Chapter 4

The Madness of Emperor Christov

When he woke Lyude found Alyssa's words to have been quite true, it was much less difficult for him to move about and he felt as if he could handle walking a good distance.

Alyssa was there as usual and gave him his breakfast. She looked tired and he wondered if she had slept at all. Caring for him these past several days must have been taxing on her. He hoped that he would have the opportunity to repay her for her kindness someday.

They had begun their trek within the hour and Lyude walked steadily and proudly, giving the soldiers guarding him no cause to push or shove. He suspected that they had been ordered to leave him alone for the most part. The last thing Stryker wanted was to have to stop to treat an opened wound. Alyssa walked close beside him watching him for signs of fatigue or pain. He showed neither.

He remained silent and avoided looking at Alyssa. He did not want to give any indication that he had befriended her. That would surely endanger her and all they were trying to do. He concentrated on the ranks surrounding him what uniforms they wore, what weapons they carried. It was impossible for him to get any sort of head count because he was being held in the center of the company.

Kalas, Xelha and Ricco watched them filing along several yards away. Ricco had brought a pair of binoculars and Xelha was watching Lyude marching with his hands tied behind his back.

"He's looking a lot better this morning." said Xelha, "Looks like he's doing okay, the guards aren't bothering him or anything."

"That's good." said Kalas, "Hey, Ricco, have you got an estimate on how many soldiers they've got?"

"Shaddup, I'm counting now." said Ricco.

"Sheesh, sorry." said Kalas.

"Looks to be about five hundred of them here." said Ricco, "But who knows how many are hiding away at that base they've been talking about."

"Let me see those binoculars Xelha." said Kalas. Xelha handed them to him and he trained them on his friend. He noticed something in the corner of his view and smirked when he adjusted the binoculars. "What are you smiling about?" asked Ricco.

"Oh, just a friendly observation." Kalas said, "I''ll bet he has no idea."

"What?" asked Xelha looking through the binoculars. "Oh, you mean you didn't figure it out last night?"

"Well excuse me, girls must be a little more perceptive to those things." said Kalas, "Hey, they're stopping."

The company had indeed halted in what seemed to be the middle of the desert. Lyude was led to the front center of the company. The loud sound of a mechanical devise hummed in front of them and a large metal door opened skyward from the sand. They had reached the base. Grimly, Lyude allowed himself to be led into the mouth of the base, head held high and eyes straight.
"We'd better sneak in the back, They'll probably close the doors as soon as all the soldiers are inside." said Kalas, "It's a good thing Xelha had time to alter the uniforms to fit right, we actually look like soldiers now."

They ran to the entrance just as it was closing. "What are you doing out of ranks?"said one of the soldiers. "Sorry sir, nature called." said Kalas wincing at his own feeble excuse. The soldier rolled his eyes. "Carry on."

"Phew." said Xelha as the doors closed behind them. "Now the only question is how are we going to find Lyude in this place?"

"Easy." said Kalas, "Look for a redhead. The rest of them are wearing helmets. He sticks out quite a bit from his fellow soldiers."

"That''s true." said Xelha.

"I''m more worried about how we're going to get out of here." said Ricco quietly. "Hey, there's Lyude, being led up that staircase."

It was easy enough to catch up to the guard and they were able to slip into ranks unnoticed. They filed onto the end of two lines that stood on either end of a large red carpet leading to a throne where a man dressed sickeningly similar to Geldoblame was seated.

Lyude was led down the center looking only in front of him. He showed no interest in the settings around him. "Military discipline at work." thought Kalas, "I suppose it does have its uses."

"Well, well, Sir Lyude is it?" said Emperor Christov looking at his prisoner with an eagerness that made them all very uncomfortable. "Yes sir." said Lyude clearly.

Christov rose from his seat and went down the few steps that led to where his prisoner stood. He circled Lyude critically. "Hmmm . . . not exactly what I expected." he said. "But not unpleasantly so. You are a very skilled and disciplined soldier, though you seem to have a history of not taking orders well. Now why is that?"

