on their power and authority, the progenitor races thought themselves invincible. They were Gods none would dare to question them. Their power was endless.

    Oh, how wrong they were.

    The allure of the many exotic resources in the Abyss and the power it offered them was too much. So runes and rituals were devised to summon Abyssals as they have come to call these creatures. Some worshipped them as gods, especially the slave races who had the most contact with them, for the great rulers would not risk themselves even as powerful as they were.

    Others sought to imprison and experiment, to rip the knowledge of the Abyss from their minds. Yet, no matter how they tried, the minds of the Abyssals remained closed, for whoever sought to read them went mad with insanity, being reduced to a blabbering fool, madly attacking anything around them.

    While the even more daring or unlucky ones sought to enter the Abyss directly, freely or forced, the Abyss was unforgiving, the invaders constantly beset by its inhabitants. The resources, however, were extraordinary and worth any risk.

    Unknown to them who thought themselves to be gods, there was another threat. One they had not known about as the Universe which these fools would call their single dimension was still so young.

    The space, the realm that overlapped with their own, which they had named the Astral, the dimension of psychic energy, finally revealed its true colors.

    The emotions and thoughts of the civilizations and races who lived in what these races called ¡°The Universe¡± seeped into the Astral, and after they accumulated for countless years, they took form.

    The hatred, anger, pain, fear, despair, hope, and plenty more gave birth to countless Demons, Psychic Beings, who could invade their realm far more easily than the Abyssals.

    Now the rifts that formed between the ¡°Universe¡± and the Astral were no longer without danger, and entire armies passed through them, wreaking havoc and destruction, bringing ruin upon everything that stood in their path.

    The Death toll was reaching numbers that could not be put into words, and no statistic would ever account for them. The many dimensions were set aflame with endless war. Chaos reigned supreme.

    They possessed Psion¡¯s weak of mind, who sought to use the powers of the Astral without sufficient training or protection and summoned more of their kind. Or simply hid, scheming for some unknowable plan.

    On some worlds, they became leaders, surrendering them to their own kind, inciting civil wars, and founding new religions for those with weak minds, who were disappointed in their senior leadership.

    Distrust was running rampant.

    These ancient and powerful civilizations were falling apart; they thought themselves to be supreme and created their own demons. Wantonly they gave in to their desires, treating others less than dirt, and now their way of life was coming back to haunt them.

    Cycles and Balance this he knew, and it proved true once more. And he wondered what existed in Balance to that which he protected and what would come to end its cycle.

    Their empires fell just as he knew they would.

    New races were rising in their place.

    He contemplated the many things he saw and learned.

    Triakrith was a big city and nestled in a valley between two mountains, a big river was running through it, many buildings made from sand-colored stone were clustered together. Triakrith housed over twenty-five thousand people and was ruled by a king.

    The Royal family lived in a big pyramid at the end of the valley where the river flowed from the mountains, it was running through the pyramid and was a great feat of engineering for these people they were very proud of what they had achieved.

    There was only one entrance into Triakrith¡¯s valley so it was very easy to defend, a giant wall stretched from one mountainside to the other and was always guarded by the army. The City had never fallen before, the walls another miracle made only possible with the guidance of the gods and their wisdom.

    The King and Queen had long wished for a child, while the people desired a true heir to the throne yet despite their efforts the Queen remained barren, the King already had children, seven males, and five females all were eligible for the throne, yet only a true heir would have the blessing of the gods and secure the peace of Triakith and its people for another generation.

    The Kings Mistresses, women of lower standing, rich merchants'' daughters, or the 4th or 5th daughter of nobility were elated at the queen''s inability to conceive for it meant one of their children may take the throne one day. On the surface however they showed another side of themselves, voicing their condolences and even shedding tears lamenting the queen''s fate.

    But even with a true heir, a battle for the throne would be occurring that much was almost certain, a true heir, however, would have everyone''s support and if done right would ensure the City''s stability for decades.

    The Queen came from a powerful noble and rich family, they did not take well to the queen''s barrenness and tried to aid her. Thousands of prayers were offered to the gods and countless sacrifices were made finally many years after their marriage the Queen was pregnant.

    The first thing they did upon hearing the news was to increase the queen''s guards, many would try to harm the unborn child. The Second was to hold a great celebration with a ceremony to thank the gods at its height at the top of the royal pyramid.

    A dozen cows were sacrificed by the high priest and the celebrations lasted for three days.

    She awoke in darkness, floating in a warm liquid unknown to her.

    She was confused and many questions were filling her mind.

    Where was she? Why was she here? What happened to her?

    The last thing she remembered was going to bed and suddenly there she was floating in a warm liquid, she tried to move her body, her limbs but they moved very sluggishly as if the body she was in was not her own, or her old one.

    She was struggling with her limbs and with her current situation.

    For reasons beyond her she could not fathom what had happened to her.

    The only thing she could come up with why she was fine with floating in warm liquid with her entire body without breathing was maybe because she has been reborn.

    Could she have been so immensely and unreasonably lucky to get the chance at a better life?

    She could not be sure yet but she would most likely find out soon.

    The world around her was contracting, she was being squeezed from all sides like going through a tunnel of slimy flesh, she was moving of this she was certain now.

    And suddenly she was surrounded by air. She was wet, cold, shivering, rough hands gripped her, she opened her eyes and saw that a black-haired woman was holding her.

    She was shocked to realize that she had indeed been reborn again, her thoughts had almost stopped but were not so out of it to forget to act like a normal baby.

    She was reincarnated as a baby. It was a big shock but she reined herself in fast. The mind could easily adapt to new situations. She had been a human on a 21st-century earth so she had read many books and novels. Many of them portrayed some form of reincarnation.

    She started to wail so these people would not suspect something was wrong with her the last thing she wanted was for them to think she was stillborn. She also tried to move her limbs as best as she could, but her limbs did not respond to her as she would have liked.

    A room from a sand-colored stone, that opened onto a big terrace with pillars supporting the ceiling, big red curtains were fastened on the pillars and acted to separate the room from the terrace.

    The walls were decorated with many paintings and symbols, men with spears, a throne, a ruler and a crown. Ancient Battles. Gods and many more beings of myth all in intensive coloring. Ceremonies, people kneeling in worship.

    A big bed was in the room with its head against the wall, and two double doors on the far left and far right sides of the room. Some stools and tables were also there, together with scrolls stacked high on the many shelves built directly into the walls.

    A woman was on the bed, most likely her mother. She had a really beautiful appearance with straight black hair and was young looking, probably in her thirties. There was a nightstand with golden goblets decorated with gemstones.

    She was happy and elated the goblets were maybe made from solid gold and decorated with gemstones so her family must at least be very rich, maybe this was even a fantasy world? Was there magic? And could she learn magic? Or had she used up all her luck in her rebirth?

    She was suddenly lowered into a basin of warm water where the woman washed her off, and then dried with a coarse blanket, and being inspected by the woman afterward.

    She felt quite embarrassed at this, but what could she do? She was a baby again. She wondered what her name would be, and how she looked.

    She wondered who her parents were, maybe she was lucky enough to be a princess, and her new surroundings were already speaking volumes about her new standing in life.

    Yet before she could contemplate any of these things anymore she noticed that all the people in the room were staring at her quite aghast. Just what made them look at her so strangely?

 A Tale of Madness Extra: Chapter 1

    Everyone was staring at the child Amer was holdings in her hands, shortly before Queen Aenith had finally given birth to Triakiths heir. A very healthy girl as it appeared, Amer was the midwife, she held the girl from the moment it exited her mother''s womb.

    Then quickly washed her in the warm water and dried her off just as she was trained to do and had done many times before as the royal midwife she was always called when a child was born in the palace.

    Afterwards, she quickly wanted to inspect the child looking for any deformities yet before she could do so she finally noticed what was different with this child from others.

    She let out a loud gasp which drew the attention of all others within the room who also began to stare at the child. The baby had a whiteish hair color, so unlike any other people in Triakith or the surrounding city-states. Their hair color was black. Always.

    But what drew their eyes, even more, were the tattoos on the baby''s skin. Elegant and elaborate red lines were on her skin all over her entire body, forming many delicate shapes. On her face, her hands, and feet, the back, belly, and chest they were everywhere and quite mesmerizing. They appeared beautiful giving the newborn a very exotic and precious look.

    What only the midwife could see at this moment were the baby''s red eyes with golden flecks. Eyes had many colors, blue, green, black, brown, but red? No never red. It was an eye color never seen before. Especially the golden flecks moving around. They gave her eyes a divine appearance.

    Amer was carefully wrapping the baby in a blanket, which must have been blessed by the gods, how could it have been otherwise? The Queen was barren for a long time, they prayed and sacrificed, worshipped the gods with the greatest sincerity and their prayers were answered.

    Amer moved to the Queen and carefully handed her her daughter.

    ¡°She must be blessed by the gods, Your Majesty,¡± Amer said reverently, slightly shocked still to have held a holy child. To be the midwife who helped give birth to it.

    The blessing of the gods was more of a myth, a thing made up to give a true heir more legitimacy but to have a child actually blessed by the gods. This was something that never happened before.

    Queen Aenith looked at the baby in her arms, she could hardly believe what she was seeing, the little red eyes staring at her with an odd intelligence in them.

    She traced some of the thin red lines on her baby''s skin, wondering what they were made of, could it really be a blessing of the gods? She was happy to finally have a child now she would be a true queen no longer being looked down upon by the King''s mistresses.

    Even more so since she had given birth to a blessed child, the King would be even more elated than she already was. This day would become a new holiday in the history of their Kingdom, they would celebrate it for centuries to come. Countless scrolls would be written and everyone would speak of her as the mother of a holy child.

    It may not even be only a blessing, her daughter may even be the reincarnation of a god. This day may mark the beginning of a deity walking amongst them once more as they supposedly did in ancient times.

    There would also be much envy, her daughter would need even more protection and the best teachers they could make available to her. Once word spread many important figures would volunteer for a chance to teach a blessed child that may even be a god.

    Others would start to worship her, but some would certainly wish her harm. Who would want a god as their neighbor? Her childhood would be perilous but she could not be hidden, many would want to see the true heir and they would draw their own conclusion.

    Some would certainly claim her to be a demon or question the legitimacy of her markings, even the queen''s faithfulness saying the king is not the father. The Royal Court was a pit of snakes and schemers.

    The more Aenith thought about this the more she began to worry.

    ¡°Yes, you''re right. This is a wonderful day. Inform the King at once he must come and see.¡±

    ¡°Yes, your majesty,¡± Amer replied with a bow and hurried out to Inform the King of the good news.

    Aenith continued to carefully inspect her child who was trying to wave her little limbs around.

    The red lines on her skin looked sharp with pointed ends, forming strange symbols everywhere on her body. There was a strange one on her upper back that could be mistaken for a bird. Three pointed lines under her eyes and cheeks, with more symbols on her temple. Others looked like V¡¯s were starting on her fingers and toes.

    ¡ª

    Amer was moving quickly through the palace, the King was currently holding an audience in the throne room despite his wife giving birth to a true heir right now. A city was not governing itself. There were always people that wanted something. Problems that needed solving. Being a ruler was not an easy job, many interests had to be balanced.

    Noble families or their representatives, merchants, envoys from other cities, builders, and resources needed to be managed, and many cases be adjudicated.

    A man murdering his neighbor for his land or wealth. A wife who betrayed her husband. A stolen sheep. A guard who abused his authority. A minister who accepted bribes. Almost everything was done by the King as was his divine right of rule.

    The current king Elrest who was the true heir and firstborn son of the late king rose to the throne with little trouble as almost everyone accepted him. Only his younger brother whose name had been struck from history and the late king''s second son had to be killed as he tried to revolt.

    As Amer entered the throne room King Elrest was just listening to a petitioner kneeling on the ground a little away from the throne. His voice echoed across the hall.

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    She moved quickly to a guard and whispered into his ear, the guard then moved to the king''s side and relayed the message.

    The king nodded and rose from his seat.

    ¡°We will adjourn the audiences for today, everyone is dismissed,¡± he said and then moved swiftly out of the throne room. His many guards surrounded and escorted him together with a few attendants.

    They moved through the palace the king visibly elated with a smile on his face. He finally had a true heir. The gods finally choose to bless his union with his wife. He was also happy for Aenith she had long been wishing for a child of her own. Watching his mistresses give birth to almost a dozen children while she had none was hard on her.

    It was also a politically very delicate matter for her family was one of high standing and very rich. They wanted a child of their family to sit on the Throne, he suspected some of them might even try to take the throne by force if no heir had been born or such plans had at least been made.

    Elrest and his entourage finally arrived at the royal bedroom and he went right in Amer followed him together with his two attendants while the guards took a position outside.

    ¡ª

    When Elrest entered the room everyone bowed to him, Aenith was smiling. She wondered just what reaction Elrest would have when he saw his child for the first time. Aenith instructed Amer to only tell him that the child was born but nothing more. Her blessing was to be a surprise to him.

    ¡°We greet the Sun.¡± everyone said.

    Elrest quickly moved to Aenith taking the baby right out of her arms. Once he took a look at the baby''s face he froze, he was completely stunned.

    ¡°What is this?¡± he asked while touching the delicate red lines on her face. He then also noticed the whiteish hair and the red eyes that were staring at him.

    Many thoughts were running through his head. Aenith was beaming at him pride visible on her face.

    ¡°It must be a divine blessing my love, she may even be the reincarnation of an ancient god, just like in the myths where they once walked amongst us mortals,¡± Aenith told him.

    He just continued to stare, he was a King, eloquent and skilled in the way of the words but even he was speechless. He did not know what to say he was floored, thrilled and excited.

    The eyes of the king''s attendants had also grown immensely but everyone was already thinking of the implications of this child''s birth. Even if it was not a blessing and she was not a god''s reincarnation there was no doubt that she was special and others would see this as well.

    Everyone would have their own thoughts and make their own plans to use this to their benefit.

    This child, the young sun, would surely upset the balance in the palace, the city, and even on the entire continent. There would be those wishing her harm, those trying to curry favor and use her. But none would ever truly be her friends. There would always be a chasm. His heir was destined to be great or die like a dog but either way, her life would be lonely.

    The newborn looked, unlike her parents who had black hair. King Elrest was still looking for words the gears in his head turning at lightning speed. Just what changes would this child bring, what was she blessed with? Could she perform miracles? He needed to increase security and limit the number of people who met his daughter until she was older.

    She was beautiful like the songbirds that inhabited the surrounding lands.

    Nothing good would come of it if they showed her off to everyone now, she was too young. Too defenseless. Their city was weak they needed a greater army as many would feel threatened.

    Those who were here now were trustworthy enough. His wife''s attendants followed her from her family they had the most to lose if the child was harmed. His own servants had been carefully selected they were loyal. The midwife was also not of great concern and no one else was yet aware of how special this child was.

    His mistresses would no doubt be the greatest threats within the palace, they would want one of their own children on the throne and their families would help them he needed to have an iron grip on them.

    Guards would be needed, he made the decision to make the captain of the royal guard his daughter''s personal protector.

    ¡°Those here in the room are all who know of this? There is no one else?¡± he questioned into the room. He wanted to be absolutely certain that nothing threatened the plans he was already formulating in his mind.

    His daughter would rise to greatness and so would he as her father. Her little eyes were studying her surroundings almost as if she understood everything but he dismissed the idea that blessed or not she was far too young just newly born.

    ¡°Yes your Highness, I was the only one who left and I only informed the guard who gave you the news that The Queen had given birth safely and the child was healthy. No one outside this room knows.¡± it was Amer who replied to him with a bow.

    ¡°Good, very good, well done. Hahahah¡± he said elated and laughing.

    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Aenith asked afterward.

    Elrest looked at his wife while still holding his daughter.

    ¡°There is no doubt she is special. There are many who would see her dead, we will hide her away until she is older, dye her hair black and cover the marks as best as possible. I will also assign Helmear as her personal guard he will select trustworthy subordinates but only he will know the truth.¡± he explained and then continued his eyes shining.

    ¡°There is nothing we can do about the eyes, unfortunately,¡± Aenith replied she was well aware of what fate her daughter awaited and she wanted her to be happy she would do her best to give her a good childhood sadness apparent on her face but she regained her composure soon after.

    ¡°Let it be known to all those here that this is a secret that must be kept on the pain of a most excruciating death. There will be no forgiveness for those who endanger our heir,¡± he said with resolute steel in his voice.

    ¡°Yes your highness.¡± everyone but Aenith bowed and replied some a little shaken.

    He then turned to one of his servants looked and looked him deep in the eyes.

    ¡°Bring Helmear here right away, explain nothing simply say that the King wishes to see him at once and guide him here speak with no one else¡±. Elrest ordered.

    He was well aware of the graveness of the situation there could be no mistakes. His Bloodline had been blessed by the gods and his child was proof.

    The other city-states would see this as a declaration of Triakith¡¯s ambition, they would have concerns, they would fear, and they would ally together. There would be sanctions. Assassinations he himself had survived a few. They needed to be careful, to do this slowly.

    Luckily there had a very good strategic and defensible position. So long as they held the valleys only entrance they would be safe and they could survive a siege indefinitely. Trade was good but it was not a necessity. He would have to order additional granaries built just in case and stock up on some resources.

    He was smiling at his daughter using one hand and trying to play with her while he contemplated all this. She already had a place deep in his heart.

    ¡°Have you decided on a name for our child?¡± Aenith asked.

    Elrest thought for a few moments but he already had an idea the moment he saw her.

    ¡°Yes, Nashakra, her name will be Nashakra,¡± he said.

    ¡°Named after the firebird that lives in the sun whose brilliance shines upon the world and grants it life and prosperity. A good choice, a fitting name for our future Queen.¡± Aenith replied truly happy.

    She could not wait to introduce her little sun to her own family they had long waited for an heir of their blood who would sit one day on the throne.

    After a few more minutes there was a knock on the door and the attendant entered together with Helmear who bowed to the Majestys in the room.

    ¡°Your Majestys, I am here as instructed. How may I serve you?¡± Helmear in a deep voice. He was over forty years old and an accomplished sword fighter as well as a skilled general having served even the previous King. He was trustworthy and loyal. The son of a lesser noble, well educated, and fought in several wars.

    ¡°Come Helmear and take a look at the next Ruler of Triakith,¡± Elrest said and Helmear approached he was shocked when he saw what the King held in his hands.

    ¡°W-What?¡± he stuttered his composure shaken, his mind clearly understanding all the implications of what he was seeing. King Elrest gave him a few moments to compose himself and then continued.

    ¡°From now on you will be Nashakra¡¯s personal guard, you will ensure her safety against all threats, select suitable and loyal guards to serve under you, and recommend a replacement for the Captain of the Royal Guards.¡±

    To be chosen for such a role filled Helmear with great pride, and although it stung a little to lose his current position and become a mere personal guard, he would lose prestige but understood the honor of the task he was given.

    He was looking at the little sun just as she was looking at him, apart from her hair color and the markings on her skin the red eyes were the most unsettling thing. No human he had ever seen had red eyes.

    Once this child was revealed to the world there would be an earthquake and his prestige restored, even greater than before. He could suffer a little humiliation for now. He had suffered enough already as the fifth son of a noble who had to seek his own fortune because he inherited nothing but his name.

    He was always rewarded for it and for his hard work. Now the gods of fortune smiled upon him once more. This would be his legacy, his name would be remembered for centuries if not millennia to come.

    His excitement almost threatened to spill over but he kept himself, he was in the presence of the Majestys after all, the Sun and the Moon and now the little Sun had finally been born.

