Just like that, it was over. A burst of speed and then stillness. Both combatants seem to have rushed right past each other at speeds that should have been impossible for either. All of those there to witness the challenge felt like they had not witnessed anything. Suddenly, they both coughed and fell to their knees, then slumped to the ground on their sides. The spectators gasped audibly as blood flowed like a river from each woman. Lastirk's neck had been cut clean and was emptying her body of blood onto the ground. Naga's abdomen yawned open, relieving her of her entrails. The official made no announcement. The result was clear. Greyson walked over and stood between the corpses of the two women, indifference all over his face. He took a passing glance at the bodies of his mother and his lover before addressing the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen, as I promised, the queen has been removed from power. From here on out, I will be the new regent and king of Lastirk Prime, which will from now on be known as 'Greystone'. If any one of you has a problem with the current changes, let him speak now, so my men can show you the quickest way down from here." As he spoke the remaining members of his original cabal walked up behind him and stood, staring menacingly at the crowd. After a tense moment he clapped his hands together loudly and rubbed them together vigorously. "No one? Excellent. Let's go inside. We have a mess to clean up."
Marley and Marcus awoke at first light. They both looked around at the cave they had been led to the night before. Every surface, the walls, ceiling, and floor, was as smooth as glass. The beds they slept on were raised stone pillars stacked high with animal furs, they had been astonishingly comfortable. There was nothing else in the room so after their moment of wonder, the two decided to take some time to meditate. The moment he cleared his mind, Marley felt connected. He felt like he could sense everything from the smallest scurrying animal to the largest lumbering beast, from the blades of grass blowing in the wind to the most massive tree reaching for the sun. His perception stretched out far and wide. He saw and felt every ounce of life and it was all bright and beautiful. It brought a tear to Marley's eye. At the very edge of his perception there was a single dark spot, far to the north from where they were. It was stuck, more like sealed, in the ice of the northernmost ice cap of the planet. This presence was darker than the deepest cave on the darkest night. It was small and broken but slowly growing stronger. It called out to Marley. It wanted him to touch it, to come find it, to set it free. Just as Marley began to sweat from the effort of trying to lean in, just a little closer, so he could try to understand what he was looking at, a firm, sharp voice called his name, suddenly breaking his concentration.
Marley's eyes snapped open just in time for him to receive a sharp slap across his face. He held his face and looked up to see a surprisingly beautiful elderly woman staring at him angrily. He looked up at the woman in shock and pain as he shouted, "What the hell was that for?!" The woman straightened up to her full, though diminutive, height, still looking angry but satisfied, and headed for the exit. "We perceive the darkness but we do not reach for it." It was all she said as she walked out. Marcus looked at Marley quizzically. "What did you do?" Marley just shrugged as the pair got up together and exited the austere room.
What they saw when they stepped into the morning light completely took their breath away. They were in what looked like a massive crater in the middle of the mountains. The rocks reached high on all sides forming a perfect circle around them, except for one spot to the west where a waterfall made its way through the rock. The waterfall fell, forming a river that flowed down the middle of the crater, and formed a swirling pond dead center of the area before making its way through the rock on the other side. Everywhere else there was lush vegetation, the grass was as thick and soft as a luxury carpet. Several large fruit trees grew large and healthy along the river. Vines bearing beautiful flowers scaled the rock faces all around them. A scattering of people, clad in white tunics, busied themselves picking fruit or interacting with animals, no one looked like they had a care in the world.
The old woman stood watching them amused at their wonder. "When you two are done gawking, come eat and tell me why you are here." she said gently with a knowing smile on her face.
The two men couldn't help but smile sheepishly as they joined the woman at one of several long wooden picnic tables. As they did, they were promptly brought plates of fresh fruit, meat and cups of water. The old woman resumed her questions while the men dug into their meals. "So who are you and what brings you to this sacred place?" Marley looked up at the tiny woman and started to answer, but stopped. He could see an aura around the woman, one that was much larger than she was, one that felt ancient, powerful, and familiar. Marley narrowed his eyes and tilted his head curiously.