"Under the correct leadership I would be more than willing to serve Alfard in any way I could sir." said Lyude. "Emperor Geldoblame was corrupt and manipulated his soldiers and citizens to his unscrupulous will, whether by teachings, or in my case, strong hypnosis. I refuse to ever be used that way again. The witches of Wazn have placed protective magical barriers on me to ensure that it won''t."

Kalas looked at Xelha questioningly. She shook her head and mouthed two words, "A bluff."

Emperor Christov smiled. "That is of no consequence to me." he said. "And as for Lord Geldoblame's use of it, methods are irrelevant when bringing one's country to greatness." said Emperor Christov with a dismissing gesture.

"I must respectfully disagree sir." said Lyude, "The ends rarely justify the means and the means were Geldoblame's own personal gain. Geldoblame thought of the people of Azha as nothing more than slaves, born to toil for him to death. Dispensable tools to expand his power and girth.

From what I have heard from your soldiers and the continued raids on Azha, your rule is no different, why should the people follow you?"

"Because they won't have a choice, and neither do you as it happens." said Christov, his face pleasant. Lyude's face was the vision of calm.

"Well, I can certainly see why Geldoblame carted you off to Diadem, you're quite the insolent whelp. He was too lenient simply sending you away, it proved to be a fatal mistake. One I do not intend to duplicate." he said stepping closer to Lyude and tilting his prisoner's chin upward as if examining a fine piece of art.

"Yet I have no intention of destroying a very fine, if over-spirited asset. In fact, it is just that attribute that makes you perfect for this assignment." he said placing a hand on Lyude's good shoulder amiably. "Remember boy, any defense can be broken into, one just simply needs to find which buttons to use. Within the week I feel you will be playing beautiful music for me."

"Music?" said Lyude.

"Indeed, allow me to show you your mission." He said drawing back a curtain where a magnificent, gigantic pipe organ stood.

"It can't be." said Lyude, "You''ve found the legendary Organ of the Flame? It's been lost for centuries!"

"Isn't she magnificent? It's quite an honor to lay one's hands upon her keys." said Christov. Running his hands just above the keys but not touching them. "As you may know the Organ of the Flame was created with the aid of the Fire deity Pyri, it's strength magnifying tenfold the soul the Flame deity chooses worthy to play her."

"What makes you so sure that it is I the Flame deity will find worthy?" asked Lyude.

"Because it will. You, who are both hard and soft, fierce, yet gentle. You are the fabled Flame of Alfard. The one who will change the course of our great nation's history. Why, just look at what gave you strength in your travels. You were chosen to receive the strength of the heartlight candle, the representation of fiery rage, yet also the Platter of Parting, a symbol of great tenderness. Then the Jasper Gem, a powerful relic that repels evil hearts. All quite extraordinary relics to lend their power to a mere boy. Then, of course, you are the first Maestro Specialist to surface in over eighty years which makes you quite extraordinary in itself.

I have been watching you since the day you were sent to have your Magnus read. You probably don''t remember, but I was the one assigned to record the results. I found them quite interesting, particularly since the organ has been in my possession for over thirty years. If I had been given the opportunity, I would have tried to obtain you when you were exiled to Diadem, but these two years shall be quite worth the wait.

You were destined for this performance, Lyude, for now you are a master of the Maestro Specialists, able to summon the sacred weapon Finale. With this strength added to your soul the organ''s music will be powerful enough to crush even my largest opposition. I wouldn''t want to spoil my empire though, so let us simply make an example first and destroy the village of Azha. "

"You're mad!" shouted Lyude defiantly, "What makes you think I would ever consent to such a terrible thing?"

Christov eyed him with interest. "Bring him forth." he ordered the soldiers in the forefront. He was grasped Roughly on either side and half carried to stand before Emperor Christov and the organ.

