8 Change of the Guard

Machairi and Francis have traveled on foot slightly under a day from the lesser populated areas of the empire. As the two old men approached the gates of central city, they both stared at each other and didn't break their silence. The men approach a black gate with two guards. Both Machairi and Francis do their respective salutes a bow and clinched fist on their hearts.

A guard at the gate greats the men, "Lord Francis and Master Machairi we are under orders to escort you immediately to the emperor's thrown room."

With continued silence the men travel with the two gate guards through central city towards their emperor. The guard's take note of the silence and are a bit fearful. One guard mutters quietly to himself, "they're a bit stuck up and full of themselves."

Machairi emotionless face suddenly has a smile, and he says, "You think I am stuck up?"

"Of course not master Machairi, you are a hero to our empire. All imperial fo...," says the guard with a gargling sound.

"He is a fool," says Francis as he quickly unsheathes his long sword and slices the insolent guard's neck. "I don't know why the emperor always has the worst guards at his front gates. They talk too much to have such an important job."

Machairi grins further and his wrinkles show slightly beneath his black hood. He quietly forms blades in is left hand and says, "You break your silence to comment of the trash? I'll take the rest of the trash out, okay."

As Francis nods his head with approval, Machairi throws his daggers into the remaining guard's heart. "The quality of guards is really poor Francis, lets continue on our task."

"Agreed, I will have a word with the emperor on who is choosing his gate gaurds," says Francis."

Both men have smiles on their face, for their murders rage disguised on justifiable homicide brings joy to both their hearts. Both men continue onward to the central city castle, both men continue towards their emperor. As both men enter the castle and work their way towards the chamber the emperor awaits their arrival. As usual, he sits on his throne with his left hand on the left handle of the throne and his right hand on his right knee. The emperor's face is covered but his look is of boredom. He thinks to himself about the going on in his imperial lands. His thoughts are interrupted as Francis and Machairi enter his throne room.

"Lord Emperor!" announces Francis with his fist over heart salute, "We bring news of the Kaian and the Wiseman."

In a deep commanding voice, the emperor says, "Francis, why is Machairi here? He has a mission still to acquire the ability."

Machairi removes his hood, bows deeply, and has his hands open and says, "Imperial Lord Emperor, I know you have no tolerance for failure. My lord I have failed you twice. I am here to answer to you directly for my transgressions."

"Machairi, failure isn't something you ever do. As you know, I don't tolerate failure. The penalty is death," says the emperor with a disapproving tone.

"Our asset, Mirkos has betrayed us my Lord Emperor. I take full responsibility because I trained him and…." Says Machairi with a pause in his sentence as he sees the emperor raise his right hand. Machairi didn't think he would be killed for Mirkos' betrayal, but he senses the emperor's anger. Out of the corner of his eye, Francis looks towards Machairi to see if there is any emotion in Machairi's face. Machairi's training of deceit serves him well, because he has learned to show no emotion and to hide his thoughts because he knows the emperor can read minds. The emperor picks up a goblet with his right hand and sips a bit of water.

"Continue your report of your mistakes Machairi!" says the emperor with a booming voice with a growing disapproving tone.

"Lord Imperial Emperor, I have witnessed one of the Wiseman's secret abilities, but not the healing ability. But I have to s….." says Machairi with another interruption from the Emperor.

The emperor lets out a maniacal and evil laugh. Both Machairi and Francis look at each other with puzzled looks. The emperor says, "Machairi you will leave my chamber alive, today. You have no need to worry as I have already read your mind as you entered central city. I am aware that you were bested by Sai. That's her name eh? Sai bested you in your battle with the Wiseman. Yes, you were supposed to kill any prophecies' on sight which is my standing order. You failed and couldn't. Your loyalty pleases me Machairi. But tell me something, honestly because I can't sense it."

Machairi says, "Yes my lord."

"Do you think you're powerful enough to kill the bitch?" Asks the emperor in a jovial and taunting tone.

"Absolutely my lord," answers Machairi.

"You have a standing order to kill Sai, the Wiseman, but bring Mirkos to me. I will take care of him myself. I dislike traitors. You may leave now, Machairi," says the emperor.

