Summoning The Union

Chapter 26: Power Vacuum

Ish' taan, Khaela Mehn Empire
August 10, 1633

In the distance, a luxurious and intricate castle is seen at slope of the mountain. It was seemingly gleaming through the radiant sun, the windows' reflection is seen even hundreds of meters away. Then a sound of whirring mana engines is heard through the paved roads that leads to the castle itself

An expensive looking limousine is seen driving through the road and stopping at the security gate of the castle

Then an Elven soldier leaned to the window, "Identification, please" The driver gave the soldier both his ID and the Passenger's. As he was checking the their ID's, other soldiers checked the limo by using a dog to sniff for any contraband

While the other is using a mana detection scanner for any powerful mana paraphernalia, as the first guard came back he gave their IDs and gestured for the other side to open the gates

The soldier saluted by placing his right hand to his chest and said, "Welcome General Ma'arkha, The Emperor is waiting for you"

The General nodded and close the limo's window, the driver then drove to the Castle's entrance. As the limo stops at the main door, he was received by 10 Royal Guards and a butler. As one of the Royal Guards opened the door, the General walked out with his cane

He walked through the hallways that were gilded with gold and extravagant marble statues, he then shook the hand of the first soldier that he saw

"Sad day, soldier" He said with a tinge of sadness

"Yes, sir" The soldier replied

"Sad day..." He said to another soldier just beside the other

He then approached one of his friends from the Royal Guards, "Kar' Laahn, handsome devil. Haven't seen you since hell month"

Kar' Laahn shook his friend's hand, "Well seems you missed"

"No, not really" Ma'arkha straightforwardly answered

Ma'arkha exhaled deeply and exclaimed, "Right! What's a war hero gonna go to do to get some lubrication around here!"

He was wearing a bright blue shirt and a dark blue overcoat, as he took off his overcoat dozens of medals on his coat were heard clinking. A testament to his brilliant tactics that led to victories throughout the years

"A the "Winter General" has arrived" he was greeted by the Imperial minister of Defense herself. Beside her was the Minister of Domestic Affairs, as he also shook his hand

"I've seen a lot of death, but that.." he gestured to the Emperor who was displayed and mourned by both his family and friends. "That is a lost, has the USEAN delegation sends their condolences?"

The Minister of Defense answered, "Oh yes! In fact, their Ambassador is here...General, this is Ambassador Ahmed"

As she introduced the General to Ahmed, they shook hands and smiled. "General, my country sends our utmost condolences"

The General nodded, "Have you informed the Emperor's family?" Ahmed nodded as they looked the Wife and their 3 Children looking at their Fathers' coffin

The Eldest is seen holding back tears, the youngest meanwhile is seen somewhat confused

Ma'arkha then whispered to Ahmed's ears, "Ambassador...can we talk, in private?". Ahmed looked confused but complied, as they were out of sight from the mourners, Ma'arkha then gave the news

"The Empire is in shambles, there's a power vacuum between Mehn-ish families. Just yesterday, an assassin was sent to kill one of the nobled who was close to the Emperor but failed..." Ma'arkha continued to talk as Ahmed listened to him intently