 A Tale of Madness Extra: Chapter 2

    King Elrest returned to his throne room and summoned the court together with his mistresses,  he need to make an announcement and a statement.

    He waited on his throne until everyone arrived and thought about his speech. He would have to warn everyone but not all would heed it. There would be those who would seek to bring harm to the little Sun despite the consequences. But there was an easy solution.

    The minister of the Court entered first, his name was Arthugh and he was responsible for almost everything within Triakith and brought to attention the matters that needed to be dealt with by the King or the Queen. He was responsible for the other ministers, controlled their work, and ensured the court ran smoothly.

    The Minister of Finances and Ressources followed after him, his name was Briffolk and he was responsible for Triakith¡¯s funding and the treasury of the Royal court. He met with merchants developed trade and managed all the warehouses and granaries that belonged to the city ensuring that they were well-filled. And that the guards were equipped with weapons.

    Briffolk was a commoner who learned writing and mathematics and whose skills soon saw him promoted again and again becoming the Minister of Finances and Ressources beneath the previous king.

    The Minister of the Military was Lasym and he organized the guards and the defense of the city. He worked closely with Minister Briffolk to ensure his guards were well-equipped and received the best training they could.

    Lasym too was a commoner, his skill with the blade and accomplishments in commanding others in the great war with Zeapphia having slain the enemy general saw him promoted to the General who would ensure Triakith¡¯s defense after he lost an eye in said battle.

    The Minister of the Exterior was responsible for all visiting envoys and sending out their own. He also entertained foreign Royalties and dignitaries ensuring good relationships with their neighbors. His name was Wolda.

    The Minister of the Interior was responsible for the city''s bureaucracy, all forms wandered across his desk and he was making sure the city ran smoothly with regulations and permissions. All the administrators answered to him. He was named Byrhtfa.

    The last of the Ministers was the Minister of Justice, his name was Cuiched and it was his job to root out corruption, combat crime, and ensure fair trials for the accused.

    Cuiched was also a commoner, his resolute devotion to righteousness and justice having been noted and nurtured by the previous king until he too became a Minister.

    His mistresses began to enter the throne room. He loved Aenith and would have liked to only spend his time with her but¡­ Politics were messy and he was a King and needed to make hard decisions for the betterment of his city.

    Arwyth was his first mistress and a high noble¡¯s daughter, he took her as his mistress because her father was the king of Zeapphia, after the war, she was given to him as part of the peace proceedings.

    Asund was his second mistress, she too was the daughter of a noble, from the city of Pheetron which like almost all cities lay beside a river with mountains at its back.

    Burhuia was his third mistress, was the daughter of a lesser noble, from the city of Ugrasea, there were no mountains but they had the sea they brought fish to Triakith, a luxury in barrels filled with saltwater, the fish needed to be kept alive for the journey and it took great effort but was worth it.

    Heore was his fourth mistress, was a merchant''s daughter, and used to be a commoner. They were based in Ugrasea and he made her his mistress because of the money and the merchant''s influence. Triakith steadily required new and more funding. Since the city was by the sea and they were a hotspot for maritime trade it did well for his coffers and the treasury.

    Eryet was his fifth mistress and was also a merchant''s daughter she too used to be a commoner. She was born in the city of Agodon.

    Saewe was his sixth and last mistress, she was a noble but her father was also a successful merchant. She hailed from the city of Muprora and as the third mistress with relations to merchants further enriched his city. Saewes family mainly traded in highly sought-after weapons.

    Triakith traded in almost everything, ores and ingots, furs, and food with caravans or per the ships that sailed along the Tris, the River that flowed through Triakith and into the sea.

    Everyone was accompanied by attendants and servants their entourage filling the hall.

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    Once everyone had gathered he nodded to his servants who then closed the great golden double doors engraved with a great sun and his audience came to attention wondering why they were called.

    ¡°We greet the Sun of Triakith.¡± everyone said while bowing deeply at the waist. No one showed any disrespect in this formal setting.

    ¡°We have called you here to announce the successful birth of our Little Sun. The Gods have blessed us with a daughter.¡±

    ¡°Congratulations your Majesty,¡± Arthugh replied first and the other followed suit.

    ¡°Congratulations your Majesty.¡± a chorus echoed through the throne chamber.

    Arthugh appeared to be genuinely happy other ministers especially those who supported one of the mistresses were not. Those who came from commoners were indifferent it was the nobles who appeared to be displeased for they had already given up on a true heir and hoped to the last moment the child would not be born. Many did not survive childbirth after all.

    There were a handful of attempts to even aid in this but none were successful.

    The ones with most to lose were the mistresses and they were also most displeased of course none showed it. Especially the first mistress Arwyth. Her son the first prince was first in line to the throne followed by the first princess from his second mistress Asundd. Both were nobles and schemers to the core luckily they were working against each other.

    All of them were thinking of the future, the commoner mistresses were indifferent, they cared not for the struggle for the throne preferring to stay out of it and preserve their lives and those of their offspring with assurances from the others of protection and safety so long as they remained neutral. So it was mostly the noble daughters fighting amongst themselves.

    The servants and attendants grew fearful of the coming conflicts, they were the ones who would be used as tools to harm another but at that moment the King moved to allay their fears.

    ¡°We are well aware of the many schemes hidden in the darkness of the palace.¡± King Elrest said in the direction of his mistresses.

    ¡°We will not allow any harm to come to our heir. So let it be known to the entire court that should the light of our little sun be extinguished, all the mistresses and their children will follow the little sun into death,¡± he said to the now shocked court who speechlessly stared at their king.

    This was an outrageous order, one that had never been given before by any ruler. Everyone moved to protest they were shocked and outraged. They could not understand why he would do this. What was so special about a newborn baby?

    The servants and attendants were as shocked as their masters but also happy that they would not be used as ingredients for whatever schemes their masters cooked up.

    Word of this would have spread through the entire city by tomorrow everyone would know but whether this would ensure stability or plunge the city into chaos was something only the heavens would know.

    ¡°Your majesty, you cannot mean this?¡±

    ¡°What is this?

    ¡°Your Majesty¡­¡±

    ¡°My King¡­¡±

    ¡°Your Highness¡­¡±

    ¡°Madness, this is madness¡­¡±

    ¡°Silence! Our will is final. We will not entertain any protests. Heed our warning or you will pay the price should the little sun come to harm.¡± King Elrest thundered.

    ¡°We have decided to appoint Helmear as the little sun¡¯s personal guard. He will be selecting a replacement for his position. There will also be a celebration for the birth of our heir. A bright future awaits us.¡± he explained.

    ¡°That is all, you are dismissed,¡± he said at last and then hurried out of the throne room to return to his wife and daughter.

    ¡ª

    Arwyth stormed into her chambers she was in a raging fury, her schemes to harm the Queen¡¯s unborn child had failed and the hope of the little bastard dying had been destroyed at last. The Child was healthy and the King was ensuring its protection in a way none of them ever had predicted.

    She was a princess and had she not been married away to this backwater of a place she would have had a chance to hold a crown of her own but her father favored his sons he thought little of women in positions of power. Warming a bed was all they were good for so he sold them off as best as he could.

    Now she needed to do her best so that her child could have that which was denied to her. The Throne and by extension, she would rule.

    To threaten all of them with death should the little sun come to harm was utter madness. The gall of the man, the outrageousness of the situation. She lost control and she was fuming. The King must have lost his mind.

    ¡°Who does he think he is?!?¡± she screamed into her room.

    She grabbed a chair and smashed it into a wall. Picking up an expensive vase next and shattering it on the floor. This was one of the worst days she ever had. She could not be Queen, the King loved Aenith too much and even if she died he would never choose Arwyth as the next Queen.

    But her son could sit on the throne and she would make sure he did she would just need to regain control and wait for an opportunity.

    Her servants were cowering across the room. Their mistress tantrums were legendary but no one ever died. Crippled yes but never dying. Such a scandal would not do.

    ¡°My sweet boy needs to have the crown upon his head, he is the only one who is worthy!¡±

    She said while thinking of her little boy who always followed her around. He was easy to control, a weak prince who would do as she said. He would make her ambitions come true.

    ¡ª

    Screams were echoing through Asund¡¯s chambers, she was currently beating one of her servants the poor woman was already black and blue. Many of her bones and been broken and she could no longer stand up.

    ¡°How dare he! HOW DARE HE! After all, I have done for him! After all the things I¡¯ve endured.¡± she screamed while beating the no longer conscious woman on the floor.

    She huffed and puffed exhausted after the latest news and the exertion of beating her servant to death.

    ¡°Bury her outside tonight!¡± she ordered her servants who nodded and proceeded to store the body in one of the already prepared sacks. They were all feeling sick. It was not the first time this happened and it would not be the last any one of them might be next. They knew the poor girl who was now dead was a mother with a single son. The father having died in the war now he was an orphan.

    ¡°I will write a letter to my father in Pheetron. We will need to deal with these newest developments and come up with a plan. See to it that it is delivered by someone trustworthy Stancre. You understand what will happen if you fail me right?¡± she asked him all too sweetly with a smile on her face.

    ¡°Yes, my lady. I will it fail you.¡± He gulped while replying with a bow. This was really not a good day for him. He should have listened to his mother and never started working for this crow. But now there was nothing that could be done about it. He made his choices and needed to somehow live with them and make the best of his situation.

    ¡ª

    During the night a handful of dark-clothed humans who could not be identified were wandering around the palaces'' gardens. They dug a deep hole into the ground and threw a bloody sack into it. Covered it with the earth they formerly dug out and then dispersed vanishing into the night.

 A Tale of Madness Extra: Chapter 3

    Nashakra was currently lying in a crib in her parent''s bedroom her mother the Queen was watching over her. She was a princess and not one among any number of princesses but The Princess. She was the heir to the throne they called her Little Sun.

    It was completely surreal. First, she reincarnated, then she finds out she''s a princess and they think she is special. That she is blessed by the gods or the reincarnation of one. And that was just as shocking because she realized she understood everything they said despite clearly never having learned the language.

    So clearly she had some sort of special ability which allowed her to understand them which only served as further proof that maybe she really had been blessed by a god?

    And the red markings on her body just what was up with them? Her eyes had a red color with floating specks of golden light and she had white hair yet everyone else she had seen had black colored hair. Life was really going to get hard for her but first, she needed to grow up.

    Helmear was walking around the room and the terrace where more guards stood, all were vigilant and watched out for threats. They had swords sheathed at their waists and held spears in their hands. It was hot so most of them were only wearing a brown loincloth and sandals made from leather showing their bare chests. Some had wristguards but not all of them.

    Helmear, her personal guard now wore a coarse brown linen shirt while her mother was wearing gold jewelry around wrists and ankles as well as see-through silk. Only her breasts and genitals were covered with a thicker cloth that could not be seen through. She looked very beautiful with her waist-long straight black hair.

    The Attendants were similarly hardly dressed at all. Everyone had most of their skin showing so it must be a cultural thing or it was very hot all year around.

    Nashakra was fed several times a day and she was never without supervision. Either her mother or the Midwife Amer was always with her together with over a dozen guards on the terrace and another dozen in front of the room in the hallway.

    It seems they did not take any chances with their little sun. It was comforting to know that she was safe and well looked after but she wondered why it was necessary in the first place. Her father the king would not go to such lengths if there was no threat.

    The first weeks and months passed without any special things happening there were some festivals, and the celebrations could be heard even in her room.

    She tried to act like a normal baby and do something too outrageous it was also very boring but luckily she slept most of the time.

    Her mother was happy when she first started crawling around cooing and animating her. She was gifted with many toys. A set of finely crafted wooden animals. Little Ships. And blocks of wood with which she could play and did.

    She was playing with the little wooden blocks and contemplating her situation in her mind.

    Her new time period seemed to be rather primitive but she had a high enough position to make changes in the future. With all her technological knowledge and common sense, she would revolutionize her city. She already had many ideas about what she could teach them.

    Games like chess or different card games. The four field rotations of agriculture, that potatoes were edible if they did not know that already, and the many recipes she could introduce and sell.

    And of course Guns and Gunpower. Not even a fantasy world would stand up to the might of an armor-breaking sniper rifle. But those dreams were far into the future.

    She was an avid reader of history and knew many of the mistakes humanity had done in the past and now she was in a position to do better. She could make the paradise she had always envisioned.

    She still hoped she would get some more magical gifts but maybe she was too young for now.

    She also needed to learn more about the world. From the many conversations, she gathered their Kingdom had only a single city and was placed in a valley surrounded by mountains with a river running right through the palace. It was a massive feat of engineering for these people she thought.

    They also had ships and used the river for trade, the valley only had a single entrance where a giant wall with a fort was placed it made everything easily defensible so Triakith which was the name of the city did not have any walls. There were also many small towns and villages scattered across the entire valley.

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    Helmear was also telling her many things and stories. About wars and their history, the gods, and their kingdom. It seemed he was a little bored and sought some relief by teaching her all that.

    They had over two dozen mines and produced iron, coal, and gemstones, their fields some of them on plains while others were terrace fields they used for growing rice and wheat.

    There were also Sheep and Goats, Cows, and chickens. Seafood was imported from a place called Ugrasea and was hellish expensive because it needed to be transported alive and only rich people or nobility could afford it.

    Just as she was trying to place her Animals around the little fort she had built her mother picked her up and started playing with her face.

    ¡°Who is my sweet little sun?¡± she asked while pinching her cheek. Nashakra simply stared at her. She did not like being pinched.

    ¡°What were you building there?¡± she questioned further her words gushing with sweetness.

    ¡°It does look like a small fort Your Highness.¡± Amer volunteered the information.

    ¡°A fort? Now what would my little baby need a fort for?¡± she asked Nashakra once more while both she and Amer were still brightly smiling at her Nashakra was scowling as best as she could. All this sweet baby talk unnerved her.

    ¡°To wage war of course. The little sun will make a great Warlord already. Hahaha,¡± Helmear said while laughing and shaking his head. He was cheerful and liked to fight with the sword.

    Everyone was staring at him like he was a fool.

    ¡°Nashakra won''t be fighting at any frontline or wielding a sword.¡± Aenith reprimanded him.

    ¡°She will at the very least learn how to wield one. She¡¯s the little sun after all.¡± he returned.

    ¡°When she is older. Much much older.¡± The Queen said with a firm voice and ended the matter there and silence returned.

    ¡ª

    Ormald was enjoying himself in his bedroom with a handful of servants when another servant arrived and interrupted his fun with an urgent letter from his daughter. Hopefully, nothing went wrong with their plans to seize the throne he thought.

    But these hopes were soon shattered when he read the letter. King Elrest finally had a little sun. The Child survived its birth despite their efforts to the contrary. Ormald was a Noble and would never own his own City, he was thrilled to have managed to marry one of his children off to a king even if it was a distant one. Triakith was in a great position and it was rich as well as easy to defend.

    If only they managed to make it theirs. He would need to rework his plans.

    He sent a reply to his daughter telling her to hold her feet still and to nothing but watch from the sidelines. Many people were unhappy, they would let others have the first shot at killing the girl. And if they failed they may be able to swoop in and finish the deed while laying the blame onto another¡¯s feet. The perfect murder.

    ¡ª

    Nashakra was one year old when she finally start walking and talking. She tried to do it as naturally as possible just like a normal baby. Of course, her first word was ¡°Mama¡±, Aenith was in the seventh heaven when she did. She could not stop talking about her first word.

    Everyone had also been applauding her when she started walking, being excited and clapping. They even brought some sweets to celebrate. Nashaka thought they were overdoing it and Helmear was snorting the entire time.

    Her father sought to spend time with her whenever he could Aenith¡¯s sweetness has infected him. But she was not sure what he loved. Her or her ¡°blessings¡±? It was difficult to say.

    Nashakra was also finally allowed to play on the terrace, they finally dyed her hair a black color and covered the markings with make-up and clothes. It was not foolproof but from a distance, she now just looked like any other human apart from her red eyes.

    There was nothing behind the palace to make it harder for intruders to approach from that direction and many Guards were patrolling regularly. After a big stretch of land there were some fields and behind them was jungle. It seemed very idyllic.

    There were also many birds flying around the palace, some looking like rainbows and many she could not identify but they sounded great and looked beautiful.

    Some cats were also running around the palace and its surroundings they visited her sometimes. She liked to play with them.

    There had not been any attempts to harm her for now but it may be that she just never had heard of them and no one was allowed to talk about such things when she was near.

    There were a few wars going on further away, it was relatively peaceful around Triakith however apart from some bandits who were being hunted down.

    Her father had also been building more granaries and stocked up on more resources he anticipated trouble in the future because of her. He had also threatened his mistresses with execution should she come to harm. She liked that decision it kept them and their schemes in check, they were probably shaking in their sandals the first few days after the announcement.

    Many were thinking that the king had gone mad, but it was within his authority to do so. There had apparently been some attempts to harm her mother during her pregnancy. They were all foiled. Most likely no king even in the history of her old world had ever done such a thing but it spoke of his competence and he had a lot of support.

    Nashakra had yet to meet anyone else apart from the people she already met and she had spent her entire life in her parent''s chambers. They were very concerned about her safety it seemed.

    They also started actively teaching her more words not knowing that she could understand them just fine and even respond in complete sentences but it would not do to shock them so. The less remarkable she seemed the less others would try to hurt her.

    Another strange thing was that they had the same calendar with twelve months and thirty to thirty-one days per month. Coincidences existed that no one would ever believe in.

    ¡ª

    The little bitch is still alive and nothing has happened to her. Asund thought as she paced through her room. How long does her father expect her to wait?

    The little sun had grown, and the entire palace was ware with the buzz of her walking and talking. It infuriated her. Her daughter Eseth was the only one worthy to inherit the kingdom and if not her then one of her other children.

    But it was not going as it should. Apparently, everyone else had the same idea to wait for an assassination attempt of someone else and if not successful use it either to get rid of someone or make another attempt and shift the blame. It would have been a great plan if only someone would try to kill the little heir.

    But the king''s threats had everyone sufficiently cowed. And it did not look like anything was going to happen anytime soon.

 A Tale of Madness Extra: Chapter 4

    Nashakra was now three years old, she was still living in her parent''s bedroom which was still the safest place. She gained more abilities just as she hoped, it was a big shock that it really and finally happened but she always had a small hope that it did.

    At first, she was dazed and confused and could not believe what her new senses were telling her, it was so surreal, the adrenaline rushing through her body when she first made the discovery.

    It seemed that she drew really good cards in this life. She was a princess soon-to-be Queen and had special powers.

    First, she was able to use telepathy, she could read, detect, and interact with minds within 10 meters of her when she gained this ability.

    Another ability she gained was to generate what she called psychic energy, she managed to use this energy to empower herself to be stronger or faster.

    Secondly, she could use psychokinesis, by wrapping an object in her psychic energy, meaning she could interact with objects that were near her and interact with them without touching, she was for example capable to lift her toys and have them float around her or using them as projectiles, but it was not very strong yet, she had experiment under her blankets during the night so that no one would see.

    Nashakra often wondered if it was possible to also charge electronic devices with it, but it would be unlikely that she would ever test it unless she could manage to somehow slow or stop her aging.

    The last ability she discovered that she knew of was to use a form of far sight, she could look at things within a hundred meters of her with her mind without using her eyes, this was really good especially if she was ever blindfolded or hurt her eyes because she did not need eyes for this ability.

