An Empire in the Stars

Chapter 2

Chapter 2: Power Players

January 4th, 2200, 4pm

Höchstburg, Imperial Capital of the Holy Vaerian Empire

Grand Courtyard,The Imperial Palace

The Imperial Palace complex occupied dozens of full-size city blocks, with the central building being the palace itself. However the palace is surrounded with many parks, gardens and monuments. While a security ring surrounds the complex, preventing the unwanted from entering the area. While many famed recreation zones surrounded the palace, the most famed was the Grand Courtyard, built in conjunction with the palace, it was off to the left of the main palace building, the Grand Courtyard was a large plaza, surrounded with trees from all corners of the Empire. In the center of the courtyard was a large map of the globe, hand-painted over 100 years ago. It remained meticulously kept in perfect conditions by the groundskeeping staff. Marble benches enclosed the map.

Normally the courtyard was closed to anyone outside the royal family and select few guests. However due to the death of the Emperor, regulations had been relaxed and nobility were allowed to flow in and out of the courtyard. Today, a solitary individual dressed in the traditional clothing of his homeland sat on one of benches sharpening his gallowglass. The most distinct thing about his appearance was his wolf cloak, a handmade cloak of wolf fur and marked that the wearer was part of the Wolf Warriors of Hibernia.

Two more men entered the courtyard, Carolus de Mérode and Christos Palaeogent were in quiet discussion with each other.

"Are you sure Lord Carolus? It could be a very risky move, maybe we should wait?"

"No it has to be done now, there is no other option, Lord Christos." Mérode noticed the man sitting on the bench. He raised an eyebrow "Do you have any idea who that person is?"

Christos stroked his chin, "actually I do. That the Ruire of Hibernia, the island to the far southeast of the Empire. He's a rather famous warrior"

Mérode chuckled upon hearing that "he even appears to carry around a sword still."

Christos looked at the sword "Yeah... supposedly every member of his order is required to have a sword like that. Actually, Lord Carolus, I'll catch up with you later, I want to speak with the Ruire"

"Of course, my good friend, I'll leave you to it" replied Mérode, he shook Christos's hand and exited the plaza, business in Arcadié was calling for him.

Christos approached the man sitting on the bench, admiring the sword, he wondered if he could ever get a sword like that one day. He slipped his hand into his jacket pockets, even though the capital was known for its milder weather, it was still around 40 degrees currently. "Lord Ó Leanáin, it is pleasant to see you here, may you have a seat?"

The Ruire looked up at Duke Palaeogent, his grey eyes analyzing the newcomer. The Ruires hair was already greying, owing to a lifelong martial training and harsh lifestyle. He spoke with a faint accent, even though High Supralan was his first language, he was still more used to his local Hibernian dialect. "Greeting, Lord... no it's Duke I believe Duke Palaeogent, it has been a long time since I have last seen you. Please take a seat." The Ruire packed his sharpening tools into a small box and sheathed his sword over his back . Christos sat down next to the man, looking at the map of the Empire. Höchstburg was along a river on the central part of Suprala, across the river was Haiwen. Christos saw other important cities of the Empire, including Albion, Colton, Longinia and Taiyang. He even saw his own capital city, Wendfordshire along Suprala's southern coast.

"Likewise, has anything eventful happened on your island?" asked Christos

Ruire Ó Leanáin laughed at that question "Rain, wind and cattle. Nothing has changed there in 3000 years of simple life." Ruire Ó Leanáin looked at the map as well,his home island of Hibernia was a small island off the coast of Nostrora, the southern continent of Vaeria. His home island was much more rural compared to the continents, the people more content to live closer to the traditional livelihoods of farming and shepherding.