Chapter 53: Imperial Summons

Chapter 53: Imperial Summons

It takes three weeks for word to reach Aramellianna's ears of the results of the second mission west to find and retrieve Daniel. Rumors started appearing in the last couple of days, which her subordinates reported to her, but she kept her composure until she received an official report.

Infuriatingly, that report didn't come from any member of the Stalvaltan Guard. Instead, it came from an imperial messenger, representing the Grand Zenkon Empire, the self-proclaimed most powerful empire in the world. While arguably true for the continent, they fare only slightly better against the demon armies than any other lone kingdom, which is why it's so important that the Eastern Alliance, headed by the Empire, stays intact.

As Aramellianna reviews the message she received, it speaks of a joint effort launched from Fort Twilight to assault the Citadel and lay siege. While the plan for the Stalvaltan soldiers was to do virtually the same, there was no way the joint forces could have believed they stood a chance. In fact, a larger force would simply compound their losses. The hope was to sneak in while ranged magic was used to distract the dragons and any other major threats, retrieve Daniel, and retreat before anyone processes the Stalvaltan troops as a threat.

Now, it seems the joint force suffers a complete and total defeat.

Aramellianna had to read it twice to be sure. Usually, there are cowards, messengers, and even supply units that are able to retreat, or a force will retreat when it becomes clear victory is impossible, usually after only a third of the army has been destroyed.

Instead, 100% of the joint task force has seemingly disappeared, indicating that not even messengers were able to return. Then, a message reached Fort Twilight, which the commander relayed to the Empress, rather than to the Grand Duchess, who had commissioned the mission in the first place.

That message came from an alleged ‘Empress Hekate Fell Lawson, ruler of the Citadel and the Fievegal’. “So,” muses Aramellianna to no one in particular, “Hekate has declared herself an Empress now... Perhaps victory is too easily going to her head.” The Grand Duchess sighs, setting the message down. “No. However it’s taking place, she and her allies are far beyond our imagining, it seems.”

The message is wordy and full of poetic language, but in short, it declares that Hekate captured and imprisoned all of the soldiers that arrived from the east, including the stealth teams, who allegedly tried to harm her friends. From there, Empress Sundenelle of the Grand Zenkon Empire has called for a summit to discuss the new threat.

Aramellianna massages her temples. It’s difficult to say if the mission failed because of the additional troops interfering in some way, or if the mission was always going to fail. The real question is; why is the Empress taking an active interest in the kingdom of a newly self-named Empress?

As she’s preparing to head out for the summit with her daughters in tow, another messenger arrives... from Fort Peony.

“{Grand Duchess Aramellianna kos Stalvaltan,

This is a formal message in simple code. Your asset has been lost. Your troops are recovering at Fort Peony after we were able to retrieve them. It seems a wingflame made its way east, but I’ve received no news of any attacks.

Additionally, I’d like to warn you against any further action against the Citadel and its ruler. Victory is likely not tenable, and for now, the proclaimed Empress Hekate and her dragon allies are not hostile.

Following their recovery, your troops will be released with haste.

Very Respectfully,

Commander Leiwelles kos Morglodston

Commanding Officer

Fort Peony}”

Aramellianna sighs again.

“Mother?” asks Wenlianna as she observes the Grand Duchess’s frustration. Aramellianna looks around for a moment before responding softly.

“The airship went down near Fort Peony.”

Wenlianna fidgets, and Aramellianna reassures her. “It wasn’t a failure of your designs, short of still underestimating a dragon, apparently.”

Wenlianna nods as she thinks. “A-Are... the soldiers?”

“I don’t have numbers, but at least some of them survived. It seems the Empress isn’t aware.”

Wenlianna remembers the black hair she found. She wanted to make her way to the capital of Mornistae and use the magic artifact to see if its glow indicates magic. But, because the Empress summoned the higher lords, ladies, and kings of the allied kingdoms to a war summit, they all will be going. While a humanitarian at heart, the Empress is still a strict ruler, maintaining order during the ongoing war.

“Ready yourselves for the journey, girls. I have a feeling we have a long road ahead of us.”

***

Daniel studies his phone, sketching some designs that he can now make more accurately with his engineering books and various blueprints. He’ll have Xyreko look at them later, but for now, he’s just killing time with some quiet.

He learned recently that Hekate has decided that her name is ‘Hekate Fell Lawson’, ‘Fell’ as a sort of self-proclaimed nobiliary particle signifying her rank as someone important like ‘von’ of Germanic noble nomenclature, while hinting that she’s a feldrok, and ‘Lawson’ signifying her status as self-proclaimed wife of Daniel.

