UE Rewrite: B5 — 4. The Weight of Crowns
Added 2025-06-06 22:53:41 +0000 UTCPoV:
1. Elinor (Our Lich Empress!)
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The rhythmic scratch of quill against parchment filled the strategic planning room as Elinor composed her response to Butter’s letter. Theresa had returned with writing materials precisely as requested—quality vellum, multiple quills, and an ornate inkwell that caught the morning light streaming through the crystal windows.
The Head Maid positioned herself discreetly near the wall, hands clasped behind her back in that perfectly composed manner she’d mastered since her resurrection.
One hundred and twenty-seven thousand corpses, Elinor thought, dipping her quill again; it had taken some effort this past week to become accustomed to the archaic art. Military helicopters. Organized groups with their own leadership structures. Religious factions. Academic committees… You are calamity incarnate, sister.
She paused, allowing herself a small smile as she considered how to respond to her twin’s characteristic mixture of triumph and chaos.
Dearest Butter…
She began the letter with a spark that reflected on their path to recognizing one another as sisters before getting into the fire and brimstone. As grand as what she’d done was, it left so many issues to be contended with.
Elinor set down her quill for a moment, considering her next words carefully upon reaching a junction point. Through the Nexus, she felt the steady pulse of activity throughout the fortress as her people prepared for the clan meeting.
Her gaze drifted to Theresa, the mother remaining totally still. Have you ever been simultaneously overjoyed, exasperated, and frustrated with someone that you wish to slam your forehead into a wall? What am I thinking, she chortled as the woman’s stoic face softened, of course you have. Hmm. How should I respond? This feels…out of my typical comfort zone.
Theresa’s composed expression moved to a more thoughtful demeanor, a knowing smile touching her lips as she stepped forward with the quiet grace that had made her such an effective Head Maid in Emelina’s absence.
“If I may speak from experience, Empress,” she said, her voice carrying that warm, motherly tone that many of the young girls responded to, “the most meaningful letters often come from the heart rather than strategy. Both in fire and in warmth.”
She clasped her hands more loosely, her posture shifting from formal service to gentle counsel. “When my own children would accomplish something remarkable, yet…complicated, I found honesty served better than diplomacy. High Queen Butter clearly poured her heart into that letter, from your reaction, the good and the bad—perhaps she deserves the same authenticity in return.”
Yes, well, it is challenging when your sister also sees herself as your political rival, Elinor breathed with a small sigh. She may look carefree and flamboyant, yet beneath that mask, at her core… No, never mind, she whispered, not wanting to expose the fact that her sister envied, feared, and admired her, seemingly seeing her as a goal to overcome.
Theresa paused, studying her expression with the perceptive eye of someone who had raised children through their most challenging moments. “Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone we love is to let them see how deeply they’ve affected us—frustrations included. It shows we care enough to be genuinely invested in their choices.”
Her smile widened slightly. “Besides, from what I’ve observed of the High Queen, she likely expects you to be exasperated with her methods. Acknowledging that while celebrating her success might surprise her more than any strategic praise.”
The Head Maid stepped back toward her position by the wall, adding quietly, “Though perhaps save the forehead-slamming metaphors for verbal conversation rather than written correspondence.”
Wise advice, she softly chuckled in return, picking up the quill again and deciding to put just what she thought. As an empress, I must define strength and order. As an older sister, patience, understanding, and guidance.
Scrapping what she had before, she decided to address the main critiques and the bulk of what was on her mind in the face-to-face confrontation. This letter wasn’t about an empress’ tongue lashing to her ‘co-equal’ High Queen, but a message from the heart to her little sister.
She chuckled, imagining Butter’s radiant smile growing strained as academic committees demanded constitutional rights and peer review processes in response to her ‘mandatory dance day’ orders. But, according to Butter, everyone who came here knew for certain they would not have a way back, which meant they were desperate enough to take the gamble.
Setting down her quill, she placed her hands in her lap, processing the colossal changes that were being made. It takes a lot of courage to do what these people went through with… If I count the bodies, my empire could reach over 250,000 in the coming six months to a year.
Elinor rose from her chair to descend the ramp, moving to another that brought her to the room’s window, overlooking the streets. Ri’bot and humans moved along it, all busy transporting goods, attempting to make do with what they had and develop plans for what materials would be needed to craft the furniture that was needed.
