The man gazed upon the sun, and he saw light.
The man relied upon the sun, and he felt warmth.

The man tried to surpass the sun, and he was burned to cinder.

-Ancient Shuriman Fable, Author Unknown

For six long years, all research in the palace was focused on the Ritual of Ascension. I continued to rule in my usual manner, but my thoughts were elsewhere. I spent days on the throne, listening to the court prattle on about local disputes, trade agreements, but I had a higher cause. When I was Ascended, these problems would cease to be. With Sina, Xerath, and the others by my side, I would forge a new Shurima. But, for now, I had to keep up appearances.

"Emperor?"

I looked down from my throne at the noblewoman standing before me. "Hmm? Apologies, I did not hear you, Lady Skren."

I could see her eye twitch a bit as she coughed and readjusted her broach. It was a minor message, but a clear one. "Pay attention this time."

"As Sur'tesh has no doubt informed you...gemstones are required to channel the arcane energy of the Ritual. My slave will be delivering them to your chamber personally, to avoid the risk of any...unsavory types that may be lurking in the capital. Or perhaps even in the Royal Guard…"

Was that a slight towards my wife? I wouldn't put it past Skren. She was cruel, cunning, and had even managed to out-negotiate Lady Ru'ban once or twice. But, most importantly, she was extremely wealthy, and her family had been fascinated with Ascension for generations. Many of the resources I needed came directly from her. So, for now…

"Your contribution is greatly appreciated by the Crown, Lady Skren," I declared, "Please, direct your slave to my chambers at midday, if possible. I will be free of duty then."

The old crone nodded. "Of course, my Emperor. Long may you reign."

The remainder of the day's petitioners were minor affairs. Admittedly, I spent much of my time simply looking out the window in the rear of the throne room. A massive golden circle rose across the Shuriman skyline, the process of years of work led by On'dar himself. He had poured every bit of the inhuman effort he seemed to possess into this "Sun Disk", an important part of the Ascension process, according to Xerath and Sur'tesh. It loomed over the city, casting a glittering reflection on the streets. Thankfully, Lady Ru'ban seemed much more aware than I was, and by the time I had finally wrenched my attention back to the affairs being presented to me, the last petitioner of the morning was departing, and the High Treasurer was giving me a look that seemed to waver between a concerned stare and an enraged glare.

"If you would rather I be the Emperor, your highness, you can simply give me the crown. I would not mind."

I had to smile. Ru'ban's sharp tongue was not dulling with her advanced age. I stood up and shook my head.

"No, it is alright, Lady Ru'ban. I've simply been...distracted lately."

She followed my eyes to the sun disc and shook her head. "Ah. The Ascension. You know the people are elated, my Emperor? Crying out "The Falcon will soar!" and such…"

"I sense you don't agree, Ru'ban?"

The elderly woman sagged her shoulders and gave a shrug. "Whether or not you are an Ascended will not change my job, Emperor Azir. I simply worry for you."

Walking forward, I rested a hand on Ru'ban's shoulder. "Worry no longer. Xerath and Sur'tesh have ensured me the process is completely safe. We are using better quality magics and components than our ancestors."

To my surprise, she scoffed. "Bah. That isn't what I meant. The Ritual itself could be as simple as sitting in your own throne and I would worry. The scheduled day approaches, Azir…and until then, you are as mortal as I. You have a wife, one of the strongest and bravest women in the empire. You have two sons, brave Nubak living amongst the Targonians, and little Basir taking his first steps on the path of the scholar. Your daughter, Adea, can barely walk. You have much to live for, Emperor Azir."

Her eyes darkened. "And you must make your choices carefully in the days to come. Do not let pride come before a fall."

Wordlessly, she exited the throne room, leaving me with my thoughts.

My downcast mood was nearly immediately lifted as I entered my chambers. Sina was holding Adea in her arms, the both of them smiling and giggling as Basir sat on the floor across from Xerath. In between them floated an old copper bust of myself, hovering under the strength of arcane energy.

"I...I think I'm doing it!" Basir said excitedly, his shaggy dark hair crackling with blue light.

