Chapter 2 Planned

CHAPTER 2

A man strode through the grand hallway of the Eridoria Imperial Citadel, his footsteps echoing off the polished marble floors. His destination was the throne room, where Emperor Alyaz awaited his arrival. Despite the impending siege on the city of Themyscira, the emperor demanded to be informed of the latest developments. And, as was customary, Grekh, the first Adviser, was tasked with delivering the news.

As Grekh approached the ornate door of the throne room, two guards sprang to attention, pulling the door open for him. They bowed deeply as he stepped inside, the door closing behind him with a soft thud.

Emperor Alyaz stood before his throne, his gaze fixed intently on the sword in his hand. As the door opened, he moved with lightning speed, grabbing a spear from the nearby rack and hurling it at the entering figure. Grekh, anticipating the attack, smiled wryly and dodged the spear with ease, catching it in mid-air as if it were a harmless trifle. His Gifts granted him extraordinary speed and agility, allowing him to perceive the world in slow motion.

Emperor Alyaz's eyes narrowed, his face a mask of intensity. He had always sought to surpass his first Adviser, who also served as the commander-in-chief of his army. Yet, he was grateful to Retu, their god, for making Grekh loyal to him. The emperor's gaze lingered on Grekh, a mixture of admiration and envy swirling in his chest.

"You're as quick as ever, Grekh," Emperor Alyaz said, his voice low and measured. "I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to best you."

Grekh bowed his head, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "It's not my intention to defy you, Your Imperial Majesty. Merely to serve and protect you."

The emperor's gaze lingered on Grekh, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he nodded, his attention shifting to the matter at hand. "Speak, Grekh. What news do you bring me?"

Grekh's smile broadened as he delivered the news. "The Oracle of Delphi has spoken, Your Imperial Majesty. We have found one whose Gifts will be a massive boon to our army."

Emperor Alyaz's interest was piqued, his eyes narrowing as he leaned forward. "I thought Elara was the most powerful of the First File," he said, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Grekh's expression turned serious, his voice filled with conviction. "This new Gift surpasses Elara's by far, Your Majesty. We are talking about a level of power that could potentially tip the balance of our wars in our favor."

Emperor Alyaz's eyes sparkled with excitement as he asked, "Which village is this Gift from?"

Grekh's response was measured, his words chosen carefully. "It's not a village, Your Majesty. The Gift is from the kingdom of Brindlemark."

A slow smile spread across Emperor Alyaz's face as he nodded. "The First File should get to work on bringing our newest recruit into the fold. And if this Gift is still new to their abilities, then Elara should lead the First File and... guide them."

The emperor's voice dripped with anticipation, his eyes gleaming with the promise of power. Grekh bowed his head, his expression neutral, but a hint of unease flickered in his eyes. He knew the implications of the emperor's words, and the potential consequences for the kingdom of Brindlemark.

As Grekh turned to depart, Emperor Alyaz's voice stopped him. "Grekh, if anyone attempts to stop the First File from retrieving this Gift, they should be killed instantly. I will not have our plans foiled by the petty resistance of a kingdom."

Grekh nodded curtly, his expression unchanging. "As you wish, Your Imperial Majesty."

With that, he turned and walked out of the throne room, the ornate doors closing behind him with a soft thud. The guards outside snapped to attention, their eyes following Grekh as he disappeared into the depths of the citadel, his mission clear.