So many problems flipped through her mind, like the pages of a book, as she watched them, contemplating the trials that lay ahead: the dangers of this city, the unknown omen that was the northern mountain, and the surrounding nations that could turn against her at any moment.
The Great Clans are mobilizing to attack. The sheer size of this world and geographical barriers grant us a decent amount of time. It takes time to gather an army like the one Krava is intent on bringing against me. Two Great Clans, in addition to whatever other support he’s able to gather from the clans between the valley and the Nalvean Empire.
They haven’t reached the foothills to the southeast, which gives us breathing room to get everyone into the city. Yet, this very city could turn against us at a moment’s notice. It is our greatest asset against any assault, though. It held against the entire united war front of every surrounding nation for decades… Well, at least when it was operated by people who knew how to use it.
The weight against her chest didn’t lift as she looked up at the bright, partly cloudy skies. Hmm. Theresa, it hasn’t rained in a few days. I take it we are entering the dry season.
“That is what I have heard, Empress. Though the early morning mists that rise out of the soil make for quite the atmosphere. I hear that when the rain ceases, there is a brief heat period for a few weeks before a month of fog that rises out of the ground itself.”
Yet another fun mystery my mother will no doubt latch onto…
Considering the day’s agenda, she said, Inform the clan representatives that I’m ready to begin the meeting, and send word to Carlos that the wyvern transport should be redirected to the mines. I don’t want to attempt resurrection within the city’s force field barriers.
And let Garu and my parents know that Camellia is on her way back. That could mean swift mobilization… Use the network to speed up the process and get the report from Camellia.
“Understood.”
She remained silent as the maid delegated tasks and sent multiple messages back and forth between the various maids and Serving Court members. Elinor listened passively, letting her do most of the work while examining every ri’bot or human that passed under her window.
Camellia’s report came through word of mouth, summarizing what she’d discovered a few minutes later. Elinor could still hear it in her voice, despite the young maid who delivered it at the edge of her current Nexus:
“Empress, reconnaissance complete. Both hybrids exited the fortress through the compromised northern wall section. I’ve sealed the breach and will mark it for future investigation. Their trail leads northeast toward a mountainous region, where ice melt creates thermal gradients and giant waterfalls.
“As for the male, he took a direct route, showing signs of an injury, if it was from his self-inflicted wounds to follow the female or not, I cannot tell. There are…quite a few unusual scents along this path that require further investigation.
“For the female, she has looped back a few times over the last two years. Each time, I smell a slight change to her scent; she continues to evolve. May I extend the tracking range?
“Also noting significant crustacean activity in northern sectors—territorial disputes creating opportunities for controlled elimination if Death Energy acquisition becomes priority.”
Elinor’s smile grew slightly at the suggestion, noticing her mother and father listening in on the conversation. That isn’t a bad suggestion. Exterminating bugs to fuel resurrections is a good temporary solution, perhaps even a breeding ground for daily fuel. It warrants further investigation. The evolution floor is another target to provide more Death Energy…
But no, she concluded, happy at the moment to know the creatures were outside of her city. I don’t want you to go too far, and I’m more invested in finding a way to get Azalea out of that test tube. Return that message.
“Yes, Empress,” the maid swiftly responded, being rejected from the group chat.
Theresa, contact Garu and have him meet with Camellia on her way back. He’ll take point on scouting that area since that is his specialty. He is to investigate, map, and observe, not engage, and not get close to the main central mountain. Now, are the chiefs, Gwen and Lucky, ready for the meeting?
“They are awaiting your signal to enter.”
Elinor descended the ramp to sit in the silken throne Camellia had crafted for her, sitting at the head of many chairs in one of the corners. Send them in.
Legs crossed, hands held in her lap, she watched as the doors were opened, and the six ri’bot clan representatives, human leadership, and various area specialists whose expertise had become essential to the empire’s expansion into the city entered, already buzzing with conversation.
Yet every one of them quieted and bowed to her as everyone filed in. She waved them all to continue their discussions, passively listening to obtain a more complete picture of what everyone was focused on.
