Chapter 18: Movements in the Dark

Prosperity and power were words synonymous with the Empire. Where no young man went hungry and where no young voice went unheard, the strongest on the continent was not a title that could spread from just words.

When one reached such levels of power, even the rising sun and the setting moon seem like petty trifles that their canons could hold down.

Of course, cannons, were none other than the two greatest forms of power the gods had bestowed upon this world. Far back when they and their vassals roamed these greens under these very blues, the way they had created for their most loyal to protect themselves.

Magic, for wizards. And Aura, for the knights.

Those that wielded these abilities weren't scarce, even now when the gods had left and their vessels had waned against the trial of time.

Power, was now their domain. And the empire that was power itself, naturally had the best of all knights and wizards on the continent.

On the surface, and below it.

For what set apart an empire from a kingdom, than where their enemies laid?

In the sewage of the central plains of the empire, in the capital city that neared not just the maritime but the overground silk routes, reigned over the mountains of the north, the forests and seas of the west and the south and the foreigners of the east, the city that housed the strongest being, the closest being to a god, the emperor.

In the sewage of such a grand city, a council convened.

The sloshing sounds of the water in the underground pipelines served as a cover. The rats squeaking over the mossy, damp clay and stone platforms drowned out the sounds that spread from the crackling of the fire.

Around the flames, robed figures sat.

"This place stinks, sire."

"Bear with it."

"Why must we convene in the sewers, anyway, sire? Jim's home is just as grand a place as this, his wife would have also made us some pies."

"Bear with that too. Also, Jim, if your house is comparable to the sewers, I wouldn't step a foot inside."

"Slander, sire. Slander!"

Jim was believed… for now.

The sire, the one at the head of the table wearing a mask dabbed in gold coughed and reached into the folds of his robes. Out with his hands came a wad of newspapers that he tossed in front. The ones gathered around leaned ahead.

"Sire, Jim, can't read."

"Ahem," the sire coughed. "It is the newspaper. Dated for yesterday, I am focusing on an article, by one 'Ecant Right,' do you follow, Jim?"

"Yes, Sire, yes."

"It shows a picture of the woman from the Earldom of Et Kaiser. Kristine, that rising knight. Her fancy little troupe has made its way up the skies and now even the empire has acknowledged them! It's an article that says she has announced herself as an undeniable force of this country."

The sire took in a breath, and slammed his fist on the table.

"That wench! We're knights too, but no one wants us simply because we don't follow the 'creed' of knights? And they hail this girl. This empire is rotten to the core."

The sire's powerful words echoed through the sewers.

The rats around dashed away while the water sloshing slowed down in fear.

Like a tiger looking down on its prey, the sire moved his mask-covered eyes over the others at the table.

"You all, find something. Anything! This woman can't be let rise to power, lest we wish for our dreams of toppling this empire be sloshed away in these sewers." The sire leaned closer. "Whether it is a plushy of a cat she sleeps with, or whether she runs in a brothel in the back. Whether she fawns over a wizard, or whether she kills people for fun. No matter what, find me something. Anything to incriminate this woman. If nothing exists, then make something."

"Ooh, sire, evil. Even the barbars won't stoop this low."

"No, the sire has deeper plans. He wants to make this woman fall and bring all of her knights into our control, is that right, sire?"

"Oh… um… indeed. You have seen through my plans."

"Amazing, sire!"

"Enough. Set out, now."

"Yes, sire!"

"Also, Jim, how can you not read? Every child is given education in this empire!"

"Slander, sire. Slander!"

Enemies within the empire were brewing their plans, at a place one couldn't see, but surely smell.