(if you have not read my prologue or previous chapters, please do so now.)

Tales of Tanjia, Chapter 21 - A Legend Alive and Well  

The pearl chains around my wrists snapped, the precious beads scattered about the floor. I failed to keep my knees from crashing against the hard stone floor as I fell. The pain echoed in my bones the same way the crowd's cries of terror and confusion rang in my ears. Stupid. You're so stupid. How did you let this happen? This situation was far removed from my realm of control, yet now more than ever control is what I need to maintain. The black waters hang heavy and ominous above our heads, and I know that I could not keep my arms upstretched forever. What do I do? My fingers have grown cold, almost numb, and I felt frozen in fear. Frozen, yes, perhaps that could work! With one more burst of power, I turn the liquid ceiling to a dome of ice. The newly formed structure rumbled and moaned, settling into being. I allowed a restrained feeling of relief to take over me, and I melted further into my seated position on the floor. 

   "By the Gods... What-- what just happened?" One of the younger fellows in my guard inquired fearfully, white clouds escaping from his lips and into the chilled air as he spoke. "I do not understand," He lifted me to my feet, though I relied upon his strength hold me up right even after I was standing. "How can this be?"

   "Please, let's first make sure that the people down below are safe. We cannot have a panic breaking out." My heart was beating a rapid pace, lungs aflame with shortness of breath. My knees buckled with my first step and I almost wept at my overwhelming exhaustion. I was unable to take even a single step into the building's interior. The guard took to carrying me instead, scooping the mess of trembling limbs that is myself into his arms. I  wrapped my arms around his neck for added support, not that I believed he'd drop me.

   As we made our way down the halls I noticed the people scurrying around, distraught. The clamor of everyone speaking at once was overwhelming. They all spoke of how relieved they were at avoiding one disaster and how terrifying the new situation is. The fear and guilt bubbling up within me agitated nausea, so I shut my eyes, attempting to will it away. "Your Majesty?" The soldier adjusted his grip on me as he spoke. "Your Majesty now is no time to drift off to sleep." I nodded in reply, but I'd rather rest, as my body was begging me to do.

   Someone opened a door and we entered a different chamber. The closest bedchamber they could find, I presume. Though it didn't matter to me what sort of room it was. The young guard set me in a bed, the soft cushions almost swallowing me as they took on my weight. "We'll call for the healer immediately, Your Majesty." I nod with what strength I can and sigh, my eyes growing ever so weary. I shut them a brief moment before the soldier shook me awake. "I beg you, Your Majesty, do not fall asleep until the healer deems it safe for you to do so."

   "Very well." With great effort, I lift myself to a seated position. Sleep is just slightly less tempting this way. I still nodded off a few times while waiting for Kii'jah to arrive.

   The doors slammed with an awful bang. "Gods above!" Kii'jah cursed as he stormed in, throwing his arms into the air. "What now?" The irritation in his voice completely unhidden. Kii'jah knelt at the bedside and took my wrist in his hand, though I'm afraid I'm not awake enough to tell exactly what he was doing. "What happened to the Empress?" He demanded.

   "We're... not sure," One of the attendants admitted. "Strange things have happened. Doom and salvation all in the same moment," 

   "What?" Kii'jah questioned, his tone harsh and irritated. "Don't speak in riddles, please." He forced my left eye open wide, inspecting it with his face mere inches from my own. "Get her some water, would you?" I heard his footsteps' stomping as he left, as well as the clanking of the armor of the soldier that followed him. Despite the swirling in my head and stomach, I could no longer fight call of sleep. A black, dreamless slumber overtook me. I welcomed it, a rest from the chaos that has become my life.

   I awake with a gasp, cold and shaking. Sweat soaked my back and my clothes, panic screaming in my mind. Captain Tei'korr sat at the foot of my bed, posture stiff and guarded. "I want answers, child." Tei'korr leaned in close, his teal eyes fixed on me in an intense stare. He placed a gloved hand on my thigh, pressing down with force. I wince and a squeak escapes my throat. "Now!"

   "I do not know what answer to give you, captain, for I do not think you will believe the truth." I sit up straight and comb my damp hair with my fingers, attempting to gather some form of dignity in my appearance. "That said, I will not lie to you. Answers will come after breakfast."

