The Wrath Of the Forgotten (38 page)

Vihori swallowed hard for a moment. “My mother simply wants to secure the prosperity of the people of Gohoda. She and I fought many battles to ensure that the pirate lords no longer devoured the people who lived there. We do not want war with the Empire, but she refuses to be replaced by someone who does not know the culture of the city.”

Lusianis shook her head. Each word came forth from her lips like an icy night alongside the ocean. “The insolence. We could send a fleet of our finest ships and starve out your pirates if we chose to. You’re quite fortunate that my mother is so eager to cement a peaceful transition.”

Empress Fausa raised her hand, and both princesses eased back in their thrones. The amusement in the Empress’ eyes grew. “My daughters are very protective of the honor and legacy of our empire. I would assume the same can be said of your people in Gohoda? My daughter Flara has spoken very highly of you, and she has also spoken highly of the contribution your city could bring to the empire. There is much we can trade with one another.”

Vihori placed his hand to his chest. “It is as you say, my empress.”

The empress rubbed her index finger and thumb against her chin several times. “Very well. I will accept this marital arrangement provided that it is something that Flara really wants.”

A great pause extended within the audience chamber.

Flara squeaked. “O-oh yes. This is something that is necessary for the survival of the empire and for Gohoda. I humbly submit myself for the good of the people.”

“Very well,” Empress Fausa said. “After this matter with the Celestial Ones is handled, Tadaga Vihori will be wed to Twisha Flara. Until such time, I will honor and recognize Tadaga Amori as permanent governor of Gohoda and grant all benefits and requirements that any other imperial city receives.”

Vihori bowed all the lower. “Thank you, my empress.”

“Welcome to the family,” she replied. “I would like to address Alfana Luxi next.”

Luxi took Vihori’s place. Rather than be the boisterous river captain Nori knew her to be, Luxi appeared demure and reserved.

Cestise spoke up. “You are the captain who ferried our sister from Jadai?”

Luxi placed her hands behind her back, and met eyes with Princess Cestise. “I am. The fee that was to be charged was fifty thousand golden coins. The reason I…”

Lusianis interrupted her. “We are well aware of the reason. Though the price still seems high, you risked your life and the lives of your crew during such a dangerous period. I admire your courage and recommend sixty thousand, rather than fifty. I am even willing to pay the additional ten thousand coins from my own treasury.”

Empress Fausa nodded. “Very well. Captain Alfana Luxi, in addition to the fee of sixty thousand coins, I would invite you and your crew to stay in the palace until your ship can be outfitted and repaired. Do you accept my offer?”

“O-outfitted, my empress?” Luxi asked.

Lusianis said, “You may not decide to remain in Xian Ba for the coming struggle. Do or don’t, we would like your ship improved so it may survive anything it may come across. The news about this Yaoguai is most troubling.”

Luxi bowed and pressed her head to the floor. “Thank you for your generosity.”

“You have more than earned it,” Cestise replied. “Who next, my Empress mother? Who shall we address next?”

Empress Fausa leaned forward slightly and pointed beyond Nori. “I would like to look upon the two women my daughter calls ‘best friends.’ Please step forward.”

Apisa and Rayko moved before the throne together.

The Empress winced. “Flara told me how you risked your life to save her on the ship. I have healers who could erase that scar for you. Would you like that?”

Rayko grasped both hands before her waist and let out a little sigh. “I do appreciate the offer, my empress. I would like to keep my scars. A good friend of mine told me recently that scars demonstrate the strength and endurance I have within me. I earned this gash across my face protecting one my best friends. I am not ashamed of it.”

“Nor should you be,” Lusianis said. “I also carry scars that tell tales of my character. You have a wise friend.”

Rayko said, “I do indeed.”

Empress Fausa smiled at them. “Flara has written to me of your many exploits. I am most pleased that she has found two exceptional friends amidst this wide world of strangers. What boon could I offer you in return for the kindness you have shown my daughter?”

