Chapter Two: Mali's Friend
Everyone sits in Mali's personal quarters. Iolene, Lexi and Lei sit on the bed as Fred crashes onto the couch across from the three. His large bulky body and muscles cover the whole couch. The wood creaks underneath his weight, and him criticizing the wood is made of paper.
Mali to reach the height of everyone else sits on the table. Stein and Aaron standing next to the table as if they are Mali's personal guards. Mali placed a small pretty box of sweets next to him. Eating them one at a time with enjoyment.
"It has been a few months since we arrived." The small man begins. "But it is time for the next step my Empress..." Mali looks at her for approval.
Iolene nods as Mali and Stein are the only people who truly look at her for who she is. It was Stein and Mali who managed to convince the King to ease her confinement. Stein learned his lesson soon after their meeting. A happy Iolene is easier to deal with than a stubborn and angry Iolene. She is indeed incredibly grateful to the two, as she pleaded with the King herself multiple times. No one else takes me seriously... Empress Zhen showed me respect and Queen Hara. Thinking to herself. She struggled with how to communicate with her great uncle the king. She loves him but did not know how to react to him. First arriving back, she had a private dinner with her family. It is good to see that the King never overdoes opulence like Mille-Voix. Fresh fish and crabs are caught from the harbours, with rice, vegetables and potatoes. However, she felt a world away from her family... It felt as if she was still in the temple sending letters. On the way to Aquarius City, she discussed with Murray and Marina, every family member's likes and dislikes. Take mental notes and ask questions about their hobbies, which they are happily obliged to answer. Trying her hardest to fit in... But it was obvious that she is still a stranger within the halls. Will he lock up his own children? She asks herself; I am not one of his children but... She Remembers when King Marlowe condemned Elder Priest Akvor to exile. Akvor attacked her in a drunken rage. Started his downfall of corruption... The old man was a monster. Her heart softens as she eases her mind off King Marlowe. Stop being so harsh... Reflecting on herself, King Marlowe overall is a good man.
Iolenes mind then ponders to Marianas as she hasn't seen her ever since she returned. All Iolene knew she is now the elder priestess, becoming leader of the priest sect after Akvors exile. Missing her terribly and in an odd way missed Marsh too. He felt so long ago as he betrayed her to Akvor. Iolene left him on bad terms as she should have... She can never trust him the same way again. Keep thoughts of him at arm's length. She thinks to herself.
"We obviously lost Mille Voix due to their own ego and stupidity," Mali says annoyed as he shoves another lolly into his mouth.
Iolene read continuous updates of Turquoise country. They are officially poor, many articles state they are broke as Light Green... A massive insult to any wealthy person who remains there to be sure. But if the rich is not touched, they will be sated. The luck of the wealthy ran out, however, as many nobles and wealthy families were murdered... Not by the Black Empire. But the people who once served them. Slaves and common folk alike revolted. Fighting back as the Black Empire is bleeding the country and people's funds dry.
Iolenes' heart ached for the people but couldn't imagine how Avery is feeling. Her country is gone... Now a state of the Black Empire in all but name. Her family is announced to be imprisoned in an analogous situation to Fred. The difference being her family isn't royal. The rich of Turquoise elect their leader, with many assassinations to help get the throne... It is only bait for Avery to return.
"We still need more allies..." Mali continues to speak as Iolene pays attention again. "I know a highborn friend from the Orange Empire. He can help us with the next step."
"Orange?" Iolene asks with surprise.
"Yes, my lady, Orange," Mali says to reassure her. "I have a friend who lives there... A rather high-up friend... He has returned to Dominus Sahara recently. I believe with his help we can gain allyship with them."
"Is that possible?" Iolene asks Mali seriously. The Orange Empire has always been enemies of the Gold Empire in history. For the nations have nothing in common as the Gold Empire simply labelled Orange as barbaric. The slave trade was the crux of it all. Cruel to everything even to their own. Even one time in history Estrella the Star of the Eastern Desert. Tried to amend slavery in the Gold Empire, due to their agreement to support her Dragonlordship in the ten-star war. No one supported it in court, human or dragon as it became one of the reasons (apart from planning to kill the human Empress) why Estrella was assassinated. Destroying the Orange treaty as Estrella is dead. That was one of the conflicts out of many in thousands of years of squabbling. Iolene did not know what to think...
