Elements

Quick Escape

The time had finally arrived. This performance would decide whether the circus would be discovered or leave in peace. Sorsa, Airn, Lien, and the elves sat in the center of the back stage tent. The activities of the others rushing around them hid the conversation they were having. Even though it was through thought, any one of the emperor's magicians or spies in the audience or exploring the circus could discover them easily if they weren't careful.

They were going over the plans again, setting them up for real this time. They had runners disguised as simple peasant folk that would take things to specific places in the city, hide them, and then leave. Theses hidden objects were to help in any escape attempt that the circus might have to make.

Alright, so we'll have John take the basket here in the city for plan L, Briars explained before sending John out with the basket. Sorsa's "walk through the city" had helped to add the needed dimensions to the almost bare map of the city that the elves did have. Different modifications were made to it in order to correctly symbolize where everything was.

More people were staring to show up now. The orchestra began playing, which meant about a half hour until show time. The performance began at sunset, as always. With such little time left, the performers began to rush more than they were before. Everyone was to be ready ten minutes before the show was to begin to allow perfect silence for when the Emperor arrived. And Sorsa still hadn't had the time to get ready yet.

That is all we can do for tonight. Sorsa told them. We need to get ready. I'll put my clothes in a bag by the backstage tent door for Plan S. Airn will be back here ready. If he hears a disturbance or sees me run back here, he'll have the defenses ready. Then Sorsa walked away from the group with Airn on her shoulder.

You're worried, Airn pointed out.

Of course I'm worried!! Sorsa exclaimed. This could make or break the camp and it's operations!! This could make or break whether or not Morn and Lien and us will be kidnapped!! The emperor and Claqu are going to be staring straight at me for at least 20 minutes!! If they recognize me at all, we're toast!!!!

I know, but you need to calm down. If you walk out there in the manner you are now, they'll know something is up. You need to act confident.....

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Backstage was dead silent as the announcement was made by the herald, "Announcing her royal majesty Emperor Dusk of Emstar!!!" The audience clapped and cheered, and then all was silent again. Everyone watched, holding their breath as Dan Burr walked into the big tent and began his introduction.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, audiences members of all ages and stature!!! It is my pleasure to introduce the most magnificent spectacle you will ever see. A show of talent and wonder that will amaze and awe you!!!! Ladies and gentlemen I am honored to present to you......"

Morn and the other elves interrupted Sorsa's thoughts with, The emperor is a woman!?

Sorsa, having lived with the Emperor for many years, already knew and responded, Yes. And?

The elves seemed stunned. You knew this and didn't tell us!?!

I though you already knew!!

It's "Emperor!!" That applies that it's a male!!

She calls herself and emperor for that reason. High lords respect other lords more than woman rulers. So she made herself sound like a man for respect. When the Lord's found out the Emperor was a woman, they had even more respect and feared her, but they never stopped calling her that.