The Search For Kathea, A Leap Into Strange Times 2

The Search For Kathea, A Leap Into Strange Times 2

     "Thank you, Lord var Attre." Iriisii looks out over the Nilfgardians looking back at her with awe mixed with fear. She empowers her voice with the Thu'um, that she be heard, even to the Palace and beyond.

     "Citizens of Nilfgard, I am the Dragon Empress of Cyrodiil, named by your Emperor to be Regent until such time as his heir, Cirilla var Emreis, should decide to sit upon the Throne. Yes, I come with a show of force, for neither the nobility nor the military, would take me seriously if I did not.

     My purpose is to guide this Empire, to keep it strong, to keep it healthy, for its next true ruler. To do this, there will be changes made to how things have been. I do not expect all to approve these changes, I do expect all to obey them. If any should choose not to, they are free to leave now and never show their faces again. All who stay have the welfare of Nilfgard in their hearts.

     The first thing to change will be a cessation of all military advancement. We will hold to our current borders, solidify our position, bring peace, prosperity, and justice to every corner of this Empire. There will be only one tier of justice, all will be equal under the eyes of the law.

     This does not mean we cannot expand, it just will not be at the tip of a sword. If any of the Northern Kingdoms rebel against their rulers' misrule and ask to join our Empire, then we will add them to our number. But we will not antagonize or suborn any kingdoms rule, our hands will be clean of blood. We will of course need to keep our army strong, for now, they will also be our peacekeepers. 

     But I expect our casualties to go down to almost none, and so to stop the unneeded deaths and drain of our best sons on the battlefield. I expect that the need for so much gold to support the war will also go down, and so the burden on the people will go down with it. The opportunities for trade will grow, but it will take time, so please be patient, for you will see better times, this I promise.

     To those who either will not or can not support my Regency, LEAVE NOW! I will give you one week's time to leave this Empire. If you stay, you will be considered enemies of the Empire, and appropriate measures will be taken. You know who you are, and so do I. Make no mistake that I do not know, I have not survived all that I have by being stupid.

     If given a chance, I can be merciful, compassionate, just. Cross me, and you will see an entirely different side of who I am, for the short time you live. Your Emperor has given me the absolute authority, I will use it, but I will not abuse it. For this is your Empire, each and everyone who lives within it, fights for it, bleeds for it, and dies for it. You have, the right to expect it to be here for you, to care for you, as you care for it. And I intend to see that it does just that, for all of you, not just the highborn, but everyone."

     Iriisii turns to her forces, "those chosen to accompany me, let us go into the city. All others, set up camp, at least for now. We shall see how this goes."

     She starts walking toward the city, her best following her in tight formation. As she approaches the three Generals, she says, "I know who you are, what you are thinking, what plans, you are already formulating." She points to the middle of the three, "you are true to the Empire, if you want to stay, a place will be found to make use of your talents. You and you", pointing to the other two, "you have one week to leave the Empire if you desire to remain among the living. If I sense you still within the borders after that time, you may be favored to see a dragon close up, from inside his stomach."

     She moves forward and the three move to the side to allow her to pass. As she approaches the Nilfgardian troops, one makes a fatal error in judgment by drawing his sword and screaming on the run toward Iriisii. She gestures with one hand and the soldier is grabbed and tossed high into the air. Before he can hit the ground, a shadow swoops down and snaps the foolish soldier in his jaws, gulping him down as he continues his flight around the city.

     A robed figure comes out from among the soldiers and kneels as Iriisii comes close.

     "We, the sorcerers and sorceresses of Nilfgard, declare our fealty and support to you, Regent of the Empire of Nilfgard. What would you have of us?"

     "Come and see me after I am seated upon the Throne, and we will discuss what purposes within the new direction the Empire will be embarking on that you can fulfill. Know that Aretuza knows me, knows what I am capable of, and several of the Society, have sworn fealty and service to me. As long as you serve willingly, you will have a place and no difficulties from me. Cross me, and well, you saw what just happened."