"If we manage to get the support of Orange. I will NEVER allow slavery. If they help me, they will certainly ask for it!" Iolene says worried as she begins to pace around the room. Herself thinking of her debt to Brown, Light-Blue and Blue. Orange will be adamant about the payback of debts, it won't be because they think it is a good cause.
"Ah... Do not fret Iolene. For they will be indebted to me first!" Mali says with his cheeky grin, even sneaking in a giggle.
Everyone looks at the small man confused.
"None of this information shall leave this room. The only others is King Marlowe and Grand Princess Nerida, I had a private audience. To gain their approval as Aaron, Fred and I shall proceed to Dominus Sahara."
Fred who is barely listening to Mali straightens up. "Um... WHAT!?" He shouts. "Who said I was going where!?" Fred then stands with his fists tightened.
Iolene has her mouth agape. Aaron is going back? The voice in her head repeats over and over again. She wanted to shout and cry. But nothing came out, muted her voice. Aaron, please do not go... Please! Her mind begged as she gazes at Aaron from the bed.
"Coming with me, to Dominus Sahara!" Mali says excitedly as he places another sweet in his mouth, repeating the sentence again slower for Fred to understand. "You might actually be useful. I need help, and you can. Be a good boy and sit back down."
"YOU LITTLE SHIT!" Fred shouts angrier, throwing a nearby vase. Completely missing Mali entirely. The small man uses a mag pull, grabs the vase and gently places it back down on the floor.
"There is no need for that, the vase is ancient. You will be paid handsomely; I asked the King." Mali said slightly annoyed. "You are coming and that is final..."
"What about Lei and Lexi!? Surely, they will love to go! A nice holiday trip to a hot desert, with fucked up dragons enslaving them. What about Constant or Avery!?" Fred trying his hardest to sound tough. Everyone can see right through it, the green prince is clearly afraid.
Mali sighs. "Constant has been fighting the anti-slave rights for years. He is a wanted man in Orange country. As for Avery, she was a queen of a nation that is now fallen apart! She now lives as a servant in this very palace. Very smart! Let us send her there!" The oozing amount of sarcasm from Mali makes everyone chuckle. "As for Lei and Lexi, they are more useful than you. Lei is a blue prince who is still relevant, Lexi is a red priestess and a woman." Fred cringed as Mali said the other two are more useful. Lexi gives Mali a sharp glance of anger.
"It is true Lexi..." Aaron interjects cutting through Lexi's nasty glare. "I know that you are more than capable to fight. But being a woman in the Orange Empire is not safe. Women who are even high born are kidnapped all the time, to be forcefully used in slave breeding. I am sorry Lexi; it is safer to be here and remain to be Iolenes protector."
Lexi stands to plead her case as Aaron cuts through to her again. "Do you... Do you want to be..." Aaron despises the act and the word, but in such a society it is common. "Even male slaves fall for desperate temptations. Even a hole in a wall can be desirable and if you ever get into a scenario, need to protect yourself and you kill a slave. You will be arrested. No one, not even Mali will be able to save you..." Aaron thought hard, For there is nothing more annoying than wasting something useful to them. Torture is much preferred than instant death. Even though much of their torture can lead to death... Aaron in his mind's eye, remembers himself as a young slave at the age of thirteen. Being attacked on multiple occasions. One specifically a group of three men, in the dark of night after he made a delivery for Isil. Dragging the boy into an alleyway out of view and into the shadows. He could not remember their faces as he did not see them. But the pain, he remembers all too well. Crying as his body hurt when he moved, letting him go as they finished. Being forced to live in the barracks like it never happened. He was lost and blamed himself for getting into the predicament that night. He never dared to mention it to anyone, not even Iolene. He squeezes his fists tightly, holding his tears. His heart raced as his mind panicked, staring at Iolenes' innocent face. He would not let Lexi or Iolene have such a fate.
