Shards: Intro- Part 2 (old)

Chapter Two: Summoning

The Lost City, Alyria, Central Atlantis

Paige
*~~~~~~~~~~*

As I ambled down the great halls of the Blue Palace, it became obvious that the battle for this city took its toll. There were several fractures in the marble walls, and in the ceiling above. Several chandeliers lie shattered amongst the blood-stained carpet.

I couldn't help but pity the ones who had to lose their lives for a deceptive and weak cause. His excellency was furious that these men and women had to die for a battle as short and easy as this one was.

When his excellency and I arrived at the city, we weren't alone apparently. Our army was right behind us. We suffered only 53 casualties throughout the entire battle, and only 6 of them were fatalities. It was all over by dawn.

Emperor Typhon took the palace alone, and made short work of Triton. But when he came out of the palace, I couldn't help but notice a hint of disappointment upon his face.

I really wonder if he shares my pity for the lives lost here.

Deep in thought, I almost forgot to turn left towards Typhon's chambers. There were 5 sets of guards posted at his door. They were Typhon's elite; chosen for their actions during last week's battle for this city. All but one of them; Harold; stood aside as I approached.

Him and I have been at odds from the moment we crossed paths at last week's battle. Since he is the one who killed Janus; the former emperor's son, in a "glorious duel" according to his own words, he has been vouching for my position as Typhon's confidant. Even though I'm the one who weakened Janus in the first place, I decided to let him have his bragging rights.

Harold stepped up to me and snatched his yellow Shard out of his collar. "Why would you wish to converse with his majesty while he is in his chambers? His majesty takes all audiences in the throne room, and you are not an exception, Ms. Paige."

I wouldn't even stop moving forward with him in my way. With a wave of my Shard, he was mown aside. The rest of the guards clumsily drew their own Shards, but didn't go any further than that. His excellency made sure that everyone knew who was second-in-charge around here, and they knew it too.

I turned to face Harold, who just gave me a malicious smirk. Only he was bold enough to vouch for my position under his excellencies command. That boldness was the only reason such a character found favor in my master.

"I am here at his excellency's personal request, if you get in my way again, you won't even have time to regret your mistake." Not bearing to look at his pathetic face anymore, I turned away from Harold to knock on the chamber doors. To my surprise, the doors opened for me.

The one holding the door open was Emperor Typhon himself. "Ms. Paige," he said in calm greeting.

Immediately I knelt. "Your excellency."

"No." He held a hand out to help me up. What he said next had surprised me.

"Just Typhon will do."

I reluctantly took his hand. "Yes your e-Typhon."

As he helped me to my feet, he groaned. "Call me whatever you wish. Just don't flatter yourself." Typhon then slammed the door shut, and strode away from me towards a small table. "Come," he beckoned me.