"Wait, I know you," he began, "We've already had this conversation, Jarka."
The woman smiled wide and mischievously. "How perceptive, young prince." She replied, thoroughly amused. "I was wondering if you would be able to sense my aura. It seems like you are well attuned to Azaacar's energy, though with the stunt you pulled this morning, you still have a lot to learn."
Marley nodded his head, swallowing a mouth full of fruit. "That is precisely why I am here. To learn and grow stronger as quickly as I can, so I can liberate my people. But, I must ask, what was that darkness that was sealed in the ice?"
Jarka nodded. "Yes, I know of your people and their situation. The shadows see all. Azaacar told me she would send you to me, to train you as I would my own pups. I can see your power and talent are great, but raw, and you smell of the blessed bloodline. I will teach you to be one with Azaacar's energy, as well as how to walk in the shadows. But, be warned, it will not be easy and sleep will be scarce. You must focus and follow my instructions to the letter. That darkness that you felt, that you nearly touched, is Azaacar's ancient enemy. He was defeated and sealed eons before your ancestors walked this planet. That, young one, is a long story best left for another time. For now, your time is short, the shadows whisper of great treachery unfolding.
Greyson met again with the congress, along with his cabal and the arms developer, Mr. Wesson, he met at the dinner party so long ago. He stood in front of the throne, head held high with his arms behind his back. He looked smug and very satisfied with himself. One of the congress members leaned to the one next to them and whispered, "Is it just me, or does he bear a terrifying resemblance to his mother?" The second member nodded and muttered under his breath. "I fear we may have just traded the frying pan for the fire."
Greyson cleared his throat and began to pace as he spoke.
"Dearest friends, today you have witnessed history. You are all a part of the dawning of a new era. For the past twenty years we have been swimming in circles, small fish in a small pond. But, we are Rednasi. We are meant to be predators. The apex of the galactic food chain! Coming to this pebble of a planet was only supposed to be a stepping off point to something greater, something glorious. Instead, we have grown fat and complacent with this one world, this one tiny pond. I intend to get us back on track, to return to the Rednasi way. We will secure our strong hold on this system, a stranglehold in the galaxy, and will be recognized as a new pillar of the Rednas Empire!"
The crowd gasped and exchanged furtive glances, taken aback by the audacity of the young man's words. The Rednas Empire was vast and wide spread. A great many star systems had been conquered and colonized by the Empire over the expanse of history. Many had come to consider Rednas Prime as the center of the galaxy. The Emperor's authority was absolute but under him the empire was largely considered a meritocracy. If they had the will and the strength one could work or fight their way to a lofty position. It was known that more than a few individuals of common birth had clawed their way to the position of regent across the empire. Being considered a pillar of the empire was the highest honor a reagent could possibly achieve. It meant that their contribution to the empire was invaluable, irreplaceable, and unreproducible. There had only ever been four pillars. Each contributed a resource that could only be found in their system, and had revolutionized the empire. As far as anyone there knew, nothing of the sort had been found on this planet.
Greyson silenced the murmurs with a raise of his hand. "In life, one can either wait to find their destiny, or they can make their own destiny with their own hands. My late mother made her own destiny. As a low born female she was never supposed to rise as high as she had. But she took control of her own life and fought her war to the top. It is in that spirit that we are going to retool our entire operation. Mr. Wesson here has devised a new type of energy weapon. One that can be scaled from the size of a hand held blaster, to the size of an orbital bombardment cannon." After allowing a moment of more astonished murmuring he continued. "I won't bore you with the details of how it works, but I will say this, those details are exactly what will put us at pillar status, and will be considered state secrets. Anyone caught sharing said details with anyone will be put to death immediately. We will discuss more on that in the future. For now, the time has come for each one of you to pledge your undying loyalty to me as your new king."
Mr. Wesson was the first, then slowly, one by one, each person present knelt. They lowered their head and placed their fist over their heart in a gesture of respect and loyalty. A member of greyson's cabal stepped forward and said in a loud booming voice. "The Queen is dead" the crowd responded in unison, "Long live the King!"
A wicked grin spread across Greyson's face.