-Vulcaneous 31st, 687 of the Imperial calendar
Zorzal's colleagues sat down in their seats at the large table, not one of the guests daring to speak. Today would be the day his followers would be informed about his plan to get rid of the traitors if they so chose to except the unholy peace from the invaders. It had him proud that a good number of Sadera's sons had joined him in his quest of saving their beloved nation from the barbarians, many he easily recognized like count Woody, Powadon, Gimlet and general Mudra who despite losing most of his men in the gate invasion managed to return hope safely against the the odds.
"My brothers!" He proclaimed, "I have gathered you all here tonight for a important announcement, for it'll decide the fate of Sadera. My spies have informed me that the men my father sent to stall for time have decided to support the ending of this war!" There were hushed murmuring of anger and many scowled. "In three days time there will be the meeting of the senate to decide if this righteous war will continue or not. If the cowards surrender our nation to the other-worlders, I fear that we'll be gutted of our riches and honor, land stolen, our women left at the mercy of barbarians and so much more." The guests viewed on as their crown prince stood from his seat.
"If my father and his heathens are to bow down then we'll have no choice but to act!" He slammed his first onto the table, causing his guests to jump and silver ware to clatter. "The emperor has sat on his throne while thousands of our brothers gave their lives for the fatherland, now it's our time to set things right! If my father agrees then he along with the traitors most be eliminated before they do any damage then they have already done."
Zorzal had a feeling that the senate had grown incompetent and uncooperative in the war effort, bickering for hours on end with nothing accomplished and the number of dead mounting. "We will make sure that every Uncia of Saderan soil occupied will be repaid in a lake of barbarian blood!" The room erupted in cheers and applause, even Mudra who saw the raw power of the so called barbarians clapped as he too was foolish enough to hope in Zorzal's vision of a victory for the empire. With every huzzah his ego grew and grew, imagining the faces of his enemies as he rode along with the imperial army cutting them down like the rats they were. He also envisioned crowds cheering as his forces liberated Saderan cities like Deabis and the traitors who cooperated with what his bastard child of a half-sister called the United states publicly crucified for all to see. 'I didn't even have to wait for the old man to die.' The mad prince thought to himself, 'He brought his downfall upon himself and I'll finish what he started.'
For the rest of the meeting they formulated the great plan that would bring the empire under full control of the soon to be emperor. After what seemed like forever it was over and the guests left but not before swearing not only secrecy but also undying loyalty to Zorzal himself. The plan was quite simple, if the senate chose to except peace then the message would be intercepted before it could reach the Jade palace which had been occupied by the enemy, then kill the traitorous emperor and blame it on enemy assassins. With the people in a uproar, he would take the mantle and rid Falmart of the invaders and forever mark his name in the history books.
-Two days later
Piña felt weird, it was strange that she who was the daughter of the most powerful man in Falmart was cooperating with the Empire's enemy to establish peace. The Americans had orchestrated a "party" at the Tyueli villa just a few leagues west of the capital, for the intention of gathering up all the pro-peace or "doves" as the Other-worlders called it. She even with a elegant coat shivered in the Demeteous wind. In Falmart, farmers would rush to collect as much food as possible before it began to snow in the second half of Demeteous which wouldn't end until Fortuneous three months later.
From what the Americans told her, agriculture was a small part of their economy and one of their farms could in theory feed a small village and the United states never had a serious famine ever in it's entire history, something unheard of. 'Could America give the empire some of its technology? We could recover in just a short few years!' She thought to herself, luckily Mrs. Balsiene, another ambassador and colleague to Mr. Cooper was chatting with sir Tyueli about potential trade between the two nations.
"Im quite surprised at the conversation rate madam Martin, 1,500 of your own for one of ours." The blonde haired woman nodded, "Indeed, but our economy is the biggest in our world and possibly soon your world too." He looked over to see Piña, "Your highness." He bowed and stepped slightly to the side as a sign of respect. "Good day sir Tyueli. Madam Balsiene, I please ask that we discuss something, preferably by ourselves." "Sure thing princess." The young princess then lead her through a modest gate and into a garden where a small pond sat on the far right.