     "I will make certain all hear of your words, and will attend to your will."

     "I am generous to those who are faithful, and I do not require your lives be spent unless there is no other possible way. 'Life' and 'Death' walk at my side, both are equally important in the 'Great Tapestry', both are my friends and my advisors. Serve the Empire well, and the Empire will serve you in return. Such is how it should be. Now go and spread the word to the others, I will be waiting for you later."

     Iriisii and company walk through the great gates into the city. The people throng the sides of the streets, out of the windows of buildings, all wishing to see this new Regent, wonder what will change, and what those changes will mean to all of them. A young child leans too far out of a high window and falls toward the ground. Iriisii grabs the child, a young girl in a telekinesis spell, and slowly brings her into her arms. She holds her firmly, comforting her as she is soothed of her fear from the fall.

     The mother of the child rushes out of the home, pushing aside the crowd looking for her daughter's body in the street.

     "She is here, safe and unharmed."

     The mother looks toward Iriisii and sees her holding her daughter, who sees her and cries out, "mama"!

     "Let her through", and waves the mother to her. As she approaches, she starts to kneel but Iriisii stops her, "here, your daughter's welfare is more valuable than any 'gesture of respect'. She is a strong one and will be a fine young woman when she matures. Take care of her and love her with all of your heart." She hands the young girl to her mother, both of them then noticing the crowd on their knees, kneeling to Iriisii. She feels the respect rolling off of them and entering her own self.

     She gestures for them to rise up, "all of you, from a young child to an elderly grandmother, have value in my eyes, and in this Empire. You are all a part of it, from the lowest to the highest. Take heart that all that have given their lives, that their sacrifice has not been in vain, that now this Empire will flourish and show everyone else what it truly means to be a part of it."

     She begins moving ever closer to the Palace Grounds. As she comes into sight of it, there is a commotion on its edge. Then she notices a soldier being ordered to mount a horse, which he does. He hesitates next, and the commanding office slaps the flat of his blade on the horse's rump, startling him and causing him to run straight for Iriisii. She hears the officer call out to 'run the bitch down'.

     Her male guards step in front, but she waves them to protect the crowds on the sides, saying that she would deal with this. They immediately do as she has ordered. She gathers herself and shouts, "Liz Slen Nus". The icy blast hits and covers both horse and rider, stopping their forward momentum. Iriisii heads straight for the Cavalry Officer.

     He watches her approach, his face showing greater and greater rage the closer she comes. As she gets close enough to speak clearly, he makes it obvious he is not interested in anything she has to say, by drawing his sword and attempting an overhead strike. Having had enough of this asshole, she grabs the sword blade in her right hand, then reaches her left and grabs his uniform, dragging him to her face. She then quietly but with utter coldness, says to him, "Koraav kotin faal Minne se sunvaar ahrk mindok unslaad faas."

     Her eyes are totally black, even the sclera, his face is screwed up into a rictus, his mouth opening to scream but nothing escapes. His heart beats faster and faster, his throat bobs with the effort to silently scream, his bowels let loose in a hot, odorous mess, his heart cannot take more and bursts inside his chest. He falls to the ground, his limbs shaking and jerking, finally, they grow still, as her eyes return to normal.

     She turns to the horse and rider, the ice from her shout cracking and beginning to drop off. As she starts to move to him, she moves the fingers of her right hand to her lips. The words she whispers are too low for anyone to hear, then she moves her fingers toward the officer's body as she passes it by. The body begins smoking, hot, red cracks appear in its skin, and the body crumbles in on itself as it turns to dust and ash.

     The rider watching all of this that he could see, dismounts and shaking with more than cold, kneels before her. She reaches out and gently touches him, saying "you have nothing to fear from me. You showed great courage to stop and not act as your officer ordered you to do. It was not your doing but his as he struck your horse and started you running toward me. Even now as your fear grips you tightly, still you show respect. You honor me by doing so and I wish to honor you as well.

