Here's my next chapter, for all you who are wondering why Lyude refused, Heres why:

Chapter 7

The Imperial Fortress

"Oh no! Why not, Lyude?" asked Xelha looking both surprised and disappointed.

"Emperor Geldoblame was the Empire, if my people wish me to lead I would never take up that title. I refuse to allow myself to be placed in a position where I would just stand around giving orders. If I am to take the responsibilities my people wish me to, then I must do it my own way and not live in the shadow of an unfit legacy.

I want to reform our government, where our people truly have a say in the way that our country is run. I want direct council with my people so that I may always be kept informed of their situations and needs. All citizens will be welcome to speak to me and I refuse to allow myself to become a prisoner of politics. All available hands should aid in rebuilding our homeland, mine shall not be tied. The empire is dead, let us unite our countries with commerce and comradery. With the deep stains of the past It's not going to be easy but I'm sure we can do it."

"Spoken like a true leader." said Kalas, clapping Lyude on the back.

"I'm afraid you may have a little trouble in the streets, though." said Xelha smiling.

"That will pass eventually, I'm sure." said Lyude. "Hopefully sooner than later. That crowd was almost as frightening as Malpercio himself."

"Looks like Ayme and Folon have managed to disperse the crowd a bit." said Kalas looking outside, "Though I'm sure it doesn't help that they played a large role in bringing Malpercio down. After all, they did harness the power of Alfard's end magnus so that we could reach Cor Hydrae Castle."

"Yes. Though we had our differences during this conflict I feel that both Ayme and Folon care a great deal for Alfard. I hope that they will remain to play a role in restoring it." said Lyude.

"Looks to me that's exactly what they intend to do." said Kalas. "I still can't say as I care much for them, but I have to give them credit for getting us through to Cor Hydrae."

"I feel that the true potential of this country will soon be revealed." said Lyude, "After I have met with the committee and a decision on my leadership is reached I would like to meet with the leaders of the other nations so that we may best decide what each country can contribute to aid the other."

"You sound like you were born for this." said Kalas. Lyude flushed.

"We could take you directly to the Imperial Fortress if you like." said Skeed. "It still remains the base of operations for Alfard, but I think you'll be needing this." he said handing Lyude a golden key.

"The key to the executive elevator . . ." said Lyude.

"Geez, Lyude," said Kalas rolling his eyes, "The way you took that elevator key, you'd think they'd given you the key to the city or something. What's up with these people anyway? One minute you're a traitor, the next you're a national hero? Fickle people you've got here and they don't even know about the Organ of the Flame yet."

"Kalas!" said Xelha, but Lyude was laughing.

Vallye and Skeed eyed Lyude in confusion at the mention of the Organ. "It's a long story." he said to them, "I'll explain later."

"Come on you, Lyude has enough on his mind without your wisecracking." said Xelha taking Kalas' hand.

"Are you leaving?" asked Lyude, not quite able to conceal the desperation in his voice. He couldn't express how much he wanted them to stay. They were the only thing in his world that hadn't turned upside down on him and he found their presence steadying.

"Well, there's really nowhere that Kalas and I need to rush to, if you want us to stay, we could for a while." said Xelha, smiling with understanding. "After all, we came back to help you. We'd rather be by your side than get busy elsewhere."

"Thank you, I would be honored if you would join me at the imperial fortress. I must say, after today, I'm not sure what to expect." said Lyude.

"The first thing I suggest you do is do something about the decor in Geldoblame's room." said Kalas, "There's only one word to describe that place. Wrong."

Lyude laughed. "I would have to agree with that assessment." he said. "But I'll worry about my living quarters later."

When they reached the street they found their escort waiting. Most of the crowd had dispersed and they found it much easier to navigate their way through the streets. Lyude felt very uncomfortable as several of the observers bowed respectfully as he passed. The soldiers guarding the perimeter saluted him. Several girls glanced at him wistfully past the guards. He decided it was best to keep his eyes forward.

