The Tiny Emperor's Great Wall (Revised)

Chapter Eleven

The crowd that responded to the Emperor's beckoning surprised Xiwang. The small army of commoners were crammed in the streets. Many of them were fighting to get a spot in front of the inn. The keeper of the place had to lock the door, and Xiwang stationed the royal guards around the building. Currently, she was prepping the Emperor for her speech.

A lack of formal robes forced Xiwang to do simple makeup. Lightly applied eyeliner with a bit of blush livened the Emperor's face. It also contrasted with her pale skin almost too well. Not that Xiwang could blame her young friend. Before the chaos of this war, the Emperor wasn't even considered in line for the throne. No one had ever expected her to take up the mantle.

Deep breaths came from the Emperor as she stood. Xiwang patted her on the back with her wing.

"Ready?" the advisor asked. "The crowd has been waiting for hours now."

"I know," said the Emperor in a soft voice. "Just give me a moment to wipe away the emotions." Placing a hand to her chest, she hummed a soft tune. Xiwang knew it was familiar, but her mind drew a blank at that moment. When the Emperor's eyes opened again, the lost, confused little girl had disappeared. She seemed to have grown a couple of inches as she marched out of the room.

Two royal guards positioned outside the door followed the small group up to the roof. They had to go through the attic and then a window to climb to the top. Slick snow made it a dicey climb, but the Emperor, using Xiwang as a prop, made it up just fine.

Hushed conversation flowed through the crowd as the Emperor appeared. Yet a wave of Xiwang's hand silenced them.

At least these people show us respect, thought the advisor.

Stepping forward, Xiwang bowed over her wing. "People of our fair lands," she called out, "thank you for your time. Please lend your ears to our glorious Emperor."

The Emperor scanned the crowds. Those focused eyes searched for something, but for what, Xiwang couldn't tell.

Throwing her arm forward, the Emperor proclaimed in a booming voice, "My children, my people. I will not lie to you. Even the dimmest of all can see that our great nation is faltering. We are fighting for its last breath even as we speak. I have received news from the wall, and they are holding the enemy back."

Startled whispers went through the crowd. The Emperor held her voice for a few seconds to let her words sink in. When enough time had passed, she bowed her head.

"General Fenghua, a war hero from the Golden Wars, requests our help." Flicking her wrist, she summoned a piece of paper to hand. Xiwang mentally applauded her for the strong voice. "My dear Emperor, if you can, please send me another ten thousand troops. I need fresher food than that in the storage here. Chemicals for my war machine are also desired. Yet I understand that we are in a terrible predicament. Send me whatever you can. Your loyal servant, Fenghua."

Thrusting the letter forward, the Emperor proclaimed, "This is from a man who is at the end of his life. Eight hundred and fifty-three years. He should be getting ready to greet his ancestors, but he now is beating away the enemy. He is using the last of his strength to save what is left of our people."

A bit dramatic, noted Xiwang, but she is on point.

"And what do you expect of us?" yelled an oni in the crowd. His fist shook to the south. "Ten thousand troops against half a million? That's insanity."

Silence ruled over the crowd as the Emperor thought over the question. Xiwang gulped down a knot in her throat. A few of the crowd started to leave.

Leaning over to her ruler, the advisor whispered, "Be careful with your next words. They are wavering."

The Emperor started to chuckle. Startled, Xiwang leaned back as she looked to the crowd. The people seemed to be equally confused by the sudden chuckles. Chuckles morphed into roaring laughter as the Emperor bent over her stomach. Even the royal guards took a small step back. Wide eyes searched their Emperor for any hint of what caused her madness.