    She also often explored her own mind, every mind was made up of thoughts, memories, emotions, as well as someone¡¯s personality and perceptions which formed a mindscape. A World within a mind which represented a being.

    There was something in her mind she could not explain, a massive black sphere with the same red marks as on her skin was floating in the dark red sky of her mind. It had a very primal and ancient feeling.

    Nashakra wondered often why she had it since she first discovered its existence in her mind, and what its purpose was. But she was no closer to figuring it out than before.

    Nashakra did not mess around with it, she did not know what would happen and she doubted it was normal for people to have such a thing, she would leave it for when she was older and more experienced she was crossing her fingers and hoping that it was not something dangerous.

    But even if it was what could she do? Throw it out? She would not try that, she doubted anything good would come of it. It must be there for a reason she just did not know why.

    Within her mindscape, she could go wherever she pleased and everyone she had met had become a part of her and thus existed in her mindscape. Her new Mother and Father.

    Helmear was there as well. There existed the part of Triakith she knew in her mind and these ¡°people¡± were going about their daily lives.

    While she could spend an endless amount of time inside her own mind her other powers could not be used endlessly, they were exhausting and relied on her willpower, concentration, physical and mental strength, and stamina as well as endurance and how skilled she was, so she tried to exercise her body as much as possible.

    She wondered when she should reveal her abilities to her parents they would certainly be freaking out some of the servants may drop on the ground then and there and start worshipping her. She would need to wait for the right time.

    She was also spending much time thinking about the many things she should be capable of doing one day with her psionic powers.

    Something that she knew many stories portrayed was an astral realm and she should be able to also interact with it and maybe even draw energy from it or use it for travel and astral projection, that is if such a thing existed.

    She may also be able to one day see and manipulate emotions, incite or calm entire crowds of people and even use that energy to empower herself. Which would be a very useful skill as a Ruler.

    She also thought of the many psionic characters who could teleport, maybe she could do that one day too or manipulate the weather, see the future, or possibly even transform herself into psionic energy and become immortal. She did not know if such things were truly possible but she would at least try.

    Nashakra had been bullied often in her previous life, people had lied, and manipulated often for no reason just because they could. Of course, she had not been a saint either. But she could finally do better. This life was a new beginning. So she choose to make a codex for herself. Guidelines that would make her the person she always envisioned to be.

    She would not read another¡¯s mind or use any of her abilities on another being unless they made the choice to be her enemy. She would respect their privacy just as she wanted them to respect hers. Some Principles and Rules were very important. It is what made someone human.

    ¡°Come here my little sun. Let mommy give you something to eat.¡± her mother called her.

    Nashakra turned around and stopped playing with her toys, her mother had some fruits on a plate.

    ¡°Yes, mama,¡± she replied and went to her where she got picked up to sit on her mother''s legs. Being fed with sweet fruit. It tasted like an apple but she did not know what it was but that did not matter. Sometimes it was better to remain ignorant so she did not ask.

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    Nashakra was also already being taught how to write and read. They used little symbols like a small picture to describe something there were hundreds of them. That was the first thing she was going to change. It was really complicated. She would also explore the palace with her far sight sneaking a look into the hallways and different rooms. She even found the treasury.

    The parts of the city she could see were also very lively and the people appeared to be happy with their lot in life. She also often looked at her father holding audiences in the throne room. It was really interesting and she would one day have to do those things herself.

    ¡°Do you want me to tell you another story?¡± she asked while Nashakra was munching on the apple-like fruit her thoughts being disturbed.

    ¡°Yesh please,¡± she answered enthusiastically trying to make her eyes sparkle like any young child.

    ¡°Well¡­ There was once¡­¡± she began then told her how her great ever so great Ancestor Eornolph founded Triakith and became its first king. She then told another story of how the Gods worked together to form the sun and the moon and created night and day.

    It was very interesting and there was a big festival to celebrate the creation of the sun and the moon on the summer solstice. Everyone prepared days before and the highlight was a ceremony to sacrifice a sheep to the fire on top of the royal palace.

    The palace was beautifully built out of gigantic blocks of granite and some other stones for decoration. It was like a pyramid with a river running through its underside and many terraces all around.

    There were many carvings on the walls outside and inside and paintings and mosaics set directly into the walls. Especially the hallways were well decorated.

    The treasury was stacked to the ceiling with gold and silver just haphazardly piled up. Chests were spilling their content some were filled with jewels there was also an incredible amount of jewelry. Bracelets, Tiaras, Crowns, Necklaces, Earrings, and dozens of rolls of precious silk. They were rich.

    She had never seen so much wealth in one place and wondered where it all came from. A Question for the future but she already knew that she would spend it to improve her little empire.

    She would change the way they did agriculture, build orphanages to be funded directly by the crown to raise loyal retainers, and build schools to raise the level of education. Make real paper instead of the scrolls they were currently using and build a printing press.

    But it was also important to do all this while not harming the environment. They would have to replant new trees right away and be careful with their trash. And if she had anything to say they would never invent plastic.

    Nashakra was playing with the thought to make a decree that forbids plastic and immediately execute the inventor. But maybe that was a little too drastic a course to take. No. She would spare whoever invented it but also make sure that even if she died plastic would not be allowed within the borders of her nation! Ever!

    She could also invent guns and artillery. It would make it very easy to conquer the continent. Now she was dreaming of becoming the empress of a big empire. Clearly her special abilities and status were going to her head. But that was not wrong, was it? She would do it for the betterment of her people after all.

    They would live far better lives and no longer need to fear an invasion and if she could make nuclear weapons she may even be able to conquer the world. She let out a big sigh at this. Human life was just too short.

    ¡°That was a big sigh,¡± Helmear said watching from his seat at the wall with amusement on his face.

    ¡°Now what were you thinking about?¡± He asked while sipping on his tea.

    Nashakra debated for a moment if she should say it or not and choose to do it just to see the look on his face.

    She put a big smile on her face and straightened herself in her seat then looked proudly up to him and said.

    ¡°World Conquest.¡±

    Her mother looked at her aghast. Amer was shocked and entirely without words while Helmears tea left him through his nose.

    The Servants were amused while the guards looked with concern.

    ¡ª

    The king''s mistresses were having a social gathering together with tea and sweets. They were by no means friends or allies but recently they had been united by a common threat known as the little sun.

    They were discussing the latest news from the many city-states, Agodon and Zeapphia, Ugrasea, Muprora, Pheetron, and even those further away.

    The increase of slaves. Rising prices. Wars ended and new ones began yet Triakith remained oddly peaceful it was just too easy to defend and the king had no interest in any offensive wars. No, he was biding his time and strengthening the Interior.

    They wondered what was going on. New warehouses and granaries had been built and filled with all sorts of resources. Coal, Iron, Copper, and Steel. Leather and Furs. Armor and Weapons. Food had been preserved and dried. Fields had been expanded and their products were stored or traded for other things.

    New mines had been opened, there was a shortage of people everywhere in the valley and pay was rising for everyone.

    More soldiers were also trained. Slaves were bought in incredible numbers and the population was rising fast.

    The walls and fortress that protected the valley of Triakith were also inspected, repaired, and expanded. They had begun building another set of walls behind the fortress. It seemed like His Majesty was preparing for a long defensive war but against who?

    They had sent many letters over these matters to their families asking questions but no one had any intention to go to war against Triakith at least at the moment. Many were still exhausted from the last war and needed time to recoup their losses many young people had died after all.

    Something obviously had invigorated King Elrest and the only conclusion they could draw was the little sun that was born three years ago. They still had not met her but that was not unusual. Children hardly had a place in the palace. They were hidden away until they were old enough to know how to conduct themselves so as to not be an embarrassment.

    A three-year-old princess throwing a tantrum before a foreign envoy? The scandal. Still, they were curious. They were also testing each other trying to feel out with complicated sentences and implications if any plans were in motion but no one knew anything nor was anyone running an active scheme.

    It only confused them more.

    Word of the king''s many changes had obviously already reached the surrounding nations and they requested explanations they wanted to know if Triakith planned to attack them. Of course, no sane person would respond to such a letter with a positive answer all they received was that Triakith had currently no intention to go to war. King Elrest was simply doing his duty as a ruler and improving the lives of his people.

    It sounded absurd to all who received such an answer but what could they do? So they also made preparations just in case they were attacked.

    The answer the mistresses received when the King visited them also did not differ. But they could not help it and be concerned they had family in the surrounding cities and did not want them to die or get sent into war against a state they were part of.

 A Tale of Madness Extra: Chapter 5

    Nashakra was now twelve years old and would finally be holding her debut in society. She had moved out of her parent''s room long ago into one right next to them. They even made a new door so their rooms were connected. It was big and open just like her parent''s bedroom and decorated just the same.

    On one wall were many scrolls into which she had written her ideas and knowledge. All in a language of her former world so no one here would understand it if they found it.

    Over the many years since she was three years old, she had also met the many ministers of the court. Some of them were also her teachers. Teaching her about the nation and the law. Administration and Management. Finances and Mathematics. Reading and Writing. Ethics and Morality were always the best discussions. Right and Wrong.

    And even what was considered common sense and how people from far away would have a different understanding. She was already aware of many of these things but she played her role and even taught her teachers.

    The looks on their faces sometimes were worth the effort. Her father was prouder and prouder of her the more years passed. Everyone praised her. Her beauty and her intellect. She even drew the ministers who had supported the mistresses to her side.

    Paranoia was a longtime companion of hers.

    No one who was aware doubted that she was blessed by the gods. Or even one herself.

    Unfortunately, Amer died a few years ago. There had been a funeral but Nashakra had not been allowed to attend. She was a little sad and cried a little but she had also kept her distance because she did not want to be hurt, her last life had left a deep impression on her and formed her core so it was hard for her to form new bonds. She had been betrayed far too many times.

    Her parents had also tried a lot to have another child but her mother never conceived again. Still, she had a lot of half brothers and sisters whom she would also be meeting soon.

    They were all only a little older than her and some were already working while other had an arranged marriage awaiting them. Her father''s intent was to leave as little trouble for Nashakra as possible concerning her siblings. No one should be capable of contesting the throne that was rightfully hers.

    To that effect, she also revealed her powers to her father once she was eight years old.

    The look on his face when she showed him fire and lightning from her hands and lifted some things on his table was truly priceless.

    There was no doubt her father was very envious. She never told him that she could read minds or know through it if someone was lying to her. That she thought was better kept to herself. It would not be good if her father thought she had influenced his mind.

    But he was also excited beyond belief if he could he would have jumped through the roof and kissed the sun for the gift he had received.

    He had given her a practice room without windows and only one entrance where she could be alone and train her abilities and grow stronger and gain more control. There were a lot of scorch marks on the walls.

    Nashakra had trained her psionic powers intensively in the last years and was aware of everything that was going on in a small sphere around her. Even capable of catching arrows and making a shield to protect her. As well as sending those same arrows back from where they came.

    The four-field system had already been implemented at her suggestion. At first, her father was not happy with such an idea but he tested it and the results were just as she claimed they would be. So he invested more and more trust in her. Believing her knowledge to be a blessing she received.

    Due to the many improvements to the people''s lives and the increase in their wealth and feelings of safety, their support was at an all-time high. Many of the nobles however were displeased with their loss of authority but no one voiced it out loud.

    With time he even began to ask her for advice. She was always careful with what she said. Not wanting to say things too unbelievable or impressive. Moderation was the key.

    They were even secretly experimenting with black powder but they had difficulty getting the necessary resources. Sulfur was the hardest to get. While charcoal was the easiest. And saltpeter they only got in low quantities so there was still a lot of work to be done but her father had been intrigued.

    It would put them above anyone else if it worked as she said and he did not have any doubt that it would.

    Her psionic powers had also grown enormously. And she was no longer required to hide her marks or her hair color. If the people at her debut only saw her red eyes they would be suspicious of her maybe even call her a demon.

    So the king and the queen gathered together and made plans for the future. She could not hide nor be hidden forever. She was after all the little sun.

    Because of her ability to spy on the entire palace with no one the wiser she had always been aware and a step ahead of any schemes that transpired it was quite amusing to watch those who wished her harm from afar and then foil their plans.

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    Still, the king''s mistresses were mostly not doing anything they were still waiting so a status quo had been maintained ever since her birth but that would no doubt change soon.

    They had well prepared for any sort of fallout. More granaries had been built over the last decade all filled up. Warehouses were stacked full. Everything was of course scattered across the city and some secret stashes were built in different places of the valley just in case there was sabotage.

    More soldiers had been trained most of them were manning the defense wall. Almost two thousand of them. This was only possible because of the many slaves her father had bought. He even granted them their freedom to ensure and increase their loyalty at her recommendation.

    They were slave soldiers before. Cannon fodder.

    Once she made her debut to which many foreign envoys had been invited a wave would go across the continent even more so once her special powers were revealed. They could not be weak. Even more so since many would feel threatened.

    The new wall and fortress and also been finished and her father had tried to improve Triakiths relationship with the surrounding cities.

    Triakith was stronger and more prosperous than ever before. Even hygiene had improved thanks to Nashakra¡¯s intervention. They were even making plans to build a canalization but that would not happen anytime soon.

    Everyone was curious about the little sun. Triakiths hidden heir. Rumors and gossip were running rampant across the cities. Some said she was deformed others claimed she was ill and weak of body or mind. No one knew where these rumors came from they were just there. It was infuriating how many people believed in them.

    But also natural. Humans were foolish creatures. Choosing feelings over reason. Body over the Mind. Oppression over Freedom and even if they choose Freedom it could become just as Oppressive. One Extreme gives birth to its opposite. The Sanity after Insanity.

    Preparations for the ceremony were running high. She would make her first appearance on the big plaza in front of the palace. It was cordoned off and only nobles and invited guests were allowed to attend which included the many envoys that had been sent. The introduction of a true heir was a once-in-a-lifetime event. And many of the commoners were going to watch from afar trying to get a glimpse of her.

    The King would begin his speech once he was done she would appear with her mother before the audience. Then there would be a ceremony where she sacrificed a criminal to the gods on an altar. Then the High Priest would place a crown on her head and afterwards the celebration and socializing would begin. Everything had been planned out to the last detail.

    The criminal would be one who had been sentenced to death by the court and it was a rite of passage for every true heir to the throne. Her father had done so before her and now would she.

    Her mother and the servants had been fussing about her since the sun had risen in the morning. First a big breakfast with fluffy bread and pastries. Then a long bath to freshen her up.

    Nashakra now wore the finest sandals with golden bracelets on her upper arms. She was wearing an elaborate head necklace with a red ruby that accented the red markings on her skin together with a light red silken see trough face-veil that rested upon her nose and covered her lower face.

    Her hair was done into many small braids that fell down backwards to her lower back keeping her face free of any hair and many ornaments were woven into it as decorations.

    A fine cloth was going from her neck down over her breasts leaving her shoulders and belly bare going behind her back to end at her waist where two black and red long strips of cloth were falling down to the length of her ankles allowing her bare legs to shine through the two slits. The Cloth was set into gold jewelry she wore around her neck and waist.

    They decided on this to show as many of her red markings as possible. They wanted to stun the entire audience. Nashakra should look as natural as possible and she was already a mesmerizing beauty without any make-up.

    Aenith was living in the clouds when she looked at her little sun. She could hardly believe how fast she had grown. Now she was starting to blossom into a woman. Kingdoms would go to war for her beauty alone.

    Nashkara was also fascinated by her appearance. Once her debut was done she would finally be allowed to go out and freely wander the palace grounds people would always be looking at her. She had been too sheltered until now.

    She would also finally take up some work that was required of a ruler. Some of her father''s duties would be given to her to ease her into the role so the king could take more time for other things. She would hold audiences and solve problems of the common people together with her advisers who were carefully selected by her father.

    She had kept an eye on some of them with her far sight whenever they were in the palace so that she could gauge their character and behavior. She did not want anyone dishonorable or selfish serving beneath her.

    ¡°You are looking wonderful my little Sun,¡± Aenith said her eyes sparkling with delight.

    ¡°Thank you, mother,¡± Nashakra replied absentmindedly.

    ¡°Don''t worry. You will do well. I just know it. Well then. Let¡¯s go,¡± she encouraged her daughter.

    The Moon and the little Sun left the room and made their way to the plaza.

    ¡ª

    The was a big buffet on the plaza tables filled with many different types of meat even freshly imported fish. Bread and drinks. Water, Ale, Wine, and many more. Countless Pastries were also filling many of the tables.

    Men and Women were milling about all dressed differently wearing expensive clothing. They were simply watching from the side or forming groups and talking amongst themselves. The hottest topic of they was the little Sun. Everyone was eager to finally see and meet her.

    They were also talking about the food that was served. Some found the meat too dry others the opposite some were dissatisfied with the pastries available. A glass was spilled on a dress it was a big drama and just the same as every other noble party. And this happened before the festivities even began.

    The princesses and princes of Triakith and their mothers were also all attending, only those old enough of course.

    They were all especially displeased. Some of the princes and princesses however were excited to finally meet their sister and even spend time with and befriend her.

    The first Prince Cutfhre, the second Prince Winstio, and the third Prince Grancis were attending the other four princes not yet old enough for such an event even one as monumental as the current one.

    From the princesses attending First Princess Eseth and Second Princess Sybel, they were all accompanying their parents and just as finely dressed. There were some foreign princes after all and this would be a chance to attract a suitable partner or make connections that may aid them in the future whether they needed to one day flee or become the ruler of Triakith one could never have too many friends.

    Guards were patrolling around and security had been increased to the maximum. There were hundreds of people in the audience many of them were servants accompanying their masters. Slaves were forbidden from attending.

    A guard was hitting a giant gong on the plaza¡¯s side the sound reverberating through it.

    ¡°His Majesty the Sun of Triakith.¡± A guard announced and it was finally beginning when the sun was about to rise to its highest position. The High Priest of the Sun arrived with his majesty together with two more priests of which one was carrying the golden tiara that would be placed on Nashakras head. They were standing on a balcony of the palace specifically built for such events. The other priest was carrying the sacrificial dagger.

    Both the tiara and the dagger were laying on red pillows.

    An altar had been placed in the middle of the plaza where Nashakra would sacrifice the criminal. The crowd quieted down and focused their attention on the king.

    ¡°We greet the Great Sun of Triakith,¡± everyone said while bowing.

    ¡°Our People, Envoys, and Representatives, Visitors from afar. We have all gathered here today. We have gathered to witness the rite of passage of Triakith¡¯s Little Sun and her introduction into our Society.¡± a court servant began speaking loudly and with pride his voice reaching everyone across the plaza reading from a scroll.

 A Tale of Madness Extra: Chapter 6

    The Moon and the Little Sun had made their way into the long hallway leading to the plaza''s balcony and had met briefly with her father who would enter first. To say that he was stunned when he saw his daughter was an understatement. He was smitten. But he composed himself soon after. Today was a day of great importance.

    Helmear was trailing behind them, remaining silent and vigilant, while looking his best.

    Aenith was escorting Nashakra their arms intertwined.

    ¡°Are you ready?¡± he asked them both.

    ¡°Yes father.¡± she replied while her mother said ¡°Yes, dear. Let us begin.¡± while looking at Nashakra and smiling down at her.

    The Great Sun of Triakith nodded and left in direction of the plaza.

    Soon enough the gong was heard and the announcement was made, this was their cue to move out.

    They walked slowly and with a head held high onto the same balcony.

    The real sun would soon reach its highest point in the sky and was shining brightly upon them from a cloudless blue sky.

    ¡°The Moon and the Little Sun of Triakith.¡± the same servant announced them just as he did the entrance of the King.