He chuckles at the thought. He’s not sure why, of all people, Hekate ultimately not only allows, but encourages the other women around Daniel to be affectionate with him. She could have put up an actual fight in every scenario, from Ryuogriar asking for the first of the dragon eggs, to Treia and Gwenesphia coming to live in the Citadel simply to be with Daniel, and finally, Shek and Skloe, who are regularly making use of a magic machine that relieves their chests of milk as their own pregnancies progress -much faster than the dragons’ eggs-.

Is she afraid I’ll secretly run away or disappear? I hope she isn’t harming herself because of insecurity.

Daniel decides to ask the only person who he suspects might know. “Xyreko? Can you meet me in my room?”

The golem appears after a few moments, immediately teasing, “Daniel, is it my turn?”

He snorts lightly. “Don’t start on that. It’s actually what I want to ask about.”

She cocks her head, and Daniel asks seriously, “How has Hekate been doing?”

“Lady Hekate? To my knowledge, she’s doing very well. She’s highly motivated, a diligent student of magic and rulership. She has a lot of catching up to do, but she’s making vast efforts to ensure that she makes wise decisions and can defend the Fievegal.”

“Is that all?”

Xyreko seems surprised, and Daniel corrects. “Sorry, I don’t mean to make it sound like I’m belittling her. She’s doing amazing, in that regard. I probably should be praising her more. But, what I meant was, does... it seem like she’s pushing herself beyond her limits? Does it seem like she’s trying too hard... because she believes...”

“That you won’t love her if she doesn’t?”

Daniel nods reluctantly. He couldn’t find the right words, but Xyreko cut right to the core of it.

“Pardon my rudeness, but don’t flatter yourself so much, Daniel.” He laughs briefly at Xyreko’s even more brutal reply.

She adds sincerely, “Lady Hekate is undoubtedly motivated to be the best Empress she can so that you’ll be pleased with her and praise her. That is true, but she genuinely seems to be enjoying herself. Feldroks are naturally drawn to the top of life. They become stronger as they grow older, they become stronger in the presence of death, and they become stronger as they learn.”

“But, don’t you worry that she’s trying to compete with... ugh... her ‘rivals’? Or, even trying to defy the gods?”

Xyreko walks closer and sits down beside Daniel. “Again, it may be a part of it. But, I have no reason to believe she’s not happy, currently. Her spirits are always high, not feigned high for others’ benefit. She revels in being as powerful as she is, but she does it to help the people she cares about. You may be surprised to hear that Lady Ryuogriar is Lady Hekate’s closest confidante in matters that do revolve around you.”

This genuinely surprises Daniel. He cocks his head, and Xyreko chuckles. “I know. I wouldn’t believe it at face value, either. But, when Lady Hekate does want advice, she goes to Ryuogriar more often than anyone else. They have a very fiery personal rivalry, which is likely where your own fears come from, but as leaders of the Citadel, they both have a vested interest in the future.”

“I worry, though, that she’s encouraging the others... at detriment to herself.”

Sundenelle nods, pleased. She asks a little facetiously, “I wonder if the Empire would prosper with such wondrous advancements in magical technology were we to become husband and wife.”

Rikuto sees in his peripherals when Heralesse twitches, but she keeps her composure. He knows the chain of command and positional authority gets really murky in this very audience room precisely because the kingdoms and Empire are all distinctly separate territories, but merely allied to fight against the demons. So, while Sundenelle is the commander in chief of the alliance formed by those kingdoms and the Empire, she only has authority in that respect. He doubts she can force him to become engaged to her, but he also wonders if Mornistae would honor such a request/demand should the Empress make it either to keep the peace or to become a direct part of the Empire.

Regardless, he decides it’s probably a good idea to clear the air here before a misunderstanding arises. “If I may, your Excellency; I’d like to clear up any misunderstandings relayed information could have created. I am directly responsible for economic and agricultural reform for the Kingdom of Mornistae, for which I was summoned and made King Regent, which will allow us to provide a more active role in the war. However, I am not a technology expert. Many of the developments in our kingdom were spear-headed by the Stalvaltan household.” He gestures to his left, where Aramellianna is sitting, followed by her daughters in succession starting with Wenlianna. Wenlianna fidgets, but remains composed.

Sundenelle looks at Aramellianna, asking, “Is this true, Grand Duchess Aramellianna?”

Aramellianna stands up when addressed, and she curtsies in a surprisingly feminine manner, considering how cold and hard she can be. “Indeed, your Excellency. The Stalvaltan Grand Duchy has proudly pioneered many advancements in magical technology.”