For a moment, Apisa and Rayko just looked at one another. Apisa stepped forward a little. “No offense, my empress, but there is nothing you could give that would be worth the amount of kindness your daughter returned to us. We’re friends, and friends are supposed to look out for one another. We’re not supposed to be getting anything extra for being a good friend. Just having Flara in our lives is boon enough.”

Rayko grabbed Apisa’s arm. “I couldn’t have said it better myself.”

Both princesses smiled down at them as well.

“You have our thanks then,” Cestise said. “Though I don’t know how much they are worth when compared to that of our sister.”

The delight on the empress’ face faded. “And now for Daisko Nori. Step forward.”

Nori took Apisa and Rayko’s place.

Both Princess Lusianis and Princess Cestise adorned neutral expressions. Empress Fausa looked downright grim. She sat back in her throne, and kept her hands at her side.

She said, “I have been made aware that you had dreams about the fate of your people, is this correct, Qu-Tar Daisko?”

“Yes, my empress.”

“And did this Yaoguai villain also inform you of your city’s demise?” Empress Fausa asked.

This time, Nori hesitated for a moment. The back of his throat closed up a little. “Yes, my empress.”

The empress closed her eyes. “I regret to inform you that Onista has been destroyed. I am sorry, Qu-Tar Daisko. There was nothing we could do to save your people. I may be able to offer some solace though. Throughout your journey, you have protected my daughter and her friends in very dangerous situations. You have demonstrated your immense skill, dedication, and honor. I would like to provide you with the opportunity to get your revenge. Commander Hijiyap has been informed of Flara’s request, but he still would like to debrief you after this audience is completed.”

Nori stiffened, but kept his stare neutral. “What service do you need of me, my empress?”

Lusianis spoke. “Our sister has proposed to do something quite dangerous. She will need an able protector to accompany her on her quest.”

Apisa stepped forward. “I beg your pardon, my princesses, but if Flara is going, then so are we.”

Rayko nodded affirmatively.

“I suppose you can count us in as well,” Luxi said. “I like your daughter, and her friends.” Luxi’s glance lingered on Nori for a moment longer than anyone else.

“And I have to make sure my future wife survives,” Vihori said.

Princess Cestise giggled slightly. “You don’t know what she proposed yet. You’re all willing to just follow her along, just like that?”

No one said otherwise, and Nori couldn’t hide his smirk.

Empress Fausa crossed her arms over her chest. “You have the great wealth of wonderful friends. I am pleased for you, my daughter. Go on, tell them what your plan is.”

Flara shrank a little, but then she took a deep breath. “If we’re going to be fighting a powerful enemy like the Celestial Ones, we are going to need two things.”

“And they are?” Rayko asked.

Flara held out her two fingers. “We’re going to need more knowledge… and stronger allies. I have an idea on a group of allies we could look for. The quest to find them is …going to be difficult and perilous.”

A wild tickle emerged in Nori’s stomach. “Why is it going to be perilous? Who are we looking to make our allies?”

Flara said a single word that sent shivers down Nori’s back.

“Dragons.”

About the Author

Michael Ignacio was born in California, but he grew up in Kansas City, Missouri. He is half Chamorro, and is very proud of his Pacific Islander heritage. Michael earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Education with an Emphasis on Social Studies Education from the University of Missouri in Kansas City, and his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Southeast Missouri State University. He is currently employed at Southeast Missouri State University, working with the federal TRIO programs to help students coming from underrepresented populations to graduate college. Michael had three cats, and their names are John Gotti, Lucy, and Peppa Jack.

Ever since Michael was a child, he’s loved reading and writing exciting fantasy stories. He discovered Dungeons and Dragons during his college years, and he embraced it as an outlet for his creativity and imagination. His passions for pursing writing as a career really took off after college. Michael is a 3
rd
degree black belt in Sho Lum Te karate, and Sho Lum Te means the ‘Way of the Forest Hand’. With that being said, he has always had a great fondness for Asian culture.

Michael’s greatest passion is to share his stories with those who are interested in the fantasy adventure genre.