"Have a seat, Sir Lyude." said Christov smiling. Lyude remained standing but the soldiers around him forced him onto the bench. "Free his hands." said Christov his eyes bright with anticipation. Kalas didn't like where this was going. Neither did Lyude, it appeared, as he began to struggle. A punch to his wounded shoulder made him gasp in pain and he was restrained by two soldiers on each arm. "Now, my dear young friend, let's get you acquainted with the ivories."

At Christov's command the soldier's forced a struggling Lyude's fingers onto the keys. Immediately an explosion of flame and sound erupted from the organ, the soldiers holding him seemed to dissemble like ash in a high wind, a strangled scream ripping from each of their throats as they were consumed by the flames. Lyude's scream was just as horrifying.

Though he was engulfed in the flames as well, they seemed not to harm him. Despite the fact that there was no longer anyone holding him he remained held fast as if paralyzed.

Kalas instinctively stepped forward. Xelha gripped his arm. The flames surrounding Lyude swirled upward. "Remember well what I hath shown you, thou who would be tested." boomed a voice as deep as the organ's tones. Lyude slumped his shoulders, his head bowed, released from whatever images had flashed before him. The flames swirled around him rapidly, his hair blew about as if in a high wind.

As if in reverse, a piece of sheet music began to appear on the shelf of the organ, reverted from a crisped pile of ash to a flawless sheet of paper uncurling from it''s blackened state. "Play." ordered the voice. "You cannot refuse, Show me if you are worthy of your destiny, chosen Flame of Alfard."

"I knew it!" shouted Christov.

"Play!" ordered the voice.

Lyude's fingers swept over the keys into starting position his eyes scanned the music. A solemn tune escaped the organ as Lyude's fingers flew across the keys, a haunting, yet beautiful melody it sounded very difficult. His feet moved across the foot pedals steadily and he seemed mesmerized by the sheet music. The tune was short and ended quickly. The test complete Lyude stiffened as the flames held him fast.

"Only a flawless performance could pass my challenge. You have done well chosen flame. There is more that you must see." Lyude's back arched as the flames seemed to concentrate around his head showing him images that no one else could see.

"You shall return on the rising of the day of the Flame. You shall play, lest this land be plunged into eternal darkness. Decide, Child of Alfard, decide the fate of your people. Choose your selection wisely. For if you fail in any, or if you lack the strength in your soul, you shall perish and your country will be doomed. Should you succeed, the land may come to a golden age or be consumed by your will. Go now."" the flames dissipated and Lyude stood and backed away from the organ, he turned toward the end of the hall, facing close to where his three friends watched in awe, and dropped to the floor unconscious.

Christov rushed to him viewing his prone figure and laughed triumphantly. "He is healed of his wounds!" said Christov. "That was the legendary aria of healing! A fitting test, a fitting test, for he shall heal this land of it''s sores and flaws. He will wipe the impurities clean and bring Alfard to a golden rule under my will. Take him now, take him to rest. Be sure he is well guarded."

The soldier beckoned stepped forward reluctantly. He bent to pick him up and halted before touching him. Hesitating with fear in his eyes.

"He's afraid to touch him." Kalas realized remembering the last soldiers that had."He's afraid he'll burn up too." Alyssa stepped forward and knelt beside Lyude. Tentatively, she touched his brow as if checking for a temperature. When she was not engulfed by flames the soldier shouldered her aside and picked him up carrying him from the room. All of the soldiers followed after being dismissed.

"What just happened in there?" asked Ricco in a shaken voice once they were alone.
Kalas shook his head, "I have absolutely no idea." he said. "But it couldn't have been good.
They saw Alyssa walking toward an abandoned hall and followed her. She stopped halfway down and entered a small room. The three companions followed her after ensuring she was the only one in the room and closed the door behind them.
Alyssa turned to them with a startled expression.

"Hi there." said Kalas removing his helmet. Alyssa sighed in relief. "Oh thank goodness, I was hoping you would come." said Alyssa."

