Xenia walked through a bustling construction site in her all-black leather outfit complete with knee high boots and gloves. She had a childish grin on her face as she watched the workers hustle away from task to task.
She walked up to a table with blueprints laid out and admired them. Her admiration was then interrupted by a voice, “She is going to be beautiful. Second to none.”
Xenia welcomed the interruption, “Architect Wright, I was hoping to run into you. So, you like my designs?”
Wright chuckled. He was a man with a well-developed beer belly and overall jolly nature, “I absolutely love gothic cathedrals. Especially when there is no limit on the budget. We are sparing no expense as you requested, and this will be a cathedral fitting of only the highest ruler in the land, my lady.”
Xenia smiled and laughed with him, “That is music to my ears. But don’t forget, I want it to be imposing, intimidating, mighty, towering, dark. This will not be a place of worship for the people. It will be my home in the Holy Light Empire. The cathedral will have stained glass depictions in multiple shades of red.”
Wright scribbled down notes as she spoke. Xenia loved his attention to her every word. He looked up after scribbling and said, “If you don’t mind me asking, why is it on the outskirts of the capital city where there is only dead and barren land? We could’ve cleared any number of city blocks to make way for our new ruler’s greatest architectural creation.”
Xenia shook her head, “No, no. The people need their space, and I need mine. If we are ever invaded, I want the enemy to tremble as they approach this cathedral with only death surrounding them.”
He nodded, “Well. Make no mistake. Anyone who sees this imposing and massive gothic cathedral is going to fear for their life. Trust me.”
Xenia clasped her hands together and smiled at him, “Thank you Wright.” She walked very close to him in his personal space and ran the back of her gloved hand down his cheek softly, “Create something to my desire, and I will give you everything you desire.”
He became a bit flustered but managed to speak up, “At the rate you are paying me, I think you may have already afforded me any and all that I desire. Thank you, my lady.”
Xenia smiled silently at him and backed away, “I am off to work privately. Please proceed as you see fit if you cannot reach me. I trust you with my image of the final product.”
Xenia quickly walked off and hailed her personal driver to take her back to the main basilica in the capital city. Upon arriving back at the large basilica, she proceeded to the lower levels to find the vault Michael had left unlocked for her.
She stepped inside the large room behind the vault door to find items and artifacts of all kinds. She perused the items finding various healing items and multiple weapons; however, none were powerful enough to catch her eye.
She said to herself, “It would seem Gregory used the most powerful weapon at his disposal when he faced me. None of these items even compare to the God Sword.”
She sneered at the items as she walked by them hoping for more useful treasures; however, she found none. “I suppose I can outfit the empire’s military leaders with these weapons as prizes to show off their status with.”
She then turned to a table where Michael had left her sword, BloodBane, along with several raw materials such as obsidian and various conductive metals. In addition, her damaged armor was present.
She ran her hand down the armor as she remembered her battle with Gregory, “I don’t need armor. I can heal, I can take any hit. I need more offensive capabilities.”
She pulled out a seat and sat at the table. She cracked her knuckles and said, “Let’s get to work.”
_________________________________________________
“Master Heraklinos, it is a pleasure to speak with you directly. The honor is quite ours.” Nathaniel Jackson graciously accepted the video conference call from Jarek.
Alongside Nathaniel sat Solomon Bautista, “As my fellow baron says, the honor is all ours, and I think you will find we are quite willing to help your cause and have made considerable strides in the efforts already.”
Jarek smiled, “That is welcomed news, gentlemen. The latest word to reach my ears is that the lower socioeconomic classes outside of your provinces have embraced Xenia as their new ruler.”
Solomon sneered, “It is true. Such distasteful news.”
Nathaniel agreed, “It is quite a shame; however, Xenia will find it hard to run this empire without our help. Even if she does have the aid of St. Michael, that traitorous fellow.”
Jarek quickly corrected him, “As allies, I feel safe in telling you that St. Michael is serving as an inside agent for us ferrying intel to us whenever he can.”
Solomon raised his eyebrows, “We stand corrected. An honorable man he is in this new light of information.”
Jarek nodded, “Xenia has called an armistice, but we are all but certain she will invade the United States with due time. I am calling to enlist your help. We have the forces of every Master in the world, save for the Starfallen empire, ready to act when the time comes. Even Master Karasu plans to aid from the North during the imminent war to come. Do you both have the resources to call on that everyone says you do?”
Nathaniel stroked his beard, “We likely have more resources than you have heard. We have a combined wealth of $20 trillion, and the former Pope Gregory gave us all but free reign over our provinces. As such, our combined might also includes a standing military of nearly one million soldiers.”
Solomon nodded, “For the life of me, I don’t know why Gregory didn’t enlist our help to save his own life. He was so hard-headed. He demanded to take Xenia out on his own. Well, it didn’t pay off, did it?”
Jarek responded, “No, it certainly did not pay off. I’ll cut to the chase. Are you willing to lend your support to us? Your resources, geographic position, and standing army would be invaluable to our cause.”