Grand Plant Caller Nina, of the Delthax, sat beside Chief Loci, of the Flex, their heads bent over what appeared to be agricultural distribution charts from the Wixum lake. Both of them had taken an interest in the witches’ work.
However, their talks also included strategic tensions between the Flex’s push for the Delthax to also open up to the idea of clan external-clan marriage. It was a delicate discussion, and he seemed to find more of a sympathetic ear with her than with the Delthax’s new leader, Xaria Kole. The fact that Nina was able to have a civil conversation with him, despite Loci being the one to kill her cousin, was something to commend. Valdar would be proud.
Naturally, since Loci was the one who killed their former chief, there was some unspoken tension regarding that. It would be much easier for the Lethix to secure any sort of union agreement. There were other options, though.
The Roxim twins, Toka and Roka, maintained their characteristic intensity as they spoke with several Wixum crafters about construction priorities for their people and torlim.
Near the far wall, Lucky and Gwen moved to sit, coordinating with members of the Serving Court, their organizational efficiency evident in the neat stacks of reports and proposals they set across a side table. The integration of human leadership with her undead administration had proceeded more smoothly than expected, though she could sense underlying tensions that would need addressing.
Elinor frowned when Former Chief Vivine came in without her daughter. Beside her was Elder Chief Dren, of the Lethix, and his son, Chief Utren. She’d raised the Wixum’s former chief to be a moral support for Yimara, but the thirteen-year-old ri’bot had continued to shrink back to allow her mother to lead.
Her instinct was to force her to take responsibility for her people since she was living, and there could be pressure that arose from Vivine, an undead, leading the clan. Then again, the Wixum were in a unique position. They didn’t want to have war, and she’d given them everything they’d dreamed of: security and the means to explore their creative desires.
For now, she’d leave it be.
Lastly, utterly isolated, came the dark-skinned Xaltan representative. An average warrior, whom they’d chosen to speak for them after she demanded they select someone. It told her a lot that they chose this furrow-browed, stoic, and scarred ri’bot to be their stand-in leader.
The Xaltan are looking for strength… Someone who can lead them and won’t be afraid to fight for them or throw them under the bus for their own gain. Not a politician like I first thought. That’s actually very good news.
She wanted to groan when the Yaltha’ma didn’t come in. Where are El’Co’Ca and El’Ra’Ca?
Theresa actually breathed a sigh. “I have someone trying to rein them in, but they’re engaged in some kind of species staring contest to decide something… I haven’t figured out what the contest is for. Shall I have a quen’talrat pick them both up and bring them here?”
No… It might be good to deal with them separately.
“Representatives,” she announced, her voice carrying easily across the chamber. Conversations ceased immediately as all attention focused on her. “I hope the hour I gave you allowed time, so we don’t get bogged down in the micro. We are here to further identify the macro and what to do in the coming weeks, while also giving you updates on what I have discovered and have planned.”
Elinor surveyed the assembled faces—ri’bot and human, living and undead, each representing different perspectives and priorities that needed to be aligned with her imperial objectives. “Today, I will discuss with you how we will navigate the largest expansion of our empire to date.”
“First, let me address the situation directly,” she stated, her illuminated, emerald eyes moving to each individual. “High Queen Butter’s recruitment mission has succeeded beyond her original boasting, which, some of you might find shocking. She isn’t known to be…modest.”
That got a few chuckles and smiles from the humans and Nina. “You already are aware of the fifty thousand humans who are en route to Nethermore, along with equipment, expertise, and resources that will accelerate our development by decades. Yet…she forgot to mention the one hundred and twenty-seven thousand deceased individuals they expect to be resurrected.”
A murmur of excitement and nervous questions rippled through most of the human representatives, while Gwen immediately frowned. She was seeing not what they’d gain but what they had to share—resurrection priorities.
On the other hand, the ri’bot remained apathetic toward the revelation, or even looked somewhat annoyed at that announcement, such as the twins. Given that the Roxim’s leader was taken hostage by Jennifer in their last war, and many of their males were killed during her ambush, it left a lot of chaos in the proud clan.
That the twins were currently leading was evidence enough of their inner clan turmoil. And, unlike the Flex or Lethix, their chief had bit the bullet and started inviting Clanless to fill the ranks of their declining birth rates, only secretly.
