Epic Unearthed Read online

  Chapter XVI

  A Secret in the Ladonean Empire

  After the sparring match, people in Ladonea begin assembling for family gatherings. Each family dines and converses among themselves about the day. This is a custom throughout the eastern part of the Alber Mountains. After eating, everyone gathers as a community to discuss improving the empire. These meetings help the Ladonean people bond and strive harder. Occasionally in a community gathering, an idea is discussed which changes the thinking of millions.

  After dinner, the Atlanteans’ and Ladoneans’ elite military personnel move forward into Madera’s Military Grand Hall. The building, more distinguished in scale than the Atlanteans’, is constructed of wood and brick. Its ceilings are twenty feet high, with chandeliers holding candles for light. All the Ladonean advisors and generals are dressed in their finest. Ryeland feels at home, except for the language barrier. Within the massive building, about half of the Ladonean generals have a good grasp of the Atlantean language. Ryeland is a little concerned about how his gestures will be received. Although the Atlantean General has beaten Tito in sparring, he has not won approval from the Ladonean masses. Ryeland enters the political realm with uncertainty. In the midst of conversation with the military, he is invited to give a speech. Tito introduces Ryeland as the Supreme Commander of the Ladonean Empire. Everyone’s eyes are on the Atlantean General.

  Ryeland says, “I have been sent here from the Atlantean Emperor. The Great War humbled my empire. Our two empires needed twenty-six years to heal from the terrible bloodshed. I am here to help with the transitioning from being enemies to becoming friends. Your culture is not much different than my homeland. Your children are playing just like the children in Atlantis. I see a culture full of future, dedicated to family values, and wanting your grandchildren to not face the same hardships as you do. Melercertis is an excellent leader and I see him as a friend. Your emperor has helped me see you as people who are motivated to improve mankind. Training the Ladonean Army will be an honor.”

  Everyone claps for their new Supreme Commander. Despite tension between the two empires, everyone in the room knows that his remarks were heartfelt. Ryeland leaves the spotlight, returning to the table where he and the Ladonean generals begin discussing the training process to be completed within the next nine months. Ryeland tells the Ladonean generals that his officers will have a large role in reorganizing.

  When Ryeland, Tito, Kryless, and top Ladonean advisors sit down, a beautiful woman walks in wearing a blue dress. Because all the servants are dressed in white, the Atlantean General knows she is not a servant. The woman in blue is conspicuous in the room. The servants come to her before anyone else.

  Ryeland leans toward Tito and asks, “Who is that beauteous woman? She was not here earlier.”

  Tito chooses his words carefully, “She is your assistant. The servants and generals will not reveal her identity. I know Melercertis told you that she is his daughter. She can never be revealed to any Ladonean outside these walls, or to your people. Any person telling her true self will be put to death. Very few are aware of her existence. She is known only as an advisor and translator. I hope you understand.”

  Ryeland replies, “I gave Melercertis my word.”

  Tito says, “She will be by your side every day until we start the Sabathean Campaign.”

  Ryeland replies, “I am honored of this trust.”

  Ryeland reflects on his past. He has never seen such an exquisite woman in Atlantis. Palexus’ hair is charcoal black, standing five feet eleven. For some reason, Ryeland cannot understand his attraction to her dark olive skin and freckled cheeks; he believes that God must have used the sun to kiss her cheeks a hundred times. He glances at Palexus, and her eyes meet his several times during the gathering. The Atlantean General does not know how to approach the vision in blue, and wishes his emotions would subside. He wants to meet her, but keeps his distance. Ryeland tries to distract himself by beginning conversations with the Ladonean generals concerning resources for the Sabathean Campaign.

  Acteon recognizes something different about his commander. He has never seen Ryeland act this way. The Atlantean General is behaving like a schoolboy with his first crush and Acteon fears it will be seen as a weakness. He quickly pulls Ryeland aside to inquire about his actions.

  Glancing first at the young lady, then at his commander, Acteon says, “Sir, I can see the Ladonean Empire has its attributes.”

  Ryeland admires Palexus across the room and replies, “Yes, it does. I have never seen such beauty, but I don’t know why since I am usually attracted to blond hair and blue eyes. I’m only distracted mildly, and I do know my mission.”

  Acteon asks, “Who is she?”

