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Empress of the World Breaking Free
It took some time to avoid the soldiers, pirates, and even some leftover guests in Brinn's movement around the outside of the castle. She could make herself invisible for short times, but she was hoping to save up her magic to use only in dire emergencies.Fortunately the short spurts of windy jumping that she was doing were only minor magic. Brinn had done such maneuvers for hours on end when patrolling through the trees. By comparison, this was easy.Coming to Xander's balcony, Brinn jumped slightly short and landed lightly atop the railing. With her hands and feet, Brinn balanced on the polished wood. She froze, listening for any sign of life within.It seemed like Xander was not inside. No one was. He might have still been in the infirmary tending to his broken hand. Brinn smirked slightly. Stepping onto the cold marble floor of the balcony, the elf moved quickly through the shadows to the other side. There was always the chance, however small, that she was wrong about someone bei
Empress of the World Escape
Xander looked at the two ladies, the sleeping prince and the unusually calm Cafer. Something did not add up, but he was not sure which thing to address first."Cafer, you sneaky jackal! Already trying to find new ways to control the young man?" Baak laughed. The group lowered their weapons.Brinn giggled, and Alvar did his best impression of a coquettish woman. He pushed out his chest and wiggled his hips. Brinn was equal parts amused and offended by his acting. She would make him apologize later for sinning against womankind, but she was glad that the men in the room did not seem to notice his awkward manner.Baak furrowed his brow. "Your efforts will not do much good if the boy is sleeping. He has not even woken with all this commotion."The king was right. Tired from the day and sedatives, Alaron had not stirred since everything began."Where did these women even come from? I did not see them enter," Xander did not sheath his sword, holding it firm in his unbroken hand."The servan
Empress of the World Long Live the...
After a long night of vetting and making sure no one else in the castle was an elf, the two gnomes and the pirate slept in and only dragged themselves into the banquet hall for a late lunch.The decorations from the day before were still hanging proudly along the walls as a reminder of the new regime. Waiting for them at the table were Ravenna and a coherent Alaron.Without Cafer's guidance, no one had given hima sedative. However, Gnomic guards flanked the new Emperor making sure he was safe from himself and others.Alaron scowled at the king, pirate and advisor as each of them entered, but they ignored his quiet tantrum."Greetings, Your Majesty," Cafer bowed before the boy."Might as well call me a marionette, oh mighty puppet master…" Alaron muttered in response. The gnome wisely pretended not to hear him."Nice of you to join us, gentlemen," Ravenna dipped her head but did not stand. "I suppose you have finally recovered from last night's celebration.""The celebration if not wh
Empress of the World Impulsivity
"You do not have to stay here on my account. We will be heading south soon, and I know you must be tired of being around others all the time. Feel free to go home and have a rest of your own." Aurora offered as she walked around the Celestial Garden.It had been two weeks since the Empress had arrived in the candled palace of the elves. They had been planning tirelessly with those on the other side of the mirror, but just now she was taking a respite in the fresh air with her thoughts. That was until the cranky fairy, Reyan, had decided to join her on her otherwise quiet walk.He complained of the weather, the hospitality of the elves and of how much better his own home was. It was the last complaint that had led to Aurora's impassioned plea. Really, she would have offered anything short of her already lost kingdom to make the griping stop."I would never think to leave you alone in this den of jackals. The elves would walk all over you if not for me..." Reyan asserted. He looked indi
Empress of the World War
Lanassa strode up to Brinn. The younger elf curtsied as Alvar bowed."Your Majesty," Brinn honored her mother with the proper title."Princess Brinn," the queen's cool tone made Brinn flinch.The elven princess had expected this reception, but it was too late to turn back. "I have returned," she said with her head still bowed."…And you are married? To him?" Lanassa indicated the elf who previously had his arm wrapped around her daughter."I am, Your Majesty," Brinn answered. She straightened and took her new husband's hand. His face brightened at her touch."And you…are happy?" the queen asked tentatively. Her brow furrowed slightly creating a slight wrinkle on her perfectly smooth face.Brinn was shocked by the question. Was it a trick? "Yes, I am happy," she responded once her jaw was finally able to shut after dropping.Then, in the most uncharacteristic move, Lanassa wrapped her arms around her daughter in a warm hug. "I am glad you married the man you chose. Welcome home, my dau
Empress of the World Other Magical Allies
After conferring with the other half of the group in the mirror, the magical army assembled and prepared to head southward. It took far more time than Aurora would have liked, but she knew that patience was key. Rushing things would lead to disaster.At last they were assembled and ready to go. The elves and fairies, together at last, stood in all their shining glory.Led by Ithel and Zoltan, the elves stood in perfect straight lines in their resplendent armor. If nothing else, their shining helmets would blind the enemy. Silently, the agile creatures awaited orders while staring ever forward. They were the picture of military prowess. Their golden skin against their steel armor made them looked like a shining sea of metal.On the other side of the spectrum were the fairies. They had no discernible lines or ranks as they waited for instructions. The plump creatures were grouped by their season chatting pleasantly with one another. A few were even flying, and the gentle whirring of the
Empress of the World Target Practice
Back in the desert, Renat walked outside of his workshop tent to survey the work being done. In the passing weeks those who were too weak, old, or otherwise unqualified to fight had been sent to him to help with his inventions.Many people were working to make the tinted orange glasses to fight against the Merpearl. However there was ample labor, and Renat had found some other inventions that might be helpful in battle.Getting some of the materials had been tricky, but humanity was known for their creativity. Just now Renat was observing the last piece of a massive weapon being lowered into place. It was a delicate maneuver, but the scientist had made a system of pulleys to help."Careful! Slowly now." Renat told his assistants."Yes sir!" They answered as they worked the woven ropes.Being called 'sir' was a compromise the boy had made when he took on the extra help. Renat did not feel like he was worthy of the honorable title, but it caught on quickly, and even those not under his
Empress of the World Clearing a Path Northward
"The resistance has been less fierce than I feared, Your Majesty," Nurlan commented as he wiped the sweat from his brow and the blood from his sword.The most recent skirmish in their northward sweep had been anticlimactic. A small band of men had tried to ambush the grey-eyed Emperor. The battalion seemed to be solely intent on killing Devrim and the Princess at the expense of their lives. Surprise had been their biggest asset.Fortunately they had been unsuccessful. A scout has told warned that the men were lying in wait, but it was decided that the imperial troop should deal with them now rather later. The more of Cafer's allies they could eliminate, the better in the end.Using himself as bait, the Emperor along with Mairwen and a dozen others rode into the high grass. They appeared to be alone."I love the ardor of our men," Devrim said to Nurlan, "but it is also nice to get away from the noise.""I understand, Your Majesty," Junayd responded woodenly. "I am also glad we left beh
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