The Dark Ichalocha Of Terres Nei

Chapter 6: Inquisition

The following day proved to be a turning point in Maleek's tumultuous journey as he found himself ordered by the King to appear before the palace council. The loyal servant, Palo took it upon himself to ensure Maleek was adorned in attire befitting an audience of royalty. Dressed in white garments, the contrast with the black socks and boots spoke volumes of the gravity of the occasion. Despite the regality of his new attire, Maleek's movements were restricted by the magic-dampening shackles that adorned his neck, wrists, and ankles, a stark reminder of his constrained existence.

As Palo escorted Maleek and the Fulani Royal Guard, the clinking of chains resonated through the palace corridors, a haunting echo of his perceived transgressions. The Fulani Royal Guard, armed to the teeth, maintained a vigilant watch, perhaps a testament to the perceived threat Maleek posed even in his restrained state.

The throne room awaited Maleek's arrival, its grandeur overshadowed by the solemnity of the impending judgment. Positioned at the pinnacle of power were two figures, a man, and a woman, whose presence commanded respect and fear. Seated on the imposing throne chairs were none other than King Sulumarium Negrum and Queen Priestess Luminarium Negrum. Their very titles echoed authority and hinted at the intricate connection between secular and spiritual realms within the kingdom.

The atmosphere in the throne room was tense as Maleek, flanked by the imposing Fulani Royal Guard, was brought to the center stage. King Sulumarium Negrum, a figure dressed in regal attire and wearing a countenance that mirrored wisdom and severity, exuded an air of dominance. Beside him, Queen Priestess Luminarium Negrum, adorned in garments that symbolized her dual role as both queen and priestess, radiated an aura of mystique.

The three remaining walls of the throne room were not mere ornamentation; they housed the esteemed members of the Illuminarium council, collectively known as The Order of the Illuminous Negus Factum. This assembly of elders, representing distinct regions, held sway over matters of great significance. Their sagacious presence hinted at the gravity of Maleek's transgressions, as the Illuminous Negus Factum was seldom convened except for matters of the utmost importance.

The Illuminous Negus Factum, each with their unique garb and symbols of authority, encircled the throne room, forming a silent tribunal that would pass judgment on Maleek's fate. Their expressions ranged from stern solemnity to thoughtful contemplation, betraying the weight of responsibility that rested on their shoulders. As representatives of their respective regions, they embodied the diversity and unity that characterized the Fulani kingdom.

Maleek stood amid this assembly, his fate hanging in the balance. The air crackled with anticipation as the Illuminarium council prepared to deliberate on the charges leveled against him. The clinking of his chains served as a dissonant soundtrack to the hushed murmurs that rippled through the throne room. The juxtaposition of Maleek's humble and restrained presence against the grandeur of the throne room underscored the stark contrasts that defined this critical moment in the kingdom's history.

The throne room, witness to the ebb and flow of power, now stood as the stage for a pivotal chapter in Maleek's destiny. The eyes of the Order of Illuminous Negus Factum bore into him, their collective gaze a metaphorical weight that pressed down on him. As Maleek awaited the pronouncement of his fate, the throne room seemed suspended in time, a tableau frozen in anticipation of the verdict that would shape the course of his life and the kingdom's destiny.

The Order of the Illuminarium, the governing council that held the threads of power within the Fulani kingdom, was a formidable assembly, and at its core stood the eldest representative of the region, Terres Nei. This venerable figure held the wisdom and experience garnered over countless years, a living embodiment of the kingdom's enduring legacy. The council comprised distinguished elders, each bearing the weight of their unique responsibilities. 

The "Illuminous Negus Factum Order" wasn't merely a group of elders; it was pivotal in determining the next monarch, the protector and enforcer of laws throughout the realm. The selection process was no trivial matter; aspirants to the throne were subjected to a series of rigorous trials, a multifaceted examination that spanned magic, philosophy, swordsmanship, martial arts, and military tactics. Only those who demonstrated the highest level of proficiency in these domains were deemed worthy of ascending to the throne.

Moreover, the monarchs-to-be were required to master the five elements that defined the very fabric of the realm. Earth, water, fire, air, and ether were not just philosophical concepts but tangible forces that the chosen ruler must command. The monarch's responsibility extended beyond the political realm; they were expected to be attuned to the fundamental forces shaping the kingdom's existence.

The commitment to excellence extended to the monarch's progeny as well. The king and queen's children were immediately ushered into a rigorous training regimen encompassing magic, technology, and swordsmanship. The education of the royal offspring wasn't just a matter of tradition; it was a strategic investment in the kingdom's future, ensuring that the heirs possessed the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the intricate web of power and responsibility.