   "Sunrise is a few hours off, Your Majesty." He takes his hand from my person and fixes it instead on the hilt of his blade.

   "And yet, I hunger." I remove the blankets and place my feet on the plush carpet. Standing, however, proves to be more of a task than I anticipated and my whole body shook with weariness. Tei'korr grabs a firm hold of my wrist and attempts to force me back onto the mattress. "Unhand me, captain. We will speak after I have had something to eat." He towered over me, glowering. I sigh, "Would you prefer to join me, Sir?" Suffering his company is likely to be preferable to his wrath.

   "I would, actually." He grinned a despicable grin, this time pulling me off the bed. "I favor conversations over meals to direct interrogations." He led me to the door and took his cloak from the hook, wrapping it about his shoulders. 

   The door swung open to reveal a fatigued Kii'jah. "What, pray tell, are you doing with the Empress at this hour, Captain?" He asked as he massaged his temples, overworked by recent events. His eyes scanned me, and I grew conscious of the sheer gown clinging to my sweat-soaked body. "How are you feeling, Your Majesty?"

   "She is hungry," Answered Tei'korr in my stead, "I seek to find nourishment for her." The Captain's smile was suddenly charming, but not convincing in the least. A wicked viper's grin that only a fool would believe.

   "And, no doubt, you also intend to interrogate her while she is still weak and weary." He stepped closer, looking into my eyes. "How are you feeling?" Genuine concern, while guarded, felt as warm as spring's first sunbeam. Tear pricked my eyes, but they did not fall.

   "I am hungry, but I am also tired," I replied, thankful for his concern.

   "Then why did you wake so suddenly?" Tei'korr interrupted, "You were not dreaming." I sighed heavily.

   "That, I do not know, Captain. Though I am curious how you know I was not dreaming when I myself do not remember if La'arii granted me visions." My lip trembled, so I bit it, sharp and discreet. I have no control, not over my body, and none yet over my kingdom. Frustration bubbles within me like a geyser ready to burst. Breathe, Ka'asume. Endure this moment and then the next. Endure the hour, the week, the year, the century, even the millennium if need be. Nevertheless, endure. I attempt to lead my captor toward the exit, however, my tired limbs betray me and I fall. Kii'jah, in turn, lifts me up.

   "If there is anyone awake to cook for you, I will have them make something. If not, I will find something." He returns me to the bed and pulls up the silk blankets to keep me warm. "Rest, Empress. It seems you need it now more than ever." My tears came ever closer to falling. There was true warmth in his voice. Even if only through the nature of his profession, it was the sincerest comfort I've had in so long. The stone walls of the palace are sometimes warmer than the people within them. Not so with the young healer bent over me. 

   "Thank you, Kii'jah. May I'Ono bless your generosity and Ki'konia bless your kindness." I touch his face only for a brief moment, but I feel a myriad of joys and pains pass through the both of us. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to--"

   "No, it's fine, Empress." He interrupts. "These things happen, especially in your situation." He takes the blanket and covers his palm with it before joining his hand with mine. "I will be back with some tea and food shortly." His voice was soft, sure, and serene. He pats my collarbone in a most gentle manner before exiting the room. Tei'korr assumes it to be his responsibility to guard over me while I rest. This, he does with a knife to my throat as soon as Kii'jah is out of sight. 

   "Make no mistake, Empress, I will get answers. Whether this is an elaborate joke on your part, or if the Gods are teasing me with power beyond my reach, I will at the very least know what conspires." He twisted the blade, digging the needlepoint tip into my skin.

   "And you would do well to remember that the Gods' memory is longer than my own," A steeling breath grants me the strength to move his hand out of reach. "And it would seem you've already forgotten what I've told you only moments ago. You will have answers after I eat." 

   "True," He replied. "But do not forget what is at stake, Your Majesty." He twirled the dagger between his fingers before tucking it back into its holster. After a short, mocking bow, he left the room. I brought my fingers to the small, stinging wound. They came away bloodied, and my stomach turned. If I were a more vengeful woman I would order a suitable punishment the moment I had the Grand Council's blessing. He is fortunate that I aim to be greater than my father and his pettiness. 