“However,” she raised her hand for silence, “this success comes with challenges that require immediate attention and coordinated response. We’re not simply adding numbers to our population, including all of your people and Clanless. These refugees from Earth are different. We will be integrating organized communities with existing leadership structures, religious beliefs, and cultural expectations… There will be problems to solve.”
Nina leaned forward, no doubt feeling pressured to participate since wearing her great-grandfather’s heavy mantle. “These are all humans, yes, Empress? I understand Earth does not have other races of intelligent creatures?”
After what Butter told her, Elinor couldn’t be sure if that was true anymore; it was another concern she hadn’t even thought of. What if creatures from other worlds came to Earth from Earth’s own Crystal conquests, and they came, seeking asylum? It was a possibility.
“That, I am not positive of,” she admitted, causing a few humans to look at one another in bewilderment. “I will discover that soon enough. What I do know is twelve major groups, each with distinct specializations and priorities. Medical professionals, engineers, academics, agricultural specialists, and several religious communities with very specific ideas about resurrection ethics. And, yes, there may be other surprises.”
She caught the slight tension that statement created among the ri’bot representatives. Religious complications were not something their culture easily understood since they all had a united religion in their Supreme Chiefs.
“Ahem, Empress?” Gwen asked, raising her hand, then stopped, clearly struggling with her previous reveal. “Over a hundred thousand new dead to raise is… Has something changed with our resources that will allow you to increase the Serving Court? Will…our original Colombian group still have priority?”
And there it is…
The faces of those who had been excited immediately tempered at her question.
Elinor was clear and precise, though. “I made a promise. I keep my promises. The list you’ve painstakingly made these past few months has not changed, Gwen, but there may need to be some exceptions. The priority is those who will further advance the empire’s cause. Merit is everything. That being said, those of merit have already been raised with the Colombian group.”
Some of the shoulders of the men and women advisors and supervisors drooped at that revelation; she hadn’t announced it yet, but she’d gone over all of their corpses. Those who were at least Common-C were already raised. It was a rather high bar and one even many ri’bot didn’t meet.
“That being said,” she continued, “exceptions in this new group would need to be…quite exceptional to warrant jumping the current list. And, yes, there have been some developments regarding resource allocation. I cannot give you figures right now, but expect me to ramp up resurrections in the coming weeks.”
That brightened the mood and refocused everyone on her.
“Which brings me to my next point…”
Theresa, she prompted.
The maid quickly stole everyone’s attention as she pulled out charts that Elinor had her develop two days prior. She gestured toward the detailed pages, made on what precious few construction paper they had.
“Each clan needs to determine how they want to contribute to this expansion and the empire itself. This isn’t just about military service, scouts, runners, or traditional roles—we’re building something unprecedented for your culture that requires diverse capabilities.”
Everyone straightened as [Imperial Majesty X] magnified her presence, her firm gaze turning toward the Wixum’s former chief.
“Vivine, Chief Yimara must make a formal decision. Either she returns the seat of leadership to you or acts like your chief. I cannot have any wishy-washy chiefs for what is to come.”
She could feel Vivine’s shame and slight frustration at her daughter being called out in front of the clan leadership, but it was a motherly response she quickly stifled. The other chiefs looked at the former chief with a mixture of emotions. For one thing, the Wixum had something that two of the other clans wanted—women.
“I understand your concerns, Empress… I will approach her after this meeting.”
“With that addressed,” she continued, “your clan has already shown enthusiasm for knowledge exchange and technological integration. As my chart shows, these are areas I have noticed that your people are gravitating toward. But that doesn’t necessarily represent the whole picture. I need each chief to figure out what their people most want, not as a whole, but in groups, and as individuals. What specific areas interest you most?”
The woman’s hands pressed against her belly, no doubt fighting long-ingrained prejudices toward certain cultural activities that could lead to their own destruction—art is great, but when you live in a hostile world, an artist isn’t going to keep raiding parties away.
“The…incoming engineers and their equipment fascinate us, Empress. We’ve been discussing…how do you say it? Apprenticeship opportunities in construction and infrastructure development? I’ve noticed, since my death, my daughter has accelerated the acceptance of the small part of our clan that works with their hands, metals, and wood.”
