Epic Unearthed Page 13
Chapter XIII
Trust in the Unknown
During the midday feast aboard the Ladonean battlecruiser, Ryeland has no appetite. He can only think of what awaits him. Afterward, all military officers and advisors make their way to the ship’s formal military room.
Melercertis opens the meeting by saying, “Let me begin by thanking you. I have taken you from your lands to save lives for a new alliance between our two empires. The world as we know it will change for the better. I would like to share some of my thoughts, and want to hear yours in return. I hope that we can compromise. I am a good warrior, but nothing like the Atlanteans. Your battle tactics are far superior to ours. We have won many battles, but at a high cost. My countrymen and I need your assistance. Although I want to learn your battle methods, please realize that ours have also succeeded. My generals will not want to change. We have almost two-million warriors, separated in over eighty divisions ready for battle. I have conscripted every mammoth, giant rhino and elephant in our empire to aid in the joint effort. My empire must have the resources of Sabathea for our civilization to prosper. I need the Atlanteans’ support. Without it, we cannot win this war.”
Ryeland asks, “Do you see any other problems with our alliance?”
Melercertis says, “The only one I can see is the Kyrenian Empire’s involvement. Borealeous, the Kyrenian Emperor, has a strong military. He and I are in good standing. He will stand down in your campaign to take Mantineia. Because the Kyrenian Emperor does not agree with how Nextear has gained power, he thinks Atlantis is doing the world a favor by taking over Mantineia and reorganizing the troubled land. They have a corrupt military. However, we will not be able to help in your endeavor because of our troubled Northern states.”
Melercertis backs away, ceding the floor to the Atlantean General. Ryeland steps forward. The Ladonean Emperor is putting a great deal of confidence in the foreign leader.
Standing erectly, Ryeland says, “Atlantis will be allies with the Ladoneans for generations to come. I will use my influence for the future of our two empires. Both civilizations need each other. We will help Ladonea become more efficient. If we combine our technologies, mankind will prosper in the decades to come. Atlanteans can learn from your way of life, and your people can learn from ours. I am proud to serve with you in this military campaign.”
Melercertis stands from his chair and says, “When we arrive in Madera, you will see our accomplishments in war technology and what we have done for our people. Ryeland has benefited my understanding the Atlantean culture a little better… Now, to the matter at hand: we must take the Sabathean Empire. If we fail, we will be unable to feed our population. Yes, we might have traded with Sabathea, but since they will not use the land to their advantage for trade, it lies fallow. The Ladonean Empire is growing at a considerable rate, as is Atlantis. Sabatheans’ resources are the only way for us to avoid future suffering. In this quest, I wish for Ryeland to become Supreme Commander of my forces while Atlantis and Ladonea share this alliance. I want Aten to know that we trust him and his generals. Every Ladonean warrior is at your disposal.”
Ryeland stands and replies, “Thank you. I will take command to help your great army. When this is done, I will return to my homeland and make sure we remain allies.”
Melercertis announces, “This meeting is adjourned. There is nothing else to discuss until we return to Madera. Every warrior we can spare will be near the Ladonean capital next week. I have sent a hand-picked council to our help our alliance. I have enemies in my political circle, so I don’t trust government officials or anyone in it. There is too much greed in my political circles. If I should die, there will be no Ladonean Empire; the sovereignty cannot govern itself. Because of their own voracity, the politicians will rend the empire I helped create.”
Melercertis excuses his council, and the meeting disperses. All leave the war room except Ryeland and Melercertis. The Ladonean Emperor asks the Atlantean General to stay.
Sincerely, Ryeland says, “I thank you for this opportunity. I will not disappoint Atlantis or Ladonea.”
Melercertis replies, “I believe in you, Ryeland. The feast at sunset will be very symbolic. We will all eat, looking toward Atlantis out of respect for your empire. I ask for your council to believe in me. I know it is hard to do so. In the art of diplomacy, both empires have acted like children for the last twenty-six years. We need to forgive the past and go forward for humanity.”
Ryeland cocks his head, smiles, and says, “I don’t trust you completely, but I do feel easier in your presence.”
Melercertis smiles at Ryeland and replies, “I am not surprised at your lack of trust. The silence between our two empires has caused too much wariness between both cultures. It will take decades to overcome our suspicions of one another. I expect religion to hamper our alliance in the future. On the Atlanteans’ side are religious extremists; we also have spiritual radicals. I respect your beliefs, but I know the majority of our people don’t. I ask you not to speak publicly about religion; you and I may discuss it, but please, only in private. When we reach Madera, it will be better to keep your beliefs to yourself. I’m providing you the best interpreter I have, my daughter. I need you to say nothing to your council of her identity. My daughter is the best thing in my life. I trust her. She is a good politician. I am asking you to help keep her safe from anything that might go wrong. She is family, and family comes first above everything else in my life. I’m going to trust you.”
