JADE AND ASTRAD

CHAPTER V.

The death of King Xira had transformed Astrad in many ways than one. A ruler more vile and vicious than the Orix had ascended the throne. His rule was marred with oppression, injustice and death to whosoever questioned his ways. After banishing the three princesses he no longer became custodian to the throne but the owner of the most powerful kingdom in the nine realms. King of Astrad.

Xaqa was seated on the golden throne of Astrad that very morning. His eyes keenly watching the dancer who not only entertained him but also all who were gathered in the King's chambers. Her beaded waist fascinating if not enthralling the loins of the Astradian greats who dared to look. With a covered face only letting her forest-green eyes to be seen she danced her way into the hearts of men. Bestowed upon her was a wasp like waist all together with a prime body of the godess of beauty.

Galton ran past the guards at the door, her hands pushing the doors open much to everyone's dismay. She was in tears as she dashed to see the only person who could help her. The chasing guards nor the glaring eyes stopping her not. Her pains ran deep such that no one else could see. Before the King's feet she fell to beseech the only words that could make amends.

"Silence!" Xaqa roared to everyone at the palace.

"And who might you be?" He asked turning to the grieving woman.

"My name is Galton your majesty, I apologise for disrupting your morning but I am in urgent need of your help." Galton's face still touching the floor as she uttered these words.

"Whatever it is it better be worth you burging in here like a heathen! Speak!" Roared an irate Xaqa as he struggled to control his temper.

"My husband received word that the Orix are on their way to Astrad as we speak with an army of thousands of beasts." Everyone gasps at Galton's words astounded by the new revelation.

"If I may ask , how did you come by this information?" Draka who was now the commander of the royal guard asked Galton.

"My husband was one of the spies sent by your majesty to the nearby colony of Asdea. He is the only surviving one although wounded from the mauling at the hands of those beasts." Galton breaks into a clogged weeping as Xaqa ponders his next step.

"My King, what should we do?" Inquires Draka as the king is lost in thought.

"Get everyone underground except for the royal guard," replies Xaqa getting up.

"That won't be enough to fight an army of thousands of Orixes. We are only seven your highness."Protested Draka as King Xaqa gave him an angry stare. He clenched his fist round his septre rising to his feet.

"Let that be the last time you question your King, Draka. The next time you as much as try to answer back I will strike you dead where you stand. Now do as I have said!" King Xaqa gave out the command losing his cool . A frightened Draka bowing low before his highness.

"Yes my lord," Draka responded before doing as he was told.

All of Astrad was bracing for war and it only seemed that seven men would slay hundreds of thousands more.

"Get everyone to the underground city. You should all stay there until I give the order." Draka was controlling traffic in a confused city as everyone abandoned whatever they were doing and heed his command. To the hidden underground city they would seek shelter until it was safe to come out again.

King Xaqa was in the King's room, the royal physician flagged by his side.

"It is time," he told the physician who nodded.

"Very well then, follow me your highness," the royal physician told King Xaqa as he led the way.

The room was heavily guarded after all it held Astrad's most prized possession. The royal physician and the King were let through before the golden doors were sealed shut.