Disclaimer: I do not own Escaflowne.
Letter from Eries Aston De Fanel, Empress of Gaea:
To My Lord and Husband Folken Strategos, Emperor of Gaea,
I sincerely hope that your campaign has not been too laborious and that you have had time to rest after your endeavors in securing the eastern part of the empire. The news of Pompey's death was not taken well here, as I'm sure you have guessed, but few blame you for his demise. Most know that though you and Pompey differed in opinion that you respected him as a true rival and leader of the Fanelian Republic.
I have read your letters, and am glad to hear that the Alexandrian War turned in your favor. The Board of Elders was most impressed and pleased that the war was brought to a close so successfully. I understand that there was extensive damage done to the capitol, and I wish you to convey to Queen Sitiah that I also grieve for the lost of Alexandria's many irreplaceable treasures. I do so hope that her lovely city will be restored to its former glory for it is surely an example of beauty and culture to the entire world.
The days grow short here; a sign that winter is nearing. Preparations for your triumph have begun. The people long to welcome you back to Fanelia. As always Fate has taken you from your homeland and Fortune has smiled on you as you expand the empire for the glory of Fanelia. I realize a conqueror cannot be tied down for long to one place, no matter how much he loves his own land. But I pray the world will remain peaceful long enough for you to take a well-deserved holiday upon your return.
Your Devoted Servant,
Eries Aston De Fanel
The Strategos looked up from the letter, letting it roll up and then dropping it on the desk without a word. He leaned back in his chair, his elbow on the arm, his chin resting on his fist as he stared across the deck. It was a shame to admit that he had not thought of the woman he had left behind for most of the year in Egypt. Then again, the past few months he had thought of little outside of Egypt. He smirked as he realized that he had become so distracted by Sitiah and her concerns that he neglected to reply to several letters from the Board of Elders. She had certainly become the unexpected element in his life. And now another unanticipated element was bombarding him, and he had no way of controlling it. There was no denying that he was shaken by this news, yet he could ultimately feel a growing excitement, after all he would be a father.
A father to a bastard son. He could not stop the thought from echoing within his mind. He closed his eyes wincing at the pain it brought him. Eries. The woman's image flashed in his mind as he recalled the way she had looked on their wedding day, her pale face and golden hair partially hidden beneath a gauzy veil. Before he knew it he was assaulted by another face, this one with a lioness' eyes and honey-brown skin. They were two women very different in nature, and yet linked by one undeserving man. His guilt was whole and consuming as it weighed on his heart.
Eries does not deserve to be treated so carelessly. She is a good woman, a suitable wife; loyal and respectful… A beautiful woman, and perfectly matched to me because she is patient, and understands my reasons for being away. Her strength is calm and veiled within her, yet apparent in her emotionless eyes… And there is Sitiah, headstrong and passionate. She is mysterious and fiery. Though she shares my love for a good challenge, she is impatient and spontaneous. We clash so often because we are both so free-willed and used to getting our way. But her strength is alluring and her love consuming… And her eyes…take me away from all my tiring responsibilities. He sighed, his face dropping into his hand. These thoughts were wearying. He raised his head and opened his eyes only to stare at the temple.
***
"Olympus, you have greatly disappointed me," Sitiah spoke sternly as her handmaiden pinned the shoulder strap of her gown with a gold pin.
Olympus only nodded, his face solemn as he stood before her.
"The fact that Strategos knows due to your error is unacceptable," She continued with the reprimanding frown, staring at him as she held out her arms to be adorned with the gold bracelets.
"Yes, I realize that, your majesty, forgive me." The Physician replied bobbing his head in reverence.
The queen nodded, "You are forgiven." Isadora slid the last of the bracelets over Sitiah's wrists and stepped to her side.
"Thank you." Olympus replied humbly, bowing to her and giving Isadora a nod. He turned away and left the room.