    The entire audience watched while holding their breath. It was deadly quiet. Everyone had long anticipated this event. And they were not disappointed.

    The Little Sun now stood at the front with The Sun and The Moon to the sides a foot behind her so everyone could get a good view of her. Helmear stood further behind them.

    They were shocked and stunned speechless. They had never seen someone with white hair. They also wondered what the paint on her skin was for. Simple decoration? Still, it could not be denied that it did enhance her beauty. And her appearance was mesmerizing. Her clothes were well chosen and fit her perfectly.

    Some people could not help but break the silence and start chattering amongst themselves.

    Many thoughts were going through the heads of the attending people. They were talking about her hair color the most since it was really eye-catching. They had never seen such whiteish hair color. Some started to doubt whether the king was really the father and the queen may have betrayed him with another man. Quite the scandal of course no one said anything.

    The more faithful people saw it as a sign of the gods and believed the little sun to be blessed. While there were a handful of people who even saw this as an omen. That humanity had disappointed the gods and they were being punished. Why else would her hair not have the same color as everyone else?

    They were so stunned that they even forgot to bow and greet her, more interested in their chatter. Not really an insult considering the circumstances but still not right either.

    Nashakra did not bother to read any of their thoughts. It was already clear what she would be seeing.

    The king nodded to a servant and the gong sounded once more across the plaza. It snapped the people out of their thoughts and back to reality.

    ¡°We Greet the Little Sun of Triakith,¡± they said while bowing.

    ¡°Beginn the rites, bring in the prisoner,¡± the King commanded.

    Two guards were escorting the prisoner, he was gagged so he would not scream and tightly bound with chains. He knew what awaited him and would surely struggle. More guards came and helped to secure him to the altar with ropes on his wrists and ankles when he tried to fight them, a last-ditch effort to save his life but it was no use.

    No one had pity for him. He was a bandit leader and the people he led had murdered guards and merchants of a caravan, they slaughtered even the children. Just as they showed no mercy they would not receive any. The other bandits had already been executed their bodies hung from the Great Wall as a warning to all others who thought of breaking the law.

    His crimes had been made known before so they did not need to repeat it at the ceremony.

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    Nashakra would sacrifice him to show the people that she would do everything to ensure justice and be fair to them. To lessen their fears. It was quite the spectacle for many, public executions were always visited by huge crowds.

    Once he was on the altar he still continued to squirm and tried to scream through his gag, they were muffled. The guards had left and returned to their former positions while those who escorted the prisoners stood by the sides of the altar making sure everything remained safe. It was then that Nashakra began to move from the balcony along the stairs towards the altar.

    The priest with the sacrificial dagger was walking to the side behind her while two guards were also escorting her. They would not take any chances with the Little Sun¡¯s safety..

    She moved with beautiful grace that mesmerized the people who watched her and she received many lecherous stares. The initial excitement of seeing her had worn off and now many saw something that they desired.

    Once she reached the altar she turned her head and looked at the audience who stared back with anticipation. Nashakra did not want to make this too much of a spectacle. The priest moved beside her and bowed presenting her with the dagger.

    She looked at it, it had a handle made of gold set with many different jewels, rubies, emeralds, smaragds, and more as well as elaborate decorations together with the Symbol of Triaktiths Royals. The blade was simple shining steel reflecting the sun.

    ¡°Praised be the Gods.¡± She said while bowing to the altar.

    Nashakra then held a small speech about how she would protect the people and further their kingdom.

    She took the blade from its pillow with a single motion and slit the criminal¡¯s throat, allowing him to bleed to death. He deserved it. While the prisoner was gasping for air the crowd was excited once again. Some looked a little sick. Especially the princesses and princes.

    Since this rite was only for the True Heir they had not killed anyone ever and had a different ceremony for their introduction to society. One princess most likely the youngest one even wanted to leave but she was held back by her mother. She had to watch this if she ever wanted a chance at the throne.

    Life in high society was not without bloodshed. In fact, they only stood higher than others because they were willing to trample upon those who they perceived as weaker.

    Nashakra smiled at everyone then returned the dagger to its pillow and made her way to return to the balcony, the guards once more falling in line with her while the two who came with the prisoner were preparing to remove the body once the prisoner had died.

    When she had returned the High Priest stood behind her and spoke.

    ¡°As the High Priest of the Sun, I hereby proclaim Nashakra, as the next Great Sun of Triakitk¡±

    ¡°May the Gods blessings be upon you,¡± he said and then placed the tiara on her head.

    ¡ª

    Arwyth was fuming with rage once she was back in her chambers. She was stunned when she saw the girl. Was she really the king''s daughter? No one had such hair color. The bitch Queen must have lain with a demon or some other unholy being.

    Triakith had changed much in the last decade, her influence and that of her family had shrunk considerably. She may be a princess but she had been wedded off, and money was far more attractive. Money which Triakith was swimming in right now.

    She could no longer wait for someone else to get rid of the girl. She needed to do it herself.

    ¡ª

    Stancre had just left the chambers of his mistress. He had been attending the Rite of Passage of the little Sun just as she did. He was glad and thought himself lucky to finally have left his mistress alone. They would be burying two bodies tonight, it was getting harder and harder to conceal the evergoing stream of missing servants and it got more expensive.

    The mistress had been so displeased she even disregarded her father''s warning, the letter in his hands was proof of this. She would take matters into her own hands. He would deliver it to a messenger outside who would deliver it to a group of bandits that were under mistress Asund¡¯s protection. They would be ordered to kill the little sun.

    Once the messenger going by the name of Aten received the letter he got on his horse and rode off, it was deep in the night yet the moon was clearly visible. A bad omen, it felt like the Queen was watching but he could not stop.

    He rode along the road until the morning came, leaving the path and going into the jungle, the sentries had seen him long ago but they recognized his coat of arms so they let him pass unmolested.

    ¡°Greetings, I carry a message from the mistress for the leader,¡± he said.

    ¡°This way, he is waiting.¡± one of them replied. And Athen followed silently through the cave they entered in the mountainside, it was a natural cave lighted with many torches. They had worked hard on this hideout and even installed some doors and built rooms in a cavern.

    They stopped outside a room, moaning and the sound of slapping could be heard as if flesh hit flesh. Aten was uncomfortable but he needed to get through this. He needed the money for his sick son. The doctor''s elixirs were expensive and his wife was not doing well either not that he cared much about her his child was more important.

    The Bandit knocked on the door just as a scream could be heard from the inside.

    ¡°What is it?¡± thundered the voice of the bandit leader.

    ¡°A Messenger from the Mistress Great Lord.¡± the bandit replied a little cowed. He even addressed their leader with such a stupid title.

    The door opened and a grisly scarred face with black hair that went to the shoulders appeared.

    Aten could see three women inside the room, they were beaten black and blue while being naked. None of them moved anymore.

    ¡°A message from the mistress huh? Is she unhappy with our loot? Or does she just want to complain to someone about her oh-so horrible life?¡± he said in a condescending tone while laughing.

    ¡°Follow me,¡± he commanded.

    The Bandit leader found it hilarious that a noblewoman like Asund who had almost everything and was even a king''s mistress would sponsor them. It was however none of his business if the wench wanted to spend her coin on them he would gladly take it.

    He liked to be the master of his own life, everyone quivered in fear of him and the women were great.

    They moved down the hallway and went into another room. It was bare there was nothing there.

    Aten suddenly got a really bad feeling about this but he could not turn around now.

    ¡°Now that message, where is it?¡± the bandit leader demanded.

    ¡°Here,¡± Aten said while taking the crumpled letter from his pocket. He was about to hand it over when it was already snatched out of his hands.

    And just as suddenly a dagger was buried in his chest. He did not even have the time to register what happened, he just dropped to the ground dead.

    ¡°Stupid fool.¡± the bandit leader said to the dead body while laughing, even more, then he went outside.

    ¡°Clean up the rooms, make the bodies disappear like always,¡± he commanded the bandit who lead the messenger to him with a stern and authoritative voice that told everyone mistakes would not be tolerated.

    Now he needed to read that message, just what did the bitch want now.

    Maybe invite him to her bed? He would love to teach her some manners.

 A Tale of Madness Extra: Chapter 7 & 8

    A few days had now passed since Nashakra¡¯s rite of passage, she had been exploring the palace and its surroundings in person no longer needing to watch everything through her far sight.

    The first thing she had wanted to finally see was the treasury. She also wandered through the gardens a lot spending much time there with her mother. One did not know how important something was till they lost it so she always made sure to make time available for her parents. Even if sometimes it was a real bother she knew better after all.

    Servants and Guards were following in her wake ensuring her safety. In the mornings Nashakra would deal with a lot of paperwork that had to be done because some of her parent''s duties had been given to her. It was finally time that she learned how to govern a nation. She had been given a big study room exactly for that purpose.

    Quills, bottles of ink, and a lot of parchment there were several seals to use for stamping the many documents for approval, disapproval, secret, urgent, and who sent it, with a few more.

    The ministers were always ready to offer her advice, she had also been approached by some of her older siblings and the king''s mistresses, and they too wanted to offer their advice.

    Nashakra always listened to what they said but was unwilling to be manipulated by them so she always maintain a firm stance. It would have been far more difficult had she been a real twelve-year-old girl but she had been an adult in her last life.

    It also helped that they decided to be her enemies so she had no moral or ethical quandary about reading their minds. She could not read someone''s memories without touching them but the surface thoughts were already enough.

    They were always polite and respectful in their behavior, especially the princes and princesses. The mistresses made many comments and snide remarks many children would most likely not understand, always trying to insult her to make themselves feel superior.

    It was disgusting to watch and she always ended these meetings as early as possible.

    Not everything was bad, however. Kathil, the fifth princess was six years old and often she was unsupervised. Her mother concentrated too much on her first child so she wandered the palace unsupervised.

    They had encountered each other in the gardens once and Kathil had been lonely, no one had been spending time with her and even if she could have spent time with her half brothers who were of roughly the same age their mothers would have never allowed it. They were competitors, not friends.

    Kathil had been fascinated by Nashakra and since they were half-sisters tried to visit her and play, eat sweets and drink tea. She was still very shy and cried easily so Nashakra had taken a liking to her.

    So now she made sure to always have something prepared, a part of her also wanted to look out for her and ensure she was not being corrupted by her mother''s poison or became a victim of it which was far more likely. Asund would not have any problems using her children as tools to get what she wanted.

    Like every time the last few days, it knocked on the door, a guard informing her that Princess Kathil had arrived.

    Nashakra put away the Quill she had been using and welcomed her, the shy girl with back-long black hair slipping inside through the door. She was always wearing the same thing.

    Nashakra had created some card games from her former life for these daily occasions.

    Kathil would eat snacks until Nashakra was done with work, then they would play cards, some of the guards and servants joining in to make it more fun. They always had a great time and it was a new experience for everyone. Helmear was very taken with Kathil she was often seen sitting on his lap while he told her stories just as he told Nashakra when she was younger. The girl''s eyes always seemed to pop out of their sockets and glittered with amusement.

    The atmosphere was very easygoing and not something the guards or servants had ever experienced they also liked the games.

    Kathil had the best times of her life ever her mother always neglected her favoring her older sister now she finally had someone who cared for her. She hoped these times would go on forever.

    Nashakra had gotten a small doll for Kathil today, the little girl was overjoyed and even cried a little. Her mother did not care enough for her to get her any toys, she was not interested in how Kathil spent her time or that she was too young to wander around the palace.

    Kathil had been very grateful to finally have some toys and someone to play with.

    Normally she would not have been allowed to walk around until she was twelve years of age.

    Nashakra felt pity for the girl. She could not just watch and do nothing. There were many situations where she just had to watch injustice happen left and right while no one cared and she was not powerful enough to do anything. But now she had that power and she would make use of it.

    Many children in her old world suffered the same and even far worse things. So she was happy to finally do something for those people which is one of the reasons why she wanted her father to build orphanages and pay for them with taxes.

    She did what she could to brighten the girl''s days they would not last forever she would grow up eventually and then be married off, as a princess she would most likely be sent to another city-state to marry royalty or some high noble.

    Which reminded her of the many reforms that still needed to happen. The disabled, the old, sick, and injured also needed to be cared for and she needed to find an effective way to do so, she was unable to convince the King to spend the treasury¡¯s money on these things.

    He could understand the use of orphanages but this was beyond him.

    Nashakra and Kathil were also exploring the palace together, she was a sweet girl who had finally found her first friend and was slowly coming out of her shell.

    Nashakra wondered what Asund would think when she finally found out about this. She would have to keep an eye on Kathil before anything went wrong.

    They were still playing cards while Kathil was stuffing her face with pastries and fruits her cheeks bloated like a balloon.

    She was happy and thanked them often.

    ¡ª

    Ormald was a noble, his daughter Asund had managed to marry the faraway and rich king of Triakith. They had made plans to take the throne for one of her children but their plans had gone awry when a true heir had been born. They had gone to great lengths and risks to ensure the queen could not get pregnant by poisoning her. It was far easier than killing her and it worked.

    No one had ever even thought that the queen had been poisoned. They had also tried to get rid of the first prince but Princess Arwyth was too vigilant. With Cuthfre dead, and no true heir his granddaughter Eseth would have been next in line to the Throne.

    Now there was another obstacle but he had just the right thing.

    He had come in possession of a very strange book that could not have been made by any humans. In the beginning, even he had been terrified of it.

    The Book was now on his otherwise empty desk. It was proof that the Gods existed. He did not know which God had created this book but if he had to guess it was the Lord of the Underworld, The God of Death. Who else could have created such a thing?

    It took him years to claw even the smallest bits of knowledge from it and many slaves had been sacrificed to do so.

    The eye on the cover of the book was looking around sometimes focusing on him, it was eery but he had become used to it.

    He had finally learned something useful from his interactions. Ormald did not want to use it but he no longer had much of a choice. The true heir of Triakith had survived until her rite of passage they had not tried to kill her hoping someone else would and succeeded but now they could no longer wait.

    Eseth was already sixteen years old soon she would be married off to someone, King Elrest wanted to remove any possible obstacles for his daughter so he had begun talks with a high noble Zeapphia, Orhtmaehrt was the prospected husband, he was seventeen years old and his father was an advisor to the king who had become rich with the mining of gold and the minting of coins with the Crown of Zeapphia¡¯s endorsement.

    King Elrest looked out for his children even if he did not want them to take the throne it would be a good match but Ormald had different ideas and plans.

    He had prepared everything in the secret basement of his home more slaves had been purchased and tonight during the full moon he was going to summon the servant of a god and he would use its power to get rid of the obstacles that prevent his granddaughter''s rise to power.

    No mortal could stand against the divine.

    He had long fought with himself whether he should do this. A part of him thought it was blasphemy, that the gods should not be used in mortal quarrels but his greed had won in the end.

    He had prepared many gifts for the Servant of the God of Death, he would have to make humble and polite requests he could not demand that a gods servant do his bidding.

    There were three chests full of coin, gold, jewelry, and gems he knew not what else he could gift a god but he was willing to give his soul and become a servant if that is what it took to allow his family to rise to a more prominent position.

    Ormald took the book from his desk and carried it to the hidden basement almost reverently. The possession of a god must not be damaged. Hopefully, his wish would come true, he had arranged for as many different slaves as he could. There were the old, adults in their prime, children, and even some newborn babies, he knew not what the god and his servants liked so he procured a great variety of souls. His god would surely be pleased.

    He moved past the slaves, they had been washed and sedated, sickly sacrifices would not do for the divine.

    He began to open one cell after the other, moving all sixteen slaves onto the gigantic summoning formation that had been chiseled into the ground.

    Four elderly, two women and two men, four adults in their prime, two women and two men, four children roughly twelve years of age, two girls and two boys, and at last four babies, again two girls and two boys.

    Truthfully they were not really slaves, just people he had ordered to be abducted but with that, they became his slaves did they not?

    Then he used the dagger that was sheated in the backside of the Divine Book to cut their throats and allowed the blood to fill out the summoning formation. Ormald had no pity for them, the strong ate the weak it was their misfortune to be born as commoners and their sacrifices would not be in vain.

    He would build a greater world, no an empire spanning the continent and then he would conquer the entire world. There were other lands beyond theirs he was certain of it.

    While the blood flowed from their now dead bodies he took his position in front of the circle, opening the book to read the incantation to summon the divine servant.

    He was eager, thrilled, and full of anticipation. He could hardly wait to look upon the divine as one of the few mortals who had the luck to do so, perhaps the only human in centuries.

    He now had an almost fanatical look on his face as he began the chant.

    ¡°Nu yakho khaan ashtisalend yeios khonngratulations, yakhuvyuk phuun''had jhuthst yeat ae leummon''lin crumant djuu''haest fhegelelleh nahegaendom usefhennat''hast mrechdebo yrep fhaullcraesth.  Yakho khaan pm mehd pnex keshco''hrd tut nheve u chedakaxie wegehnd. Cheros ah e fhaussyos haeall''hast en wheffw djjigftos.  Shyraehh ae honlbedii konssyn hyretut donebo riyubbonos!¡± Ormald nearly screamed his voice filling the basement as the blood in the circle begann to glow slightly.

    Once he was done a dark mist rose from the formation and took the shape of his gods¡¯ servant.

    Ormald was elated, it had worked. IT WORKED! This was the final proof that the divine was real and that they had blessed him with their favor he was almost frothing at the mouth.

    The divine being took the form of a cat. A cat the size of a horse it was pitch black with golden eyes looking regal and majestic, staring at him as if the world was its playground.

    Its fur was well cared for, he had never seen a more beautiful cat. It truly was divine.

    He adored it, he wished to serve its every need, this Divine Servant was his King. He realized the very moment he looked upon it that he was but a humble servant. He saw the truth. Cats were Gods and he had to offer himself.

    He prostrated on the ground, awaiting his gods orders so that he may serve, as he should.

    And suddenly the divine being moved onto him, pressing him into its body, he entered it like it was water, a slimy liquid, he screamed in ecstasy and pleasure until his very last moments as the cat slowly dissolved him.

    Just as his consciousness finally faded away his last thoughts were of paradise and bliss, he was truly happy and content.

    The Divine Cat then began to consume the other bodies every few bodies it consumed its body produced a small blob that formed into another cat just much smaller, like a newborn kitten.

    Once all the bodies were consumed there were six cats in the basement and soon the world would understand their grandeur.

    Some months now had passed since Nashakras rite of passage and her peaceful life continued just as usual, Kathil still visited and Nashakra was focusing more and more on her work. Under the watchful eye of her advisors and guards, as well as Helmear she read every document diligently, stamped them, or edited them while writing some of these documents herself. While also reading the many reports that came in.

    There was still a shortage of people everywhere in Triakith and the surrounding towns and villages. Too many jobs needed to be done, the payment of the employed people had risen considerably some earning double or triple what they were before and they were very happy with it.

    The employers on the other hand were not happy because prices remained the same or were even falling because of the increased trade so they had fewer profits. Many complaints were coming in every day and while it was mostly always the same Nashakra still made a point of reading them.

    She also used her allowance to buy up slaves and give them their freedom, they then would work for her on some of her new starting businesses.

    Nashakra had begun to produce chess boards and their pieces and teach it to her servants and guards as well as poker cards. The games had already spread like wildfire among the nobility and many of the common people had taken a liking to these games.

    Nashakra was raking in money like there was no tomorrow. Some merchants were already trading some of these games away to other cities, it would not be long before they would produce their own.

