Back at his own office, Minister Stuart was brimming with anticipation as he met Duran, who was on tenterhooks to learn the outcome of His Majesty’s response to his missive. However, the emperor’s guards soon showed up, bearing a dark and unexpected message, one that would send shivers down Duran's spine. The order was chillingly clear: “Duran, the chief official of the observatory, had been found guilty of committing the heinous crime of spreading rumors about specters, and as such, he was to be executed forthwith, with no mercy and no hesitation.” With grim determination, the royal guards stripped Duran of his coronet and red robe, bound him with thick ropes and iron chains, and dragged him off to the palace gate, as if he were nothing more than a common criminal. The entire scene was macabre and terrifying, and it sent a shiver down the spines of those who witnessed it. However, as they were making their way towards the gate, they happened to encounter an official who was dress
The Minister Michael shuffled into the throne room, looking like a sorry sight, with his hair standing on end and his face unshaven. His thin cotton garments were soiled and wrinkled, giving him a disreputable appearance as he knelt before Emperor William, waiting for his punishment to fall. "You're a blind bat!" the emperor thundered. "Do you have any inkling what this is for?" He pointed to the burning brass pillar known as Tall Brass Maiden in the corner of the room. Minister Michael raised his head, his expression one of perplexity. "No, I'm as much in the dark as a bat, Your Majesty," he replied timidly. The emperor laughed savagely, enjoying his power over the hapless minister. "You're a real goose, aren't you? You know nothing except how to offend your emperor with your sharp tongue. But you don't seem to know that I invented these burning pillars especially for you. I'll roast your flesh and bones on this very pillar. Let anyone who dares to defame me with rumors and lies
Fina Fox seethed with anger as she returned to her court, feeling as if she had been slapped in the face by Empress Guma's insulting behavior. "I'll be damned if I let that viper get the best of me," she growled to her faithful maidservant Gina."What's the matter? You look like you've swallowed a lemon."Gina noticed Fina's foul mood and prodded her to reveal what had happened."That old hag Guma humiliated me in front of everyone. But mark my words, I'll have my revenge," Fina Fox didn't hold back."You want to be the empress? But how?" Gina's eyes widened in surprise when Fina revealed her ultimate goal."I have a plan, but I need your help. We'll need to think outside the box and find a way to remove Guma from the equation. It won't be easy, but I won't rest until I'm on the throne. Are you with me?" Fina's face darkened with determination.Gina nodded eagerly, thrilled to be a part of Fina's grand scheme."I'll do whatever it takes to help you, my lady. Let's consult a minister a
"I swear on my life, cross my heart and hope to die, that I am steadfast and pure of heart," she swore,"I implore you to take pity on me, have mercy on my soul. There are malicious spirits lurking in the shadows, waiting to strike. I earnestly hope that you will judge me not by hearsay, but by my daily conduct and acquit me of this wrongful accusation.”Empress Guma pleaded with all the sincerity she could muster. her heart was heavy with the weight of false allegations that had been spread like wildfire. She knew that there were nefarious forces at work, pulling the strings and trying to frame her for crimes she hadn't committed.But she refused to let them win. She prayed that justice would prevail, that the truth would come to light, and that she would be able to clear her name once and for all."The royal decree hath accused you of dispatching Jasper Washington to slay the emperor, all so that thy father may seize the throne. If these allegations are proven true, you shall be gui
As Concubine Harper approached the imposing gate of the West Palace, she was accosted by a rugged-looking man who seemed to have sprung from nowhere."Who goes there?" she demanded, readying herself for any trouble. But the man, none other than Tolly in the disguise of Cloud River, seemed unperturbed by her hostility."Lead me to Empress Guma, I’m her friend. " he said urgently, "I gave her a gift a few days ago- White Feather. But it appears that it’s been burned away. Something horrible must have happened to her. I fear the worst."“You’re right,” said Concubine Harper in surprise, “Come with me. I hope you can help her out.”As they rushed to the scene, they found Empress Guma lying on the ground, her once-vibrant clothes now soaked in crimson blood. Cloud River let out a mournful cry."Forgive me, Your Majesty. I should have come sooner," he wailed.But Empress Guma, still clinging to life, managed a faint smile."Don't blame yourself, Mr. Cloud River. It's all my fault. I shoul
“That monster has already taken his own wife's life, and now he seeks to spill the blood of his own flesh and blood. You're not safe here, my dear prince and princess. Seek refuge in the Fragrant Palace with Concubine Yvonne until a powerful minister can plead your case before the emperor. Only then will you be out of harm's way," she advised them, hoping to offer them a glimmer of hope in these dark times.“Go with me,” said Cloud River, “I think the Fragrant Palace is not safe, either. You know, the emperor has gone crazy!”Yet, they did not take his advice. Instead, the prince and the princess knelt down before Concubine Harper."Oh, gracious Lady! Your kindness knows no bounds. My mother lies here, exposed to the elements, and we are forever in your debt if you could provide her with a coffin," Prince Hobart exclaimed, his voice quivering with emotion.The concubine nodded solemnly, her eyes gleaming with tears. "You had best make haste and leave this place as soon as possible,"
“You’re spot on, Minister Ross Russel,” nodded General Addison in agreement.The rest of the officials remained tight-lipped as the prince and the princess wept profusely. Benji Frost and Blair Frost ushed through the throngs of people with great fervor.“Emperor William is a malicious despot. By ordering the execution of his own children, he’s attempting to sever his own ancestral lineage, and by murdering his wife, he’s defied all ethical codes. We’ll escort the prince and the princess to their maternal grandfather Bill Washington and raise an army to depose him. This is nothing short of a rebellion.”Benji Frost hoisted Prince Hobart onto his shoulders and Blair Frost took charge of Princess Yana. They made their escape from the capital through the southern gate. Tolly, in disguise of Cloud River, was happy that he had two more helpers, though they did not decide to go to Fanta city yet.‘Perhaps I can go to see Bill Washington together with them first and then see what I can do th
Once alone, General Addison summoned his trusted general to discuss the situation. “General Paul Bailey and Logan Kline have come with the emperor’s official tally, demanding 4,000 flying horsemen to pursue the princes,” revealed General Adddison, “But we can’t spare our strongest warriors for this task. Select only the weakest, the elderly, and the injured. Let Geneal Paul Bailey and Longan Kline take them tomorrow.” The next morning, Geneal Paul Bailey and Longan Kline arrived to find their men looking as feeble as a mouse caught in a trap. The sorry sight of the stumbling and floundering army was enough to make them shake their heads in disbelief. But the Carlson brothers were already on their way, having traveled for two days with the young princes. Benji Frost knew they had come too far to turn back now, and they needed to take action. "Brother, we're in a bit of a pickle," he said to his brother Blair Frost . "We've got to spend some money to get out of this mess. But sellin