Xerath nodded. "Of course you are. I stopped a few minutes ago."

As Basir gasped, the bust tumbled to the floor, landing with a hard clang. Somehow, this only made Adea giggle harder. My son was ecstatic, turning to me. "Father! Look! Xerath taught me how to make things fly!"

"And land softly…" Xerath muttered, glancing at the scuffed floor. "But I suppose this is a good first step."

I walked over to Basir, kissing my wife and daughter on the cheek as I approached, and patted him heartily on the shoulder. "Impressive! I'm sure you'll make a fine scholar one day!"

His face looked like it was about to burst with excitement. Basir had always been much more excitable than his twin brother...part of the reason we had chosen to send Nubak to Targon instead, not that I would ever tell him that.

"Uh huh! Uh huh! And mom taught me how to use a scimitar today!"

Sina grinned, her warrior spirit apparent in the pride she seemed to feel at that statement. "A growing boy needs some exercise...why not make it practical? All the soldiers at the drill were very impressed!"

A side glance from Sina gave me the impression that they most certainly weren't, but again...I wouldn't tell him that.

Basir nodded again. "And I'll keep training, I promise! I want to be as strong as the Sun General some day! And as powerful as the Grand Apprentice!"

Giving a mock pout, Sina sighed. "The Sun General? Not even going to mention me?"

A knock on the door interrupted the conversation. Xerath was swiftly on his feet, striding to the golden entrance. When he opened it, a familiar woman entered. She had shabby clothes, dark red hair, and looked absolutely terrified to be here.

"Xerath…"

I could recognize her as Tabia, someone I'd been seeing more and more frequently as the Ascension ritual grew closer and closer. It clicked in my mind that she must be the slave Skren spoke of.

Her eyes didn't even hover on me for a second, instead being focused directly on the Grand Apprentice. Xerath seemed to visibly relax as he shook her hand. "Tabia! Please, enter the chambers."

Still trembling, Tabia took a few tepid steps in before kneeling in front of me, holding two bowls of shimmering gemstones on upturned palms. "Emperor Azir. I come to deliver tribute to Your Highness."

Her bronze collar was far too evident as she bowed her head, and I felt that familiar twinge of guilt. Soon enough, though, it would all be over.

"Thank you." I bent down and took the bowls, handing them carefully to Sina. A few awkward moments passed before I remembered what Tabia was probably waiting for.

"You may go now."

Climbing to her feet, she offered another deep bow before quickly exiting the room. I gave Xerath a look as his gaze lingered on the door. Recalling what Sur'tesh had mentioned, I couldn't help but give my friend a grin.

"Say, Xerath, you should probably go and help calm her down a bit. She seems to have taken a liking to our Grand Apprentice."

It was the first and last time I ever saw Xerath blush. Muttering something I couldn't hear, he scurried out of the room. Smiling, I turned to Sina, who had an eyebrow raised. She sounded as surprised as I was.

"Is Xerath...flirting?"

I burst into laughter again, spending the rest of the day with my beloved family.

The next morning, a letter arrived, sealed with a crest unfamiliar to most. It was delivered to me in the throne room, and On'dar, present for a consultation on the Sun Disk, asked if he could hold it. I offered the parchment up to the blind smith, and he traced his fingers over the insignia, nodding to himself.

"Targonian Protectorate. Hmm. From Nubak, then?"

"I would assume so." I replied, taking the letter back and opening it. The message was written in broad smudges, suggesting the use of charcoal over something like ink to form it.

"Father, I write to you in good health. The Targonians are celebrating a festival today, and I wish you were here to witness it. Their work with stone carvings and weaponry is amazing. I must tell you about the-"

The doors flew open, and in an instant, Sina came hurtling through, her eyes wide. "Azir!"

On'dar and I turned to her. She didn't look wounded, just tired, as if she had sprinted all the way here.

"There's something happening at the Sun Disk! Xerath sent for you...he says you must hurry there!"

Rising from my throne, I quickly dashed from the room, closely following my wife as she made her way through the main hall.