   Kii'jah re-entered my chamber, a tray of rice porridge and sweet-smelling tea in hand. He noticed the wound the moment he set down the tray. "I thought I told him to leave his weapons in the other room." He shook his head and took a roll of bandages from the drawer. "Any other new injuries I should know about, Empress?" He asked through gritted teeth. "Something that I could charge him with treason for, perhaps?"

   "The concept of treason tends to blur in this sort of situation, doesn't it?" I force a laugh as I feel the bandage on my throat. Who really does support me as a ruler, I wonder, and who only supports the idea of what I might be able to provide for them? Does it even matter in the end? My duty to my people remains the same regardless. Kii'jah surprised me with his answer.

   "Not for me, Your Majesty. Despite my own admitted irritation and weariness of the situation, I believe that you are one of the few actually worthy of your station." 

   "That's very kind of you, Kii'jah." As I move to sit up to eat, I find that my dizziness has returned. Leaning on Kii'jah for strength, a poignant question made its way to the front of my list of concerns. "The waters!" I exclaimed, much louder than I meant to. "Are they still-...?"

   "Inexplicably frozen above our heads? Yes. Now sleep, Empress. Your food can be reheated when you wake in the morning." He brings the blankets up to my shoulders and I close my eyes, trying to shut out so many awful images and scenarios.

   "Not inexplicable. There are answers, however unlikely they may be." As I deliberately slow my breath, Kii'jah takes it as a cue that I am returning to the comfort of sleep. Unfortunately, I am far from being able to rest now. My attention is fixed on the problem that I both solved and created. He leaves the room, my eyes open once more, and stare at the ceiling until sunrise. There is far too much on my mind now for me to sleep.

   I rise on my own, dress, paint my face, and coif my hair all on my own. All that is necessary to prepare for the day that ahead, I do myself, despite my lingering exhaustion. I must stand on my own today, for I fear no one else will stand with me once they know the depth of the truth. This room has a window from which I can see the thick dome of ice that I had transfigured from a tidal wave. It functions as both a protection and a prison.

   The door behind me opened and shut. Three soft footsteps are taken before I hear a silver tray, pitcher, and bowl all thump to the carpeted floor. "Oh, dear. I wasn't expecting you to be up by now, given what I was told." That voice was so familiar, so sweet, yet the sound of it pierced like the bite of a serpent. I turn to face her, inky curls falling about her shoulders, warm violet eyes staring at me in surprise.

   "I've taken care of my own preparations this morning, Rii'ei, thank you. I believe Captain Tei'korr is expecting me for breakfast this morning. Is that right?" 

   "Yes, Your Majesty," She replies, seeming unsure of me as if this were her first day in my service all over again. "Would you like for me to escort you to the dining hall, Your Majesty?" Her hands still tremble as she collects the items she dropped.

   "In the central dining hall, correct?"

   "Yes, Your Majesty."

   "I believe I know the way, thank you." My long hair, braided only about my face to frame it, trailed behind me along with the train of my pearl white gown. I pause just before exiting the room. "Rii'ei, I have deeply loved your company, but if you do not wish to remain here, in my service or in Taj'erii, you are free to go." I smile back at her, remembering the time we spent together. "You have always been free, despite what might have been taught."

   And so I left, painfully aware of the sound of my footsteps as I padded down the hallways. Every corridor was eerie, empty, lifeless. Where the people had gone I did not know, though I hope they are safe. I feel the ice holding strong and I only hope my heart will be able to do the same.

   The grand silver door to the dining hall swung lazily open with ease. Tei'korr sat proudly at the head of the banquet table. He seems to think himself worthy of setting his rear in the same chair my father once occupied. Our first evening in Taj'erii so many months ago could almost be considered a distant memory. That poor dancer, I hope she's doing well. 

   "You owe me answers, little girl. I remember you said you wouldn't tell me your truth until you've eaten, so," He gestured to the wide selection of breakfast foods before us. "Your Majesty, eat." He insisted as took a thick slice of sugared Kao'rith bacon, ripping it in half between his teeth. I wonder if he had it bled properly, or if he even cared. I sat four seats down from him on his left and took a pastry. It was soft and sweet, though not especially filling. "There, see?" He spoke as soon as the food touched my lips. "I have kept my word, now you keep yours."