    Most of the reports were just the usual, Bandits here, pirates there. A war ending far away and another beginning somewhere else soon after. Who married whom, and a new prince or princess was born. A King or Queen had died, a failed assassination somewhere else.

    There had been reports from Pheetron about many people going missing during the night, apparently, the entire city was locked down people were allowed to enter but not leave it resources were brought into the city by having those who delivered them leave them outside the city while the guards brought them in.

    They lost hundreds of people during the nights which prompted a fearful exodus from the city so Pheetron¡¯s King ordered all gates closed and made the investigation his highest priority.

    Just what was going on there, Nashakra was a little confused it sounded quite bad and such things never happened in the history of her old world. So since she had special powers it was not to far-fetched to think that there were also some supernatural threats. Maybe one had shown up now? This was a quite worrying matter.

    She decided to write a letter and request more reports and information as well as inform her father and then continued with her work.

    Corrupt guards that had been accepting bribes and been rooted out. A summary of the court''s cases and verdicts was also always delivered to her.

    She always read through them while drinking tea.

    While through the economic boom crime rate had fallen strongly it did not go away entirely. There were still murders for many different reasons, greed, envy, a cheating husband, or a cheating wife.

    A simple spat that escalated. Rape, thievery, blackmail, robberies, and incidents with drunks were the norm the guards could not be everywhere at all times and they were not strongly educated. Anyone could become a guard get some instruction and then they were already working.

    They were also readily accepting bribes or turning a blind eye to a crime. It was something that had to be remedied once she became Queen.

    Once Nashakra was done after another exhausting day she would go to her training room to train her powers.

    Exploring her mind and the mindscape while doing some experiments. Creating Fire and Lightning from her psionic energy and letting it flow through her body using it to enhance herself. She had trained for years to do all those things, these abilities had been very weak in the beginning now they were a lot stronger and better controlled.

    She was stronger and faster and her senses were much sharper. She could see, hear and smell better, tastes and touch were more intensive, and she could also use the energy to protect herself and form an aura around her skin even form it into a shield in front of her.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Her perception had also increased greatly and she was far more aware of her surroundings. How the air moved, the beating of a heart, the flow of blood, all these changes felt great.

    Nashakra had made many dents into the walls with the force of her psychokinesis alone. Nashakra had gotten a dozen blades fashioned for her use with psychokinesis. They had no handle they were pointy on both ends and had a sharp edge all around, they were short only fifteen centimeters long.

    Nashakra was levitating them around, shooting them at target dummies spinning them in circles while they floated around her. She could now use them for attacking and defending and was getting more dexterous by the day.

    If she was ever attacked she could now easily defend herself, she may not win against an army but in the right conditions, she could probably slay hundreds of normal people.

    Psions even weak ones were really scary she thought but was very happy and excited with her discoveries and progress.

    Nashakra had also attempted to build a powerful shield around her mind, she needed to protect herself from outside influences of other psions or even passive things that affected the mind. But she was not sure how it would work out she had nothing to test it with after all.

    One of her goals was also to make her energy more solid and form tools or weapons with it maybe even make real and permanent things that could not be distinguished from real matter.

    Another one was to teleport but she also had no luck with that one yet.

    Such things, however, would most likely be far in the future she was lacking a lot of knowledge, skill, and experience, it would definitely not be easy to make so she trained for several hours every day and made it a habit to now carry her blades with her everywhere.

    It puzzled some of the servants, they could not be wielded, and throwing them was dangerous they had no handle. But they could hardly say anything, some believed it to be a simple fancy that would go away soon enough.

    Nashakra felt strong and confident and was relaxed most of the time. Many things however still remained on her mind. She had been an avid reader of fantasy and science fiction so she was well aware of the things she should in theory be capable of doing which only motivated her more.

    She could not waste a single moment of this new life and its opportunities so she got up early and went to bed late every day.

    Her wardrobe had grown immensely royalty needed a lot of different clothes for the many events they attended. And her schedule was tightly packed every day.

    ¡ª

    The Group of Bandits had disguised themselves as merchants and were making their way towards Triakith. They had safely passed the great wall, it towered between two Mountain ranges and used them as support the walls were several meters thick and almost fifty meters high.

    It was mind-boggling what they had built and it astonished everyone who saw it anew whenever they traveled through.

    Just recently they had built another wall behind the first with a second fortress, it was even more fortified than the first.

    The Bandits were silently watching their surroundings remaining vigilant for any possible trap. Their leader would not tolerate mistakes and he was known for his ruthlessness. Their group had been on the road for many hours their wagon was full of weapons and they had bribed the guards and were thus not troubled on their way in yet they were still very anxious and a little scared. They were coming here to kill someone high up.

    They were not yet aware of who the target was, but never would they have suspected that they would try to kill both Suns of Triakith. They did not have that much spine and would have run away. So the Leader had kept it secret.

    The Leader had received much information from the mistress, the rooms of his targets, their schedule, the positions of the guards, every important piece of information was known to him this would be like a walk in the gardens he was very confident.

    Once they reached the city they rented a place to stay and made plans.

    They were seventeen people and would split into two groups, they would leave the city to the north, and swim underwater, breathing with a hollowed-out piece of wood and surface once they were beneath the palace.

    Then they would get rid of the guards and climb the palace¡¯s terraces one after another until they reached the chambers of their targets. They had prepared everything they needed and scouted a little from afar to see if their plan would work and they were still certain it would succeed.

    <hr>

    Ilhard was the Great Leader of the Bandits, and today was a good day, they would kill the king and his heir then Mistress Asund¡¯s daughter would ascend the throne and he would become a member of Triakith¡¯s high nobility. He dreamt of his mansion, an entire harem, and the endless wealth he would have.

    He would become an advisor to the new queen and have an influence on the city¡¯s policies. He would enrich himself and his followers and bleed it dry. He already was thinking about how to seize the throne for himself but first, he had work do to.

    Deep in the night with a sky full of clouds that were perfect for the coup they planned they prepared themselves to swim through the river.

    Luckily the city did not have any walls and the river was flowing directly through the belly of the royal palace, it was a massive oversight of security, but the bandits would not complain it would allow them to avoid many of the guards.

    They had left the city during the day and moved north, camping beside the river in the jungle. Altes the fool had almost been killed by a snake that dropped onto him while one of them was already dead he had been stung by a scorpion and they killed him off, there was no way to save him and he would be dead weight otherwise so their numbers dropped to sixteen.

    Ilhard was angry this was not how it was supposed to go. Everything should have been a smooth journey but he pressed on.

    They had hollowed out some bamboo which would allow them to breathe underwater, they had sacks filled with stone to weigh themselves down and in the darkness, it was unlikely anyone would see them.

    Armed with bows and swords while leaving most of their clothes behind they would only be a hindrance in the water and the sacks with the stones could be easily removed from their bodies.

    They entered the water and walked near the shore so the river''s flow would not rip them away. In pairs of two, it took them over two hours to traverse the distance but they had done it, the shadow of the palace was looming above them. It had been a massive exertion of their strength but it had worked out in the end.

    The Guards all carried torches and were quite easy to spot. It was also a risk because they would watch each other and if some torches suddenly went out? There would be people sent to investigate.

    ¡ª

    Nashakra had been sleeping soundly in her bed in her room when she had suddenly been awoken by sounds outside her room on the terrace. She was not entirely awake but her paranoia from her previous life kicked in.

    ¡°GUARDS! INTRUDERS!¡± she screamed as loudly as she could, even if she was wrong it would serve as a good exercise and she could always apologize later. Better to make a mistake than to regret doing nothing.

    ¡°Shit, hurry up.¡± said a male voice from outside.

    Just as eight people burst through the wooden coverings that served to seal her balcony during the night the double doors of her room also burst open and the guards that were posted before her door streamed in there were only two of them but Helmear had his room right beside hers and he also rushed in right behind them.

    ¡°Quickly kill her.¡±

    Shouts could be heard across the entire palace, everything was waking up gates were closed guards streamed into the palace like a river looking for intruders while converging on the rooms of the Royals.

    ¡°INTRUDERS! THERE ARE INTRUDERS!¡± echoes could be heard everywhere.

    Helmear stormed at the Intruders with the guards at his back and simply cut them down. Strangely they had suddenly stopped moving and their lives were harvested like wheat.

    Nashakra had forced her will upon their minds and forced them to stand still. Their weak wills were no match for a psion. She was angry that someone had tried to kill her and forgot to take prisoners, one of them had even been killed by her his mind could not withstand the force she exerted upon it and shattered like glass. He was left a sabering fool maybe she could get some information from him later.

    For now, he was still alive.

    ¡°Helmear, to Father quick,¡± Nashakra said, shocked and adrenaline rushing through her body. They may not be here to only attack her there could be more.

    Helmear was puzzled as to why his opponents suddenly did not show any resistance but he cut them down nonetheless.

    Nashakra had used her far sight to look into her parent''s room when she could no longer sense any minds in it.

    Helmear and the guards quickly opened the door that connected Nashakras room to her parent''s room. Guards were inside looking for Intruders and taking up positions.

    They looked quite ill and shocked. Several dead bodies were in the room. The King and the Queen were dead together with the six guards that rushed in from the hall. They had been slaughtered. Everyone was looking shocked and down. Nashakra stood in the doorway, tears streaming done her face.

    There were also five bodies of the intruders, yet the fight had been a short one. The guards did not know what to say and several of the intruders had escaped.

    She was shocked, angry, and sad. Many memories of the times she spent with her new parents flashed through her mind. She had been betrayed far too many times in her previous life and tried to keep her distance so as not to get hurt when she was betrayed again, yet she could not help but form new bonds. Even if they were not as deep as the very first ones she had formed when she still was more naive and had less life experience.

    It still hurt, it hurt immensely. Her heart was beating faster and faster blood and psionic power was rushing through her body. Rage was coursing through her veins.

    She would never hear her caring mother''s voice again. Never see her growing old. They would never play again. Her father would not see her growing up anymore. The fun times they shared. The excitement when they spent exploring her psionic powers. Her father had often watched from the side just as interested in them as she was.

    ¡°FIND THEM!. Bring them to me! ALIVE!¡± she ordered raw hatred clearly visible on her face and with thunder in her voice. Red psionic energy was crackling around her. It gave goosebumps to everyone who watched. The Little Sun suddenly had a presence that pressed onto them. They did not know what was happening and suddenly did not wish to stay to find out. Her command pressed onto their mind. They could not resist, they wanted to obey.

    Everyone suddenly sprang into action to pursue the Intruders with Helmear in the lead, she had given him a look that told him exactly what would happen if he did not return with results.

    Nashakra gave one last look at her parent''s dead bodies, there was nothing she could do.

    She left the hunt for the murderers to the Guards and returned to her room where some of the Guards had remained her servants had arrived now.

    ¡°Help me dress,¡± she told them and they went to her wardrobe to collect an outfit and help her into it, they did her hair and put the jewelry on her hair had been braided revealing her face.

    They remained silent no one wanted to draw her ire.  The one who stood before them now was no longer the Little Sun. Now she was the Great Sun the Ruler of Triakith.

    And the Sun''s rays would burn anyone who came too close, she was on a warpath and there would be hell to pay.

    Nashakra looked at one of the servants.

    ¡°Bring me my Father''s Crown.¡±

    The servant bowed and went to the adjacent room, returning with the Crown and setting it onto Nashakras head.

    ¡°We will go to the Throne room, bring all my father''s Mistresses and their children there as well. With force if necessary I do not want anyone to be missing. And summon the rest of the members of the court.¡± she said to one of the guards at the door who quickly went to fulfill her orders.

    ¡°Yes your Majesty.¡± he bowed and left.

    Nashakra, her servants, and guards quickly left her room, two dozen soldiers were now accompanying her. They moved swiftly through the hallways encountering more soldiers and servants who moved out of their way while bowing.

    While they moved Nashakra had time to think, and the more she did the angrier she got. Those accompanying her slowly became more and more uncomfortable, a weight was pressing onto them that they could not explain. The new Great Sun suddenly had a presence that left them awed and speechless but also afraid and humbled.

    Once they entered the Throne room the guards took position by the doors, beside the throne, and on the sides. Nashakra paused shortly before the throne, admiring it. Now it was hers. Still, with anger and hatred coursing through her, she took her seat on it. She looked like a Queen, a Ruler, regal and majestic.

    Nashakras presence was slowly permeating the great chamber it stifled the atmosphere. The people were almost suffocating. The air felt really heavy.

    She waited for the people she had summoned to arrive. They slowly trickled into the throne room, nobles staying at the palace, guests from afar, envoys and foreign dignitaries, servants, and members of the courts, administrators, ministers, princesses, princes, and mistresses.

    Some did not have the time to prepare themselves looking disheveled and not very dressed. Others clearly had tried to resist the guards and had to be brought with force. Demanding to know what was going on. The mistresses were protesting the loudest demanding to see the king to know why they were treated in such a way.

    They had shut up once they were in the throne room. Shocked to see Nashakra on the Kings seat and suffocated by the weight that started to press on them and the weird feelings they got still the situation did not stop these entitled fools. They flew into a rage once more.

    ¡°What are you doing there, you are not the Ruler yet, that is your father''s seat!¡±

    ¡°Get off the throne before the King sees you!¡± they were protesting and shouting wildly gesturing around them.

    ¡°The Kingdom is now mine. The King is Dead.¡± Nashakra said slowly and surely not raising her voice and punctuating every word anger still clearly on her face her voice resonated with power. It left the audience stunned, they did not realize how serious the situation had been but shock and comprehension clearly set in and they were afraid. Afraid of what would happen.

    The Power of Nashakras voice pressed against their minds almost suffocating them and the weight of her presence increased even more. It was like a divine being stood in front of them, many had been humbled.

    ¡°And we are here to find out who amongst the members of this court is responsible.¡± Nashakra continued in the same voice.

    These were outrageous accusations and many of those present would have moved to protest immediately yet they were still made speechless by the power that was pressing onto them. They were visibly cowed unable to comprehend just what was really going on.

    ¡°And how will you do that? Torture us? And besides that, you are too young a more mature child of the king should take the Throne until you are older.¡± Arwyth said trying to somehow gain control of the situation. Some of the people in the room agreed with her which only boosted her confidence.

    ¡°Silence,¡± Nashakra said looking every bit the regal Queen she was supposed to be infusing her voice with even more of her psionic power. The mouths of everyone just snapped shut, they were suddenly unable to speak and a wave of fear was going through the chamber.

    ¡°And just who allowed you to remain standing? Do you believe yourself my equals?¡± she said her gaze wandering over all those present.

    ¡°Kneel!¡± she commanded once more and everyone kneeled on the ground. They were shocked, their bodies were not obeying them but her, they could not speak, they could not move only to realize in silence that they had underestimated the little sun.

    To possess these powers, she must have been blessed by the gods and they did not realize it.

    The mistress''s gazes were the ones most helpless they could not comprehend just what went wrong their bodies not obeying them.

    They too had realized that the little sun was more than she had seemed to be, if she had special powers granted by the gods how could the assassination of the king have occurred? So she clearly was not that powerful, yet it could not be denied that she could do things no mortal was capable of.

    ¡°I can read your minds, look at your memories, and when I do I will know exactly who is responsible for what, the innocent have nothing to fear,¡± Nashakra said and assured those who had committed no crime that they would remain unharmed.

    It was a preposterous claim to be able to read minds and memories, but if she really could do it? Now many of them were growing even more anxious clearly having things they wanted to hide.

    Only a few appeared to be relaxing they knew they had done no wrongs and hoped they were spared.

    Nashakra began with Arwyth, looked at her memories, and came to a decision.

    ¡°Arwyth, you and your children are exiled from Triakith, you will be escorted beyond the great wall, should you return for any reason you and all those who accompany you will be executed on the spot.¡± Nashakra voiced her verdict.

    ¡°Guards, take her away,¡± she commanded and got to Asund next.

    Arwyth could do nothing but stare still unable to control her body as the guards removed her.

    Everyone was still kneeling on the ground unable to move or speak looking like animals that were led to a butcher.

    As Nashakra was looking through Asund¡¯s memories she got even angrier despite that being a nigh impossibility.  The woman was a menace, she killed her servants, abused and neglected her children, and had no regard for the lives of others. How someone like that could ever claim to be noble, it was truly disgusting to watch all these things.

    She and her father had poisoned her mother and made her unable to bear children yet Nashakra was born. Their plot to take the Throne and now their murder of the King the attempted murder of Nashakra. She knew everything now.

    ¡°So, it was you, Asund conspired with her Father Ormald, poisoning the Queen attempting to make her unable to bear children and succeeding in it. You have murdered dozens of servants, killing one whenever you were displeased burying their bodies in the palace gardens during the night.

    And you ordered the murder of the King and my own.¡± Nashakra voiced her accusation which by this time were proven facts.

    Asund grew pale, she almost died because of the fear she was feeling, everything had been going so smoothly that she could not understand how it went wrong at the last moment.

    Nashakra could barely contain herself from ripping Asund apart then and there.

    ¡°Princess Kathil will remain in the Palace, you and your other children will be executed shortly. Guards, take them to the side, I do not want them to leave my sight.¡±

    Nashakra continued with the judgments until sunrise and then the rest of the day until nightfall, there were a lot of people to go through and many would be executed beside Asund, they would have to kill over sixty people for breaking the laws.

    Over two hundred would be exiled and that was only within the palace, many other punishments had also been announced and it would leave them understaffed for a while but they could fill these positions again. This time with more trustworthy people.

    Word of the conspiracy, the king''s death, and the exiles and executions as well as the Queens Divine blessings were spreading throughout the city. Many of the people had started worshipping the new Queen, hailing her as a savior who would bring Justice and Prosperity in the name of the Gods.

    Stories were shared, rumors were started and they grew only more exaggerated with every time they were told. In the mornings she was reading minds and in the evening she was moving mountains and creating worlds.

    The people were excited they hoped for an end to the corruption and the beginning of a new age. The Age of the Gods some had started to call it.

    During the judgments Helmear had returned with the assassins who had fled the palace, they had brought the leader alive just as Nashakra had ordered them to the other two had been killed during the fighting.

    They did not want to surrender at first but when the leader was by himself and it became clear to him that he could not escape he surrendered hoping for an opportunity to escape later.

    Such an opportunity however never came. He would be tortured to death by Nashakra the next night. She taught him the meaning of pain and despair. He had begged the entire time until he was no longer capable of doing so. His screams had echoed from the room out into the hallways the guards who waited outside had been terrified beyond belief.

    Their new Ruler was not to be messed with. They promised themselves to never cross her. Helmear also looked sickly, he had seen and done a lot of things in his long life and the wars he had fought but even for him it was a little bit too much and the one responsible was a young soon-to-be thirteen-year-old girl. Admittedly a very special one but still a young girl.

    That Nashakra was still emitting her psychic presence was not in their favor they were feeling it even outside the room. An invisible weight that pressed onto their bodies.

    More and more of the leaders in charge of the city and great wall, as well as towns and villages, were brought before Nashakra in the coming days, the trials were still ongoing and much corruption had already been uprooted no one doubted anymore that their new Sun had been sent by the gods.

    Some small and crude temples had already been built in her honor and the Priesthood wanted to build a grand temple. Nashakra saw no reason to refuse and allowed them to do so, it would serve her purpose.

    Many of the citizens who were suffering or had been mistreated were coming out and voicing their accusations. In response to this and the other events, the Ministry of Justice had been renamed the Ministry of Divine Justice and opened an office in front of the palace staffed by trustworthy priests and people who supported the new Sun-Queen.

