Threads of Vengeance

Part 1 Chapter 5

Royal Palace, Nividean Empire

Maya was relaxing in a hot bath when a slave appeared, bearing a letter. She drew a small bit of power from the crystal in her eye and lifted an arm out of water. Drops of water at the tips of her finger froze and became thin, sharp icicles. She used it to cut open the wax seal bearing the symbol of a panther and pulled out the letter.

Anger grew as she read the letter. By the time she was done, the water in the bathtub had frozen completely. She snapped her fingers and the ice shattered, sending fragments everywhere. She glanced at the slave, who was now cowering fearfully in a corner. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“Send for Proahn.” She said, reaching out for a robe. “Tell him it’s an emergency.”

The slave bowed and fled. She put the robe on and waited in her quarters. A couple of minutes later a knock sounded on the door.

“Come in,” she called.

A clean shaven young man in his late twenties or early thirties entered. His short hair was slicked back and he wore a curved sword with an intricately carved and gilded handle that featured a crystal on the pommel.

“You called for me, your majesty?” he bowed.

“Read this,” Maya crumpled the letter into a ball and tossed it to him. He caught it deftly.

His eyes swept through the letter, growing wider every passing moment.

“That flea ridden son of a bi-” he stopped, looking horrified. “I-err I'm sorry! So sorry your majesty!”

A laugh escaped Maya. “It's alright.”

“What should I do, your majesty?” he enquired, his face as red as a tomato.

“Summon the council.”

He bowed and left, his face red.

She slipped out of her robe and chose something more appropriate for a council meeting.

                                                      * * *

The council meeting hall was located near the centre of the palace where only those of the highest ranking could enter. Apart from slaves and servants of course. Maya paced up and down, waiting for the council to appear. Voices sounded outside and four men with white long beards and top knots appeared through the rosewood double door.

“Advisors” she greeted them with a nod.

Each of them bowed at the waist with hands folded.

“Greetings, your majesty!” They replied in unison.

They each took a seat while she continued pacing about. A couple of minutes later two men loudly arguing entered. At the sight of her they both knelt.

“I hope I haven't made you wait for long, your highness” said one man. He had a brown beard and sharp eyes.

“Not at all, General Icanan. Have a seat.”

The other man and quite a large one at that simply said “I hope this as important as your man made it to be. I have quite a bit of work to do, your majesty.”

“Get your fat ass in a chair Isran! Pardon the language your majesty.” a new voice said.

Everybody looked up to see Porahn striding through the door, he knelt and then stood up.

“Now that everyone is here the council meeting shall proceed.” Maya said. “Proahn did you inform the reason for the meeting?”

“No, there was no time you majesty. I also had some other business to take care of.”

“Alright,” She took out a crumpled letter and tossed it to Proahn.

He caught it and read aloud.

To Empress Maya G Nividean

We regret to inform you that Syral will no longer consider itself part of the empire. We have decided that it is wiser to create our own kingdom for the safety and prosperity of our people. We feel that you are not only too young, but as a woman your talents lie outside of leadership.

New King of Syral

Rizal Himan

The men in the room openly gaped.

“How many troops can you gather General?” asked Maya.

His face sobered. “Not too many. We don't know what is going on with the Union and our spies are yet to return. Till we can gauge the level of threat I'm afraid we need to keep the security tight.”

Maya nodded.

“Advisors what do you suggest?”

“I'm afraid Rizal has chosen the right time to make such a move. He knows our hands are tied.” One of the advisors replied.

Proahn jumped up. “I've already arranged the troops, your majesty.”

She looked at him quizzically.

“I knew General couldn't spare too many troops so, I hired mercenaries.”

“H-how dare you! You dare squander our empire's money with even consulting me, the treasurer?!” Isran sputtered. “And how can you trust mercenaries?! They are loyal to none!”

“They're a reputable group,” Proahn said.

She could see how he had become the Captain of her guards at such a young age.

“B-but still!”

“They are loyal to money Isran,” interjected Maya. “Or are telling me you can't raise enough to outbid even Syral?”

“Ofcourse I can, your highness,” he said quickly. “Its just that he should have consulted me first.”

“Done is done, Isran,” she said.

“You spoil him too much,” he grumbled.

“Its decided then. We march in three days. Prepare the men by then.”

Proahn and Icaran nodded.

“We, your majesty?” One of the advisors pipped up.

“Indeed Tibhas, I too have a thirst for blood to quench!” She smiled.

“It's not safe, your majesty,” he frowned.

“I shall be careful, but this is personal, Tibhas, he questions my leadership and I know many still doubt me. Now is the chance to prove myself, I shall lead the battle myself.”

She left the room and entered a long corridor to the right. At the end of the corridor, she pushed upon three parts of the wall which swung back to reveal a small compartment with a door. She closed the wall and opened the door to reveal a vast room. She had discovered it by accident a couple of months ago and now used it when she wanted to be alone. She entered the room and sat in the middle and closed her eyes in meditation.