6 AS

“We’re all farmers here. Have been for generations.” The farmer leaned on the wooden fencing, watching the men around him, farmers mixed with the escorting guard and mages.

Speaker Brightheart clasped his hands together, a wide smile on his lips. “My dear man, your farms barely feed your own family. Have for generations. The Empire offers a way to food your family and to grow wealth, for you and all your fellows in the settlement.”

He swept his hands to take in the surrounding lands. “These are poor lands for food. However, the mages say that many of their reagents can be cultivated here. In return, the Empire supplies you with food as well as buying the reagents.”

Reclasping his hands, he added, “And if you want to stay farmers, come to Terrace, where our blessed farms produce almost faster than we can harvest. You’ll have homes in the capital and receive a fair price for your lands.”

A slight concentration of will set some of the golden thread work sunburst to gleaming on his white robes, a glyph meant to influence those who view it to trust the wearer. Brightheart’s smile broadened as he felt the spell take hold on the farmer.

Moving to the final push, he motioned Captain Travis to bring over the wagon. “My dear man, the Empire does not expect you to take our word alone at this point. Allow us to show you the generosity of the Empire.”

The wagon creaked to a stop and a pair of guards leaped up to throw back the canvas. Mounds of vegetables and barrels of grains filled the bed of the wagon, nearly overflowing.

The farmer’s eyes glazed over for a moment before he shook his head and made his way over to the wagon, several of the other men from the settlement joining him.

Brightheart’s smile never wavered as he watched. It was only a matter of time before this settlement joined the Empire, becoming a valuable member contributing to the benefit of all. It was always a delight seeing people working together for the advancement of humanity.

Even if they needed a little push at times.

“Captain, I believe we shall be done here before evening. We can make a few hours travel before we settle for the night if we send the camp servants ahead.”

Turning back to the settlers, Brightheart made his way over, clasping men on the shoulder and shaking hands.

Time for the final push.

***

Palcon watched the Speaker, suppressing a frown. Even though everything the man said was true, there was something false in the air. Nothing specific, just a feeling, one that his parents always told him to listen to.

What could he do about it? He had no friends among the Guard, his youth and skill alienating most of the men. All he could do was watch and wait.

***

“Feel the world around you. Listen to the earth.”

Hanna had her eyes closed and therefore couldn’t glare at the instructor. Those words felt directed towards her, even though there were over a dozen students in the class. Listening to the earth had never been the issue. It was that she heard something decidedly different from the others, felt an emotion she was told couldn’t be there. That she was projecting her own feelings.

A giggle escaped her as a bubble of amusement tickled her senses. Suddenly she felt magic building behind her and started to yelp even before the stock landed her on her posterior. Her eyes flew open and she whipped her head over to see the instructor standing there with arms crossed and her expression equally crossed.

Hanna offered a hasty seated bow, her braid swinging forward to hang almost to the ground.

“Miss Hanna. How do you ever expect to manage these spells if you cannot concentrate past whatever piece of gossip keeps you girls up all night?”

Giggling erupted around the courtyard, quickly stifled by the instructor. Hanna looked up at her with wide eyes, before straightening. Who had time for gossip? Most of the other girls were wiped out just with the spell work and Hanna spent at least a couple hours with the guards practicing her hand to hand. They told her it really complimented her magic style.

Ignoring the gossip comment for one much more important, she replied, “I’ve already managed these spells. They were signed off on last week!”

The instructor was not impressed, tsking. “Having a biased mage give you a pass so you can slack does not show you can manage these spells. Earth magic takes dedication, determination, and concentration. You must be as solid as the earth herself. Not some flighty girl tossing herself at men.”

Hanna’s eyes narrowed, giving into the glare she couldn’t use earlier, as the instructor continued. “Don’t think I don’t know about your time with the guard. That kind of behavior is unacceptable in one who would be an elemental of earth. I’d expect that more from fire. Frankly, I’m wasting my time on you.”

Why that… Hanna decided she’d had enough of this class anyway. It was past time for her to move on to more advanced studies. With a concentration of will, magic circles burst into life around her, intricate in the spellwork. The earth groaned as the courtyard convulsed, sending most of the other students and the instructor sprawling. Stone spires rose from the ground, then shattered.

