Across the water from Annuakat sat the city of Tyria, renowned for her mercantile ships and rich dyes of purple.
Standing atop the palace ziggurat in Annuakat, Gerra gazed out at the nearby rival. His spies brought grave news. The courtiers of Tyria deposed Queen Xaviera in a coup, replacing her with one of their own choosing. Now the seven cities of Amol-Kalit looked to Gerra, newly returned to his throne, to see if he would let this go unchecked.
He could not, of course. The empire’s foundations, new and still wet with sealing caulk, could easily now crumble beneath the weight of the aristocratic nobles seizing opportunity. Like hyenas snatching a carcass from a sickly lion.
And so, they forced Gerra’s hand. Already, the imperial navy prepared to set out and blockade Tyria’s island. Gerra declared them traitors to the Empire. Justice would be meted out. Order restored.
He turned toward those assembled atop the palace.
“We set sail at once. The Hands will infiltrate the city and capture the rebel leaders. The navy will maintain the blockade until the Hands have secured the leaders and the city gates. Then I will land with my Immortals… and we shall see how soon they melt before us, like snow beneath a summer sun.”
Standing atop the palace ziggurat in Annuakat, Gerra gazed out at the nearby rival. His spies brought grave news. The courtiers of Tyria deposed Queen Xaviera in a coup, replacing her with one of their own choosing. Now the seven cities of Amol-Kalit looked to Gerra, newly returned to his throne, to see if he would let this go unchecked.
He could not, of course. The empire’s foundations, new and still wet with sealing caulk, could easily now crumble beneath the weight of the aristocratic nobles seizing opportunity. Like hyenas snatching a carcass from a sickly lion.
And so, they forced Gerra’s hand. Already, the imperial navy prepared to set out and blockade Tyria’s island. Gerra declared them traitors to the Empire. Justice would be meted out. Order restored.
He turned toward those assembled atop the palace.
“We set sail at once. The Hands will infiltrate the city and capture the rebel leaders. The navy will maintain the blockade until the Hands have secured the leaders and the city gates. Then I will land with my Immortals… and we shall see how soon they melt before us, like snow beneath a summer sun.”