Solomon nodded, “This is a scenario we have often discussed, Jarek. Nathaniel and I are willing to lend every penny and every man we have at our disposal. However, in return, we would like to receive Master status over the Holy Light Empire once this war settles. A just trade if you ask us.”
Jarek nodded, “As I said, your assistance would be invaluable. And as such, my committee has also discussed your request in anticipation. We would be willing to recognize you as Masters of the Holy Light Empire. Especially given the power vacuum that will exist after Xenia is gone. Furthermore, you already are deeply entrenched within the empire. It would only make sense.”
Solomon and Nathaniel smiled with glee at Jarek’s words. The two poured glasses of champagne and eagerly toasted, “Cheers, Jarek. To an invincible alliance.”
Jarek nodded without a drink, “Cheers, gentlemen.”
Solomon took a sip of what was sure to be some of the world’s most expensive champagne and then shouted, “We will mobilize our troops tomorrow! We will inform them of our intentions to resist the BloodStar incursion into our empire!”
Nathaniel nodded in agreement, “Mobilization will be swift. Our provinces didn’t much care for being ruled by Gregory, and they certainly won’t like being ruled over by a foreign enemy. You will find that we have curated patriotism amongst our populace for their own provinces rather than for the empire, and this will serve us very well in resisting Xenia.”
Jarek was pleased to hear the news, “Like I said, you both have the wealth, the resources, the heritage, and the might to help us resist our common enemy. She is strong; however, she will not be able to resist our combined might. I look forward to sharing in the title of Master with you both after this war is concluded.”
The three gentlemen ended the call leaving Nathaniel and Solomon to themselves together sipping champagne.
Solomon raised his eyebrows, “There is no risk without reward. Are you prepared?”
Nathaniel laughed, “You don’t gain a net worth in the trillions without getting to know a little risk. This will be the ultimate risk with the ultimate reward.”
Solomon laughed, “I quite agree. Xenia will find herself in a very tight position trying to curry our favor to aid in running the nation smoothly while also being wary of our might and willingness to assist the other Masters of the world.”
Nathaniel finished his champagne and responded, “I quite agree that our value to her will be cause for hesitation if she should ever debate killing us. Even then, we are not flies to be squashed. She would think twice before enacting an all-out civil war in an empire she just inherited.”
“Then it is settled.” Solomon smiled, “We will sound the alarm and muster the armies to meet at the shared provincial capital city.”
Nathaniel smiled back at him, “It is settled. We have always aimed for control of this empire, and now we have it within our grasp. Let’s move full speed ahead.”
Xenia walked through a bustling construction site in her all-black leather outfit complete with knee high boots and gloves. She had a childish grin on her face as she watched the workers hustle away from task to task.
She walked up to a table with blueprints laid out and admired them. Her admiration was then interrupted by a voice, “She is going to be beautiful. Second to none.”
Xenia welcomed the interruption, “Architect Wright, I was hoping to run into you. So, you like my designs?”
Wright chuckled. He was a man with a well-developed beer belly and overall jolly nature, “I absolutely love gothic cathedrals. Especially when there is no limit on the budget. We are sparing no expense as you requested, and this will be a cathedral fitting of only the highest ruler in the land, my lady.”
Xenia smiled and laughed with him, “That is music to my ears. But don’t forget, I want it to be imposing, intimidating, mighty, towering, dark. This will not be a place of worship for the people. It will be my home in the Holy Light Empire. The cathedral will have stained glass depictions in multiple shades of red.”
Wright scribbled down notes as she spoke. Xenia loved his attention to her every word. He looked up after scribbling and said, “If you don’t mind me asking, why is it on the outskirts of the capital city where there is only dead and barren land? We could’ve cleared any number of city blocks to make way for our new ruler’s greatest architectural creation.”
Xenia shook her head, “No, no. The people need their space, and I need mine. If we are ever invaded, I want the enemy to tremble as they approach this cathedral with only death surrounding them.”
He nodded, “Well. Make no mistake. Anyone who sees this imposing and massive gothic cathedral is going to fear for their life. Trust me.”
Xenia clasped her hands together and smiled at him, “Thank you Wright.” She walked very close to him in his personal space and ran the back of her gloved hand down his cheek softly, “Create something to my desire, and I will give you everything you desire.”
He became a bit flustered but managed to speak up, “At the rate you are paying me, I think you may have already afforded me any and all that I desire. Thank you, my lady.”
Xenia smiled silently at him and backed away, “I am off to work privately. Please proceed as you see fit if you cannot reach me. I trust you with my image of the final product.”
Xenia quickly walked off and hailed her personal driver to take her back to the main basilica in the capital city. Upon arriving back at the large basilica, she proceeded to the lower levels to find the vault Michael had left unlocked for her.
She stepped inside the large room behind the vault door to find items and artifacts of all kinds. She perused the items finding various healing items and multiple weapons; however, none were powerful enough to catch her eye.
She said to herself, “It would seem Gregory used the most powerful weapon at his disposal when he faced me. None of these items even compare to the God Sword.”
