Chapter 585 - Day MMCXXXIX, Part VII

It was an obvious start to a war. Anybody could tell that just by looking at the city-size airships with smaller vessels surrounding them like a swarm of mosquitos. What we didn't expect was the quick and abrupt end of the conflict.

With a flash of light different fleet appeared. The ships were probably even bigger. They looked like gigantic blue crystals, which could easily work as a whole mountain, surrounded by multiple rings of metal placed on different levels, slowly rotating in different directions. That's how they looked like.

Katri Xel Avakadaisu jumped from her seat.

- Yes! - she shouted loud and clear.

- What the hell is going on? - Adam asked her.

- Those ships belong to Sabhetani. It's Ashal Kal Anur's work. I'm sure of it. They won't allow Zor'xal to do anything.

- What if he still tries? This planet will become a battleground and get completely destroyed - Gavriil pointed out, as worry was not leaving his mind.

- No, you don't understand - the Atri argued. - Sabhetani is one of the strongest forces in the whole Ixan empire. They can easily destroy this fleet and move the war to planets belonging to Zor'xal. They have hundred times of what he has, and their troops are much stronger. Just the Royal Sabhetani Guard unit could win his war by themselves, and they are just a small part of their whole army.

- So what now? Will they continue a staredown in the sky like they are doing now? - asked Tai, gesturing towards the TV.

In the footage, we could see both armies just waiting, like two fighters in the ring waiting for the sound of the bell, but there wasn't any. Suddenly the broadcast was disrupted and a familiar face belonging to Ashal Kal Anur showed up. He started speaking, and it quickly was translated to English by some synthesized machine voice.

- Deer humans. I'm Ashal Kal Anur, the messenger of High Queen Ixa. I arrived here with my personal fleet due to the threat of Zor'xal invading your planet despite the Imperial law. Rest assured. I won't allow it. Sabhetani will come to your aid and prevent such lawless behavior. The situation will be resolved swiftly, and the order will be enforced. The proper institution was already notified, and the High Queen will judge those who dare to oppose her word. I also want to announce the Sabhetani patronage over your race. I've been captivated by the bravery of your warriors, and wish to be a part of your rise to glory. That's why I contacted my brother, the King of Blue Palace, and got his approval. Your new, bright future starts now.

With those words, he disappeared, and the stunned news host returned. She quickly shook her head and immediately started talking like nothing happened, covering what just has happened a second ago.

- I'm not gonna lie. This is quite a rollercoaster - said Tai. - So are we safe or not?

He looked at Katri Xel Avakadaisu.

- Yes, you are. There is no need to worry, with the presence of Sabhetani here.

- Did you know that Ashal Kal Anur was the king's brother? - asked Will.

- Yes. He is the fifth in the line to the throne, but there is a very small chance of him ever ruling. That's why everybody in Zor'xal's circle advised him to not antagonize him, but he still did it. He is a dumb emperor, and fortunately will be removed the moment High Queen Ixa learns about what happened.

- What will happen then? - asked Adam.

- He doesn't have an heir, and even if he did I doubt it would be allowed to put him on the throne. Nothing like this ever happened to my knowledge, but High Queen is known for strong reactions whenever somebody tries to mess with her, so the Dispur empire will be hit hard as a consequence of the emperor's stupidity. That's something I'm sure of.

- I guess this means we can relax - said Gavriil and leaned back in his chair.

- Yeah, for now - Will agreed.

Then he immediately looked at me. For us, there would be no rest, since we were going o constantly be hunted by Boris's death, and the fact that we will have to face Irina, and tell her everything, although she probably already knew.

Then Vikram showed up again.

- You have rooms booked, and the restaurant is ready to take your orders if you are hungry. You will be staying here for two days. There is going to be some kind of ceremony in two days. The top officials from all around the world are coming to congratulate you. Ashal Kal Anur might be coming here too, to discuss what is going to happen further. The details are still being worked out as we speak. I'll keep you updated.

Then he turned towards me.

- If you need anything, just say.

I ignored his words, so he just simply nodded, and left.

- I hate politicians - said Gavriil. - And now we have to meet them.

- Judging by what he said we might have something to say in the future of this planet - Adam pointed out.

- It's the first one. From my experience they usually want to go around you, and do whatever they want - said Will, peaking at me.

- And then you have to slap them in the face, and show that they just can't do whatever they want - I added.

- That sounds spicey - said Gavriil as he leaned forward to rest his elbows on the table. - I would love to hear more.

- But you won't - I said to him straight away. - I need a break.

With those words, I stood up and left them. The fact that I allowed my emotions to get better of me just kept bugging me, and there was also Irina, still present on the back of my head. It was a terrible feeling that almost was giving me a stomachache.

I went to find Vikram, and then to the room, they prepared for me. I tried to sleep some, but it didn't work as planned.. The moment I close my eyes I saw the terrible mistakes I made, and the events I considered my personal failures.