Once they were alone, the older lady spoke, "what is that you with to speak with me?" She took a small breath, "Madam Balsiene, I must ask. When the war ends, will Sadera be able to buy some our your technology? It'd drastically improve the lives of everyone in this world." Mrs. Balsiene waited a moment before responding. "If your country indeeds chooses peace, then in the future agricultural technologies can be sold but your people are simply aren't ready at the moment. The people must be educated first before they even think of touching a tractor. That's why we should build public schools so the people can learn how to improve their lives." She explained, the princess felt a twinge of disappointment.
"Plus," she added, "Your government may wish to violently retaliate against us if they believe they are on the same level as us so Falmart for now will mostly stay as it is." She understood Sadera wasn't in a position for demands but it still hurt, knowing that her once unstoppable homeland was reduced to a satellite state of a nation that was on a whole different world where all that was supposedly normal here was shunned.
"We do not believe in the complete humiliation of our defeated adversaries, rather we wish to turn them into our allies through economic trade and respect." She explained, "If we acted like how country usually act here then there would be a lot more military and civilian dead fight now." Piña couldn't agree more as so far the Americans appeared to have treated the captured much better then expected, kept warm and properly feed.
"Then what will happen to my father? You did say you would punish all who were responsible for the war." Balsiene's face grew grim. "Unfortunately, as head of state he is not exempt from punishment as despite the senate his rule is absolute. If the courts find him guilty then he can be sentenced to spend a predetermined amount his life in prison or sentenced to death."
-One day later
In the imperial senate, men argued and bickered among themselves as Zorzal from his seat watched in frustration as the pro-peace and pro-war factions clashed on whether to end or continue the war. The two sides had been arguing all day and he worried he be hear until the next sun rise. "These are just magically talented barbarians! We have faced hardships before in the past and will prevail!" Said one, "No!" Objected another, "This war will be the end of Sadera!" He watched count Woody stand up and cleared his throat as he prepared to budge his way into the conversation. "My fellow senators! This is not the time to argue about idealism but to take action!"
"There's a enemy that we'll never faced the likes of before, an enemy that have destroyed many armies in its wake. Thousands of our sons have perished to this horde who wish to destroy what we have build. They talk about abolishing slavery and ripping our proud military away from us and so much more!" The count spoke with passion and vigor, some heads nodding at his points. But of course the marquis had to ruin it.
"Count Woody, it appears your are blind to what we are facing. They're far superior to any wonder weapon we could cough up. They have agreed to support our recovery and potential trading of technology for agricultural purposes." Again many nodded in agreement, many only supporting his faction for economic gain. "Many of our vassals such as Alguna have exited the war while Elbe has declared war on us! There's no option that we have other excepting peace if we wish to continue the survival of our empire."
'So he's willing to give up because of the promise of trinkets?! I knew he was a defeatist but this is a new low!' The prince thought to himself. He hoped to give the senate a chance to see right but it seemed he was wrong. "Now," Boomed the emperor, "It is time to vote on if we accept peace or continue the war. Those who wish for peace say 'aye', and those oppose 'nay'! Now this was the moment of truth, would the country heel over or will it stand strong?
"Aye!" "Nay!" Zorzal felt his fury rise, 'A tie?!!' He looked to his father who's face was it's usual cold glance. "It seems that this was more decisive then I anticipated. We all must do waits best for our nation." He put his thumb up, "With the Other-worlders agreeing to help Sadera rebuild and to trade with each other, it'd be foolish to continue such a costly war." The Prince's blood boiled, the only think keeping him from lashing out was the plan he had created. The emperor turned to Marcus who stood by the throne. "Marcus, go to the Jade palace and inform the ambassador that we except his country's terms and that he is to come to the Imperial palace as soon as possible." "Yes your majesty." The adviser made a small bow and walked to the massive doors when he spotted Zorzal's glaring eyes, filled with hate. Though this was quite unsettling, he shrugged it off and exited the senate chamber but little did he know, his long life would take a abrupt end.