Sitiah sighed, clenching her fists as she closed her eyes, "Damn Olympus and his unrestrained tongue!" Isadora watched as she opened her eyes and moved to the bronze mirror. Staring hard at her reflection Sitiah placed her hands on her stomach. She was not yet showing her pregnancy, her belly for the most part flat, perhaps only a little fleshier.
Picking up the cobra coronet from the table near the mirror Isadora commented, "Indeed, but Strategos would've found out sooner or later."
"I would've preferred it be later," Sitiah scowled at her reflection.
"Oh, my lady," Isadora sighed as she neared her, "You must learn to trust Strategos fully. After all, isn't it time you put your faith in someone other than the gods?"
Sitiah frowned almost childishly, "I have faith in you." Her servant's reflection appeared in the mirror as the girl went to stand behind her.
"Yes, my lady, but I cannot give you an empire," Isadora said, setting the crown on the queen's brow.
That is right! I am the mother of Strategos' son! There is no reason he should not marry me! The glint in Sitiah's eye told Isadora that she was considering the opportunities she had not seen before. I will give him the heir to his empire! A king to rule after Strategos and I have passed on! And it will be a king- I will have a son to claim Strategos' title and the kingship of Egypt! Sitiah's face had brightened, but soon a cloud of doubt cast its shadow over her excitement. But what if he does not want this child? What if he sees it as only a burden to him? After all, my son is only a bastard. Sitiah's hand flew to her mouth as she gasped in horror, her eyes widening.
"Sitiah?" Isadora took hold of her arm, a look of worry spreading on her face.
The queen closed her eyes, inhaling deeply to calm the rising panic. Opening her eyes she calmly ordered, "Let the guard know I shall travel to Philae. Have a boat and oarsmen prepared."
Isadora took an uncertain breath, nodding slowly, "Ugh- yes my lady."
Sitiah smiled reassuringly, placing her hand on Isadora's that rested on her arm, "I'm fine, I just need the guidance of the goddess. Go. I will prepare by myself."
"Alright." The Prophetess smiled.
As Isadora paced to the door and exited Sitiah's smile faded. She wrapped her arms around her stomach lightly feeling suddenly cold. A wild desperation was clawing at her mind and she shivered at the knowledge. My son cannot be a bastard. He must have a proper father! Eset, hear my prayer, let me become Strategos' world! Let him see only me!
***
Merle watched as the small vessel cut swiftly through the Nile's waters, heading toward the island. The morning sun glinted off of Sitiah's crown. "Egyptians certainly are strange," The girl said, as she turned, "I don't know how anyone could stand visiting so many temples!"
"Well if you pray to one god you have to pray to them all," Gaddes shrugged, his hand on his hips. Merle wandered past him to sit on the dais near Van's leg. The prince sat on a stool before a table that held the valued Senet board. Reeden across from him, perched on another stool, stared at the board bewildered. The rules of course had been explained, but he still felt rather lost.
Man, I wish that prophetess hadn't gone off with the queen! I certainly wouldn't be sitting here getting my ass beat at this damn game! Reeden scratched his head before moving one of the ivory pieces.
"I find such faith inspiring. Egyptians are so very devoted, in life and in death," Allen commented from Strategos side.
Merle shuddered, "Yes, but they are so fascinated by death. Their culture embraces it. It all seems- odd."
"True, but isn't embracing death better than fearing it? They live each day as though it goes on forever. They prepare for death, but also for the life after it," Allen stared toward the temple, his eyes full of a strange emotion.
"Huh," Gaddes snorted, "A little morbid, I'd say."
"I don't really think so," Van spoke never raising his eyes from the board, "They believe that life will be just as it is now. That their family will be waiting for them in the afterlife… That the love they have now will remain even in death." He held an emerald piece between his fingers and held it up to the light, gazing at it thoughtfully. These words hung in the air, pressing on the minds that truly heard their meaning. Merle slowly looked toward Allen, happening to catch his blue eyes.