     I will not demean you by asking you to leave the cavalry, but I will require an adjutant and I think you would fill that task well. Will you take on this burden and help me be the Regent this Empire needs?"

     He looks up at her, seeing her gently smiling down at him. Gradually his shaking subsides and swallowing hard, he answers, "yes, Your Majesty. I will do whatever you require of me."

     "Good, follow with mine", waving a hand to Dettlaff, Elric, Reaper, and Atticus.

     "Looks like she has made another conquest."

     "Would you have it any other way?"

     "Honestly, no I would not, none of us would."

     "True", looking at the new one, "adjutant, huh? You will do just fine, she is never wrong when she chooses someone. Let's go, she is moving toward the Palace."

     They grow closer and see two different groups arguing between themselves. One group she senses are supporters of her, the others detractors. She keeps walking steadily forward until both groups realize she is there before them. The detractors start in on barring the way into the Palace, shouting threats and accusations. The supporters have had enough, starting to move toward the detractors.

     "Stop! All they have done yet is mouth useless words. I will deal with this, now. You who bar my way, did you not hear my pronouncement?"

     "We heard, but we choose not to believe that our Emperor would do as you say he did, and so we do not recognize your authority."

     "Whether you choose to recognize me or not is of no consequence, what matters is the truth of my words. Do you honestly think if I was lying, that I could make it all the way to these doors without being stopped, through all of the Empire's soldiers that surround the city and patrol its streets? Know that you should be setting your affairs in order, for you have one week to cross over out of Empire lands.

     Where you go is your decision, just do not come back or you face your death. If you cannot know the words your Emperor would speak, you have no right to stay, no right to call yourself Nilfgard."

     "And you do?"

     "He chose me to be Regent because he trusts that I will guide this Empire, keep it whole and stable. That if and when, his daughter, should desire to claim the Throne, I will happily step aside for her and then go about my own affairs. Are you willing and ready to gainsay his wishes?"

     They look at each other, muttering and whispering, then one by one, they leave going to their homes to pack and leave.

     From among the supporters, "I never would have thought they would just leave like that."

     "One day, you will know why they did what they did, then you will understand. Until then, when the 'Church of the White Phoenix' comes, ask what you can do to help."

     She turns and opens the great doors to the Palace. The crowd inside goes deathly quiet, the chamberlain approaches and gives his best flourishing bow.

     "Speak."

     "Your Majesty, Lord var Attre says the words you speak are true. His word is enough for me, if I may be of service, you have but to ask."

     Iriisii motions to the cavalry soldier, "this one has taken service with me as my adjutant, please see to a more fitting change of clothes for him, more befitting his new station. As time passes there will be more changes decided and made. I will then have greater need of your expertise."

     "Will you need something more fitting your coronation as Regent?"

     "I have someone who can create something for me on short notice. He may grumble a bit about it, but he has never failed to satisfy."

     The chamberlain looks somewhat puzzled by whoever she could mean.

     "Elihal."

     "I know of him, a master of his trade, but he disappeared some years ago."

     Smiling she replies, "I know."

     The chamberlain gets the message, loud and clear. He bows as he backs away out of her direct presence. Then motioning the new adjutant to follow him, he goes through a smaller set of doors off to the side.

     She looks over the room, noting the different faces she sees.

     "When I gave the ultimatum that any who disagreed with my being Regent, should pack their belongings and be past the borders within a week, I was then and am now deadly serious. I know who should be leaving and who should be staying, thus there is no need to speak names. If you are still here when the time expires, so then shall you expire.

     The Emperor will not be returning, he does still live, comfortably, but he will not be coming back. I will remain Regent until such time as his daughter and heir, decides to claim the Throne. When she does this, I will step aside for her and go about my own business. Until then, I am the power that sits on the Throne. If anyone wishes to object, now is the time. Those who wish to stay are welcome as long as they obey the laws. And my word is now the law. If you leave, you and your family will live as long as you do not return. 