Soon everyone began to leave and Zorzal saw Gimlet, head of the Oprichnina standing just outside the doors. "Gimlet." "My lord." Zorzal placed his hand on the shorter man's shoulder. "Come with me." The two then walked off towards the direction of the main palace entrance. Once outside and away from any potential eavesdroppers, Zorzal spoke in a hushed voice. "Is the trap set?" Gimlet grinned and nodded, "Yes my lord, my men will make sure that message doesn't reach the Jade palace." The prince smiled and patted his minion on the back. "Good work my friend. Now, let's have a drink to the future!"
Two miles from the Jade palace
A young Oprichnina soldier sat along side his comrades, hidden by a tree line just a few paces from the road. The traitor would be arriving soon in a carriage to relay the message. "Everyone get ready! The carriage is coming!" He heard their commander call out, and everyone got ready their swords. He could here the sound of hoofs clanking out grow louder and louder until in the corner of his eye he could see a elegant white carriage with golden wheels. Then one of them as planned ran out of hiding and into the middle of the road, forcing the carriage to stop abruptly at only a arm's length from the man.
"Long live the empire!" He shouted and with a great yell, all the men jumped out and dashed for the carriage like wolves. The two Imperial guards watching over the advisor were overwhelmed by the dozens of Oprichnina soldiers while they were pulverized and stabbed to death. The soldier ripped the door open and yelled, "Advisor Marcus! You are hereby charged with treason against the Empire!" Fearing for his life the bald man began to splutter but couldn't say anything as he was ripped out and onto the dirt. They all made a circle around him as he tried to get up, only to be kicked down like a stray hound.
"W-why are do doing this! You'll all be crucified!" He threatened though his words mean nothing. The soldier along with another grabbed him by the arms and forced him onto his knees. Their legatus then walked up in front of him and smiled a toothy grin at the poor man. "As my soldier has told you, you have committed treason by carrying out the orders of the traitorous emperor Molt. Therefore, the sentence is death!" He pulled out his short and lined up the blade to the neck. He could see the man's eyes dilate hearing that, his facial expression as if he saw a ghost.
"No! Please, I-I give you anything you want!" But his words fell on deaf ears, at this point he was sobbing and snot dropped from his nose. The sword was raised, "No!! I'm begging you!!!!! Please Sp-" he didn't say anymore as his head hit the ground while his body slumped over, blood oozing from the point of decapitation. The centurion the picked up the head and looked into his eyes, they blinked a few times while the mouth made slight movements. With a sigh he threw the head into a tree, bouncing off as landing in a bush. "Remember this brothers!" He called, "He is only the first of many that will face the wrath of Sadera's finest! The cleaners of this world!" He rose his fist and all entered into chants.
A few hours later.
Everything was in place and soon the empire could be cleared of the parasites who dared turn their backs against the nation. Just minutes before, 10 Cohorts of Oprichnina 'sweepers' had begun scouring Sadera and it's outskirts for Pro-peace senators. Meanwhile Zorzal, Mudra and soldiers from his clan moved through a secret passage to the Imperial palace. The prince had learned of this tunnel years ago when he and Diabo were young teenagers thinking of what they'd do once the throne was theirs. Thankfully for both him and his scheming brother, their father never found out which made this plan of his near fool-proof in his mind.
Slowly he grabbed the latch and pulled back the fake wall to reveal the sleeping chambers of the emperor himself. Immediately the group surrounded the bed like wolves ready to pounce on their prey. Zorzal felt like a child awaiting for his gift, and snapped his fingers. One of Mudra's men punched the sleeping emperor and stuffed his mouth with a piece of clothe as they pinned him down to the bed. "Sorry to wake you from your slumber father, but you haven't been for filling your duty as emperor." He said, grinning ear to ear while Molt as forced onto his knees by his attackers. "Take out the clothe." He ordered, "He is to explain himself. If he starts to get loud, then shut him up." Mudra nodded and ripped out the clothe, Molt coughing for a few seconds.