"What just happened in there Alyssa? asked Kalas. "Is Lyude okay?"

"He'll be fine for now." said Alyssa, "No one would dare harm him now. Once the organist has been chosen he must play his part or our country will be doomed to burn. That is why the Organ of the Flame was hidden. It is much too powerful and dangerous to fall into the hands of an unfit owner. It is said that the organ releases the fire of the souls of Alfard. It''s very easy for the organist to make an error and destroy our entire land. It''s a terrible responsibility Emperor Christov has placed on Lyude's shoulders."

"We need to know more about this before we make our way to the imperial fortress." said Xelha. "Alyssa, can you get us in to see Lyude?"

"Yes. He has been placed fully in my charge." said Alyssa, "No one will question me here."

"Huh?" said Kalas, "Just like that Christov hands his secret weapon into the hands of some girl? Why would he do that?"

"Because Emperor Christov is my father." said Alyssa quietly. She did not allow them time for this revelation to sink in but beckoned them to follow her. Xelha shrugged and followed her, the men following hesitantly. They reached a large chamber that was securely locked and waited for Alyssa to unlock it. The room they entered had been secured at every angle, but it was the apex of luxury and comfort. A large bed stood in the center of the room, and it was here that Lyude lay, still and pale. He was not bound in any way, it seemed that the emperor wished him to be as comfortable as possible, possibly hoping to curb Lyude''s resentment towards him.

He stirred as they approached and sat up clutching his head in one hand. He did not see them, and did not seem aware they were there at all. As the last hours' events rushed back to him he clenched his fists in front of him resting his head on his knuckled his knees drawn up against him. He looked up as Alyssa took another step toward him and he turned in surprise.

"Alyssa." he said Then he saw his friends behind her and he sighed, his body relaxed and he let his shoulders go lax. "I'm so sorry my friends." he said, "This is all my fault, If I had gone directly to the Imperial fortress I may have been able to gain a little footing and I could have seen to it that relief was reaching Azha. My hesitance seems to have come at a hefty price and now heaven knows how many will suffer from it."

"Oh, Sir Lyude, you mustn't blame yourself for this." said Alyssa grasping his hands in her own and gazing at him pleadingly. "There was no escaping this day, though I had hoped that there was when I left your coat for your friends. I realize now that my father would have stopped at nothing to obtain you, if you had gone toward the imperial capital you would have been intercepted and captured. He's been waiting for you for twelve years Lyude, waiting for you to mature and be of use to him. It's not your fault. After all, there is no defense against an unknown enemy."

"Your father!" exclaimed Lyude drawing back from her in surprise. "That lunatic is your father?"

"Yes." said Alyssa sadly. "He's been this way since he discovered the organ in Azha over thirty years ago."

"In Azha?" said Lyude.

"Yes. I guess I should explain, you all have a right to know." said Alyssa, "You see, my father and I are from Azha we lived there until I was four."

"You're from Azha?"" said Kalas, "Then why is he so bent on destroying it?"

"Shush Kalas, let her talk." said Xelha.

"Father was always embarrassed by his humble beginnings. He had always sworn that he would escape the mines and those foolish enough to want to stay. He got his chance when he hinted that he might know where the legendary Organ of the Flame was hidden. Geldoblame liked his taciturn attitude and he was quickly enlisted in the imperial army. It was a dream come true for my father and he adored Emperor Geldoblame and his teachings. Eventually, he began to have his own aspirations for conquest.

He gained some followers of his own, concealing our beginnings and becoming quite the tyrant. Then one day when I was six he came home with a file in his hand. He was talking quickly and excitedly to himself, happier than I had ever seen him. When he left the file for a moment to go get a drink I opened it and peeked in. I was still learning to read but the file had a picture of a boy my age with red hair and a disciplined air about him. The boy in the file was Lyude."

"That must have been the day he took me to have my magnus read." said Lyude. "I'd barely remembered an imperial soldier was with me, Almarde had held my hand while the old witch read my aura and looked at my palm. To be quite truthful, I was very frightened to go, Skeed had always told me it was a very painful experience. Almarde had come to comfort me."