Ryeland says, “You can trust me. I will be the bridge that connects our two empires. You have your politics, and I have mine. I will play by your rules in Madera.”
Ryeland leaves the room. He has much to think about. He does not speak to his advisors, returning to his quarters.
This night, Melercertis will be giving the finest feast of the voyage, asking all generals and council to dress their best and not bring their swords. The Ladonean Emperor has something planned for the Atlanteans. They will reach Madera late in the afternoon of the following day.
Hours pass, and the feast is commencing. Melercertis’ servants are tending to all the Atlanteans’ needs. About fifteen minutes later, Ladonean advisors and generals arrive on deck simultaneously, none of them carrying a sword. Because Melercertis has not yet joined the feast, there is some tension. Ten minutes after the Ladonean officers and counselors are mingling with their guest aboard, Melercertis arrives quietly. All Ladoneans greet and salute the Emperor. Since Aten told his officers to respect the Eastern culture and customs, the Atlanteans do the same. Ryeland’s men are at Melercertis’ disposal and under his command.
The tables are on the rear of the ship, facing toward the horizon of Atlantis.
Ryeland is dressed appropriately, as are all his generals and advisors. On an occasion such as this, they wear a silver-plated breastplate with a bull symbolizing their coat-of-arms. The rest of the attire is brown leather. Over the Atlanteans’ shoulders, long ceremonial red cloaks fly and snap in the wind.
All Ladonean generals wear bronze and black leather with a black cloak. They also wear polished bronze breastplates engraved with a horse and elephant rampant toward each other. The riders of each beast hold swords as if they are ready to strike one another in battle.
The Ladoneans and Atlanteans eat as the sun continues to set, conversing little with one another. Melercertis decides to break the silence, “I consider the Atlanteans to be friends. For me, trust is never given. It is earned. Traditionally, your empire gives generals taxes from the lands they conquer. For the rest of your natural lives, you will reap the benefits of the Sabathean Empire. It is only right for me to give you what you deserve. All of you are considered nobles in my land. You will return to Atlantis after this campaign, yet not empty handed. I will give you lands in this new country that we are about to conquer. You will be lords of some of the lands on the east side of the Alber Mountains. The Ladonean divisions that helped take the Sabathean Empire will remain there to occup
y the land and govern it for you. I will be the caretaker of the new state, but you will be richly rewarded. I cannot take this empire without Aten. The earning of trust is beginning.”
Melercertis stands, raising his cup, and the Atlantean and Ladonean officers and military advisors do the same. The wind is increasing; red Atlantean and black Ladonean cloaks billow in the wind. There is a storm brewing in the distance.
Ryeland looks at the dark clouds and says, “It seems you have control of the weather as well, Melercertis. You caused the wind to blow and made us all look heroic when you spoke.”
Both sides laugh at Ryeland’s joke. Conversation between the two empires becomes easier as the Atlanteans and Ladoneans converse about family life. The Atlantean General knows why Melercertis did not speak of the conquest so much at the beginning. Before talking of conquest, the Ladonean Emperor had to lessen tensions between the two empires. After feasting, the Atlanteans sleep with little fear. The voyage has helped bring the two sides together.
The next morning, some of the Atlanteans’ advisors try to speak with Ryeland, but he answers their questions with short pointed replies. The Atlantean General feels pressure on his shoulders, and wishes he had his father to guide him in this adventure. However, even if Mantis were here, he would not give what Ryeland needs from a father. The King of Masaba has no personal relationship with his son, and treats him almost like a servant of the empire. On the other hand, Melercertis treats the Atlantean General more like a son. Ryeland is drawn to a land and culture that he knows little about.
Eventually, everyone aboard ship looks upon their destination. As they near Madera, little traffic is coming in or out of the harbor. The few merchant ships are primitive compared to those in Ryeland’s home port. The ships’ sails are not as well crafted as the sails of the Atlantean Empire. As the Ladonean ship nears the docks, a crowd is gathering to meet Melercertis. Ryeland can tell that the Ladonean people love and respect their emperor as cheers echo throughout the harbor. The Atlantean General backs away from the bow of the ship so that Melercertis can stand there, allowing the crowd to see their returning leader. The Ladonean Emperor trembles with the anticipation of once again touching Ladonean soil.
The battlecruiser finally ties up, and the Atlanteans see a massive ceremonial line of warriors. A mammoth with ceremonial attire is ready to carry their emperor throughout the city. Melercertis’ elite guards are waiting to escort him. He knows this is a good sign. Some of his own fears about his politicians are abated.
Since it is customary for the Atlantean officers and advisors to be the last ones off a ship, Ryeland waits, but notices the Ladonean generals exit the ship first, as their tradition. The Atlantean General understands he has to learn all the customs of the Ladonean Empire to mold with their culture. From this day forward, Ryeland knows his life will never be the same.