Whispers of A Dead Empire

Chapter 82

I stood behind the door that led to the stronghold's war room. Nyx stood beside me, her little hand clasped firmly between mine. I rapped my fingers across its surface quickly, and a deep voice answered a second later. "Enter."

I pushed the door open and stepped into the dimly lit room. Dim candles hung from rusted metal sconces attached to the various pillars that enshrined the war table. Tattered yellow paper lay strewn across the table, but a single large map dominated it but was barely illuminated by the faint yellow light that struggled to fill the room. Seated at the circular table was Rikard. His fingers crossed, and his milky white eyes faded as he stared off into the distance.

"Ah.. Alessia, I didn't...expect to see you so soon. It's a pleasure to see you once more." He turned his head up towards me as he dropped his hands. His voice was faint, and his words seemed to be distracted.

"It is my pleasure, captain. I am here taking the princess on a tour of the domain." I told him as I stepped into the room and gestured Nyx forward.

The captain straightened up as fast as he could. "Princess? Forgive me, Alessia, I hadn't realized that she was paying a visit." His eyes were still clouded as he seemed to gaze beyond us.

The poor man, he was still caught in whatever life he thought he lived, unable to see what was truly happening before him. "All is well, captain. How are things going on the war front?" I asked as I crossed the small distance between us and the table. Nyx scampered behind me, though she was still pressed against my leg.

"Ms. Alessia, what is he saying?" She asked as she looked up at me.

"He said he wasn't expecting to see you," I told her as I pressed my finger to my lips, hoping that she would get the message. Thankfully, it seemed to stick, and she pursed her lips and nodded her little head.

"The invaders haven't really struck at the stronghold. They have been prodding the stronghold and have even taken two of the outposts." Rikard replied as he leaned against the table and looked over the map. "I fear they are preparing for a massive invasion."

Ah, there it is, While Rikard can react to the invaders well. He just hasn't seemed to realize that the life he knew is gone. "Worry not, captain, if any large force were to invade, we would react appropriately."

He paused for a second as he reached out a metal-clad hand and looked at the map. "Of course. I will hold the fort if that day comes. It is as the Empress demands." His gaze seemed to stretch once more, and I knew I was losing him again. But that was alright; perhaps I should leave him be.

But as I stepped back with Nyx, attempting to usher her away quietly, the sound of wings rapidly beating filled the air as one of the courier pigeons appeared from a hole in the ceiling. The tiny bird released what sounded like a hybrid between a squawk and a groan. Its beady white eyes greedily drank in what little of the light that managed to radiate through the room. It landed on the table, hopped over to me, and presented a small piece of paper that was rolled up tightly pressed against its back.

Curious, I reached out and quickly undid the seal.

To whom this may concern,

The adventurer known as Redrick has returned. The Empress, however, has informed me she is busy with a project and has named me the prime minister in her absence. In an hour, we will meet at the stronghold and hold a small meeting with Redrick and his delegation. Alessia, please attend since you are the most directly tied to the Empress. Also, she has noted that while you protect her daughter, she wants her daughter to learn how to live in this domain. Her words were, "Keep her safe, and teach her what you can." She has also noted that she wishes to speak with you about a few topics once she is finished with what she is working on.