     If you wait until the time expires, the head of your family will lose their head, the remainder of your family will be escorted to the closest border and sent across to make their way as best they can. If you stay and later try to sabotage my Regency, you and every last member of your family will face the headsman. You have been warned of the consequences of your decisions and actions. Do not think I am not strong enough to follow through on this. I am ruthless enough to take your heads myself for I believe if I have the responsibility to sentence you to death, then I must be ready, willing, and able to do the deed with my own hands. Cross me at your own peril. You may all go now, and spread the word of what I have said."

     She then walks up to the Throne and sits in it, looking out as some of those present bow and leave the throne room. 

     "I have already made some changes to the current direction the Empire is taking. The military advance is hereby stopped. We will hold to our current borders, any incursion by others will be repelled by whatever means necessary. We will not gut the numbers currently in our army, but we will see if they can be gradually reduced to a sustainable level that keeps us secure.

     This will help to reduce if not stop the drain on the treasury that has caused drastic increases in taxes. It is not my intent to hobble our military, or tax this Empire into bankruptcy. We will find where the balance is that will allow us to satisfy the Empires needs without being a huge burden to the people.

     Just do not expect all of this to happen overnight. It took time for this situation to develop and it will take time to reverse it, but it can and will be reversed. We will have prosperity once more, and justice that will be equal for all, not serving only a few at the top. If they can not or will not agree to these and other changes that will be coming, they know where the borders are. But just so that all understand, if you leave our borders because you cannot abide the changes that will be happening, do not expect to be welcomed back with open arms.

     Personal travel is encouraged both within the Empire and outside, as well as business travel. If you travel outside, we will do our utmost to ensure your safety, but there is only so much we can do without reopening hostilities, so be aware of this. Those who take voluntary or involuntary exile will not be allowed to return as long as I am Regent. If Cirilla returns and takes the Throne, it will be her decision whether to keep the policy or change it. As it will be up to her to make any other changes as she sees fit. It is my task to guide and safeguard this Empire to ensure it is here when she decides to return and take up the Throne. I ask that each and every one take time to think, reflect, on what this Empire means to you, and what you can do to ensure its continuance."

     A month has passed, Dandelion and Priscilla have returned and their lives are now such that everyone remarks on how happy they are. Dandelion is continuing to better the cabaret, and Priscilla is taking limited singing opportunities in Novigrad and Oxenfurt. They sent a most effusive letter of thanks to Iriisii for all that she did for them, and offering their services to her should she ever need them.

     Iriisii still has problems in dealing with recalcitrants. After having to get particularly brutal in her punishment of traitors still bent on defying her Regency. The last incidence had her ordering a large pair of wheels built, the two prisoners bound to said wheels. They were hoisted upright and mounted on poles, and then their arms and legs were broken as they hung, bound to the wheels.

     After this was done, Iriisii shut herself away in her quarters alone for a week. Sometimes the quiet sound of crying and sobbing was heard from behind the closed doors. And sometimes other voices were heard trying to comfort her through her personal suffering at having to inflict such punishment. Harsh as it was, it still was justified, as the poisoning attempt ended up costing the lives of five others.

     "Lady Rigmor, will the Regent be all right? I am concerned after this last trial and execution. I understand the effect having to do something like this can have on someone, but it was justified, and the people agree that the punishment fitted the crime."

     "I know, she will not shy away from having to do what she must, even though the personal cost to her can be high. This is not the first time, she has paid a high price for her decisions, and it likely will not be the last. She will resolve this and come out of it. As strange as it may seem, if ever she is not affected by some of the more brutal things she is required to do, that is when we need to worry the most."

     "I..., yes, I see your point and agree with you. I will make whatever responses for her absence that are needed until she can return to public view."

     "I want to thank you for your help, Lord var Attre, this would have been a lot more difficult and likely cost many more lives had you not been here to assist."

     "It is simply my duty to the Empire, it has been good to me in many ways since it was formed, thus I owe it a great deal in recompense."

     "I think I will see if she will talk to me now. We need to advance our plans once things here are more stable."

     "What are your plans then, and can I assist?"

