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Dawn of a New Day: A Story of Empress Hyanithe IX
by Acelon
Chapter 7
The dawn of a new day slowly crept over the lands of Idaloran. The sunlight, colored orange by the reflections from the Red Wind Desert, began to illuminate the Empress’s chamber. Her closed eyes squinted as the morning light washed over her face. She took a few moments to gain her composure and awaken fully. Her mind was clear. She knew what decision she would be making today.
The Empress called the council to order earlier than they had planned, stating she had an important announcement for them. The Empress sat at the head of the table with ten sets of eyes looking upon her.
"We have been deceived. A villain has breached our inner circle and that person is in this room now."
The council members broke out into chaos shouting accusations at one another. The Empress just retained steady eye contact with Glinda, who was staring back at her with a sinister smile.
"Guards!" yelled the Empress. "Seize her!"
The palace guards walked into the room, grabbed Glinda by both arms, and dragged her away. The remainding members of the council stared in shock.
"I do not wish to soil Glinda’s good name. That imposter has murdered the real Glinda. The woman you just saw was not really a woman at all, but the demon known as Vlasian. He has set out to try and ruin the Idal Empire, as well as Luxin’s empire."
The Empress then began to give tasks to the council.
"We must organize a search party at the mines to find Glinda’s body so she may receive a proper burial. We must also send a messenger to Lord Luxin letting him know of Vlasian’s plan to turn our armies against his."
The meeting was adjourned so her orders could be dealt with immediately. The Empress, satisfied with her decision, went to the gardens. She was greeted by Siran, who was waiting for her.
"I missed you at our lesson today. I had planned for you to learn the technique of two-handed swords."
The Empress just smiled at Siran. "We will have plenty of time for that tomorrow, Siran. Today, we will just enjoy the majesties brought upon by the dawn of a new day."
The Empress leaned her head upon the muscular shoulders of the surprised Siran. He wrapped is arm around her waist and the two looked out onto the view of a peaceful city.
* * *
In the palace dungeons, a guard was slumped against the wall with his throat slit as a hooded figure slinked through the corridors with a dagger in hand. He placed his hand on a loose brick in the wall and exited the palace through a hidden passage.
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