Sky Forever

Chapter 6: The Emperor of Entrevale

We exited the third inn we had been in that day.

“Does anyone in this city actually know the emperor?” Ryder moaned.

We wandered the streets for another few minutes. Suddenly, a small man came scuttling up to us from a fruit stall he was running at the side of the road.

“Excuse me,” He said, “But I couldn’t help overhearing your conversation about the emperor.”

“What do you want?” Ryder asked.

“Well, I just thought you should know that he’s doing a speech tonight, outside the palace!”

“Really?” Amber exclaimed, “Guys, we could try and see him there!”

“Great idea…he’ll totally want to talk some random people from the audience.” I said, sarcastically.

“Actually, there’s a chance to ask him questions at the end.” The small man told us, “But you have to tell the guards your question beforehand. He does this once a month.”

“Perfect! Thank you very much, sir.” Amber said.

The man scuttled off back to his stall. I was surprised he didn’t try and sell us anything.

“Ok, so we need to get to this speech.” Ryder said.

“But, we can’t ask him if he wants to start a revolution. The guards will never allow us to ask him that.” I pointed out.

“Well, that’s obviously not what we’ll tell the guards.” Amber said, “Honestly, Jared, you are no good at thinking things through.”

“So, you’re saying that we’re going to tell the guards something different, and then ask him if he wants a revolution?” I replied, “And you think that won’t cause a little bit of suspicion?”

“It’s going to shock everyone, yeah” She said, “But that’s the point!”

So that night, we attended the speech outside the gates of the Icicle. The Emperor Rod Grimm V was standing on a podium, addressing his city. We had told the guards on the way in that we wanted to ask something about an updated sewage system.

He talked for an hour about general city policies and upcoming events. I wasn’t really listening to be honest. But then, the time came for questions. A few people were selected before us. Just things like “What do you intend to do about the abandoned factory by the east wall?” or “Is the Hammer Job Tavern every going to be renovated?”. Just general city politics stuff.

We were eventually selected by the guards to ask our question. This was it. We’d probably be thrown out of the city. My stomach was churning butterflies and grinding them into more butterflies.

And then Amber said it, “How would you feel about joining a revolution against the evil and twisted Emperor Jasper Homunculus in the City of Ashes and Gold?”

There was silence across the whole crowd as all eyes were turned onto us. I didn’t know where to look so I just stared straight at the emperor. He seemed slightly taken aback, but I wouldn’t describe him as shocked.

Then the head guard came forward.

“Sorry everyone, I’m afraid we’re out of time for questions” he said, “The emperor must attend to…business.”

The guards walked the emperor off the podium and people started to shuffle out of the area.

“Damn…” Ryder muttered, as we started to file out with the rest of the crowd.

Then, suddenly, we were taken aside by a couple of guards. They took us to one side.

“The emperor would like to see you in his personal chambers.” One of them said to us.

Oh God, he’s going to have us executed! I thought.

The guards escorted us around a pathway that led to the bottom of the steps up towards the palace. 300 steps later and we were by the door. Two colossal, jewel-encrusted slabs of gleaming white wood. One of the guards pushed it open and we stepped inside into a giant entrance hall. There were several staircases leading to God-knows-where and a fountain, with a statue of the first emperor Rod Grimm I constructed from ice, in the centre.

We all exchanged glances. I wasn’t sure we would ever see daylight again.

We were led up one of the many staircases and along several hallways, all of which had white walls. We eventually reached a room which contained a long table and several maps up and down the walls.

We were told to sit at one end of the table and wait. The guards left.

“I can’t decide whether we’re in a good situation or a bad one.” Ryder said.

“I bet he just wants to discuss a revolution” Amber said, confidently, “Without half the city listening.”

“I doubt it,” I replied, “We’re probably going to die here…”

“Oh, stop it,” Amber demanded, “You’re such a cry baby…”

“I’m not a cry baby!” I defended.

“’Oh, I don’t want to be called Gregory Fiddle, we’re all going to die, argh!’” Amber imitated in a mocking voice.

She turned to me and giggled.

I suddenly realised how beautiful she was. I don’t know why it was at this moment, but right then she became incredibly stunning in my eyes.

But before I could retort to her imitation, the door opened. And in walked Emperor Rod Grimm V.