    A big sign had been placed outside and anyone could come there around the clock to report any sort of crime that would be investigated by the Queen herself. Nashakra had decreed that she would root out any and all corruption, schemes, and crimes.

    She would rebuild the Nation into one where the State was trustworthy beyond the shadow of a doubt. The nobility would have been displeased if at this point it was practically non-existent. Nashakra had uprooted them completely and then abolished it declaring all people Equal before the Sun. No one had protested her decrees.

    The people were elated and chanting her name many spent their nights more peacefully now no longer tossing and turning, they knew that better days were coming.

    The Gods had heard their Prayers and sent them a messenger, a Queen who would right the wrongs of mortal hands. Soon the news of the momentous events that happened in Triakith would reach Zeapphia, together with many of the exiles.

    But for now, Triakith was in an uproar, many laws had been repealed and new ones had been made. Apart from all people being equal and the abolishment of the nobility a stele had been erected in front of the palace with a codex that would display the will of the gods. All slaves had been granted their freedom and slavery had been outlawed.

    However, not all was great, there were those who voiced their fears of someone who could read minds and even force their will upon them with no way to resist. The stories of those who were present in the throne room when the new Queen demonstrated her powers were just as fear-inducing as they were awing the people.

    The Divine commandments would take precedence before any of the laws.

    The Ten Commandments of the Sun were what they would be called in the years to come. And lead all people to peace and prosperity.

    Nashakra had also issued various reforms one of them announcing the Founding of the Eternal Empire of the Sun with Triakith as its Capital City.

    She was working with fervor because now was the time to make as many changes as possible. Support for her was at an all-time high. In a few weeks, the newly founded empire would surpass everything it had been before.

    ¡ª

    Arwyth and the other exiles had left the great wall behind them shortly ago, she was angry and shocked at the same time. She still could not believe what was happening. The King was dead, Triakith had a new ruler and she had been exiled together with her children.

    In a sense she was unlucky and lucky at the same time, it could have been far worse. Normally a new ruler would execute all threats to their authority. Being exiled was still better than being dead.

    Her father would not welcome them. She was thinking hard about what would happen in the future and what she could do. Could she somehow seize the throne? Raise an army? Would she have to beg her father for a roof over her head? They had been sent out with only the clothes on their backs, not allowed to take anything from their rooms.

    ¡°This is your fault mother.¡± her son Grancis accused her his feet hurt from all the walking, he had never needed to exert his body to such a degree. He was angry that he lost his future he wanted to really hurt his sister who sent them away. And it was his mother''s fault.

    ¡°Shut up! It is not your place to find fault with me, I am your mother and you need to obey me!.¡± she replied exasperated. Why could her children not understand that she wanted the best for them? Yes her plans did not work out as they should but it was only a temporary setback.

    ¡°You may be our mother, but should you not raise us to become independent and not dependent on you?¡± Cutfhre interjected, he too had become fed up with everything. Whenever he made suggestions to his mother she belittled them. Saying he should leave these things to the adults who knew better. Now to just what had that led?

    ¡°How dare you speak that way with me?¡± Arwyth whirled around and slapped her oldest son across the face. Cuthfre cried out and held his cheek which was slowly reddening. Anfleth was cowering behind some of the servants who were used to her antics and violent tendencies.

    They did not interfere having learned that when Arwyth was raging around it was better to just appease her. She was the wife of a King and still is the Daugther of the King of Zeapphia. Yet it got worse and worse.

    ¡°Stop it mother, do you still not see where your behavior has brought you? Is it not about time you finally realize that you are not always right? When are you going to change if not now?¡± Grancis was reprimanding her. He was very educated and spent much time in the library reading the history and the profound wisdom of the many philosophers.

    The greatest Philosopher of the City States of the Sun was Gyles of Pheetron, he lived over three hundred years ago yet his works still persisted and were found in every library.

    ¡°You will not speak to me in that way or I will have you whipped.¡± Arwyth threatened again trying to intimidate her children once more.

    Suddenly screams and shouts were heard. They were confused at first.

    ¡°We are under attack,¡± Grancis said suddenly realizing that it could be nothing else. Anfleth was crying now and was very afraid the only bandits she ever heard about were in stories and she never liked what they did to the people.

    They had not yet come to grips with reality when Arwyth started running away, she fled leaving everyone behind. Their group of exiles did not have any weapons so they could not fight even if they wanted to.

    Arwyth wanted to save herself, she could always have more children later. Many of the servants also bolted away. They no longer had any reason to stay with their masters and mistresses their lives were more important.

    Cuthfre, Grancis, and Anfleth were left behind, Cuthfre took Anfleth into his arms he would carry her and they ran away too within a crowd that dispersed in all directions.

    Once they were save they decided to strike out and make their own fortune. Free from the controlling claws of their mother and her family.

    Over the coming years, they would make their way to the far side of the continent to a city yet unknown to them. The many misfortunes of their lives only bind the three of them more together. Luck would favor them.

    Arwyth was really unlucky, it seemed like the gods had conspired against her now she was hunted by three bandits, they had singled her out because of her very wealthy-looking clothes. And of course, she was very beautiful and they wanted to spend some quality time with her.

    When they finally caught up with her they forced her onto the ground and tied her up. Then brought her back to their base together with many other women and their meager loot.

    Arwyth with her personality would not survive this encounter with the bandits no matter what she offered them or how she begged. Once they were done with her they threw her body into a ravine. No one would ever know what really happened to her.

 A Tale of Madness Extra: Chapter 9 & 10

    It had now been a few months since Nashakra had ascended the Throne, they had held a ceremony and big festival. Afterwards things returned to normal. Mostly.

    Nashakra had started many of her planned projects and reforms. Some people had resisted in the beginning but they had been suppressed quickly.

    They had made great progress with the black power and were slowly filling some secret warehouses with it far away in the mountains and spaced out. Nashakra did not want to put all their black powder in one space or anywhere near a place where people lived.

    Smiths were working on making some gun prototypes based on some things she remembered about them which was not that much since she never really cared for firearms so she merely gave her artisans the direction and let them do their thing.

    They had been very excited about these new weapons and were eager to begin their experiments.

    Apart from all that the new Empire of the Sun had begun to prepare for war. The news of Nashakra''s supposed blessing and her abilities had reached the other cities and spread further and further by the day while becoming more and more outlandish.

    The rulers and their subordinates had dismissed them as mere exaggerated rumors yet still had sent spies to investigate. These spies took the form of simple travelers and delegations which were sent to directly inquire about them.

    There had been others before her who wanted to conquer the continent and unite all the city-states. Evidently, none had succeeded. Yet to be capable of reading minds? It struck a deep fear into these people that were used to their unquestioned authority, but also woke their greed.

    Many dreamt of possessing such power themselves and hoped that if it was real they somehow managed to acquire it. So no matter how unfounded or insane these rumors were, they needed to know for certain.

    The kings and nobles were afraid of losing their wealth, power, and position. They could not allow someone to threaten them. There had been laws and rules to the fighting amongst the cities and whenever a King ruled more than one the others banded together and formed an alliance. The City was then swiftly liberated and a new ruler was installed one that was friendly to the liberators of course.

    Even as uncertain as they were they already started spreading their own rumors, that the new Queen was not blessed by the gods nor was she one who had descended from the heavens but a demon posing as one. A war of faith was about to erupt.

    Everyone bought on one or the other rumors, many of the commoners who were fed up with their corrupt leaders relished the idea of a blessed ruler or a goddess they hoped for a better tomorrow and sought to migrate streams of commoners leaving their cities.

    The Empire of the Sun needed people, they paid well, everyone was equal now, and schools had been built where everyone could learn for free. Reading and writing are no longer the privileges of the rich or the elite. There were opportunities to get wealthy.

    And all could appeal directly to the queen, who would dare lie when someone could read your mind, and even if they did what good would it do? A trustworthy and just queen endorsed by the heavens, which spurred many of the people to leave the place of their birth.

    Naturally, these things did not go well with those in power. The nobles and the kings of their respective cities had many of the people arrested for heresy or outright executed while the majority were barred from migrating. Displeasure was growing amongst the masses.

    A king was the ruler of a city which possessed the land around it together with the towns and villages on that land. How authority was split between the king and the nobility was different in each one but the King normally always bore the title of ¡°The Sun¡± and was the highest representative of the gods in that city.

    The temples were built by the city and the king granted the high priest his position who in turn appointed the lesser priests. The priests were either commoners or children that their parents did not want to care for or gifted to the gods like the fourth or fifth child of a noble.

    ¡ª

    Nashakra sat in her study which formerly belonged to her father. She often reminisces about the past since she lost her parents when she worked. She did miss them. It knocked on the door and Helmear came inside. He had, with Nashakras Ascension once again become the Captain of the Royal Guard.

    Four more years had passed since her ascension to the throne and her Empire had undergone a complete transformation. Nashakra promoted many liberties and freedoms while upholding and enforcing morals, principles, and even common sense.

    Her people were richer, healthier, and more educated than ever before. Everyone could read now, and printing presses only aided in this process. Her subjects were making countless pieces of art whether written or musical. Paintings, Sculptures were now everywhere.

    Everyone went to school, even the adults, learning new things was mandatory, and how to interact with one another to make a better society. It was like an ancient version of a therapy where people learned to be considerate and empathetic.

    This was something Nashkra held dear to her heart and she thought absolutely necessary to form a good and long-lasting society. They learned to talk about their problems and not bottle them up. Since most of the corruption had been rooted out and loyal followers who shared her ideals had taken those positions trust in the state had lately reached an all-time high.

    Nashakra sought people who could do the things she wanted them done and put them in a position to do so. She ensured they did so with the spirit that was required and if they became corrupted they were punished and possibly replaced. She had become the cornerstone of her Empire.

    People had become free to voice their concerns openly in the streets no longer needing to fear any reprisals or harassment from the guards. Not that there were many concerns left, they were always addressed and enormous stacks of papers always filled Nashakras office.

    She was happy to do this work. To finally realize many of her ambitions and they worked. Freedom was like medicine, too little did nothing to stop a rebellion, and too much made the people sick. The same of course goes for Tyranny, too much and the people rebelled, too little and the people thought they could do anything without reprisal.

    Nashakra remembered well how people in her old life behaved during a pandemic. It was madness. They refused to wear masks claiming to cut into their rights and freedom. Yet their freedom cut into the rights of others.

    Masks served to keep one''s dirt by themselves, they did protect others. If everyone protected each other. Then everyone would be protected and safe. Was that so hard a concept to understand?

    The comparisons they made barred any reason¡­

    A society corrupted by too much freedom.

    Extreme light gives birth to darkness in its heart.

    Extreme darkness rebirthed the light.

    Consequently. Extreme freedom gives birth to oppression. It was madness.

    Everything needed to be taken in good measurements with a great amount of thought.

    Neither too little nor too much.

    The best way was to educate everyone, to teach them the why.

    Why corruption was bad, what it cost, and what could be achieved if there was none.

    Why it was good to care for one another, to not walk by as someone was bleeding on the streets.

    Why one should not overlook it when they saw something wrong.

    Why conflicts should be resolved peacefully and with reason.

    Two nations together could achieve things one alone could not even dream about.

    Nashakra stopped her thoughts and returned to the present.

    ¡°My most humble greetings, Your Majesty,¡± he said while bowing deeply.

    ¡°Speak, what news do you bring?¡± Nashakra replied with a nod and fixed him with a stare. Helmear did not feel uncomfortable with it, he had become used to Nashakra''s mature demeanor. She could have taken the information directly from his mind but she did not.

    At least he thought she didn''t. How could he be certain? It pleased him to see her grow up so well. She shows respect to her subjects and treats them well.

    ¡°Your Majesty. The number of refugees and immigrants has increased more and more.¡±

    Which was to be expected. In the last few years, the newly founded Empire has changed greatly. Word has spread far and wide, despite the efforts of the other Rulers to stop or counter them. More and more people wanted to live in the Empire.

    This was true Nashakra thought in the beginning people were hesitant but since then they had almost tripled their original population reaching over a hundred thousand people all living in their small valley. It was not enough to crowd it though. They still had more than enough space. Many had come from Pheetron. The city was now destroyed by some disaster. They never found out what did it.

    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Nashakra questioned him though she already had an inkling as to why. These people needed to come from somewhere after all.

    ¡°The Rulers of the territories these people left are not happy. At first, they most likely thought this was only a phase and the people would stop leaving or we would reject them. But our success only encourages the commoners more and more.

    Our spies have reported that some of the cities nearest to us are in the process of forming an alliance.¡± Helmear explained, and he remained calm. Even if they formed an alliance they had almost no chance to defeat them.

    ¡°I''m not really worried. Let them come if they want,¡± she said in reply.

    The most they could do was to lead a siege on the great wall but it would be the height of stupidity to assault it. No, they would stop people and trade from entering or leaving. Trying to starve them out would never work. Nashakra ensured long ago they were completely self-sufficient. It would hurt because trade would cease but no one would starve.

    ¡°Over thirty thousand of our people can fight and wield weapons. So long as we only defend we will not be losing.¡± Nashakra continued. ¡°For now we will continue as always. There is no need to escalate things if time is in our favor.

    The more people that willingly come to us the better. Let our enemies make the first step. We may lose the initiative but will not look like villains and warmongers. And with my powers, even that is not necessarily a bad thing. We have prepared for such a thing since the beginning.¡± she said.

    If she took control of the mind of an enemy general and ordered the troops to surrender it would be as easy as eating a cake. Not that everyone would follow such an order there may even be a mutiny but everything that affected their enemies negatively was a win for them. Especially if it did not cost them anything.

    Helmear nodded. ¡°As you wish, Your Majesty.¡±

    ¡ª

    Nashakra had grown into a beautiful woman. Her white her reaching her lower back did go well with the red markings. Her wardrobe had been updated many times over the last years. And just as she had grown and changed so did her psionic powers. She could now use them as easily as breathing just like another limb. It had become very easy yet she did not become drunk on her power and abided by her codex.

    Kathil had also grown older and more mature, she no longer was so shy and timid, freeing her from her mother''s claws was the best thing that happened to her. She often visited and was studying vigorously. Her big sister needed good and capable people after all so she worked hard to become someone Nashakra could rely on.

    News of an attack of the Caravan of the exiles had reached them yet many escaped and returned to their original hometowns. Arwyth and Asund however never did. It was unlikely now that they survived the attacks but that did not bother either of them very much. In fact, Kathil even seemed relieved once she heard the news. She must have been afraid that maybe one day her mother would come back.

    Arwyth¡¯s supposed death however did not go over well with her father the King of Zeapphia and the relationship between their nations soured dramatically afterward. He levied more tariffs and taxes on trade while demanding compensation and spouting threats through his envoys. Still, he was only a nuisance and mostly ignored. Trade still flowed, and people still moved. But it seemed the peaceful times were at an end.

    ¡ª

    The King of Zeapphia sat on his throne his closest advisors were with him together with his Generals.

    ¡°Our preparations are nearly complete your Majesty. The troops of Ugrasea and Agodon will be departing soon. We will have fifteen thousand soldiers to lay siege to the defense wall of that false goddess.¡± one General said.

    ¡°Very good.¡± The king said while nodding. ¡°Do not forget that our main goal is merely to siege them and cut off trade and the transit of people. Do not attack their walls. It would be best if our Enemies send their Soldiers out of their fortifications to attack us.¡±

    ¡°Yes Your Majesty. The enemy will attempt to catch us unawares but we will be prepared. You have our word.¡± another General replied.

    ¡°We have sufficient amounts of food and ammunition. Catapults have been prepared and we will try to inflict damage from far away. It may even prompt them to attack us without the safety their walls provide.¡± an Advisor interjected into their conversation and the discussion continued.

    The mood was great if a little dampened by the fact that the newly founded empire of the Sun had a far greater amount of population and was well situated. Still, they could no longer let this go. His daughter had been exiled and most likely dead by that upstart queen. Their people were running away to join her empire.

    Tax revenue had steadily fallen his kingdom was getting worse and worse by the day. Many of his spies had been caught. His protests and envoys were ignored and his Wife continued to blame him for everything and his incompetence in bringing the demonic Queen to justice. He had prepared in the last few years, forged an alliance and now the time had come to begin a war.

    They had no expectations to truly defeat them, this was more of an attempt to finally force their enemies to the table and accept the demands of the alliance that they had ignored until now.

    He did have a hard time bringing this alliance with Ugrasea and Agodon to fruition. The rumors of the Powers the Empire''s queen possessed had left them paralyzed for a time. They feared them to be true and wanted to kill her if it were so.

    Yet they also did not want to escalate things and wake a sleeping dragon. If she could do such things then who knows what else was possible? And so a stalemate had ensued.

    But the Empire was more and more successful, if they did nothing now they would soon be overrun or simply taken over when they finally run out of space in their valley and needed more for their development. No Nation on Ekia had ever possessed so many citizens as the Empire of the Sun now.

    Together with the divine powers of the Queen which they had finally proven true after two years had passed it was only a matter of time until she united the continent.

    ¡°I then bid you good fortune, my Generals. Depart by sunrise tomorrow.¡± the King said at last and left the Throne room while everyone else bowed.

    ¡°Yes, your Majesty.¡±

    They would now make the first step. And hopefully, soon more kingdom would join their alliance. One thing however was certain. They could not allow the Empire of the Sun to grow any stronger.

    <hr>

    General Ofald was the Leader of the Expeditionary Army of Zeapphia, and he would lead the alliance. All fifteen thousand, it was a great achievement for someone as young as him. To lead such an army while only twenty-three years of age was a masterstroke.

    His father was a high noble and had worked hard to secure him this position so that he may gain the honor and glory that was associated with it. Merits on which he could stand so he would no longer need to rely on his connections.

    And his time to shine had finally come. The sun clearly bestowed her favor upon him. His heavily armed troops were marching on the road along the Tris-river they had formed a massive column. Spears pointed high in the air.

    Wagons and catapults were interspaced and everyone carried swords, shields, arrows, and a bow. They marched during the day and only stopped at night. It took them a few days but they finally reached the great wall of Triakith.

    Once the defenders saw them approaching they fell into a frenzy. They ushered the people in and closed the gates. A messenger was most likely already being dispatched. Still, Ofald was not worried. Everything went as they had planned for now.

    They made camp on both sides of the river to ensure no one would make it past them and gean to erect spiked barricades across the entire valley. From mountainside to mountainside. Several watchtowers were also built.

    Behind it they built a palisade, it would take them most of three days and they were always vigilant but did not come under attack. The defenders were holing up.

    General Ofald was now waiting for his reinforcements from his allies. An excessive amount of sentries had been posted they were, after all, fighting an empire whose leader possessed divine or demonic powers and if not those then at least some special abilities. They needed to be on their guard. Ofald did not let his new position go to his head.

    ¡ª

    A servant approached her swiftly, their clothes swaying and looking distressed. What was it about? What happened now she wondered?

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± The servant bowed before her. ¡°A messenger has arrived from the great wall. They are under siege by an army.¡± the Servant told her.

    Nashakra smiled. Finally, it was time to realize some of her ambitions.

    ¡°I  see. How many attackers?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Five thousand when the messenger was being sent, they built a camp and are laying siege. As far as is known no fighting has begun yet.¡± the servant replied.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Very well. Send Helmear to me and have my armor prepared. I will personally go to the great wall and leave the capital in Artugh¡¯s capable hands.¡± she ordered while starting to move to her personal chambers to change her clothes. More servants and guards trailed behind her.