Rather than spraying in all directions, the shrapnel spun in the air, gathering into a huge approximation of Hanna’s face looking down on the group. For a moment the face hung in the air, then rushed at Hanna, lifting her from the ground as it wrapped her in stone armor, without a helmet, which allowed her smug look to be seen by all.

Slapping her rock-shod fists together, she banished the remainder of her spells, the broken remnants sinking back into the courtyard. Another ripple washed over the ground, smoothing the stone once again.

Looking around with a satisfied hmph, she spun away, braid whipping behind her. Time to find a new instructor. Maybe Marcus or Typhonus knew one. Or even, ugh, the shadow tyrants, Ethaniel and Vincent.

In the meantime, maybe she’d get some sparring in.

***

“Humans cannot be trusted.”

Khan Kubla glared at his fellow Khans, golden eyes shimmering in the torch light of the council chamber. The desire to ruff up his mane and snarl simmered just below the surface, held in check only by the knowledge that the smug Tigra across from him wouldn’t be intimidated in the least, while that sneaky Pathra would probably be amused.

The Lyonin within him longed to fight to make his point, yet even that would be a poor option. NOt only were there two of them, the Xhere had been the combat champion of the city for decades, Khan for almost as long, and one of the few Majestix in the city actually larger than Kubla.

“We need to do something about this new Empire of Man. It is a clear violation of the Accords the humans signed. I’ve even had reports that the humans blame us for The Sundering, as if it had not been the humans who initiated and guided the Leyline Project!”

Kubla leaned back from the table, though he stayed standing, trying to loom. He was sure he scored with that last point. He’d only just received that report the other day. So why did Xhere look so unperturbed?

The Tigra leaned back in his chair, claws steepled before him so that his face was barely visible above them, even from Kubla’s higher vantage point. “We have known for years that those of Terrace blamed the Majestix. They were quite vocal about such things at their markets and traders have carried those words to us.” That bass rumble was so smooth. So smug. So self-satisfied.

Kubla sank into his chair, unable to hide his disbelief. Barely suppressing a snarl, he asked, “You’ve known for so long and done nothing?”

Xhere merely raised an eyebrow. “What would you have had us do? All people are allowed to believe as they choose. That is one of our oldest laws, set down from the times of the first portals. All people. Even the humans.”

Kubla chewed on his words for a moment before spitting out, “This Empire is still a violation of the Accords. They are also keeping their settlements from trading with us!”

Surging from his seat, Kubla stalked from the council chamber, pausing a moment at the entrance. “Mark my words. If we do not deal with the humans soon, you will regret it. While only those near Terrace may be joining this Empire for now, it is only a matter of time. Humans are sheep. They will follow wherever the strongest ram leads, even over the side of a cliff. Careful we are not trampled by the herd.”

Once out of the council chamber, he finally gave into the urge and snarled, short of the roar he really wanted to unleash. Moments later he emerged into the light of day, stalking through the city. Two of the Lyonin lounging outside the building rose and settled into step behind him with the creak of leather and rattle of bones.

What to do now? The council meeting had been a joke, as had most of them since he’d become Khan after the previous one had been lost in The Sundering. Sparring or a hunt might help. Spilling blood always helped settle his moods. Fun as that sounded, he really needed to find a way to influence the council, or at least a city audience. Not all Majestix were as stubborn as his fellow Khans.

What he really needed was proof of human treachery. Proof that even Shaka’s shadowy cowards couldn’t brush aside. Perhaps some humans slain while attacking one of the other races? Shouldn’t be hard to get his claws on some bodies. Humans were always killing each other somewhere.

If they didn’t kill themselves, corpses could be easily made. This plan bore more thinking on.

***

“That one is looking for new prey.”

Khan Xhere turned to regard his companion, dark eyes searching those of emerald. The Panthra returned his regard calmly. Slowly, he nodded, settling back in his chair. “Indeed. Our fellow Khan has always been quick to seek a martial approach to all things. I have worried for the future of the Lyonin under his leadership, especially without influence from Central. Fortunately, most seem solidly immersed in the original beliefs of the first Awakening.”