"Lyude, Lyude!" came a shout and a small girl crawled between a soldier's legs and latched herself onto Lyude's leg. "Hello, Scalla." he said fondly, smiling as he lifted the small girl so that she could hug him properly.

"Where have you been?" asked Scalla, "You've been all people have been talking about for the past week, well, you and the ocean."

"Really?" said Lyude raising an eyebrow.

"We don't have all day, ya know." said Folon. "You there, get this brat out of here."

"I can handle this, thanks, Folon." said Lyude. "Listen, Scalla, I have to go, but I promise I'll come and see you and Brianne as soon as I can, okay?"

"Well, okay." said Scalla, "But don't be too long. I've missed you." Lyude found Brianne in the crowd and handed Scalla over to her.

They reached the imperial fortress by early afternoon. After the initial euphoria of Lyude's return most of the people were willing to give him some peace. The fortress was swarming with officers rushing about in every direction. Several stopped as he passed and saluted, but they quickly returned to their tasks.

The relief magnus the other countries had sent had been recovered and all were busy in the different tasks in sorting and dispersing them evenly among the two cities. As they entered the fortress they encountered a large group of people arguing among themselves. "Sir, Lyude. Thank heavens you've returned to us safely!" said a man standing by the door, grasping his hand and shaking it vigorously. Lyude jumped, he hadn't even seen him. The men arguing ahead of them all stopped and turned. There was a dead silence.

"This is him?" said one of the men finally. "This is the one those fools want to place in charge? He's just a boy."

"And who would you suggest, Braddoc?" asked Skeed stepping forward and standing beside his brother. "He's done more for this country in his short years than you have in your entire military career." Braddoc glared at Skeed. It was quite obvious they despised each other. "Some leader. His big brother has to speak for him." said Braddoc. Skeed glared at him and stepped forward. In moments the two were shouting at each other.

"This is going well." Kalas muttered.

"Enough!" said Lyude, loud enough to be heard.

Both men jumped and Lyude stepped forward and met his accuser's gaze levelly. "Admiral James Braddoc, I presume?" he said.

"That's right."

"With all due respect, sir, I want it to be understood that no one needs to speak on my behalf. I speak for myself. I may not be what you expected, but do not underestimate me sir. I will do all that is within my power to see that Alfard and its citizens are cared for."

"Harumph."

"Pay him no mind, Sir Lyude, there has been quite a change in standings since you've been away." said the older gentleman who had greeted him at the door. "There is no longer any need for you to continue calling him an Admiral."

Braddock quite clearly glared at the old man, but he paid him no mind as he led them to the elevator to the fifth floor. Once inside he sighed wearily, "I'm sorry you had to see that display downstairs. The country is in complete chaos and discord, and the officials are no better off."

"I understand completely." said Lyude.

"Braddoc has been causing a lot of trouble here, he is only recognized as a citizen now, but he is demanding command. I'm so sorry you had to be exposed to that."

"Don't be, I've grown accustomed to it. It's the letter I received that has come as a surprise." said Lyude.

"To a lot of the former officers as well, my young friend, I daresay that there are still many that don't believe you up to much."

"A few weeks ago, I might of agreed with them." said Lyude, "I only hope that I can live up to the people's expectations."

"I think that there is little question about that, my boy." said the old gentleman. The doors opened and Lyude found that the upper levels were no more peaceful than the lowers. The reception, however, was quite different.

"Thank heavens! Sir Lyude!" said one of the men who had been participating in a heated conversation. Lyude recognized him as one of Geldoblame's past intelligence officers. Lyude had always respected him because he was always direct and honest with his findings. "We feared for your safety when we heard of your misfortune in Azha." He continued.

"I appreciate your concern, General Muldoon." said Lyude. "I would like to thank you and all involved for all your efforts to protect and care for the people."

"Hah, fine job we've done of that." Muldoon said, "You'll have to pardon our behavior, our nerves have grown thin since that madman's followers began stealing the relief supplies."

"I can fully understand that." said Lyude.

"You shouldn't have to." said Muldoon, "But please, we should be getting on with this meeting we summoned you for."

"Of course." said Lyude.