“I see. But, I have rather reliable information that indicates some of these advancements are nothing short of otherworldly.” She looks at Rikuto. “You are the otherworlder summoned this past year, yes?”

Rikuto nods. “Yes. Or, I am one of two,” admits Rikuto. This causes a brief stir in the audience as the other kingdoms, especially those that don’t neighbor Mornistae and wouldn’t have precise information, hear the news for the first time. Sundenelle cocks her head. “One of two?”

“Yes, your Excellency. I can’t speak for the gods, but I was summoned alongside a man named Daniel, who came from the same world as I did.”

“Is this ‘Daniel’ present?” She glances at the advisor off to her left, who shakes his head subtly, while Rikuto hesitates.

“He was banished, your Excellency,” states Aramellianna mercilessly.

“Banished? This otherworlder Daniel was a criminal?”

Aramellianna smirks in her cold and calculating way. “If the crime of using otherworldly methods to save a princess’s life at the cost of her modesty, but no harm to her purity should be considered so.” Aramellianna is a political fiend when she wants to be, and Rikuto once again is forced to wonder whose side she’s on.

Sundenelle asks coldly, “Is this true?” She looks to Rikuto and Heralesse, but also Greydald and the Queen.

“Yes,” replies Rikuto reluctantly. “Daniel used methods from our world that can work even when this world would see no means of survival, but it required the removal of her corset, specifically, which is obviously under her dress. And, Second Princess Erimaya was able to survive. She is still reesting, preventing her from attending this summit, but she will make a full recovery.” That's a partial lie. Erimaya vehemently refused to travel with them because of everything that happened.

Sundenelle confers with her lady-in-waiting, as well as the other advisors, while the other nobles and royals murmur among themselves. Given the tenor, it’s not pure outrage. Many of the nobles seem to agree with the logic of banishing him for ‘defiling’ a princess.

Suddenly, Heralesse, of all people, stands up. "Your Excellency; please pardon my sudden interjection, but my younger sister is alive. I disliked Daniel. I wanted to exploit his wisdom to better our kingdom, but he gave such benefits willingly. Then, he saved my sister's life when all others had given up. He asked for nothing in return, and he made no complaints when... the decision was made. Whatever anyone thinks they know about him, Daniel is a valuable ally. He was banished to the battlefront at Fort Peony, but has since disappeared behind enemy lines after defending Fort Peony from a dragon. Single-handedly. Our current intel indicates he is a hostage of Empress Hekate Fell Lawson."

Something that has bothered Rikuto for some time is the name of the ruler of 'the Citadel', as it translates. Rikuto is not overtly familiar with Earth's western cultures; European and American specifically, beyond what crosses the cultural divide in movies and other forms of media. With that being the case, he's fairly confident that "Earth western" names are rare in this world, making Daniel’s name unique. Likewise, "Hekate" is the name of a Greek goddess, and "Lawson" is a very European/American sounding name. As an American, Daniel surely has a family name, but he never revealed it to anyone, including Wenlianna, who may not even know that most people on modern Earth possess a family name, whereas it is a sign of nobility on Zenkon.

If one or the other was in isolation, it could be coincidence, but two distinctly Earthly-western-sounding names on one person is ringing alarm bells for Rikuto.

But then, that would mean Daniel is not only alive, but...

For now, Sundenelle waves her hand dismissively. "This summit does not recognize the self-proclaimed Fievegal as a sovereign nation, nor this demonkin Hekate as a sovereign ruler. She shall not be referred to as ‘Empress’ in my presence again."

The summit is silent, showing no objections to her declaration.

“Then, am I to understand the recent mission to lay siege to the Citadel was in fact a mission to retrieve this Daniel of the otherworld?” asks Sundenelle, looking at Rikuto once more.

However, Aramellianna is the one to answer. “That is correct, your Excellency. Though, at first, it began as a covert operation using Stalvaltan Guard Battlemages. It seems decisions were made in the field by officers outside of my jurisdiction to join the mission to increase the chances of success, but even with the additional aid, our forces were no match for the dragons.”

Sundenelle replies with her head cocked, “I was told that the bulk of the forces repelling the siege were golems, Grand Duchess Aramellianna.”

Rikuto notices the latter flinch. It seems it was expected that dragons would be encountered, but very little additional intel was available about the Citadel prior to launching the mission. And, Rikuto learned of it only through the Empress’s summons.

“You have a different report than my most recent, then, your Excellency. Regardless of the forces of Em-... Hekate’s army, our joint operation was soundly captured to the last, as I’ve heard. I am awaiting more detailed information from reconnaissance units sent to corroborate following the defeat.”

