Hamrkeng, Scanra, 483 HE…
Isa surveyed the city before her with a smile; Scanra was finally hers. If only her mother and father could see her now. The clan lords had been unable to withstand her mighty army and had conceded defeat after her men capture the capital just a week ago. She had wanted to be a part of that battle but her generals had practically imprisoned her in her tent rather than risk losing their empress. Isa found it amusing that these men, who a few years ago baulked at the idea of a woman leading them, now didn't let her go anywhere without at least a dozen body guards. Shouts called her attention back to the room behind her. Isa walked back inside and sat on her new throne just as the doors opened. In strolled a tall young man, handsome and deadly, followed by two soldiers keeping a strong grip on their prisoner.
"You brought me a present Randell. You really shouldn't have." Isa smiled at her spymaster and close bodyguard. Randell returned his empress's smiled and bowed deeply. The two soldiers bowed as well, forcing their captive to do the same.
"Your imperial majesty, may I present to you Gellies Rathhausak." Randell stepped aside so that Isa could stand in front of the kneeling ex-king of Scanra.
"You're just as much trouble as you father was to the Tortallans; except you underestimated your opponent." Isa said glumly. Gellies shouted curses at her until one of the soldiers silenced him with a kick to the stomach. "Now that's just not nice. I'm not the enemy here; I am your Empress." Isa walked over to a table set best her throne, on top of which was a locked chest. She took the key, hanging fro a chain around her neck, and opened the chest.
"The people will never accept you." Gellies growled. Isa reach into the box and pulled out an object wrapped in black velvet.
"Now that's where you're wrong," She returned to stand in front of her prisoner, "The people have accepted me. I clothe them, fill their bellies and don't send them across the boarder to be killed. The Clan Lords were the ones that needed persuading; pride cometh before the fall." Pulling away the cloth Isa revealed a black ball that fit into the palm of her hand.
"What are you going to do, club me to death with that thing?" Gellies half laughed, half sobbed. He did not like the look in Isa's eyes. The two soldiers that had been holding on to him with all of their strength began to pull away as Isa edged closer.
"Funny thing about black opal is that not many people know where its power comes from." Isa grabbed Gellies chin with supernatural strength. She forced his to look into her eyes. "Nor do mortals know its full potential. Would you like to see?" Isa pressed the black ball against Gellies temple and spoke in a strange, ancient language. The Room was filled with light and the sound of screaming.
As the light faded Isa let Gellies's body fall lifelessly to the floor. The two soldiers were on their knees, bowing their heads to the ground. Isa smiled and returned the opal ball to its box.
"You two," She said to the soldiers, "Take that body away and hang him from the city walls." They scrambled to do as she bid. Once she and Randell were alone together, Isa allowed herself to shed a tear for her opponent.
"Where to from now?" Randell inquired. Isa wiped her face and sat a little straighter.
"Where else but Tortall?"