   I did not feel ready to in the slightest to elucidate the details of the situation. As I ate, I remembered a snippet of wisdom offered to me by the noblewoman I met on the balcony the evening before all this began. Sa'ahria I believe her name was. These words she spoke in a low voice, so my attending guard might not hear us. 'Once you learn the rules of the game, it will be easier for you to play.' Forgive me, Lady Sa'ahria, I fear I've played my strongest card too soon. I only hope I can carry myself with a fraction of your confidence. 

   After a sip of tea, I spoke. "Captain Tei'korr, and am I correct in presuming you come from a long line of warriors, be they military or gladiators?"

   "Yes," he answered, his voice cautious.

   "And you are proud of this?"

   "Since the day I learned the true weight of the weapons I wield." 

   "I am proud of my heritage as well, Captain." He scoffed, but I continued. "Yes, I know that my father has tarnished the name of the Imperial Family. But things have not always been this way, and this is not the only bloodline I belong to." I stood from my chair and began pacing the room. I tried to appear tall and strong. "I'm sure you remember being told the ancient stories as a child. Do you recall the last one recorded? The one they say bridges the times of myth and history."

   "Every child knows that story. For some reason, they all fixate on the tale of a chosen one with an incredible power meant to save the people in times of need."

   "They do, don't they?" I smile to myself, thinking that maybe that tale inspires hope in those who need it and that soon I might offer that same hope.

   "Your Majesty," Anger twitched on his face and in his voice. "I do not want to hear tall tales, I want answers."

   "I am giving you answers, Tei'korr, you need to listen to them." I continued to walk the room, admiring the craftsmanship of the tapestries and the columns. "Did you know that there is a continuation of the legend? The one chosen by our Heavenly Parents lived out their days, but before they passed their power was inherited by another. That heir also lived out their days, this time in secret. This continued on one generation after another through all the days of history. The Protectors carried on in the duties assigned to them by our Gods, all in silence, unseen by the world and people they served." I stop at a window and gaze out at the ice, feeling much better about it this time. Perhaps it is possible to will confidence into existence.

   Tei'korr slammed his fist on the table. "Get to the point, Your Majesty. Please."

   "Very well, Tei'korr. Follow me." He sighed and took his glaive in his hand as we traveled from the dining hall to that balcony I've come to despise.

   There I found where all the people had gone. They were all out on the streets, gathered to see what might happen next in this bizarre string of events. Not in vain, because I have something to show them today, too. "Observe closely, Captain." I stretch my hands heavenward, my long silk sleeves rolling back to my shoulders. This time, I am prepared to use my power, confident that I can pay the toll it will take on me.

   The ice melts, yet the liquid form holds. I then reshape it to be a ringed wall instead of a dome, a wall fit for the fortresses of the Imperial City. Then I freeze it again, without the terrifying rumbles and crackles from the night before. It is much stronger and far more beautiful than the dome it was only moments ago.

   Tei'korr stood, mouth agape. "I thought they were delusional. But this, this is incredible."

   "This power is incredible, Captain. It has been passed down from the beginning, often through the Imperial Family, though not exclusively." I open my hand and wrap the mist about my fingers. "With my possession of this power, I have become Tanjia's threefold cord. In this role that I have been born into, I unite the people, the planet, and our Gods."

   A shower of crimson leaves mixed with snow falls from above. Kei'rii's season is beginning, the season of my birth. I take a long, slow breath of the cold air. It feels wonderful, especially when compared to the stuffy atmosphere in the palace. I look at Tei'korr, his towering stature, shining armor glinting in the light that peeks through the clouds. He doesn't scare me so much anymore, not now. We are both armed now, and I might be naive to think it, but I feel this fight will be mine in the end.

   "Captain," I spoke once more, and this time he turned to listen. "The night you murdered my father you declared that now is the time for change. I think you may be right."

   "Oh?" Nervousness hung in his voice, sounding a touch higher.

   I nod and look up to the sky, a genuine smile forming on my lips. "I think it is time to let the legend live once again."