"Very well then, let us go to the operations room." said Muldoon. The older gentleman that had escorted then had left by now, so they followed Muldoon to the operations room. Once inside, Lyude noticed right away that the security sphere had been shattered. "So that's how they were able to steal the relief magnus without detection." said Lyude.

"Hey! Sharp Shooter!" came a shout to his left and he found himself on the ground, a young man his age kneeling over him and messing his hair. Lyude groaned, he had not noticed him because of the security sphere. "Good to see you too, Andrews." said Lyude, shoving the man off of him.

"Okay..." said Kalas, then chuckled when he noticed the state of Lyude's hair.

Lyude picked himself up and brushed himself off. "What's so funny?" he asked looking puzzled. Xelha giggled, "Here, Lyude, let me help you." she said straightening the cowlick Andrews had given him. "Thanks." said Lyude.

"It's been a while, Sharp Shooter." said Andrews grinning and clapping Lyude on the back. "Obviously not long enough." said Lyude, "You're still just as much a loose cannon as I remember."

"That's why we made such a good pair." said Andrews, "You did the country a service just by keeping me in check. You're one to talk about being a loose cannon, Sharp Shooter, I heard you mastered Sforzando. I knew there was some aggression in you somewhere. I'm not the one that got myself exiled either."

"Don't remind me." said Lyude. "Though it was probably the best thing to happen to me, heaven knows were I would be now if I hadn't met Kalas and Xelha here." said Lyude gesturing to his two friends. "Kalas, Xelha, I would like to introduce you to Michael Andrews. We used to spar together in military training."

"Hence the nick name Sharp Shooter for the Lyudester here." said Andrews. Lyude scowled at the pet name. "Nice to meet ya." continued Andrews grinning.

"Lyudester?" said Kalas boiling over with mirth.

"Keep it up, Andrews, I may introduce you to a few more of my new attacks." said Lyude, his eyebrow cocked playfully.

"Erm. Well then, we didn't come here to reminisce, now did we?" said Andrews looking a little nervous. He noticed Lyude's light expression and a look of exaggerated awe swept over his face. "Was that really a joke coming out of you, Lyude? You HAVE changed."

"For the better, I hope." said Lyude, "come now, let's get this meeting over with."

The meeting lasted for several hours, each taking their turn in explaining the events that had occurred since the threat of Malpercio. When it was Lyude's turn to speak he have his suggestions about the government and they discussed his new role. All agreed that it was a wonderful and fresh approach. The only trouble was what title he would assume. "Why not just stick with Sir Lyude?" said Kalas, "Everyone's calling him that already."

"That is a manner of addressing him." said Xelha, "Not a title. He needs a title."

"How about Head Moderator?" said Xelha. "It suggests all that he wants it to. That he will work closely with his people and the other nations and bring forth fruitful solutions."

"I like it." said Andrews. "Not too forceful, but official. Ambassador doesn't really fit him anymore since he's back in Alfard."

"Shall we take a vote then?" said Muldoon. "Aye!" said the room in unison. "It's settled then. Now, Sir Lyude, we should arrange for your living quarters."

"Pardon me." said Lyude, "But I would really rather not take residence in Emperor Geldoblame's old suite. I could never be comfortable staying there."

"Can't say as I blame you there." said Muldoon, "Very well, We'll arrange for you to stay in one of the barracks for now until we decide then."

"I would appreciate that. For tonight, however, I would just like to go home." said Lyude. The meeting concluded then and Lyude and his assemblage walked alone out of the fortress. Vallye and Skeed were posing as his official guard, so a large guard was not considered necessary. Lyude would not have heard of it anyway. He had no intention of turning his people away with guards. "So, what now, Head Moderator?" asked Kalas, "Now, I think I should fulfill a promise." said Lyude. "I'm going to go visit Scalla and Brianne. As soon as things are settled here in Alfard, I plan on taking Scalla to see Diadem."

"Listen at him." said Kalas, "Just gets his new post and he's already talking about a vacation." Lyude and Xelha laughed. And they made their way back to Mintaka.