The physical appearance of the reigning monarchs, King Sulumarium Negrum and Queen Priestess Luminarium Negrum, was a testament to the kingdom's rich cultural tapestry. Both bore distinct Nubian features, reflecting the kingdom's diverse heritage. Despite their apparent age in the mid-fifties, a deceptive facade veiled their true longevity. Remarkably, they were at least 12,000 years old, a testament to the longevity of the Terres Nei. However, it is essential to note that this longevity does not equate to immortality; the Terres Nei were subject to the inexorable passage of time, albeit at a pace that far surpassed the ordinary.

As the custodians of tradition and arbiters of the kingdom's destiny, the Terres Nei and the Illuminous Negus Factum Order stood as pillars of stability in a realm characterized by magic, mystery, and the ceaseless march of time. The delicate balance they maintained, between the mystical and the practical, the ancient and the contemporary, was the bedrock upon which the Fulani kingdom flourished, and the trials faced by Maleek held the potential to either fortify or fracture this delicate equilibrium.

King Sulumarium Negrum, the imposing figure at the helm of the Fulani kingdom, commanded attention not only through the weight of his title but also through his distinct physical presence. Dark features defined his countenance, and his face, framed by long graying locks and a carefully groomed beard, bore the marks of both wisdom and authority. His regal attire, a kingly robe that cascaded in rich folds, was a canvas of vibrant hues. Red, yellow, and orange interwoven seamlessly, creating a tapestry that spoke of both royalty and the dynamic nature of the realm he governed. The crown atop his head, a symbol of his elevated status, was crafted from gold and adorned with an embedded gemstone that glowed with fiery brilliance.

This gemstone, a precious focal point of the crown, held more than mere aesthetic significance; it served as a conduit to the ancient wisdom encapsulated in the Terres Nei's solar cycles. Etchings on the crown depicted intricate symbols representing the cosmic dance of the celestial bodies, each marking a testament to the Terres Nei's connection to the forces that governed the kingdom's existence. The solar cycles, with their rhythmic ebb and flow, mirrored the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth, reflecting the enduring legacy that King Sulumarium Negrum, as a Terres Nei, bore on his shoulders.

Queen Quemaria Negrum, a sovereign adorned with the elegance of Nubian features, graced the realm with her presence, embodying a regal grace that mirrored the essence of the kingdom she co-ruled. Her dark skin, a testament to the rich diversity woven into the tapestry of the Fulani kingdom, was adorned with hues that complemented and accentuated her royal stature. The queenly robe that draped her form bore the majestic colors of Prussian blue, white, and argent embroidered metals, which resonated with the solemnity of her role and the grandeur of the throne she shared with King Sulumarium Negrum.

Queen Quemaria's jet-black curly hair, a cascade of midnight hues, caught the light in a mesmerizing dance, revealing an intricate play of shadows and highlights. Like a celestial veil, her hair framed her countenance and added a mystique to her regal presence. The choice of colors in her attire, the deep blue representing the vastness of the night sky, the purity of white, and the brilliance of argent metals, spoke of a queen who harmonized with the cosmic forces that shaped the kingdom.

Adorning her head, a crown of profound significance rested upon Queen Quemaria's brow. This regal circle bore the emblem of three moons, a symbolic representation of the realm's lunar cycles. Crafted from silver, the crown gleamed with an icy luster, an ethereal manifestation of the connection between the queen and the celestial bodies that governed the night. Dark-colored gemstones embedded in the crown added a mysterious touch, mirroring the night sky's depth where the moons held their silent vigil.

"Where are Prince Magi Aaslaam and Princess Maga Sehesatia?" The King's inquiry echoed through the throne room, cutting through the air with a sense of urgency that mirrored the gravity of the situation. The royal herald, a bearer of crucial information, approached to address the monarchs. "Aaslaam’s airship has suffered extensive damage after the shockwave, and The Princess is overseeing the salvage and repairs of the transport, weapons, and airships," the herald dutifully informed, his words resonating with a sense of both concern and duty. The King and Queen exchanged glances, silent communication hinting at the weight of their responsibilities.

"We must hurry and put together some form of defense force just in case Seklas launch another attack," The Queen asserted, her words cutting through the air with a decisive tone that brooked no delay. The specter of impending conflict hung over the throne room, prompting a swift response from the rulers who bore the mantle of safeguarding their kingdom.

"My King! I heard Seklas’ armies had suffered the same depletion in forces," the Royal Herald interjected, attempting to provide a glimmer of reassurance amid the ominous circumstances. The notion that Seklas, too, had faced losses provided a flicker of hope in the darkened corridors of uncertainty.

