Legacy

Chapter 13 - Ballad of the Black Prince

The next morning, over breakfast, Jonas tossed them an official document.

State of Emergency Proclamation One

Due to the risk posed by subversive elements and refugees, a curfew is now in effect. No citizen is allowed out after midnight effective immediately. In addition, all refugees must wear grey bands at all times. Failure to do so will result in them being held until such time as the safety to the Praxis Republic citizens can be assured. Further, representatives of the Iron Army have been authorized to conduct searches of citizens as deemed necessary.

By order of Demus Thira

"Look at the trouble you two have caused: first the lockdown, and now a curfew and random searches. Demus has no intention of letting you walk free from her iron grip." Jonas angrily yelled.

"I am sorry, Jonas. It was never my intention to bring any problems upon your house." Kane said.

"You might not have intended to but that doesn't change anything. So, young prince, if I may speak plainly, did you destroy Marsh Crossing like they say?"

"You forget yourself Jonas," Kane said sharply.

"It's alright, Archon," the prince said. If you are asking did I strike a blow against Praxis oppression and the blight they've left on this once fertile land, then yes."

"And now?" Jonas demanded.

"Now?"

"A town is destroyed its people scattered or dead. What should we do with them now? If you were emperor what stance would you take?"

The prince thought long and hard about how to answer while Kane tried to conceal his anger. Jonas was in no position to ask the prince such things, but he kept his silence knowing that it would be the first of many challenges the prince had to overcome.

"They should fend for themselves," the prince replied eventually. "They may be weak now but as sons and daughter of the empire they should stand tall again. In the old days, responsibility flowed down. Those below were led by carrot and stick by their betters. We should follow suit. You are a businessman and community leader; gather others along with the Theo to petition the people to donate a room to a refugee. Convince them that the first step towards healing is to let them leave the shelter."

"I doubt the Demus will consent to let them walk out of there, and it only solves part of the problem," Jonas said.

"If she really supports the people, she can't refuse."

"Well, Jonas, your prince has given his first commandment," Kane said. "Will you convince the others to stand for the people? They are looking for someone to show them the way. I'd rather it was us than the Praxis."

"Very well, my prince, Archon. I'll see what I can do. I suggest you be careful out there today. We can't have you two being arrested."

"Thank you, Jonas. I will make sure that no danger befalls the prince," Kane said.

The mood in town had darkened overnight: beneath the overcast skies people were growing concerned. There were more soldiers than before and the sight of the guards searching and questioning random people in the street sent the tingle of fear through them.

Their wanderings eventually brought them to the tall black stone House of Solomon. The building was much larger than the one in the village and there was a garden within its gates and a covered seating area set aside for teaching. An initiate was working in the garden paying them no attention as they passed through the open door.