“I highly approve of that,” Elinor decided immediately. “I don’t want your people to feel forced into it, either. Child rearing, herbology, medicine, even art, but…I will always prioritize science, technology, engineering, and mathematics… Runic technology experiments. It is the framework of our future civilization.”
She glanced around and said, “The same for all of your clans. I’ve had Theresa create charts and graphs that show areas we need but also many other areas your people can expand into… Maybe one ri’bot wants to study bugs to discover which one tastes the best. What I care about is that they’re actively participating in the empire. Coordinate with Lucky and Gwen on housing priorities and workshop space allocation.”
“I will see it done, Empress,” the undead ri’bot stated.
She shifted her attention to the Delthax delegation. “Chief Kole, Grand Plant Caller Nina, your clan is going through a transitional phase. I understand there is pushback, and there are many of the older generation who refuse to leave the plateau and their homes. If they choose to stay, I am not opposed to it, but the future is here with the resources. What I do require are your Plant Callers, who seem to mostly be on board in any case.”
The Xaria chief silently looked toward Nina, causing the girl to straighten, clearly taking her new responsibilities seriously. “With the exception of two or three, yes, we are looking forward to working with the witches. Queen Tiffany has shown us many ways our powers can be used that even my great-grandfather was unaware of.
“We’ve been experimenting with the crops discovered in the fortress levels. If the human agricultural group has preserved seeds and livestock embryos, as I’ve heard reported, we could potentially establish multiple growing seasons and dramatically expand food variety, especially with what Gwen and Lucky discovered.”
“That’s what I like to hear, and Chief Kole…”
The ri’bot rubbed his head, no doubt experiencing a massive headache; Elinor noticed his mate stood behind him, being actually from the Wixum. “The youth are energized. They’ve seen this black city since they were children from the shelf and dreamed about what was inside it. Without the need for military conscription… I don’t have an answer for you as to what my clan wants to do.”
“That’s why I’m bringing it up today. I don’t need answers, I need you to discover where your people’s hearts are… I’m providing a lot of liberty, but everyone must contribute in some form or fashion.”
“I’ll have a report for you next week, Empress.”
Nodding, she moved to the Flex and Lethix representatives and addressed the elephant in the room that made even her stomach somewhat squeamish. “Both your clans have been asking questions about intermarriage prospects with humans. Given the gender distribution issues we’ve discussed, this isn’t purely social curiosity… It is a touchy subject, though.”
Chief Loci leaned against the side of his chair, fist rising to rest against his puffy cheek. “Queen Tiffany took me to the side and spoke to us about your concerns. It didn’t come from us, Empress, but a few of our…desperate clansmen, I suppose we could say, who aren’t in the best mating position for our species. Both parties willing, of course.”
Of course, you already talked to them, Mom.
“What can I say, I’m invested myself! Oh, sorry, sweetie, your father is distracting me… Now, what in the devil would you want a potion like that, you sly man? I hope not to use on me?! What is going through that mind of yours?”
Swiftly exiting out of whatever that conversation was about, she noticed her mother and father slip inside, the witch giving the dark-haired man beside her a curious smirk.
“I see…Queen Tiffany is already on top of that…research,” Elinor replied dryly, catching her mother’s small wave from her position near the back of the chamber. “Until we have definitive answers, approach this topic diplomatically. No pressure, no assumptions, and absolutely no incidents that could destabilize integration or harm human-ri’bot respect.”
She turned to the Roxim twins, noting their slightly isolated position in the room. “Toka, Roka—your clan faces unique challenges with Chief Zargoth’s absence and much of your leadership being killed during Jennifer’s ambush. How are you managing leadership during this transition?”
The twins exchanged glances before Toka responded, eyeing the Xaltan representative with disgust and unreserved hatred. “Since the Xaltan’s cowardly ambush, things have not been well, Empress. We were not aware of how many male warriors they murdered compared to our female warriors. Many woman are now left without their mates and in mourning. Many wish to join your army and to become strong, Empress.”
Roka’s tight lips and posture said he did not agree with that, and Elinor was starting to see a souring possibility for the future.
So, that’s why there have been a few incidents involving Roxim women attacking random Xaltan… Most of them have no clue what their leadership and warriors did and are taking the heat… This isn’t as easy to rectify as it was for the Flex and Delthax blood feud. This is fresh and deep.