She sneered at the items as she walked by them hoping for more useful treasures; however, she found none. “I suppose I can outfit the empire’s military leaders with these weapons as prizes to show off their status with.”
She then turned to a table where Michael had left her sword, BloodBane, along with several raw materials such as obsidian and various conductive metals. In addition, her damaged armor was present.
She ran her hand down the armor as she remembered her battle with Gregory, “I don’t need armor. I can heal, I can take any hit. I need more offensive capabilities.”
She pulled out a seat and sat at the table. She cracked her knuckles and said, “Let’s get to work.”
_________________________________________________
“Master Heraklinos, it is a pleasure to speak with you directly. The honor is quite ours.” Nathaniel Jackson graciously accepted the video conference call from Jarek.
Alongside Nathaniel sat Solomon Bautista, “As my fellow baron says, the honor is all ours, and I think you will find we are quite willing to help your cause and have made considerable strides in the efforts already.”
Jarek smiled, “That is welcomed news, gentlemen. The latest word to reach my ears is that the lower socioeconomic classes outside of your provinces have embraced Xenia as their new ruler.”
Solomon sneered, “It is true. Such distasteful news.”
Nathaniel agreed, “It is quite a shame; however, Xenia will find it hard to run this empire without our help. Even if she does have the aid of St. Michael, that traitorous fellow.”
Jarek quickly corrected him, “As allies, I feel safe in telling you that St. Michael is serving as an inside agent for us ferrying intel to us whenever he can.”
Solomon raised his eyebrows, “We stand corrected. An honorable man he is in this new light of information.”
Jarek nodded, “Xenia has called an armistice, but we are all but certain she will invade the United States with due time. I am calling to enlist your help. We have the forces of every Master in the world, save for the Starfallen empire, ready to act when the time comes. Even Master Karasu plans to aid from the North during the imminent war to come. Do you both have the resources to call on that everyone says you do?”
Nathaniel stroked his beard, “We likely have more resources than you have heard. We have a combined wealth of $20 trillion, and the former Pope Gregory gave us all but free reign over our provinces. As such, our combined might also includes a standing military of nearly one million soldiers.”
Solomon nodded, “For the life of me, I don’t know why Gregory didn’t enlist our help to save his own life. He was so hard-headed. He demanded to take Xenia out on his own. Well, it didn’t pay off, did it?”
Jarek responded, “No, it certainly did not pay off. I’ll cut to the chase. Are you willing to lend your support to us? Your resources, geographic position, and standing army would be invaluable to our cause.”
Solomon nodded, “This is a scenario we have often discussed, Jarek. Nathaniel and I are willing to lend every penny and every man we have at our disposal. However, in return, we would like to receive Master status over the Holy Light Empire once this war settles. A just trade if you ask us.”
Jarek nodded, “As I said, your assistance would be invaluable. And as such, my committee has also discussed your request in anticipation. We would be willing to recognize you as Masters of the Holy Light Empire. Especially given the power vacuum that will exist after Xenia is gone. Furthermore, you already are deeply entrenched within the empire. It would only make sense.”
Solomon and Nathaniel smiled with glee at Jarek’s words. The two poured glasses of champagne and eagerly toasted, “Cheers, Jarek. To an invincible alliance.”
Jarek nodded without a drink, “Cheers, gentlemen.”
Solomon took a sip of what was sure to be some of the world’s most expensive champagne and then shouted, “We will mobilize our troops tomorrow! We will inform them of our intentions to resist the BloodStar incursion into our empire!”
Nathaniel nodded in agreement, “Mobilization will be swift. Our provinces didn’t much care for being ruled by Gregory, and they certainly won’t like being ruled over by a foreign enemy. You will find that we have curated patriotism amongst our populace for their own provinces rather than for the empire, and this will serve us very well in resisting Xenia.”
Jarek was pleased to hear the news, “Like I said, you both have the wealth, the resources, the heritage, and the might to help us resist our common enemy. She is strong; however, she will not be able to resist our combined might. I look forward to sharing in the title of Master with you both after this war is concluded.”
The three gentlemen ended the call leaving Nathaniel and Solomon to themselves together sipping champagne.
Solomon raised his eyebrows, “There is no risk without reward. Are you prepared?”
Nathaniel laughed, “You don’t gain a net worth in the trillions without getting to know a little risk. This will be the ultimate risk with the ultimate reward.”
Solomon laughed, “I quite agree. Xenia will find herself in a very tight position trying to curry our favor to aid in running the nation smoothly while also being wary of our might and willingness to assist the other Masters of the world.”
Nathaniel finished his champagne and responded, “I quite agree that our value to her will be cause for hesitation if she should ever debate killing us. Even then, we are not flies to be squashed. She would think twice before enacting an all-out civil war in an empire she just inherited.”
“Then it is settled.” Solomon smiled, “We will sound the alarm and muster the armies to meet at the shared provincial capital city.”
Nathaniel smiled back at him, “It is settled. We have always aimed for control of this empire, and now we have it within our grasp. Let’s move full speed ahead.”