     "I really do not know how much she has said to you, but you will need to know exactly what is going to happen if you are to be most effective. Please sit, this is not something to be understood with a few words. You know she is far more than what she appears on the surface?"

     "That has been made very obvious to me. I have heard others comment on this but I have refrained from speaking toward it, preferring to listen and get first-hand information when it is presented to me."

     "Very well, I can tell you are trustworthy in this then. We are both 'Ascended Goddesses'. The pantheon we are a part of is known as the 'Gods of Eld'. They are very old, very powerful, and spread across all of the Creations. They did not start from the beginning, they started as mortals themselves and grew in power as time passed within their home Realm.

     Due to circumstances beyond their control and power to affect, they had to leave their home Realm and seal the entrance behind them. They then scattered across the Creations, to better protect themselves and to deal with the aftermath that caused them to flee. Slowly they added to their numbers and built their new home of Elysia within the Dreamlands.

     They are always looking for possible candidates to add to their pantheon. Iriisii, ...well how she came to their notice could fill a book, and we are still not certain we know the whole story. It was through her that I ascended as well as Illyria, and Byrsael, who you have yet to meet.

     Iriisii has continued to climb the rungs of power, gaining more as she progresses, and also attracting the attention of more unsavory denizens of the lower planes. She has always served the 'Balance', trying to maintain that narrow path between absolute good and absolute evil. Now she has become the one that all are looking toward to be the one champion that can shepherd the Creations between 'good' and 'evil', ensure it survives and thrives. By doing this, she has gained allies among 'light' and 'dark', taking on Gods and Demons, among many different kinds of enemies.

     We do need to return to dealing with what this has brought to us. To do this and take care of Nilfgard as well, she intends to create a copy of herself, not an avatar but something closer to herself. It will have a tie to her so that she knows all that it knows and can give directions. If it is needed she can also project herself through the tie and take control directly.

     Doing whatever needs to be done and returning to what she was doing before. The copy will have a part of her awareness within it, and so it will be a direct part of her. It will not have its own mind and desires, she has seen other Gods do this and then the avatars go off on their own, sometimes needing to be dealt with when they do not agree with what they were created to do.

     She is wishing to avoid this entirely, by having a more direct tie to the copy. When it is no longer needed, she will simply absorb it back within herself. But remember this, it will have access to all of her skills and powers, it is and will be her, just that the controlling awareness will be elsewhere. Now if I have thoroughly confused you, I can try and answer any questions you may have."

     "These other issues you speak of, is there any chance we may become involved in them?"

     "Not if we can help it. We cannot say what our enemies will do, who they will go after, but we will do all we can to keep such a thing from happening. The people here in the Empire and the rest of this world, although not innocent, still do not deserve to be pulled into what comes. Although our part will start from here when it begins. We feel that it will draw attention directly to us and away from everyone else."

     "What if Cirilla never wishes to take the Throne?"

     "I hope, truly hope, that never happens. The Emperor has no other heir, there is no one else alive who can claim 'blood right'. In that event, maybe, just maybe, Cirilla will have a child that will grow and take the Throne. Otherwise, I just really do not know."

     "Thank you for your honesty. I also want to thank you for what the two of you have done for Rosa, it has only been just over a month since the Her Majesty took the throne and I have seen so much improvement in her. I know I did not spend near enough time with her and Edna."

     "But now you can spend more time with them both. Let them know they have a father who loves and cares for them. They both want that more than anything. Rosa wants to be the best warrior maid that she can be, in order to make you proud of her. It will also teach her what she needs to know to live and thrive, anywhere life takes her.

     Edna will take a different tack, but she too seeks and wants your approval. None of us can imagine where our destinies will take us, the paths we will follow. But it is up to us to be ready when 'fate' comes seeking us, for it will find us whether we are ready for it or not. And if we are indeed ready, the world will lay at our feet. If we are not, it is we who will lay at the world's feet, in a grave if we are lucky."

     "Hard but wise words, spoken out of the hard experience of life."