The streets of the capital were, admittedly, not very familiar to me. I had spent most of my life in the palace and on the grounds, so the twists and turns of the stone roads were something I wasn't entirely used to. Thankfully, Sina seemed to know the way just fine. We hurriedly ran past market stalls and homes, the people reacting with shock at seeing their emperor sprinting through the streets. Some of them even tried to follow us, but quickly gave up, not wanting to abandon their merchandise. As we approached the Dais of Ascension, the massive structure that had been commissioned to hold the Sun Disk, I could see a crowd gathered. Perhaps a better word would be "mob".

The people were clearly furious about...something. They shouted and shook blunt instruments towards the Disk, their voices melding into a single, furious cacophony. As I ascended the steps, it turned into a cheer, a chant. They hailed the arrival of the Falcon Emperor, not knowing how utterly confused I was. And I certainly wasn't going to let them know. At the top of the Dais, a surprising scene awaited me.

Slo'vik stood at the top of the steps, a squadron of soldiers flanking him, keeping the crowds back. Behind him stood Xerath, his palms subtly glowing that familiar blue. Across the Dais from him was Lady Skren, a look of pure scorn on her face. Both of them could not take their eyes off of the center of the scene. Two guards were holding the arms of a kneeling slave. I recognized her far too quickly. Tabia. The world seemed to freeze for a moment as I approached.

Slo'vik gave me a nod and stepped out of the way, Sina remaining behind to fill the hole in the formation of guards as I passed through. I brushed past Xerath, but he barely acknowledged me. Skren, on the other hand, seemed shocked.

"What's this? You've roused the Emperor for something this foolish? Come now…"

Xerath's face contorted with rage. Tabia was slowly beginning to sob. Raising my scepter, I brought it to a clattering halt on the stone. Suddenly, everyone's attention was on me.

"I have arrived! Tell me what happened here."

Skren was the first to speak. "My Emperor, I owe you an apology...yesterday, I sent you three bowls of precious gems, did I not?"

I was puzzled. "Do you mean two?"

The old noble grimaced. "I do not. But I imagine that is what you received...considering what I found lining the pockets of this wretched thing when she returned!" She pointed a bony finger at Tabia, who raised her head slightly. The crowd began to jeer.

"Tabia." I measured my voice carefully. "What is the meaning of this?"

"I...I have a brother. He is sick. I needed the...the money, Your Highness."

Xerath gave me a look, his face set and his eyes wide. Skren scoffed.

"Bah. Worthless thing. This wouldn't be the first time she's stolen from me for this "brother", you know! I doubt he even exists! Probably sneaks out to get drunk on my hard earned wealth...and to think, I was kind enough not to turn her in!"

The crowd's jeers grew louder. I tried to remain steady, but my heart was pounding against my chest. Tabia was not lying. I could see it in her eyes. And I understood. But I could not let her go, not simply for personal reasons. The look in the eyes of the crowd around me reassured me of that. I would go from the Falcon to the Pigeon.

"You have confessed?" I asked, looking over Tabia.

Simpering, she nodded.

Xerath's voice was choked. "I believe the sentence for theft is a...decade of prison...my Emperor." He looked defeated.

With another scoff, Skren shook her head. "Oh, no. Not for your kind. It's time for this little rat to die."

"What?" Xerath shook with fury, but Skren's voice remained smooth.

"Oh, yes. You see, slaves stealing are subject to immediate execution! Is that not true, Sun General?"

Xerath and I turned to Slo'vik. As former head of the town guards, he would know. With a grim expression, he slowly nodded. "That is what the law decrees."

The familiar sensation of blue eyes boring into my skin returned as Xerath stared at me. As if just to torment me further, Skren continued.

"And, if you'd be so kind, Emperor Azir...I'd like her hands. Trophies, you see. Should keep the rest of them in line."

Tabia was sobbing hard now. Xerath looked as if he was about to explode. I could see small bolts of arcane energy jittering from his palms, his fury overflowing into magical discharge. The crowd cheered.

