Chapter Twenty

Jaqo stood near the grand entrance of the White House ballroom, trying to stay composed amid the whirlwind of emotions swirling around him. The enormous hall, with its towering marble columns and glittering chandeliers, was alive with laughter and celebration. The sweet smell of roasted meats, honeyed wine, and freshly baked bread filled the air, mingling with the perfumes of the city's finest citizens. The night sky, visible through the large glass windows, sparkled with stars, as if even the heavens had decided to witness this momentous occasion.

For Jaqo, this moment was surreal. He had gone from being a scribe in Pentos, sold into slavery by a merchant family, to standing here—inside the heart of Eden—among the most powerful figures in the world. In his wildest dreams, he never thought he would find himself among such grandeur. His position as Garth's assistant, a role that gave him unprecedented access to Eden's elite, had opened doors he never even knew existed.

At the head of the room, elevated on a raised platform, sat the leaders of Eden, the heart and soul of the city. They were figures of such immense importance that the crowd barely dared to look directly at them, yet all eyes kept darting toward the platform, as if being in their presence was a privilege in itself.

In the center, with his commanding presence, was Mark Lantrun, the Supreme Leader. His calm demeanor and sharp eyes scanned the room with the subtle confidence of a man who knew he controlled the fates of everyone in it. Mark's attire was simple, a dark tunic embroidered with the sigils of Eden, but his quiet power made him stand out more than any ornate garment could.

Beside him sat Clara Lantrun, his mother, whom the people of Eden had affectionately named "The Saint." Clara's healing abilities had become legendary in Eden, and her charitable acts were known throughout the land. Tonight, she wore an elegant yet modest dress of flowing white, her hair styled in simple waves. A warm smile graced her face as she watched the festivities. A tower of brightly colored macaroons sat untouched on the table in front of her, alongside a glass of champagne she occasionally sipped from. Though Mark's stoic expression rarely wavered, Clara's gentle laughter and conversation with those nearby created a sense of warmth and ease at the head table.

To Clara's left sat Taren, the High General, the formidable leader of Eden's Seeker Army. His powerful frame and stern gaze commanded respect. It was Taren who led the raids against the Dothraki hordes and the slavers of Slaver's Bay, breaking the chains of those in bondage and returning them to Eden as free men and women. Despite his fearsome reputation, he sat quietly tonight, occasionally nodding to those who spoke with him but remaining ever vigilant, his eyes scanning the crowd like a predator.

Orin, the High Inquisitor, sat beside Taren, his presence shrouded in mystery. The Inquisitors were Eden's secret police, tasked with rooting out traitors, spies, and saboteurs. Orin's methods were whispered about in hushed tones—efficient, ruthless, and feared by all. He looked relaxed tonight, but there was an intensity in his eyes that never left him. The faintest of smirks crossed his face as he caught Jaqo's gaze, sending a chill down Jaqo's spine.

At the same table, Garth, Jaqo's superior, represented Eden's commercial might. In charge of the city's trade, Garth ensured that Eden's influence spread far beyond its borders, not just through military power but also through its wealth. Despite Eden's self-sufficiency, they engaged in trade to build alliances and soft power. Tonight, Garth appeared uncharacteristically lighthearted, laughing with the guests around him. Jaqo could tell that even Garth, ever the businessman, was allowing himself a moment of indulgence in the triumph of Qarth's fall.

Jaqo's gaze shifted back to the grand ballroom. The celebration was in full swing, with music filling the air, and the sound of clinking glasses echoing across the hall. People from all walks of life, from former slaves to merchants, danced and sang in jubilation. For them, the fall of Qarth represented more than just the destruction of a powerful city; it was the symbolic beginning of the end of slavery, a promise of a future where freedom was not a privilege but a right.

As Jaqo stood in the shadows of the room, observing the revelry, Mark Lantrun rose from his seat. The crowd hushed immediately, a ripple of excitement spreading through the hall. Even Clara's soft smile widened as her son, the Supreme Leader, prepared to speak.

Mark's voice was deep and commanding, yet it carried a quiet intensity that drew the room in. "Brothers and sisters of Eden," he began, his voice cutting through the silence, "tonight, we celebrate not just the fall of Qarth, but the rise of something far greater. The rise of Eden as the beacon of hope, of freedom, for those who have suffered under the chains of slavery."

A roar of approval erupted from the crowd, but Mark raised his hand, calming them once again.

"This is not the end," he continued, "this is just the beginning. The fall of Qarth is the first step in a long journey—one that will see the end of tyranny and oppression in every corner of the world. Our enemies thought they could silence us, but today, they know the truth. Eden is not just a city. It is an idea. An idea that freedom is a right, not a luxury. That every man, woman, and child deserves to live without fear."

The applause was deafening, and Jaqo could feel the emotion welling up inside him. It was impossible not to be moved by the Supreme Leader's words.

Mark's gaze swept the room as he continued. "In Qarth, the so-called Queen of Cities, the rich and powerful ruled with an iron fist while the poor and enslaved suffered beneath them. Tonight, that city burns. And from its ashes, a new world will rise. A world where no child will be born in chains. A world where no one will be sold like cattle."

Jaqo could see tears in the eyes of many around him, especially those who had once been slaves. Mark's words struck at the heart of their experiences. They had lived through the horrors he spoke of. They had known the pain of slavery firsthand, and now they stood in a city that promised them safety, dignity, and freedom.

The Supreme Leader's voice lowered slightly, growing even more intense. "We are the future. And tonight, we are not just celebrating a victory over a city. We are celebrating the first step in a revolution that will change the world."

The room erupted in applause once more, glasses raised high in the air. Cries of "For Eden!" and "For freedom!" echoed through the hall. The energy was electric, and Jaqo, despite his disciplined demeanor, found himself caught up in it. The power of Mark's words, the sheer force of the moment, was undeniable.

As the celebrations resumed, Jaqo slipped through the crowd, his eyes still fixed on the head table. The leaders of Eden had returned to their conversations, but the weight of what had been said lingered in the air. Clara Lantrun was laughing softly with Garth, and Orin had leaned over to speak in hushed tones with Taren, no doubt discussing matters of strategy and defense.

Jaqo felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Garth grinning at him. "Quite a night, isn't it?" Garth said, his voice thick with pride.

"Yes, sir," Jaqo replied, bowing slightly. "It's a night that will be remembered for generations."

Garth nodded, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "Indeed. Qarth was only the beginning. There's a long road ahead, but with Mark at the helm, we're going to change the world."

Jaqo smiled, feeling a swell of loyalty to both Garth and the Supreme Leader. "I have no doubt of that, sir."

As the music played on and the people of Eden celebrated their freedom, Jaqo allowed himself a brief moment of reflection. He had been a slave once, a mere tool in the hands of others. Now, he was part of something far greater, something that would reshape the world. And as he stood in the shadows of the White House ballroom, watching the leaders of Eden, Jaqo knew that he would follow Mark Lantrun to the ends of the earth if it meant protecting this vision of freedom.

For Eden was not just a city. It was hope. And tonight, that hope shone brighter than ever before.