Sighing, he reached up to cover his eyes with a paw. “Loath as I am to admit, Khan Kubla does have a point. The Empire is in violation of the Accords. I fear that he will use this to sow discord.”

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Khan Shaka raised the hood of her cloak, concealing her face in shadows so only her eyes were visible. “Shall I have him watched?”

He shook his head. “You are too eager when it comes to Khan Kubla. No, we must continue to give him the respect of his position. We will not sacrifice our honor.” Holding her gaze, he waited for her minute nod before slowly rising.

Standing tall, he towered over his friend, though she was not an overly small member of her clan. Rather, he was an extraordinary example of a Tigra warrior, descendant of a line of Khands nearly to the Awakening. Turning to leave the council chamber, he clasped his paws behind his back. Walking slowly down the hall, he tried to listen for his companion.

There was no sound, not even the rustle of cloth. It was always a marvel to him how she managed to completely erase any trace of her presence. While he was an unparalleled warrior, he could never equal her levels of stealth.

Stepping into the sunlight, Xhere gazed around the city, watching several groups of Majestix strolling by. Many individuals from a variety of races also made their way through markets, taverns, and inns. There were even a couple of humans, no doubt merchants or traders from the border settlements.

A miniature representation of life on Ryode, or at least Eastern Ryode, as their landmass was now known.

Tilting his head slightly, he caught Shaka fading back into sight. She was always aware of his attention. “Khan Shaka, do you remember the last portal war? We had been called to CEntral with our clan warriors.”

Shaka’s shadowy hood nodded. “It was an invasion of beastmen that had portaled to Dantala, near the crossing fortress. The fighting was brutal, but quick. Barely a year.”

Continuing to walk, absently nodding in response to greetings, he said, “That was the last time the world knew war, other than the giant tribes held back by the Jeweled Gate of the North. That war did not touch our city. Were war to break out now with this new Empire, it could affect the lives of our people.” Sighing, he added, “I do not wish for war, but I feel we must nonetheless be prepared.”

Khan Xhere paused his walking in a quiet section of wooded park, turning to face his friend. “Can you start gathering supplies and warning the other races? Quietly?”

A tsk sounded from hooded darkness.

Xhere allowed himself a soft, rumbling chuckle. “Indeed. Then I shall see to my clan’s efforts in smithing. There were some new tricks that the Tarkats had been showing us.”

***

“You two heard?”

Khan Shaka turned to a nearby building, where two shadows detached themselves, resolving into cloaked Panthras. One glanced at the other before stepping back. The other reached up to lower its hood, revealing eyes the same emerald shade as her own.

“We heard. Still think it would be better to keep an eye on the Lyonin. Or better yet, do something more permanent.”

Shaka shook her head. “Now Bageera, that would hardly be honorable. Besides, Kubla would rip you both in half.”

Motioning the two to follow her, she made her way towards the clan compound. While most of the Majestix tended to live by family groups, close together, the Panthras of the city all lived in one compound and had since the founding of the city.

The original Panthras had come from the jungles native to Ryode and though they had begun as relatively solitary people, they soon learned the value of working and training together.

Two halberd armored guards stood to either side of the open gates. They bowed as she entered with her two shadows. The inside of the compound still retained much of the jungle influence from thousands of years ago, with houses in massive trees and few buildings at ground level.

It was to one of those few buildings that she headed, again guarded by two more halberd bearing Panthras. These ones didn’t bow, instead their eyes never resting as they scanned the area.

Shaka felt a slight tingle as she entered the building, idly glancing to the side to see the silver spellwork set into the walls just inside the entrance. Anyone not keyed into the spell would feel much more than a tingle should they try to enter.

After a few moments they arrived at a non-descript door, entering into a room bustling with activity, people coming and going by hidden exits. Several large tables dominated the center of the room and racks of scrolls lined almost every wall.

Stepping up to the central table, Shaka held out her paw, a scroll instantly appearing. She unrolled it, scanned it, then handed it to one of the others at the table. “Bageera, Theron, you heard Khan Xhere. I have enough messengers to contact and warn the other peoples. I want the two of you to look into the Empire, especially the human called Brightheart. He seems to be key to many of the changes happening in this new Empire.”