Machairi approaches the throne and leaves his notes and seeing orb with the recordings on the Wiseman's and Sai's movements. He bows gracefully and Machairi leaves the throne room unscathed. He is highly thankful to still be alive and he sets out to complete his mission.

"Francis! I read your mind, you're correct I need better gate guards," says the emperor. Both the emperor and Francis laugh simultaneously. Francis and the emperor have a better rapport with each other. One could easily claim that Francis is trusted by the emperor. In another context, one could easily say they are friends of a sort.

"Lord Emperor, I do the will of the empire and displace the weak and traitorous. What is my next mission my Emperor," says Francis in a submissive and meek voice.

"Francis, I need you to go back to the Yaeger lands. I want you to take Schroeder to the Kaian lands and arrest Queen Rousha. Her failure of allowing Sai to exist must be answered," says the emperor in a commanding voice.

"Yes my emperor, I will do as ordered"

"Francis, after you arrest Queen Rousha you're going to take her place as Imperial Viceroy of Kaia."

With a puzzled look on his face Francis responds, "Imperial Viceroy over Kaia?? I have never heard of this title."

"I tire of playing with our Kaian slaves. They don't need a queen, even if the queen is in name only. The Kaian need tight and fierce rule by their overseer. I know you rather be in the front battle lines or serving me directly in central city, yet this is the best course of action until Sai is taken care of."

"Yes my master, as you command." Francis gives a salute as the emperor places his goblet down and stops talking. Francis takes leave from the throne room and finds passage to go back to the Yeager lands. He travels quickly on horse back in a day, for he needs to convey the emperor's wishes to Yeager command.

Francis goes to Yeager command's headquarters at their castle. Upon his arrival he hurries to summon the three bothers who command the Yeager forces Schroeder, Smithiz, Slazhter. With excitement Francis reports the emperor's wises, "Schroeder, Smithiz, Slazhter I am joyed that we meet yet again. I have news from central city."

Slazhter says in an inquisitive tone, "Sir Francis, I hope it is good tidings from the emperor. We need his continued blessing of employing our soldiers and his good graces."

"Indeed, Lord Slazhter I bring good news. We have been ordered to arrest the insolent Queen Rousha and to occupy the Kaian territory, " Says Francis.

Smithiz with a skeptical tone, "Ordered? We are still a sovereign territory on this island. We have an arrangement with the empire. We make our own orders."

"Hear him out brother," Says Schroeder. "Francis has special rapport with the emperor. He has his ear in a way. We could get an even better deal for the weapons the emperor buys and for the soldiers he keeps in his imperial forces."

"The emperor wants Schroeder and I to occupy the Kaian land, and I will become the Viceroy of the region," Explained Francis.

"This is unheard of!" Shouts Smithiz. With a red face full of fury, he shouts, "This is an outrage! If he was alive, father would of never tolerated this disrespect from the empire. I won't stand for this!" Smithiz walked abruptly out of the room and slams the door behind him.

Slazhter rubs his long beard and thinks carefully on the situation. He surveys the now silent filled room with his eyes. He notices Schroeder has a grin on his face. No doubt he is wanting to battle with the Kaians which might have loyalty to the Queen. This is troublesome Slazhter thinks to himself. Slazhter, also, notices Francis' demeanor. Francis' face seems matter of fact and his attitude exerted confidence. Slazhter starts to think that the emperor is looking to split his kingdom.

Slazhter pushes this thought away as Schroeder breaks by boasting, "Brother ignore Smithiz, he is a fool. I want to get my revenge on that bitch Queen Rousha. She should of never of made Sai! This whole situation is troublesome. I plan on killing the bitch."

Slazhter looks at Francis and stares into his eyes to gauge his response, "You're a Yeagar, never forget that. Your first loyalty is to our militia and our territories."

Francis quickly slaps his chest with a right cliched fist and says, "Of course Lord Slazhter. Your command is my will."

Slazhter wonders if Francis told the emperor the same rubbish. He knows full well Francis is more loyal to the emperor. He thinks it is an unhealthy arrangement between the two. He thinks to himself Francis will be dealt with when the time is right.