    The Palace had become a fortress after the assassination of the last royal couple.

    The servant departed to fulfill his orders. When Nashakra arrived in her chambers she was dressed in her armor. Leather with gold-plated steel. It looked great and since she was stronger than a normal human the weight did not bother her in the least.

    The Armor was light anyway. The People of their continent,  Ekia favored light and swift protection that left their joints free for easier movements.

    There was no helmet but she wore a golden necklace around her temple. A ruby was set in the middle.

    A finely crafted sword without any decorations was placed at her hip.

    Helmear arrived, dressed in his own armor. He looked very serious. The playfulness had left him.

    ¡°Your Majesty¡±. Helmear greeted and bowed. ¡°Helmear, we will go to the great wall at once,¡± she replied with a nod. A calculated look on her face. Nashakras eyes were almost shining with a red light.

    ¡°I understand Your Highness, but would it not be better to leave this to me? It will be dangerous.¡± Helmear tried to persuade her to stay in the capital. He did not want her to die. The world had turned so much for the better since her ascension to the throne. It would all end if something happened to her.

    ¡°I am capable of taking care of this. There is no need to endanger yourself. I would humbly ask you to reconsider.¡± He asked this of her knowing she would not. Her Mind was already set but he had to try.

    ¡°No. You do not need to worry. I will end this swiftly with my powers.¡± Nashakra said with determination.

    The many servants remained silent. Simply standing at attention. They were now well aware of their queen''s abilities. Many were still deeply afraid. But they also knew that their Queen was trustworthy. She treated them with respect and would not lash out like the former mistresses. Nor would she use her abilities to lord over them.

    It had earned her a lot of respect and worship. As well as loyalty. Nashakra knew why she did things the way she did. She studied the behavior of humans a lot.

    Once they were done Nashakra and her entourage left the palace to go to the stables. Nashakras'' personal horse was a big black stallion. A horse well fed and cared for.

    Three hundred guards would be departing with her. Most of them would go on foot. They would be slower than by traveling all the way on a horse but it would be safer. The walls would not fall that easily.

    They formed a column and departed from the Palace. Walking on the big main road. Nashakra was waving and smiling at her subjects all the way until they left the city. Many chanted her name, bowed, and cheered for her.

    Despite the many numbers of people in their group they managed to travel swiftly. The Second and newly built fortress of the great wall slowly appeared in the far distance.

    --------

    With the support of the Mountainsides, the walls could be built immensely high. Great blocks of stone stacked upon one another forming a great structure. It was a humbling sight for a small human.

    Everyone who saw it just knew that they were part of something bigger and what many people who worked together could achieve. Over thirty meters high and ten meters broad it was nigh impenetrable.

    Once Nashakra and her entourage approached closer they could also see the fortress that had been built beneath it. They could only see the second wall. The first was even further ahead and a lot older but nonetheless a great obstacle for any Invaders that attempted to breach it.

    Nashakra and her entourage entered the fortress. Guards were bowing and greeting, runners went about to inform the leaders of her arrival. General Aniew was in charge of both walls. He used to be a commoner and joined the army when he was young.

    He worked hard and was in the end appointed to his position by Nashakra herself. He was skilled and competent. Commanded the loyalty of his people and was trustworthy.

    General Aniew and his retainers were ready to meet her at the first wall. The Soldiers atop were working in shifts always ready to respond to an assault of the enemy. Weapons at the ready. Many were taking a look at their queen on the plaza of the fortress. The troops that accompanied the Queen were neatly lined up and Helmear came up beside her.

    They got down from their horses and General Aniew appeared with his retainers.

    ¡°Your Majesty.¡± General Aniew said and bowed together with the people that came with him.

    ¡°General Aniew, has there been an attack yet?¡± she asked him. Her eyes wandered across her surroundings, inspecting them with her senses. She could sense the countless minds around her. Even those in the Enemy Camp.

    They were not too far away. She would look at their thoughts later. First, she needed to get an understanding of the situation. But she could feel fear, excitement, anxiety, and expectation. Bloodlust hung in the air.

    ¡°No, Your Majesty. The Enemy still only numbers about five thousand though our spies reported that double that number are already on their way as reinforcements. We expect an attack once they arrive. However, our spies also reported that their main goal seems to be to only isolate us.¡± General Aniew replied to her question.

    ¡°When are these reinforcements expected to arrive?¡± Nashakra asked. She needed to know to make further plans. It would be best to defeat the enemy while they were still separated.

    ¡°We believe we have two more days, Your Highness,¡± he replied once more his voice calm and respectful. He did not dare show any insult to his Queen. Her rise was a blessing to the people.

    ¡°Very well. I will survey the situation and summon you when I know how to proceed from here. Return to your duties.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Your Majesty. I will have some rooms prepared for you.¡± He bowed once again and quickly departed with his retainers.

    ¡°My Sun, It would be unwise to attack them. They still outnumber us almost two to one.¡± Helmear said from the side. He knew they could defend almost indefinitely from their walls. But attacking them while they expected it was suicide, at the very least many people would die.

    ¡°Do not worry,¡± Nashakra said confidently. ¡°They are underestimating us greatly. None have seen what I am truly capable of. I need some time to look around. Once I know more we will be able to finalize some plans.¡± she explained to him with a neutral expression.

    She felt excitement. She had often wanted to really let loose with her abilities but there had never been an opportunity to do so. But now, now she did not need to hold back. All the things she practiced would finally pay off.

    ¡°Lead me to my room.¡± She raised her voice and ordered the servants present.

    ¡°Please follow me Your Highness.¡± one of them replied while bowing, turned around, and started to lead them into the fortress made of stone. There were no decorations in the hallways, nor any weapons on display the walls were bare.

    They arrived at the noble quarter after a short walk. It was deliberately sat at the back of the fortress to allow for an easy retreat from it in case of danger for any important personages.

    The servant brought them to a lavishly decorated room with a big bed in the middle, there were no windows. Nashakra entered together with Helmear and a handful of guards and servants.

    Helmear sat down on a stool the guards positioned themselves by the door and the servants dispersed. Nashakra sat down on the bed.

    ¡°I need to concentrate. Do not disturb me.¡± She ordered and closed her eyes. It was time to use her far sight and scout out the enemy.

    Her vision appeared above the camp of their enemies. Spikes at the front, a palisade behind it. Watchtowers had been erected and the river flowed through the middle, three bridges had been built. They connected the two sides of the camp.

    Bonfires were burning, pots were stewing. Soldiers were patrolling and Sentries kept a lookout. The day was still bright, the sky cloudless. Perfect for them to see everything. Behind the camp, the Jungle had been felled. Catapults and other siege equipment was stationed there as well with more being built. People were hard at work. Supervisors were shouting.

    It was a busy camp. One that prepared for battle. Yet no matter what they did prepare for. They were not prepared for someone like her. She could feel their many minds, their thoughts, and emotions. To possess such power was exhilarating.

    She had always held back that the codex was sacred. It could not be violated. But now¡­ They were her enemies. There was no need to restrain herself any longer. She peered into their minds.

    Nashakra felt their fear, they feared to die, to feel pain. She felt their greed, they wanted to plunder and loot. She felt their jealousy, they desired warm beds like their enemies and superiors, not the hard ground.

    They wanted better food, their leaders were having a feast every night. And she felt their bloodlust. They wanted to feel strong by killing another. To hold power over life and death. Not all were like this.

    Some felt pity. They did not wish to fight or kill. A handful had no other choice. A sick relative and they needed the money, being forced into the army because of the pay and chance of loot.

    Honor, Glory. For themselves. Their King. Their Gods. Dreams to move up in Society. A Healer who only sought to aid the wounded. Their enemies were as varied as they could be.

    And yet despite this. There could be no mercy. They all needed to die. There could be no survivors. If she was merciful now they would interpret it as weakness no matter her true intentions. Nashakra did not wish to slaughter all of them, but it had to be done. She could be merciful later after she had demonstrated what her enemies would surely see as ¡°strength¡±.

    She scoured their camp. Looking into the tents. Reading what was openly displayed. Looking into the minds of a select few, the leaders. Reading their memories. Their most intimate moments. Their greatest weakness and desire. What they liked. What they disliked. Their entire being was laid bare before her. Telepathy was a frightening power.

    Now the question was how to best approach this situation. How could she secure victory within the next two days? A plan already began to form in her mind. She had so many options just which one should she choose?

    She began to smile. A smile that unsettled all those who were in the room with her.

    ¡ª

    General Ofald was still awake. He could not sleep almost the entire night. Whenever he did he was shocked awake again. Nightmares had plagued him constantly. In his dreams, he died over a dozen times, and strangely every time he awoke his body felt real pain. His muscles cramped. A jolt runs through his body. He saw things he could not describe. Horrors that could not and should not be of this world.

    He heard words that were whispered into his mind and strange laughter coming out of nowhere even though he had just awoken from the dream. They faded soon after together with the memory of the dreams only to return once more when he fell asleep.

    After he died the nineteenth time he did not try anymore to sleep. He could not. All he desired was to crawl into a hole and never come out again.

    Ofald deeply wished the gods were real. That they would protect him. He even wet his bed, if that came out it would be a stain on his reputation. An embarrassment from which he never would recover. His men could never find out so he simply burned the blanket.

    He was still embarrassed even if it happened hours ago. Luckily the night went by peacefully despite this ill omen. He was tired and sleepy. And yet his duty called.

    He dressed himself, washed his face, and went to the morning meeting of the generals. Still, he looked distraught, big bags visible beneath his eyes even if his hair was well kept.

    ¡°Good Morning.¡± He said once he entered the big central tent and he received a chorus of replies. He took his seat at the head of the big table they had built on site.

    The other generals were already there. Soldiers and Attendants go about their various duties.

    ¡°You are late.¡± General Ramund complained. He looked just as distraught as Ofald.

    ¡°And you do not look well either.¡± General Aereg added.

    ¡°None of us look well. And now I suspect there is more to it.¡± he replied to them. The attendants remained silent. This was between their leaders. To comment on their state would be highly unprofessional and possibly lethal.

    ¡°I admit it is rather suspect if we all had the same night.¡± General Aereg said grumpily.

    ¡°You don''t believe those stupid rumors do you?¡± General Ramund picked up on the implications they tried to make.

    ¡°That the Queen who so brazenly dares to found an Empire when it has been an unspoken tradition that no King may rule more than one city does possess devilish powers and is an enemy of all those who represents the Sun?¡± General Ofald questioned.

    ¡°Yes, those. If we all had nightmares, feeling the pain in our bodies even after we were awake. What else then could it be? Please enlighten me.¡± General Ramund said snidely.

    ¡°There are countless rumors. Some say she has been blessed by the gods. Others claim she is the incarnation of one. But we have yet to see anything someone like that should be capable of. Why has she not already conquered us if she is so powerful and blessed.¡± General Aereg questioned.

    ¡°True. She can not be too powerful but one thing all the rumors agree on is that she does possess special powers. As to their source¡­¡± General Ofald added.

    ¡°It''s just propaganda. Lies to gain support and legitimacy for their attempt to unite the continent.¡± Genereal Ramund waved him off.

    ¡°Then how do you explain what happened to us? Three different people, the same nightmares, the same things happening to our bodies. And apparently only the Generals and no one else.?¡± He questioned again looking around the room at others but none of the many personnel present offered any information. They just looked at each other wordlessly.

    ¡°Even if she does have them. Our mission does not change.¡± General Ofald said. ¡°We must fulfill it,¡± he affirmed again. More to himself than those present. Truthfully he had begun to be afraid. If it only happened to him he may have been able to simply forget about it. But all three generals. No something foul and malevolent was afoot.

    Nashakra watched their exchange with amusement. Observing their thoughts and emotions. They were afraid and spooked even if General Ramund tried to appear strong she knew better.

    *Perhaps then, you would like a demonstration?* Nashakra spoke into their minds.

    The Generals all jumped at this looking around wide-eyed. The people around the tent were looking at them weirdly. The Generals eyed each other.

    ¡°Did you just¡­?¡± General Ofald said.

    ¡°Was that¡­?¡± General Ramund said.

    ¡°What¡­?¡± General Aereg said. All three were wide-eyed.

    *Should I introduce myself? Or do you already know just who is talking to you? In your minds.*

    ¡°Is this real?¡± General Ofald questioned once more. ¡°Is, is she talking in our heads?¡± asked his colleagues. They must have heard all of it too.

    ¡°Yes, I heard it too.¡± General Aereg replied. General Ramund just nodded. Their attendants were looking around confused. What were they talking about suddenly? Hearing voices in their heads? Had they suddenly gone insane? Were they ill? Was this the doing of their enemies as the rumors had said? Or had the gods decided to intervene? Three Generals ill of mind at once.

    ¡°My Lords? Are you unwell?¡± One brave lieutenant Arryn dared to ask. He received three icy glares for his courage.

    ¡°Of course we are. Be silent.¡± General Ramund nearly screamed at him. Rising from his chair and slammed his hands on the table. He looked everything but well. Still, the attendants were sufficiently cowed again, lowering their heads. This was not a good day for them.

    ¡°Everyone out.¡± General Ofald commanded. He could not deal with this right now. He would send everyone out then they would not look at them like they were insane or had gone totally of a cliff.

    The Attendants and Soldiers hightailed it out of the command tent as fast as they could. None wanted to stay in a place with three sleep-deprieved generals. They liked their heads to remain where they were. On their shoulders and attached to the neck.

    *Now that you are aware and more¡­ let''s say humbled. How about we hold a conversation?*

    ¡°Are you really the Queen?¡± General Ofald questioned aloud his voice shaking a little.

    ¡°Yes, I am. Are you afraid? You don''t need to answer. I know you are. I can feel it. I can see it. Tonight, you had wet your bed and burned the blankets.* Nashakra said sounding amused almost laughing. Revealing a lot of information and a little tidbit to them.

    Ramund and Aereg were stupefied and while they wanted to be enraged they composed themselves. They were indeed deeply afraid. This was a new situation none had ever dreamed of happening.

    ¡°W-What do you want?¡± Ofald asked into the air. Had anyone seen him they would have thought he was talking with himself. But the other Generals knew better.

    *Stay and die, Flee and die. It hardly matters at this point. You have made enemies you cannot comprehend. Your nightmares are only the beginning.¡± she said ominously.

    All three generals suddenly winced and grabbed their heads. A sharp pain shoots through their minds.

    *Do you see? It would be so easy to just crush your minds, weak little things. They are so easy to influence. How will you know the orders you write match what will be on the paper afterward? Will the people who receive them read the words that are written, or something else? Or¡­ The words that leave your mouths. How can you be certain your own tongue does not betray you together with your memories?* she continued.

    The Generals were trembling now. The fear that was wafting of them could almost be seen.

    ¡°W-We will n-not be i-intimidated. We a-are proud Soldiers of Z-Zeapphia.¡± General Ramund jumped from his seat once more and shouted enraged.

    *Your minds are open to me like a scroll. I have seen your camp. Your dreams and wishes, Your fears and weaknesses. The plots you are weaving in your minds. Ramund finds you unworthy Ofald. He bribed one of the servants to poison you so he can take your position for himself. He wanted to blame your death on me.* Nashakra said, still speaking to everyone.

    Ofald gave Ramund a hard stare reaching for his blade. ¡°You really tried to have me killed?¡± he asked.

    Ramund stuttered fumbling for words not having expected this. ¡°She is l-lying. D-Do you not see what is happening? S-She is trying to split us apart.¡±

    *If I am lying then why not ask the Attendant? But you already know why not do you? ¡°Nonsense. He would say whatever you wanted him to say. Or we would hear whatever you wanted us to hear.¡± That is what you would claim. Is it not?* Nashakra snickered into their minds.

    *Let us end this here. You will have much work to do to get your camp in order again. So many things have gone wrong. Enjoy the Chaos while you still can.* Nashakra said at last. She still observed from afar but choose to no longer intervene.

    The Atmosphere was still on fire. The tension was running high but before it could escalate further the brave lieutenant Arryn came into the tent, slowly and timidly he approached.

    The Generals turned to stare at him. It made him really uncomfortable but he made his report anyway.

    ¡°My Generals. Uh. The camp is in uproar. Strange things have been happening.¡± Arryn said not certain how to explain further.

    ¡°What strange things? Elaborate!¡± Aereg thundered this time. Was this what the Queen had meant? Just what had she done?

    Ofald and Ramund were distressed as well.

    ¡°Maybe it would be better if you saw for yourselves?¡± Lieutenant Arryn hedged. He did not want to be the one to tell them or be alone when he did. The others were too afraid to meet the generals in their current state.

    Ofald stared at him almost hatefully now. The queen had unsettled him greatly he still could not believe what just happened. The others must have felt the same. Of this he was sure. How could it have been otherwise? His emotions were in turmoil he himself could not tell what he felt. His mind was spinning. He would have puked if he could. His stomach was feeling even worse than he did.

    Just how could they defeat her? They could not simply turn around. The King would take their heads. But to fight such a devilish being? Was it even possible for a human to achieve victory? This was supposed to be the domain of the gods. Was she really blessed?

    He cleared his head. There was something going on within the camp. He quickly marched outside, the other generals following him together with lieutenant Arryn.

    The sight that greeted him outsight was nightmarish. Some soldiers were brawling amongst themselves. Pots with the morning stew had been overturned.

    ¡°ENOUGH!¡± Ofald screamed. The Soldiers stopped fighting and sprang to attention.

    At least that is what he expected to happen. That was how it should have been. Instead, some of them began to charge at the generals. Ofald could not believe it. He just stood there stupefied and shocked, until he was hit in the face by a fist and went to the ground. Then he started hitting back.

    It took them several hours to restore order. A long report and a list of the incidents that led to this fallout were in front of him. Once more they were in the command tent together with their attendants and other leaders.

    Ofald choose to voice his displeasure aloud. He was normally calm and collected but it had finally gotten to him.

    He screamed. ¡°Just what is happening? What has the entire lot of you been doing? Do you not know that we are at war? Why were the sentries who were supposed to watch our supplies not doing their job? We needed to throw away half of everything we brought because of the vermin that got into it!¡± he raged and gestured wildly. His audience listened silently, they did fail but how could they have imagined something like that happening?

    Then the birds that were dropping their loads into our pots, the stew, and all the other food openly displayed.

    One-hundred-seventy-three people were bitten by snakes. Over ninety dead.¡± He continued his rant.

    ¡°And add to that the countless injuries and broken bones through the brawls and lack of discipline. Almost a thousand people are no longer capable of fighting! That''s one-fifth of our army. Once our reinforcements arrive they will question the worth of our alliance! Our competency as their comrades and soldiers. We will become the greatest laughing stock for generations to come.

    Historians will use us as an example on how NOT to lead an army.¡± he was livid. It was his head on the line first and foremost. He had shoved the attempt of his assassination by General Ramund aside. The man would be a fool to replace him now. Someone would have to take the fall for this disaster. And it would most likely be his head that would roll unless he could gain an achievement to balance the scales.

    Everyone still remained silent. No one knew what to say.

    Ofald made up his mind then and there. He needed a victory so he would make one.

    ¡°We will make an assault!¡± he said into the room. The people were shocked at first. It was madness to attack now. Many attempted to voice their objections. Even the other generals but Ofald was the commander in chief. His word was the law and he stopped them from doing so.

    ¡°STOP! There will be no objections. Prepare the catapults and move them in range. We will begin the bombardment as soon as possible.¡±

    Some people started to squirm at this order. Lieutenant Arryn was elbowed into the side and he cleared his throat. Everyone began to stare at him.