“That’s not realistic, Toka,” Roka countered. “The Empress doesn’t need ri’bot. Our Firewalking can be used for other things, such as smithing, and—”
“I don’t want to smith, Roka, and neither do the other women,” she shot back, the twins to enter what seemed to be a repeated argument that had the chiefs frown.
The women are in a complex position, with the vast majority of the female warriors returning and stirring them up. Toka is totally on their side. It’s a strike at their pride as warriors as much as it is for the fear of being reduced to probably breeding experiments for Xaltan mysticism integration with Firewalkers.
She watched them go back and forth, shooting accusations at the Xaltan, and pointing at the dark-skinned toad. The man didn’t react to the outburst, just sat in his chair, off to the side, arms crossed, eyes hard and never leaving her.
Whatever the reason, it’s enough to get the women up in arms to retake security in their now unstable clan. The males who are left are less warrior-prone, which creates a dynamic where the majority of the women had mates who were proud fighters. Roka is a warrior, but he’s trying to put in the current male sentiment since they’re getting rolled over by the widows, a good portion of whom are highly disagreeable female warriors.
[Life Tap: Activated]
Her arms erupted in jade flames that immediately quelled the twins, both sinking into their chairs and staring at the ground.
“Apologies, Empress.”
“I was out of line…”
She paused, her gaze finding the Xaltan representative who had remained silent throughout the discourse. The defeated clan’s marginalization was palpable, their isolation a festering problem that could destabilize everything they were building, now compounded by the Roxim’s position.
“…No, you both have valid concerns. It is true that I have no need for any active ri’bot military,” she began, seeing Toka’s fingers curl in and press against her side, helpless emotions clearly welling up within her, “but…that does not mean I will discount those who wish to serve within the empire’s army.”
The woman immediately looked up, thankful, teary-eyed, showing the pain that was in her heart. Not only were they mourning their fallen loved ones, but also the uncertainty about their brave chief who charged right into the heart of the enemy’s den—the first in.
It must have felt like a betrayal to many of the Roxim women that a majority of the non-warrior men were less emotional about what happened than they were—different priorities, and both valid in their own sphere.
“Tell your clansmen that I will personally speak to them in the coming days. I owe your clan that much for what Chief Zargoth did, leading the charge to face the Xaltan Elder Chief and Jennifer. If he is alive, I will find him. If he is dead, I will raise him. If Jennifer somehow manages to damage his soul to the point I cannot… I will avenge him, and all those who wish to join me will be welcomed.”
“Thank you, Empress!” she sniffled, dropping onto one knee to bow before her again. “I will let those who… I will deliver your message.”
Nodding, she shifted her attention to the final subject to address. “Which brings us to one of the most important issues we need to address,” she announced, her voice taking on a more grave tone. “The Xaltan integration crisis.”
The room’s atmosphere shifted, tension suddenly thick as representatives glanced toward the lone Xaltan speaker—a middle-aged man named Kesher.
“Kesher,” Elinor addressed him directly, “approach the center of the chamber.”
The Xaltan rose hesitantly, clearly uncomfortable with the sudden attention. As he moved forward, Elinor could see the weight of his people’s defeat and marginalization in every step, yet he kept his head high.
“Tell everyone present—ri’bot and human alike—what your people have been assigned to do since the war ended.”
Kesher’s voice was strong, despite the content. “Male and female alike… Transportation duties for bringing goods from the other clans’ villages into the city, hard labor on gathering resources, waste management…tasks the other clans consider beneath them.”
“And how are your people treated by the other clans?”
“We are…tolerated, outside of a few incidents,” he muttered, glancing toward Toka’s hateful grunt. “Ignored when possible. Some speak of us as if we are not present or beasts of burden.”
Elinor let that statement hang in the air before continuing. “How many Xaltan died in the war…and were turned to dust, refusing to bow to me?”
“Nearly…three-quarters of our adult population, Empress. Almost every one of our warriors, a few of our hunters, half of our males.”
That figure caused a shift in the leadership, excluding the twins, each reflecting on how that would be for their own clans, no doubt.
“And how many of your surviving people are children or young adults?”
“More than half.”