Lexi is taken aback. For every woman dreads that very scenario. The Red Empire is respectful to women as the culture was originally matriarchal in the country. Women such as Lexi need not fear such men. They are treated with respect and dignity. Gold and White Empire's women are the same. Even the Black Draconium Empire treasure their women... High-ranking soldiers, builders and priestesses are common throughout their country. Some families even follow the female bloodline. It is the only part of their culture she accepts. However, the Green Empire she knows treats their women terribly. Chattel that breeds non-stop to birth prized sons for the family line. Girls are not allowed to have an education or have an occupation for survival. Even Fred told her that girl orphanages are very commonplace. Not a life to live... Especially hearing what happens in those orphanages. Freds voice ringed in her head. "Hunting nights, those men call it... The foxes love to attack defenceless hens." The Orange Empire falls into the same category as green... Seeing the fear in Aaron's mutated gold eyes is genuine. She takes a few steps back and nods in acceptance. That is not the war she is fighting right now... Iolene is her priority. Lexi turns and takes her place back on the bed.
"The plan is that I will be helping Khafra to become the next Emperor." Mali tries his hardest to sound confident. His voice had a small tremble.
"Emperor? What of Asotele the third?" Lei asks.
"Apparently, he is getting fat and useless. According to Khafra. Confidence is slipping as Khafra is well known to be more intelligent than his brother. Khafra handles the finances, internal house and political matters." Mali remembers when Khafra saved his life. Recently sold into slavery, after living as a hermit in the small town of Goldring. He gave up on life at that point. Small and not shaven he was nicknamed the monkey. Chained and laughed at as slavers threw scraps and shouted for him to dance. Khafra recognised him... His tiny height and his voice the old Orange dragon remembers. He used to visit Loan often as a diplomat. An Orange dragon the monarchy and senate respected enough to have a decent conversation. Khafra bought Mali under the pretence of a clown. Khafra ordered his servants to clean and feed him. Khafra treated him well, even giving him a decent room. He lived in Dominus Sahara for a few months as he regained his senses. Soon travelling to Mille-Voix to find Constant where the rest is history.
Mali paid Khafra back with Constants gold and Khafra signed a contract, along with a freedom medallion. Mali owes Khafra no more. Being smart enough to tie loose ends so nothing can get back to him. Fear still lingers in his heart as a scent of distrust does remain. Khafra has proven himself honourable enough to try and make this work.
Khafra wants power... Mali will happily help if it gets what he wants. It is a massive risk. But to gain secrets of the Black Empire... How can they not? A civil war can easily follow, and the Black Empire will take advantage of it. When Mali asked Nerida for permission for such a plan. She did mention that while in Mille-Voix for the treaty signing between Red, Green and Black. Khafra did say they were not happy with the Black Empire as of late. Black has always been close at hand, overbearing to them. Mali can use this to his advantage...
"We will make our leave in a week," Mali announces. "More than enough time to get ready. The storms will hopefully subside by then, as we will travel down Geralts' road to Watersgate."
Aaron twinges in his heart at the word Watersgate. The city where he was born and the place where he was sold. He hoped never to return there... But it is the main access path to travel by ocean. The Orange Empire is just across the river. Travelling the whole way from Aquarius City to Dominus Sahara by ocean is far too dangerous with pirates having record appearances. It is almost a war of the ocean with the Kings' navy against rogues. As Princess Marina happily speaks of it, she is usually on the front lines fighting them.
Mali asked the king if he could have a navy escort. King Marlowe declined as he pointed out, sending such vessels will give a threatening message to Emperor Asotele. The King does not want to risk aggravating them as he wants to preserve his vessels. Understandable since war is inevitable. Even with that Mali and his group need to remain covert. Mali asked many sailors if they want to take such a risk even with massive amounts of gold. To Aaron's surprise, they all declined. They have more sense than greed... Refreshing to hear. What good is mass amounts of gold if you don't know if you will survive it? So, Mali devised to go the long way. A four-week journey with brief stops at towns, to Watersgate. Then take a ship and sail to the city directly across named Ramel. From there they will have to take a desert caravan and travel six weeks to Dominus Sahara... Aaron felt so daunted thinking of it.
Iolene gazes at Aaron worryingly as he leaves the room abruptly. Causing the meeting to end early. Wanting to chase after him she decided to let him be with his own thoughts.
Lexi looks at Iolene. "Watersgate? Didn't Aaron say he is from there?" Lexi asks anxiously.
"Yes..." Iolene replied.
