The Alierius Anthology

Book 1

By: Gaming With Angels

The Mission

Urgent. That's what the letter had said. It was sealed with the Lord Chancellor's ring, nothing more.

And a date. A date that was this evening. An urgent date from the Lord Chancellor.

The ride to the Imperial City was a beautiful one. Kaisa sat tall in the carriage as it pulled into Weve at the inn to let her out. She tipped the driver and pulled her bag from the cart.

My mother's borrowed jewels, a dress I haven't worn in ages, all to meet the Chancellor. I really wish my mother wasn't so insistent on these things. I could have easily shown in my armor and made headway into the palace unscathed.

The Imperial City was standing in all its glory under the dripping reds of sunset. The White-Gold Tower Was privy to all of the light, gleaming in the splendor. Shadows danced effortlessly, bringing the gigantic structure to life.

Outside of the city, Kaisa walked the bridge carefully with her traveling bag. As she looked over the bridge's walls, she could see the small fish jumping about. The water surrounding the city was pristine with little reflections of late evening sunlight dancing on its surface. Kaisa stopped for a moment, taking the view in.

No, I mustn't dawdle. The Lord Chancellor is expecting me. But… it's so glorious.

As Kaisa continued her path, she remembered that it was long ago that her own father wouldn't even have dreamt of Kaisa coming to the city alone and without an escort. Even the family guard would have sufficed, but never alone.

Now twenty-four, Kaisa was a decorated Penitus Oculatus agent. Her walking alone was nothing that even thought of crossing her mind, and most times, she preferred it. She carried forward, watching the two guards at the gate of the city.

They eyed her steadily, not recognizing who she was. As one of theirs dropped to her breasts and waist, Kaisa snapped her fingers.

"Eyes up, gentleman," she barked.

Both men snapped their heads up and looked forward. Neither said a word to her. She crossed the threshold into the city, setting her bag down just inside of the gate.

Kaisa's deep raven hair fell behind her shoulders. The braids were still tight on top of her head, a still but elegant look. As she looked about her surroundings, she was startled to see the dragon statue still in the center fairway of the city.

Kaisa suddenly had dream relapses playing in her mind. Dragons, torching her home, capturing her and taking her away from her family. Nightmares she had when she was a child were suddenly coming to life in her mind.

She shook away the thoughts, feeling suddenly very childish as she stood just inside the gates. She grabbed up her bag and strolled into the city proper. As she drew closer to the statue, she saw several children playing about in the streets. Horse hooves could be heard on the cobblestone as they pulled carriages through the city. To her immediate right was the hotel, a grand sight for anyone to see when they first arrived in the city.

And the largest touring trap Kaisa had ever lay her eyes on.

Kaisa's eyes turned forward. She walked by several locals who were sitting at the fountain enjoying the early evening air, chatting amongst each other.

Her foosteps found her in the courtyard of the palace and the keep. She stopped for another moment as she passed the cemetery in between the courtyards. Looking upon the stones, she bowed her head in a mild nod for respect. Moving forward, she worked her way into the palace. The guard at the gate stopped her.

"What's your business at the palace, m'lady?" the rough tone asked her.

"I have an invitation from the Chancellor. Let me pass."

"Show your letter," he replied, gruff and unempathetic.

Kaisa pulled the letter out. Upon seeing the ring wax seal, the guard thrust his fist over his chest. "My apologies, Auxiliary. Forgive me."

"Done. Now, open this gate."

"Yes ma'am."

The guard hurriedly went to the gate and pulled the heavy ornate door open. Kaisa walked inside and took a deep breath. She had never been called into the palace for a meeting. As her nerves took over her mind, she began to overthink everything. Was she in trouble? What had she done?

Slowly, she pulled the doors open in front of her. Walking in, she realized she had entered the Ruby Throne. Lord Chancellor Blackwell stood in front of the throne, waiting for Kaisa to approach.

He was a tall man with greying hair. His chin was firm, squared off. The age was showing around his eyes, even beneath the brim of the noble pointed hat he wore. The man had stood as chancellor for some time, but it was apparent the political career had taken a toll on his aging. His jowls drooped some, but not enough to think he was an elder. Bags under his eyes had taken a permanent place of residence while his hands showed his age more than the rest of him. Stains from inkwells sealed into his fingerprints. On his right hand he wore the ring of the court, and on his left, a modest wedding band that had long since been forgotten it was there.

Kaisa approached him with caution. He looked so bearing on his podium, looking down at her.

Her hand went across her chest. "You summoned me, my Lord?"

"Yes, my child. You have been requested to be in the presence of the emperor."

"What? No, this can't….I mean, what did I do? Is something wrong?"

"That is between you…"

Kaisa stood on trembling knees as the chancellor's eyes darted through the room.

"And the emperor."

"If this is about the mission from last month, I can explain."

"The emperor has summoned for you. Follow me, child. He has much to discuss."