Truths in a Rift (The Traveling Rifts Trilogy: Book Two)

Sajen's Announcement

Sajen watched from his room in the palace as the moon finally began to disappear behind the city. Looking in the mirror, he readjusted the silver crown atop his head and straightened his thin braid. He wore one of his best black tunics. Sewn into the chest was a mass of intertwining, silver lines. It was a complicated design, and to anyone who had never seen it before it would just look like a mess that was pieced together randomly. In truth, though, it was a map of the oldest part of the city. It hadn't changed ever since the Empire was first established, and wouldn't anytime soon.

The prince pulled down the cuffs of his sleeves and took a deep breath. Though he wore no armor, Sajen still had his sword around his hips. He barely went anywhere without it. You could never be too prepared.

He walked towards his bedroom door and opened it. A guard stood on the other side, fist up as if to knock. The elf awkwardly lowered it.

"We, uh... we'll be ready very soon," he said. After a quick bow, he added, "Your Highness."

Sajen nodded his approval. "Excellent. Tell them I'll be there soon."

The guard bowed again and quickly strode away. Another elf, older than both the guard and Sajen, walked down the hallway.

"Anything I should know?" Sajen asked upon closing his bedroom door. He walked speedily down the hall while the other elf, Elan, followed.

"You know I still don't approve of your decision," Elan told him with a crooked eyebrow. Unlike Sajen, he was suited in the usual Empire soldier uniform: a black and silver breastplate, vambraces, and helmet.

"You rarely do," Sajen responded as they took a turn. "Need I remind you of the countless times my decisions were the very things that saved us?"

"Need I remind you of the many times your decisions were the very things that got us into the dangerous situations in the beginning? I just feel like you're taking too much haste in this."

"You should be honored, Elan. You will in charge of a formidable force. I'm putting a lot of trust in you for this project. Do you feel like you are undeserving?"

"Sajen-"

The prince stopped and turned to stare at his second-in-command. "Yes, I realize I am in grieving. The only person who I've ever loved is dead and my brother is to blame. I can see how that would make you think I'm a bit muddled at the moment."

Sajen paused, as if daring Elan to challenge him. The other elf just continued staring at him coolly, brown eyes not giving away a single thing. For a brief moment, the prince recalled his tough training regimen growing up, carried out by Elam himself. It was where Sajen had learned how to hide his emotions so well.

"But I can assure you," the prince continued, "I am of a clear mind. And my people will soon see this."

Elan sighed and bowed his head. "As you wish, my prince."

Sajen nodded and continued on his way. Elan trailed close by, just a few steps behind.

"I still don't like your decision for your new second-in-command," he grumbled.

Sajen smirked slightly. "Are you actually disapproving or just jealous?"

The two exited the palace and looked at the bridge that spammed over the chasm. The announcement wouldn't be held there, of course. Too little room. No, Sajen had arranged for the empire to meet in the Contest Arena. In past times, this arena would hold annual competitions simply known as "Contests." In them, there was a series of challenges from normal sword fighting to competing with bow and arrows while dodging spears thrown in the way. These Contests were held for several different reasons: in harder times, the king would have them to find new soldiers or generals. In lighter times, people would attend just for the entertainment. But this morning, Sajen planned to make an announcement there.