Marked by Honor - Prologue

Prologue 

“My lord. My lord! I think you should reconsider!”

Two men walked briskly down the span of the corridor, one following the other. The first man held his head high, his eyes forward. He walked with confidence and purpose, as if he carried the responsibility of the world on his shoulders. Golden cords wrapped around his shoulders, and the tail of his coat fluttered behind him, carried upon an imaginary breeze.

The second man was thinner in build and far less impressive. He wore the look of worry and concern, as if something weighed heavily on his mind. While the first man dawned a crisp, embroidered uniform, this man’s attire was a simple ensemble of tailored pants and blouse, fitted with a slim waistcoat.

The first man, known to all as Lord Teth Ta’atnnai of Ilipah, paused briefly before a twin set of doors as a servant opened it for him, and slipped into the room beyond. The second man, who was one of Teth’s attendants, was Mern Chaliwek. He shadowed Teth’s steps until they reached the center of the room and the door was closed behind them.

“Please, my lord. I do not think this is a wise choice. Surely the Fujsha will see through this ruse?” Mern folded his hands behind his back, watching as Teth paced the length of the room.

The man’s face was pinched into a look of deep thought, frustration etched into each line that creased his features. “And what would you have me do instead, Mern? The Immiqi have threatened to cross our borders more than once. You and I both know they are a hostile people. Lord Dreov is a cruel man. He rules with an iron fist and has violent tendencies. He wouldn’t hesitate to kill his own son if it suited his purposes.”

Lord Dreov Immiqi was known for building his empire on a sea of blood. He bred assassins and spent a fair portion of his country's money on the production of torture devices and poisonous chemicals. There were stories about what happened to those who crossed the border into Mreq where he ruled. It was said that the screams of the tortured were the anthem of the country.

“I have tried negotiations. I have sent messengers, I have even sent my own sons, but neither has returned. I do not doubt their death, but I cannot make the first step towards war. We would never survive it.” Teth stopped before the windows and stared out at the land that was his.

From this vantage point, he could see part of his vast garden, currently tended to by several gardeners. Flowers and shrubbery lined stone pathways, winding this way and that. Beyond that was carefully tended lawn, trees, and other greenery. Past that was the wall that served as the edge of the property. Stone and brick, iron gates, and guards marked where the citizens of Thalt lived, the capital city of the land of Kata-Ilipah.

Kata-Ilipah was a peaceful land. Teth avoided conflict where he could, and kept their enemies at bay by only a hair. He always feared  Dreov would someday threaten to invade them. Now that the crazed man was doing just that, Teth had to choose carefully in order to save his people.

“I understand, my lord. If Prince Kruth and Prince Pharl were with us...” Mern looked remorseful. “Prince Kruth was to be the one to succeed you, yet the Immiqi…” He didn’t finish.

They both knew what happened. When Pharl didn’t come back from visiting the Immiqi in the land of Mreq, Kruth had taken it upon himself to find out what happened. He had taken a troop with him, just in case he met trouble. Everyone was worried, and Teth had insisted Kruth not go, but the young man did it anyway. 

No one expected the bad news that came back to them.

Grief struck Lady Svelia. She couldn’t stand the thought of losing her children. Prince Yatu, her only child left, was kept under close eye. She forbade him from going anywhere near Mreq, fearing he too might meet a fatal end.

Teth’s lips pulled into a thin line. His hands tightened into fists as he glared out the window to the country’s border well out of eyesight. “Damn Immiqi,” he cursed. “If they weren’t so greedy, I would have all my children with me, and my wife would not be stricken to the point of confining herself to her chamber!”

Mern bowed his head. “I understand your frustration, my lord, but I still believe this is a rash decision. The Fujsha may be formidable allies, but they are just as dangerous as the Immiqi.”

Sesaran Fujsha, ruler of A’Sselu, was sharp of mind and a tactician of formidable quality. He had military prowess that was not easily rivaled. Though he did not experiment in torturous interrogative techniques, Sesaran specialized in guerilla warfare. He believed every person needed to know how to defend themselves and defend their capital, Sesla Fénne. Even the children could be considered dangerous.

“They would not take well to such trickery. Surely someone else can do the job?” Mern pleaded.

“No.”

“There has to be some other way,” he stressed. “Halua is a boy. He cannot possibly fill the role of a bride for the Fujsha’s prodigal son.”

Teth aimed a flat look at him. “Lord Sesaran has but one son. He is expecting Prince Reshar to settle down and take measures in succeeding him. The boy has already proved his military prowess. It’s time he finds a wife and produces an heir.”

“That is exactly why Halua makes a poor candidate! Lord Sesaran will expect a child, and when he finds out there cannot be one -- not because of impotency but because the mother cannot physically bear a child -- he will be furious. This is too great of a risk, my lord. Please, reconsider. You would be sending your son to his death.”

Begging though Mern was, Lord Teth did not waver. He turned toward the window again, his forehead wrinkling as his frown deepened. “That may be, but I am willing to make the sacrifice. You’ve seen the boy, Mern. He’s just like his mother, Hila. If he can woo the prince, then perhaps compassion will allow him to escape death. If not...”

He shook his head. “All that matters is keeping Lord Dreov’s troops from crossing over. If they do, then we are surely doomed. We will deal with the Fujsha when the time comes.”

Mern sighed, lowering his gaze. He knew this was a foolish idea, but Teth was set on his decision. He could only hope that Halua came out of it alive. It was unfortunate the boy was the lord’s illegitimate child.

Those who knew about it didn’t understand the lord’s sudden desire to have an affair. Some believed it to be because of a disagreement with his wife, Svelia. Others thought Hila stole her way into Teth’s bed with the help of drugs and her sultry body. Teth never shed light on the matter, but when Hila proved pregnant with his child, he hid her and child away, and made sure no one knew what happened.

It was perhaps by luck that Halua grew up to look more like his mother than his father. No one had connected the dots and figured out the truth.

“I am running out of options, Mern. You may hate my decisions, but I cannot afford to doubt myself now. Halua... he won’t fail me. I will assure that he doesn’t. But... on the off chance he does, then you may curse me unto death. I will take responsibility for the fall of this country, and gladly surrender my life as payment.”

Mern wore a pained expression. “Please don’t say that, my lord. Do not imply such ill omens.” He pressed his lips together in thought before continuing, “I... Please allow me to take role in this task. You should not have to carry the burden on your own. If it should be anyone’s failure, it will be mine. I will do what I can to ensure this plan does not fall through.”

He bowed deeply, his head lowered in respect to the man before him. Teth looked at him for a long moment before turning his gaze. It was unfair to give Mern such heavy responsibility, but he knew the man would not back down after making a proposal like that. “Then bring Halua here. I wish to speak with him.”

Mern straightened up. “Yes, my lord.” Turning, he left the room to fetch the boy in question.

updated 3/28/2012