“Indeed. I have also sent teams to investigate the Citadel and the disappearance of the troops. After all, twenty thousand soldiers disappeared behind enemy lines. Tell me, Grand Duchess; is one man worth the lives of twenty thousand men?”

Aramelliana sucks her teeth silently -or at least, quietly enough that only Rikuto hears-. She replies as respectfully as she can, “Your Excellency, I genuinely believe the socioeconomic value of Daniel to exceed the weight of the two hundred men I sent to retrieve him, and I would argue that he is worth the risk of twenty thousand. I have it on good authority that he is capable of producing weapons capable of slaying dragons.”

Once more, the summit hall falls into a soft murmur as the other kings and nobles discuss their skepticism or shock at this news.

Sundenelle simply smiles. “Is that so? An otherworlder dragonslayer. In your estimation, Grand Duchess or King Regent Rikuto; how many troops will it take to liberate this Daniel of the Otherworld?”

Rikuto and Aramellianna glance at each other subtly. Aramellianna has far more experience with troop movements than Rikuto does, but he has the advantage of having studied Earth’s history, which has some usable wisdom even for this world’s warfare.

“I don’t know that a practical number can be determined,” states Rikuto after a moment. “There are merits to the small strike force method Grand Duchess Aramellianna intended to use, and there are merits to an overwhelming force. While Daniel is arguably invaluable for the technology he is capable of producing and adapting to this world’s production means, there are no adequate statistics on what it takes to bring down a dragon, and even less is known about Hekate. If we send a large invasion westward, we also run the risk of drawing the attention of the demons, who could easily use the opportunity to either flank us while our backs are turned or outright ally themselves with Hekate in order to defeat us. In that case, small strike forces may continue to be the best bet, though that is only my opinion on the matter.”

Sundenelle looks at Aramellianna.

“I agree with King Regent Rikuto, your Excellency. I would personally trade a great deal to retrieve Daniel, if only for his dragonslaying weapons. However, I am forced to face the reality that is the dragons and Hekate, whose strength we can’t accurately quantify.”

One of the others from across the room finally stands up, and Sundenelle addresses him. “King Vubencleff? You have something to say?”

The addressed king bows. “Yes, your Excellency. Grand Duchess Aramellianna; is there any possibility that this otherworlder Daniel could have turned coat and allied himself with the demonkin Hekate? For all the trouble you’ve gone to retrieve him, it seems there are a lot of unknowns even now.”

Aramellianna’s icy gaze remains stoic, but even still, possesses a sharpness like a blade. “Daniel is a human, and he has slain allies of Hekate in the form of dragons, which is how we know he possesses weapons capable of doing so. He has no magical ability of his own, and yet he was able to do what we consider to be impossible for a single person. To assume Daniel is now on Hekate’s side is to assume that she would readily forgive him for slaying her allies. If those are assumptions we’re making, then it would be fair to assume everyone here except ourselves are potential traitors.”

Aramellianna’s contentious words cause a brief stir, and Sundenelle waves her hand, calling for order.

“That’s enough,” calls the young Empress. “She’s not wrong. It is more reasonable to operate under the assumption that Daniel is a prisoner than to assume he turned traitor. That said, we should still approach the situation with caution. Sadly, we know from experience that dragons require no fewer than seven thousand highly skilled troops to be defeated, and Hekate apparently is allied with over a dozen. I hereby call forth this mission; we shall band together and begin forming strike teams utilizing the absolute best of every strategy our combined forces can muster. We can’t afford to divert large portions of the military away from the front lines, but if we can prepare strike teams with specific missions, we stand some chance of remaining undetected. If this Daniel does possess the technology to make an anti-dragon weapon, it is imperative if we are ever to win this war.”

The other nobles and kings agree, and Aramellianna sighs as she takes her seat. “Let the circus begin...”

“Your grace?” murmurs Rikuto as he also takes a seat.

“She just told the combined heads of over three million soldiers that her highest interest is retrieving Daniel.” Aramellianna looks at Rikuto. “An unwed Empress of prime marrying age just expressed something that she desires.”

Rikuto nods reluctantly. He unfortunately understands what she’s getting at. They will compete for the completion of the Empress’s special mission, come hell or high water, and ultimately, get in each others’ way.

Ignoring that, Rikuto ponders something else. Like the king who asked, who has even less knowledge than Rikuto about the situation, Rikuto doesn’t see the pieces coming together as they’ve been discussed.

Rather, what concerns him isn’t so much whether Daniel is prisoner or ally, but what he has been up to since he vanished.

***