    ¡°What is it, Lieutenant?¡± Ofald asked ominously.

    ¡°Uh. My General. There is uh. Just a small problem?¡± he volunteered.

    ¡°Yes. What PROBLEM is there?¡± Ofald asked maliciously now.

    ¡°The uh, Vermin. It bit through our ropes and those on the catapults. A-and uh, we don''t have enough replacements? So the catapults are, uh all unusable?¡± Lieutenant Arryn said.

    It was the last straw that broke the horse¡¯s back for Ofald. He drew his sword and stormed to Arryn who raised his hands protectively and cut him down with a single slash across his body. One of his hands went flying, landing on the table, leaking its blood onto it. More of it had sprayed from Arryns body giving General Ofald a mad look. He had enough.

    Nashakra still watched with amusement. She felt a little bad for the poor lieutenant it was not even his fault he was only the messenger. The one who elbowed him was responsible for looking after their war machinery. He did not want to give the reports himself so he intimidated Arryn into doing so.

    The Generals were not concerned, they have cut down the fool too. The others were visibly shocked and afraid. The people who were near the now dead Arryn shied away not wanting to be next.

    A storm was raging inside Ofald. It was just as the queen said. What he did not manage to say earlier in his rant. They fulfilled orders that were never given. One soldier was told to kill a goat for the noble''s stew and yet he murdered a horse. And that was only one example of the many orders that were not fulfilled how they were given.

    He needed to admit it now. But the Queen was frightening. Just what had he done wrong to be put into this position? It should have been so easy. To just siege the great wall. To sit there and do nothing. And yet it was a catastrophe, he was about to be executed by his king. His father would disown him. His mother may the gods bless her would turn in her grave.

    He was tired and exhausted. He chose to give up. To go to his tent and take the time to think and sleep and come up with a plan.

    *Do you truly believe that I will allow you to sleep?* it suddenly whispered into his mind. He felt cold, his body clamped up, unable to move.

    *This will continue. Every Day, Every Night. Nightmares. Pain. Chaos. What you saw today was merely a test. What will happen when I let the birds drop snakes directly onto your head?  When misunderstandings pile up like a stack of hay. Your soldiers will get tenser and tenser and a single incident will cause a mutiny. Even now I continue my work. I place thoughts the people think are their own. A whisper here and a thought there. How long until your army breaks itself?*

    Ofald did not know what to do. He just stood there listening. Thinking.

    *Even if your reinforcements come. Do you think they will fare better? Once they arrive and hear your outlandish tales they will not believe you. Your stories will be dismissed as fantasies and your sanity will be questioned. They will ask where so many of your soldiers are. And when the following days nothing happens to prove your side. The divide will only grow. The contempt. The resentment. A single spark would ignite your army.*

    *There are so many ways to sow discord. To play you against one another. How easy would it be to have an order fulfilled wrongly? A bit of poison in a cup only for the culprit to proudly declare himself. Doing it on your orders. No one would believe you if you told them a different story. The Human mind  is so predictable.*

    ¡°H-How can we end this?¡± Ofald asked. ¡°This is madness. No Human should have such power. Not even the gods.¡±

    *We are not the invaders. We are not those who sought war. We would have built an empire that the people truly desired to live in. You yourself are aware of how many came to live here. In time we would have grown, the cities surrounding us being submerged. That is what your King is afraid of. He knows of our potential and wishes to deny it.  To us. To the People.

    Instead of learning and growing, attempting to surpass us. He seeks to drag us down beneath him so he can stand atop a broken pile of rubble. He wants to be the king of hell rather than a servant in the heavens. A fool. For a Servant in the heavens would be far wealthier than the mightiest king of hell.*

    *I seek to build a paradise without corruption. Where all souls are equal. If all work for the betterment of all then everyone will be rich. But how could mortals understand the thought of the divine?*

    *It matters not, if you live long enough you might see. I advise you to flee. Run and I shall not pursue. If you stay, you will do more than die. Already Insanity claws at your mind. You can feel it can you not?* Nashakra said at last.

    Ofald thought long and hard over everything he heard and experienced. Even if he had not slept for two days now. He was extremely tired and exhausted. But he knew sleep would not be able to claim him. He did not sign up for this. He wanted wealth and glory. Not this madness. He slowly packed his belongings and sneaked out of the camp during the night.

    ¡ª

    Nashakra rose from her bed. It had been an exhausting time for her too. But it had been worth it. Their enemy was in chaos. Lacking supplies rumors and stories were going around and it did not take that much. It had been relatively easy. She would continue to whittle away at their numbers and had more things planned. It would be even easier once their reinforcements arrived.

    The minds of the generals were on the verge of breaking down. There were many more desertions during the night.

 A Tale of Madness Extra: Chapter 11 & Epilogue

    Nashakra was staring at the table in front of her. Two dozen blades were displayed on it. The smiths had been working on them for a long time. These blades did not have any handles, they had always been meant to be used with psionics each one two meters in length and sharpened on every side. They were a sight to behold.

    If someone did not know how they would be used they would surely question why these things had been made. Nashakra was confident enough to wipe out the remaining army in front of her gate entirely by herself.

    None of them would be able to reach her and even arrows were of no concern. Unless they had someone with psionic powers of their own it would be a one-sided slaughter. She wrapped the blades in her psychic energy and had them float behind her. It was a sight to behold.

    She had moved to a bigger training room leaving her guards and servants outside. Only Helmear was allowed inside.

    She made her blades make countless different moves floating them around, slashing and dicing. The wooden table was stabbed dozens of times even the stone floor had been damaged the psychic energy the blades had been wrapped in only strengthened them further. The table had been cut apart in a single slash the entire length of six meters.

    Unfortunately, the twenty-four blades were Nashakras limit.

    ¡°I  would not have believed such a thing possible had I not seen it myself. Your Majesty.¡± Helmear remarked from the side. He was awestruck. If they were to fight he would die over a dozen times a second. A shudder was running down his back. He was glad not to be on the receiving end of the Empress''s wrath.

    ¡°Its full potential will be revealed in the battle. I cannot show my entire strength in this room. It''s too fragile.¡± Nashakra said confidently. Studying the blades stuck everywhere. None had been damaged.

    Helmear paled at that. This was not enough? He was really lucky to be on her side and smiled at that.

    She glanced at him

    ¡°I want you to watch from the battlements, with as many of the Soldiers you can put up there,¡± she said.

    Helmear was not sure what she meant by that. They had to watch? Watch what?

    ¡°You wish to fight them all by yourself?¡± he asked uncertainly.

    ¡°Yes,¡± she said simply. ¡°You do not need to be worried, believe in me.¡± She replied while continuing to train with her blades.

    ¡°I have been using my other abilities to send them into disarray. I will take a few more days and exploit more opportunities that present themselves while picking them apart. Then I will go in for the kill. They will be demoralized and once they see how powerless they are against a single person they will break and flee.¡± she explained to him. Nashakra was sure she would succeed.

    Helmear nodded. ¡°Alright your highness. I¡¯ll believe in you.¡± A part of him really did. Reports of what happened to the enemy''s camp had reached him and he had watched the commotion from the battlements.

    Some of the other commanders and advisors had voiced their opinions and wanted to attack right away. But the Empress had forbidden it much to their dismay. They were disgruntled but had to accept it. They certainly would not take well to the idea that the Empress would go out alone to confront them either.

    A privilege of being Empress was however that their opinions were irrelevant, hers was the only one that mattered even more so since they believed her to be some sort of god or gods chosen one. Nashakra knew better of course. She was merely gifted with power through some sort of circumstances. But gods? Doubtful.

    She was watching the camp of their foes at the same time she was training. Multitasking was a very important skill, especially for a psion. So she had been training it ever since she discovered her abilities. And it showed with her success to use so many blades at once while spying on another location.

    Their camp was still in disarray even now she was sowing the seeds of chaos. It was pitiful to watch. A soldier thoughtlessly threw a handful of dirt into a pot not realizing what he just did only to become aware of it a few moments later. To influence them even from so far away was rather easy for her.

    She often wondered if other psions were as powerful as her but had no one she could compare herself to. Was she strong? Was she weak? In any case, she needed to train and learn more. It would be better to find out she is abnormally strong than to find out she''s weak and die at the same time. She was sure she would regret such an outcome even in death.

    After another night their reinforcements had arrived five thousand more troops from their alliance marched into camp. They were excited and morale was high. The soldiers they had come to reinforce however had barely any will to fight.

    After the last two days and hundreds of desertions, rumors were going around that they were truly fighting against someone chosen by the gods. Others believed they were going against a demon. A fight no human should seek out. A battle better left to the gods and they should run.

    The only thing keeping them in line was fear. The fear of being caught deserting and executed. The commanders of the first force had arranged themselves and General Ramund had taken command. They met with their reinforcements and greeted them.

    At first, everything went smoothly even if there were tensions in their alliance. While they were allied now they would surely go to war again one day against each other. They were tigers hunting each other. Looking for weaknesses. Their reinforcements could not help but ridicule them once they learned the real state of their camp.

    There had not been a single battle yet their overall commander was gone, and morale was low. Fear was permeating the camp, and rumors going rampant. And many soldiers were injured.

    At first, the newly arrived forces from Ugrasea were dismissive of General Ramunds claims. That was until they experienced them themselves. Animals still beset them every day and night. Cases, where soldiers were poisoned, were on the rise.

    With the loss of food they started starving they began to eat even the dirtied food with bird droppings. Some started eating grass. The supplies they had brought with them had already been lost to countless disasters.

    Once the forces from Agodon arrived they did not fare any better. There were more and more incidents especially now that three different factions were present. Over the course of the following days, countless people were injured. Some even died most disgracefully.

    They were on the verge of breaking apart. Already their numbers had fallen to twelve thousand from the original fifteen. The generals were implementing more and more drastic measures. Their messengers strangely never reached the cities. New orders did not come. And the thought of retreat never occurred to them for some reason.

    The Generals were on the verge of a mental breakdown. The endless nightmares already had them so on edge. Preventing them from recovering in their sleep. Their attendants suffer their bouts of rage and insults.

    Nashakra decided that it was now enough. One week after she had arrived at the wall it was time to put an end to this war. If she waited any longer they would scatter completely and she needed a decisive victory to showcase her own power.

    Nashakra was astounded at how easy it was to pick them apart with so little effort. She was aware that she should not let such power go to her head. It would only lead to her doom if she was to get drunk on it.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    If she wanted to unite the continent then the people needed someone to rally around. They could not see what effort she had put into this if their enemies simply left in disarray.

    They may not even attribute those deeds to their Empress but to the gods and that would not do for Nashakra. She needed her people''s trust and faith. They needed to know that she could be relied upon.

    That she was not like the other ruler who only lived to enrich themselves. She walked a different path. If she enriched everyone then naturally she would enrich herself.

    <hr>

    A few hours after the Sun rose the next morning Nashakra was ready. It was a beautiful day once she emerged from the doors. A clear blue sky with not a cloud in sight. As if a higher power wanted a clear view of what was about to transpire.

    Nashakra was clad in her armor with a look of determination on her face. The twenty-four blades floated behind her.

    ¡°Good morning, your majesty,¡± Helmear and General Aewig greeted her accompanied by soldiers and servants alike with a bow.

    Nashakra nodded at them. Then glanced at the battlements. The Soldiers had already been assembled and would get a great view of the coming battle.

    ¡°We have prepared everything just as you desired,¡± Helmear said. ¡°I do not mean to question you, my Sun. But are you certain this is how you wish to proceed?¡± Helmear trusted her but he said it for the benefit of the General who did not know what she was capable of.

    ¡°Yes. We will continue just as planned. Just watch from the battlements. It will be a sight to behold.¡± she smiled while saying this.

    ¡°We will talk after I return,¡± Nashakra said. ¡°Open the Gates.¡±

    ¡°Yes, your highness.¡± The General responded and the gates opened shortly after.

    Nashakra walked through the gate with the swords floating behind her. She took a deep breath to concentrate and center her mind on the here and now.

    She had empowered herself and swiftly crossed the several hundred meters of ground between herself and the enemies. They had just seen the gates open and would most likely suspect an attack. Of course, they would never be able to imagine what really was about to happen.

    Nashakra did not hesitate. As soon as she jumped over their barricades she started killing.

    Since she could perceive her surroundings through her many abilities it was effortless.

    Limbs flew through the air and blood was already starting to flow on the ground. People started screaming and a horn already sounded signifying that the camp was under attack and the soldiers started to come out and prepare themselves.

    Nashakra did not let any of that affect her. She was here with a clear goal and nothing would distract her. Even while countless shouts and screams of pain echoed around her.

    She used swords to deflect arrows while also using her telepathy to influence the soldiers around her. Making them miss or pressure their minds so they could not do anything.

    To them, she radiated a menacing aura of fear. Many had unconsciously wetted themselves. Since Nashakra was able to sense the minds around her she did not need to see her enemies and was easily capable of perceiving what their intentions were.

    She attacked them relentlessly and without mercy. Moving through the camp as fast as she could. She slew people left and right. But was not without compassion for the animals she made sure not to harm. They were no threat to her. Or anyone else.

    Her blades continued to slice and dice. Like a meat grinder. Faster than an arrow they shot around piercing their helpless prey.

    Not all however died to them. Some minds Nashakra simply crushed through the might of her own. They had no resistance. In turmoil, they could not resist. Hundreds of minds were crushed especially those who were a little further away and tried to flee.

    At some point, the camp started burning during the fight and smoke was rising into the sky.

    The soldiers screamed profanity. They begged. They prayed. Some surrendered hoping to be spared if they didn''t fight. Showed no intention of hostility but it was useless that they were here in the first place was proof enough. She slaughtered them.

    The soldiers now no longer rushing her the Generals are already long dead. Their bodies cooling somewhere behind Nashakra.

    It took her less than an hour to clear out the entire camp. Several thousand managed to escape. They would carry the tale of what transpired here throughout the continent.

    As of this moment, no one would be able to deny her might. This day would be the beginning of when her fame would start to spread.

    Over ten thousand corpses were on the ground around her. The battlefield had been dyed red. Lakes of blood had formed.

    Nashakra was surprised at how easy it had been. She had barely used her reserves of psychic energy. She was not even sweating. Mentally though she was a little exhausted. Crushing a mind outright was not an easy feat to do and she was ready to go to bed again.

    Since the battle was over now. It could hardly even be called a battle. It was more of a massacre the cleanup could start now. They would bury everything and then tomorrow she would take half of her army and march on the other cities. None would be able to stand in the way of the empire she wished to build.

    Once she returned to the great wall there was a deadly silence. Her own people were in fear and awe of her. When they saw her return they quickly prostrated themselves in the courtyard.

    The picture they now had of her was clear. To them, she really was a goddess.

    She did not read any of their minds or even look at them, they were her people. There needed to be limits and her codex was clear. Yet even so the atmosphere spoke for itself.

    ¡°Helmear,¡± Nashakra shouted for her most loyal and closest Servant.

    ¡°Yes, Your Highness. I''m here,¡± he answered her from somewhere to the side.

    Nashakra turned to look at him and ordered.

    ¡°Have half the men clean up the battlefield than have the other half prepared to move out in three days towards Zeapphia.

    ------

    Nashakra and her Soldiers were encamped in front of Zeapphia. She had given the fleeing soldiers of the Invasions force enough time to return.

    The tale of what had transpired had already reached the city.

    A single woman had slaughtered the entire army. Was she the embodiment of a God or a Demon?

    Zeapphia was in flames. Smoke was rising in thick columns high into the sky that could be seen from countless kilometers away.

    Nashakra wanted to take the city largely intact it would be hers soon enough after all. The less she had to rebuild the more she could invest in other things. Schools weren''t cheap and neither was education but this was the first step that needed to be done.

    Education especially moral and ethical education was the foundation of any country.

    People should not walk by and ignore those who are suffering. Yet that such people existed was clearly a failure of the state.

    Nashakra looked into the city. There was an uprising going on. The people reacted badly to the stories that reached them. They feared for their lives. Many wanted the king to surrender to the forces that would arrive soon. They did not know she was already here.

    They were mourning their loved ones. Blaming the king. Blaming her for slaughtering them. Still, it was necessary. Her enemies needed to see and experience what she was willing to do to those who sought her and hers harm. Otherwise, such promises were only empty words. Threats are soon forgotten or not taken seriously.

    By herself, Nashakra walked up to the gate. Using her psionic powers to hide from the guard''s perception. She was walking right underneath their noses yet they could not see her. Their eyes simply slid over her form without reaction.

    There were barely any soldiers. Most had been sent with the invasion force. The others were caught up in the uprising. The gate was greatly understaffed. The guards were not attentive enough. They worried a lot many wanted to run. They feared encountering her after the stories reached them.

    She took control of some of their minds and had them open the gates then slipped inwards none noticed. None were any the wiser. Nashakra was filled with power and confidence. It was far too easy. Her Army would follow soon afterwards to quickly put down any form of resistance and restore order.

    Screams were echoing through the streets. Some corpses were strewn about. It was a hellish sight. The soldiers had no compassion for their own citizens. A mad king clinging to his power when all was already lost.

    How could he hope to stand against the raging river?

    Nashakra walked through the city. Intervening only to stop some crime or the other. A rape. A Robber. Saving a child here and there. It hurt her heart but it needed to happen. The future she envisioned and wished to reach could not be had without change. The old needed to go.

    Nashakra knew she was arrogant in these thoughts and beliefs. But did not every human believe themselves to be the center of the universe? Her ambition may be grander but in the end, there was no difference.

    And Yet¡­

    There would always be a Ruler. Someone at the top who would be above all others no matter which form of government it was. One Ideology or form of Rulership would always clash with another and so people would die.

    Whether Democratic Nations overthrew the leadership of another for their ideals.

    Or Communists and Fascists built their camps to achieve their own ideals.

    People would die. The only difference was that different people did the dying.

    And if people needed to die anyway. Then was it not better if the enemy did it?

    Yet these would soon be her people. Nashakra wished to work for the good of all.

    So the faster she ended this the better. For the sooner order would be restored.

    Once she reached the palace she sneaked inside in the same way.

    She already knew where the king could be found. He was hiding away with his Harem in his bed chambers. Enjoying the last moments of the life he knew was already ending.

    Nashakra burst into his room. The handful of Guards outside were already under her control. They simply let her pass. None could resist her psychic powers. On this world during this time she was as close to a god as a mortal could possibly be.

    She did not hesitate and had not planned a dialogue with her enemy. She put the women asleep with a quick burst of psionic energy and they fell unconscious.

    The King she did not plan to let live. Nashakra moved in quickly and separated his head from his shoulders before he even noticed that even his women were no longer awake.

    Blood spewed forth from the severed stump soaking everything near it. There were no screams. No Monologue of a Villain or any justifications. Just a quick and simple death. Soon to be forgotten even by history. At best he would become a footnote.

    The unpleasant deed done Nashakra relaxed and looked over the city with her powers. Her army had quickly moved through some districts of the city. There was no organized resistance and in the face of their might, the common people surrendered quickly.

    Soon the city would be hers.

    This day would mark the rise of the Eternal Empress. A Woman described being ruthless to her foes. But most benevolent to her own.

    ¡°A Rulers true treasure is their Empire. Not the wealth it generates. The Bond with their people.¡±

    ¡°A Ruler serves all and through this serves themselves.¡± Excerpt from The Rise of the Eternal Empress Volume 1.

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