Fall of Ima (Cycles of the Lights series)

Chapter Four

Priletoria- 2186 Iman Year

General Guyak sat across from Queen Vesper, disguising uneasiness. He was carrying out his duty, escorting her to the Land of the Seraphims. From there, she'd depart for Jema.

For two years, Priletoria had danced in uncertainty with a reclusive Queen. When she had called the royal council to a meeting, they felt flabbergasted. It was the most they'd seen of her since King Makarios' passing. In the gathering, Vesper provisionally signed over duties. Relief filled the room. Now the council could handle tasks on which she'd been negligent.

Jollity remained short lived. The Queen then announced plans to leave for Jema. After a stunned silence, objections cascaded. Concerned for the planet's political balance piled at the forefront. Planet-wide trade negotiations were a few years away. The active monarch should be collaborating with other kingdoms to see what future demands need met.

Vesper fanned the fire by announcing her intention to train in sorcery. Adamant pleas erupted, begging her to stay. Her eyes remained insouciant, stubborn as ever.

At the time General Guyak remained silent, knowing her well. Words were useless once the woman decided a course of action. In the back of his mind he thought the words his mentor once spoke, "Ebbing tides apply to time. What's prosperous cannot remain so forever." He questioned if she were to herald a recession, or worse.

In the carriage, General Guyak finally spoke. He'd been saving his words for when they were alone. Perhaps he could reason with her one-on-one. "Your highness, all my life I've stood by the one who sits on the throne. I'd be remiss if I didn't voice my misgivings of your actions."

A grimace stretched her face. "Not you too. This is something I must do," she answered resolutely.

"The implications of an Iman monarch wielding sorcery could lead to war."

"Nowhere in the treaties does it say I cannot practice sorcery."

"Yes, but it's frowned upon the same way technological use is kept to a minimum on Ima. But unlike the latter, sorcery WILL disrupt the power balance of our planet." General Guyak bit his tongue to keep from saying his true concerns lie with her unpredictable behavior.

"Holding knowledge of sorcery does not mean I shall use it in ruling. It's for personal benefit." Her tone forced the discussion to end.

General Guyak stretched his fingers to curb anxiety. A weapon is a weapon. Because it's lying still doesn't mean it can't be used for violence another time. What would Queen Vesper do if provoked to use that weapon?

Awkward silence languished the remainder of the trip. The late King Makarios was a close friend to General Guyak. Though he admired the current Queen Vesper for her healing abilities and strength of will, the General knew her heart ruled decisions. It was why King Makarios loved her, but the General always felt it made an inadequate ruler. His fears were actualizing.

General Guyak saw her safely aboard the dragon ship. She'd only packed a small chest of belongings. Vesper demanded few physical comforts. Yet what she needed to feed her soul was far more difficult to satisfy. The love from Makarios and her daughter had been enough. Having lost one before she was ready, the General feared if she didn't stop her bleeding heart, it'd lead to a perilous, never-ending hole.

General Guyak never gave credence to hope; planning and foresight elicited success. Still, a miniscule part of him hoped the Queen would have a change of heart and return with him to Priletoria.

As the ship lifted, General Guyak knew they'd lost the battle. Priletoria stood alone.

~*~

Meliora fought impatience, listening to the final lecture of her primary royal education. Scholar Halder, a member of the royal council and one of her instructors, taught astronomy but held a penchant for history. As he spoke, arms gestured around a wall painted with planets. Normally the subject intrigued her but with Jedrek and Kemuel's arrival, she longed to be with her friends instead. They were off exploring Priletoria. They didn't need a guide, having spent much time in her kingdom, but Meliora wished to accompany them anyway.