Upon the Emperor's Lap

(#01) Long Way From Home

Here I am, riding a horse through this hot desert, stopping occasionally at a few oases, and sometimes, a mirage.

Many would call me a traitor, betrayer, and deserter.

But one should never forget the story of the turtle who stayed loyal to his drying lake and ended up dying along with the lake.

Or staying in a ship that is slowly sinking.

In both cases, the loyalty is indeed high, but another even higher thing is their stupidity.

And things become even simpler when, when your crewmates detest you, and your captain disregards you.

So you can't tell that I am a traitor or a deserter.

I am just looking for a place, that will appreciate me, my skills, and more importantly, my gender.

I am not coming from a place where a woman's place is lower than that of a man, but from a place, currently, kissing up asses is far better than actual skill and wisdom.

So now, I am deserting.

Yes, deserting my own country, because I can't bear to see it fall in front of my eyes.

And a dear friend, extended a letter, giving me access to her country.

So now, I am on my way to her.

The lands are slowly turning greener.

Seems like I am reaching soon enough.

Fortemium. The Land blessed by Gods, as the citizens say.

As for the rest, The Land of the Terror King.

He killed his father and his brother.

As for his sisters, some were killed with their siblings, while some were sold along with his step-mothers.

In short, there are no blood relatives of his alive.

Yes, except for his cousin-sister, that is.

His Mother's sister's daughter.

Some say it is because she is her mother's relation, some say it is because his demons got cooled down by the time he got to his second rated siblings, and some others say

Whatever it may be. I am not going to be living under his nose.

As I got to the better side of the desert and neared the border of Fortmium, farmlands started appearing.

But it looked like it was all owned by a single person.

The farmland was fenced, but since a certain distance, the wall started to be cemented, so I couldn't get a view of what they were growing in there.

I was looking for an opening, and suddenly I spotted a house.

I led my horse to somewhere near and stopped it.

As I got down, the door of the small hut opened with a frail woman, breathing hard.

"Respected Lady, I know that my visit is unannounced, but may I take the right to ask of yourself for me, a cup of water?" I asked.

"Uh?" She seemed very confused.

"I am a traveler who is coming to the Great Land of Magnus. I need to cross the border of Fortemium to travel further, so, may I get a glass of water now?" I asked.

"Yes, yes. Sorry. Since I don't see many travelers, I think my manners are decreasing bit by bit. I will go in. Just... don't come inside." She said.

"I am fine with a cramped space," I said.

"It is not because the space is small. Since I am alone in this tiny house, I do all the farm-work and store the grains in this room. So it is very dusty. You may take your seat here." She said and pointed to a bench outside.

"Alright," I said and took a seat.

She went inside and came out with a glass of water. Her hands were very smooth.

"Thank you. And your nails are really pretty." I said.

"Thanks. But I can say the same for your hair. This silvery hair will really make one remind of the bright moon and shining stars.

And your eyes remind one of the night skies. In short, your face reminds one of the tranquil and serene atmospheres of the night." She said and I smiled.

I then drank the water.

"Then I shall continue with my journey. And I am very much gratuitous for sparing me a glass of water." I said.

"Oh please young Lady, it is just a glass of water. Don't make it sound so much." She said.

I then exchanged farewell greetings and parted.

I soon reached the border.

As I got near, I got off from the horse.

"Do you have the entry certificate?" One of the guards asked.

"I have an invi-residential permit," I said and showed the letter and permit to him.

He first had a look of shock on his face and then he let out a laugh and told his fellow mate.

"It seems like, forging nobility signatures, are a trend nowadays." 

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Note For Readers.

Yes, readers, I am back. 

So how was your time in between? I hope you had a good time. 

And also if there any scenes which you want to see in this story, you can comment on them, or inbox me. If the timing is too late, then I will include it in another story and I will surely tag you when I use your idea. 

So, that's it. 

Hope you have a good time reading my stories. 

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Till next time,

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Last updated on 01/05/2021