"By the gods are you mad? To handle your emperor and father this way." He ask, calm like he always was but this time there was a hint of fear. "No father, it is you that is the mad one. You from the safety of your throne watched as our soldiers were massacred, our cities fall and pride tainted. You and everyone else has seemed by be seduced by the siren of peace. Now then me, what made you change your mind from stalling for time to actually agreeing to our surrender?" There was long silence, and got ready to punch him until he said something that shook him.
"It was your sister." He answered softly. "She despite being young and naive has managed to open my eyes and see that this war while only bring ruin. She with the enemy at her side could become the most power person in all of Falmart and take my throne if she wanted to, but you have beaten her on that." Zorzal couldn't believe it, that bastard child of a sister, born from a mere concubine had swayed his fathers opinion because she gave in to the enemy's demands. He would be surprised if she and her band of "ladies" weren't in bed with the barbarian generals.
"My son...please listen to reason. If you continue down this path then I fear-" "Enough!!!" Having reached his boiling point he pulled out his dagger and plunged it into his chest, everyone surprised at Zorzal's outburst. Molt looked down at his wound and looked up at his son with a look that he'd never seen before. "Son..." he managed to cough out as blood oozed from his chest and mouth. "May the gods..." he didn't finish his sentence as he went limp, ending the life that was Molt. The prince's breathes were labored and the hand holding the bloodied dagger twitched while his eyes had the look of a demon.
"We must go my lord." Mudra suggested, "The Imperial guard is bound to be here soon." Zorzal led out a sigh and nodded, "Let's go, we have a certain weasel to deal with." With that, the group quickly went back into the tunnel and slammed the secret door shut just before there was a loud knocking at the emperor's door.
Demeteous 4th, 687 of the Imperial calendar
Piña's eyes slowly opened and her head immediately began to pound. "Ohh...what did I drink?" Then she looked to see herself not in her not gown but in rags with her hands locked in chains. "I see that your awake, perfect!" She turned her head to see her brother looking at her with a mischievous grin. "Zorzal, what in the world is going on?! I demand to know why I'm in chains!" But he laughed at her question. "Sister, do you think that I'm a fool? Your hear because you collaborated with the enemy!" 'What?!' She thought, confused. "But the war's about to be over, many of the senate supports peace with the Americans."
"No it will not!" He kicked her hard in the gut with his boot, knocking the wind out of her. "Of course a weak bitch like you would want be with the barbarians over Sadera's honor! It appears I must educate you what would happen if peace would be for filled." He growled, "Do you think they'd hesitate a second before pillaging our lands of it's wealth? Do you think they would allow Sadera to recover from the reparation debt and be economically independent? Do you even think they'd let you do anything one your own once you took the throne?" 'The throne?' She thought.
"Why would I want to take the throne away from father?" But instead of a reply, she got a soft chuckle that turned into a full on laughter. "I don't think you understand the situation your in. That coward of a emperor is dead!" He laughed once more. "I killed him!" She felt she was hit by a boulder, it couldn't have been possible. "You...that's not possible!" "It is my sister, I killed him with my own two hands last night and the throne is rightfully mine! I also had the traitors arrested." Piña become more and more terrified as she listened to him. 'His gone insane! He'll be the death of Sadera!'
She pleaded out, "You'll send the empire into a death spiral!" But it was of no use as it was clear he wouldn't listen to her. "I knew he was always a slimy rat, so why not deal with him sooner rather that later. Sadera shall return to her former glory and take revenge against the other-worlders. I'll push them back to Alnus and watch as the Imperial army slaughter them and every last collaborator in Italica! And once it is all over I'll conquer their world as well." She was powerless and she would watch all that she loved destroyed in the fire of war. He then kneed down to her level.
"And don't worry, I won't kill you just yet." He said while rubbing her chin. "As I'll be busy with your band of misfits." She couldn't reply, all that she had worked for had been for nothing. The heavy door was slammed shut before she could get up. "Brother, please..." she pleaded with only the alight candle as her witness. Now the pieces were set and in motion, she knew that the great city of Sadera would meet it's downfall.
Now it has finally happened, Molt is dead and piña has been placed in a dungeon while Zorzal leads a suicidal war. Now next we'll see the consequences of his actions with "Operation Horner".