Strategos frowned as he sat perusing the document before him. Love was a matter he certainly didn't wish to hear about. "Well, let's leave the thoughts of death to the Egyptians and concern ourselves with life- and the work we do in it." Folken reminded them seriously. He looked up, listening carefully to the sounds of the waves lapping against an approaching vessel. A sailor called out to the skiff, asking for identification. The reply did not quite reach Strategos ears. He waited as the sailor relayed the message in Egyptian to a group of servants.
"My lord emperor," One of Sitiah's nameless attendants rushed toward the table. He went down on his knees in the traditional Egyptian fashion.
Strategos frowned at the interruption, "Speak."
"A messenger has arrived from Fanelia with urgent news," The man said, sitting back on his heels. The emperor's eyes darkened as he nodded. After bowing low again the man rose to his feet and turned to speak with the sailor. A few more moments passed in which the proper exchanges were made as a Fanelian soldier boarded the barge.
It was obvious by his worn and dirty clothing that the soldier approaching the Strategos had made quite a journey to deliver his message. Sweat trickled from his brow making streaks in the grime on his face, his cheeks reddened by the unrelenting Egyptian sun. When he had formally saluted to Folken, he did so curtly, his manner cold. He did not waste time addressing his superior properly, but plunged into inform him of the reason for his arrival. His face was stony and still, yet the Strategos could hear the slight disdain in his voice, "My apologies for interrupting your leisure, Emperor, but I bring disturbing news from the capitol."
Strategos' eyes narrowed, but he urged him on evenly, "I am listening."
Despite the dour look of the man he faced the soldier plunged into his story without apology, "King Pharnaces has led an uprising. He has taken Colchis and Armenia." Stunned silence followed, until a general gasp arose and the sound of the precious gaming pieces of the Senet board hitting the deck and table. Finally Strategos' men responded with cries of outrage, the shock giving way to fury.
"Damn him! That contract with Pompey meant nothing!" Allen slammed his fists onto the table his eyes flashing to a stormy navy color. From her place near Van, Merle watched Allen with fretful eyes, her back straight and rigid.
Reeden had gotten to his feat, his face flushing with heated emotion, "That bastard! Kissing our asses one minute then killing our men!"
"Not just our men," Van's voice was strained with quiet rage, "There were Fanelian citizens in those provinces. He has completely wiped away any hope of receiving Strategos' clemency by shedding innocent blood." The words of anger continued among the emperor's men, only Strategos himself did not comment.
His mind was feverish with guilt. I have remained in Egypt too long! It is as if I had left this earth completely! The world has fallen back into chaos without my guidance! What a fool I've been; thinking I could escape for a time from the burden I bear with no consequences. His eyes flitted to the temple, his gaze seemingly betraying nothing. But if one looked close, one could see the stirring of sadness, reluctance, in his eye. Ah, but how refreshing it's been to shed my general's cloak. How very wonderful it's been to share my thoughts with another soul…But it is time to wake up from the dream. It is time I took my rightful place, as it is time for her to stand completely on her own. His resolve hardened; he would not shirk his duties, he would not lay them at anyone's feet.
He stood, and his pulsing energy quieted the discontent. "Send word to all corners of my empire. I shall return to Fanelia once I have brought down Pharnaces and taken back what is Fanelia's. Let all provinces and kings know that Strategos' eminent rule will not be disregarded without retribution." His mind was made up; nothing could keep him from righting the wrongs that had been done, nothing and no one.
*Author's Final Note: The next update shall be the final chapter of Strategos and Sitiah. I'm going to try to make it my best! I really hope you have enjoyed this fiction. It's been a great venture for me. I would love to continue, but I haven't received much feedback for my last several chapters, and feel it would be in vain. Thanks so much to all of you've that stuck with me! You're kindness is so heartwarming, it truly is! It's hard to describe exactly how much positive energy one gets from reading favorable reviews. But to sum it up, I love you all! Thanks for taking time to review and assure me that I've created something original and interesting. This is my last Author's Note, so long, farewell, adieu, and all that good-bye stuff! Thank you so much!