Slazhter looks away from Francis and turns towards a window and looks outside. He continues to rub his beard and to think carefully on how to deliver his orders, and suddenly he says, "Grab a division of tanks and a division of troops. Schroeder will command the troop division and you are responsible for the tanks. You're dismissed Francis."

"By your will my Lord," Says Francis as he exits the room.

Now alone the two brothers continue to conversation.

Schroeder walks to his brother, "Brother why are you troubled?"

"I don't trust Francis. I feel he has no loyalty to us. Schroeder, I suspect Francis recorded this conversation and reports our actions directly to the emperor."

"It's likely but brother, you know I am the best at hand to hand combat operations out of all the Yeagers. I can take Francis down easily since he is an old man," says Schroeder with an unusually calm voice, which is out side of his nature.

"Be sure Francis grabs the tank division and choose your troops carefully. I want you to hand pick you best troops, Schroeder."

"Absolutely brother," says Schroeder as he salutes Slazhter and begins to leave to prepare for the operation.

"Brother, I have to tell you don't under estimate Francis because he is old."

Surprised by Slazhter overly cautious tone, Schroeder says, "Why shouldn't I under estimate an old geezer like Francis?"

"His sword --- His sword is what keeps him alive," explains Slazhter.

"Duh brother of course his sword keeps him alive."

Slazhter stops looking at the window and turns around. He walks up to Schroeder and both of their brown eyes meet. "Brother, he lives because his sword is a blood sword which has been infused with black magic. If Francis activates its ability of life drain-- Schroeder the life becomes Francis' life force. The only person I know whom can touch that damn sword is Machairi…"

Schroeder abruptly interrupts his brother and continues to walk towards the door, "Stop being weak like a woman. I am going to kill that Kaian Queen and deliver her head to you personally. Maybe you will regain your balls."

Schroeder slams the door as he leaves the room and Slazhter is left alone with his thoughts. He begins to think if Raijin was ready to command, he would send a backup force. He didn't have much confidence in Raijin due to him not being pure Yeager. Nevertheless, Slazhter decides to summon Raijin to have a conversation with him and to find the status of his academy exam.

Later in the afternoon, Raijin arrives at his brother's castle. He seldom comes back to speak with them due to being busy, yet Slazhter summoned him for some reason earlier this morning.

"Brother! It has been too long," says Raijin as he sends the traditional fist salute.

Slazhter gives Raijin a disapproving stare, "I am your Lord and you will address me as such. What is that Academy teaching you?"

Puzzled by the formality of his brother title, Raijin continues to speak, "Lord Slazhter, I am reporting as ordered."

"I will get to the point. I don't trust Sir Francis and I think Lord Schroeder's blood lust for revenge blinds him. I want you to accompany Sir Francis and Lord Schroeder on their mission to Kaia."

As the words, "Yes my Lord." leaves Raijin's lips Slazhter gives Raijin a swatting gesture of dismissal. Raijin salutes again and promptly leaves the room. He walks to the troop barracks and finds Schroeder, and soon Raijin observes Schroeder's troop selection. Raijin takes not that all the soldiers seemed young and large. Their appearance seemed like Schroeder.

The two brothers speak after the troop selection ends.

"Raijin what do you think of the troops?"

"I think operation will be successful under your command my Lord," Says Raijin.

"Drop the my Lord bullshit Raijin," says Schroeder as he spits on the ground," Formal talk like that will get you killed on the battlefield."

"Battlefield?"

"Yeah, I know Slazhter thinks I am mindless and have a blood lust to get revenge. He is wrong. I am just pissed off at the fact Sai wounded me. No woman has ever bested me and lived to tell the tale. I have killed enough of them. Anyways I digress, yes brother we are going to Kaia to battle. The orders are to arrest the queen, but I am more interested in taking over Kaia, and I plan on disposing of that traitor Francis."

Raijin dutifully nods his head just as his academy training has told him to do so. Always obey the superior officer. The Yeager military academies are nothing more than brainwashing camps for their mercenary army, but the participants don't know this.

Raijin looks directly at Schroeder standing strait up and offers a perfect salute just as he was trained to. Raijin is excited to be on his first real mission as a cadet, and he robotically responds to his brother saying, "Yes my Lord --- my Brother Schroeder. Your will is my command.