The cheers were what hurt the most. The Shurimans wanted blood. They wanted to see this woman murdered. For the crime of stealing from a man who had everything, to give to someone who had nothing. I was the victim of the crime, but I felt no malice towards the criminal. I wanted to call them off. I wanted to tell Tabia to take me to her brother.

I stepped closer to the slave woman, my scepter tapping the floor in a staccato fashion as I walked.

But I couldn't just do that. I would lose the support of the people. Skren was financing nearly the entire ritual. The crowd was clearly on her side. If I were to let Tabia go, I would be risking losing my chance at Ascension. With that sort of power, I could change an empire. Here, I could save one woman.

I could barely look as I ran the bladed end of my scepter through Tabia's heart. Her eyes met mine, and she gasped once, blood trickling from her mouth. Then she folded over, dead.

The crowd's whoops of joy completely overcame Xerath's cry of despair. Skren was grinning. Sina looked crestfallen. Slo'vik was every bit as stoic as usual. But I could not focus on them. I could only think of Shurelya. Another life was added to my body count. As Skren approached, I barred her way with my scepter, blood dripping from the tip.

"You will take no trophies. That is not part of our laws, and it is barbaric. This slave will be given a proper burial. Our business here is concluded, Lady Skren."

She sneered, but seemed placated. Without another word to me, she turned and left the Dais, the cheering crowd engulfing her as she strode back to her mansion.

Xerath's eyes looked hollow as he approached the corpse. The guards holding it had dispersed, and Tabia's body lay mangled on the stone. He knelt next to her and sunk his face into her hair. It felt as if my heart had been wrenched from my gut. I tried to approach him, but Sina's hand gingerly grabbed my shoulder. I could see it in her eyes. I would only be making things worse. Letting her lead me, we walked towards the steps. Slo'vik looked solemnly at me as I passed, and I turned to whisper to him.

"Give Xerath all the time he needs with the body. Then you may bury it."

"Acknowledged, Emperor Azir." Slo'vik replied. He finished with a surprising sigh. "I'm...sorry."

I did not return to my chambers that night. Instead, I went to the tombs. I stood before my father's coffin, and I began to speak to no one in particular.

"You were right. I was not prepared to be Emperor. This position would break the hardiest of men. I have been forced to do unconscionable things. I have spilled innocent blood in a revolution. I have murdered my closest friend's only love. And I know now, why you told me what you did."

Another voice cut in. "But soon, it all changes."

Xerath was standing in the entryway.

"That's what you told me, Azir."

My heart stopped. Xerath's robes were matted with dried blood. He had not bothered changing after Tabia's death. I could think of no words for him.

Xerath looked me in the eyes as he approached, a tranquil anger surrounding him. "I had a feeling you'd be here."

I nodded. "Xerath. I cannot apologize enough f-"

"Save it. You did what you needed to so you could secure the ritual." His voice was calm. "I understand. But I have...troubling news."

"Oh?" Secretly, I was simply thankful for the change in subject.

"Sur'tesh is dead. He never woke up this morning."

I could feel a pang in my chest, but it felt like simply another drop in the ocean. "He was a good man."

"And he was scheduled to prepare the Rite of Ascension."

I hadn't even realized that. Panic briefly welled within me. "No...but how…"

Xerath, shockingly, smiled. "Do not worry, Emperor Azir. There is a reason we have a Grand Apprentice. Or should I say, had one. I am now, I suppose, the Grand Magus."

"Well then. Congratulations on your promotion." The joke was halfhearted, but I was blind to it. I was groping around my head for anything, any emotion aside from guilt, any feeling aside from despair, but nothing came close.

My slave nodded. "I will be the one to oversee preparations for the Rite. And I will ensure that all goes according to plan."

I looked my friend in the eyes and nodded. "Thank you, Xerath. For everything. You have been a tremendous help all these years."

He nodded. "My pleasure to serve, Emperor Azir. Because when Ascension comes…"

Forcing a smile, I shook his hand. "Everything changes."

Xerath grinned. "Indeed it does."