Elinor turned to address the entire chamber, her voice carrying the weight of imperial authority. “The Xaltan represent the largest population of war orphans and displaced youth in our empire… Including the Roxim, Toka.”
The young woman remained on one knee, head bowed again, but her clenched fist made it clear she wasn’t moved by the revelation. “Just as many of you follow your chiefs to your graves, I need you all to understand this…”
She got up and moved to Toka, making the girl start to tremble as she stood before her. Yet, Elinor reached down to prompt the grieving warrior to rise, turning her to face the scarred man, looking as confused and now fearful of her.
“Toka… You are looking into a mirror. All of the enemies you hate…are ghosts. I made sure of it. Put yourself in their shoes. If your chief made such a critical mistake, and reduced your clan, which used to be the strongest in the valley…to this disaster, then what would you feel?”
Her tone softened, looking toward Kesher, speaking what was on not only his heart. “They are survivors of manipulation by the Scarlet Hand and ambitious leaders who did not value their clan but saw them as resources… You saw it firsthand, Toka. They poisoned their Xaria and warriors, turning them into suicide fighters. These are not willing participants in rebellion… Do they deserve this heavy burden of the sins of their leaders?”
Every breath was held, eyes wide as Elinor firmly stated, “No. No, they deserve better. They deserve to heal… To grow. Yet, life is not fair. And they must pay a price that is not just, carrying the load of their dead. But I want all of you to know this is not a state they will remain.”
She paused, meeting the wide eyes of each clan representative in turn before moving to stand beside Kesher. Elinor placed a hand on the Xaltan’s shoulder, flames dying down as she held her head high.
“The Xaltan will pay for their debt in one year of service. After that, they will select a new chief who will sit at the table with the rest of you. Let the past rest and the blood ignite with purpose. With the vision of a future where you are united and equal under my banner… Safe, prosperous, and looking toward the golden age, the age Elder Chief Valdar foresaw.”
Turning back to the assembled representatives, she continued. “I’m establishing the Xaltan Rehabilitation Initiative. Your people will be given the same opportunities for education as the incoming humans and the other clans. In addition, outside of their labors, five hours a day will be allocated to pursuing their own future goals within the empire. Engineering training, medical education, technological advancements—whatever skills they demonstrate aptitude for.”
Kesher’s eyes widened with surprise and something that might have been hope.
She addressed the other clan representatives directly. “The Xaltan are no longer pariahs to be tolerated. They are essential members of this empire with valuable contributions to make. I know this will not change overnight. I know what I demand is hard… Life is harsh. We do not need to add more layers to the pain of survival. Yet, I understand your scars… Place your anger on the Xaltan’s shoulders. I have faith they will bear it well, but once this year of service is up, so too must your grudges…or they will answer to me.”
The transformation in the room’s atmosphere was immediate. Several ri’bot representatives made accepting gestures, while others looked thoughtful rather than resistant. The humans seemed particularly supportive, their own experiences with discrimination and displacement making them natural allies for the Xaltan cause.
“Kesher,” Elinor continued, “your people have one week to organize temporary internal leadership and identify individuals interested in different educational tracks. I want detailed reports on skills, interests, and career preferences given to Gwen and Lucky so they can work with your clan to find what fits for them.”
“Yes, Empress,” Kesher replied, his voice stronger now. “Thank you. This will mean…” He paused and made a ri’bot salute. “We will meet your expectations, Empress. We can endure anything, so long as there is light at the end of this dark tunnel.”
“Don’t thank me—prove worthy of the opportunity.”
With that, Elinor left the room, a buzz of noise in her wake. Her mother and father followed right beside her, the Witch Queen’s eyes sparkling.
“Now, that is an exit… Smart, sweetie, humanizing them like that and then giving them a challenge to overcome.”
“Yes,” her father muttered, sounding a tad skeptical, “but I saw Toka’s face when we left. The Roxim women are going to take that challenge to heart.”
Just as I said, Elinor muttered. “Life is hard. I must satisfy both parties and provide a way forward… Now, tell me we’ve made progress on the wall and gates.
“Actually, there has been some progress,” her father said, interest sparking in his voice.
Oh? Show me. Also, I need an update on my new wyvern mount. I’m actually getting a bit of anxiety about not being able to raise it. Hopefully, it is within the Rare Grade.
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