Threads and Webs

The Emperor leaned back into his tall, comfy chair, after delivering his threat, that perhaps only she could hear, since they were separated, and the others in the room made quite a racket, even in his presence.

His cold words said with a cheery smile did slightly rattle her, as Tracey hesitated slightly, but stepped back to the small stool and waited for other instructions, being the gracious guest.

If it comes to it... I think we could get out of here, as I, Amanda and probably Shizuka too are all armed... then we'd take our next chance...

There were only sixteen guards in the room, and none looked very capable, and unless any of the advisors were carrying concealed weapons, Tracey was sure she and her two companions would manage any attack made there and escape.

"Go on, sit down and regale us your victories."

He spoke up, to quell the crowd again, and give Tracey some purpose.

So that boring gala was the entertainment last night, and I'm it today...

Getting as comfortable as possible, she told her uninterrupted tale of taking Yarn.

"So... not just skill with the blade, but smarts too..."

The shallow Emperor didn't appear all that drawn on her story, but enough to comment correctly.

A small clatter of applause sounded, from the listening group, while those not paying attention got slightly startled.

"So what more from the battlefields can you tell us?"

The young ruler asked, after picking his ear.

Tracey then told them of the battle near Kibble, and that gained more interest, while not giving a play by play account, she did mention what she remembered, which partly captivated the audience.

"And the feeble Beasts saw your victory and surrendered the town..."

"Yes that's true."

Tracey answered the question that came from one of the other upper-class members.

"What of the battle in the Flower Forest?"

Tracey had only heard a couple of rumours from the further area then she'd been in Alama, and none were pleasant or favourable from the Empire's point of view in that campaign.

"I'm sorry, I wasn't there."

She answered honestly.

"Disappointing... but surely you are readying for another advance?"

The Emperor probed, but the truth didn't please him.

"I was recalled by the Senator for Apsley then..."

The overweight teen looked about the crowd then, searching for the mentioned man, but not finding him, he then asked.

"Where is the good Senator Whittle anyway...?"

A few glances about didn't help find him, obviously.

"In fact I'm sure there are a number of faces missing today... must be another party elsewhere..."

The Emperor chuckled and brought laughter from his captive audience, but summoned a nervous servant near as it died down.

"Get a list of those you have failed to come before me today..."

His attendant nodded franticly and backed away.

Tracey had a fair guess at the lower turn-out for his 'party', as after just one morning, Shizuka had already heard stories from the other staff; about others of power going into hiding themselves, being arrested or simply had gone missing, which probably meant they'd never return, as the commoners and authorities had taken the chance to take action against some of them.

"The next event will be payed for by those no-shows, mark my words..."

He laughed, and gathered a few from his gathering, but it was obviously less jovial than the last, so it seemed that some of the nobility had likewise picked up of the circulating word too.

"No matter - but the war goes well otherwise then?"

Tracey wasn't the only member in attendance to avert her eyes, as the room got the quietest it had after his question.

"We will need to do better... Surely the people are rallying for more victories as well...?"

Only more hush was found, before some loyalest in the group began to shout agreement.

What have his advisors been telling this overenthusiastic kid anyway...?

When the supportive calls dwindled for him, he leaned closer again for Tracey's opinion.

"I know of your... position to all this..."

Tracey figured as much.

"Tell me Hero... the people beyond my court long for our might to be shown, and victory by any means?"

He gave a pointed question, that Tracey didn't feel confident in answering, but as she didn't say her piece, her silence was much louder than her words would have been.

"Your feelings don't matter... you'll all do what I say anyway."

Tracey felt the need to slight his growing displeasure, so replied quickly.

"I will go where you desire."

He suddenly smiled.

"That's right..."

Amanda stood as close as she could by the lowest step, not allowed to be nearer, but looked calm, on the surface as she watched on.

"It was my order to take that far off town wasn't it..."

He seemed rather pleased, as a few small cheers of his 'brilliance' where sounded, boosting his spirits and ego too.

"Yes, I sent you to your victory, so it is mine as well!"

A few more cheers went up, and he revelled in the coming praise that continued for sometime then.

Thankfully Tracey was allowed to withdraw, with a wave, and step away, so she was mostly ignored for the reaming function, and after a short time the Emperor had obviously had enough, so he left, and with the host gone - the troubling gathering broke up totally too.

Not long after the function, as the guests returned back to 'their rooms', that had more space and valuables that most houses, two guards and one of the old lurking advisors stepped in front of Tracey and Amanda in the hallway.

"Miss Hero... the Emperor would like a word..."

The grey haired man directed them to another doorway, while Tracey looked to Amanda, who shrugged.

In this new room, was the waiting underage and short boy, who looked far less without his billowing cape and fancy jewelled 'hat' from before, who despite getting his way didn't look happy at all.

"You made me look bad out there on purpose... didn't you?"

He burst out the moment Tracey entered, making her stop and blocking the door for Amanda and the trailing advisor.

"No ...sir. I was only saying the truth..."

"Were you intent on challenging me?"

Tracey was fairly stunned, even thinking that he believed she wanted to 'challenge' him in the first place.

If it came to a duel between us... there's no question who'd win... Why even suggest a competition...?

"I would never-"

"If you want a fight - I'll give one to you... and that will settle everything!"