Turning to look at them directly, she added, “You are to watch only. Do not make contact.” Her gaze settled heavily on Bageera, who tried to look back at her with seeming innocence. She sighed at seeing the expression. “I mean it, Bageera, and for more reasons than Khan Xhere. There is more going on and we’ll never learn what that is if they get all riled up.”

Bageera held up one paw, circling his heart with the other. “I swear by the One I’ll behave.” Theron merely nodded. That was good enough for her.

“Very well, you two. Get to it.”

The two vanished through one of the room’s hidden exits. Shaka watched for a moment before shaking her head and returning her attention to the table. She was going over several reports when a voice interrupted her. “Were they not our best Shadow Dancers, they would have come to great mischief long ago.”

Turning her head slightly, she took in the sight of the Panthra whose fur had long gone gray with age, where it wasn’t white from scars.

“As opposed to regular mischief?” She grinned and leaned over to embrace the old Panthra. “It is good to see you, old cat. We don’t see you outside the training grounds often enough.”

The old cat returning the embrace with a smile. “Training the next generation is busy work. Our people become more diverse in their interests. We just graduated a group of Beast Tamers, where before we would have only had a few per generation. It is truly a wonderful time to be alive. So much has changed with The Sundering…” He trailed off for a moment, Shaka content to wait for him to continue.

Shaking his head, he added, “Regardless, I needed to see you. I still have contacts here and they’ve kept me informed about this Empire of Man.”

Shaka frowned. They shouldn’t have shared that news, even with the old man. Nodding, she motioned him to continue.

“There are some other signs, but this seems even more conclusive. Something is coming, something our ancestors knew about and feared. Most of that knowledge was lost with Central, but we do have one scroll, passed on from one keeper to the next. I think it is time for me to share it with you. I will join you tonight for dinner.”

Shaka watched him shuffle off. Curious. He’d never once hinted at something like this in all the decades that they’d known each other. He had trained her as a Shadow Dancer all those years ago.

Time enough for that later. There were more reports to go over and messengers to arrange. Tonight would see to itself.

***

Shaka sat alone at the dinner table, having dismissed the household for the night. She glanced outside one last time before turning to the entryway. “Are you just going to lurk all night, old cat?”

A chuckle answered her before the old Panthra faded into view. “Forgive an old cat his quirks. It’s been a while since I’ve tried sneaking anywhere. I felt it would put me in the proper mindset for this discussion.”

The old can shuffled his way to a chair across from Shaka. They took a moment to eat their food before he began. “We Majestix have always known we were created by the One, who Awakened the first clan of Lyonin on the plains of Central, giving them the Well of Awakening and charging them to Awaken the other clans. We call Him the One even though we know other Gods exist on the other worlds, because their people have been coming here through the portals since the Awakening.

“Our world was chosen as the battleground of the Gods, with each portal bringing another challenger. We have conquered each challenge, through war and peace. Yet one thing is not known, except by a select few.”

The old cat locked eyes with Shaka, his sapphire gaze meeting emerald depths. “Some of the other Gods, not content to send their peoples, came through to do battle in person.”

Shaka’s eyes widened, then narrowed. “How could the One have allowed that? This is His world!”

The old cat offered her a fanged grin. “Those Gods did not go unpunished. Their blood has nourished the Earth Mother and no few of them were slain outright. However, the scroll speaks of one God who refuses to stay dead, still influencing the world, trying for revenge on the One. It is this dead God that originally sought to unite the humans, leading to the Accords banning them from joining together in exchange for protection and guidance by us, the Majestix. The scroll seems to think the dead God is originally from one of the human worlds and directs us to watch for when the humans look to unite once again.”

Shaka frowned. “Why not make this general knowledge?

“To prevent the humans from being persecuted. Fear is a powerful force and the humans do not deserve that. They are a delightfully diverse people, no less so than the Majestix.”

“Then why tell me, old cat?”

The old cat settled deeper into his chair. “Because you operate in the shadows and because you can be trusted with the knowledge. I have watched you, trained you, all these decades. You will let this information guide you, yet not rule. One day, when I die, you will become guardian of the scroll. Until then, you are a guardian of the knowledge. Use it to protect all peoples. Watch for the dead God’s influence.

“This world belongs to the living.”