However, King Sulumarium's gaze turned piercingly towards Maleek, the enigmatic figure whose presence seemed intertwined with the chaos that had befallen the kingdom. "Is this being who crippled the royal military and Seklas’ forces?" The King's voice carried a weighty accusation, and the Royal Herald's confirmation only intensified the scrutiny directed at Maleek. "He is Your Highness," the herald affirmed, his words casting Maleek as a pivotal player in the unfolding drama.

The Queen, a figure of regal authority, signaled for Maleek to approach. "You! Come!" Her command echoed through the throne room, and Maleek complied, walking to the throne until he stood three feet away. The King and Queen descended from their thrones, their movements deliberate and interrogative as they circled Maleek. The atmosphere was tense, with a palpable sense of judgment in the air.

"Listen to me well, invader. You had better answer us because your life depends on it. Where are you from, stranger?" King Sulumarium's voice carried a demanding tone, the weight of his responsibility to protect the kingdom evident in every word. "Where did you obtain so much power? You not only decimated Seklas’ forces but ours as well. Our fleet of air and sea ships lie in ruins; many of our technologies are not functioning!"

Maleek, caught in the crossfire of suspicion, sought to clarify his perplexing situation. "Lady, I don't even know what power you are talking about. I am just as confused as you are. One minute, I was in my lab trying to control antimatter energy to create free energy. The next thing I knew, I woke up in some damn capsule bed."

The Queen's pointed questions continued, probing the nature of Maleek's presence in their realm. "Are you here as an enemy or a friend?" she demanded, her eyes fixed on the enigmatic stranger. "Right now, I am just trying to get back home," Maleek asserted, his response laden with a sincerity that cut through the air of suspicion. "Home?" The king's eyes narrowed with a daggering skepticism directed at Maleek. "Yeah, Earth!" Maleek confirmed, his declaration deepening shadows of depth and complexity.

The King and Queen exchanged a profound glance, a silent conversation passing between them as if they shared a telepathic connection. Their focus then returned to Maleek, the enigmatic figure whose presence had thrust the kingdom into a maelstrom of uncertainty. Suddenly, without any warning, Queen Quemaria seized Maleek's head with talon-like nails, her eyes aglow with an otherworldly intensity. "Ow, my fucking head," Maleek gritted through the pain, his body recoiling from the unexpected assault on his senses.

Maleek was plunged into a world of agony as Queen Quemaria, with an almost ruthless determination, forced herself into his memories. The excruciating migraine that followed left him vulnerable, his consciousness laid bare before the probing gaze of the queen. As she delved into his thoughts, she extracted memories, secrets, and fragments of his past, leaving Maleek disoriented and defenseless.

Once satisfied with the memories she had gleaned, Quemaria released her psychic grip, and Maleek crumpled to the ground, trying desperately to regain his bearings. The room seemed to spin as Maleek found himself on hands and knees, a profound sense of vertigo sweeping over him. Drops of blood fell from his nostrils, staining the floor beneath him. Quickly reacting, Palo urged for a chair, recognizing the need to support the disoriented visitor. A Fulani guard swiftly brought a chair, placing it next to Maleek, and Palo guided him into the seat, offering a steadying hand.

"He is not our enemy. Just some deluded fool looking for true power," Quemaria declared, her words carrying the weight of her psychic exploration. Maleek, still reeling from the intrusion, couldn't help but retort, "What the hell! I am no fool!" His protest was met with a scowl from Quemaria, a gesture that stifled any further defiance. Maleek, feeling the weight of her influence, buckled back, compelled into a reluctant silence.

"I have read your thoughts. I know your desires. You were looking to control raw energy. Energy is not an essence that you are forced to control. Energy is to be respected," Quemaria pronounced with a stern authority, her words resonating with wisdom that transcended the physical realm. As the room settled into an uneasy silence, Maleek, still grappling with the aftermath of the psychic intrusion, absorbed the profound truth embedded in her statement.

"Seklas wishes for true power by bringing his master Ilaldaoboth into our realm. You are dangerous and shall be put to death," King Sulumarium's command reverberated through the throne room, the weight of his judgment settling like an ominous cloud over Maleek. The accusation hung heavily in the air, starkly contrasting Maleek's earnest denial. "What? I did nothing wrong! I don't wish for power for myself. I was trying to create a source of clean energy for my world," Maleek protested, his words tinged with frustration and desperation.

"The King has spoken," Quemaria stated, her voice carrying the finality of regal authority. In the face of this verdict, Maleek found himself ensnared in a web of accusations, his quest for clean energy now intertwined with the ominous designs of Seklas and his dark master. The threat of death loomed, a consequence that seemed disproportionate to Maleek's intentions.