"Almarde?" said Ricco, ""That wouldn't be the same Almarde who was killed a few weeks ago would it?" he said.

Lyude bowed his head forcing back tears. "Right in front of me . . ." he said, "Trying to protect me from my own brother and sister. Almarde raised me."

"She was a fine woman." said Ricco, "Come to think of it, I remember her bringing an imperial child to Azha a few times." He looked at Lyude. "It must have been you."

"Yes. Almarde always made sure that I would grow to appreciate people from all walks of life. She instilled within me a great interest in foreign cultures and their practices. As well as a deep respect of those who toiled in Azha." said Lyude, "Everything I ever learned worth remembering in Mintaka I learned from her. I owe her so much. But please, Alyssa, continue."

Alyssa nodded, ""Well, from that day forward father always kept a close eye on you. He tried to keep it secret from me but I knew. He hid his surveillance well. When I saw you in the tent that day, I had no idea you were the same boy. It was certainly the first time I had seen you in person. I had seen a few photos of you when I was seven but father kept them well hidden after that. I doubt he even knows I know as much as I do. When I was old enough he let me do as I pleased and I moved back into Azha for about a month after operation sweep aiding with the wounded and I became an experienced nurse.

Father was fuming at the time because you had been sent beyond his reach, he was so distraught about it he cared little about what I did. Father eventually recovered and took it as a minor set back but his mania has never been calmed."

Lyude bowed his head. "All my life people have thought me a puppet that they can manipulate." said Lyude darkly. "And they have always found a way to make it so, despite my intentions and efforts. Am I nothing but a weapon? Why was I even born!" he said vehemently. What they saw then startled them all. Within Lyude's eyes burned the fires of the Organ of the Flame. He put his face in his hands, trembling as if the rage and anguish he felt would cause him to explode.

"Sir Lyude! You mustn't speak like that!" said Alyssa grasping his hands once again and kneeling in front of him. "You are a kind soul, you defend the innocent and within you burns the fires of the Alfard that I wish we had seen more of these past several years. The fires of love and compassion. You haven't lost, Lyude! You will beat this, I believe in you!

Whatever my father may believe the decision awaiting you on the dawning of the day of the flame is yours alone. You have a choice and there is nothing my father can do to alter that. You may have to play for the flame god Pyri, but your will is strong and your soul is pure. Only the purest of souls could have successfully played the Aria of healing. Choose correctly and you can heal this land.

Being chosen to play the organ is a great honor, it shows that you are favored in Pyri's eyes. It doesn't have to become a defeat, you could turn this tragedy into your greatest triumph. You can bring healing to our land and bathe us in Pyri's gentle warmth instead of his fiery wrath." Lyude met her gaze and his eyes softened and returned to their normal state. The organ had altered him, showing that which Lyude normally only showed when he used Sforzando. The inner rage of his soul.

"Alyssa I . . ." he began awkwardly but bowed his head instead, "Thank you. You're right, I must learn what I can from the images the organ has shown me, the first were so horrible I barely remembered the rest. I''ll find some way to make things right.

Kalas, Xelha, you must go and warn the committee of what's happened, tell them in five days' time that music will soar across the land and that all must be prepared to take cover in case something goes wrong, see to it that the people of Azha are well protected, if not evacuate them for the time being.

Also tell them where the base is and have an assault team ready, If I fail, they will have to take Christov down by force. I pray that it won't come to that. You must all go. You'll have a better chance in leaving if you go while people are still distracted by what happened a while ago." He looked directly at Ricco, "All of you. The people will need all of your energies to prepare for the day of the flame. Please, hurry."

Xelha placed a hand on Lyude's shoulder and nodded. Kalas shook his head, at a loss for words. They filed out silently and all left Lyude to rest and think over the events of the day, though he was sure that there was only one way this could end.