  Ryeland responds, “She is going to be my Ladonean interpreter. The lady in blue is one of Melercertis’ advisors from their Northern states.”

  With a concerned voice Acteon says, “I know there isn’t a chance of anything happening, but remember the law of our land. We can only marry inside our empire. Even though we are here, we must not get too emotionally close to these people or their culture, for we may have to fight them one day. Ryeland, you are the leader of the Atlantean Army here, and now the Supreme Commander of this united effort. These people look to you for guidance. If they see you pursuing a young Ladonean lady, their respect for you will be destroyed.”

  Ryeland responds, “You know these feelings usually fade pretty quickly. She is a Ladonean. Her beliefs are totally different from ours. I know it could never happen, even if I had such an idea.”

  Acteon says jokingly, “If that is so, try not to stare at her like you are a thirteen-year-old boy. It makes you look weak.”

  They both laugh about their awkward conversation. Ryeland knows Acteon is right. The Atlantean General returns to the gathering. He dares not look at Palexus again, but from the corner of his eye, he notices that she is still staring at him. Ryeland makes sure to avoid further eye contact with the Ladonean Emperor’s daughter.

  In the middle of arbitration, Tito spreads a map over the table, and the general’s lapse into silence. Tito says, “Melercertis will be joining us in a few minutes. He has had joint sessions with his council and our nobles.”

  Acteon is at the table, reviewing the map. Ryeland is glad Acteon is there with him. Other advisors from both sides are discussing preparations for war. The Atlantean advisors are discussing food, supplies, logistics, and weather in the region which would benefit the campaign. Each of the Atlantean advisors has an interpreter and they alternate, translating and deciphering what is said in the gathering.

  Several minutes pass, and Melercertis walks to the table with Palexus by his side. Ryeland does a double take and tries to focus on the matter at hand. He stands to his feet at attention as the Ladonean Emperor nears. Acteon does the same, and both men salute the Ladonean Emperor in Eastern military fashion.

  Melercertis takes his daughter toward Ryeland, and the Atlantean General almost starts to blush. Melercertis says, “I would like to introduce you to your aide, Ryeland. This is Palexus.”

  Ryeland takes Palexus’ hand in a gentlemanly manner and replies, “I have heard only good things about you. Melercertis is very proud of your accomplishments.” Ryeland and Palexus stare at one another, and then quickly turn away.

  Melercertis transitions his demeanor into a protective father’s tone, and says, “I want the two of you to become acquainted with one another. There is much to do within the next several days, and it is important that you spend time together to better yourselves as a team. Go see the lights of the city. You will have a personal armed guard for safety. Acteon, I want you to come to my chambers in an hour, so that I may introduce you to your aide. She is excellent in the arts of war, and knows your language. This night may be long for both of you gentlemen, but it is of utmost importance.”

  Acteon looks at Melercertis and asks, “May I ask her name?”

  Melercertis says, “Her name is Carissa. I have found
that our women are quicker than our men to learn the Atlantean language.”

  Acteon replies, “I will be there tonight after the gathering. Thank you, Sir.”

  Melercertis stands on a table and yells into the crowded room, “Let us all retire for the evening. I don’t want this war to become an obsession. We have less than ten months to prepare. My troops will arrive in Madera tomorrow, and the Atlantean division will come the day after. We meet here on the morrow, mid-day.”

  As everyone leaves the Ladonean military council room, Acteon tells Ryeland he would like to freshen up before meeting his new aide. Ryeland gives him permission to do so. Palexus and Ryeland cannot stop eying at one another. Before Acteon departs, he says quietly to the Atlantean General, “Stay focused, Sir.”

  Ryeland replies, “You do the same.”

  Ryeland escorts Palexus outside as Acteon goes to his quarters. The Atlantean General is unsure of what to say to this new aide. The two leave the military council room in silence, and walk closely side by side. Palexus suggests going toward the marketplace in the middle of the capital. Ryeland has no objection. The two decide to walk rather than ride horses or giant elk. The saunter takes them forty-five minutes.

  Late at night, Madera’s marketplace is still alive. Trade in the Ladonean capital occurs twenty-four hours a day. The city has numerous people along the streets, and laughter can be heard from open windows as Ryeland and Palexus stroll by. The majority of population in Madera is young. All the luxuries of the Ladonean capital are here, including taverns and food establishments. In the middle of the walk, Palexus stops Ryeland, and asks, “Are you hungry?”

  Ryeland replies, “A little. What is there to eat?”

  Palexus answers, “Nothing you are accustomed to, but our food is better. This isn’t the ship or my father’s palace. There my father makes sure you eat as you do in Atlantis.”

  Palexus takes the Atlantean General into a restaurant, while the armed escort stays outside. The couple sits, not knowing what to say to each another. People inside the tavern can see that the two are different from typical patrons of the establishment. Ryeland is wearing his Atlantean military attire, and no one gives him a negative gesture. The couple sits where they can talk privately.

  Ryeland speaks first, saying, “I know I haven’t said much. I don’t want to be rude, but I don’t know where to start.”

  Palexus chuckles and says, “I don’t either. I always wondered what it would be like to talk to a Grandmaster. I have been schooled in the arts of war. Based on what I have learned, grandmasters are legends in your society and my empire. We have heard many stories about them from our two borders.”

  Ryeland says shamefully, “My family is royalty, but I am just a man. I am no different than anyone here. I have a question for you: How can you walk down the streets without anyone knowing who you are?”

  Palexus responds, “For several reasons: First, I am wearing a blue dress, which is typically worn only by middle-class women in my culture; also, I have been in our Northern states taking care of my father’s affairs, and haven’t been in Madera since I was a young teenager. While away, I had time to learn war, languages, and politics. Upon returning for the first time in twelve years, very few people know my identity. This is for my protection. I can speak to the senators in masses at the palace, but they can’t talk to me anywhere else. My father asks my advice about politics because I haven’t been corrupted by our Senate. He wants me to be emperor, but in our society that is impossible. For the last twenty years, women have been seen as second-class citizens. My father is trying to change the old traditions, but many Ladoneans are still accustomed to the ancient ways. We have reached a turning point in our civilization and, as with any major change, there is resistance. Because I am not corrupted, I helped expedite the summit between our two empires. My father would never have thought to go to Atlantis for help.”

  Ryeland says, “I can see similarities in your people and mine. Politics seem to be basically the same worldwide.”

  After eating, they continue talking and inquiring about each other’s culture. They spend hours together. The conversation flows easily, as if they have known each other since childhood. Ryeland asks if he can see her again other than in the Ladonean Military Grand Hall, and she agrees.

  Early the next day, horns blow throughout the Ladonean capital. Palexus informs Ryeland that his division has arrived early. Ryeland’s warriors did not stop to camp the night before, marching for thirty-six straight hours to be reunited with their general.

  Ryeland and Palexus rush to the palace. The Atlantean General has missed his men, and asks Melercertis for permission to see his division. The Ladonean Emperor tells him they are marching to the military outpost; they will be stationed there until the Sabathean Campaign has begun. Melercertis tells Ryeland that he will meet at the outpost after they are situated. The Atlantean General and Palexus mount two giant elk, and rush to the military outpost west of Madera. Ryeland speaks little to Palexus en route to his men.

  The Ladonean people have been very good to their new Supreme Commander, but he has almost forgotten about his homeland. The Ladonean accent is difficult to understand when they speak his language. He has been too busy to think of home, until now. Ryeland can hardly wait to have a conversation sans elucidation.

  Palexus and Ryeland finally reach the grounds. The Atlantean General understands war and he knows his men. He has a mission, and he wants it to be finished. He recalls the food and the entertainment of his homeland, and realizes how much he misses the comforts of Atlantis.

  Melercertis has built a crude military outpost for the Atlanteans. As he rides through the gate of the military grounds, Ryland’s salute is returned by his men. The Atlantean General’s division has sorely missed their commander. Ryeland’s division has the utmost respect for him, even to the point of laying down their lives on his behalf.

  Ryeland and Palexus dismount their giant elk, and the Atlantean General walks toward Miro, Ryeland’s captain. Palexus, aware of military protocol, stands back, waiting. The Atlantean captain stands at attention until Ryeland signals him to stand down. The entire Atlantean division cheers for their commander. Ryeland asks Palexus to come meet his captains, and properly introduces her as his interpreter and advisor. The Atlantean General is keeping his word to Melercertis and will not break the trust given to him.